Arsenal Banter Archive January 18 2015

18 Jan 2015 23:45:49
Still buzzing by the way we played.

We had 35% possession, our lowest in 12 years (apparently).

Most disciplined I have seen us play.

Bellerin and Monreal did not bomb forward, apart from when Monreal won the penalty.

Le Coq made a huge difference.
He sat in front of the back 4 and protected them.
In fact, he did not get forward much, but moved from left to right in front of the defence, always protecting left back, right back and the 2 Centre halves.

This kid's got a big future.

18 Jan 2015 23:59:17
I'm worried he will drop the coq blocker for flamini soon. Our manager can be unpredictable at times. However funny isn't it. Not long ago he was playing on loan at Charlton now he's slotted into potentially a huge player for us

The penny seems to of finally dropped dags. Don't what has made it happen but its nice to see. Was like watching atletico madrid

I'm more worried Arsene might drop Monreal, Gibbs Ozil Jack must all have watched yesterday's game and thought " how do I get into that team" apoosed to thinking when I'm back in the team.
That has to be good

There is no way he would do that, he has defo moved ahead of flamini in playing order, else the prof wldnt have started him in such a big game having flamini fit. Areteta I am not so sure because wenger belives him to be more technical.

19 Jan 2015 09:43:58
Really impressed by the team's performance yesterday - that is the way we should approach all games. City were awful but it was good to see the likes of Le Coq maturing after multiple loans. He is definitely above Flamini at the moment and I hope he kicks on to be our midfield anchor.

Multiple players available in the same position can only be a good thing. At the current rate, there is absolutely no way I can see Santi being dropped for Ozil. He may get taken off at 70 to give him a bit of a breather but he seems to be running the games with Alexis.

We are a bit light in the CB position, so if we can get one in, even to cover us until the summer, it would be great.

19 Jan 2015 21:39:58
Only problem is, le Coq's contract is up in June. Could be losing him on a free.

18 Jan 2015 22:30:32
18/01/2015
The day groundhog day finally ended
Emotional to say the least

18 Jan 2015 23:51:22
Just got to keep it going for the rest of the season mate.

Happy groundhog day finally ended day. The card is in the post.

19 Jan 2015 00:33:03
Let's hope we can do the same against chelski, that really would be a fantastic result for us, we may not of challenged for the title but at least if we end the season well we know we can beat the big boys when we switch tactics a little which will make our title challenge that little more interesting, as long as we strengthen in the up and coming transfer windows.

Still buzzing though, I keep watching the highlights haha

I wish the chavs fixture was next weekend Essex mate apposed to hoping its cancelled because of a waterlog pitch and floodlight failure.
After yesterday I feel we can give them a real game as worthy opponents, winning would be brilliant but truly competing as equals will be enough to make me proud mate

18 Jan 2015 21:46:08
Well, I never expected that.

Has Ospina conceded yet?
I always feel more confident when Kos plays. Top player.

Le Coq? Keep doing what you were doing Son, very good game.

Santi was immense. Threat going forward and did a lot of defensive duties.

Thought Giroud played well, held the line well and took his goal very well.

Credit to Wenger.
He played the sort of game I didn't think we could play.
Solid at the back, defended the back 4 and we kept a good solid shape when we didn't have the ball, making it hard for City to penetrate.

Credit to Wenger and the boys.
Chuffed to bits.

No ospina hasn't conceded yet and shcezney is upto 60 a day now.

18 Jan 2015 20:21:04
Quite amazing today, never for a moment I felt our goal threatened and this feeling hasn't been there in a while. Once they sent all their 3 strikers, I knew we wld win it and probably score more as we were outnumbering them in midfield, I am still suprised flamini missed his easiest pass which is a square pass for Giroud for 3-0.

Sanchez I felt had an unusual game, ramsey was alright I wld say on his return, hope his Ok (just cramp), And what words to describe Santi, Bellerin and Coq amazing they were, and special mention to kosc and monreal, with kosc picking up a booking in the 2nd minute of the game he ensured no rash tackles. Monreal has been slated but honestly gibbs atm doesn't warrant a starting postition at LB. Monreal defends better and creates better chances, gibbs just beats him for pace. Big shout for Giroud as well, made Kompany look a league 1 defender, with his hold up play.

