By Ian Grant
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Bernie
Thierry Henry
Ok OK I take some of it back – Henry’s been back to his aggressive self much more of late – culminating in the Goal of the Season thus far. The fact that it was against that shower from N17 just puts the icing in the cake for me.
It’s brilliant to see the entire squad playing with more confidence again and as a unified team.
matt nicholson
los lobos!
Myles, if you liked Kiko have you heard The Latin Playboys (los Lobos offshoot) or Houndog (david hidalgo and Mike Halby)? Both brilliant!
Paul Burland
Henry Goal
Totally agree that Henry’s goal against Spurs was one of those special goals. As soon as I saw it I thought of George Weah. What a devastating run and cool finish.
Alan Still
Luzhny & Right Back position
Just a quick note to say that Ralph is by nature a more attack minded player than Luzhny, but when Arsenal played Dynamo a few season back Luzhny destroyed Overmars both at Wembley & in the Ukraine. Any defender that does that gets my respect.
However Oleg never really had a chance to settle in the right back role as Lee dixon just kept on going. Both are good but I still think that right back is our weakest position (until the arrival of Steve Carr – Hopefully). There are both pros and cons to playing raplh at right back, attacking and a good passer – yes – positionally not great though ( Kirstens goal in Leverkusen and more recently Yorkes for Blackburn ) I dont know why Arsene didnt persist with him as a right sided midfielder – played there once last year against Fulham and should have had a hat trick (scored one and hit the post twice – I think)
Overall Wenger is slowly but surely turning Ralph into a good right back and Luzhny doesnt have too many years left in him. So if Arsene is planning to sign Steven Carr (whose contract is up in 18 months I believe) wh yis he trying to teach ralph the position now as I dont think he would be too happy being a fringe player.
Ari last
Oleg and Lauren
How can you claim that Oleg is more deserved of a place in the team then Lauren. Ralph was arguably our most consistent player last season and has worked so hard to convert his game from a midfield position into a defenders position. True, his positioning is still not top notch however he is excellent in the tackle, has a sweet pass and can beat anyone with some fancy footwork. He also clearly has the stomach for it after rolling in the penalty that beat the scum last season and effectively won us the league. I must admitt I do not particularly like Luhzny, he has played well recently but that cannot cover up for some real shockers he has perfomed in the past that has cost us games. He is an alright player, nothing more nothing less. To suggest he should oust Ralph after three good performances is nothing short of ludicris.
Owen
Kanu etc
Having read Mr Palmer’s comments on Oleg following Ben’s question, I thought I might ask him about his thoughts on Kanu. (changing to second person…)I can’t remember you offering a definitive statement on his worth to the Gunners. I began watching following the Gunners when Rioch took over, so I’ve basically only known the team under Wenger. In the 2000 and 2001 years I became particular conscious of the flaws in the teams strategy. You speculated that had Wenger bought Kanu earlier in 98/99 season we may have the title. Personally I don’t rate Kanu at all, to put bluntly. If I took charge of the team he would be out the door immediately. I say this despite having been a Kanu admirer from Atlanta and even up to his hat trick against Chelsea. Perhaps it was he more than anyone, even Bergkamp, who suffered from the departure of Anelka. Nevertheless, as you point out in your book, he was more of a “plan B” than ever really a player who could fit into Wenger’s philosophy. Anyhow, there was a point near the end of 2000, perhaps even earlier where, I would prey, as the telecast began on TV, that Kanu would not be in the starting eleven. At this time, I was frustrated at Wenger for this reason and also for the fact that he was underplaying Ljunberg and Bergkamp. These two players have always been, for me, the MVPs of the team. My advice to wenger, and the basis of my prediction whether we would win was reduced to a simple sentence: play Ljunberg, don’t play Kanu. At this stage, the latter was the only player offering any options to the ball carrier. Parlour was only effective centrally, while Pires is more of ball player. In addition, Henry would make frustrating overlapping runs. Last years campaign, particularly the run in, was a vindication of my advice. The surprising thing for me is that Wenger took so long to realise that movement in advance positions was waht Arsenal lacked, and what Ljunberg offered. In terms of Wenger’s philosophy Kanu is an imposter while Ljunberg is the the epitomy. Lightning speed!
