From Rhys Jaggar
Arsenal’s two goals sum up what you and I have said for 5 years…..
1. Quality crosses cause mayhem.
2. Scoring from corners is about training ground routines.
3. Goals from 5 yards count the same as Arsene Wenger’s orgasm of the century wonder-goal.
The second goal reminded me of Man Utd in Nou Camp, 1999. For Beckham, read Arteta. For Sheringham, read TV5. For Solskjaer, read RVP. Not exactly the same, but similar.
My take on Arsenal’s improvement in two words: Mikel Arteta.
He’s played for 10 years at Rangers and Everton, earning everything he got. No freebies there. He’s grabbing the chance of a lifetime with both feet but he’s not playing the big time Charlie. He can mop up and he can link play. He can score a few and he can supply a few. He’s the perfect counterpoint to spoiled XBoxers.
Gervinho, Mertesacker are easing their ways in. January 2013 will be the time to evaluate whether they have it in the EPL or not. Ditto Santos.
But Arteta slotted straight in.
I have in mind Arsenal’s 2011/12 first XI now. Assuming Wilshere comes back as he was (which may be an optimistic assumption – may take him until May to return to his best).
The Gobby Pole; Sagna, Koscielny/Mertesacker,Vermaelen, Santos/Gibbs; Song, Arteta; Walcott, Ramsey, Wilshere; RVP
That’s only the half of it though, because sooner or later injuries will come.
And players must be rotated to keep them healthy and fresh. And Wilshere and Sagna are out for 2 more months at the moment. But it’s a side that can compete. Arsenal are still two straight wins away from getting back to Level Par in the EPL, though.They were seven over after seven, so they were due a streak of birdies if they wanted to survive the halfway cut. Hope you enjoyed last night.
I watched the Chelsea game on TV.
Sturridge came of age in the ECL, played really well. As soon as Alex came on, the defence went wobbly. He was billed as playing every time Chelsea had a clean sheet – commentators curse! Ivanovic was a numpty for the first goal, Cech a numpty for the second. Chelsea deserved a draw. They didn’t get it.
Myles says
Chelsea will need more than a draw against Wolves on Saturday, Rhys.
I’m going to that game, so I’ll let you know.
AVB has been given carte blanche to rebuild the team.
Roman has other things in his life now, he realises this is a transitional season, he’s not gonna sack the new manager, he’s told him to change the team and the style.
New players can’t prosper while old players are in charge.
I think John Terry will be playing for West Ham next season. I hope JT embraces that new chapter of his career.