Chelsea Preview: The Romantic or the Pragmatist?

                 

Hello everyone, so another weekend of Premier League football comes another big match for us. This time its the League leaders Chelsea led by a truly insufferable man. There have been a lot of people, myself included, inclined to agree with the general view that Chelsea are a team stumbling over the line rather than really finishing the campaign in true title winning fashion. That may so be the case in terms of performance, but it certainly is not the case when it comes to results; they have now won there last 4 league games in a row. Whatever people say about how they are playing ; they are getting the job done, isn't that so Mourinho? Isn't that so Chelsea? Isn't that so typical?

The main story the media and pundits alike are running for this game is the fact that Wenger has not beaten Mourinho in 13 attempts, however, it's also important to remember that Mourinho, rather Chelsea, have not won all those games, as some would have you believe. Mourinho's Chelsea have only won once in league encounters at Arsenal, the last being a 0-2 win at Highbury in the 2005/06 season. This is the 5th league match between the two managers at Arsenal so it's about time we got the win. I don't generally tend to pay much attention to the stats between managers, but rather the teams as a whole, as in this case; we have a very poor record against Chelsea in recent seasons, led by Mourinho or not.

Since the 2004/05 season, we have only recorded 4 wins in League encounters, just like the record we have against United that I wrote about before the cup match at Old Trafford; it is an abysmal record and it really is time to start putting it right. Remember when it used to be the other way around? Where Chelsea couldn't beat us? Good times. I wonder why the results in these matches have completely changed? Oh something about one team moving stadium at the same time the other team brought in a billionaire Russian to fund the club. I'm sure that is all coincidence however, and that Arsenal went through that bad period of results not only against Chelsea, but a lean period overall in terms of trophies won, due to the fact there were some considerable financial restrictions placed on the club, while the other could lavishly spend on what they want. I mean surely that couldn't could be used as any sort of reasoning for Arsenal's drop off the pace? Oh right...

Anyway this game is important for many different reasons, but not for the one reason we all hoped it would be for; this is not going to have any bearing on where the title will end up at the end of the season. Chelsea, although as horrible as it sounds, will be champions. The best we can do now is put a dent in their minds, make them work that bit harder for it and delay the inevitable. We have beaten United and City in Manchester while also thrashing Liverpool at the Emirates, if we can beat Chelsea then we will put that 'Arsenal can't do it in the big games' nonsense to bed once and for all.

I think we can win this match, we are on a great run of form (albeit the performances against both Reading and Burnley were not our most fluent), and as I said above, Chelsea really seem to be stumbling to the title at this point. One of the key reasons mentioned for this was due to the fact that Mourinho hardly changed his side around throughout the season, meaning that they would inevitably tire at some point. It looks like they have, and coupled with the loss of Costa (who Mourinho has labelled as 'having a small chance', and will make a late decision on him), they do not look like the same team that started the campaign. Appearances can be deceptive however, I just hope that the win against United last week, once again, completely against the run of play, has not given them that extra spring in their step for this match.

While Chelsea are stumbling somewhat, Arsenal have been excelling. We serve not only as the complete footballing counterpoint to Chelsea, but also in terms of how our respective seasons have panned out. We stuttered through the start of the campaign, struggling not only to get points but also to put in any sort of consecutive performances of a high standard, whereas Chelsea were a team that looked far more fresh than Arsenal; winning games at ease, they had players fit and the confidence and swagger with which they began the campaign serves to prove that point. It now seems as though the tables have turned somewhat, where Arsenal are looking like the fresh team, perhaps, rather ironically, aided by the lengthy injuries to key players such as Giroud and Ozil, who were able to come back into the team fit, relaxed and fresh at such a key period.

What is the difference in the two teams so? Why are Chelsea still 10 points ahead of Arsenal before this game? The last few weeks provide that answer; they are winning games when they are not playing well. That is what separates Arsenal from Chelsea, it is what they do better than anyone, they are the most ruthless team in the league, and as much as it pains me to say it, that is why they deserve to win the league. I do think we have greatly improved in this area however, and come next season we will be ready for a sustained assault on the title.