For all Man City possesion they had very little threat on our goal and Ospina had very little to do which just shows how hard we worked and organised we were as whole team defensivly. We may not of played that great offensively today but we had the best chances and dug in against a good team in good form that were at Home. It was never going to be pretty win, but overall we deserved the win.

This win will give the squad huge lift in beating a top 4 team away from home that has not happened in a good while so in mentality wise it is massive aswell, the team proving to themselves more than anything that they can mix it with the big boys.

18 Jan 2015 19:07:30
Coq has earned the right today to be our DM for the remainder of the season.
I have been our absolute biggest moaner about not having a capable DM and have spent the entire season bemoaning our not buying someone in the summer for the role but Coq could well be neo.
Fantastic performances from all, obviously Carzola who is like a new 80 million signing this last 2 month's stood out most but coq answered all the big questions asked of him prior to and during the match

Agreed G62

Been really impressed with him since he came back, and today proved he's good enough to do the job against anyone. Extremely solid performance and he didn't even pick up a yellow card today!

Hes amazed everyone I think even himself.

Coq Certainly now deserves to be given a run in the team as our DM, he was our best player today on par with Cazorla. He seem to really enjoy and take pride in that defensive role he was both disciplined off the ball and intelligence with the ball.

I don't think Wenger will get another experienced DM in this window and don't see him getting one really until Flamini and Arteta leave. A CB I feel is a must though as we are still stretched number wise in that area.

18 Jan 2015 18:50:51
So. would we be happy with le coq and this bielik boy, and another defender for this transfer window?

Until the summer, yes. Then replace Flamini and Arteta with a top a class dm and our squad would look very strong.

Yup, the team is taking a nice shape, could be in the mix on several fronts. I have us looking at 3rd and deep runs in the CL and FA Cup. Still, need that one solid CB for the rotation and we are good to go.

18 Jan 2015 19:29:08
This is not a knock on Coq (he has really taken his opportunity with two hands), but I think we still need a stand out DM. Coq is great back up for a number of positions and I love his heart, but more of an able deputy than an everyday player for me.

And we need at least one top centre back. Great game today, so happy after the results yesterday.

Truth is its too soon to say. We don't and shouldn't do kneejjerk reactions, but rely on long term evidence. But we do need another dm, because arteta or flamini, would not have done what the coq did today. My suggestion would be if it is true we have agreed summer move for sneiderling, him and coq could have a bright future.

18 Jan 2015 18:38:51
That was Amzing to beat city at there place

Predictable lol

Yes its all coming back to me now, the feeling you get when you beat a top four team away. Its like meeting a long lost friend.

18 Jan 2015 21:32:16
Steve, love it.

18 Jan 2015 18:20:39
Cant see Ozil getting back into this team any time soon. Cazorla was exception once again, but we've come to expect that from him now. Coquelain was my man of the match, maybe we don't need a Cdm this window after all. Bellerin, Ramsey and Kos were also solid.

People should only get in and keep their place with performance not reputation. Also a big mistake to shoehorn players in positions not suited to them. Ramsey, ozil and caz are not wingers. If a player does not perform, give him a rest. Simples.

18 Jan 2015 18:17:09
The whole team was fantastic. Everyone played very well. Played as a team. Not going to single anyone out, I was happy with everyone. Hope we go on a nice long winning streak

18 Jan 2015 18:12:37
Just a quick question to the army of Giroud knockers,

What is his worth to our team?

18 Jan 2015 18:24:02
Goals away at Liverpool and Everton, aswell as twice v City and a fantastic strike vs Man U.

He is starting to show up in the big games.

Even Bendtner scored once in a while. I still don't think he's good enough to win us the premier league. Can't remember him doing too much else. If we had lost today and he scored would we still be cheering him on after that performance? Great team display but for me he is doing a good job holding the ball but doesn't do enough to put us on the next level.

About 10 mil, that's what he cost and that's all he's worth. Good but not great. He doesn't thrill me sorry.

He should show up a little more often. In EPL its more about strike rate than who you score against

Loving the replies,

Guys of course we want more goals from our main striker, but you still can't see it, he is the one that brings others into the game gives them the space and time, occupies quality players like Kompany to allow our more expressive players like Santi like Sanchez like ox to cause the problems. His actual goals per game ratio is actually quite good, he is more an Alan smith type player, ask any of his teammates how they valued Alan smith and they would wax-lyrical about him just as Santi did today about giroud.

