Ten things we learned from Arsenal’s brilliant comeback at Reading
Ten thoughts on the Madness at the Madejski Stadium by Twig
1 Arsenal could have lost the game: On another day we would have lost the game 3-4. Indeed, after Martinez took that last goal-kick, I had thought the referee would call an end to proceedings. How 4 minutes of added on time ended up being 6 minutes we may never know. And again after Reading scored their fifth, Arsenal looked to be in danger of being knocked out. At that moment the game could have gone either way. I thought we would witness another Birmingham-like collapse but thankfully we held on for a victory.
2 Walcott has what it takes for the Arsenal Central Role: Wenger played Walcott more centrally in the game against Reading and he proved he just could deliver in that position. He scored three goals with two assists along the way. He scored important goals at crucial moments on the 45th, 90th and 120th minute to effectively give the game to Arsenal. He was a menace throughout the game and gave the Reading defenders a tough time. Impressive performance.
3 Arshavin’s still got it: What a drive by Arshavin! The way he seared into the heart of the Reading defence was jaw-dropping. He was full of energy and was helpful on the counterattack. Arshavin, Walcott and Eisfeld gave Arsenal a lot of pace which were lacking in recent games. It has to be mentioned though that Arshavin didn’t have a particularly impressive first half, which could be said of the whole team anyway, but even then, it seemed as if he could invent something out of nothing.
4 Eisfeld is the next big thing: Why does Wenger seem to accelerate Gnabry’s progression to the first team while keeping Eisfeld in the reserves? I do not know. Eisfeld is at least two years older and would have a bit more experience. He was quick and pacy and helped carry the ball from the defence to the attack. His introduction, along with Giroud, helped turn the game in our favour.The lad has got goals in him too.
5 Koscielny could have seen red: The referee was clearly lenient with Koscielny and could have just been sent off after picking up a yellow card earlier in the game. Even though he scored an own goal, he recovered impressively to score Arsenal’s third. (He seems to have developed a habit of scoring own goals but getting one back at the other end of the pitch!) He virtually drove the team from the back making many key interceptions. I feel he gave one of his best Arsenal performances.
6 Chamakh could still have a future with Arsenal: Chamakh gave a brilliant forward’s display and were it not for the mercurial performances of Arshavin and Walcott might have got the man-of-the-match award. This was not the old back-passing, goal-shy Chamakh that we are so used to. If he continues this way, he might give Podolski and Giroud some serious competition.
7 Giroud, Chamakh and Walcott can lead Arsenal: It seemed the attacking trident of Giroud, Chamakh and Walcott might just be the working formula for Arsenal. It is a combination of strength and pace and got Arsenal six goals yesterday night. Has Arsene finally found the best attacking combination for Arsenal? Would this make us shift from the old and very predictable 4-3-3 formation?
8 The game could have ended in big controversy: Walcott scored Arsenal’s equalizing goal on the 96th minute, but the linesman didn’t spot it. It had to take a Jenkinson follow-up to ensure that the goal stood. You wonder what would have happened had Jenkinson missed the target with that effort? It would surely have intensified the calls for goal-line technology to be introduced into football.
9 Jenkinson gave his biggest performance in an Arsenal Jersey: The lad had stood in admirably for Sagna while he was injured with several eye-catching displays. But on that night he gave us his biggest performance for Arsenal. Sagna has lots of experience and is a classy defender, but should he decide to move, or fail to shake off his injury woes, Arsenal have found a ready and able replacement in Jenkinson.
10 Arsenal can challenge this season: I believe Arsenal can challenge this season. The 7-5 victory would be a major boost and would surely rub off on the other members of the first team who didn’t play yesterday. The defence was awful but there was a lot to cheer when Arsenal went forward. Many players – Arshavin for example – provide Arsene with powerful weapons and he just has to find out how (and when) to use and motivate them to help the team. Our midfield is rich and our defence looks far stronger than it has ever been in recent years. If only Arsene can sort out the attack and get the formation right, I believe our seven-year wait for a trophy – any trophy – might just end this season.
by Twig
When do you guys think eisfield will get his chanse?
