The season has ended and is another disappointment for Arsenal fans. I would like to reiterate my "dream" Arsenal team for next season. I think the so-called dream team is achievable and I hope it works.
[those in brackets are those in rotation/second lineup/backups]
4-4-2
GK: Shay Given (Wojciech Szczesny)
LB: Glichy (Gibbs)
CD: Vermaelen (Squillaci)
CD: Roger Johnson (Djourou/Koscielny)
RB: Sagna (Eboue)
LM: Asharvin (Diaby/Nasri)
DM: Scott Parker (Alex Song)
M: Fabregas (Wilshere)
RM: Walcott (Rosicky/Ramsey)
AM/F: Nasri (Rosicky/Asharvin/Walcott)
F: Van Persie (Bendtner/Chamark)
4-3-3
GK: Shay Given (Wojciech Szczesny)
LB: Glichy (Gibbs)
CD: Vermaelen (Squillaci)
CD: Roger Johnson (Djourou/Koscielny)
RB: Sagna (Eboue)
M: Wilshere (Diaby/Ramsey)
DM: Scott Parker (Alex Song)
M: Fabregas (Wilshere/Diaby)
AM/F: Walcott (Rosicky)
AM/F: Nasri (Asharvin)
F: Van Persie (Bendtner/Chamark)
Looking at Arsenal's style, I prefer a 4-3-3 as we're not a wing play team who crosses in effectively for headers and scoring opportunities. The more compact 3 man midfield is versatile and help to keep possessions better, with the roaming left and right AM/F running up and down the wings to create more space for passing.
Having a DM like Scott Parker would also mean more protection for the back four, as well as to win the ball in midfield and assure an attacking Fab or Wilshere that they can charge up without worries. Alex Song is not a DM in my opinion and he's not combative enough (I would think Wilshere is more combative but he needs to improve his tacking timing). Alex Song enjoys attacking more - so does the rest like Diaby, Fab and Wilshere.
Birmingham is relegated and Roger Johnson might move and he's a good defender to have - tall, good with headers(Arsenal's weakness), and a combative defender that Arsenal sorely need. Djorou is just not good enough - he's like another Senderos; decent but not exceptional.
I don't think Shay Given would want to stay as No.2 in Man City for long. He would probably take up Arsenal's offer but of course, Man City won't make it easy or cheap but he might just hand in a transfer request for a move. We need a top class goalkeeper and we can't shrink on the budget for this important component which has won us trophies (David Seaman, Lehmann).
So please Mr.Wenger. Buy us some good stuff and go for the title.
Showing posts with label football. Show all posts
Showing posts with label football. Show all posts
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Monday, April 25, 2011
Arsenal, why you so like that?
The post below were actually written last year, mid-way through the season. Here's my post-mortem of Arsenal's season, with key points that are pretty similar to the post below.
1. If there is any reason why Arsenal cannot win this season, it has to be the defence. I've said it, I'll say it again. Arsenal can't win without a good defence. Its defence is still chaotic and without strong leadership (think Adams and Vieira - no titles ever since then), you get foolish results: Arsenal lead Newcastle 4-0 at HT and drew 4-4 at FT. Arsenal lead Spurs 3-1 and drew 3-3 at FT. Arsenal were looking more likely to score when Birmingham scored the easiest goal of the season to win the Carling cup after a schoolboy defensive mix-up. Arsenal were going to win Liverpool when Eboue gave away a stupid penalty. And the list goes on.
Please get an experienced and proven defender to partner Vermaelen at the centre. The rest are just not good enough.
2. The DM problem is still not resolved which means the back 4 is still poorly protected. No one is a natural ball-winner at Arsenal. We need a Scott Parker.
3. The goalkeeping issue is still an issue. Please get Shay Given. Enough is enough.
4. Who is leaving this time round? I don't know. But 5 years of emptiness can be too much for any players to stomach, even young players.
5. Get a good goalkeeper and central defender, and some star players might stay for another season.
Cheers to all disappointed gooner fans.
