#Arsenal 3 - 0 #Newcastle
Match Highlights
The Good - #Koscielny. When Arsenal were going through their most recent stretch of bad form, it was easy to forget, due to all the injuries to attacking players that Koscielny was also injured, and not only did the team struggle to score goals but Arsenal's leaky defense became fully cracked without Koscielny. Tonight's game showed why he's such a valuable player. Defensively Arsenal controlled the game brilliantly, the rare times Newcastle did threaten Arsenal those fires were put out quickly by Koscielny. That's what Koscielny does, he quickly and instinctively reacts to dangerous situation with full guns blazing, and 9 out of 10 times he makes a challenge or tackle that saves the back four's (Mertesacker) ass. He also chipped in with a goal from a set piece that epitomizes everything about his heart and tenacity.
#Ramsey had a few loose passes/flicks early in the match, but once he tuned in his timing, he put in another solid performance. He hustled all over the pitch making tackles and spotting runs, and also made a cute little pass to Ozil for the Giroud goal.
#Ozil looks like he's starting to get his mojo back. He displayed wonderful control and technical ability in tonight's game. He wowed me a couple of times in tonight's game with his escape ability and vision for key passes in the final third. Ozil's assist to Giroud for the goal was a real indicator for the type of quality he's able to effortlessly display. He receives the pass from Ramsey, calmly looks up, and kicks the ball right to Giroud's forehead in such an accurate manner, that not even the struggling Frenchman could bottle the shot on goal.
The Bad - Giroud's antics are really starting to get tiresome. All the histrionics must stop immediately. I believe the constant complaining and crying to the ref, is effecting his game in front of goal. And worst than anything all that crying and complaining doesn't work, in fact it probably pisses the the ref's off, like it pisses me off. Instead of crying, #Giroud should get angry, and harness that anger, and then unleash hell on the opposing team's back four. Giroud is always one of the biggest men on the pitch, and he really needs to start throwing his body around in an overly aggressive manner to get his due respect, because at the moment all everyone see's is a whiny bitch, if you rough up a little bit, you can take out of the game.
The Ugly - Newcastle's overall performance was uninspired and toothless. Out of the 3 remaining games for Arsenal, this was the game I was most anxious about, and even though Newcastle's recent form has been dreadful, I thought the French B team would try everything in their powers to impress Wenger. Management showed they didn't care when they sold the teams best player(Cabaye) in January, and the team has taken that same approach for the entire 2nd half of the season. #COYG
Peace Out,
Blanco
Monday, April 28, 2014
Wednesday, April 23, 2014
The Fittymac Column
The question looming is whether Wenger is on his way out of the door? I want to look at this from the view of the Board. #Wenger has been a soldier for the club and set this club in fine position to move forward. The team is full of youth with the likes of #Ramsey, #Ox, and #Wilshere. There is other talented youth but those 3 as a nucleus and splashed with talent like #Carzola and #Ozil. There is undeniable talent that tips the scales towards saying the players are there for a gaffer with a vision and the hunger to build a winner. A manager that recognizes that more depth is what Arsenal truly lacked this season. Possibly more flexible in his tactics to address squad availability and the opponent on any given day. If #Arsenal FC look at the potential of the club with the proper rebooting by the proper gaffer. They would pay tribute to the infrastructure Wenger help build and prepare for the future. With talent all over and a splash of veterans and experience, possibly in the #ChampionsLeague, and a financially sound Football Club; there is no reason why this managerial position wouldn't be the most attractive opportunity for a driven, smart, and innovative gaffer. After all...is that not what Wenger was when Arsenal gave him the job almost 2 decades ago? Arsene Wenger is a legend of the game and I will always believe that about one of the true innovators of the beautiful game.
Fittymac
Monday, April 21, 2014
The Aaron Ramsey Show
#HullCity 0 - 3 #Arsenal
Match Report
The Good - Aaron #Ramsey is starting to look like the player who started off this season on fire. It's hard to believe that he's been out for 3 months. I love the fact that he leaps right in the deep end, and lets the chips fall where they may. He's never timid, and he's not afraid to make mistakes, and most importantly he learns from his mistakes. Look at the last 3 seasons til now. Has there ever been such a transformation of improvement from one season to the next in the past 3 years? As each game goes by, you clearly see who the best players is on Arsenal, which is a testaments to Ramsey's resiliency and mental fortitude.
