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

7999 replies · 2,471,864 views Locked
almost 9 years ago · edited almost 9 years ago · History

Tekkers wrote:

paulm wrote:

Wrong thread.

I was simply trying to facilitate discussion about the game / position / performance of both clubs, but if you do not want to contribute to that then that is totally up to you. 

If we wanted to talk about Mourinho's exhilarating football and the amazing first teamers like Lingard that were rested today, then I'm sure we'd find a more receptive audience for it in the ManU thread. 

Honestly guys, just suck it up and move on. 

Permalink Permalink
almost 9 years ago

It was a weird win. Any other time and I would be celebrating it like mad; but it felt like a true nothing game for both teams. Man Utd are obviously putting all their eggs in the Europa League basket - so I am very much hoping Ajax gets one over them because it would be hilarious.

Anyway, it was Ramsey's best game in about 2 seasons I thought. It is the first time for a long time where I haven't wondered what the hell he is doing on the pitch.

Rest were a bit flat, to be honest; Man Utd were just even flatter.

Nice to have a win to celebrate, though it's a bit 'too little too late' at the moment.

a.haak

Permalink Permalink
almost 9 years ago

paulm wrote:

Tekkers wrote:

paulm wrote:

Wrong thread.

I was simply trying to facilitate discussion about the game / position / performance of both clubs, but if you do not want to contribute to that then that is totally up to you. 

If we wanted to talk about Mourinho's exhilarating football and the amazing first teamers like Lingard that were rested today, then I'm sure we'd find a more receptive audience for it in the ManU thread. 

Honestly guys, just suck it up and move on. 

You have highlighted two United topics mentioned in the post but ignored the rest.

Do you think Wenger is playing a good style of football? Do you think all the Arsenal team that played today are of first team quality? Did you want to talk about Ozil and Sanchez? Do you want to discuss the current feelings around the status and future of both teams? 

You'd think that United fans would be the ones running and hiding today, not the Arsenal ones. Being good winners and losers comes with experience

Permalink Permalink
almost 9 years ago

Tekkers wrote:

I am not sure either team should be celebrating today. Both teams were poor, for much the same reasons - the players out there are just not good enough on a consistent basis. For United, most have played a lot of games recently and key injuries have restricted rotation and rest. But at the same time, if they played today, they have been deemed to not be as good as those who will be playing in the semi final. 

Other points from the game - 

1. United has not scored an away goal against the other top 6 teams this season (Spurs to come), so have had two losses and two draws. United used to know they can win every game, no excuses. Mentality needs to improve to get higher on the table. 

2. United played deep (almost 6 at the back) against the 3-4-3. It didn't work against Chelsea the first time and it didn't work this time. But playing a 3-5-2 vs Chelsea the second time worked? Why the change? 

3. Why did United let Welbeck go? He is at that perfect age between Rashford and Zlatan/Rooney, he has loads of energy, he can play wide if need be, and he is a youth team product. And he is pretty good, when not injured. Another LvG mistake - putting his faith in Falcao over him. Ugh.

4. Why do Ozil and Sanchez (seem to) sulk and go missing when there is no longer anything to play for? They just don't seem to have that energy and desire you see in those top class players, whatever the game. For Sanchez to be outshone by Tuanzebe in his first league start is crazy (the kid looks good). 

On a final note, the only difference between the teams at the moment is that United have improved their style of play from previous years and that has given the fans the sense of belief that there is more to come. Arsenal have played the same way, with the same type of players with the same type of results for a number of years now, and the fans don't have any sort of belief that there is more two come. If that is what the club is content with, then that's great. Ultimately, both teams are relying upon cup success to turn a mediocre season into a reasonably good one. 

yea not bad observations tekkers. 

