From Worthless Cup to Critical One Cup

So tonight sees the Quarter Finals of the League Cup with The Arsenal in action against Bradford City.

I think its safe to say that over the past few years The Arsenal, along with the likes of Man United and a few others, haven’t exactly taken this trophy seriously.  In fact from the 1998 season that Worthingtons took it over from Coca-Cola, it has somewhat been a “joke” cup as far as “big” teams like us were concerned.

That said it hasn’t stopped Man United racking up 3 of them in the past 10 years and Chelsea winning 2 of them (one against us).  We have of course been in the final twice in that period and both times coming out as the bridesmade…..None more painful than in 2011 against the mighty Birmingham, which didn’t only signal a cup loss but ended up starting possibly 3-4 of the worst weeks I care to remember.

Also I guess when you’re winning the trophies such as the EPL, the FA cup and the Champions League you can see why “top four” teams don’t worry about it as much.  Of course I guess that’s my point.  We’re no longer a “top four” team in the sense of the word and what it used to mean. 

We used to compete for the EPL and FA Cup on a regular basis but nowadays, we as fans generally concede the league is over  come December, and then we hope with all hope that we’ll get a Home tie against a much lower division team in the FA cup, just to give us the belief that we can have a run in that campaign to at least give us something to look forward to for the remainder of the season (other than a months loan return of "The King")

But times have changed and none more so than for The Arsenal.  We no longer field a team of “kids” but more a team of fringe players and first team, mixed with a sprinkle of youth.  The reasons for this could be that our “kids” have now become of age and we’re awaiting the next batch.  It could be a case that we have such a large squad that our fringe players need/deserve games.  Or it could be that even Wenger is now accepting that this once “Worthless” cup is now becoming “Critical” to The Arsenal. Critical in the sense that if we were to win it, it might help our causes elsewhere.  It would certainly shake the “haven’t won a trophy in 8 years counting” monkey off our back.  And perhaps it would give the team some belief and that all important “knowing how it feels to win something” mentality.  It would also give us, the fans something to cheer about.  Yes we’ve mocked The Spuds in the past for only having the “worthless” cup to name in recent times, but even they hit back with “At least we’ve won a trophy” and that point can not be argued.

But I think even us fans realise now that winning this cup might not be so “worthless” after all.  You only had to look at fans reactions on Twitter during the last round against Reading to see just what it meant to us.

I’ve seen today that Wenger is warning against complacency and god knows that’s always been a big problem with us no matter how much faith Wenger says he has in there “mental strength”.  He's saying tonight will be a good mix of experienced players, helped by the fact we don’t play till next Monday. So hopefully we’ll produce the goods.  Of course beating Bradford don’t mean we’ll win it but it puts us a step closer, and who knows maybe the old girl might have to get those Famous Yellow Ribbons out for a trip to Wembley in what then would be a “critical” final for so many reasons than just a League Cup.

Until next time.

Keep the Flag flying high and the Canon Loaded

@RabbitArmitage

Better

Good afternoon to all from a cold but bright Cork. It was better on Saturday wasn't it? There was pace in the passing, there looked to be a good directness of play and the team looked like a team again. We started quick and stayed at a good tempo with  West Brom not really being able to threaten. The defense looked solid, the midfield were dominant and we played with an all round confidence.

Carzola and Wilshere were tremendous and I'm sure once Santi and Jack have settled in and get working with other week in week out on match days I think they really will become a great great paring. Santi's vision is a joy and watching Jack burst through the middle is screaming more goals but we will give them a little time to gel I think.  I was also impressed with Gervinho's work rate, I think he comes in for too much stick sometimes, yes I'm with you all shouting get your head up!! Pass!!! But he really put in a shift on Saturday and I' like to applaud him for it. I know this is his second season and the sitter he missed on Saturday but i feel he will come good.

So the penalty. Now I don't like diving, in fact i detest it. But if we can look back and say "Well our season changed the day Santi took a tumble" Then hey.. But the thing that does get to me is the reaction to it. Straight away on twitter Jug Ears Lineker started going on about what a disgrace Carzola is to game etc etc. My question to him of course wasn't answered, which was how many yellows has Bale got for diving this year? Anyway look yes he dived, yes he conned the ref, but we got three points and that's the bottom line. Why should Arsenal players be the ones subjected to bad press for doing things that United and Liverpool players have been doing for 5 years. So on that note to all you journos I'd like to stick my middle finger up at you all, and ask you go out there and try and a story that would interest people.

