Arsenal 0-0 City
Cue mass hysteria and the season is now officially over. Do me a favour.
Lets get some perspective on this, sometimes these games happen and there is nothing you can do about them. City are a title challenging team and anything other than a defeat is by no means a bad, or terminal, result. I agree that it is up to us to break teams like Manchester City down, its not their fault for being about as attacking as a boxer with no arms but its our pitch and if they are happy to go away with a point its fine for them to play like that. We want the three points we have to earn them.
For the first ten minutes Arsenal were absolutely brilliant, it was much like the way Barcelona came out the traps at us at the Emirates last season and we so nearly made it pay, we had to make it pay. City were on the ropes and stumbling around and we had to land a massive punch to knock them down, we were within milimeters of doing it but van Persie couldn’t stretch far enough to reach Jack Wilshere’s slightly wayward pass which was begging to be put into the back of the net.
Robin van Persie and Cesc both hit the same post, the Cesc shot was the most likely to go in but the effort from van Persie, whilst it was created by great invention and skill, would have been saved by Joe Hart. Unsurprisingly we started to tire after a while and that was why it was so important for us to grab that early goal and force Man City to sacrifice one of their many defensive midfielders.
One thing that really caught my eye in the second half was that we didn’t really have a striker on the pitch. Yes, van Persie is supposed to play in that position but there was nobody making that killer run, time after time there was a decent ball crossed low into the box into the position where a striker should be. He got dragged around and attracted to the ball far too easily, we had an entire midfield of playing the passes van Persie is capable of but nobody filling that void at the head of the attack. That is an issue that probably needs sorting against the more defensive sides.
Overall van Persie had a decent game, he was much better in the first 45 than the second but he was all build up. It was encouraging to see him loosen those hamstrings with a couple of pile-drivers, one bringing a world class save out of Joe Hart, but when it comes to set pieces he really isn’t our best option. We have lacked a set-piece taker for years.
Quite rightly we needed to make a few changes as we passed the hour mark and Theo was hooked to bring on Arshavin, a player who’s flair could unlock the Man City defence with one swipe of his boot. The reaction to that decision from Theo was awful, waving his arms about and walking as slowly as he could over to the other touchline. Not only was enough time being wasted by the City players, the last thing we needed was our players taking an age to get off the pitch too, inconsiderate, childish and petty. Just the sort of accusations we hate to have leveled at our players, but that is probably why it is so annoying. Cesc told him to get a move on, Theo completely ignored it. I have no time for players doing that and not respecting their captains.
The much maligned Arshavin hardly had a chance to even get into the game, but is a much better type of player to try and get through the stacked City defence than Theo, you need more trickery on the ball and technical skill in situations like that. People need to get off his back or he is going to be hounded out this club. Right now I have heard he is not all that keen on re-signing with us, nothing concrete, but bare it in mind.
The sending off of Bakary Sagna was stupid and by the letter of the law, deserved. At the time I didn’t think he went with his head as aggressively as he did on second viewing. It was a straight red, no complaints. Its a bit strange to see him react like that to nothing really, yet not care when he is getting repeatedly stamped on.. It wasted more valuable seconds.
We sit pretty well in the table and there is plenty to play for now, our last games against title challengers are United at home and (sorry but they have been…) Tottenham away from home. Compare that to United’s fixtures and ours are a hell of a lot easier. However, the title is looking Man United’s to lose.
Til next time.
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Cut the crap dude!
Do you actually blame Wenger for last night’s match! Was this not the same team that beat chelsea!
MAn City are unbeatable when they sit behind like they did, which is something they did not do in the first leg!!!
We are near 100%, so if u don’t wanna support the team, just go away! We don’t need fans like you!!!
Maybe you are not an arsenal fan, just one of those pimps trying to ruin the good atmosphere here!
hey #1 did you even read the article?
i know there are loads of other blogs out there but theres no need to go over the top with the drama queen angle just to get the edge on the rest.
looks like you are just feeding off the sun reading talksport listening your on sky sports calling minority.
poor showing brah
No 1 and No 3, you really don’t get this do you?