Lukas #Podolski - He scored 2 more goals Sunday, and his first goal Sunday was a thing of beauty. With Giroud floundering and Sanogo just getting his feet wet, Podolski has stepped up at the most crucial time and delivered quality goals. As each game goes by, you clearly see who the best striker is on Arsenal, which is a testament to Podolski's resiliency and mental fortitude. Podolski's time at Arsenal has not always been smooth, but not once did Arsenal supporters hear of Podolski complaining or being a disturbance to team chemistry. Podolski just worked harder, kept his nose to the grindstone, and now all his professionalism and hard work are paying dividends.
Mesut #Ozil - It was nice to see the over-enthusiastic German floating around the pitch like a butterfly, hitting his real life turbo button, and releasing it, then hitting turbo again with a sense of calm and casualness as if high on Diaby's medical marijuana. Ozil's vision, awareness, and passing are key to what Arsenal do in the final 3rd, and it was nice to see him back. I look forward to him getting completely back in form.
The Bad - I always find it amazing when a team (Hull City) decides before the game to employ the "kick lumps" tactic, and then proceeds to kick lumps in the opposing team for the first thirty minutes of the first half, but when the opposing team (Arsenal) weathers the storm, and relies on their class and athleticism to break Hull City down, and score goals with quality. Hull City complain about how Arsenal are being too physical and fouling too much. Hilarious isn't it? If your tactics are to come into the match and be over aggressive and physical, then you cant start complaining at the most frivolous of fouls, it makes your team look foolish and its quit embarrassing.
The Ugly - Steve Bruce. He's a solid football manager with an respectable acting resume, you may have heard of some of his most famous roles. He was wonderful as Sloth in Goonies very little makeup required. Or about him playing the lovely Ms. Doubfire, not a bad actor for a football manager.
Peace Out,
Blanco
Match Report
The Good - Aaron #Ramsey is starting to look like the player who started off this season on fire. It's hard to believe that he's been out for 3 months. I love the fact that he leaps right in the deep end, and lets the chips fall where they may. He's never timid, and he's not afraid to make mistakes, and most importantly he learns from his mistakes. Look at the last 3 seasons til now. Has there ever been such a transformation of improvement from one season to the next in the past 3 years? As each game goes by, you clearly see who the best players is on Arsenal, which is a testaments to Ramsey's resiliency and mental fortitude.
Lukas #Podolski - He scored 2 more goals Sunday, and his first goal Sunday was a thing of beauty. With Giroud floundering and Sanogo just getting his feet wet, Podolski has stepped up at the most crucial time and delivered quality goals. As each game goes by, you clearly see who the best striker is on Arsenal, which is a testament to Podolski's resiliency and mental fortitude. Podolski's time at Arsenal has not always been smooth, but not once did Arsenal supporters hear of Podolski complaining or being a disturbance to team chemistry. Podolski just worked harder, kept his nose to the grindstone, and now all his professionalism and hard work are paying dividends.
Mesut #Ozil - It was nice to see the over-enthusiastic German floating around the pitch like a butterfly, hitting his real life turbo button, and releasing it, then hitting turbo again with a sense of calm and casualness as if high on Diaby's medical marijuana. Ozil's vision, awareness, and passing are key to what Arsenal do in the final 3rd, and it was nice to see him back. I look forward to him getting completely back in form.
The Bad - I always find it amazing when a team (Hull City) decides before the game to employ the "kick lumps" tactic, and then proceeds to kick lumps in the opposing team for the first thirty minutes of the first half, but when the opposing team (Arsenal) weathers the storm, and relies on their class and athleticism to break Hull City down, and score goals with quality. Hull City complain about how Arsenal are being too physical and fouling too much. Hilarious isn't it? If your tactics are to come into the match and be over aggressive and physical, then you cant start complaining at the most frivolous of fouls, it makes your team look foolish and its quit embarrassing.