Top Gooner!. Agree or not?:
87 
2
Hidden due to low comment rating. Click here to see.
Out of tune?. Like or Dislike:
28 
84
Hidden due to low comment rating. Click here to see.
Out of tune?. Like or Dislike:
20 
64
People seem forget that reading is not a good team……Lets not get carried away..
Top Gooner!. Agree or not?:
48 
11
really dude.
we got 5 goals conceded. defence useless. chamakh was not in the game for the first 90 minutes. he must leave. Still.
Walcott was excelent. Eisfeld with wilshere is arsenals future middlefield.
Koscielny is nowhere near lasts season performances.
Keep arshavin. So much better than gervinho and podolski
Opinions divided. What do you think?
62 
60
Eisfeld:too good for the reserves
Walcott: give him the chance in the middle, and sign da tinggg!!!
Arshavin: still got the magic
Chamakh: still got an arsenal future?
Jenkinson: future england and world class right back
Top Gooner!. Agree or not?:
122 
5
great result in the end last night but for me the real heroes are all the gooners there who sang there hearts out all night they more then anyone deserve the credit
Top Gooner!. Agree or not?:
113 
5
7-5 enough said
Top Gooner!. Agree or not?:
42 
1
Calm down…I remember this same excitement and optimism when we beat Barcelona 2..1 even Adam Kemp was all full of hope and what happen after ???.
Lets back the team but let’s not go overboard or the team will start to be over confident and then become complacent.
Top Gooner!. Agree or not?:
63 
6
bradford next round
Top Gooner!. Agree or not?:
70 
3
@landi
hopefully he get his chances….
but unfortunately many fans doesnt seem to think so…they listen to the media reccomendation and prefer Wenger to spend spend and spend……and bringing in popular names…
Top Gooner!. Agree or not?:
25 
2
Should be a least in the semi final with that draw and then we should be going all out to win it
Top Gooner!. Agree or not?:
36 
0
Hidden due to low comment rating. Click here to see.
Out of tune?. Like or Dislike:
7 
37
EVERYTHING THING THAT COULD GO RIGHT TONIGHT WENT RIGHT (CAPITAL ONE CUP)
Top Gooner!. Agree or not?:
30 
3
@Hafiz Rahman
I hope you joking you want our only other right back to go out on loan and leave just sagna who has broken his leg twice in a year?? im glad you not managing our club haha!
Top Gooner!. Agree or not?:
52 
3
Hidden due to low comment rating. Click here to see.
Out of tune?. Like or Dislike:
4 
48
We will play against Bradford. Away fixtures are dangerous. This is our chance to win the cup.
Top Gooner!. Agree or not?:
34 
0
what simpleton wrote this. Kos had his best game???? are you having a giraffe. Chamack has a future????? in the championship maybe. Get a grip for fuc sake if the ref blew when he should have this would have been a disaster. One things for sure that we learned is walcott should get a go with Giroud up front.FACT. Serious comeback though COYG
Top Gooner!. Agree or not?:
36 
17
YESSSSS WE GOT BRADFORRDD!!!! thank god we got the weakest team left in the competition, hopefully we’ll make it easier for ourselves
Top Gooner!. Agree or not?:
17 
1
Creampie!!!!!
Top Gooner!. Agree or not?:
12 
0
gibbs is injury prone we need a solid left back ! ! please break the bank to sign leighton baines ! yes hes not a big name but he is solid Rock solid in defense , going forward and getting back into position !
Opinions divided. What do you think?
15 
11
We play Bradford away does anyone know when though and ur predictions? Told my friend if we win and Chelsea get knocked out ill run around my block singing god is great
Rate this comment:
9 
2
‘typical arsenal, we win one game, true we showed great spirit but after one result all deadwood are now quality. soon will say squilachi is world class then after we get dissapointed again.
Top Gooner!. Agree or not?:
32 
5
@Laurentkboi
Ties are played 11th-12th december
Rate this comment:
5 
0
@galen
I agree chamack is still useless as is squillaci and djourou. Thumbs down all you like but those players would be nowhere near chelsea,city or united!