So we have supposedly signed Huntelaar for 4 Million? 4 Million!! 58 Goals in 64 matches? I don't think so, do you? Although I'd welcome him I don't think he will come that cheap. But who knows it may be true, but I'll wait till I see a picture of him and Wenger at a press conference.
Also I'd just to mention the BSM marches. There seems to be a bit of confusion about what they are about. They are not an anti Wenger movement, but want the club to run properly. Now I have no problem with that and before people attack them, they should really do a little more research. Who knows if there successful they might save you a few quid on your next season ticket.

A short blog this week I'm afraid as I have had a recent loss in the family and didn't do much work on content but just wanted to let you know I'm still here

Sing for the Arsenal!
ScottyBoy

Follow me on Twitter @ScottyBoyGooner

No Passion, No Fight!

Well I think I have had enough time to come to terms with what happened on Saturday. I sit here trying to rack my brains about what is going on behind closed doors at Arsenal, because clearly there is something very very wrong. Is it the board, Is it the Manager? Why are the team refusing to show any intent? Any drive or any passion in playing for Arsenal. I'm not anti Wenger, although I may knee jerked after Saturdays game, but it just looks like to me that he has run out of ideas. The formation that he is playing hasn't worked for 7 years, so why oh why! does he stick with it. He has become tacitly unaware, just take the change at Villa, and Theo Walcott is our top scorer, yet Gervinho still gets the nod to play as our striker? On Saturday I have never seen so many crosses go into the box with no Giroud in there to get his head on them? I just don't know what is going through his mind. He says in reports today that he knows where the troubles lie and  that he would prefer to sort them out in house, so I would expect no activity in January.
Of course on twitter there was a lot of disgruntled fans calling for the managers head. Also a lot of fans still backing Wenger and asking not to forget what he has done for this club. Well I say to these fans, Yes Arsene has achieved a lot in his career at Arsenal, but he slowly undoing it all with his stubbornness and his lack of ability to change things around when its not going our way.  We play a nice style of football, but when we are  down or not getting through we haven't got a plan b or new starting point. We just carry on and hope that the break through will come.
The report that Steve Bould went off on one in the dressing room after the game on Saturday, I'm afraid I don't believe, I think its just another attempt to keep the fans happy by saying yeah its ok, Steve went off on one and we are addressing the situation. I'm sorry but I dont believe it for a second.
The January transfer window is only round the corner and I'm afraid all I can see is Sagna and Walcott leaving. Theo has been scoring goals and still ignored in the central role. Sagna? Well its sounds like to me he has got Nasri syndrome and for that fact he can leave.

Arsene Wenger has got to change things. The formation is not working, For me a 4-4-2 has to be looked at. Giroud and Walcott have to be given a chance to form a partnership to save this season. It cant go any worse than what is happening now, Can it?
I expect a very under strength team to be playing in Europe this week. Players have reported that they are finding the going tough with the fixture list. The new players that have come I think have found it a bit of a culture shock.
The thing that worries me the most is that if you look at other teams, such as Utd, City, Chelsea, when they go on a bad run you can see where there is a little tweak needed, With us I cant see it. The fact of the matter is we are miles off being the any where near the mentioned clubs, and something has to change before its to late. To win trophies you have to spend money. When you win trophies and become a success you will make money as a club, Sponsorship deals etc etc. If you don't spend money then you become unnoticed and this is the danger that surrounds our club. Its a danger that I'm afraid is very real and its a serious threat.

So until after the game mid week, try to keep your heads up, although I understand is hard at the moment.

Sing for the Arsenal!
ScottyBoyGooner

Follow me on Twitter @ScottyBoyGooner

Changes needed | Thoughts on Wenger/Board | What Will January Bring?

                                         
Well, well, well….

Here we are again. The run up to Christmas, the time of the year in which our players fail to play to their ability and Gooners across the globe go wild. It is also known to be the media’s favourite time of year.