Fact is we are a much better TEAM with Giroud than without.

But how good would we be with wright henry or anelka

Sorry pressed wrong button, too many brandies. How much better would we be with the above, i'm sorry it's like comparing a donkey with a thoroughbred. I still maintain he's the worst regular number 9 we have had in 18 years. I just don't rate the guy. He definately won't be getting a statue, mind you he does do a good impression. We have got to aspire to better than him to scare opponents of note.

Steve.r we should not compare to wright and Henry, let's compare him to who is available on the market now and who will fit the style and formation is playing, who is there to do that role better?

Do you think there is another Henry lurking somewhere or even a wright?

My point is giroud is a fit for the formation and the players he plays with.

Would you rather see wellbeck play the lone role? Walcott? Bring back podolski let him do it?

Honestly, I prefer welbeck, for the fear factor, I don't see walcott or pod as out and out strikers. A fit welbeck on the left sancez in the middle and a fit walcott or ox on the right, for me with what we have would be more dynamic and scarier. I rate giroud as a mid table prem striker, no more. He would be plan b.

This so called "style" got us 4th 2 seasons ago, 4th last season and we currently lie in 5th. So no offence
Shaneyd, but we can do much better with regards to our "style" which is currently not EPL winning style

Rue, none taken as it is not I who chooses the formation,

I would much prefer we play giroud and wellbeck and giroud up front together or better still sign a top class centre forward but who is available?

18 Jan 2015 18:05:37
At long last, AW gets his tactics SPOT ON, well done Arsene, credit where credit is due, just 6 points behind M City now.

At last we haven't tried to play people off the park.

Incredible result

Think its 8 points mate unless iv looked wrong

Apologies, the excitement of the win

You are correct Derby

That result did feel like 5 points though I'll give u that

18 Jan 2015 17:55:13
Congratulations Mr Wenger and the players. Been a long time since I have seen a performance like that from us. 15 mins after half time we nearly returned to our old selves but credit for getting the game under control again.

Special mention for Santi Cazorla. What a player. Ozil can sit on that bench until Cazorla hangs his boots up as far as I'm concerned. What a player. What a player!

18 Jan 2015 18:00:04
Cazorla and Coquelin were outstanding today. When I saw Coquelin screaming at the entire squad at on point after a mistake, I actually punched the air. How long have I waited to see that from a DM

Coquelin is very much underated, it seems he and Bellerin are doing what Chambers was purchased for, funny what is right under your nose isn't it

18 Jan 2015 17:44:23
The most recent poll about whether we would beat city today is exactly what I don't get about some of the people on here.

I'd say, from what I've read of late, that the majority of fans commenting on here are negative or anti-Wenger. Unless its just the negative posters posting more frequently.

But still 56% of people who voted thought we would beat city with our current squad and manager, yet still wan't a change. Doesn't make much sense to me.

Oh also, solid. So solid this performance. Great shape, coq was impressive. And santi cazorla, I cannot give enough praise for. Pretty much faultless game for him.

I think people can believe in the players without actually believing in the coach. Today was one of those days where Wenger made the right substitutions and picked the right starting 11. Doesn't heal all wounds for me though

One swallow doesn't mke a summer. Its not about great individual results, its about winning and competing in the big games regularly. Today wasnt something that is the norm, it was a massive shock. Great performance, let's hope its not a single swallow.

18 Jan 2015 16:27:46
Arsenal look disciplined so far, hopefully we'll be more dangerous in our counter attacks but we've got the first lead let's build on this.

Coquelin looks solid so far aswell.

Best 45 for year's, disaplined beyond anything I ever thought possible to see under Arsene Wenger, excuse me talking with my mouth full I'm on my 15th hat .
Well done Arsene I'm so happy I could cry, could we really be witnessing the end of groundhog day, emotional beyond words right now

18 Jan 2015 14:53:55
On the Graham V Wenger debate

Graham took an Arsenal side to Liverpool who at the time were unbeatable at Anfield, and won 2-0.

That's like us going to Barca or Real and winning 2-0. . . . no chance.

George made us much harder to beat, at the minute Wenger is making us easier to beat

18 Jan 2015 15:19:23
We also went undefeated with Wenger :)

{Ed025's Note - which is never likely to happen again..