I think we all know what to expect in this match, A well organised Chelsea team looking to defend first and score second. We will have it all to do to break them down. On his weekly piece on Arseblog, Tim Stillman made an excellent point about the fact that Mourinho will look at Arsenal's weaknesses, which will in turn force Wenger to look inward at those weaknesses in an effort to fix them; something that makes him uncomfortable. He also made the interesting point about our habit of starting matches poorly in the second half, will he look to expose that? It will, I think, be an incredibly tight match and just like the game at Stamford Bridge in October, I think will be decided by the first goal. It is so important in these matches in particular. It will force Chelsea to open up more if Arsenal get it and will force Arsenal into a dangerous game of balancing defending and attacking with the risk of being torn apart should Chelsea get it.

I think there will be very minimal, if any changes to the team, here is the team I would go with;

                         Ospina

Debuchy  Gabriel  Koscielny  Monreal

                Ramsey  Coquelin
                        Cazorla

   Sanchez                               Ozil

                        Giroud

Yes, I know this is the team that I put down almost every week, but I really like the balance. The only change I would possibly consider would be to bring in Welbeck; but the problem is, who to drop? I see a lot of people wanting that man to be Ramsey but I think we will be too open with Cazorla sitting back there against Chelsea; it has worked very well with Cazorla there, but a little cautious pragmatism added to that optimistic romanticism is the name of this game. Well, it's not really, but you get my point. I would also keep Debuchy in the team just ahead of Bellerin for that added experience and solidity. Let Debuchy do a job on Hazard, with Sanchez as added back up.


I would argue that Chelsea falter where Arsenal prosper and vice-versa. It seems that not only are the two managers, Arséne Wenger a football romantic, who thrives on fast attacking football, and José Mourinho, a football pragmatist, who prospers on direct, cautious football, destined to divide and serve as footballs own North and South Poles (except in this case, where opposites do not attract). So too are Arsenal and Chelsea football clubs; where Chelsea have almost solely relied on money pumped in from an outside benefactor, in comparison to Arsenal, who have strived to become the perfect self sufficient club; the result of which is a fantastic new stadium, the envy of every club in England (If not, why are Chelsea, Liverpool, Spurs etc. looking to upgrade?).

Almost everything about both Chelsea and Arsenal are different, the one thing they have in common, however, is that they both constantly show that there is more than one way to win a football match. It seems strange to talk about philosophical ideologies when it comes to a football match; as it really isn't a complicated game. This is simply the result of having two huge managerial personalities in the opposite dugout, and serves as a fascinating backdrop to a hugely anticipated game. Then again it could just be about me waffling on so as to fill out some sort of reasonable word count on the post. Who knows, who cares? I may be the writer, but you are the reader!

All this philosophical talk reminds me of one of my favourite Wengerisms;

'I believe the target of anything in life should be to do it so well that it becomes an art'.

Right that about does it. This is a really hard game to call, but the romantic in me says a 1-0 to the Arsenal. Let me know what your thoughts on the match in the comments, who should play, score prediction etc.

Follow me on twitter @ Cosmic__Kid

Until next time, have a good one.

Subjectively, Cosmic Kid.

Incomprehensible ramblings, semi related to the Reading victory..

Well we got there in the end; it may not have been the easiest way, but we are there and that is all that matters. I am not going to bore you all talking about the actual game at this stage as i'm sure you have all watched the match, if not live, then seen the highlights, so it would be pointless to do so. What am I going to type about? I have no idea, but let's see what comes out anyway.

First of all, I do have to mention the first goal as it was true class from our two most expensive signings. That is exactly what you pay 70 odd million for; to score the goal nobody else on the team would have scored. 

I love that picture; firstly because it highlights the complexity of the goal but secondly, and most of all, because this picture fills out space on this post so it looks like I have typed more than I have, thus giving me some kind of extra credit for typing longer, although not necessarily making interesting, valid points. Anyway, let's move on.