Whether or not either team should celebrate. I disagree. I celebrated. The side that moo put out was only inexperienced because moo doesnt work with young players and restricted himself to 22 players in the squad and thought that they would be able to handle it. Poor planning and it backfired. 
Also Moo was celebrating today in fact, I think it was some convoluted self delusional shark about he got to leave the stadium with happy home fans or something. I know I am happy cos hes a wanker (bring back moyes) and played shark tactics which an arsenal side (boardering on crisis) could beat. (sorry, I got to angry there for a sec, im just not a fan of moo)  

in terms of struggling to score, completely agree. Manu this year have looked lost without the Zlat at the top. Mata has done well and help the scores tick over with a few goals, but noone else has stood up. Will be interesting to see how you guys replace him and rejuvenate your attack in general. 

and adding to the lack of fire power is his tactics. Id argue that playing 6 and sometimes 8 across the back (with 2 in front of them) isn't an improvement on style . Even with a 25 match unbeaten record, only a few of those games were wins(and still didn't get you into the top 4 spot). But I agree that Arsene has been slow to adapt to new formations and playing styles. however, the current three at the back approach is a sign that maybe you can teach an old professor new tricks. Will be interesting to see if we play this next season. 

I dont know why welbs left. Was an odd transfer and a gamble which backfired...but only when he plays you. Mostly he is injured so maybe it wasnt such a bad trade. All i wish is that he was fit for a season rather than being some part time player. 

On the general standard of play, I thought both teams were able to give it a crack, but you can see why neither club is pushing for higher honours. We've both dropped to a level which I would call "Liverpool football" which is good, but not a real threat to the leaders (no offence liverpool supporters). It was very much like two former powers were playing each other...which is a sign of the times and worrying for both sides. 

I have an amazing ability to find my way out of mazes. I'm pathological. 
Permalink Permalink
almost 9 years ago · edited almost 9 years ago · History

kwlap wrote:

Tekkers wrote:

I am not sure either team should be celebrating today. Both teams were poor, for much the same reasons - the players out there are just not good enough on a consistent basis. For United, most have played a lot of games recently and key injuries have restricted rotation and rest. But at the same time, if they played today, they have been deemed to not be as good as those who will be playing in the semi final. 

Other points from the game - 

1. United has not scored an away goal against the other top 6 teams this season (Spurs to come), so have had two losses and two draws. United used to know they can win every game, no excuses. Mentality needs to improve to get higher on the table. 

2. United played deep (almost 6 at the back) against the 3-4-3. It didn't work against Chelsea the first time and it didn't work this time. But playing a 3-5-2 vs Chelsea the second time worked? Why the change? 

3. Why did United let Welbeck go? He is at that perfect age between Rashford and Zlatan/Rooney, he has loads of energy, he can play wide if need be, and he is a youth team product. And he is pretty good, when not injured. Another LvG mistake - putting his faith in Falcao over him. Ugh.

4. Why do Ozil and Sanchez (seem to) sulk and go missing when there is no longer anything to play for? They just don't seem to have that energy and desire you see in those top class players, whatever the game. For Sanchez to be outshone by Tuanzebe in his first league start is crazy (the kid looks good). 

On a final note, the only difference between the teams at the moment is that United have improved their style of play from previous years and that has given the fans the sense of belief that there is more to come. Arsenal have played the same way, with the same type of players with the same type of results for a number of years now, and the fans don't have any sort of belief that there is more two come. If that is what the club is content with, then that's great. Ultimately, both teams are relying upon cup success to turn a mediocre season into a reasonably good one. 

yea not bad observations tekkers. 

Whether or not either team should celebrate. I disagree. I celebrated. The side that moo put out was only inexperienced because moo doesnt work with young players and restricted himself to 22 players in the squad and thought that they would be able to handle it. Poor planning and it backfired. 
Also Moo was celebrating today in fact, I think it was some convoluted self delusional shark about he got to leave the stadium with happy home fans or something. I know I am happy cos hes a wanker (bring back moyes) and played shark tactics which an arsenal side (boardering on crisis) could beat. (sorry, I got to angry there for a sec, im just not a fan of moo)  

in terms of struggling to score, completely agree. Manu this year have looked lost without the Zlat at the top. Mata has done well and help the scores tick over with a few goals, but noone else has stood up. Will be interesting to see how you guys replace him and rejuvenate your attack in general. 

and adding to the lack of fire power is his tactics. Id argue that playing 6 and sometimes 8 across the back (with 2 in front of them) isn't an improvement on style . Even with a 25 match unbeaten record, only a few of those games were wins(and still didn't get you into the top 4 spot). But I agree that Arsene has been slow to adapt to new formations and playing styles. however, the current three at the back approach is a sign that maybe you can teach an old professor new tricks. Will be interesting to see if we play this next season. 