Top Gooner!. Agree or not?:
33 
11
@Admin: Seems you’ve got viruses on your servers? I’ve been getting virus alerts
(ADMIN COMMENT – Should all be fixed now. Clear your browsing history and try again mate)
Top Gooner!. Agree or not?:
20 
2
Arsenal to play bradford at december 10.
Rate this comment:
3 
2
I’ve been getting virus alerts as well o_O
Rate this comment:
5 
0
Hidden due to low comment rating. Click here to see.
Out of tune?. Like or Dislike:
2 
23
Wow- thats the most rose-tinted view of the game its humanly possible to see.
Fab credit to the guys, and particularly Wenger for turning it around. But have to disagree – Chemack in particular!
Walcott – put in leadership performance, motivated from the front, we need to keep him, we was exceptionally composed in-front of goal. Impressive
Giroud – was best substitute, really turned things around, and looked hungry
Chemack – is still crap, sorry guys, but he is, he looked shocked when his own shot went in. And do you remember his first shot, a simple tap back to the keeper. I don’t why his lost it but he has, and need to look for big replacement.
Archavin – I hope we keep him. His a great sub option, his not afraid of big games. He will always make mistakes, but at same time he will always try something, and he’s got goals in I’m.
Cocqorin – whats the big deal about him – I dont see anything special?
Keeper – had a shocker – but he will learn massive amounts from having the experience.
Miguel – his a bit crap. And his fitness seems to be lower than other players (Ive notced that in every game his played for goobers).
With Chelsea – as only big team left in competition – be nice win the damn thing!
Opinions divided. What do you think?
16 
9
fans got to be realistic this is not Fifa 2012
Signing Baines will only deter Gibbs development….
if Glichey was still at Arsenal how many times did you think Gibbs would play??
i do not think Baines would like to warm the bench for lengthy periods as well….or vice versa
all you need is Gibbs to stay fully fit for one season and Baines will be looking to leave….or vice versa
Rate this comment:
6 
4
ManU out of the Capcup, I wonder what RVP must be thinking now?..
Top Gooner!. Agree or not?:
14 
0
@Hafiz Rahman
Who is sayin sign 5 or 6 players? every top side needs two players for every position also jenkinson is young and still learning he will have no problem being second choice to sagna for a season or two plus we are in 4 competitions he will play alot.
Rate this comment:
8 
0
Errr bud forget about Reading match, I think we will really learn 10 things about Arsenal on Saturday against the Manure with last year result in mind!
Opinions divided. What do you think?
10 
2
Do you know what was best and amazing to se with today and yesterday Hahahaha,its was two things
Frist It was no doubt was when Chamakh Did the last goal and mr wenger did a Drogba did when Papiss Cissé goal against chelsea mr wenger shook his head,he thought it was not true
The second was today:It was between Chelsea and Man U,hhhhahhahahaha,It was when eden hazard would come in hahaha Sir Alex looked very nervous He thought surely shit now it’s over for us,and Hazard proved also what he can
Rate this comment:
7 
2
@jk
Jenkinson is still young and learning ..thats why i say he should go on a season loan…
he can improve even further by playing regular football
if Sagna does not get a majory injury his chances of playing are extremely limited……
can you imagine how good he will become if he get a full season of at least 32 games out of 38 league matches???
the same goes to Ramsay…
Wilshere went to Bolton instead of warming the bench and taking his chances and waiting for aplayer to get injured…played games and came back a better player….
Rate this comment:
2 
8
sorry it was three things ,
The third was when Arsenal fans sing shalalala shalalalala Djouru shalalala shallalalala Djourou,and Johan Djourou thought they sang his name but he came on quickly that they did not sing for him
Rate this comment:
1 
0
I wonder how different the critiques of Chamakh’s opinions would be were he an English player.
I say this because he scored very early arriving in England.. he was always marginalized by the media.
Champions League record holder for goals in consecutive CL matches (6 in a row).
One of the most under-rated players in England and at Arsenal (amongst the fans).
Terrific striker… my “opinion” has always been this since his days in France.