Read it again or google sarcasm
PS ARSHAVIN SHOULD REALLY LEAVE SERIOUSLY
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riccardo
you seem to get a kick out of trashtalking about Robin do you… Well, I think he was an absolute great presence on the pitch yesterday and although not yet at his best, his class is shining through… and once he starts bagging those chances what will you say?
walcott is indeed eye sore to me… no composure, no skill, no impact. Always making wrong decision, execution is extemely poor.. same old walcott
I really was disappointed in Arshavin’s performance when he came on for Walcott(who displayed a poor attitude on being substituted).
For those commenters who do not understand the article, go back to school!
Like you are going to tomorrow morning, biddy?
the man is crazy did he watch the match u blam wenger for what what type of football do u want him to play again in the world serious wenger is the best coach for arsenal to be honest i really like this man since i was a surporter of arsenal since 1990 i have been a support of arsenal and i really enjoy the way they play even if we dont win i am really proud to be a fan
YES sack Wenger if we dont get a trophy !
The Title race if far more open than people give it credit for. Man U still have to play “Park the Bus” Shitty with Edin Dzecko, Tottenham at Whitehart lane, gunners at the emirates and TWO matches against the Chavs who will be looking to get 3 points – not tie – to have a chance at Champs league Football.
Let’s leave Liverpool off that list and I still see 15 points that will be difficult for the current version of Man Ure to grab half of. That’s 8 points, minimum, I see these guys dropping with Chelsea making a big statement by taking 5 points off them straight away. Hopefully, much of that will occur before they come to the Emirates so we don’t see a similar 11 behind the ball performance like yesterday.
Arshavin was terrible. I have no problem if his desires are to leave since he definately does not desire playing for arsenal. Walcott’s reaction was justified because he knew he was being replaced by a player still living off reputation rather than performances. Arshavin’s a quality sub but he did himself no justice with the plethora of failed back heels and his lessons in wasting possession yesterday. Maybe we should cash in on him now (arsenal community collectively holds their breath). To many, this suggestion sounds silly…..lets see how you feel at the end of the season
Erm, the title was sarcastic?
It really does surprise me the amount of people who just read the title.
Its like buying The Sun just to look at the tits.
Oh well.
Man city defended well and for them to be called boring and this and that is unfair.We played well ourselves and but for rotten luck would have won 2.0 or 3.0.Also to say sack wenger is total bollocks as we are doing very well and we can still very much win the title.Dont forget utd must play us at our place,go to chelsea,liverpool,spurs,and play city.We have been to eastlands,stamford bridge,anfield,old trafford.Im still ultra confident and our hunger,class and desire is very strong.We will win the carling cup and at least 2nd in league.
props to proppa…have been arguing with pals that arsh should be sold. most agree. i see it happening in the summer when we get a little flemish fella to take his place.
well at least the sun has a the tits… you have nothing!
What sort of manager brings on a 6ft 5in striker when we need a goal and plays him on the wing?.The same manager who made EIGHT changes at Wigan.Tosser
As loyal supporters it is perfectly understandable we all have confabulated views of our team. But if we are to land the big one there are some areas that need to be addressed, feel free to disagree, like I’ve said, it’s understandable.
1. RVP is not a striker, it’s tactical naivety to play him alone up front & rely on him for goals.
2. Resting players for fear of injury is irrational. Do we pay less wages to fragile players? I don’t think so.
3. Field players based on performance, not seniority or rank.
4. There’s no plan B in our play. We always try to wiggle thru the middle. The fullbacks need to train more on crossing.
I would sell andrey as hes class on his day but hes having less and less of those days,sell him in summer while he still commands a market value,replace him with hazard.Im just hoping nasri pens new deal as thats a concern as im sure they are hovering round this talented,talented young man.He could go anywhere in the world should he wish as hes that good.J.Djourou has done really well for us upon his return after long absense and deserves a mention.Thanks.Sagna you silly boy you but i think he just had enough of unfair and dangerous tackles on him ie l.bowyer and his likes out there.
what a idiot emu bloke…he hasn’t got clue ? muppet fan or what ? i think not must be a spud !
It was a typical huff and puff performance, batter a team for 70 mins but then we hit the wall Wenger hasnt got a clue about changing tactics.Where was the Plan B?City had parked the bus but we tried nothing different the longer the game went on.City were not trying to score so we could have gone 3 at the back.And why wasnt our best striker this season not brought on instead of Bighead Bender.And when is Walcott going to learn to cross a ball
arshavin out, hazard in. Brillant!!
chamakh isn’t our best striker this season that will be RVP, season isn’t over yet and you don’t seriousely think Chamakh is first choice do you???
websites looking normal again
got to agree about RVP free kick taking. apart from the massive deflection last week, he hasn’t scored in many years (5?) from a free kick. He’s nearly scored loads, but not actually made it. Also crap from corners.
