Tag Archives: Arsenal

The difference between Arsenal’s (crap) defence & Man United’s & Chelsea’s

Arsene Wenger spoke of a ‘new cycle’ before Arsenal’s loss to Blackburn on Saturday – their third Premier League defeat of the season. Wenger had hoped his side had recovered from their humiliation at Manchester United on August 28.  Alas, he was wrong – as he has been with repetitive regularity for the past seven seasons.

Let us start by stating the obvious. Arsenal’s defense not only displays amateurism but show continuous ineptitude. Arsenal’s collective maelstrom-esque and lethargic-like defensive frailties will be the cause of their inability to finish in the top four if action isn’t taken.

At the root of the problem is Arsenal’s lack of leadership at the back. The average age of Arsenal’s backline against Blackburn (including Wojciech-Szczesny) was 25. Manchester United’s average age against Chelsea was 22 (they went on to win 3-1) – showing that a lack of experience is not the real issue. What does matter, however, are the leadership and organizational skills at the back.

Chris Smalling, Jonny Evans and Phil Jones (who all started on Sunday) may be at the inchoate stages of their career, but they were supported by Patrice Evra, 30, who brings a sense of security and leadership to the backline. Bacary Sagna, 28, who also plays at right-back, doesn’t seem to exude the same sense of aplomb as his United counterpart.

Arsenal fans may complain that their best defender Thomas Vermaelen (who many believe should be captain), is injured and therefore leaves a gaping hole in their defense. That may be true, but Manchester United seem to manage without their two best defenders – Nemanja Vidic (club captain) and Rio Ferdinand (England captain).

Last season Arsenal conceded more goals from set-pieces than any other team (53.5%), according to Opta Stats. Poor organization can only be to blame.

Chelsea, who fielded Petr Cech, Jose Bosingwa, John Terry, Branislav Ivanovic and Ashley Cole against Manchester United on Sunday, have an average age of 29 between them.

Although Chelsea’s defense put on a pretty mediocre display against United; in the first six games of the season, they’ve only conceded three goals.

Manchester United’s and Chelsea’s leadership and organizational abilities clearly demonstrate why they came first and second in the Premier League last season respectively.

Manchester City nudged Arsenal down to fourth place at the back of last season.  However they’ve been found lacking in defense on occasions – but is that really a problem? Mancini’s team have proved this season that goals won’t be a problem – especially with Sergio Aguero’s devastating form. City are also anticipating the return of the solid, former Arsenal centre-back Kolo Toure who will bolster his side’s defense.

But to condemn Arsenal to doom and gloom this season would be a premature assumption. Szczesny has already shown that this could be his season; Laurent Koscielny has proven his expertise when keeping Lionel Messi at bay last season and the Gunners confidence will be raised if Vermaelen returns and remains uninjured.

Blaming Arsenal’s defense alone for their holistic failings is shortsighted. Arsenal have won nothing for seven years so undoubtedly lack confidence. They also lack what Mancini admires about The Red Devils: “a winning mentality.” Moreover, they seem to suffer from a plethora of bad luck – last season they hit the woodwork 22 times – more than any other team.

But as they say ‘dust yourself off and try again’ – this should be the Gunners attitude. The Gunners next three games are at the Emirates Stadium and present another opportunity for the “new cycle” Wenger spoke of the other day. Things can only get better.

Omar Shahid

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Why does Robin Van Persie hit the post so much?

There is one thing RVP is very good at. No, not him getting injured all the time. But always managing to hit the woodwork with immense consistency.

Today, RVP hit the post against Swansea (unsurprisingly) while Arsenal scraped a 1-0 win. But why is it that RVP hits the woodwork so much?

The Dutchman is a natural talent; his elegance, creativity and technique is a pleasure to watch. But perhaps he is a bit too precise.

Here are some moments where Arsenal, but especially RVP, hit the woodwork last season.

Why attack will be the best form of defence for Arsenal against Barcelona

On Tuesday night, football fans from around the world will watch two teams, Arsenal and Barcelona-widely regarded as two of the most elegant football club’s on the planet-battle it out at the Nou Camp. Barcelona were left with a bitter taste in their mouth after giving away a 1-0 lead at the Emirates two weeks ago, but, if last year’s showing which saw the Catalans destroy Arsenal 4-1 is anything to go by, they wont have much to worry about.

Arsenal will be boosted by the announcement that Cesc Fabregas and Jack Wilshere look fit to play, and Robin Van Persie has been included in the squad. Barcelona, however, will contend without the their captain Carlos Puyol, or fellow full back Gerard Pique-both essential at the heart of Barcas defence. Without their two best defenders, Arsenal should look to exploit the Barca defence, as not only will it now be weak and shacky, but will also lack the calming influence of their two experienced defenders.

Despite how much Arsenal fans may dislike Nicklas Bendtner, he may be a worthy choice against a Barcelona defence which could be fragile and lacking organisation. Bendtner may not be the best technically, but his physical presence could be enough to unsettle the Barcelona backline. It is unlikely that RVP will start the game, but this does not mean Arsene Wenger should resort to playing Maroune Chamakh up front with Bendtner. Arsenal need a player who will cause problems. Alas! Andrey Arshavin is the man. Gunner’s fans have also been frustrated with him this season as well, but, he made a difference in the first leg, scoring the winner. The risk could be worth it.

Alex Song will miss the game through injury, but Wilshere and Fabregas, who are both good with the ball, could be Arsenal’s most important players in the game. Fabregas, the captain, will need to control the game and look to play the defence splitting through balls he so often pulls off. Wilshere, who will be just as important, if not more, will have to sit slightly back, and keep the ball moving around the pitch.

Arsenal’s defence will need to be strong, resilient and cannot afford to lose concentration for a split second. Laurent Koscielny put in a good performance in the first leg, and will need to do the same on Tuesday. Johan Djourou will need to use his athletic ability against the likes of Lionel Messi and David Villa who are quick and have great acceleration. And, of course, Wojciech Szczesny, will possibly confront the most difficult time of his career.

Any opportunities Arsenal do have, they will need to capitalise on-failing to do so will lead to none other than a humiliating defeat, as, rest assured, Barca will not miss theirs.

Arsenal’s two biggest problems can be split into two. One is dispossesing the Spanish Champions, they are of course, great passers and movers. The second is, simply, Messi. If Arsenal let him run riot, like they did last season, Arsenal will go back to London in the same way as they did last year.

Attack, attack, attack. And of course injuring Messi in the first minute might work.

An Analysis of The Arsenal Team

After observing the first half of Arsenal’s season, it has become evident that there are some players within the team that are frankly, not good enough, yet others have stood out, producing  real disparity. I have tried to provide an honest assessment-yet a probably subjective account, of the entire Arsenal squad (most of the reserves have been excluded). Continue reading →