There were a couple of things that bothered me about the match. No not the Arsenal performance. I'll get to that. It was the reaction from so many people that Arsenal we're lucky to win. Lucky to win? That is absolute nonsense. Just because we did not win the game 4-1 does not make it fortuitous. Just because we won in extra time through a goal keeping mistake does not make it lucky. This was a cup semi final, there are no easy semi finals. 

This was the game of Reading's lives. the last time they were in an F.a cup semi final was 1927, why on earth would anyone think that this would be an easy victory for Arsenal? Yeah sure, we are the form team in the Premier League and Reading are struggling near the bottom of a division lower; but this is a one off match, anything can happen. 

I really dislike this whole pundits supporting the underdog nonsense, especially when it detracts from them giving a fair, balanced view of the game. They are paid to give their opinion on matches; but they have to be objective about it, or at least pretend to be. Arsenal had multiple opportunities in the game; the Gabriel header, Ramsey and Giroud hitting the post, the Mertesacker header; pretend for a moment that we scored two of those chances, the whole narrative would be different. It would be something like, 'Arsenal stroll to comfortable victory', 'In the end quality came through' and all that crap. Even if the circumstances from the game were the exact same apart form scoring those 2 other goals; the narrative and how people talk about the match would have been completely different. It also seems that, if it were Chelsea, they would have received more praise for winning like that, rather than a pulsating 5-1 victory, context and relativity, it seems, mean everything.

This was not Arsenal's best performance of the season, or any season for that matter, but they were comfortably the better team in the game and the complete, over the top reaction (similar to what Giroud received after the Monaco match), is both ridiculous and embarrassing in equal measure. 

Mesut Ozil alone created 9 chances in this match, which is the most in any F.a cup game this season after beating his own previously set record of 8 against Middlesbrough in the fifth round. Yet, I hardly read any mention of it at all in the mainstream media, in fact according to match reports he was largely anonymous, besides setting up Sanchez for the first goal, he did nothing. They say that it was his one moment of brilliance; but in reality the brilliance of Ozil is perhaps best summed up by his constant under the radar creating of chances, not the one 'obvious' bit of class. The fact that Ozil created 9 chances in this match, without any real mention or praise, is as much an indictment of his quality, than naming him man of the match for doing that. 

This is the norm for Ozil; after-all, how can you constantly praise someone for working at such a high level, if they are constantly at that high level? Anyway, best leave that there, we have been over this already, haven't we Paul Scholes?

As I said in the preview, I would not have started Szczesny, who once again nearly cost us dearly. It started with his now trademark poor distribution, immediately putting the team under more pressure which lead straight to the Reading goal. I have to say though, that he alone is not the only one culpable as it really was poor defending all round. First of all that cross should never have come in, and secondly, Gibbs should have dealt with the situation a lot better. However Szczesny should have easily made the save. Perhaps he is suffering from the fact that he is a goalkeeper and every big mistake will likely lead to a goal, as we saw again with Federici; after all, most goals are usually the product of poor defending but not poor goalkeeping, thus when there is a goalkeeping error it is so obvious that there is no escaping criticism. I really hope Wenger plays Ospina in the final, but I don't think he will.

None of what I have typed really matters as we are in the cup final for the second year running, and if we retain the cup, not only will we become the singular most successful team in the competition's history, Wenger will also be the most successful manager with 6 wins in modern F.a cup history,  eclipsing Ferguson's 5 at United. For the record George Ramsey managed the feat six times, with our cup final opponents, Aston Villa between 1884 and 1926. Winning the cup again would be quite the achievement for a so called 'specialist in failure'. 

Right that's enough rambling for one night; Let me know what you think in the comments.

Until next time, have a good one.

Follow me on twitter @__Cosmic Kid.

Subjectively, Cosmic Kid.

Reading Preview..

Good afternoon everybody, just a brief post today on another big game for us. As we always say, when it gets to this time of the season every match is important and none more so than today with another opportunity of booking ourselves into a cup final. It would be the second cup final in a row, not bad for a team that hadn't previously won a trophy in 8 seasons, (I hate when people say 9 years, because that gives the false impression that there were 9 seasons or 9 different occasions where we had a chance to win a trophy, when in fact there was 8). Anyway back to the game.

