When I try to write about Arsenal, I endeavour not to read other
people’s opinion before putting the proverbial pen to paper to avoid
inadvertently borrowing J their views .
However, I have read at least one review today on Positively Arsenal. Please read it here I have also seen a few headlines from around the ‘Arsenalsphere’. I dare say
some blogs I won’t name out of courtesy, are probably reacting to the popularity
of Arsenal Fan TV in their race to retain viewership.
If I was to offer an
advice, it would be for that blog to start a ‘microblog’ and upgrade some of
the comments on their news thread to a mini blogpost; publish the photos of the commentators and hopefully turn some of them into celebrity fans. Perhaps they might become the new Heavy D
heading with a gig in the “I am a celebrity” jungle in due course.
On yesterday’s match, I was definite it was a ‘must not lose’ match
and I am glad we didn’t lose it. It is evident that our boys are not in peak
condition yet and before this is latched onto as something to bash club and
manager with, Mr. almighty Jurgen Klopp said something similar about Liverpool here He also mentioned that dreaded “the season is still young” phrase. Yes I get we
don’t want to play catch up but guess what? We are playing it. We are where we
are. Is there a chance we might want to get behind the team with some
optimistic & positive support.
What do I think of yesterday’s match. Koscielny is a monster of a
central defender and the Arsenal defence miss him when he is not there. Mind
you, he is not perfect. I think he gets easily frustrated when things are not
going right for the team and makes risky tackles and passes. Monaco at home 2
seasons ago is one example. I have written a lot about him – both complementary
and otherwise. But he was worth all the accolades in the thesaurus yesterday.
Our new Holding defender J, Rob. He looked
assured. He looked the part and is very much one for the future. He ROBbed J Leicester of a few chances. I think
both Rob & Laurent and a few others in the squad are a testament to Arsenal
and Arsene’s approach to football transfers. There are gems out there that
don’t cost a slice of Planet Pluto.
The midfield was ok and was at no time overran until maybe the last
10 minutes or so when we desperately tried to win and over committed men
forward. Through a combination of
diligent goalkeeping on Cech’s part, astute defending by our back 4 and some
good fortune, we kept a clean sheet and earned a draw.
It is obvious that the Alexis as a Centre Forward hasn’t caught fire
yet. There are a few issues here. From what we know of Alexis, he is a high
energy player and wants to be involved. As a result of this, I don’t think he
has maintained positional discipline in both of our matches this term. Many
have commented on the fact that we seem to be seeking Alexis out with long
balls whereas he prefers ball to feet and to run at defence. Personally, I think
either the whole team minus Alexis are not translating training routine into
the field of play, or one individual is not getting it right. I leave you to
make your deductions.
On Alexis, I reckon he got kicked close to 10 times by Morgan and
Huth yesterday. And they both got nothing from the Ref. I have just watched the match highlights again
and saw Simpson’s horrible foul on Oxlade - Chamberlain on the 39th
minute. Again, NOTHING from the ref.
Earlier in the 31st minute, Koscielny was bear hugged by Wes
Morgan in the box off the Santi Cazorla free kick. Ref = Nothing. Zero. Nada.
On rotational fouling by opponents,
same happened during our match against Liverpool. Referee offered no
protection and Aaron & Iwobi were routinely kicked. Its these small matter of other teams fouling our players that get lost in the media circus on Arsenal
injuries. The way our fans lap up the obvious narratives is bewildering. You
have to wonder if they actually watch the match or rely on 2nd hand
/ 3rd hand information or an overactive imagination.
On our goal chances, I counted 4 near chances for Arsenal that could
have defined our game. On the 16th minute, I think Bellerin could have placed
his ball into the box with a bit more conviction. This would have resulted in a
tap in for a goal.
On 74th minute, Theo had 3 other players available and
played a tame shot at Schmeichel instead. All of those 3 players were centrally placed
and would have almost certainly scored. Again
on the 80th minute, he could have played Giroud in but went in on
goal himself. Finally on the 87th minute, he could have played
Alexis in but tried to feebly chip the Leicester keeper.
I am not blaming Theo for our results yesterday just pointing out
our half decent chances. I get the fact
that as a striker, the manager wants you to score goals and you also have to be
selfish to score. But when your team needs a goal, as a team member you really
shouldn’t care if the goalkeeper scores for you. When you are 2 or 3 nil to the
good, showboat all you like and use that opportunity to shine but think team
first.
I am hoping we iron out all the issues quickly and bounce back to 3
points next weekend.
COYG