So why don’t we address these problems?

Because we don’t know how to. These problems we witness each and every season around this period of time are caused by a number of different issues. Lets crack on…

Now these are my views on the issues causing the poor performances.
                                                *Warning – you may not agree*

Firstly the refusal to change formation. When things aren’t going your way, you change and try something new. Just look what happened at Reading. We put Chamakh up top with Giroud and he actually had a good game. He fed off Giroud’s knock downs and hold up play which hasn’t been happening in the current formation, instead we lose possession. Now I’m not saying start with a 4-4-2, because we don’t have the players to play that formation for 90 minutes as our current wide players aren’t ‘real’ wingers like we used to have in Pires and Ljungberg . Instead we should just switch after 60 minutes if we aren’t creating much, for instance the Swansea game.

Secondly, the squad size. We have 26 first team players and 6 out on loan. Man Utd have 30 first team players. So in truth 4 players doesn’t have much of a difference, instead its the quality. I’m going to break down our squad and create a true picture of our real squad size in terms of quality.

Goalkeepers –  Szczesny | The other two are liabilities.

Defenders – Koscielny, Per, Vermaelen, Gibbs|Santos – can’t defend, Jenkinson –will be a good player in the future, Squillaci and Djourou – match made in hell

Midfielders – Santi, Wilshere, Arteta, Rosicky, Ramsey | Diaby – Crocked, Coquelin – too inconsistent, Arshavin – only plays when he wants

Forwards – Podolski, Giroud, Theo (leaving), Ox (current form worrying though) | Chamakh, 2 goals a season striker, Gervinho, loses the ball over and over again.

So if we look at it, we have 1 Goalkeeper, 4 defenders, 4 1/2 (Ramsey) Midfielders and 4 forwards that have the quality to play for Arsenal and make a positive contribution. And we know Wenger knows this himself as he continues to play Cazorla and Arteta even though they are out of steam. As a result, we have a lack of creativity in the side as we don’t have the energy to push the side forward in midfield. A midfield trio that would create lots of opportunities to score if they had a chance to revitalise themselves.

That lack of energy throughout the side was the difference between ourselves and Swansea yesterday. We had more possession, but couldn’t burst forward whereas Swansea had the ability to and also had the fitness to keep going till the end.

Time to move on….

The Board. Those two words have been used a lot recently. Sack The Board seems to be a popular one and in all honesty I can’t praise the board for anything. Not even our stadium because they still took advantage of the fans by charging ridiculous ticket prices. Did they invest the money from the tickets in the squad? No. Did they invest the money from Highbury Square? No. So where is the money going? Oh how its a good time to be a shareholder!

Yesterday we had a poor performance but the Black Scarf Movement protest went very well. There was little abuse of Wenger, there were no stupid comments made to the media and the board was the main focus as it should be. However, I believe Stan couldn’t care less what we think and will be sat in his home comforts oblivious to the protest.


And to finish…The January Transfer Window

Every year we dream of that late Christmas present from Mr Wenger. Every year we wake up from that dream with a pretty ‘Happy Christmas’ email from Mr Wenger. But no player attached. Can this year be any different?

I hope so because Wenger has already got me dreaming. Here’s what he said;

“This winter we will work very hard because we have some funds available,”

“It could happen that we buy two players, but I cannot reveal the names.”

“A loan [for Henry] is still a possibility, but we will still try to strengthen for the long term. Henry is the talent that you dream to have.”

The fact he said “I cannot reveal the names” implies that he has already identified his targets which will hopefully include a striker other than Henry. We cannot rely on Henry once again, he is a legend and will always be loved by everyone associated with Arsenal and admired by the world, but we should be moving forward instead of relying on Henry.

Well there you are, that’s your lot! Feels good to write once again, it’s been a long time.

Let us know what you think below and if you enjoy it give it a share!

Cheers

If you want to see more videos of the protest or fan interviews follow - https://twitter.com/arsenalfantv

Technorati Tags: Arsenal,gooners,wenger,board,stan,kroenke,henry,january,swansea

December is going to be MASSIVE for the Arsenal

You Don't Know What You're Doing...