1. If there is any reason why Arsenal cannot win this season, it has to be the defence. I've said it, I'll say it again. Arsenal can't win without a good defence. Its defence is still chaotic and without strong leadership (think Adams and Vieira - no titles ever since then), you get foolish results: Arsenal lead Newcastle 4-0 at HT and drew 4-4 at FT. Arsenal lead Spurs 3-1 and drew 3-3 at FT. Arsenal were looking more likely to score when Birmingham scored the easiest goal of the season to win the Carling cup after a schoolboy defensive mix-up. Arsenal were going to win Liverpool when Eboue gave away a stupid penalty. And the list goes on.
Please get an experienced and proven defender to partner Vermaelen at the centre. The rest are just not good enough.
2. The DM problem is still not resolved which means the back 4 is still poorly protected. No one is a natural ball-winner at Arsenal. We need a Scott Parker.
3. The goalkeeping issue is still an issue. Please get Shay Given. Enough is enough.
4. Who is leaving this time round? I don't know. But 5 years of emptiness can be too much for any players to stomach, even young players.
5. Get a good goalkeeper and central defender, and some star players might stay for another season.
Cheers to all disappointed gooner fans.
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Get Real
I think today's match sums up Arsenal's season. Isn't it plain for anyone to see their weaknesses? But what's frustrating is: Wenger's not buying players to fill up the big gaps Arsenal is having. Throughout the seasons(note: plural. that's how long we haven't touch something shiny), it is clear where Arsenal's weaknesses are. YET, there is little done to address the issues.
1. Goalkeeper: Fabianski??? (gimme a break!!!) Even Almunia, who is a decent shot-stopper, is not good enough. We NEED a SOLID international!!!! (Read: Van der Sar, Cech, Given, Reina)
2. Defence: Get one more solid defender who can be 1st team or a backup. Silvestre and Campbell is too slow for EPL. Remember that we don't have a Vieira to protect anymore!
3. Midfield: Get a solid DM. Song is improving but I don't see him in the class of Vieira, at least not yet. Other than that, we have lotsa midfielders who are all inconsistent barring Fab.
4. Forward: Besides RVP, the rest are underperforming. Bendtner misses too much and Eduardo has lost his form. Get a solid international will you?
sign,
Another miserable Arsenal fan.
1. Goalkeeper: Fabianski??? (gimme a break!!!) Even Almunia, who is a decent shot-stopper, is not good enough. We NEED a SOLID international!!!! (Read: Van der Sar, Cech, Given, Reina)
2. Defence: Get one more solid defender who can be 1st team or a backup. Silvestre and Campbell is too slow for EPL. Remember that we don't have a Vieira to protect anymore!
3. Midfield: Get a solid DM. Song is improving but I don't see him in the class of Vieira, at least not yet. Other than that, we have lotsa midfielders who are all inconsistent barring Fab.
4. Forward: Besides RVP, the rest are underperforming. Bendtner misses too much and Eduardo has lost his form. Get a solid international will you?
sign,
Another miserable Arsenal fan.
Monday, February 08, 2010
Football and Spiritual Lessons
We're not into the 2nd half and Arsenal is already 2 goals down. By now, I've stopped watching because 1)I'm very frustrated 2)I don't have the faith to believe they'll equalize, let alone win. I'm very frustrated because they are making the same defensive mistakes. Can you equalize Arsenal? Can you prove me wrong Arsenal? It's too painful to continue watching. I'll know the result tomorrow.
On a sidetrack, there're many spiritual lessons we can learn from football. Examples:
1. I thank God that He is faithful and He will win the day - unlike the uncertainty of Arsenal winning every game. God always win. The result may be 2-0 but He'll win 2-3 or probably more. He'll win - that's for sure - cos He has already won on the cross.
