Arsenal Banter Archive February 19 2014

19 Feb 2014 23:52:18
If you don't believe this is Ozils fault you are deluded. We were absolutely annihilating Bayern for the first 20 mins and if we, if rubbishZil scored the penalty we would no doubt have won the game. However rubbishZil decided he would try and piss around with the best goal keeper on the planet. Wow rubbishZil where did that end up at Marseille? Against a far worse keeper and it didn't work so when rubbishZil steped up I new exactly what was next, a miss.
That miss is what has decided our champions league campaign.
I would have layed off rubbishZil for the east of the season if he scored the pen however so far he has payed back 1p of the £42 Million, I think it's important that we have a look at the money spent on this player as honestly can you say that you would have proffered Ozil over let's say Juan Mata? I think that is extremely important to think about. The effort Ozil puts on is atrocious, I mean I really havnt seen him put a tackle in yet.
I like seeing the players shouting at him, he thinks he is untouchable but he really needs to wake up and see that he needs to step up his game dramatically. I think Ballack was correct in saying he looks lost for Arsenal, he has very little impact compared to his Madrid days when they would literally do no defensive work and just out score all day, also Sami Khedira runs more than any player I can think off and I think Ozil is too used to being able to do very little defensively.

It was strange allowing Ozil to take the penalty when Cazorla is next in line usually after Arteta. Maybe it was just to give him a much needed boost to have the penalty and score he just tried to be clever with it and it backfired.

It always better just to give it a thump low and hard because even if the keeper goes the right way then chances are it will still get passed him anyway.

Anyway I don't like to crucify individual players especially in their first season, he needs a much needed rest no doubt. He has played more minutes this season for us already than he would for a full season for Madrid last year so it something he is trying to adjust to. Remember Mert. had a bad first season and now after getting to grips with the pace of the EPL and settling in with Kos he has been a tower of strength this season.

Ozil is never going to be player that gets stuck in with tackles and that so I think he should have come off for Fabianski, down to 10 men you need your battelers out on the pitch and maybe we don't have enough flamini types in the squad.

I would have for the last 20Mins brought a fresh Gnarby on for extra pace on the counter as you knew Bayern were going to play high up and really push to try a get that key 2nd killer goal

I don't understand why Podolski is not used more down the left and Cazorla play more central. I have noticed most teams are really focusing their attacks more down our left side than right because our LB gets more exposed than our RB because Carzorla does not offer the same amount of protection. Also Sagna is pretty solid defensivly and more experienced than Gibbs and Monreal.

To sum up Ozil is still class but is just struggling with the intensity and pace of EPL now after playing just about all games and like Giroud needs a rest.

Wilmslow,

You will probably get slaughtered for that post.

Not by me because I think you have raised some fair points.

Very good points raised RyanP

19 Feb 2014 23:45:05
Hi everybody,

Right, I expect to get totally slaughtered for this post, but here goes.

I have posted many times over past few weeks about Champ's League saying we are not good enough or strong enough or have a big enough squad to cope with 3 competitions, what with Walcott out for rest of the season (the one man who can make a massive difference in games like tonight) and Aaron taking 26 years to recover from a torn hamstring.

Sure, we held our own for half hour against the best team in the world, things might have been different if world class players can take a penalty the same way as a sunday league player does, ie scores, but that's life.

Again, thing's might have been different if Sczezny didn't get sent off, it was 50/50 and on another day he might has just been yellow carded like Bayern's Boateng. Again, that's life.

We go to The Allianz Arena in 3 weeks hoping to perform another miracle and secure a 2 or 3 nil
victory. can't see it happening, but we live in hope.

Sorry but my point is, we are not good enough to beat teams like Bayern and barca, as the past 4 years have proved.

To quote a battle cry from Braveheart, "That day will come, just not this day".

If you remember, I posted a few weeks ago, and got some stick from some people on here, and that's fair enough as we are all entitled to an opinion, that should we get knocked out of CL, I'm not going to cry a river because we can concentrate on Prem League and FA Cup.

These are just my opinions, and before you lambast me, these are the opinion's of a 47 year old man who has been a Gooner all his life.

