West Ham 0-3 Arsenal
Yesterday evening we got a tantalising glimpse of the real Arsenal. There is absolutely no point in going overboard because of a win against the leagues bottom side but everything that had lacked the previous performances was shown here in abundance. I was the proper Arsenal.
Even better is that it finally looks like Robin van Persie has found his feet and whilst I have been quite critical of him in the past few months, he had his best game in years and caused West Ham no end of problems, the effort, touch and blasted finish were all on show. It is certainly best for Arsenal that he is firing and he has a big part to play for the rest of the season. There is a small doubt in my mind that his injuries are starting to get on top of him, a few more performances like that and that doubt will probably disappear.
A few other players really stood out for me last night, most of all was Jack Wilshere who is swiftly becoming the midfielder we have dreamed of for years, he’s strong, can run with the ball and his attitude is first rate. For someone of his age, performing like this week in week out – usually young players are a bit hit and miss – is an amazing achievement and he is swiftly becoming my favourite player. He is so unique in the way he moves the ball and his first touch always looks too heavy but its like on FIFA when the player pushes the ball miles ahead of him and then starts running, he rarely loses it. The biggest plus is his defensive awareness at such a young age, he learns fast. A more defensive aware Andres Iniesta is the best comparison I can make, but like I said, he is unique in many ways.
I think Alex Song has finally cottoned onto staying back and acting as an anchor who can charge forward sometimes and arrive in the box late – in the last month he has been one of the most effective and best midfielders in the league. It is the Song of last season who we all considered one of the most important members of the side.
However, I got more heart and encouragement from the movement shown by Theo Walcott for his goal. It wasn’t the movement of a winger in the box, it was that of a poacher, he timed it to perfection and he showed why he can be considered a forward in a 4-4-2, he looks a much more difficult player to defend against now and his first touch much improved. He is starting to look a much more dangerous player, the sort of player he threatened to be and whilst his development may be slower than others you can gradually see him adding more dimensions to his game.
The performances of Clichy, Szczesny, Cesc and Nasri were also big plus points and our first choice XI is a match for any team in Europe. We just have to keep them fit.
All in all, just don’t go overboard. It is just one game in a row of games we simply have to win. Leeds is the priority now and I hope the nucleus of this side is retained as continuity is vital and we can’t go giving away an early goal at Elland Road.
Hugely, hugely encouraging, nonetheless.
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Pfft. Dont go overboard after a win, but go completely, pathetically and embarrassingly way over board after losing to Ipswich.
Typical doomer mentality
Nice one Vic.
Every one was on their game last night,but nasri and van persie make a hell of a difference to this team and i just pray both stay fit and healthy for the rest of the season.A.song this last 6 or 7 games has been brill and young jack was classy last night.We still need to buy 1 or 2 though as now is the time while we look strong to do it,get them in and go on and close the deal.I doubt rvp and nasri will play at elland rd so andrey,chamakh,rosicky or bendtner will get their chance again,we need these guys to raise their games as they have big ability but need to be more consistent.Leeds 1 Arsenal 3.
Reminder to all Gooners……….
NO DENILSON and we win football matches.
NO DENILSON……….We defend better.
Proof from yesterday.
Player like DENILSON must leave our club.
A lot of inspired rubbish is being published of late, about Denilson. AW knows full well of his value to the squad and he should be trusted to use the guy as he wants. While Denilson is an Arsenal player, he is entitled to the support of all loyal fans.The comments above from Arsenal Legend are beginning to sound to me like paranoia.
Nicky, spot on!
paranoia????????
do NOT think so………..
i talk facts. DENILSON is the worse player in football history.
he is going to cost us trophies this season mate.
Arsenal Legend
With your obvious knowledge, you should be in charge at the Emirates, not Arsene Wenger. What does he know about the guys he trains day by day, month by month and year by year.
Of course,on the other hand, it just may be that Denilson has upset you in some way, many years ago….. perhaps damaged your car in a traffic accident(?)…..hence the paranoia.