I dont know why welbs left. Was an odd transfer and a gamble which backfired...but only when he plays you. Mostly he is injured so maybe it wasnt such a bad trade. All i wish is that he was fit for a season rather than being some part time player. 

On the general standard of play, I thought both teams were able to give it a crack, but you can see why neither club is pushing for higher honours. We've both dropped to a level which I would call "Liverpool football" which is good, but not a real threat to the leaders (no offence liverpool supporters). It was very much like two former powers were playing each other...which is a sign of the times and worrying for both sides. 

'Moo does not work with young players '   

Are you a clown?   What about  Rashford, Martial, McTominay, Tuanzebe just to mention the ones from today.

If you are old and wise you were probably young and stupid

Permalink Permalink
almost 9 years ago

Cheers for the response, for a moment I thought I wasn't going to get one. 

I agree the tactics were poor today, against the trendy 3-4-3 which Arsenal have seemed to pick up quickly. Need some better CBs to play that formation regularly. 

Zlatan is clearly a loss, but I would have though Rashford would have done better against the top teams, but ah well. 

The 25 games unbeaten is actually pretty good, but its the home form that has killed us. The away form against top six teams can be improved too and I think thats a mentality thing. 

"Liverpool football" is definitely a thing, but they play poorly against the lower teams, and others can't hack it against the top ones. 

It will be an interesting off season for both clubs, United did their business quickly and efficiently last season and Arsenal need to sort out Arsene's future straight away too. 

Permalink Permalink
almost 9 years ago

Leggy wrote:

'Moo does not work with young players '   

Are you a clown?   What about  Rashford, Martial, McTominay, Tuanzebe just to mention the ones from today.

To be fair, I do think Mourinho could do more for the youth players - he has said he might have to play Tuanzebe for over a month now, and with the injuries, he chose to not rest players instead of give a chance to the likes of McNair, Borthwick-Jackson, Blackett, Thorpe etc like LvG did. Van Gaal was probably an extreme though

Permalink Permalink
almost 9 years ago

As i said, wrong thread. All posts since have proven the point.

Permalink Permalink
almost 9 years ago · edited almost 9 years ago · History

paulm wrote:

As i said, wrong thread. All posts since have proven the point.

and adding to the lack of fire power is his tactics. Id argue that playing 6 and sometimes 8 across the back (with 2 in front of them) isn't an improvement on style . Even with a 25 match unbeaten record, only a few of those games were wins(and still didn't get you into the top 4 spot). But I agree that Arsene has been slow to adapt to new formations and playing styles. however, the current three at the back approach is a sign that maybe you can teach an old professor new tricks. Will be interesting to see if we play this next season.

I dont know why welbs left. Was an odd transfer and a gamble which backfired...but only when he plays you. Mostly he is injured so maybe it wasnt such a bad trade. All i wish is that he was fit for a season rather than being some part time player.

On the general standard of play, I thought both teams were able to give it a crack, but you can see why neither club is pushing for higher honours. We've both dropped to a level which I would call "Liverpool football" which is good, but not a real threat to the leaders (no offence liverpool supporters). It was very much like two former powers were playing each other...which is a sign of the times and worrying for both sides. 

It will be an interesting off season for both clubs, United did their business quickly and efficiently last season and Arsenal need to sort out Arsene's future straight away too. 

Many points made related to Arsenal. And seeing that there was a game between the two teams, not unreasonable to talk about it in here. 

But if you'd like, we will stay away from this thread. Kappa

Permalink Permalink
almost 9 years ago · edited almost 9 years ago · History

Nothing wrong with posting here. How else can we discuss a game between the 2 clubs?