Top Gooner!. Agree or not?:
14 
0
Nothing to say about Walcott. No need to repeat the obvious.
Djourou is finished in my opinion, better to have Miquel moved back to CB to partner Koscielny and have Maede or Yennaris as LB.
Arshavin is most effective when playing as a CAM, he created lots of chances when shifted to that position. And he can still sprint like hell until the final moment of the game. He really deserves more playing time.
It’s good that Chamakh finally ended his draught by scoring two goals in such a night, but don’t be too optimistic about him. Despite the two goals and the assist for Walcott’s late equaliser. He lost most of the battles both in the air and on the ground, and his passing always got intercepted. He even hesistated to take a shot for his first goal.
Giroud’s introduction literally changed the tide of the game. I believe we’ll see a lot more coming from him.
Coquelin was full of spirit the whole game, especially after Frimpong was taken off. I actually think loaning him out for one or at least half a season will have some amazing outcome.
Rate this comment:
5 
0
@Zgooner
yeah i concur…theres always double standards for English players..
if Ramsay was English his critiques would be diff tooo….
Rate this comment:
6 
0
Evening gooners!
its my birthday on saturday so lets hope for a positive win vs United.
Theo Giroud Podolski will cause united problems have have been shakey at the back at old trafford this season!
Come on you reds!
Rate this comment:
4 
0
Just to provoke a certain short visioned type of football followers…. Johan Djourou is an excellent defender.. also an under-rated player (there are many clubs that would love his services and he WILL shine – just watch him play for Switzerland and you’ll realize it).
Some fans have such short memories… but Kosc Djourou in the middle clicked really well at two seasons ago.
Most of Djourou’s mistakes ( of course every player makes mistakes – even Zidane and Messi ) Well most if not all his mistakes is when he is played out of position on the right.
Watch the opinion of fans change 180degree if he scores a header this season.
No More Knee Jerk Supporting.
No More Arsenal Player Bashing.
One more for the future: Martinez is gonna be an amazing goalkeeper.
Slowly but surely. Arsene Wenger style.
Opinions divided. What do you think?
9 
6
@hafiz rahman
so are you saying sagna will play capital one cup,champions league and fa cup.you think he is a robot?come on get real and talk like you are not a 5 year old. we need 2 players in every position simple
Top Gooner!. Agree or not?:
11 
0
First half was really crap apart from the Walcott goal. That and possibly Wenger’s half-time talk I believe is what brought the sudden surge in the second half. From this game and some previous games, if Arsenal were to start off slow and making a lot of pulling backs, sloppy passing of the ball and not penetrating the opposition defense with shooting chances at the goal, they tend to be rather languid and spiritless. Once something like what Walcott did by scoring the goal b4 half-time, then they really start to wake up. Thus we need more of that from the start to really rally the whole team to attack more and up the tempo of the game. This is how the team of Henry, Pires, Bergkamp, Viera, Ljungberg era used to play which brought about the Invincible Team of Arsenal. I’m sure we have the players of the current crop to do that – Carzola, Walcott, Podolski, Arshavin, Wilshere, Sagna, Arteta, Gibbs, Rosicky, Oxlade as well as the others.
Important thing is to push forward and play confidently with self-belief in the whole team.
Rate this comment:
4 
0
Reading brought on themselves with all there time wasting tactics like bringing on subs in the 93rd Minuit.
Rate this comment:
1 
0
All But #7 is Correct about ur article…
Rate this comment:
1 
0
IMO Eisfeld is already better than Ramsey. He’s very sharp and his movements allow him to receive the ball in areas where it is safe for him to turn and look up. In other words he creates more space to protect the ball than Ramsey. You can already see that the young German has an eye for offence and goals. He would make a great number 2 behind Cazorla. The kid’s technical ability is a joy to watch and it alwyas makes me think his 400K purchase was a HUGE steal. Thank God fans that were screaming for Gotze’s name have forgotten him as quickly as they embraced him. This is why Wenger is one of the best coaches in the world. He sees potential where others see risk and he sees risk where others see potential. Sometimes it can work against Wenger’s favour, but how many average players has he made great under his tutelage?
