Arsenal tackle the Sunday blues
ByIf there’s one thing that really gets my goat on a Sunday that should be a good footballing Sunday, it’s the amount of negativity floating around about the Arsenal’s chances against our neighbours from down the Kings Road. Granted, there’s a lot of disappointment about Robin Van Persie’s long term injury, but for me, the disappointment is more for the player than it is for our perceived inability to cope.
The negativity about Arsenal’s chances this afternoon is not just coming from the media circles, but from some quarters of Arsenal fans around the blogosphere who look like they’ll be hiding behind the sofa come 4.00 pm.
The hype around the ”3 derby Sunday” is fever pitch as usual, though sometimes I find that all the hype about super Sunday’s and the promise of ecstatic football is underwhelming once the games kick off. Wenger doesn’t seem to mind the hype and sensationalism that is fuelled by the media machine, and perhaps just sees it as part of the entertainment.
We met Chelsea at Stamford bridge this weekend last year and beat them 2-1 with 2 crackers from Van Persie and an own goal from Johan Djourou just for good measure. However, just like with the game against Man United a few weeks earlier at the Emirates, the expectation that Arsenal will win was so low that when we eventually won, most people seem to focus on the short comings of the opposing team rather than accept that Arsenal were actually worthy winners.
In such games where Arsenal are designated as clear underdogs, it’s important that the Arsenal team focus on their own strengths and mental attitude. There are stereotypes abound when it comes to describing the ideal winning machine that is required to contend for titles in England. For most observers, Arsenal’s technical ability, creativity and speed around the park is misguidedly discounted in preference of perceived strength, height and grafting ability.
Arsene however prefers not to talk about Chelsea and leaves that to commentators. Rightly so, he believes our focus should be on our strengths and mental attitude and how we approach the game. It is more important to do our talking on the pitch. We have enough in our locker and we’re ready.
Samir Nasri certainly thinks so. And while acknowledging that the game against Chelsea is important and supporting Wenger’s belief that the team is ready for battle, he affirms that whatever the result, the team will still have belief in abundance. They are not turning up to make up the numbers and Chelsea will have to earn their corn.
We of course have our customary injury schedule, but we cannot use this as an excuse for not turning up as we have a big enough squad to cope. Eboue will probably be preferred at left back for such a big game, and Gallas looks optimistic as his boxer’s eye calms down.
There is certainly no reason to fear Chelsea despite the hyperbole about their strength and power – Wigan and Villa made this Chelsea team look very pedestrian. The match will not be easy though and we need to be on top of our game.
My prediction for a starting line-up:
Almunia
Sagna Gallas Vermaelen Eboue
Song Denilson Fabregas
Rosicky Eduardo Arshavin
Subs: Fabianski Silvestre Traore Nasri Vela Walcott
Tue 13th September 2011; 19:45, Dortmund
Heh Darius,
Nice post and I couldn’t agree more.
It’s good hear that Nasri and the rest of the squad have not been sucked into the “this is a nine-pointer” rubbish that’s being spouted by the press and some bloggers who should know better.
By some of the stuff posted on apparently Arsenal blogs we will be lucky to get a draw out of today’s game. And if some how we manage to actually win it will be down to some failing on Chelsea’s part.
I think it will be a tight game but we shouldn’t expect a Chelsea victory out of hand.
The weather may play a part if it carries on raining at the rate it has been this morning. Aluminia and Cech may have some problems holding onto to the ball and tackles will have be very well timed.
Come on you Reds!
I have started reading your blog only recently Darius, and, first, my compliments on providing us Arsenal fans with regular and reasoned food for thought.
As for today’s game, you’re quite right to largely discount the media circus. Chelsea, I do think, start favourites though the outcome itself is far from foregone.
From a broader perspective, though, I found myself unable to agree with this observation : “For most observers, Arsenal’s technical ability, creativity and speed around the park is misguidedly discounted in preference of perceived strength, height and grafting ability.”
I wonder if it is discounting one in preference of the other. I do think that we, as a priority, need defensive drilling. Our first choice defence is talented and able; but it is far from the finished article. And that, I think, will happen only if we specifically drill the defence. The shortcomings have remained with us far too long; and they may well prove the fatal flaw. It is ironic that Arsenal, once renowned for defensive organization, have tolerated this weakness for so long under Wenger. The defensive performance in the run-up to the Champions’ League final was extremely heartening; sadly it has headed south since then.
There are many many occassions when I find myself longing for the defensive solidity, without in any way wishing a season full of “1-0 to The Arsenal”, of the George Graham era.
Can Wengerball be grafted on to Grahamesque defending? One wonders if that’s what can take this wonderfully talented team all the way.
Here’s, though, to three points today.
dharg.
I think it’s got to the point where I switch off any pre-match talk about the game. It’ll just give me negative energy. I’ll switch on the game a few minutes to 4 when they’re going through the motions. Sometimes I feel there’s no excuse for listening to such diatribe.
I’m more disappointed by other Arsenal commentators and bloggers for their own negativity – and honestly speaking, there’s no place for it.
I’m all for constructive criticism and I’m glad that Saloner has illustrated a classic case for this.
Saloner thanks for crossing the bridge between lurker and participant. Your comments are very valuable. Both of you. This is still a relatively new blog and I’m encouraged to know that both of you all enjoy reading my thoughts. Please do spread the word about the blog if you can.
I do agree with you about the drilling of the defense. My take is that we have the personnel to resolve the issues, it’s more about our lack of discipline and concentration. Also, the defensive duties should be taken as a team effort more and more to help drill this discipline as the front men have a responsibility to defend in the same way that they expect the defensive players to join into the attacks.
I know it is frustrating knowing that we can reach great heights if only we adjust one or two things, but we’re not there yet. I like your description of a Graham-esque type of defense.
I’m looking forward to the game and expect a good performance from the team. I can accept a draw or a defeat if we play an exceptional mature game and we get unlucky. However, I would want to see the Arsenal put this game beyond the reach of Chelsea or any match official for that matter.
Darius,
So now we lost in the must-not-lose game. What now?
For me it’s a very very messed up result. I believe now that it’s theirs to be won but I’m not giving up. 25 games to go let’s see how Wenger and the lads respond to those cunts…..