On the question about whether we should celebrate it or not, I don't think anyone is under any illusion that it means a great deal or it's the start of a new dawn or anything like that. Noone is out partying in the streets as if we've won the league. We know it's too little too late and probably has no impact on anything for either side. But it was a win against one of our most hated rivals who we hardly ever beat, and a win over our most hated opposition manager who we have long term animosity with going back over decade and had never beaten before in the league. So there's nothing wrong with enjoying it for what it is, a rare win over a rival who usually has the bragging rights. 

I also don't feel it needs to have a disclaimer as to which players were injured, or coming back from injury or on their debut etc. In the same way that noone ever excuses the 8-2 for us having players out injured, youngsters on debuts and a defender plucked from non-league. That's all part of the game, especially at this part of the season. Every club has injuries and players coming back and it's why you tend to have a squad. There was a still a lot of money in transfer fees on the pitch anyway. We also had a young defender playing his 4th PL game while our 35 million pound signing was out.

The last 12-18 months have sucked so much joy out of football for me, to the point where I've even given up playing myself this year. However, like after the FA Cup semi final, this morning I went to work with a big grin on my face and remembered what it was like to enjoy supporting a club again.

Permalink Permalink
Endorsed by
brumbysLeggyTekkers
almost 9 years ago

Also, anyone else spot the subs passing a bag of maltesers around? 

Permalink Permalink
almost 9 years ago

kwlap wrote:

The side that moo put out was only inexperienced because moo doesnt work with young players and restricted himself to 22 players in the squad and thought that they would be able to handle it. Poor planning and it backfired. 

Can we put this crap to bed already?

9 experienced internationals, plus Herrera, plus ONE young and inexperienced guy in the starting 11. 

They averaged 27 years of age and cost over 60 million pounds more than the Arsenal 11 to assemble.

8 of the starting 11 were regular starters under van Gaal last year, and they were better. 

The entire initial post that generated this discussion was heavily ManU-centric, a bunch of excuses for them losing, and then some criticism of Arsenal. To me that just comes across as passive-aggressive sour grapes when posted in the Arsenal thread, particularly the "what are you celebrating for" narrative, when everyone knows full well that ManU, and Mourinho, are a bogey team/manager to us, so of course we'll bloody well celebrate it. 

But hey that's just my opinion, I'm apparently not in the majority, so I accept that. 

Permalink Permalink
almost 9 years ago

What's the consensus on the 3-4-3 lads?

Lost to an in-form Spurs, but won every other game, including fairly landmark victories for Wenger over Guardiola and Mourinho. 

We certainly look like we are allowing far less goal-scoring chances than before so it's working in that respect, but we are struggling in the attacking end. 

I like Welbeck up top in the formation over Giroud. Ironically it would probably suit Theo to play up top in this formation too, but he has set out his stall as a right winger now, which is a real shame since the formation doesn't have one! He's just not the type to play wingback either. 

The formation is not working out so well for Sanchez and Ozil, but I think their quality means that they can warm into it, I have no doubts that they can become more effective in this set-up as time goes on, when Wenger gets the balance right. Having said that, we may very well be losing one or both of them, so if we play this way next season we would have an opportunity to buy players that suit it. 

It is definitely bringing the best out of Xhaka and Ramsey which is awesome. And it seems to suit our defenders too. Holding and Gabriel have looked right at home in a back 3, Koscielny is good enough in any formation, and Monreal has looked good in his role too. Oxlade-Chamberlain has been a revelation at wingback but I have concerns with someone as good as Bellerin sitting on the bench. I saw an interesting suggestion on twitter - could the Ox potentially play left wing back? Having him and Bellerin on either side would be massive if it worked. Ox does have a great left foot I'm sure he can cross with too... 