I find it funny how fans that were calling for Chamakh’s head are now the same ones cheering his name. Boy, this game has some fickle fans. In Jan, the same fans would want him gone. I’ve always defended Chamakh as a player due to his love for Arsenal. He shares the same love as we do, so we should respect him for this. I was so happy for him to score a couple of goals, which is rewarding for his hard work in training. Good on you Chamakh, ignore the haters and keep your head high!
@Hafiz-Rahman
I’m not sure whether Jenkinson on loan is such a bright idea. His form is more than good enough to start in our 11 so I don’t see how he would benefit from a loan deal. Sagna can’t play every game and we have to remember that he is 29. Jenkinson needs as much time as possible under Sagna to learn and improve. I think he’s a quality backup, adding depth to Arsenal. If we loaned him out then we need to promote someone like Yennaris to cover. I’d rather see Yennaris go out on loan to gain more first team experience.
Rate this comment:
8 
1
Just throwing this out there…
If I were Wenger I would counter Barcelona offer for Neymar of 32 for like 35 mil.
He would spark our attack every time.
Can score, dribble, pass and is young, not to mention he is a starter for Brazil.
Imagine the link up play between the likes of Cazorla and him. Dangerous.
Rate this comment:
7 
1
Eisfeld seems than Gnabry technically but I think he needs to bulk up a bit.
Rate this comment:
1 
0
It is not Wenger’s half time talk.. He always talks half time and it seldomly worked! I think as pathetic as the first half was! Substitutions made sense, for once Arsene took out passengers and confused ones no matter what position they were playing.. Frimpong was outta shape couldn’t cover for the full backs, Miguel couldn’t safe himself played outta position again and don’t get me started young Martinez. Jason Roberts was smelling blood from the first minute. Gnabry another youngster who was surprised because of the huge responsibility he had. There no Arteta to cover him and Cozorla to direct him…. Giroud eistfield and other youngsters were all superb and allowed other players to play.. Great fight back… I gotta admit It one of most difficult 45 minutes in my arsenal life….. I still don’t believe it we won. I can finally forget New Castle 4:4z
Rate this comment:
3 
1
HEY GUNNERS CAN YOU SMELL WHAT ARSENAL IS COOKING…..A FIRST TROPHY
Rate this comment:
3 
1
Eisfeld seems better than Gnabry technically but I think he needs to bulk up a bit.
Rate this comment:
1 
1
for me when Thomas eisfeld came on..francis coquelin finally new what his job was..and they both reminded me of how fabregas and flamini ran ac milan
Rate this comment:
2 
1
@Gunneringeverlife
I think you haven’t seen enough of Gnabry to make such presumptions. I actually disagree. Eisfeld is more a cAM and Gnabry a winger. Both their games are different, but Gnabry is worth more than Eisfeld by a long way. Remember he is only 17 and younger than Eisfeld. Wenger knows exactly who is ready or not because he works with them everyday. Eisfeld doesn’t have the same one on one capabilities as Gnabry, but I believe he has better vision. More the reason why they play their respective positions. Comparing the 2 is slightly unfair as they have different attributes.
Rate this comment:
4 
4
To digress, now that we have been handed Bradford, I expect a win which ever the team we put forth.
Who will be our semi final opponents? The Gods have given us a second shot at League cup victory this year. Like Wenger, I dont really value the cup soooooooo much but it will do us alot of good if we win it particulary since it comes in Feb when confidence of the team is needed for the Premier league home stretch.
Rate this comment:
1 
1
How can this writer say the defence looks settled when we just shipped 5 against a shit team. If we had that same first half against any side with decent quality, we would have got spanked.
Rate this comment:
2 
0
@S.H. Yeah I agree comparing them is bit unfair,and I think Gnabry would eventually become a striker,not an out and out striker but like Bergkamp,Del Piero etc,deep striker,Eisfeld has something that even some of our first team players,that calmness and composure while playing,Ramsey and Gervinho lack it.
