Comments on: Another Drog Day Afternoon For Arsenal Gives Doomers More Fodder http://www.stonecoldarsenal.com/2010/02/another-drog-day-afternoon-for-arsenal-gives-doomers-more-fodder/ A Stone Cold Chronicle of the Journey of Arsenal Football Club... Wed, 11 Jan 2012 14:23:59 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=7979 By: c1gooner http://www.stonecoldarsenal.com/2010/02/another-drog-day-afternoon-for-arsenal-gives-doomers-more-fodder/#comment-1597 c1gooner Tue, 09 Feb 2010 00:01:53 +0000 http://www.stonecoldarsenal.com/?p=489#comment-1597 Le Professor clearly saw the Walcott issue arising. Those hacks who slated Wenger about the whole Theeeeeeo saga, where are they now? Didn’t the one called Stuart Pearce have a little dig at Wenger too (if I’m not mistaken). Theeeeeo is at an age where those around him play huge part in how he develops mentally. I am sure, given a bit more time, the right guidance and a bit less pressure, Theeeeo will come right, cos after all, the force is with him. I do agree with you guys that Chelski was not the right game for Walcott to use as a confidence booster, but to me, it was Wenger showing Theeeo that he boss still has faith in him and to prove his doubters wrong. I think the same goes a@ LB with Clicky. Wenger put him up for some tough games to show his faith in Clicky, granted that it hasn’t turned out so well, but still, these players can’t complain that they were not given the chance to prove themselves. C’mon you Reds, against…erm the reds. We can do this!! Le Professor clearly saw the Walcott issue arising. Those hacks who slated Wenger about the whole Theeeeeeo saga, where are they now? Didn’t the one called Stuart Pearce have a little dig at Wenger too (if I’m not mistaken).

Theeeeeo is at an age where those around him play huge part in how he develops mentally. I am sure, given a bit more time, the right guidance and a bit less pressure, Theeeeo will come right, cos after all, the force is with him.

I do agree with you guys that Chelski was not the right game for Walcott to use as a confidence booster, but to me, it was Wenger showing Theeeo that he boss still has faith in him and to prove his doubters wrong.

I think the same goes a@ LB with Clicky. Wenger put him up for some tough games to show his faith in Clicky, granted that it hasn’t turned out so well, but still, these players can’t complain that they were not given the chance to prove themselves.

C’mon you Reds, against…erm the reds. We can do this!!

]]> By: Simba http://www.stonecoldarsenal.com/2010/02/another-drog-day-afternoon-for-arsenal-gives-doomers-more-fodder/#comment-1596 Simba Mon, 08 Feb 2010 21:33:39 +0000 http://www.stonecoldarsenal.com/?p=489#comment-1596 Agreed on the whole issue about Walcott. It seems he lets that pressure get way too deep into his psyche, I don't doubt his talent one bit. But he has as much responsibility in managing his career as anyone out there. One should take pride in representing their country, but not by risking so much and at such a young age. Some balance has to be struck between club and country football. Paul Scholes' case (I know its a bad example at the mo, but bear with me), is quite interesting to me, opting to play club football might have seemed odd at the time but seems to have had a positive effect on his career and club. I am not suggest players should retire from internationals, but perhaps our players should take heed and refuse some call-ups as when Diaby was clearly injured but still accepted a call-up by France during the November break. Agreed on the whole issue about Walcott. It seems he lets that pressure get way too deep into his psyche, I don’t doubt his talent one bit. But he has as much responsibility in managing his career as anyone out there. One should take pride in representing their country, but not by risking so much and at such a young age.
Some balance has to be struck between club and country football. Paul Scholes’ case (I know its a bad example at the mo, but bear with me), is quite interesting to me, opting to play club football might have seemed odd at the time but seems to have had a positive effect on his career and club. I am not suggest players should retire from internationals, but perhaps our players should take heed and refuse some call-ups as when Diaby was clearly injured but still accepted a call-up by France during the November break.