We are obviously on a great run of form at the moment with 8 league wins in a row and the team is confident at the moment, very confident. I think this will be our biggest challenge today; how we control our confidence and supreme favourites tag. Make no mistake about it, although Reading currently lying in 18th position in the Championship, and have not won in their last 5 championship fixtures, while also only having won once in their last 10 league matches overall, this will be a physically demanding game.

We all know the score by now; Reading will be organised very well, soak up the pressure and hit us on the break. It will be down to us to break them down so we need to start the game at a fast pace right from kick off in a similar fashion to how we started the Liverpool game, while also aggressively hunting the ball back in an effort to pressuring them into mistakes. 

We all have the memories of last seasons semi final, against Wigan, which went to penalties. That was a match in which we really struggled to get going as a team and it was only through sheer will that we won, well get to penalties on that game. Or you could thank a BFG for literally rising up to the occasion and heading the ball in for an equalizer, I think inside the last 10 minutes. (Mertesacker actually gave away that penalty as well it must be remembered, but the only that matters now is that he got the equalizer). Anyway, Wenger referred to this in his pre-match press conference;

"Last year we went to penalties against Wigan, we have learned from that and I think the urgency level will be quite high in our team"

It has become increasingly difficult to pick the starting lineup, even as a fan, as there are plenty of different and valid arguments as to which team is the best. However, the manager might see this as a chance to give Gibbs a game, or perhaps bring in Welbeck. We may also see Debuchy at right back, maybe even Callum Chambers, however, I would be surprised to see any other changes to our lineup. I think right now it is all about keeping up momentum and I think the best way to achieve that is to make the smallest amount of changes to the team as possible. This is a semi-final, giving us another chance of winning a trophy so we cannot afford to take it easy. I would go with the same lineup from the last 2 matches, including, obviously, leaving Szczesny out of the team;

                             Ospina

Bellerin  Mertesacker  Koscielny  Monreal

                  Coquelin    Ramsey
                            Cazorla

        Sanchez                               Ozil

                            Giroud

Yes, I know that Ramsey has been playing mainly wide on the right in the last 2 games, but for the sake of naming the lineup, it is easier to put it down like this. The team are so fluid and change positions so regularly anyway that it doesn't matter so much how you put  them down.

It is of course, absolutely ridiculous that this and the United- Chelsea match is kicking off only 10 minutes separately. I mean how can that happen? Surely it would make sense for both Sky and the BBC to have the matches on at different times? it just seems like another way the F.a cup is being put on the back seat as these increasingly stupid television deals are messing about fixtures all over the place. This has definitely been the worst season, and when you couple that with the fact that there has been no gratitude towards fans; it is aggressive corporate selfishness at best.

Right that about does it, enjoy the game today.

Subjectively, Cosmic Kid.

What Is It About Wenger That Polarizes Arsenal Fans So Much?

Good night or morning to you, depending on whenever you are reading this. First of all, it was nice to see Wilshere, Diaby, Arteta and Gnabry get more game time, in yesterdays 4-1 over Stoke for the under-21 side.

Its strange to think that I have just named 3 central midfielders, all vying for pretty much the same position, that are out injured at the moment and there is no real fuss about it at all, i'm not sure many clubs in the Premier League would really be able to say that. It's also nice to see Gnabry play again as he looks a real talent and unlike in previous seasons the squad depth at the moment will mean we don't have to rush him back into the first team squad. It's good to let young players quietly make their comeback.

Anyway enough rambling and to the main reason i'm writing this post. I was reading through a few other Arsenal articles, and by extension, the comments on those also. I was shocked to still read about how heated people become over the manager. What is it about Wenger that makes people vehemently defend or criticize? 

It was absolutely ridiculous the stuff I was reading, not that a particular person wanted Wenger to go or leave, but that people resorted to name calling and making fun of a person for having a particular view on the manager. I don't see how some Arsenal fans can treat other Arsenal fans like that (well 

any person, for that matter).

