(The not-so-temporary quite-official) Gooner Thread (Part 2)

We were terrible, a performance deserving of the kit we were wearing. Not too worried about the result or performance right now, more concerned with the injuries.

Did he do his ACL??

And they lost too. 

I think it was a calf injury. That's certainly what he indicated to the physio anyway.

Thanks for the birthday wishes.

So with Ramsey, Wilshere, Arteta, The Ox all out injured & Flamini somewhat sporadic I think we're now a little buggered when it comes to midfield options. If we lose one more which of the youth team are coming back to perform a Coquellin, besides Dan Crowley?

Bring Gnabry back? Apparently he's not at the "required level" for Tony Pulis' WBA, which is probably a good thing.

Wenger certainly got something out of Gnabry that Pulis obviously can't. Not unheard of that's for sure.

Bellerin was left out of squads at Watford immediately before breaking through for us. In fact that Watford manager was even quoted as saying he's not a right back at all, and now he's on the verge of the senior Spanish side in exactly that position. 

GZ back from Rangers?

You gotta think that might be an option.

We still have a few different solutions. Wouldn't be surprised if Campbell gets a start. Arteta or Flamini could partner the Coq thus allowing Santi to play on the flank. 

Although I'm not sure Flamini and Coquelin would make a good partnership, perhaps not quite enough ability on the ball there. 

Arseblog is favouring playing Bellerin on the right wing with Debuchy at right back.

Not the worst idea, Bellerin would no doubt do a job, he pretty much plays wing at the moment anyway. Only issue might be just how pants Debuchy has been every time he's had a chance. 

You think we might be solid with those two down that side though.

He also suggests moving Alexis out to the right and playing Gibbs on the left. Not the worst idea either.

Both options suggest defensive solidarity at the very least, and keep the spine intact, which is a good point Brumbys. Perhaps we can handle make-shift options on the flank if we keep that middle functioning well. 

I like those ideas Paul, also gives Gibbs and Debuchy much needed game time while creating a more defensive wing for them to find their feet, much more in favour of that then breaking the midfield combo to put Santi on the wing, or seeing if Campbell will finally do something. 

pushing bellerin forward has merit as he has been playing well and is showing promise. which is the exact opposite of what campbell has done everytime he has got on the pitch.

anyone else think that Iwobi has overtaken Campbell in the pecking order anyway?

Bellerin could do a job forward but I wouldn't do it if it means having to play Debuchy. It has to be Campbell on the right surely. Games like this are exactly the reason he was kept, not for a couple of League Cup games with the reserves. This is his make or break chance with us now. His only starts to date have been in the League Cup as far as I can recall so he's not had the chance to start with our full side yet. Irresponsible of Wenger playing all our right sided and forward options in that game the other day IMO but it is what it is. Hope to get some good news on Ox and Walcott.

Both out for minimum of 3 games

Don't change the back 4 unless you have an injury, terrible decision if he does. Play a proper right winger out wide - Campbell.

Campbell is not good enough to start in the league.

Yeah but if you look at that right wing spot we've had Ramsey playing there & then we've had The Ox briefly. It's the one spot in the side we've left free for 'not being a right winger' so why not risk Campbell & see how he goes? A few weeks in a row will build some confidence & consistency hopefully. However I like to think the remaining 10 players on the field have enough to get the job done.

Or keep Bellerin at RB & give Debuchy licence to run forward, keeps the back 4 the same.

Personally I'd prefer that too brumbys to having Bellerin play right wing.

Don't know how Campbell can't be good enough to start in the league, have you seen Eboue try to play right-wing for us? 

Here's one for you all, with the next 3 games coming up which one is the biggest for you? For me it's the North London derby every time. After the League Cup game I'm expecting a bit of fireworks too.

Bayern away is big but I think the earlier we are out of Europe the better for our league form and I'd rather go out now than in the Round of 16 again. and again. and again. 

I'd argue that neither is Debuchy, and Campbell on the right wing hurts us a lot less than Debuchy at right back at the moment. He was a star for his country at the World Cup, he must have some ability. He was kept for exactly this moment when noone else is available. Pointless not selling him in the summer if he's not given this chance. This is a fixture we lost twice last season. It's a tough game and the defence should not be changed.

I think the derby will always take priority from a fans perspective. However I would argue Bayern away is just as important for the teams belief. Swansea aren't the same team this year as they were last year, with only 3 wins to their name I expect us to be able to head away and beat them, especially with the league form our starting 11 is in.

I think the derby will always take priority from a fans perspective. However I would argue Bayern away is just as important for the teams belief. Swansea aren't the same team this year as they were last year, with only 3 wins to their name I expect us to be able to head away and beat them, especially with the league form our starting 11 is in.

ajc and PoL you make good points about playing campbell. 

Wenger has come out and said its between him and iwobi so he's on your line of thinking.

Good point about not changing the back four, they have been going so well. With them and Cech/Coquelin, and leaving Santi in the middle, our successful spine is intact, so it should really be a good time to give campbell a crack - we should have the ability to score even if he's eaased in, given the form of sanchez/ozil/giroud.

I didn't watch him closely in the midweek game but reports came out positive for him on the whole, despite us not scoring. Certainly seems to have a workrate at the least which we will need from him, and I remember his attacking play from the world cup, and that notable game against ManU for Olympiakos. If he gains some confidence there must be something there otherwise we would've sold him by now surely. 

Real game of two halves this morning. Awful in the first, came right in the second. Again i was most impressed with our back four. Apart from when Gomis was through one on one early on i never felt we would concede.

Big 7 days coming up.

Play of the day was Bellerin 'saving' the Swansea offside attempt Ayew.

That's the sort of effort that will win games and get team mates playing better.

Ozil 3 assists...Another clean sheet.... Chelsea lose... Pretty good weekend I think. 

tipsters needed for FC Hollywood game midweek. 

Watching the highlights for Campbell's goal, Ozil looked right across before he passed that, I reckon he completely meant for it to go right through to him like it did. 

His vision is unmatched, sometimes you can't even tell how he sees passes, he really does have eyes in the back of head. 

For sure, there is no fluke with Mesut. 

Arguement now becomes do we buy a genuine in the box finisher? I pretty much mean Higuain 

just watch some extended highlights. yea not convinced we should have been allowed that 2nd goal. 

what did you guys think of Campbell? i wasnt overly impressed. but maybe he just need some confidence, and with ox/wally out for a bit, he will get an extended run the team and a chance to build. 

Campbell did enough for his first league start. He tried hard, and tracked back well. Remember one occasion he ran back about 60 yards and made a block at right back in the penalty area. Didn't have a lot of success with the ball but a well taken goal so deserves to keep the spot for now.