2. Sometimes I wonder if God is feeling as frustrated as me when he watched our lives being played out on earth like a football match. Like Arsenal, we may be smart & having great potential but prone to repeating our mistakes and slow in changing our ways. Don't you think God gets frustrated? My pledge to Arsenal is that I'll remain its supporter no matter what - but I don't have full faith in believing they can win the title or beat Chelsea tonight. God is somewhat similar but very different. His pledge is that He'll remain our God no matter what - and unlike me - He is faithful even when we are faithless(2 Tim 2:13) And as much as He is frustrated and as much as it pains Him to see us fumble like Arsenal, He'll not let go and will cheer us on all the way. What a great God we serve.
Back to the topic, R.I.P Arsenal or prove me wrong.
On a sidetrack, there're many spiritual lessons we can learn from football. Examples:
1. I thank God that He is faithful and He will win the day - unlike the uncertainty of Arsenal winning every game. God always win. The result may be 2-0 but He'll win 2-3 or probably more. He'll win - that's for sure - cos He has already won on the cross.
2. Sometimes I wonder if God is feeling as frustrated as me when he watched our lives being played out on earth like a football match. Like Arsenal, we may be smart & having great potential but prone to repeating our mistakes and slow in changing our ways. Don't you think God gets frustrated? My pledge to Arsenal is that I'll remain its supporter no matter what - but I don't have full faith in believing they can win the title or beat Chelsea tonight. God is somewhat similar but very different. His pledge is that He'll remain our God no matter what - and unlike me - He is faithful even when we are faithless(2 Tim 2:13) And as much as He is frustrated and as much as it pains Him to see us fumble like Arsenal, He'll not let go and will cheer us on all the way. What a great God we serve.
Back to the topic, R.I.P Arsenal or prove me wrong.
Monday, February 01, 2010
Tactics & Players Mattered
I'm looking at Arsenal's loss against Man U. Fergie got his tactics spot on and crushed Arsenal. If you haven't notice, Arsenal's tactics are as predictable as a sunrise. The chief reason is the lack of players for them to change tactically, and secondly, they always play the same way!
1. Fergie changed his normal 4-4-2 to a 4-5-1(4-3-2-1) in order to cramp the midfield because that was Arsenal's main attack supply. Without a smooth midfield, Arsenal can't do anything. They suck at long balls, they're not direct enough and they don't depend on wingplay and crosses. So if their passing game is disrupted, Arsenal can hardly attack well.
2. Wenger had little options in attack. I'm sure he's still cursing the Dutch FA. Van Persie was such an integral part of the firing gunners early in the season. Arshavin was isolated up front and he's hardly an out-and-out striker. Notice what happened when Walcott burst down the right wing and whip in a cross? NO GUNNERS were near the box - I only saw 4 Man U defenders in a straight line. Sums up Arsenal's attack yesterday.
3. Fergie got Fletcher or Carrick to snap at Fabregas everytime he got the ball. Fab didn't have much manoeuvre space in the whole game. The man-to-man marking and pressing pushed him off his game and he wasn't really able to push up to attack.
4. Wenger likes denilson a lot. I don't know why. With Song(as acting DM) and Fab playmaking, there is really no space to put him into an already crammed midfield. While Bendtner is not a prolific striker, he can cause plenty of problems up front with his height and running. I would think putting him in(yes, it's a risk when he has just returned from injury) is a better option than putting in denilson. He seems lost in the whole game.
5. Fergie's use of Park Ji Sung in every Arsenal game whenever he's available. That's because Park can attack and runs back to defend with his unlimited stamina and power workrate. He's quick enough too for Arsenal.
6. We've seen enough how susceptible Arsenal is to counter attacks. Man City and Chelsea have shown that and now Man U too. The reason? Not enough protection for two surging fullbacks(wingbacks) and sometimes even surging centrebacks(Gallas and Vermaelen) who got really frustrated sometimes because the midfielders got stuck in their passing game when opponents mark man them. So time and again, Arsenal is badly exposed and not quick enough to recover. Against top teams(who are fast and make their chances really count), that spells doom.
It's really frustrating watching them repeat the same kind of defeats. I wish....
1. I have Van Der Sar, Cech or Given as goalkeepr. Why Wenger chose to stick with Almunia and not bought Given is a mystery. Our goalkeeper is not even good enough to be in a national team!