Just as likely as George Graham managing again

{Ed025's Note - thank the lord..

A one off miracle IMO

18 Jan 2015 16:36:29
49 games is great management

You call 49 games unbeaten a one off lol lookup the dictionary my friend

18 Jan 2015 18:29:56
It probably won't happen again in the premier league as its so competitive. A Chelsea team that looked unbeatable at the start of the season could only manage about 20-25.

Juve did an unbeaten season afew year ago. So it does happen.

18 Jan 2015 18:40:46
Lol hate to say it as I think Wenger has done more for the club apart from maybe Herbert chapman but in 90-91 season graham lost 1 game so he nearly achieved invincibility

Wenger is a great manger and a shoddy coach. Graham was a shoddy manager and a great coach.

18 Jan 2015 12:04:47
Bielik is not eligible for today because he wasn't registered by Fridays deadline.

We will miss him massively lol.

Poor kid has a massive reputation to keep up already, still as long as he smiles and tries his best he will be ahead of Ozil for me already.

18 Jan 2015 14:11:46
He's barely had time to unpack his bags, and at just 17 I think he should be given a run in the reserves first.
Big reputation for such a young player, time will tell if he can live upto it.

18 Jan 2015 10:49:36
OK,

A very bold prediction, but considering they are missing Toure I am going for a 3-1 win.

Kos is getting stronger every game, Sanchez will scare the cr4p out of them and Theo will find his scoring boots today.

Sanchez, Theo and OG all with one each.

{Ed025's Note - very bold mate..

My heart says 2 1 Arsenal making everyone the happiest we've been all season.
My head says 3 1 city unfortunately

Thats me ed! I'm on a roll, so place your bets

{Ed025's Note - a draw for me 337...and that will be a good result..

Your heads talking rubbish, don't listen mate :-)

I hope so Lee I really do, been convinced all week it would be 3 1 defeat or worse even but this morning I've woken up thinking a 2 1win is possible for some reason, still feeling the effects of last night's alcohol is my only explanation ;-)

I don't know if it's because of last seasons result, but I'm not looking forward to the game today . However, if we can keep it tight defensively I think Sanchez could well be our match winner in a 1-0 win.

1:1 would be OK. Hope for sneaky 2:1 for us

Huh hum!

17 Jan 2015 23:44:38
Wenger over Graham all day long

I get a defence means - a clean sheet can't get beat but that team also had the odd awful defensive record and I would much rather watch a Wenger side than him trying to make Jensen scores goals, Hillier defend and Lampars defend. Some of those games eg cup final win over Wesnesday were horrendous

Get behind Wenger he has done wonders for the club and will deliver again - despite the inequity in wealth

How can you slag graham off, your not a true supporter, if you have an opinion like that, shame on you, George was a legend. Te he

18 Jan 2015 01:12:52
Id rather lose playing attractive football and creating lots of chances, over parking the bus and getting a point.

Hope Wenger goes for it and we play with no fear tomorrow.

18 Jan 2015 09:32:42
George's win stats 47% Vs Wenger 57% for Arsenal

Not slagging George off as he has some great stats as a player and manager but he did make us play some less than pleasing football. Effective although the stats show AW is more effective over his entire career and we all know which teams play better football.
AW has done more for the club also so saying I prefer our current manager is not too misplaced. The best result at present would be a combination of them both!

We need a baby bear because daddy bears porridge ( Arsene ) is to hot and mummy bears porridge (George) was to cold we need a new bear who can get it just right.
Georgie boy made us less entertaining than the test card in the end and Arsene has made us more vulnerable than tent in a hurricane because of his refusal to change with the times.

{Ed025's Note - you cant want someone like george though G62?...boring supporters to death...its an entertainment business as well mate..

No way Ed I hated the end of the George era so horrible to watch with nothing but DMs in the middle, as deffinately more boring than the test card to watch.
But surely that's not our only two chioces being totally negative or totally naive as we are now, there is a middle ground that is good to watch but still have a disaplined attitude that brings with it a challenge for top honours.
Both George and Arsene's ways are of the past in my opinion and not enough time has past for them to come back in fashion and be successful again

Sy4 it was said with tongue in cheek. Although I did like gg.