If we win the Prem I would be absolutely over the moon, even an FA Cup win would fill me with joy and happy tears, but Champs League? Nah, let's leave that to the big boys shall we?

20 Feb 2014 12:22:31
A very good point Fa cup very good chance leageue good chance Champions league very slim chance.

19 Feb 2014 23:18:21
Dear Arsene,

If you'd like to beat Bayern, and you were coherent tonight for the match,

Consider: Oxlade, Gnabry and Poldi all for the return leg.

What they clearly hate is pace. Their high line was a joke.

With Poldi you lose the creativity, but again, he defends.

They exploited the right to the point Gibbs got hurt, and Nacho was thrown into the wolves. Why? Because Santi cannot defend teams w pace.

I love Cazorla. But his lack of pace made him expendable tonight when we have as many number 10s as we do.

Also, Rosicky for Oxlade? What? Slowest guy was Sanogo, what was point keeping him on when he has no pace to go at back line? And why Rosicky and not Poldi, who has pace and can shoot, or even Gnabry?

Hence we got the ball, they got it back immediately. With no pace, you crowd around and get the ball back. For example, Ozil running down the flank w the ball w three defenders around him and no pace to help him down the middle.

Arsene, time to step it up pal. You're man managing has been suspect and your lack of judgement in assembling lineups is killing our season.

Poldi and Ox on the wings and we could have routed them.

Boateng and Dante are garbage. See what happens when people play up to them. They get exposed. We could have had a few to start the match w Sanogo, Ozil and then Ox all close. That's 3 better chances than the shot Shezza saved off Kroos.

I expect to win in Munich. We can beat this team.

Now please give us a shot by putting the right 11 out there for God's sake.

Sincerely,

US Gooner

Now, that's what you call a good post.

19 Feb 2014 22:51:11
Unlucky guys u fought really well with 10 men.

WS had to go simples, although I dnt agree with the rule and just wish the refs were allowed to ref with common sense but unfortunately its not allowed.

2nd half was total domination but that was to be expected. However I feel ure pain, chin up boys ure season is far from over by any means.

Hi Chris,

Thanks mate, it takes a good man to post what you did. All the best buddy.

19 Feb 2014 22:43:11
IMO Ozil needs a mental break now and return for the Everton QF, letting him take the pen was high risk strategy that back fired ( i'm Not blaming any one ) but his heads gone and needs to get out the ring for a bit.
A belated HI Jin K mate really good to hear from you, hope alls good with you. Well apart from tonight that is mate

I'm compelled to agree with you G62

19 Feb 2014 22:28:18
I'm arsenal till I die! Arsenal till I die!
Couldn't but love the support tonight. They were a much much better team, but tonight against 11 vs 11 we were equal ( better I might say). I would have been OK if we were out of the UCL at this stage and if we go out under such circumstance I will hold my head up high.
And DG thank you for your answer. I'm from India and I don't know what is the system there, but sending a flower and such would cost me £50 which would be almost a months' salary. I am on wits end here. Here's to hoping I might someday share a lager with you boys and watch a proper game at Arsenal!

Namaste bhaisaab

Fans were tremendous

We were even when 11 on 11

They exerted dominance when we went down, to be expected

We can beat them in Munich

Cannon Balls,

My pleasure mate, we are a helpful bunch on here.

Anything for a fellow Gooner.

US Gooner thank you for wishing me that way. I'm not used to that even here. I'm from North-East India where people look more like Chinese (hence the racism) Anyway was it even? We were dominating!

I expected nothing less from DG and US Gooner though a little optimism would be welcomed from you US. Why is the glass always empty for you. I felt the glass is always half full, be it half empty even on a drought. Take it from me. I might never see these lads irl but I support them through and through.
DG i'm getting something from mutual friends about that girl. It''ll pass. here's to hoping. If Arsenal won a trophy I wouldn't mind though. Said she heard of Arsenal maybe once and she's in London. Cheers.

19 Feb 2014 22:15:20
I can understand people giving out about Ozil but he is not a winger he is a number 10. We have too many no 10 at the moment, also why did Wenger take the Ox off I think he is one of our better players with good pace which we are lacking all over the pitch.

