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The Preview : FA Cup – Arsenal FC vs Aston Villa FC

Arsenal face Villa this sunday at the Emirates. The team news from the North London club is that we have most of our players back, but it is still uncertain whether or not they will have any role to play this sunday. Something that can only happen to Arsenal Football Club.

Probable Line up :

Henry will probably play in the center on sunday. I want him to play in this role because that is where he likes to play. Benayoun is a work-horse so I expect him to start, plus, he got us the winning goal against Villa at Villa Park in December. Rosicky should start alongside him because Ramsey needs a rest. Song will occupy the Makalele spot.

Sagna is doing well, but he will not play against Villa this sunday, so Ignasi will start. Coquelin has been passed fit and will start at Left back. Almunia will replace Szczesny in goal.

Opponent Watch :

Arsenal have lost their last 2 games against Villa, both of which have come in the premier league. And they may yet lose another one due to the form of this Arsenal side.

Prediction :

Arsenal FC 2-1 Aston Villa FC

Cheers,

DKD

Roles as Fans/Twitter/”Bad habit” of Losing/Change in the Arsenal structure

Today I opened a new twitter account (DKD). Well actually, it was not today but a few days back. But from today I will constantly update it.

I have to put forward a few things related to Arsenal, so here goes. As fans of the club, Gazidis has already stated that Wenger is accountable to us. Personally, I don’t know to what extent that is true, but more importantly, if we do consider what Gazidis has said to be right, as fans what exactly is our role to ensure Wenger’s ‘continuous accountability‘ to us ?

What is the role of a fan ?

Well, its pretty simple. As fans it is our duty to support our club during any time – be it good, or bad. In return, what do we ask from the club ?

We ask that it gives its heart out on the field and win us trophies, so that we can show-off, and make fun of Spurs. Period.

Let me explain.

To those passionate football fans who are reading this post, tell me, don’t you feel bad when your team loses ?

Disappointment has become such a frequent thing for an Arsenal supporter that he really should be immune to it. Infact, even I am now use to the fact that my team will not win anything and that we will finish below the top 4, unless something miraculous happens, which to be fair is very unlikely.

Losing  has become a HABIT, and we just can’t seem to get out of it- Like smoking..

Wenger has to start looking for new options otherwise we may not finish in the top 8 this season. The same style of football of pass-and-move is becoming so monotonous and readable that other managers can literally take a day off before games against us because they don’t have to plan tactics accordingly. I have already started telling my friends and colleagues that same line that I have been repeating every year for 7 years now. “This season was bad, BUT next season, we will win the league… “

It takes time to change the structure of a team and it involves alot of effort. This is because when you build a team you have a certain plan that you wish to build it up in a certain way. For example Barcelona is build around primarily 3 players who occupy the middle of the field and attack. Xavi, Iniesta and Messi. That makes them such an attacking side. On the other hand Mourinho’s teams are build more on stability at the back. This is a reason why he chooses to play 1 or 2 holding midfielders in certain games when he wishes to close shop after scoring a goal. It is more about defending and not conceding than scoring.

Arsenal on the other hand have only 1 world class player, and 2 other players who are just shy of being world class – Koscielny and Vermaelen. The rest is either shades above mediocrity or dross. And they have no structure when it comes to football. They have the same style of playing in every match, and Wenger’s tactics are derisory at times. There is never a back up plan, not to mention if there was it would probably be increase the tempo of the tippy-tappy football. It makes me sick.

5 days to go in the transfer window and no hint of a signing. God knows what Arsenal is waiting for, because as far as I know the discount policy for players in Europe is only available during the summer…

I will be out with the FA Cup preview soon, need my depression pills right now. One piece of good news that I can confirm is that Sagna is back in training, and may have something to say in February. Another interesting piece of news is that Wenger has called a ‘special team meeting’ to ensure the media does not get into the ‘head’ of his Arsenal team, that is to say ‘ Leave Robin Van Persie alone, and stop telling him that he will never win a trophy at Arsenal Football Club.” (Liar)

Cheers,

DKD

My Camera-man at the Emirates…with CAPTIONS !!!