, centra
l, direct attacking football initiated as soon as possession is won. This is Wenger’s ideal. Bergkamp fits into this ideal because he is quick in wit and body, and is the only player around who can distribute the ball in such advanced positions with such devestating speed.
When Nutty and Dixon were at left and right back, you emphasised the fact that they essentially stayed at home, letting the wide midfileders and strikers do all the attacking. Cole and Lauren are probably the two most effective attacking backs in the league. However, last years title was ultimately based on efficient rather than comprehensive attacks. The golden thread that links all of Arsenal’s success over the last decade, despite the change in attacking style, is a well protected and tight defence. A lot was made of Arsenal’s attacking prowess last season, but in the end it was their improved defence that allowed them to win by scoring one or two goals. The reimposition of Bergkamp and increased utilisation of Ljunberg was, in my opnion, inextricably linked to this defence solidity. These two, as well as Pires (Henry to a lesser extent) allowed the team to be much more compact in away games knowing they only needed two or three players and passes to score a goal. The goal against away to Newcastle was good example, althoufgh it did not involve Freddie. But it onle used two players Bergkamp and Pires. Aganist Liverpool away, Pires and Ljunberg. Against Aston Villa away just Pires. Against Man U away Wiltord and Ljunberg. Against West Ham at home Bergkamp and Ljunberg, as they did in a number of games at the end, which were all close, and all involved Arsenal not conceeding goals.
In short, Kanu slows down the play, draws defender and midfield team mates into forward positions and often then loses tyhe ball. This is an inefficient attack, and the team does not have the weaponary to score against static, and ready defences.
In my mind, Jeffers is always a better alternative to Kanu, as a starting player. What’s your view?
Justin Granshaw
Keeper/Defensive Issues/Other
I am forced to write again as I am an ardent Arsenal supporter/Season ticket holder and a great fan of football.
I have been concerned for a while now, that Seaman should maybe have taken a step down after the World Cup and the error that brought him under the spotlight. Firstly, I agree that he had to carry on with Arsenal this season, generally because Arsene did not bring in a keeper strong enough or with the necessary experience to replace him. But judging on his performances this season, both his confidence and ability are not what they used to be. Any goalkeeper that is fast approaching 40 years of age has to be something spectacular to be playing in the Premiership these days.
We have both Rami Shaaban and Stuart Taylor for cover. I had not seen enough of Rami to convince me that he was the one to replace Seaman, and I also thought his lack of experience would prove a problem. But having now seen him perform in 2 difficult first team games against 2 promising sides, (I know one was Spurs, but they were playing well up at that stage!) I feel he derserved his place as No.1 after keeping 2 clean sheets and overcoming his early nerves. Arsene must have had some faith in him, or he wouldn’t have bought him in the first place and chose him ahead of Taylor. My point is, if the team is working and producing results, then don’t change it.
I like young Taylor, but I’m still not sure that he is quite ready yet. He can still be a little naive at times, but Seaman is probably costing us as many goals as Taylor would. Wenger must stick with Rami, or buy Rustu when the transfer market opens again.
Another point is the defenders. When an inexperinced/new keeper is playing, the defenders subconsciously, will defend better to give the keeper more protection. But when they have Seaman in goal, just the name of ‘Safe Hands’ will let players think they are safer to make mistakes with an experienced, reliable keeper in front of them who has made his name. Some defenders may not admit this, but I’m sure there is an element of truth here.
Whilst on the subject of defenders, we still need one more class centre-back for the team to be complete. If Gallas is available at the mentioned price of 7 million, then I think this would be a good bit of business for Arsenal. Cygan looks good and Campbell has cemented his place, but Keown is getting older and seems to be picking up more injuries as time goes by. Stepanovs is not the answer. Igors is unconvincing and there is always an aura of panic in the air when he is playing. If Arsene does not have enough faith in Upson, then for the future will we need a Gallas or even Richard Rufus, someone who has proved themselves in the Premiership and is young enough to improve further. I wonder how John Halls is performing lately.? On another note, Kolo Toure is not really a full back. He is more of a forward player and was caught out against Sunderland, PSV and Southampton. Gio should be cover for Cole at left-back, and Lauren or Luzhny should be right-back. Unfortunately, we had little choice yesterday due to a slightly dubious refereeing decision.