Limerick Gunner

It doesn't matter what position he plays, he needs to show a certain amount of desire and commitment. He is no longer playing in a team or a league where he can expect someone else to do his work for him.
It's not acceptable at this level and it's not the 1st time even 1 of his team mates have pointed it out.
Chamberlain was shattered, not long back from injury either. It was sensible to take him off considering the impact he's had in the last couple of games. It was the right call by Wenger.

Add to that, he actually a lot of ground, he covered the third hisghest amount of distance in the pitch, behind only to wilshere and flamini.
It was clear to see how the penalty miss affected him soo much, and for that reason should have been taken off. But can't say he's lazy, he just plays like that.

Totally agree

We defo have too many central number 10 Types like Ozil and Cazorla that are often playing out wide just so that Wenger can fit them into the side. This makes our side a little unbalanced and I have said this for while there are simply too many ball players that come to the ball not enough willing runners especially without Walcott up top and Ramsey making runs from the middle.

It was all Hands to the pump 2nd half and Ozil for his attacking qualities is not a player suited to such a defensive situation. and would never get stuck in like Flamini Wilshire or even Rosicky to an extent. Ozil should have come off after the sending off move Carzorla more central and bring on Gnarby for Sanogo for extra pace along with the Ox .

19 Feb 2014 22:12:48
I love Kos

Hope he retires a Gunner

Right before their second, when he made the run and pushed us forward, the desire on his face

The movement and push on set pieces

There it was. total performance again

Legend

BFG and Kos, simply spectacular

100% agree

19 Feb 2014 22:02:47
Agree with the rule or don't agree with it is debatable

But Szczesney as the rule stands had to go, Roben scores if he isn't fouled, 0 1 with 11 men would have been better but in a split second who thinks that

Agreed with you, but so would we in the earlier chance. Consistency please. (spelling?)

Szczsney can't win really. But yeah, letting him score, while it sounds ludicrous, could well have been the better option, and WS could well have saved it.

Gunner
im to misrible to comment
:o(

19 Feb 2014 22:25:37
Dont agree mate. Sczezny made contact after the ball was released. Robben had already missed! And the contact wasn't malicious contact at all. Ref got it very wrong. That being the case, why did Alaba not see red for the Ozil penalty?

Agree but Szczesney is too hot headed at times and he also could be in trouble for his gesture

Limerick Gunner

Yes but the refs got to be more lenient, surely on big stages such as these they should look to keep it a spectacle as much as possible.

19 Feb 2014 21:52:23
Dear Arsene

The red card was harsh I agree, but you could have handled it better. Sanogo should have come off for Fabianski. And our 3rd sub on should have been Gnabry. When 10 men down, your best chance lies in the counter attack and that's when you get your paciest players on. Chamberlain never should have come off. I would have done better with my subs Arsene sir. Subs should have been as follows:

Gibbs for Nacho. Forced change, no argument there

sanogo for Fabianski. That would have been better

Ozil for Gnabry: would have had better impact. Given better chances on the counter attack

i hope we can pull off some magic in the 2nd leg. Because truth be told, Bayern are vulnerable at the back

disappointed but still loyal and faithful fan

Rue1025

Rue
sorry mate I don't agree, we neede pase upfront to catch um caz will never outrun anybody, he will trick his way past most.
gnabry for ozil, yes that a good shout

19 Feb 2014 21:46:30
Well I've never been so excited as I was in those first 7 or 8 minutes to so deflated seeing Mesut pick up the ball to take the penalty.

As Sy4 said it totally deflated us and the crowd, can only ever dream of what might have been now.

There is nothing to say about Mezut, he needs to ask some questions of himself.

Munich were looking like and thinking again they've done the job, we've shown what we are capable of so let's go get the third one we didn't last season.

Love to see the smiles wiped off Peps and Arjens faces.