How does it make any particular person an idiot for having a certain view? Why is is that as soon as Arsenal lose one game we start hearing mutterings from people back and forth, having a go at each other that is only temporarily put to rest by a good run of form, although is always, quite clearly, lurking in the background waiting to explode. 

I honestly cannot understand how people can get so angry and how it polarizes them into thinking that they have to be on one side or the other. There's even names for these groups (as i'm perfectly sure you are all aware) The AKB's (Arsene Knows Best) and the WOB's (Wenger Out Brigade). It really is farcical. I am sure that these people believe that what they are saying is in the bests interests of the club, and who can say that they are wrong for having an opinion? No one. However, to categorize yourself into a certain fraction within a fan base does Arsenal no good at all; it just makes things worse.

Sure, you may like Arsene Wenger and think he has done a great job for the club; but if you cannot accept the facts that he has made errors then you are just as bad as the other 'group' who want him out. Take the start of the season for example, everybody knew we needed the centre back and of course the manager did as well, but he didn't get one. That was an absolutely ridiculous decision by Wenger; there is no defending that. Likewise with the other 'group', according to them Arsene can do no right and no matter what he does, it seems, they will never be happy with him. They also never seem to give him any sort of praise at all; for example, for so long they were complaining about not winning any trophy at all; and as soon as we won the F.a cup it was being labelled as a 'second rate' trophy). There is just no pleasing some people.

Another point I want to make is that I also can't understand how some people can be so disrespectful about the manager. I think it is quite obvious that he wants the best for the club and works extremely hard for it. Whether you like him or not, he will be regarded as an Arsenal legend in time for what he has achieved at the club and I think he deserves a bit more respect from certain fans. Why is it that past players who, whether they were useless or not, stayed loyal to Arsenal, are always fondly spoken of, yet Wenger, who has been extremely loyal, does not get this same level of respect from some fans? In brief, the point i'm making in this paragraph is not that it's wrong to want Wenger gone (far from it), it's that it's wrong not to be respectful about it, I am only speaking about a very small minority of the fan base, though (the shouting at the train station after the Stoke game kind).

So what is it about Wenger that divides fans so much? Perhaps its just that familiarity breeds contempt? Maybe its just the way that he says things and not what he is actually trying to say that puts people off? Is it the obvious, simple answer. that some people have different measures of success? Maybe it's just Social Media and modern life has affected how people think that everything becomes so much better or worse, thus splitting people so clearly?.. (While i'm on the point, I remember listening to a podcast, 'The Arsecast', on the excellent Arseblog site, quite a while ago talking about the influence of social media on football, which was really enlightening; I can't exactly remember when it was, perhaps someone can let me and everyone else know in the comments?).. However, I think while it is a mixture of everything, I believe it to be down to one reason, the one reason both have in common; and that is that they are passionate about Arsenal. After all, why would it become so heated if it wasn't?

Let me be clear, I don't have any problem with someone thinking Wenger should go or stay; I just think that for there to be such a big split in the fan base is ridiculous and for this to cause people to fight is, well, against the whole idea of supporting a club in the first place. I think it's beyond time, and (although it is quiet at the moment, we all know that we are one or two results away from that mutinous atmosphere returning), that we support the club as one entity. No separate groups or any of that nonsense, just one; that you are an Arsenal supporter. You are an Arsenal fan, that is why you are here reading this; not because you think Arsene Wenger is the best of worst thing that has happened to this club. So get over it, have your opinion and give your views, but don't call another Arsenal fan an idiot, or worse,because he thinks differently. 

Right that was a bit of a rant, anyway let me know what you think on the subject in the comments.

until next time, have a good one.

Subjectively, Cosmic Kid.

Arsenal 4-1 Liverpool; Progress is clear..

In the preview post I said at the end that I predicted a 2-1 win and described that prediction as boring and that I would take boring any day so long as its a win, well, sometimes there are matches that make you eat your own words and this match was one of them. So, let me mend my original statement to say that I would take this performance any day. This was a fantastically fluid performance by Arsenal and they fully deserved the win, perhaps even by a greater margin. 