Here are a few pictures with my captions :

” This hairstyle doesn’t go with my arrogance, let me fix it “

” Damn, what have I done now, yes Gaffer I’m coming “

” My hair is ‘zperfect’, now where were we ? “

” How you doing bro ? “

” See you next season mate, can’t wait to party together “

Cheers,

DKD

Something to think about ? Wenger and Gazidis.

Consider this.

Ivan Gazidis said in the AGM prior to the season that Arsene Wenger is accountable to the fans. The management backed Wenger and the season started.

And today Wenger says that he does not have to justify to 50,000 people his decision.

Something to think about ?

Arsenal FC 1-2 Manchester United FC

Arsenal dropped more points today at the Emirates as Daniel Welbeck put the United ahead with 10 mins to go. There will be some controversy about Wenger’s substitution regarding Chamberlain and Arshavin- a pointless and stupid substitution to do.

It was a lively start to match which saw in 10 mins Arsenal creating a few chances, but nothing really concrete.

After the 15th min, United began piling on pressure. Holes in the Arsenal defense could be seen as Nani and Valencia earned a number of corners for the away side.

On 24, we came close after Chamberlain beat Evra and layed in front of Walcott, only for the latter to hit his shot wide.

As we hit the half an hour mark the game increased in intensity. 5 mins later United had 100 % control. Arsenal were defending collectively with most of United’s attacks coming from the right. When Arsenal were getting the ball they were clueless. United were in shape within seconds nullifying any chance of ‘pretty football’ from their opponents.

On 40, United should have led when Djourou went for an aimless clearance against Nani, in turn missing the ball and letting the Portuguese through.

On 45, United took the lead. United had a plan. Target Djourou and get in your crosses and passes from the right. Its not a difficult plan, and its easy to implement. Giggs with the cross and Valencia with a ‘thumping’ header. Arsenal 0-1 United !

The gap in the midfield was immense. Between Song and Robin there was no link, so long balls even if the dutchman did head would fall into the laps of United players. Ramsey was as ever remained ‘lost’ and Rosicky ‘ineffective.’

Another aspect is Djourou. The red point, which denotes ‘weakness’ was probably on the head of Djourou. Constantly being targeted by United as the achilles foot of this Arsenal team – the truth.

At half time Wenger took off  Djourou (probably injured) and brought on Yennaris. 

On 50, Arsenal had a superb chance to equalise. Smalling slipped while on the ball and Rosicky picked it up with yards on space to run. After entering the D-box the Czech passed it to Robin who passed Evans and fired his LEFT foot shot a yard wide of Lindegaards goal.

4 mins later, Ramsey picked up Chamberlains ball infront of the D-box, passed Giggs and fired his shot over the cross bar.

On 57, Arsenal had another chance to score as Rosicky smashed his shot against Evra and wide. 3 chances and 3 opportunities to score.

On 61, Chamberlain cut his shot passed Lindegaard as United lost possession in the middle of the field. Seconds later Mertersacker was beaten but his two footed clearance kept Arsenal in the game.

On 70, United conceded via a FC Barcelona counter-attack. Koscileny took Rafael off the ball and played a long ball to Rosicky who found Chamberlain on the right. The youngster on receiving the ball cut right before playing a reverse ball to Robin who tucked net into Lindegaards far corner sweetly. Arsenal 1-1 Manchester United.

5 mins later, the Emirates was filled with boos as Alex Chamberlain was taken off for Arshavin. 

On 80, United took the lead. Valencia beat Arshavin on the right, passed Song before passing it to Welbeck who shot it into Szczesny’s goal. Arsenal 1-2 United.

3 mins later, Wenger brought on Park for Ramsey.

With 5 mins added on there was enough time to get the equaliser. Sad thing is there were not enough chances.

TURNING POINT : Chamberlains substitution 

 

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