The Ugly - Steve Bruce. He's a solid football manager with an respectable acting resume, you may have heard of some of his most famous roles. He was wonderful as Sloth in Goonies very little makeup required. Or about him playing the lovely Ms. Doubfire, not a bad actor for a football manager.
Peace Out,
Blanco
Tuesday, April 15, 2014
In The Poldi Position For 4th Place
#Arsenal 3 - 1 #WestHam
Match Stats
I must commend Podolski's professional attitude and self-confidence, because when Lukas #Podolski was subbed off late in the FA Cup semi-final game, I thought we'd lost him. He didn't look too happy and even kicked a water bottle as he approached the bench. I thought the move to substitute Podolski instead on Sanogo was a massive mistake by Wenger, and a mistake that would be the straw that broke the German's back. Imagine the anger and frustration that must have been brewing inside Podolski. He's a #German International with a good scoring record for club and country, he makes the move to Arsenal, and finds consistent playing time hard to come by. If you ask most Arsenal supporters, who's the best finisher on the team, most will tell you Podolski, yet in some of the biggest matches this year, Podolski found himself playing second fiddle to a 20 year old kid with no first team goals. If you ask most Arsenal supporters, which striker is most likely to score a late tying or go ahead goal, most will say Podolski, yet this poor guy NEVER finishes 90 minutes. Today Podolski played the entire game, and scored two professional quality goals. No hesitation, no trying to be cute, just pure German class and efficiency on both goals, thats the difference between the other strikers on the squad and Podolski. Podolski is not out there trying to be dramatic or look pretty, or complaining, and crying, he's out there to do a professional job for the team, and hopefully Arsenal can ride his goal scoring all the way to fourth place and a FA Cup title.
The Good - Mr. Aaron #Ramsey. When he came in the game, we all got to see what this team has been missing. You could see that Ramsey is still a little rusty, but Ramsey aint gonna let a little rust get in the way of him doing his job and putting in work for the team. The endeavor, determination, and awareness were all on display when Ramsey came on the pitch. It always awesome when you watch certain players and you can see and feel the determination and drive through your TV. In the 18 minutes he played he was everywhere, pressing, chasing, shooting and assisting on Podolski's second goal, with an intelligently placed headed pass. It's great to have him back, and just in time for the run in.
Giroud's first touch and finish with his weaker right was sublime, and it just shows when this guy just reacts and doesn't have to think about fancy flicks, his hair or getting side pussy, the type of quality he possesses. Lets all hope this wonder strike gets him consistently scoring again.
The Bad & Ugly - Big Sam eating chicken gizzards all game, imagine how that guys jaw must feel the next morning.
Peace Out,
Blanco
Match Stats
I must commend Podolski's professional attitude and self-confidence, because when Lukas #Podolski was subbed off late in the FA Cup semi-final game, I thought we'd lost him. He didn't look too happy and even kicked a water bottle as he approached the bench. I thought the move to substitute Podolski instead on Sanogo was a massive mistake by Wenger, and a mistake that would be the straw that broke the German's back. Imagine the anger and frustration that must have been brewing inside Podolski. He's a #German International with a good scoring record for club and country, he makes the move to Arsenal, and finds consistent playing time hard to come by. If you ask most Arsenal supporters, who's the best finisher on the team, most will tell you Podolski, yet in some of the biggest matches this year, Podolski found himself playing second fiddle to a 20 year old kid with no first team goals. If you ask most Arsenal supporters, which striker is most likely to score a late tying or go ahead goal, most will say Podolski, yet this poor guy NEVER finishes 90 minutes. Today Podolski played the entire game, and scored two professional quality goals. No hesitation, no trying to be cute, just pure German class and efficiency on both goals, thats the difference between the other strikers on the squad and Podolski. Podolski is not out there trying to be dramatic or look pretty, or complaining, and crying, he's out there to do a professional job for the team, and hopefully Arsenal can ride his goal scoring all the way to fourth place and a FA Cup title.
The Good - Mr. Aaron #Ramsey. When he came in the game, we all got to see what this team has been missing. You could see that Ramsey is still a little rusty, but Ramsey aint gonna let a little rust get in the way of him doing his job and putting in work for the team. The endeavor, determination, and awareness were all on display when Ramsey came on the pitch. It always awesome when you watch certain players and you can see and feel the determination and drive through your TV. In the 18 minutes he played he was everywhere, pressing, chasing, shooting and assisting on Podolski's second goal, with an intelligently placed headed pass. It's great to have him back, and just in time for the run in.