Arsenal really came flying out, almost possessed like, with a steely determination that they would not only win this match, but also banish the demons from last season that saw us suffer a 5-1 deficit against the same opponents. We really could have been at least 2 up by the time Liverpool got their first sniff of a chance. The first chance fell to Cazorla who hit a low shot which in the end from a tight enough angle, and although it didn't really force Mignolet into making a save of note, it was a good chance nonetheless. A few minutes later however Ramsey was played through one on one with the keeper but, using his left foot he got no real power on the ball, even though it still forced Mignolet to fully stretch out to gather the ball.

There were only two moments in the match where I felt somewhat apprehensive, the first being after those first 10 to 15 minutes as Liverpool began to get a foothold in the game and created perhaps the best opening up until that point. After some nice inter play Markovic was through on goal but elected to try play Sterling in and luckily for us the pass was way off, otherwise he would only have to tap the ball in and give him the opportunity to grab the headlines for the right reasons this time. Seeing them miss that opportunity reminded me of Arsenal and the many times such an incident has occurred, much to our agony; just shoot! That was Liverpool's only real opportunity, however until Arsenal finally said they had enough of that nonsense and put 3 past them in 8 minutes.

The first goal was what 'Wengerball' is all about; Hector Bellerin, a 20 year old right back only thrown into first team action at Dortmund back in September, who on that particular day looked a nervy presence in the team, and while some may say that it was a mirror image of what the team were performing like at that time, then it can also be said that he also encapsulates Arsenals form these past few months, and indeed, the performance against Liverpool; confident, dynamic and above all, hard working. As the ball was played to him just inside the box, he sold Moreno a lovely shimmy, and probably a few other things too, cut inside and beautifully curled the ball into the bottom corner. Belerin, just like Arsenal really have come full circle; it was the perfect way to sow that. 

Mesut Ozil, another player in fantastic form, was given the ball a few yards out from the box, and before he could do anything else was completely taken out by Sakho, (even when fouling, Sakho manages to look clumsy; he can be a very good defender at times and then make some very strange decisions; quite the enigma indeed). Anyway it was a free kick and i'm sure at this point that this chap began feeling the nerves in the pit of his stomach, as it was quite obvious that Ozil would be taking this free kick. Staying true to form he dispatched the free kick so effortlessly into the goal on the keepers side. It really was perfectly executed, that perhaps, even Paul Scholes might notice it. 

Alexis Sanchez lashed in another perfect shot that, even though it was quite central, it left the keeper with no chance of saving it. I have seen a lot of people saying that he should have easily dealt with it, but I don't think so.It was just too powerful and sometimes you just have to accept that no matter what position the goal keeper is in, some shots are unstoppable. Did it remind anyone else of this goal?  Just the way it flew past the keeper into the centre made me think of it straight away. So 3-0 up at half time, perfect. When I was watching the game I didn't actually realize we scored a third until it came back from a break, as I had a dodgy stream that went off just as he scored. 

As I mentioned a few paragraphs above, there were two moments in the game where I felt somewhat anxious; the second of which was a 10 minute spell, in the second half before Liverpool got their penalty, which we can have no complaints about, apart, perhaps, the fact that Ospina probably should have done better on it. In the period before they scored the penalty we seemed to sit a little too deep and invite them on too much, but in saying that they only had one other good opportunity which was a comfortable save form an Emre Can snap shot. However, after the penalty went in, Arsenal's response was very good and began to take full control again. 

We missed a couple of good opportunities before Olivier Giroud thumped in a delicious shot. Cazorla hit the post after some nice play again, and the handsome French man himself forced Mignolet into another very good save from a header at the start of the half. Anyway what more can be said about that fourth goal? I just think that Giroud had forgotten that he hadn't yet scored and was having none of it, after he was played the ball he took a nice touch inside and then just hit the ball, with more pace than Ozil's goal and less so than Sanchez's strike, into the goal and that was it. Dare I say a classic Giroud goal now? The other incident of note in the match came a few minutes prior, when Emre Can, fed up of being made a fool of scissor tackled Welbeck from behind, rightfully got a second yellow card and that was the end of his game. Can, alongside, Gerrard and Skrtel are suspended for Liverpool's  F.a. cup quarter final replay at Ewood park, Wednesday night.