2. Van Persie is not injured. He would have balanced out Arsenal's lack of strikers.
3. We have more players like Arshavin. Experienced, skillful and top quality. A top class goalkeeper and winger/s would be very much appreciated. (I just don't see Rosicky and Nasri being able to fit into Arsenal. They're too similar to Fab's preference of a centre attacking role. Putting them on the left and right are not working out well)
I hope the next 2 big games would not be a repeat. Else, it's goodbye Arsenal again.
1. Fergie changed his normal 4-4-2 to a 4-5-1(4-3-2-1) in order to cramp the midfield because that was Arsenal's main attack supply. Without a smooth midfield, Arsenal can't do anything. They suck at long balls, they're not direct enough and they don't depend on wingplay and crosses. So if their passing game is disrupted, Arsenal can hardly attack well.
2. Wenger had little options in attack. I'm sure he's still cursing the Dutch FA. Van Persie was such an integral part of the firing gunners early in the season. Arshavin was isolated up front and he's hardly an out-and-out striker. Notice what happened when Walcott burst down the right wing and whip in a cross? NO GUNNERS were near the box - I only saw 4 Man U defenders in a straight line. Sums up Arsenal's attack yesterday.
3. Fergie got Fletcher or Carrick to snap at Fabregas everytime he got the ball. Fab didn't have much manoeuvre space in the whole game. The man-to-man marking and pressing pushed him off his game and he wasn't really able to push up to attack.
4. Wenger likes denilson a lot. I don't know why. With Song(as acting DM) and Fab playmaking, there is really no space to put him into an already crammed midfield. While Bendtner is not a prolific striker, he can cause plenty of problems up front with his height and running. I would think putting him in(yes, it's a risk when he has just returned from injury) is a better option than putting in denilson. He seems lost in the whole game.
5. Fergie's use of Park Ji Sung in every Arsenal game whenever he's available. That's because Park can attack and runs back to defend with his unlimited stamina and power workrate. He's quick enough too for Arsenal.
6. We've seen enough how susceptible Arsenal is to counter attacks. Man City and Chelsea have shown that and now Man U too. The reason? Not enough protection for two surging fullbacks(wingbacks) and sometimes even surging centrebacks(Gallas and Vermaelen) who got really frustrated sometimes because the midfielders got stuck in their passing game when opponents mark man them. So time and again, Arsenal is badly exposed and not quick enough to recover. Against top teams(who are fast and make their chances really count), that spells doom.
It's really frustrating watching them repeat the same kind of defeats. I wish....
1. I have Van Der Sar, Cech or Given as goalkeepr. Why Wenger chose to stick with Almunia and not bought Given is a mystery. Our goalkeeper is not even good enough to be in a national team!
2. Van Persie is not injured. He would have balanced out Arsenal's lack of strikers.
3. We have more players like Arshavin. Experienced, skillful and top quality. A top class goalkeeper and winger/s would be very much appreciated. (I just don't see Rosicky and Nasri being able to fit into Arsenal. They're too similar to Fab's preference of a centre attacking role. Putting them on the left and right are not working out well)
I hope the next 2 big games would not be a repeat. Else, it's goodbye Arsenal again.
Arsene's Fantasy
I like Arsenal's football but the dream(of winning with a weak defence) is way too flawed.
If you have noticed, Arsenal's defence is weak because:
1. They seldom press for the ball. They tend to have 2-3 players standing around an opponent while giving the opponent enough space to manoeuvre. If you've seen enough Arsenal's matches, many teams have bypassed 2-3 of their players at one go with good, direct passes.
2. They have no strong ball winners in the centre of the park. While I must say Song is getting better, he's hardly in the mould of Patrick Vieira or Flamini - players who not only deliver solid tackles, but wins the ball back with their energy, initiative and determination.
So now we're down 3-0 to Man U and the reasons?
1. Nani skipped past some static standing Arsenal players. The unfortunate Almunia scored an own goal. A repeated pattern of static standing Arsenal players letting opponents through way too easily.
