Comments on: Mental Fortitude & Discipline: The Missing Ingredients For Arsenal

By: The Brain

The Brain — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 23:11:17 +0000

We lost 4-1 at home to Chelsea last year. Bad but we created 20 chances or so in that game (bearing in mind so did Chelsea who did fantastically to take advantage of Arsenal’s defects in an expansive game.) They were more effective and again this season – so I think Wenger will try to make Arsenal more solid following the comments after the United game. That mental preparation will be tested.

I feel Walcott will start and may see Arsenal be the one not looking for the initiative for once.

By: jar0909

jar0909 — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 13:44:52 +0000

Heh Darius et al,

You may find this article interesting:

http://arsenalcolumn.wordpress.com/2010/02/05/exploiting-the-uncertainties-of-marking-when-its-not-man-zone-or-ball/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+ArsenalColumn+%28Arsenal+Column%29

By: Darius Stone

Darius Stone — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 10:34:29 +0000

OG – that’s a good example of the chain of events that I’m talking about. I agree, that extra intensity will not only buy time, but buy options on the pitch.

Makelele mostly used his intelligence and positioning more than anything.

By: Ole Gunner

Ole Gunner — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 10:18:45 +0000

Determination and intensity is what we often miss. People blame Denilson’s lack of pace for Fuller’s goal at Stoke, which is generally true. However, a player like Makelele is not faster than Denilson. What Denilson- as well as Song & Fabregas often lack is intensity. When the ball came to Sidibe at Stoke, Denilson needed an intense 7 yard sprint to close Sidibe down, and force him towards the centre of the pitch where it was likely he was going to be picked up.

By: Tokala

Tokala — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 10:09:06 +0000

Very sensible post Darius in these times of nonsense.

By: Steven

Steven — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 09:08:39 +0000

Darius, this so wonderful I wish Arsene and his players will STUDY, not just read this, over andover again!Your analysis is post on man, we lose when we are lazy and unable to focus.Keep it coming!

By: zong

zong — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 08:45:38 +0000

execllent read and love the jazzy new look

By: Darius Stone

Darius Stone — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 06:52:52 +0000

C1 – I think our very own Tinkerbell Eboue will play on Sunday together with Diaby and Bendtner. From the point of power and pace to counter Chelsea, it makes sense.

Glad you like the new look.

Saloner. A good spring clean always works wonders.

FYI to All: We’re still fine tuning the new design and a few more bits and bobs might change once we know how things are settling down. I’ll be grateful if anyone with feedback about the new design shares it with us. Please click on the ‘Contact us’ option on the menu bar at the top and drop us an e-mail with some feedback.

I’d like to thank you all so far for your continued support by visiting SCA. Don’t forget to help spread the word by using the social networking links at the bottom of every post.

By: c1gooner

c1gooner — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 01:55:47 +0000

A change in décor Darius. Very nice!

Well said as Usual Darius.

The boys just need a pick me up and we’ll be fine. Eeeeemanuel Eeeboooooue should do the trick as he is, as identified by the Arsenal match day programme and the “It’s up for grabs now” podcast with Alan Davies as the team trickster.

Hope Diaby is fit. His recent performances have been great.

By: Saloner

Saloner — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 01:20:05 +0000

Excellent post, and nice new look Darius. Well done on both counts.