]]> By: Darius Stone http://www.stonecoldarsenal.com/2010/02/another-drog-day-afternoon-for-arsenal-gives-doomers-more-fodder/#comment-1595 Darius Stone Mon, 08 Feb 2010 20:25:48 +0000 http://www.stonecoldarsenal.com/?p=489#comment-1595 Simba my friend. I don't know whether to feel sorry for you about your Manure brother in law or suggest that you have it easy considering that I'm married to a Chelsea fanatic. It all makes the world go round me thinks. Unfortunately for many these days, patience is a virtue that was long kicked into the long grass and not many people draw from the definition of being a supporter or a fanatic. The team has issues to sort out but like you say, they're issues that can be sorted out in-house. I think a lot of the pressure Walcott has is because of expectations of him at the World cup. He has only made 5 starts for Arsenal in 13 appearances this season. What is odd or ironic about Walcott's case, is that he defied Wenger's wishes and over played for both the England national team and the Under 21 England side in the summer. Apparently, the intention was that he gets game time and regains his sharpness in readiness for a pre-world cup season. Unfortunately, this has all backfired because his injury spells originate from his over playing in the summer - something that Wenger actually warned about. The media are not going to give him a break and the constant pressure of "will he or won't he" will eat into his psyche. I think that Walcott will play much better when he's relaxed and he's got a smile on his face. ..and by the way, thanks for the kind words about the new look. Don't forget to sign up for the new Stone Cold newsletter. Simba my friend.

I don’t know whether to feel sorry for you about your Manure brother in law or suggest that you have it easy considering that I’m married to a Chelsea fanatic. It all makes the world go round me thinks.

Unfortunately for many these days, patience is a virtue that was long kicked into the long grass and not many people draw from the definition of being a supporter or a fanatic.

The team has issues to sort out but like you say, they’re issues that can be sorted out in-house.

I think a lot of the pressure Walcott has is because of expectations of him at the World cup. He has only made 5 starts for Arsenal in 13 appearances this season. What is odd or ironic about Walcott’s case, is that he defied Wenger’s wishes and over played for both the England national team and the Under 21 England side in the summer.

Apparently, the intention was that he gets game time and regains his sharpness in readiness for a pre-world cup season. Unfortunately, this has all backfired because his injury spells originate from his over playing in the summer – something that Wenger actually warned about.

The media are not going to give him a break and the constant pressure of “will he or won’t he” will eat into his psyche.

I think that Walcott will play much better when he’s relaxed and he’s got a smile on his face.

..and by the way, thanks for the kind words about the new look. Don’t forget to sign up for the new Stone Cold newsletter.

]]> By: Simba http://www.stonecoldarsenal.com/2010/02/another-drog-day-afternoon-for-arsenal-gives-doomers-more-fodder/#comment-1594 Simba Mon, 08 Feb 2010 19:47:48 +0000 http://www.stonecoldarsenal.com/?p=489#comment-1594 Wanted to say "The problems we have are nothing that can't be solved in-house" Wanted to say “The problems we have are nothing that can’t be solved in-house”

]]> By: Simba http://www.stonecoldarsenal.com/2010/02/another-drog-day-afternoon-for-arsenal-gives-doomers-more-fodder/#comment-1593 Simba Mon, 08 Feb 2010 19:42:28 +0000 http://www.stonecoldarsenal.com/?p=489#comment-1593 Hi Darius, As always a great perspective and I love the new look StonecoldArsenal. I agree with many of the other post. Being an Arsenal supporter of current times requires tremendous amount of virtue and patience. For I still believe in Wengerball and trust that the manager to get the team back up again, might not be this season, but will happen soon. I will understand those calling for a shore up of our defense and that is fair, but if that in anyway compromises the way Arsenal play then I am all against it. I feel that our play is based more on attack and great interplay. At times I feel the football played by the Gunners is far ahead of the English game, and that could also explain the hatred petted towards Arsenal by the English media contingent. Defeats are sad, and when you have a manure brother-in-law...well you catch my drift. Our defeats are made even more sad by the advent of 03/04 invincible season. We conquered and felt we should conquer unhindered from then onwards. The chelsea loss wasn't so hard to digest as you've already mentioned, but if I feel the way I do, then it must really be tough for our boys. This is the time when they need our support the most. Something that I have picked up over the last few games is the way TW14, seems to get really outraged, throw arms up in the air seemingly in disgust when not receiving the pass. Understandably he would have been in a great position and maybe a better option. But that should no stop other players themselves taking a shot at goal. The problems Hi Darius,