In terms of how long we will play this formation, I would expect it until the end of the season. I saw an article the other day that mentioned the teams that have had success against Chelsea have generally been the ones that matched their 3-4-3, so the timing of this is brilliant leading into the FA Cup Final. Not sure if Wenger will continue this next season... if we win the next 4 games, and the FA Cup, then it would be hard not to... and we do have the personnel to fit with a good stable of centre backs and full backs. Hard to believe that through this period Mustafi and Mertesacker have not been required. Mertesacker would be a natural back-up to Koscielny for that central role, and Mustafi could play either side. 

I feel Wilshere would probably suit this formation too if we were to bring him back in. He could play in any of Ozil, Ramsey and Xhaka's roles, for sure. 

Permalink Permalink
Endorsed by
kwlap
almost 9 years ago

paulm wrote:

kwlap wrote:

The side that moo put out was only inexperienced because moo doesnt work with young players and restricted himself to 22 players in the squad and thought that they would be able to handle it. Poor planning and it backfired. 

Can we put this crap to bed already?

9 experienced internationals, plus Herrera, plus ONE young and inexperienced guy in the starting 11. 

They averaged 27 years of age and cost over 60 million pounds more than the Arsenal 11 to assemble.

8 of the starting 11 were regular starters under van Gaal last year, and they were better. 

The entire initial post that generated this discussion was heavily ManU-centric, a bunch of excuses for them losing, and then some criticism of Arsenal. To me that just comes across as passive-aggressive sour grapes when posted in the Arsenal thread, particularly the "what are you celebrating for" narrative, when everyone knows full well that ManU, and Mourinho, are a bogey team/manager to us, so of course we'll bloody well celebrate it. 

But hey that's just my opinion, I'm apparently not in the majority, so I accept that. 

My initial discussion generating post did not state one excuse for losing. I basically said they players weren't good enough and the manager had not rotated enough as he could have during the season, and now the injuries were compounding that issue. 

Any criticism of Arsenal was more thought provoking, than derogatory, and you had a bad attitude from the start, not me.

By stating that both teams shouldn't be celebrating, I kind of mean that neither side would be proud of they performances. The enjoyment of winning a game is almost a given. 

As to the other points you made above, letting Depay, Schweinstieger and Schneiderlin leave (because he didn't rotate the team enough to give them game time earlier) has definitely come back to hurt him. He maintains that he didnt want them to leave, but if the offers were enough then he had to let them go. And its probably not the best yardstick to say that because they played under Van Gaal then they must be good. It is almost a detriment due to the mentality shift that took place during his time. 

Permalink Permalink
Endorsed by
Leggy
almost 9 years ago

I also think that the 3-4-3 can suit Arsenal, but when teams press high against this formation, it can become unstuck. When everyone gets a bit deep, the links between attack and defense get further and there can be no width. 

I think Arsenal have the right players in most positions for it, but it would certainly mean that Cazorla and Mertesacker would not fit in, and Bellerin, Walcott and Gibbs would have to adapt to becoming wingbacks. That would be pretty hard for Walcott imo 

Permalink Permalink
almost 9 years ago

Tekkers wrote:

My initial discussion generating post did not state one excuse for losing. I basically said they players weren't good enough and the manager had not rotated enough as he could have during the season, and now the injuries were compounding that issue. 

Those are excuses. 

By stating that both teams shouldn't be celebrating, I kind of mean that neither side would be proud of they performances. 

I was proud of the performance. 

As to the other points you made above, letting Depay, Schweinstieger and Schneiderlin leave (because he didn't rotate the team enough to give them game time earlier) has definitely come back to hurt him. He maintains that he didnt want them to leave, but if the offers were enough then he had to let them go. And its probably not the best yardstick to say that because they played under Van Gaal then they must be good. It is almost a detriment due to the mentality shift that took place during his time. 

Excuses. 