Jenny
7 or 8 mins is a long time, lol
i didn't realise that bayarn had so much play in the first half, stats shocked me for that

19 Feb 2014 21:43:06
That sucked we really had them on the ropes and the red card killed the game and our chances. Got to say the boys fought their asses off and played with so much heart I am convinced if we play with that heart we will win the premier league and FA cup. 1-0 I feel we had a chance 2-0 so unlikely. Great job boys

19 Feb 2014 21:41:33
balls. 0-2 Loss tie all over. If only we could have held on just for 1-0 defeat would still have had a small chance.

All hands to the pump 2nd half but just could not hold out, tired minds just switched off for the killer 2nd goal.

Ozil main villain tonight with the pen miss he should have come off not Cazorla. Needs to be dropped for me.

19 Feb 2014 21:13:19
For the red card. He had no choice but to send him off, but WS had to come out and try and claim it, it was a lose lose.

Özil is really frustrating me, it seems like he's so blasé about everything he does, that might well be what makes his so good sometimes, but when your job is to track back and help defend, having a world class name doesn't mean you're exempt from your job, same goes for Cazorla.

Wilshere had a great first half and now will struggle for obvious reasons.

Fair enough it's Munich and we can't be expecting a masterful performance. But if some players don't pull their weight, the others feel it. Rosicky to come oh for Özil and things might happen otherwise a very long 35 odd minutes left.


Sorry for the pessimism, my emotions tend to better me when we are down and players are being lazy against the best team on the globe, and anyone for that matter.

19 Feb 2014 20:43:56
these sendings off are doing my bonce in, can someone explain to me how the bayern player is booked yet ozil is through on goal, yet we get a straight red

i'm questioning the consistency of referring again

he's ruined the game which was starting to look like a proper end to end game

fear for us now with 45 mins this is going to be a long long shift but come on boys let's get it done

i'll happily take a 0-0 if I have too :)

Good point. I think unless it a proper cynical foul or dangerous foul the penalty is punishment enough it just kills the game.

19 Feb 2014 20:38:19
Well we got a hard job now down to 10 men will take 0-0 after such a good start.

Why did Ozil take the penalty he is not a usual penalty taker, perhaps he wanted to score and boost confidence mind. Cazorla should have had it.

Need to play deep and use the pace of OX on counter now. I reckon say bring on Gnarby say with 20 mins to go for more pace on counter because Bayern will look to go for it now against 10

19 Feb 2014 20:30:25
Well I don't really k ow what to make of this. 2 missed penalties, and a player down all in one match. If nothing else the neutrals should enjoy it

19 Feb 2014 20:09:09
Putting good pressure on the ball and we look like we have a little more pace tonight

19 Feb 2014 20:07:21
Penalty miss has taken the wind out of our sails

Disagree.

I think we are doing really well. And Yaya, go on my son!

He is having it for only his second game. Bayern struggling with him. Come on Sanogo!

Hi G62, DG, Jenny, Goldboy, the loverly Liverpool boys, Akie, Essex, Flybo.and anyone else I have missed.

JinK

19 Feb 2014 21:10:51
Hi JK,

I really like the look of him and we so need him or the Ox to get us back on level terms right now.

Come on guys!

Agree with you here JinK, yaya has been one heck of a player these past few games, especially tonight, jut hope he doesn't go the same way as diaby.

But now, in the last 15 minutes, and Bayern dominating for the past 15, I can't see us doing anything apart from trying to keep it at 1-0 and maybe getting a few attacks on the break if we're lucky.

Hi there Jinkent,

Hope you are well mate

19 Feb 2014 20:00:17
WTF mesut no more penaltys for ya what a miss hope we don't regret that one now

19 Feb 2014 19:33:48
Can someone please enlighten me on why Sanogo is starting up front for us tonight. I honestly need to know why. I'm not joking either. Are we supposed to believe he is first choice in front of Podolski and Giroud? I really don't get it at all. DAGS help me out here mate. What's the answer.?

Clearly Wenger has no faith in Podolski as I can't see any other reason for it, and Giroud is more off the field problems rather than on it

The boy is doing just fine

It is strange Wenger just does not seem to Trust Podolski on the left and perhaps he fells he would hold up ball enough if were central.

Sanogo has not done too bad mind

Podolski plays wide left most of the time, if another striker is fit, most likely podolski won't start upfront.