Well there isn't a lot more to be said on the game. It was a fantastic performance, one i'm sure we will all look back rather fondly on at the end of the season. City are at Palace tonight and should they fail to win then it would mean that we hold on to second place. While I think that it is a bit naive of people talking about us winning the title, I think it shows the fantastic turn around of the team this season that we are in a position where we may quite well, be the team to push Chelsea closest. 

I have also heard some people say that this is nothing new from Arsenal, that when we start poorly we always manage to turn the season around, well I think that is pure nonsense. We are playing the best football for quite some time, and look stronger than ever. Also, when is the last team we beat one of the 'big sides' 4-1? Not only that but beat both Manchester sides away from home in the same season? When is the last time we have been in a position to defend a trophy; in the 2005/06 season where we failed to retain the F.a cup after being knocked out in the fourth round at Bolton. This is good progress by Arsenal right now, lets maintain it, see where we are at the end of the season and take off from there. It always seems that the same people crying about no progress are the ones who deny progress when it happens or that no matter what the manager does, they want him out, which of course is there right; but it would be nice of fans just started to support the team as one unit in this crucial season ending period.

Right that's your lot for now, come back for more.

Follow me on twitter @__Cosmic Kid.

Have a good day.

Subjectively, Cosmic Kid.

Arsenal v Liverpool: Full Preview...

Good morning everyone. I hope we are all looking forward to the game today which, is, quite obviously, immensely important. It's great to back after another useless international break that nobody seems to like. We have had some season defining games against Liverpool in the past; think the Henry hat-trick inspired 4-2 win at Highbury, on Good Friday 2004, that ended a rather horrible week, being knocked out of both the Champions League and F.a cup, on a high note, but also look at last season and the 5-1 humiliation we suffered at Anfield, which could now be looked back upon as being the real nail in the coffin for our title aspirations. It would be rather poetic in that sense, if we were to beat Liverpool and effectively end their top 4 ambitions this season.

The early kick off today gives us a good opportunity to move into second place as Man City do not travel to Palace until Monday night and as we found out last month, it's not an easy place to go. Elsewhere I think its pretty safe to say that United will beat Villa at Old Trafford as it seems to have finally fallen into place for Van Gaal this season. Just the 8 months since the start of the season? Not bad for a tactical genius. Anyway, the most important thing is that Arsenal get the win, so lets get back to that.

We are currently 6 points ahead of Liverpool so the victory here would put clear daylight between us and them, and while I wouldn't say that it would mean that we have guaranteed a top 4 spot, it would put us very close to it. In the press conference on Thursday the manager seemed very positive about our recent run and the match; 

“We have built a level of confidence and are conscious that if we do certain things well, then we can win games. It’s a big match because Liverpool are a good side and we have an opportunity to win another big game. Recently we have shown we can do that.”

We have an excellent record against Liverpool at the Emirates, with only one loss against them in 11 games. That loss coming at the start of the 2011-12 season, when we really were a shambles. However, after losing to united last time out Liverpool will go all out for the victory today. I expect them to come out and try to press us from the start. They had, arguably, a poorer start to the season than us and their season only really got started in December, you could say with that last minute headed goal by Skrtel, against Arsenal, proving the ctalyst.

 They have really hit some form and were unbeaten in 2015 up to that loss to United. They have also taken the most points since the turn of the year, besides Arsenal, and also look good to reach the cup final, so this game really is the contest of the two form teams in the league.

As is well documented, Liverpool will be without both Gerrard and Skrtel through suspension, there is some good news for Liverpool fans however, as both Lallana and Sturridge trained and Brendan Rodgers is hopeful about there involvement today. Sterling, another player unable to play for England during the week also looks like he is fit to play. Why is it that every other club has players that mysteriously pull out of international duty, only to be back fit before Arsenal games? 

