Arsenal’s holding midfield – A tough evening is in store
Rumours are circulating that the ever-dependable Alex Song might not have shaken off a calf strain and so could be replaced by Emmanuel Frimpong in front of the Arsenal back four for tonight’s encounter with Marseille at the Emirates.
Whilst the general focus is very much on the attacking aspects of both teams – Van Persie for Arsenal and Andre Ayew for their French opponents – a key battle could take place in the holding position for the two sides. Alou Diarra arrived from Bordeaux at the beginning of this season and has made 11 strong appearances for his new club. Often described as a similar player to Arsenal legend Patrick Viera, Diarra is a battler, with 36 fouls being committed by the Frenchman already this season.
On the other hand, attacking midfielder Lucho Gonzalez could well make an appearance, and whether it is from the start or from the start, he will impact on the game. His offensive flair led to strong interest from various European clubs including Chelsea and Arsenal. Song generally deals well with such players but Juan Mata did find his way past the Cameroon international to fire-in his stunning long-range effort.
Whether Frimpong could deal with such a threat would be difficult to judge. His aggression could well be just the sort of play to dampen Gonzalez’s presence, but the inexperience could equally be his downfall. Alex Song’s late test will hopefully provide good news for Wenger. Still, whoever does play there will be in for a tough time against an underrated Marseille midfield.
If he does have to play tonight, can Frimpong be as successful as Song as a barrier through the centre?
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coquelin would be better than frimpong. i’m worried.
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That boy Frimpong is very talented, and has got lots of energy. I mean, even if he’s inexperienced, if he’s paired with Song, the two can even silence the likes of Lionel Messi…
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“whether it is from the start or from the start.”
well i reckon its from the start then..
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coquelin is too soft for marsielle. frimpong is the best option for tonight because he is more agressive
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I’m not worried, frimpong has come a long way already this season. He is becoming more discipline in his tackles with every appearance and there’s no question o his work effort. If frimpong is replacing song this game, I’d like to see kos and Verm in the center with Santos and jenkison fullbacks. Arteta, gerv, arshavin, Rosicky, and park up front. I believe this line up can hold strong at home.
Gunners for life
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The big guns are now talking about moves. Come on AW get the negotiations done for Cahill/Samba, Hazard, M’Villa and Montelivo even Podolski. No more Mr Niceguy, let’s show them again who we are….Gooner C Town
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coquelin has experience playing against marseille, he was loaned to french league team. i’m sure he’d love it
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coquelin seems to be a better player then frompong
of what we have seen so far.
i think conquelin should get the nod ahead of frompoing if song is not ready.
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Everyone thinks cause frimpong is built like a s**thouse, and coquelin is a string that he isn’t tough enough. Any game i seen coquelin in he has been both aggresive and strong. Also he makes better choices and doesn’t lose his cool as easy.
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I actually prefer coquelin to frimpong. He was pure class against the scum and makes less mistakes than frimpong, as well as having a cool head.
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Play both frimmy and le coq with song alongside djourou. kos and vermaelen as full backs. play arshavin behind park with benayoun and rosicky as wide midfielders.
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Play rosicky there instead.
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not convinced by Pingpong. He lost the ball twice in the last game, which made us concede one of them. Think it was Bolton.
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Afterour draw last night, we have to get defence sorted, as against good striking opposition, we will fall short and may battle to score if they have a tight defence, like Marseillie did.
Got to get Samba in Jan., as well as Hazard up front and Montelivo, M’Villa in midfield. Then we will be sorted. Santos leaves channel open when he attacks and needs to get back to defend or stay out of attacking area and let strikers do damage.
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