Rate this comment:
4 
1
We should have a go at the capital cup,it will be give us lot of confidence and end our infamous trophy drought,league title challenge seems out of question now,our aim should be to qualify for the champions league,try to win f.a. cup and capital one cup and maybe with a bit of luck go as far as we can in the champions league.
Rate this comment:
1 
0
@Gunneringeverlife I think you don’t know what you are saying. Gnabry is neva better than Eisfield. Eisfield is way mile better than him.
Watch the preseason you will know that Eisfield is better, but typical of every coach, there are players you prefer to other and Eisfeld will always be seen as a Dortmond youth product while Gnabry is our own product, so why not promote yours.
That was how Wenger gave Ramsey chance b4 Wilshere and I told people dat Wilshere is better.
Gnabry is good but Eisfield is more experience and currently better.
Rate this comment:
5 
0
Agree with everything you said except you last point. We will not challenge this season for a few reasons.
1.) We played Reading, not Man United/Chelsea/City
2.) Reading put 5 GOALS past us.
3.) Before this game we suffered back to back defeats against Norwich (terrible team who got thumped recently by Liverpool) and Shalke. We also scraped a win against QPR, another terrible team.
If we beat United on Saturday then hell yes I will say we have a chance at titles. But until we can beat the big boys I would not give my hopes up. It is the games against teams like Norwich that make or break title contenders. If we draw against teams like United, its good enough, but teams like Norwich we MUST beat. There is no excuse.
Did anyone watch last nights game? What a game, but both Chelsea and United have weak links in defense which we need to expose and exploit come Saturday. I do not believe United are impossible to beat, with the right squad I think we can scrape a win, but ultimate victory I think will be determined on how well our defense holds up. TV5 for LB as Nani will demolish Santos. The Boss and Merts CB, Sagna RB.
Rate this comment:
3 
0
@S.H I agree. Eisfeld looks far more composed on the ball and would use him over Ramsey any day. Regarding Chamakh, I am also very happy for him. But those goals were LONG overdue and my opinion about him will only start to change when he does that on a regular basis. Consistency is the key here.
Rate this comment:
2 
0
@Johnny Wanna I said Eisfeld is better than Gnabry.
Rate this comment:
1 
0
@Ned
I wrote pretty much the same thing the other day and you slated me saying i wasn’t a true gooner. Grow up
Rate this comment:
0 
0
things we learnt…
1. travelling arsenal fans are the 12th man
2. eisfeld is quality
3. arshavin has got more energy
4. walcott looks a deadly striker
5. quicker and forward passes create chances
ps chamack is still useless…how many people were calling for him to be taken off before he scored?
Rate this comment:
0 
0
@machine gunner: Hey, I wasn’t referring to the defence that played on Tuesday, I am referring to the defence of the first team. How many teams have the quality in defence that we have: Mertasacker, Vermalaen, Gibbs, Jenkinson, Sagna and Koscielny? Surely, this is the best defensive lineup we’ve had in some time?
Rate this comment:
0 
0
@Big Gun
Good point. I agree consistency is key. Do remember that RVP was in such scintillating form that Wenger had no choice but to bench Chamakh. When a player lacks time, confidence drops and match sharpness also follows. He did score many goals when he first started, when we were all screaming for MORE SIZE. Above all, for the good of Arsenal, albeit a fan of the Moroccan, I’ll be sad to see him go if we sell him, but if we can get more quality, I’m all for it.
Rate this comment:
0 
0
Chamakh, I though you were making a good accessment there up until you mentioned “Chamakh”! You claim he still has a future… You claim he had a good game. He done nothing for us, astutely NOTHING! Yes, yes apart from the 2 goals he scored!! They don’t count, he couldn’t hold the ball up, he couldn’t pass a simple 5 yards, he never won a header, he wasn’t sharp. Also may I add he earns a cool £60000 a week… Yes that is SIXITY THOUSAND PER WEEK! You tell me that he is worst that a week and I’ll book you straight in to your local gp to get your head sorted.
Rant over and hopefully Chamakh’s career!
Rate this comment:
1 
2
why do we always berate our future stars before they come good, & why do we always underestimate our opposition?