Although I don’t think Denilson is the worst player in history (lol)
He certainly is not good enough to play as a regular for Arsenal – hence the reason why Jack ‘the mad lad’ Wilshire has replaced him in the side
Obviously we cannot blame him only but he offers little to the team!
Apart from the odd long range effort – what exactly does he do?
He’d be better off at a fulham or Bolton.. Not Arsenal Football Club.
Arsenal legend you are spot on Denilson is rubbish cant run cant head it cant tackle dosnt score and hides. and as for silly comments like Mr Wenger knows best, we all have an opinion and our manager isn’t always right take Bentner and Denilson as great examples of this.
We should always support the players i agree but we are allowed an opinion and Denilson will cost us matches and thats a fact.
I can’t believe that I’m hearing this from “REAL” Arsenal fans.. Don’t u guys pay attention to our games and the part played some of our players. Denilson in not rubbish but yes he does struggle sometimes to keep up with others in our midfield, but that is only because he is what a CENTRAL midfielder is suppose to be someone that can get forward or pass to a better attacking option or clean up a loose ball or go in for a 50/50 Denilson has had some very good games in an Arsenal shirt one of his best displays was against Barca last year, let’s not forget his injuries have restricted his playing time. As for Mr Nicklas Bendtner, he is hit & miss for a guy that scored 15 goal last season or the year before(more than berbatov) how he just can’t find the goal on a regular basis really gets to me, but fans do remember we have all be asking for a Bendtner tall strong centre forward that can use his head unfortunately he isn’t the finished artical yet & has often show us fans that he has been given too many chances, say what u will about him but I would like 2 see him stay I just have a feeling about him.
Denilson is the worst of Arsene’s ERA. A player with no desire and determination, no skill and no passion. He is a shame to football, he should retire. Arsene is the best in his position but he still make mistake, he chose Gallas over Toure is a huge mistake to me, just look at how Toure performs in City’s matches.
denilson is no different than diaby,arshavin,rosicky,bendtner,chamakh,eboue,vela,koscielny,almunia,fabianski and clichy in that they are all good players but aint consistent.give denilson a break for gods sake and be a supportive gooner.he aint world class but hes a valueable member of our squad.even the reception andrey is getting at the mo at the emirates aint nice,the whole point of being a supporter is getting behind the team when things are not good whether thats individually or the team,think about it a football supporter,the clue is in the word supporter.
The team yesterday had a good flow to their game, there is a CLEAR difference between our 1st and 2nd string sides. Lets be honest, even Walcott and Fabregas weren’t able to save the B team against Ipswich.
As for Denilson, most professional footballers can do the job he does: pass to an open player (most of the time the defenders or goalkeeper), when under pressure kick it in the direction of any teammate (even if that teammate is marked, make mistimed tackles and let people run past you when u r supposed to be defending, USELESS.
Wenger is NOT always right. Denilson= Silvestre
when we talk about Denilson,
always remember the Alex Song humble and highly criticize origins.
@Mantot
Every player has the possibility of becoming a great player, doesn’t mean that they will. He has been at the club for 4 years with no improvement, maybe the premier league is not for him. He physically cannot compete evidently
Denilson is no Alex Song, put in your thick head.
Alex Song has been performing like what an Arsenal player should, except for a few blips.
Denilson has consistently under-performed.
He should go, but the problem is, are there any club out there willing to pay good money for him??
I agree we should not go overboard. The next game should get 100% focus now. I do fear however we have so many high to low moments this year that it shows we are not consistent enough.
It would not surprise me if this team on the back of beating west ham away will lose away at Leeds.
The players who seem to be on the bench now like denilson, rosicky, bendtner, chamakh, arshavin etc all have to step up against Leeds.
To all the denilson bashers on here: just give it time and denilson will soon be gone. Both jack and Aaron have ousted him from the side over the past 2 seasons so its only a matter of time. I personally think we should keep him but we shall see