Giroud's first touch and finish with his weaker right was sublime, and it just shows when this guy just reacts and doesn't have to think about fancy flicks, his hair or getting side pussy, the type of quality he possesses. Lets all hope this wonder strike gets him consistently scoring again.
The Bad & Ugly - Big Sam eating chicken gizzards all game, imagine how that guys jaw must feel the next morning.
Peace Out,
Blanco
Sunday, April 13, 2014
On To The Finals
#Wigan (2)1 - 1(4) #Arsenal
FT-Pens
Match Stats
The #FA Cup semifinal match against Wigan started exactly the way I envisioned. Arsenal started with a tiny spark that soon fizzled into a slow, cautious display of football. As the first half continued you could literally see the confidence being drained from Arsenal's starting 11, and as the confidence drained so came the anxiety, not just from the players but from the crowd as well. I dont know about you but this was as boring a 1st half of football that I can remember watching, and the stadium ambiance didn't do anything to relieve the boredom, there empty seats, and the whole stadium was so quit you could hear a mouse fart. It really didn't feel like a FA Cup semifinals match being played at Wembley Stadium.
Wigan had nothing to loose, and everything to play for, but if you think about it Arsenal could and should have taken that same approach, instead Arsenal came out timid, unsure, and indecisive, and as the game wore on you always felt Arsenal would make a mistake and Wigan would capitalize on it and score the opening goal. That's exactly what happen just after the hour mark when Mertesacker did his best Koscielny impression and rashly challenged Wigan's McManaman in the box. Jordi Gomez after what seemed like an eternity calmly scored the penalty, and thank goodness he scored, because it was only after Arsenal went down that they started to play with a sense of urgency. And as time went by and Arsenal became more desperate to equalized, Wenger did the unthinkable, he turned to the Big Sam/ Tony Pulis tactics book, and eventually it paid off with Arsenal scoring the scrappiest of goals.
The Good - Gibbs really looked good when he came on bringing energy and pace. He does make some weird decisions in final 3rd. He reminds me of the left-back version of Theo Walcott when it comes to his to his final 3rd decisions, but all and all when Monreal went down, he stepped in nicely and performed well for the team.
Fabianski had another solid game in goal. He's proving the old adage that keeper's get better with age correct. Composed responsible goal keeping is what he brings to the table now days, and his performance in the penalty shoot-out showed how far he has come as a keeper. Fabianski has done everything he can to redeem his past blunders, well maybe not the infamous back pass at the Nou Camp in Champions League, but lets all hope he can even redeem that blunder in the FA Cup final.
The Bad - It was truly a poor decision for the Wigan coach to sub off McManaman. He was their creative spark and he caused Arsenal's defense all sorts of problems, and eventually earned a legitimate penalty which gave Wigan the lead. Once McManaman was on the bench, Wigan never threatened to score another goal.
Pundits and fans alike will comment on how poorly Arsenal played without giving any consideration to the fact that Wigan BEAT #ManCity TWICE in this competition, once in last year's Final, and again this year in the quarterfinals at the #ETIHAD Stadium. So of course Wigan came into this match with a lot of confidence, especially with how poor Arsenal's form has been lately. So with everything thats has been going horribly wrong with Arsenal the past 10 games, for this team to fight back to tie the game, and then keep their nerves in the penalty shootout, shows what type of resiliency and heart this team can draw upon, and hopefully this win can be the foundation for Arsenal to build upon and finishing out the season with the FA Cup, and a 4th place finish in league. I'm sure it you asked any Arsenal support at the start of the season, would they take a 4th place finish in league and the FA Cup, the answer would have been a resounding yes. #COYG
Peace Out,
Blanco
FT-Pens
Match Stats
The #FA Cup semifinal match against Wigan started exactly the way I envisioned. Arsenal started with a tiny spark that soon fizzled into a slow, cautious display of football. As the first half continued you could literally see the confidence being drained from Arsenal's starting 11, and as the confidence drained so came the anxiety, not just from the players but from the crowd as well. I dont know about you but this was as boring a 1st half of football that I can remember watching, and the stadium ambiance didn't do anything to relieve the boredom, there empty seats, and the whole stadium was so quit you could hear a mouse fart. It really didn't feel like a FA Cup semifinals match being played at Wembley Stadium.