Hi Golds mate,

well, I think Giroud's head is not in it, understandable I guess.

Wenger just doesn't like Podolski up front, even though he says "He is the best finisher at the club". Come to think of it, I don't think Wenger likes Podolski, full stop.

Sanogo is doing ok mate, I think he just needs a goal and than he might be ok mate.

19 Feb 2014 19:26:56
I am frigging nervous hopefully optimistic I want the Arsenal team that played Napoli the first time around let's get at them in a controlled way. Can we win this game? Of course now let's get it done.

19 Feb 2014 19:07:48
Go ya ya go sock it to them

19 Feb 2014 19:06:43
Time for Sanogo to become the next Anelka

Do work son!

Coyfg!

There's only one Sanogo US, Anelka wishes :-)

19 Feb 2014 18:47:34
Rumour has it that sanogo is starting. Tonight.

If so I Rekon that this Giroud cheating on his wife has got to him and is not in the right mind to play.

Yaya, over to you. Make us proud!

19 Feb 2014 18:14:47
Good evening all.

Massive game tonight, i'm more excited than nervous to be honest. This is why Wenger sees top four as a trophy, games like this. Spurs and Liverpool don't have the privallege of these games, and by the looks of it Man U won't next season. So even if we get beat 3-0, let's support whatever XI Wenger fields and enjoy the game.

In my opinion, we have to take a risk if we want to win. Trying to contain Bayern and hoping to get lucky on the counter or from a set piece will not do it. Man City proved that last night. I know Wenger is often accused of being ignorant when playing big teams by not adjusting formation and tactics. On this occasion he has to change it up a bit whilst trying to neutralize their threat.

Lahm, Scwheinsteiger and Goetze have to be pressured as soon as they get the ball. This is why Flam, Rosicky and Ox should all start, they have fight in them (Ramsey would be ideal). If we want to bring Ozil into the game we need Ox/Gnabry/Podolski either side of him. Mandzukic doesn't worry me too much as I confident Per and Kos can handle him. However Sagna and Gibbs need to be weary of Robben, Muller and Alaba on the counter. If Giroud gets a chance he HAS to take it. No half commiting to a cross that begs for a touch and then sticking his tounge out in dismay (He can save that for his wife).

My prediction is 2-2. Depending on what side Wenger fields it could go bad, very bad. I've got a draw as tbe last result on a sixfold accumulator so I wouldn't be too dissapointed with that.

COYG

Can anyone believe Sanogo is starting? Shocked - but let's give the lad a chance

19 Feb 2014 17:36:51
COME ON YOU GUNNERS!! SO DAMN EXCITED.

I've been nervous the past few days. Absolutely buzzing for tonight!

COME ON YOU GUNNERS!!

Yep:) COYGs:):)
worried, as normal:) but not scared like used to be!:) hahah:):) go on lads!:) i'll be growilng into my whiskies!:):P
you know - so proud of the arsenal, pure class:) and all you guys here, its a super page you all make it!):):)
COYG andi

Totally agree Andi

19 Feb 2014 13:09:14
Hi guys,
interested to hear your views on the match tonight. Realistic prediction of the scoreline, mom and where the game will be won or lost as your forecast suggests.
I'm going for a 2-1 win for Arsenal, Koscielny mom and think the game will be won in the defensive third. I think Bayern will be marginally better but hope ye get the rub of the green like Sunday. Good luck!

Reckon 2-1 to us, it will be a battle of the midfields as it always is between pep and wenger going to be watching it very closely tonight. Ozil and giroud are both due a good spell. I know ozil was better against liverpool than he has been

I'm worried as a lot of fans (including myself) are only predicting a win or a good result tonight! This is unusual territory!

We're against the current champions league champions and arguably the best team on the planet? Where are the doom mongers?

I just hope we're not all disappointed.

Hi Simonpw,

Slightly optimistic buy I'm going to go 2-0 to Arsenal, for no other reason than I have a feeling in my water, lol.

I think Ozil owes us a big game tonight and what bigger or better game to show your class than against class itself, Bayern Munich.