As always a great perspective and I love the new look StonecoldArsenal. I agree with many of the other post. Being an Arsenal supporter of current times requires tremendous amount of virtue and patience. For I still believe in Wengerball and trust that the manager to get the team back up again, might not be this season, but will happen soon.
I will understand those calling for a shore up of our defense and that is fair, but if that in anyway compromises the way Arsenal play then I am all against it. I feel that our play is based more on attack and great interplay. At times I feel the football played by the Gunners is far ahead of the English game, and that could also explain the hatred petted towards Arsenal by the English media contingent. Defeats are sad, and when you have a manure brother-in-law…well you catch my drift. Our defeats are made even more sad by the advent of 03/04 invincible season. We conquered and felt we should conquer unhindered from then onwards. The chelsea loss wasn’t so hard to digest as you’ve already mentioned, but if I feel the way I do, then it must really be tough for our boys. This is the time when they need our support the most.
Something that I have picked up over the last few games is the way TW14, seems to get really outraged, throw arms up in the air seemingly in disgust when not receiving the pass. Understandably he would have been in a great position and maybe a better option. But that should no stop other players themselves taking a shot at goal.
The problems

]]> By: Darius Stone http://www.stonecoldarsenal.com/2010/02/another-drog-day-afternoon-for-arsenal-gives-doomers-more-fodder/#comment-1592 Darius Stone Mon, 08 Feb 2010 19:22:41 +0000 http://www.stonecoldarsenal.com/?p=489#comment-1592 I already think something is being done. Granted, the mistakes of leaving ourselves open to counter attacks were done - but my sense is that the goals were a direct result of the actions of (or inaction) of a single individual. You can't legislate for that and in all honesty, once the players have crossed the white line, there's little the manager can do and it's up to the players. One thing Wenger did last season though after the defeat to Man City in early November was to rein in Arsenal's attacking instincts and to play safety first. The result was 21 games unbeaten and that was without key players like Fabregas, Rosicky et al. This team still has a chance to win the title but it depends on 2 factors. 1. Chelsea and Man United dropping points (and I'm damn sure they will) 2. Arsenal winning all the remaining 13 games (which is a tall order in itself, but a possible one to fulfill) Our first priority is that of worrying about our game and making sure we do the bread and butter things. We can't worry about other teams dropping points for if they drop points and we still don't win our games, then there's absolutely no advantage. I already think something is being done. Granted, the mistakes of leaving ourselves open to counter attacks were done – but my sense is that the goals were a direct result of the actions of (or inaction) of a single individual. You can’t legislate for that and in all honesty, once the players have crossed the white line, there’s little the manager can do and it’s up to the players.

One thing Wenger did last season though after the defeat to Man City in early November was to rein in Arsenal’s attacking instincts and to play safety first. The result was 21 games unbeaten and that was without key players like Fabregas, Rosicky et al.

This team still has a chance to win the title but it depends on 2 factors.

1. Chelsea and Man United dropping points (and I’m damn sure they will)
2. Arsenal winning all the remaining 13 games (which is a tall order in itself, but a possible one to fulfill)

Our first priority is that of worrying about our game and making sure we do the bread and butter things. We can’t worry about other teams dropping points for if they drop points and we still don’t win our games, then there’s absolutely no advantage.

]]> By: Saloner http://www.stonecoldarsenal.com/2010/02/another-drog-day-afternoon-for-arsenal-gives-doomers-more-fodder/#comment-1591 Saloner Mon, 08 Feb 2010 18:31:06 +0000 http://www.stonecoldarsenal.com/?p=489#comment-1591 Warms my heart just to read that statistic. I'll say this, these defeats against ManU and Chelsea are, in my view, just what Arsene needed to go back to the drawing board and rearrange the jigsaw better. I'd be very surprised if decisive action isn't already underway. Does, or should, it involve Keown I can't say, though I'd personally be delighted that one with a direct link to that famed defensive heritage is on the job. We'll see. Warms my heart just to read that statistic.
I’ll say this, these defeats against ManU and Chelsea are, in my view, just what Arsene needed to go back to the drawing board and rearrange the jigsaw better. I’d be very surprised if decisive action isn’t already underway. Does, or should, it involve Keown I can’t say, though I’d personally be delighted that one with a direct link to that famed defensive heritage is on the job.
We’ll see.