Wigan had nothing to loose, and everything to play for, but if you think about it Arsenal could and should have taken that same approach, instead Arsenal came out timid, unsure, and indecisive, and as the game wore on you always felt Arsenal would make a mistake and Wigan would capitalize on it and score the opening goal. That's exactly what happen just after the hour mark when Mertesacker did his best Koscielny impression and rashly challenged Wigan's McManaman in the box. Jordi Gomez after what seemed like an eternity calmly scored the penalty, and thank goodness he scored, because it was only after Arsenal went down that they started to play with a sense of urgency. And as time went by and Arsenal became more desperate to equalized, Wenger did the unthinkable, he turned to the Big Sam/ Tony Pulis tactics book, and eventually it paid off with Arsenal scoring the scrappiest of goals.
The Good - Gibbs really looked good when he came on bringing energy and pace. He does make some weird decisions in final 3rd. He reminds me of the left-back version of Theo Walcott when it comes to his to his final 3rd decisions, but all and all when Monreal went down, he stepped in nicely and performed well for the team.
Fabianski had another solid game in goal. He's proving the old adage that keeper's get better with age correct. Composed responsible goal keeping is what he brings to the table now days, and his performance in the penalty shoot-out showed how far he has come as a keeper. Fabianski has done everything he can to redeem his past blunders, well maybe not the infamous back pass at the Nou Camp in Champions League, but lets all hope he can even redeem that blunder in the FA Cup final.
The Bad - It was truly a poor decision for the Wigan coach to sub off McManaman. He was their creative spark and he caused Arsenal's defense all sorts of problems, and eventually earned a legitimate penalty which gave Wigan the lead. Once McManaman was on the bench, Wigan never threatened to score another goal.
Pundits and fans alike will comment on how poorly Arsenal played without giving any consideration to the fact that Wigan BEAT #ManCity TWICE in this competition, once in last year's Final, and again this year in the quarterfinals at the #ETIHAD Stadium. So of course Wigan came into this match with a lot of confidence, especially with how poor Arsenal's form has been lately. So with everything thats has been going horribly wrong with Arsenal the past 10 games, for this team to fight back to tie the game, and then keep their nerves in the penalty shootout, shows what type of resiliency and heart this team can draw upon, and hopefully this win can be the foundation for Arsenal to build upon and finishing out the season with the FA Cup, and a 4th place finish in league. I'm sure it you asked any Arsenal support at the start of the season, would they take a 4th place finish in league and the FA Cup, the answer would have been a resounding yes. #COYG
Peace Out,
Blanco
Monday, April 7, 2014
Capitulation Almost Complete
#Everton 3 - 0 #Arsenal
Match Report
The better team won today, better coach, better players, better atmosphere. Early games on the road continue to be Arsenal's undoing, I knew the team was in trouble, when I heard the manager say we dont play for draw, we come into all these matches the SAME WAY, to get all three points. Thats fine and dandy when your play away to Norwich, but when your playing away to a quality side the smart thing to do would be to play for draw, at least keep it real tight defensively, and try to nick a goal. Am I going crazy, but isn't that what Arsenal did last year, to scrape by and achieve fourth place? When Man City realized Arsenal were in a 2nd half ascendancy at the Emirates, they calmly shut it down and play out a 1 -1 draw. When Chelsea came to the Emirates they GLADLY played for a draw. When Man Utd. came they played for a draw. When Arsenal traveled to Man City, Liverpool, Chelsea, and now Everton, Arsenal played the SAME WAY they always play, and got destroyed. All four games were done and dusted by halftime with a combined 20 - 4 scoreline. Who are we kidding as Arsenal supporters, man was I fooled, we never had a prayer at winning anything, maybe the FA Cup, but to give up 20 goals in all four of those matches is pathetic. Fool me once shame on you, fool me for the last 8 years shame on all of us supporters. The worst part is the whole footballing universe could see the meltdown coming, but I was so steadfast in denial, refusing to believe what was coming, and now I sit here wondering where does the club go from here? The answer is Wembley for the FA Cup Semifinal match against Wigan. All of us must now dust ourselves off and put this match behind and give everything to win the FA Cup. Everton still have some tough matches to play and who knows Arsenal could get lucky and scrape by again for 4th place.