19 Feb 2014 10:12:04
no doubt we have big fixtures coming up, but there is plenty of resting time in between,,

Bayern 19/2 Full Side
Sunderland 22/2 Easily rest some players
Stoke 1/3 A full weeks rest, can rest some players
Everton (FA) 8/3 Full weeks rest, could field a few subs
Bayern 11/3, Should field the strongest available, the club earns a lot from progressing to quarter finals. but also depending on the result of the first leg

spurs 16/3, chelsea 22/3 not much travelling and plenty of time to rest, city 29/3 again 1 week to rest.

i can't see any reason why we can't play a strong side throughout the big matches, barring any injuries and hopefully having a fit diaby kallstrom and ramsey.

if we pick 11 points from a possible 15 to end of march, and 7 games to go all against smaller teams it doesn't look as bad as people suggest. we maybe second now but its a pretty close race,

however, April, the games come thick and fast, CL quarter final against the big boys, Madrid/Dortmund/PSG/Barcelona and possibly FA semi final against City. will the team be able to cope? will monsieur wenger rotate and use players like vermaelen and podolski?

(my head will explode)

Come on you gunners.

19 Feb 2014 10:03:51
The same attitude as Sunday tonight and Bayern are going to know are going to know they have been in a game for sure, if we can match the effort guts passion and work rate of Sunday with the football we player earlier in the season, Bayern will looking at next season for champions league glory.

Love your enthusiasm G62. It's infectious!

If we turn up and play then we are more than a match for ANYONE in the world.

Let's just hope the boys don't freeze or show too much respect.

We need to get in their faces, show them we belong and cause an upset!

And let's hope Howard Webb is tonight's referee, lol

19 Feb 2014 07:27:14
Just came on to wish you guys all the best for tonight's game.
Will be watching down the pub and giving you guy's my full support.
Hope the game is as entertaining as Sunday's. You keep a clean sheet and just for good measure slot a couple in the back of the net.
vrcomp
Y.N.W.A.

Thanks a lot mate. Hope the boys will pull the proverbial rabbit out

VRcomp, you are a true Gentleman.

18 Feb 2014 23:32:55
Eds, could we have a poll? pretty please with sugar lumps on top.

Would you like to see Mario Balotelli at Arsenal?

Thanking you in advance, whatever your decision is Eds.

{Ed001's Note - I will do that now, I was thinking of these answers:
Yes
No
Only if he promises to let me know in advance where he will be giving out money each day
Yes as I already have a 'Why always me?' t-shirt at him ready
Only if he promises not to borrow my car (he had his car impounded something like 27 times in case you are wondering why that answer)
Only if he is banned from access to tomatoes
Only if Wenger promises to let him handle the club's shopping in future (just look up when his mam sent him the shops for 'essentials for the house' and see what kind of things he considered essentials!)
So long as he promises never to wear a Spurs shirt (he once wore an AC Milan shirt with his name on the back to training while at Inter)
Yes, if he is made to do all after match interviews
Only if banned from buying fireworks
No, in case he doesn't like next season's kit (Italy brought out a new kit and to show it off played a friendly with the old kit in the first half and the new in the second half. Balotelli didn't like the new kit, so he wore the old kit in the second half too!)
Yes, just to make Ed001 happy as he thinks Mario is far too interesting to play anywhere but the English league

Ok I set that one up anyway:
www.arsenalrumours.co.uk/poll51.html

Though I have just realised I forgot to mention bibs, crying, tramps outside casinos or driving round with large amounts of cash on the passenger seat.

Oh and I set up a plain Yes/No one for proper answers too:
www.arsenalrumours.co.uk/poll52.html at the behest of Ed003, who is old so likes things done properly.

Thank you Ed001,

And I take my hat off (the one with the big bobbles) to your incredible knowledge of all things "Balotelli"

{Ed001's Note - I love him, he is one of those huge personalities that football hasn't enough of these days.}

:):) Ed001, that was an awesome set of answers:):) excellent - love it. thanks!:)
And. COYG:) tonight!:):) good feelings:) ahhhhhh, AW, you are awesome:) we get these night, if we didn't, my word, we would miss them:)
COYG andi:)

{Ed001's Note - thank you mate.}