]]> By: Darius Stone http://www.stonecoldarsenal.com/2010/02/another-drog-day-afternoon-for-arsenal-gives-doomers-more-fodder/#comment-1590 Darius Stone Mon, 08 Feb 2010 16:13:48 +0000 http://www.stonecoldarsenal.com/?p=489#comment-1590 Saloner. During the 06 Champions league cup run, the difference was that Martin Keown was doing his badges and had some work placement arrangement with Arsenal. He was working day to day with the Arsenal defense of mainly Eboue, Senderos, Toure and Flamini as a make shift left back for most part. That defense went just over 1000 minutes without conceding a goal in the champions league. Saloner.

During the 06 Champions league cup run, the difference was that Martin Keown was doing his badges and had some work placement arrangement with Arsenal. He was working day to day with the Arsenal defense of mainly Eboue, Senderos, Toure and Flamini as a make shift left back for most part.

That defense went just over 1000 minutes without conceding a goal in the champions league.

]]> By: Saloner http://www.stonecoldarsenal.com/2010/02/another-drog-day-afternoon-for-arsenal-gives-doomers-more-fodder/#comment-1589 Saloner Mon, 08 Feb 2010 13:58:34 +0000 http://www.stonecoldarsenal.com/?p=489#comment-1589 Jar and Darius, I second the views regarding Eboue and Rosicky. Flint, it is true we, me foremost, don't "know" if the defence is being coached inadequately. It is just a nagging suspicion I can't seem to get rid of. The performance of our defence through that season all the way until the CL finals bode very well for the future. We seemed, at the time, to have underpinned our attacking flair with a solid defence. Every season since, we seem to be struggling, if we aren't regressing, from that excellent start. My disappointment stems from a very simple fact: Leave aside beating the "big" sides, if these lads, for starters, hold their own and earn a few draws against them, I think it'll do their confidence a world of good. As often happens, those two moments of madness cost us precious confidence, leave alone three points. Just be solid and slug the 90 minutes out. Don't hand the opposition the luxury of a 2 goal lead on a platter. Yes, yesterday, and over quite a few of the prior defeats against the "biggies", the margin has been slim; but I don't know if that fact is protection against fractured morale consequent to repeated defeats. Anyway, these boys clawed an 11 point deficit back when they were written off. Time to set about doing the same again, or atleast give Chelsea and ManU a relentless chase through the rest of the season. Jar and Darius, I second the views regarding Eboue and Rosicky.
Flint, it is true we, me foremost, don’t “know” if the defence is being coached inadequately. It is just a nagging suspicion I can’t seem to get rid of. The performance of our defence through that season all the way until the CL finals bode very well for the future. We seemed, at the time, to have underpinned our attacking flair with a solid defence. Every season since, we seem to be struggling, if we aren’t regressing, from that excellent start.
My disappointment stems from a very simple fact: Leave aside beating the “big” sides, if these lads, for starters, hold their own and earn a few draws against them, I think it’ll do their confidence a world of good. As often happens, those two moments of madness cost us precious confidence, leave alone three points. Just be solid and slug the 90 minutes out. Don’t hand the opposition the luxury of a 2 goal lead on a platter. Yes, yesterday, and over quite a few of the prior defeats against the “biggies”, the margin has been slim; but I don’t know if that fact is protection against fractured morale consequent to repeated defeats.
Anyway, these boys clawed an 11 point deficit back when they were written off. Time to set about doing the same again, or atleast give Chelsea and ManU a relentless chase through the rest of the season.

]]> By: Darius Stone http://www.stonecoldarsenal.com/2010/02/another-drog-day-afternoon-for-arsenal-gives-doomers-more-fodder/#comment-1588 Darius Stone Mon, 08 Feb 2010 13:41:40 +0000 http://www.stonecoldarsenal.com/?p=489#comment-1588 Jar. When we played Bolton and Lee was giving Traore grief down that side, Wenger made a purely tactical move and brought in Clichy to sit in front of Traore and protect him better. Most everybody assumed that Clichy will replace Traore but it was a tactical move. So you do wonder why Wenger is coy to call in the calvary even at half time or before half time if things aren't working. He's shown that he can do it before. Jar.

When we played Bolton and Lee was giving Traore grief down that side, Wenger made a purely tactical move and brought in Clichy to sit in front of Traore and protect him better.

Most everybody assumed that Clichy will replace Traore but it was a tactical move.

So you do wonder why Wenger is coy to call in the calvary even at half time or before half time if things aren’t working. He’s shown that he can do it before.

]]>