Permalink Permalink
almost 9 years ago

Agreed with all of that Paulm. The thing I'm noticing is that Sanchez/Ozil aren't as involved in the game in the new set up. However when they are it's in a very attacking kind of way. I think you could break the squad into the following categories:

Wing backs (Bellerin, Monreal, Gibbs, The Ox)

Back 3 (Mertesacker, Mustafi, Gabriel, Holding, Koscielny, Monreal)

Centre mids (Ramsey, Xhaka, Coquellin, Elneny)

Attacking 3 (Walcott, Sanchez, Iwobi, Giroud, Welbeck, Ozil, Cazorla,)

The attacking 3 is what's really interesting for me there, because start to really get into interesting combinations. If you want to play exclusively with pace you go Walcott, Sanchez, and Welbeck. If you want to pick opponents apart you can go with Sanchez, Iwobi, Ozil. If you want a strong target man you can go Giroud, Sanchez, and Welbeck. 

You really do get into some interesting options for Le Prof to consider depending on the opposition.

One thing I'm 100% not sold on is Gibbs - the lad is woeful for us in the final 3rd which he can't afford to be as a Wing Back. Either push the Ox out left and bring back Hector, or bring Monreal back into the WB role and revert to 3 tradditional CBs.

Permalink Permalink
Endorsed by
paulm
almost 9 years ago

Love the idea of pace with Walcott, Welbeck and Sanchez, but probably just not enough creativity there.

You know what would be awesome...... Dybala. That boy, wow, he's got everything, really is a bit of a Sanchez - pace, creativity, finishing, work rate, the whole package. 

Probably a long shot but a front three of Sanchez, Dybala and Ozil would be pretty mesmerising. Especially with Ramsey making the forward runs and getting involved with them too. 

Permalink Permalink
Endorsed by
kwlap
almost 9 years ago

Don't forget Xhaka's thunderb*stards/ramp shots in there too

Permalink Permalink
Endorsed by
paulm
almost 9 years ago

Ramp shots hahahahahahaha love that

Permalink Permalink
Endorsed by
kwlap
almost 9 years ago

paulm wrote:

Tekkers wrote:

My initial discussion generating post did not state one excuse for losing. I basically said they players weren't good enough and the manager had not rotated enough as he could have during the season, and now the injuries were compounding that issue. 

Those are excuses. 

By stating that both teams shouldn't be celebrating, I kind of mean that neither side would be proud of they performances. 

I was proud of the performance. 

As to the other points you made above, letting Depay, Schweinstieger and Schneiderlin leave (because he didn't rotate the team enough to give them game time earlier) has definitely come back to hurt him. He maintains that he didnt want them to leave, but if the offers were enough then he had to let them go. And its probably not the best yardstick to say that because they played under Van Gaal then they must be good. It is almost a detriment due to the mentality shift that took place during his time. 

Excuses. 

1. Those are not excuses. Let me put the same information in a different way - Arsenal won, because their team performed better than United's team. United's team was not good enough and those that have been previously good enough have had to two games a week too often, because Mourinho did not rotate enough when everyone was fit, and now that players are injured, tired players have to play. This applies to the last month of games, not just this most recent one. 

2. The performance of both teams was very similar. It was 9 shots to 10 shots, 4 each on target, 50% possession each, 20 crosses each, 19 tackles to 22 tackles, 87% pass accuracy to 85%, 65% tackle success each. But all that matters is that Arsenal won 2 nil. But thats the result, not the performance. 

3. As stated above, describing the current situation of the club, is not necessarily making excuses. Arsenal were better on the day. United were not good enough. As stated above. 

Permalink Permalink
Endorsed by
Leggy
almost 9 years ago

Tekkers wrote:

Arsenal won, because their team performed better than United's team. 

The performance of both teams was very similar. 

But all that matters is that Arsenal won 2 nil. But thats the result, not the performance. 

Arsenal were better on the day. United were not good enough. 

Ok, got it!

Permalink Permalink
almost 9 years ago

Leggy wrote:

'Moo does not work with young players '   

Are you a clown?   What about  Rashford, Martial, McTominay, Tuanzebe just to mention the ones from today.

Someone gimme a tears of laughter emoji, that is absolutely classic.

Permalink Permalink
Endorsed by
brumbyskwlap
almost 9 years ago

paulm wrote:

Tekkers wrote:

Arsenal won, because their team performed better than United's team. 

The performance of both teams was very similar. 