2. Were Arsenal outnumbered at the back when Man U counter attack? NO. The reason was Denilson failed to follow through with Rooney. He ran back but slowed down towards the penalty area for no good reason. By the time Rooney got the ball, none of the Arsenal players was nowhere NEAR him!!! Utterly atrocious!
3. Another counter attack and this time, the defence gone missing. Arsenal is painfully slow in running back(did you notice Song slowing down his run??).
So again, Arsenal have summed up much of its season so far. Good potential, but not good enough. I don't believe a team with a weak defence can win titles. They can leak in goals, but they must be able to defend well. The reason for Arsenal's invincible win in 2003-2004? A solid attack and solid defence.
So Chelsea thrash them 3-0 at the Emirates and now Man U. Highbury used to be a fortress and the Emirates isn't really in the same class. The difference is not so much the place than the players(especially the defence). And Arsenal need a solid leader who can bark at his defence. I rest my case Wenger. You can continue your fantasy but I'm getting tired. So are Arsenal fans. Come on.
If you have noticed, Arsenal's defence is weak because:
1. They seldom press for the ball. They tend to have 2-3 players standing around an opponent while giving the opponent enough space to manoeuvre. If you've seen enough Arsenal's matches, many teams have bypassed 2-3 of their players at one go with good, direct passes.
2. They have no strong ball winners in the centre of the park. While I must say Song is getting better, he's hardly in the mould of Patrick Vieira or Flamini - players who not only deliver solid tackles, but wins the ball back with their energy, initiative and determination.
So now we're down 3-0 to Man U and the reasons?
1. Nani skipped past some static standing Arsenal players. The unfortunate Almunia scored an own goal. A repeated pattern of static standing Arsenal players letting opponents through way too easily.
2. Were Arsenal outnumbered at the back when Man U counter attack? NO. The reason was Denilson failed to follow through with Rooney. He ran back but slowed down towards the penalty area for no good reason. By the time Rooney got the ball, none of the Arsenal players was nowhere NEAR him!!! Utterly atrocious!
3. Another counter attack and this time, the defence gone missing. Arsenal is painfully slow in running back(did you notice Song slowing down his run??).
So again, Arsenal have summed up much of its season so far. Good potential, but not good enough. I don't believe a team with a weak defence can win titles. They can leak in goals, but they must be able to defend well. The reason for Arsenal's invincible win in 2003-2004? A solid attack and solid defence.
So Chelsea thrash them 3-0 at the Emirates and now Man U. Highbury used to be a fortress and the Emirates isn't really in the same class. The difference is not so much the place than the players(especially the defence). And Arsenal need a solid leader who can bark at his defence. I rest my case Wenger. You can continue your fantasy but I'm getting tired. So are Arsenal fans. Come on.
Monday, November 30, 2009
See you next year Arsenal
It's the same story again. Plenty of possessions, good link play, unable to score and giving away silly goals. By now, Chelsea is 2-0 up at the Emirates and up until that point, Arsenal has dominated.
The first goal is due to poor defending and the second goal's the same. Sounds familiar? Yes. This was the case against Manchester City, Manchester United and now Chelsea. In each game, Arsenal started well, dominated but the game ends in their opponents' favour.
They have yet to win against the big teams and this sums up their entire make up in this season again - Outside title contenders. I'm sorry Arsenal. As much as you miss clichy, gibbs and especially Van Persie in this game, you do not have enough to win the league this season(again).
How much patience do an Arsenal fan has? Not much. 4 years and counting. Au Revoir.
The first goal is due to poor defending and the second goal's the same. Sounds familiar? Yes. This was the case against Manchester City, Manchester United and now Chelsea. In each game, Arsenal started well, dominated but the game ends in their opponents' favour.
They have yet to win against the big teams and this sums up their entire make up in this season again - Outside title contenders. I'm sorry Arsenal. As much as you miss clichy, gibbs and especially Van Persie in this game, you do not have enough to win the league this season(again).
How much patience do an Arsenal fan has? Not much. 4 years and counting. Au Revoir.
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