So I was at Villa away last Saturday with a couple of mates and there were people behind us singing the above - something I most certainly didn't join in with. Fair enough, bringing Coquelin on for the last few minutes did seem baffling but Giroud looked knackered, and in the 10-15 minutes prior to going off he didn't look like he had anything left in the tank. Think he took him off to change things up a bit, something different I suppose, but that's the positive person in me - still wouldn't chant what some people did! What is it with some Arsenal fans hey? Both the boss and Aaron Ramsey came in for a lot of stick from our travelling support - Ramsey was probably our best player! The Ox made worse mistakes and never got anywhere near as criticised as Rambo, which just makes me think he is a target for the boo boys, a scapegoat even. Even at home games I've heard him get criticised for less than others. I appreciate that you as fans/supporters etc have paid your money and want to air your views there and then, but what the boy/team needs at that time is your SUPPORT - I for one never boo when we aren't playing well, because its not going to do any good in my eyes. But hey, that's me, up to the thousands of people who've paid there money to say/do as they wish...

Its a Results Business 

I admit that two draws away to Villa and Everton aren't what we needed, I would have taken 4 points out of 6 beforehand but we just couldn't break down a poor Villa side. 1 shot on target really isn't good enough for the calibre of player we have (that was Ramsey by the way!) and at times we seemed to lump it up to Giroud - which we really shouldn't be doing. Think it goes without saying that another striker on the bench would have been useful as like I mentioned above, he seemed knackered in the last 10-15 minutes of that game. If Chamakh can't even get on the bench for Villa away, I wonder what the boss thinks of him...clearly not much! 

As for the Everton game, I managed to get a decent stream and from what I saw we were better than against Villa. It was evident we missed Theo at Villa and wasn't a surprise he scored (I had a cheeky quid on him to score!) - his pace really is an asset when we are looking to attack on the front foot against teams (on a side note, I do think he will leave us). For their goal we made a couple of errors, Sagna's pass was a bad one and I think TV5 could've closed down Afroman a bit quicker, or gone in and made a crazy Koscielny style block, but he backed off a bit and the form Fellaini is in he scored. We had a couple of shots in the second half but it could well have gone Everton's way too, 1-1 was probably the 'correct' result but not the one we needed. 

December really will be a massive month

As I said in my first and previous blog entry, December I feel will hold the key as to whether we can match the 3rd spot or be there or thereabouts when it comes to the top 4 at the end of the season. With respect to Swansea, West Brom, Reading, Wigan, West Ham and Newcastle, we really should be looking at getting a minimum of 15 points out of 18, especially considering our start to the season. If by new years day when we play Southampton we haven't climbed up in the table from where we currently sit at 7th, I really will surprised (and disappointed too). 

We've also got Olympiacos away which will determine whether we top the group (its not as big a deal as in previous years as I think the Champions League is stronger than ever - the likes of PSG, Valencia, Juventus, Shakhtar, AC Milan and Real Madrid could finish second) - our record there is pretty poor so I'm not holding out masses of hope in that regard. Bradford away in the league cup should in theory be straightforward, but then again I was at the Madjeski for the last round and we all know how that turned out! Hopefully a safe passage to the semis - hopefully this year we can bag this trophy that hasn't really been kind to us in the last 5/6 years in terms of finals!

January and that window...

Arsene has teased us a couple of days ago by saying we have money for 2 players - and for once I actually think he will go out and spend. #1 on my hitlist would be a striker to compete centrally with Giroud, and #2 well we could take a player in most positions I reckon so that remains to be seen. Not entirely sure either on Henry and if he will come back - I have mixed feelings on this. He is a legend after all, but at the same time does he still have it to perform at the highest level in what will be a tough 6 weeks? He had a good MLS season, that's for sure, but whether or not that is sufficient I'll let you all decide. All I do know is, regardless of what happens with him, he will always be a legend!

Come On You Gunners!

Time for me to end this piece by saying lets back our boys later against Swansea and for the rest of the season, they're going to need our support! I for one will be singing from the lower tier tomorrow despite the best efforts of Mother Nature! 

As ever, feel free to post any comments on here or directly to me on Twitter (@MishalDattani) - always happy to receive feedback and engage in debate with fellow gooners.

Mish