Lastly, it is no co-incidence that we are losing games after there has been a week of international duty. Unfortunately, this comes part and parcel of being a great club, but I do seem to notice a lack of fight and conviction from some of the players on their return sometimes. Tiredness maybe, but I get the feeling that some of the players feel they have already won the game before it starts when we are playing lesser opposition, and its only when we’re behind with 10 or so minutes remaining that they realise this, and start to play with real conviction. This must be addressed to the players.
A couple of other points away from Arsenal. Leeds Utd are a much poorer team under Venables because El Tel is much more laid back than O’Leary. They were very poor against Spurs today and it looks like they have lost the spirit and fight that they have been renowned for in the past. A performance like todays would have had O’Leary seething and vowing they would never perform that badly again, but Terry seems to shrug his shoulders, admit it was disappointing and carry on.
Secondly, Man Utd are still on the receiving end of favourable decisions from the officials. Their 4th goal against Newcastle showed RVN and Forlan were offside when the first ball was played to Forlan, and how the linesman missed Solskjaer’s foul on Hughes beggers belief. Compare that with the 2 ‘offside’ goals disallowed that Arsenal scored against Spurs, then maybe you can see my point. Arsenal are definitely under scrutiny from the FA and officials in my opinion, and I’m sure Arsene would agree.
Anyway, I hope to have your views on my comments and keep up the good writing. Your site is always a good read.
Justin.
Hallgrmur Steinsson
Upson
Hi, and thanks for a great site. My question is for Myles: What are your thoughts on Matthew Upson? It is a bit perplexing why his chances have been so limited lately; it would be great if you gave him a little space in your next column.
He was impressive on many occasions last season. So why does Arsene loan him away from the club? Does he really think that Stepanovs and Tavlaridis are better?
anyway, great site
Hallgrmur
Loz
rear gunners
Firstly I must say I enjoy reading your views and comments greatly.
I have a very real concern four Arsenals rear guard, a back four and keeper who seem beatable by any strikers in the premiership.
At times I find it hard to know what to say about the Cygan and Sol pairing in the middle of defence, they are both solid as rocks for a huge amount of a game, and then for 15 – 25 minutes their ability to communicate and their concentration slips and in those moments we seem to leak goals that should never happen.I don’t want to jump on the back of Cygan, but it is his first season and Wenger should use him sparingly to get used to the pace and slowly develop a partnership with Sol, it seems he has been thrown in too quickly, and although his first couple of games for Arsenal were as solid as I have seen from any Arsenal defender now his weakness is showing and Wenger should give him a rest. But that isn’t possible as our depth in Central defence is weak, Wenger seems to think it is and area he can get away with using the likes of Stepanovs or Luznhy as backup, he can’t! Cygan is a good player but like I say he needs to be brought in gradually, to develop his style to the Premiership, and Arsenal.
I worry for Matty Upson, a fantastic defender on his day, with great pace. Wenger seems to insist on overlooking him every time a chance appears for him to make the central partnership with Sol his own. I know his injury took that chance away from him last season, but his rehabilitaion at Reading seems to have helped him leaps and bounds. Maybe with the suspensions and injuries in defence he may get his chance soon, not soon enough for me. If not Upson, why not Tavliridis, I have seen him play a few games and he always looks solid and comfortable on the ball, why does Wenger insist on playing no hopers? it is frustrating to say the least.
Seaman,I love this keeper, the best for years, and I have to be one of his biggest admirers, but it’s sad to say that it’s time for him to warm the bench a bit more. From what I saw of Shabaan there is no reason why Wenger should replace him with Seaman against Southampton. From two clean sheets to 3 conceded with a change of keeper. Seaman doesn’t control his area any more, doesn’t dive for lost causes instead watching them fly past him, this is not the Seaman we all love. Spare him, and move on.
Maybe Rustu in January? knowing Wenger maybe not.
One last point, Seaman was ridiculed for the corner that went in over his head, didn’t Barthez do a similar thing Saturday? what was the reaction, was he ridiculed? no he’s not 38.