Good Blog entry. I agree completely. The thing I noticed is that we didn’t have anyone making that run towards goal like you pointed out. I often times notice that we never have anyone making that back post run and it has cost us a few times over the season.
Hey Long Island Gunner, I am also here on the Island. Have you ever found anywhere to watch a match?
arsene wenger – along with Fergie, THE best evaluator of young talent
wenger is the better of evaluator of underappreciated talent
BUT …
as a tactition? not even close
you don’t have any pressure in the box so you send out Bendtner on the wing??????????
WTF was that?????????????
17.say all you like city defended better than we attacked end of. rvp is too 1 footed fabregas was 1 dimensional. and walcott was bang average. wenger knew the only way we could score was to put on a tall player. and then vrought bentdner (good move) for walcott who was are only wide out let!!!!!!!!!!!!! wenger has no idea tatically never has done. 1 new centre back and someone with pace like and wright type striker. oh wait hold arsene spending cash i think not.time to leave imm afraid arsene
It was impossible to make runs in behind yesterday, city were defending so deep they may as well have been on the goal line. We should have definitely put more crosses in the box, it would have at least given City something else to think about and would possibly have caused players to get dragged out of position, given their changed back 4 line-up; allowing us to then take advantage of our Plan A. I still think it’s a solid point gained though, we will learn from this match I think.
the person who deserves the sack is Bacary Sagna. What he did was unwarranted, stupid and brainless
Cant believe some of the things i read from fellow gooners,ok im frustrated with only a point,but im more pleased with the effort and sheer hard work from the team.If effort,desire,commitment,hunger,workrate and other qualities are present which they have been of late,how can we give wenger and his troops both barrels.Im a very proud happy gooner and if the team give me 90plus minutes of energy and sweat thats good enough for me.We will win a trophy this year im convinced.If it hadnt been 5 years since our last trophy lots of people would be pleased with last nights performance.There is just an amazing frustration with our fans which is understandable because we seem always on the verge of trophy joy,but everyclub has a period of time without success and its true like arsene says we have been amazingly consistent over the recent years even without a title.Forget about titles and trophys as that will be a superb bonus when it happens,just like me get incredible joy and entertainment from following this club.I absolutely adore arsenal fc.Goodnight and godbless, and happy new year to all.thanks.
Why SACK Wenger, we should SHUT DOWN THIS FUCKING USELESS Blog
Although score line was not what we needed, this was possibly one of the best games played by Arsenal for a time. I agree with the poster, we did not have a striker, and frankly Arsenal does not have any strikers at the moment. Arshavin is an expensive luxury. I generally like this blog, but cant understand the inability or williness to criticise Wenger, when it is justified
Pathetic blog.
You 100% did not capture the mood of gooners.
There was no complaining, it was all about Shitty and their tactics.
Call yourself a gooner? hahaha
Get with it, not behind it.
Since we couldnt break that resileance defence,we could have introduce chamark,Bentner into the box & bring in those long balls for them to try.
Man city game proves we may just miss out on the title because of our striking. 10 clear chances = 0 goals. By the way we create the most chances and our goal getting ratio from chances created must be the lowest in the league.
So we NEED strikers. Guys who can get us 30 goals a season. What Wenger may do is this. Let Bendtner go. Let Bayern, Inter of Juventus get RvP (there has been rumours). He is worth 25M – 30M. Get someone like Pappis Cisse from Freiburg (About 12M and banging goals) and get Fernando Llorient from Atletico (18M and a hard working giant of 6.5″ who get goals…
30M for Falcao….Looks so UnWenger like. But a great dream if he will carry his capabilities to the highest level.
meaner #7, great sarcasm.
Martin #14, surely the best way to “read” the Sun is to just look at the tits?
Gonner Don #19, did your mummy marry her bruvver?
Watdoiknow #19, rarely have I seen a comment that displays such extraordinary ignorance of football. Btw, had to google ‘confabulated’. If you have to use fancy words, get it right.
No offense but…READ THE ARTICLE PROPERLY YOU IDIOTS!!!