The Good - The Atmosphere at Goodison Park was fantastic. The Everton fans sang beautifully all match. It made me jealous, and the same time reminisce of all the wonderful matches at Highbury, the intimacy, and connection you get from a smaller stadium always makes the atmosphere brilliant to watch on TV.
Roberto Martinez - Out coached, out maneuvered, he really showed his tactical nous. He really showed why those whispers of him being Arsenal's next coach could be true. At first I didn't understand those rumors about Martinez, but now I do, Martinez devised a tactical game plan that will be the blueprint for all future opponents to beat Arsenal, because Arsenal always play the SAME WAY.
The Bad & Ugly - Arsenal as a whole were dreadful, from the top to the bottom absolutely dreadful. Arsenal never looked like scoring a goal. Arsenal looked lethargic, unsure, and weak, while Everton were energized, physical and intense. Ive always said, I dont care if Arsenal loose, as long as we put in the effort and intensity, on Saturday against Everton, I got neither, what I got was a mentally, and physically exhausted squad just trying to make it to the finish line.
Peach Out,
Blanco
Match Report
The better team won today, better coach, better players, better atmosphere. Early games on the road continue to be Arsenal's undoing, I knew the team was in trouble, when I heard the manager say we dont play for draw, we come into all these matches the SAME WAY, to get all three points. Thats fine and dandy when your play away to Norwich, but when your playing away to a quality side the smart thing to do would be to play for draw, at least keep it real tight defensively, and try to nick a goal. Am I going crazy, but isn't that what Arsenal did last year, to scrape by and achieve fourth place? When Man City realized Arsenal were in a 2nd half ascendancy at the Emirates, they calmly shut it down and play out a 1 -1 draw. When Chelsea came to the Emirates they GLADLY played for a draw. When Man Utd. came they played for a draw. When Arsenal traveled to Man City, Liverpool, Chelsea, and now Everton, Arsenal played the SAME WAY they always play, and got destroyed. All four games were done and dusted by halftime with a combined 20 - 4 scoreline. Who are we kidding as Arsenal supporters, man was I fooled, we never had a prayer at winning anything, maybe the FA Cup, but to give up 20 goals in all four of those matches is pathetic. Fool me once shame on you, fool me for the last 8 years shame on all of us supporters. The worst part is the whole footballing universe could see the meltdown coming, but I was so steadfast in denial, refusing to believe what was coming, and now I sit here wondering where does the club go from here? The answer is Wembley for the FA Cup Semifinal match against Wigan. All of us must now dust ourselves off and put this match behind and give everything to win the FA Cup. Everton still have some tough matches to play and who knows Arsenal could get lucky and scrape by again for 4th place.
The Good - The Atmosphere at Goodison Park was fantastic. The Everton fans sang beautifully all match. It made me jealous, and the same time reminisce of all the wonderful matches at Highbury, the intimacy, and connection you get from a smaller stadium always makes the atmosphere brilliant to watch on TV.
Roberto Martinez - Out coached, out maneuvered, he really showed his tactical nous. He really showed why those whispers of him being Arsenal's next coach could be true. At first I didn't understand those rumors about Martinez, but now I do, Martinez devised a tactical game plan that will be the blueprint for all future opponents to beat Arsenal, because Arsenal always play the SAME WAY.
The Bad & Ugly - Arsenal as a whole were dreadful, from the top to the bottom absolutely dreadful. Arsenal never looked like scoring a goal. Arsenal looked lethargic, unsure, and weak, while Everton were energized, physical and intense. Ive always said, I dont care if Arsenal loose, as long as we put in the effort and intensity, on Saturday against Everton, I got neither, what I got was a mentally, and physically exhausted squad just trying to make it to the finish line.
Peach Out,
Blanco
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