Back on the Arsenal front, it appears the only casualty from international duty is Danny Welbeck with the manager only giving him a little chance of playing. There have also been stats flying around that its apparently the first time since November 2005 that we have no first team players on the treatment table, if that's true then its incredible, isn't it? That does not, however, mean that we have a full squad to choose from as Chamberlain has been ruled out, while I also think that it is too soon to play either of the quadruple returning players in Wilshere, Debuchy, Arteta and Diaby, who all featured in a behind closed doors friendly during the week. All in all so the squad is shaping up well. Here's what I think the team will be tomorrow; 

                      Ospina

Bellerin  Gabriel  Koscielny  Monreal

              Ramsey Coquelin

                     Cazorla

Sanchez                                Ozil

                      Giroud

I think Bellerin and both Ganriel will play due to the added speed they give the team which will be vital, particularly if both Sturridge and Sterling play. It wouldn't be a shock to see Per start but I think Gabriel is better suited. The midfield 3 really speaks for itself and gives us a good balance while, especially considering Welbecks supposed injury and Chamberlains continued absence, the front 3 seems fairly obvious. This will all depend on how fit the other players are however, but I expect 'them' to make the bench at least (By 'them', I mean the 4 I mentioned above form the friendly).

Right lets hope we can do the business later, but the key stat for me is the fact that we have scored in every league and cup game at home this season, but on the other hand, Liverpool have kept 6 consecutive away clean sheets. One of the records might have to break for either to get the win. I am also very weary of the fact that Liverpool essentially need to win and coupled with the fact that Arsenal are favourites going into this game, then this might play into Liverpool's hands. We shall find out I guess.

I think this game has a draw written all over it, but being the Arsenal fan I am, I will go with a 2-1 Arsenal victory. A boring prediction, I know, but I will take it all day long! Let me know your thoughts on the game in the comments.

Right that's your lot, enjoy the game!

Subjectively, Cosmic Kid.

Mertesacker: You Need An Arguing Culture..

Hello again everyone and first off apologies for not getting around to posting anything for a while as I just didn't get the time. Thank God that international break is over, however, so we can all focus on some proper football. We have a big game against Liverpool to look forward to and if we manage to win that game we will be in a great position to not only guarantee a top 4 finish, but also, push for that second spot.

I cam across an interesting article in The Independant, where Mertesacker gave a very interesting interview about how modern football sometimes lacks an arguing culture and he also cites this as one of the primary problems with the squad last season. Anyhow, here's the crooks of what he said; 

“You need that arguing culture, “We lost that at times. It gets personal, and someone gets upset too quickly, but you have to face the truth and have a proper argument. That was normal 10 years ago and it has slightly changed.

“We lost that a bit, what is the intention of argument. It’s really important, not only in general, but in a footballer’s life.

“It has to get louder sometimes. We need to discuss, to find solutions, to get everyone in one direction. We had to think about how we can play better, especially defensively.

“We slightly changed approach and defended much better at Man City, even at Chelsea, when we lost 2-0.

“We decided to play more the easy ball, the secure ball, to not get exposed that quickly, and to drop off at times, and just be in good shape. You could see that. That was the benchmark for me, at Man City, how we played there. They couldn’t score against us.

“You learn a lot from defeats. As well, you need to learn from victories. That’s even more important, not to drop a single second.”

The big German also echoed Wengers view that a big part of why the team has been playing so well of late is down to the increasing familiarity the players now have with each other;

“Automatisms – when you know players better, especially your partner – are a big part of a footballer’s life,” he said.

“In the first 10 games, we had literally 10 different back fours, due to injuries, and we had to cope with that. It took its time. As a team, we look quite sharp defensively, not only relying on the back four. There’s more team effort, I feel.

“The post-World Cup difficulties were a new experience for the group, so it took us a long time due to injuries, lack of form.

“Everyone who was at the World Cup suffered an injury or lack of form. Now, slowly, as players come back, everyone needs to deliver and I think the selection is good at the moment.”

Arsenal are always, perhaps lazily, criticized as a team with no backbone and lacking in leadership, but I think Per shown real maturity and said all the right things here. He spoke like a real captain, in which he effectively has been with Arteta missing most of the season.

Right I will have a preview up tomorrow morning.

Subjectively, Cosmic Kid.