But all that matters is that Arsenal won 2 nil. But thats the result, not the performance. 

Arsenal were better on the day. United were not good enough. 

Ok, got it!

Ah, I see we have resorted to picking and choosing and taking phrases out of the rest of a sentence / statement? Ok, got it!

Permalink Permalink
Endorsed by
20 Legend
almost 9 years ago

I think 3-4-3 is more like 3-4-2-1

Ozil and Sanchez tuck in

New striker

Sanchez and Ozil

Ox Jack Xhaka Hector

Nacho Kos New player / Holding/Gab

Cech 

This assumes no Santi

Lucas is sold Ramsey Gibbs Giroud Welbeck Theo Elneny Mustafi bench

E's Flat Ah's Flat Too

Permalink Permalink
almost 9 years ago

the new striker is a genuine finisher. In the box and score

We need to prep for 2017-18 last Cech season

E's Flat Ah's Flat Too

Permalink Permalink
Endorsed by
brumbys
almost 9 years ago

solid structure

Get enough ball

Get enough ball to Ozil in the right parts of the field

On paper this doesn't look difficult??

E's Flat Ah's Flat Too

Permalink Permalink
Endorsed by
kwlappaulm
almost 9 years ago

paulm wrote:

kwlap wrote:

The side that moo put out was only inexperienced because moo doesnt work with young players and restricted himself to 22 players in the squad and thought that they would be able to handle it. Poor planning and it backfired. 

Can we put this crap to bed already?

9 experienced internationals, plus Herrera, plus ONE young and inexperienced guy in the starting 11. 

They averaged 27 years of age and cost over 60 million pounds more than the Arsenal 11 to assemble.

8 of the starting 11 were regular starters under van Gaal last year, and they were better. 

The entire initial post that generated this discussion was heavily ManU-centric, a bunch of excuses for them losing, and then some criticism of Arsenal. To me that just comes across as passive-aggressive sour grapes when posted in the Arsenal thread, particularly the "what are you celebrating for" narrative, when everyone knows full well that ManU, and Mourinho, are a bogey team/manager to us, so of course we'll bloody well celebrate it. 

But hey that's just my opinion, I'm apparently not in the majority, so I accept that. 

You are just so anti anyone not Arsenal it is actually funny. You also love stats, which in many cases prove nothing.

According to you we had 9 experienced internationals. You had 10 internationals and an England under 21.     So what?

You seem to think that a club that has spent more on players should automatically be better.  Obviously not true otherwise City and us would be out of sight. We all know who won the league last season. 

I certainly did not make any excuses for losing as I have said all season we don't have enough quality player. Neither does Arsenal or City at the moment.

If you are old and wise you were probably young and stupid

Permalink Permalink
almost 9 years ago

Leggy wrote:

You are just so anti anyone not Arsenal it is actually funny. 

You are literally the only person on this forum that I regularly clash with. I really like the Liverpool guys and I usually get along just fine with everyone else, including Tekkers and 20 Legend, with whom I've had many amicable conversations. 

You also love stats, which in many cases prove nothing.

Yes I love stats. Yes in many cases they don't prove anything.

According to you we had 9 experienced internationals. 

You did. 

You had 10 internationals and an England under 21.     

We did. 

You seem to think that a club that has spent more on players should automatically be better.  

They should be.

Obviously not true otherwise City and us would be out of sight. 

They should be.

We all know who won the league last season. 

We do. 

I certainly did not make any excuses for losing as I have said all season we don't have enough quality player. 

That's nice. 

Neither does Arsenal or City at the moment.

I think Arsenal, City and ManU all have enough quality to win the league. We all know who won the league last season remember. 

