Arsenal Banter Archive November 30 2013

30 Nov 2013 21:58:17
Here's to you Mathieu flamini, arsenal loves you more than you will know!

Great song by the crowd today.

30 Nov 2013 20:08:02
Our broad range of talent was on show today. And, while Ramsey and Ozil will deservedly take the headlines, I think a shout-out to two unsung heroes is in order.

1. Szczesny. The boy's come under a lot of criticism after some inconsistent form over the last year or so. I think people are still reticent to praise him as it is generally believed that a top club should have an experienced world-class keeper. But, while he is not as experienced as some, he is showing world-class form this season. We may not have won today had he not made that fantastic save. And he has made several more this season. His critics, and I was certainly one last season, have to admit that he is now a crucial part of our back five. And, like with Ramsey, praise to Wenger for sticking with him through difficult times.

2. Arteta. We brought in Flamini this summer which was a master-stroke from Wenger. It has led some to view Arteta as somewhat surplus to requirements or, at best, a squad player. While he was not a defensive midfielder when we signed him, he has proved phenomenally adept at protecting the back four. His tackles won p/game rate and clean sheets we've kept with him starting (both better even than Flamini) show that he has been a critical part of our defensive improvements over the last 2 seasons. With Flamini and Arteta, we have 2 of the best defensive-minded midfielders in the league. I agree we could do with one more in case of injuries, but Arteta is a class act, exemplified by his battling performance today.

Oleg, great post and I totally agree.

Very good post Oleg
Szczesney Mertascker Ramsey Flamini Giroud have all stepped up beyond belief and Sagna returning to near his best, has taken us all by very pleasantly by surprise this season.
The arrival of Ozil gave everyone belief and expectation, and with Jack looking to become one of the undropables things are looking great :-) :-) :-)

30 Nov 2013 21:16:26
Szczesny really is a talented guy, he is young and he has the attributes. It's not much different to De Gea, he went to Utd with a great rep, went through a bad spell and has come out the other side.

Young keepers can be open to a step backwards in the early parts of their careers but I think Szczesny and De Gea along with Courtois are the next generation of great keepers. I'm not certain that United will hold onto De Gea with Barca and Madrid in need of the next big thing in goal.

Arteta is just immense and what a fantastic human being too, I think the level our players have moved too it's becoming difficult to determine who you might call a squad player.

There's a very good article on Arsenal.com that discussed Szczesny and confirms would a excellent goalkeeper he is becoming.

I fully agree - he was once again outstanding today. He's stepping up and making the saves when needed and has cut out many of his silly mistakes / poor judgement.

He is so young. Just think how awesome he'll be in a few year's time. I think he is a great character and is committed to Arsenal. Our team has a very different feel about it these days.

30 Nov 2013 19:02:20
I posted on here yesterday that in tribute to the courage of Pat Rice we should beat Cardiff, grab a few goals and keep a clean sheet. What did we do?, exactly what I asked for lol.
Great performance today, great result, another clean sheet and 2 goals for our man of the season so far, the one, the only, Sir Aaron Ramsey. By all accounts, Ozil was quiet again but still had a couple of assists, I would settle for that every game.
Ecstatic and 7 points clear, what a day.

Nice prediction DG - my thoughts the same about MO he always seems to produce a couple of nailed on chances per match- unfortunately we've not converted them all!
Read a report on MSN News that Ramsey and MO were outstanding.

Thank you Exiled.

30 Nov 2013 17:09:15
Three points at Cardiff isn't easy, the mancs will tell you that. A very good day for us. A brace for 5m Rambo. How much would he be worth now? Wenger at his best. Flamini on a free! Wenger at his best. I haven't seen Cardiff's chances, but I can't remember the last time being just one goal up until the 86th min and not touching cloth. UP THE GOONERS
Flybo

Spot on flybo 1 0 with ten to go ain't as Scarry these days.
Last 2 PL results have been first class in games we would have maybe struggled in last few years, champions performances?

30 Nov 2013 16:45:54
Sorry 2-0 even better!

30 Nov 2013 15:34:21
Rambo 1-0!

Seriously, this boy really could play as a striker if anything happens to OG.

COYG

30 Nov 2013 13:25:44
If we get Cavani - I will be amazed, thrilled and over the moon

Surely it's a load of rubbish

Cavani, Centrehalf and a right back in January = one happy and trophy expecting Gooner

Big game today. If we play Arteta and Famini in middle then we MUST rest Rambo and give us Theo or Gnarby on the right or we will be blunt in attack.

For me - Rambo and Flamini in the middle with Santi, Theo and Ozil with Rosicky, Jack, Arteta on the bench with no place for Gnarby. Squad is looking STRONG but two key injuries ( Giroud or Per ) could change that.

Come on boys - big statement today with a 0 2 win! Per to score.

Cavani's transfer fee alone would be massive, then there's his wages and signing on fee.

Was hoping Walcott would start today but nope, he's on the bench again.
Arteta and Ramsey are in the middle, with wilshere on the wing.
Big win today to send us 7 clear at the top, that's right 7.