Rate this comment:
1 
0
Don’t make too much conclusion from a game with Reading! Draw more conclusions from games with Man City & Chelsea. To me, I’m happy at 4th place to beat Spurs (not easy; they are pretty good this season!). Higher than that would be a bonus. I’m happy for the win but will be truly excited if we can beat Man U this weekend!
Rate this comment:
0 
0
Wao! Little Eisfeld introduction brought stability in the midfield, while Giroud came in with presence and confidence in the team.my accolade goes to Theo and Arshavin,and exceptional performance from young coquelin.
Rate this comment:
0 
1
this is only reading, with the line up that stood there on the pitch it shold have ended with 7-0 not 7-5, glad for victory but not with the way
THEO TO THE STARTING LINEUP!!! AND GIVE HIM THOSE DAMN 100k!!!
Rate this comment:
1 
0
Chamak is too critized. Hope he canes good and surprise everyone.
Rate this comment:
0 
0
this game really was a hell of a thriller, but lets keep our heads level. 1 game against an average team in a cup match isn’t going to tell us the full story.
i bring up the fact that it’s a cup match because the mentality in cup matches and league matches are very different. In cup matches its always a now or never situation, while it does give more pressure to the players in most cases, it also means that there will be nothing else to lose if you are already losing the match. That’s what happened to Arsenal after 1/2 time.
Against a side they should definitely not lose to, Arsenal was desperate to win. This gave them the right mentality to convert ambition into reality, giving us a winner.
But then again, Arsenal’s problem was never quality of skill or tactics, it’s always the mentality and confidence.
To say that a trident of Chamakh Giroud and Walcott can work after only 1 match, especially in this occasion, is definitely fooling ourselves.
1st Chamakh needs more games to prove he still is the man he once was when he came.
2nd we need a slight change in formation to start scoring more.
we really should play a VERY aggressive 4231, that looks almost like 424 while attacking.
the line up would be like this :
GK
Sagna Mert TV Gibbs
arteta
OX/Ramsey Cazorla Wilshere/Podolski
Giroud
Walcott
Back 4 with arteta functions similarily as we see now. Cazorla and arteta connects well, so keep them together.
and since both of them can win the ball in different ways, why not let them play closer to each other to compensate for the lack of strength with more passing options?
On the right we have Ox who can push forward as well as defend relatively well. He also has the ability to create something from several positions through dribbling. Ramsey can take a similar role when Ox is out, but i think most of us would say he’s a better sub than a starter.
Wilshere on Left does similar things but with the additional ability to make plays as he has better vision.
so he can bring drive in from the left to the centre sooner than if girvinho plays wide on the wing, giving us more chances in the centre, over chances on the right or left of the box, which will result in crosses we can’t head in.
Podolski can either sub on or start for a rotation for a very different effect as he likes to play wider that wilshere. Podolski’s powerful shots can also give us a different option against the really physical and defensive teams. If Wilshere or cazorla has difficulty dribbling through, Podolski’s shots from outside will be lethal. even if it doesn’t score, it will definitely hit hard and bounce off causing havoc in the box to scramble, which will in turn give walcott that room he needs to run.
Giroud can play the False 9 role and mainly to 1 2 with Cazorla or Wilshere to drive further in, while walcott pushes runs between the opponents defense and wait for the poach goal or through ball.
if it still doesn’t get in the back of the net we still have giroud to kill off lose ball with his head around the box, or arteta to go for a long shot from outside the box, or take possession again, pass back and rebuild.
we should avoid the usual connection from out wide with gibbs and sagna overlapping,since our aerial crosses aren’t the most spectacular and we only have 1 real tall man in the box who doesn’t seem to shoot well with more than 2 guys on him. But for quick counters, Gibbs and Sagna overlap and dribble is a must as we have seen in several occassions.
what we have is a lot of pace, energy, and passing skills so we should play more counter attack and less meaningless possession.
Rate this comment:
0 
0
11) Worst defence in PL
13) Beating, or close to being beaten by, a bottom team in the table this way is nothing to crow about
Rate this comment:
0 
0