Permalink Permalink
almost 9 years ago

Updated

Mother of all run ins:

Game > 2 day break - 2-1 win against City (FA Cup)

Game > 3 day break - 1-0 win against Leicster

Game > 6 day break - 2-0 loss against C*cks

Game > 3 day break - 2-0 win against United

SOTON (A) > 2 day break

Stoke (A) > 2 day break

Sunderland (H) > 4 day break 

Everton (H) > 5 day break

Chelsea (Wembley) FA Cup Final

Injuries

Cazorla - out forever

Xhaka/Perez - possible injured according to Physioroom.com

Permalink Permalink
almost 9 years ago

I'm not sure we sell Perez, he could actually be dynamite in the front 3 roving combination given his finishing. Although it speaks volumes that I forgot to include him on my little squad break down. Poor bloke, he's rapidly hurtling towards Park Chu Young territory.

Permalink Permalink
Endorsed by
kwlap
almost 9 years ago

Not even an exaggeration to say he's looked our best centre forward and Wenger just hasn't played him. He's had years of CL money to buy a top striker with, yet spent about 35 million pounds on Welbeck and Perez who have 12 league goals from 63 games between them.

Permalink Permalink
almost 9 years ago

What's everyone's thoughts on Wojciech Szczesny? Should we bring him back? It doesn't look like Roma are interested in making his deal permanent. He's 27 so his best years are still ahead of him. I'll admit that I have no idea what his form has been like.

Permalink Permalink
Endorsed by
foal30paulm
almost 9 years ago

ajc28 wrote:

Not even an exaggeration to say he's looked our best centre forward and Wenger just hasn't played him. He's had years of CL money to buy a top striker with, yet spent about 35 million pounds on Welbeck and Perez who have 12 league goals from 63 games between them.

Sold relative to us playing 3-4-3 (3-4-2-1) 

Unless I missed it he hasn't even been tried. 

If we stick with this set up that #9 needs to be in the box both feet and head

Is that Perez? 

E's Flat Ah's Flat Too

Permalink Permalink
almost 9 years ago

sent you a fancy as PM Paul but comes up with the YF bugs page

Obviously I am doing something wrong...

E's Flat Ah's Flat Too

Permalink Permalink
almost 9 years ago

foal30 wrote:

sent you a fancy as PM Paul but comes up with the YF bugs page

Obviously I am doing something wrong...

I got it! Twice actually... just replied and got the same bugs message, so I'll assume my reply came through as well :)

Permalink Permalink
almost 9 years ago

foal30 wrote:

ajc28 wrote:

Not even an exaggeration to say he's looked our best centre forward and Wenger just hasn't played him. He's had years of CL money to buy a top striker with, yet spent about 35 million pounds on Welbeck and Perez who have 12 league goals from 63 games between them.

Sold relative to us playing 3-4-3 (3-4-2-1) 

Unless I missed it he hasn't even been tried. 

If we stick with this set up that #9 needs to be in the box both feet and head

Is that Perez? 

Tough to say, could be Welbeck based on his efforts against United. A good run in the side and he could be a dynamite for us. Although when you look at some of the best forwards in the world you seem to have extremes, Zlatan type hold up players/dominant in the air (Benzema, Mandzukic, Lewandowski_ or Aguero speedy dribblers (Messi, Sanchez, Greizman etc). Guess it comes down to style.

Permalink Permalink
Endorsed by
paulm
almost 9 years ago

I like Welbeck in the role, an excellent all rounder. He doesn't score as often as we'd like but still contributes much to the game, so we can handle less goals as long as our other forwards are consistently scoring. Sanchez will always deliver (if he stays) but we need 15+ a season from Ozil (who I think will stay). If Ramsey starts consistently and stays fit he should score a lot more in this formation.

Anyone been watching Roma? I have read several times that Szczesny has been doing very well, but haven't seen much myself. If he is looking good I'd be happy to bring him back and let Ospina go. 

How many seasons will Cech have left? 

Feel sorry for Perez. I've really liked the look of him when he has played. 

Permalink Permalink
almost 9 years ago

Sanchez is looking pretty average in this game, we're really struggling for impetus in the final 3rd.

Permalink Permalink
almost 9 years ago

Only caught the last 15 of the first half but sems Soton are creating decent chances. 

Ox off with a tight hammy. 

COYG! 

Permalink Permalink
Endorsed by
kwlap

This topic is locked.