Ramsey stars in Fratton Park encounter!

Arsenal won 4-1 against Portsmouth in an interesting away game. Gunners started off with great vigour for a win and Pompey looked very shattered without O'Hara. He is one player who had made it big in the line-up. Arsenal needed a definite win to keep up the pace in the league with Manchester United and Chelsea.

We started with a much predictable line-up.
Almunia
Sagna-Gallas-Vermaelen-Traore
Ramsey-Song-Diaby
Nasri-Arshavin-Eduardo

The Arsenal attacks looked good and threatening from the very beginning but had to wait for the deflected goal from Kaboul during a freekick from Eduardo to get the score ticking. Later Nasri finished well from a well executed touch and passing from Eduardo and Ramsey inside the penalty box. Ramsey won the ball from opponents on the final third and cracked a great left foot strike for the third goal. Belhadj helped Portsmouth to pull one back which later Song nullified with a great header from a Nasri cross.

Almunia once again showed his lack of skill. He seems to be a completely out of touch with his goalkeeping. Not sure whether he is not getting enough training or practice by the boss. Gallas and Vermaelen was incredible as always. Traore lended more than a helping hand on attacks but bad at defense. We needed someone who can give more in defense since we already had enough attacking options.

Eduardo was replaced by Rosicky who played a good 20mins. Later Nasri gave way for Craig Eastmond debut. Eastmond looked nervous with his touches but the lucky guy had a chance for a shot on goal during his 5mins on the field. Vela also came in for Arshavin towards the end of the match. Walcott is reported to be injured again and will easily miss next couple of weeks matches. I don't want to complain and write him off as an injury prone player. But this year looks like very bad for our players when injuries are concerned.

Wenger knows whether we need a striker or defender or midfielder or goalkeeper. But guys do put in your votes for the poll which ends in couple of days. Always inviting your views and valuable comments to improve the site.

Aston Villa gunned down in Emirates by Fabregas

This should be one of the best in Fabregas's career. Atleast one of the best I have watched. Arsenal gave Villa all sorts of trouble from start but in the second 10minutes Aston Villa got settled well and started to attack too.

Arsenal started without Fabregas in the starting XI as expected. He suffered a hamstring strain and was rested as a weapon which will be only used when needed the most.

Almunia
Sagna-Gallas-Vermaelen-Traore
Denilson-Song
Nasri--------------------Eduardo
Diaby
Arshavin

The line-up looked more like a traditional one with two sitting midfielders to clear the threat and then launch attack through wings with Diaby as a supporting striker upfront. But the game looked different with Denilson coming forward as CM as usual and Song doing the defensive midfielder role alone. Arsenal looked a big threat with their attacks and Eduardo again missed an easy chance very early in the match. Eduardo seems to be getting better with his touches but still struggling with his finishing. Aston Villa played to their strengths, the attacks through the wings. The attack in wings was the only thing they could do with Ashley Young and Downing on the side. Refereeing throughout the match was excellant and he seems to be very decent and fair in his approach. The whole game was looking like a 0-0 draw until 56minute when Arsene Wenger decided to make the best decision ever in his substitutions by bring on Fabregas. It was a very early decision to bring him on but to be frank had never seen such an impact from an substitute player in this season.

Fabregas came on from the bench, the whole game changed. Looked like he should be always playing like a substitute. :-). He took the oppourtunity when given by converting a freekick to score his first goal of the match and also to break the deadlock. Later Fabregas scored his second from a counter attack launched by Vermaelen through Walcott and Walcott set it up for a sweet strike by Cesc. But to the horror of the fans second goal again strained the hamstring and later Fabregas was substituted with Aaron Ramsey. Walcott came in for Eduardo earlier after the first goal to help to increase the pace. The speed of the whole match changed with Fabregas's introduction. Song started to attack and make runs with Fabregas and that showed the tactic change very clearly and everyone executed their role to perfection. Denilson was substituted to make way for Franscesc Fabregas. It looked like Fabregas created and sealed the victory for Arsenal when Diaby nailed the final nail into Aston Villa coffin by a run from midfield all alone and striking the ball to the left side of the keeper with one defender in front standing his line.

Fabregas looks to be injured again for couple of weeks but Arsenal is waiting now for the scan reports to confirm it. Denilson also is reported to have a back problem same like before. This looks like in case Rosicky is not fit again, Ramsey will be getting some starts this season and also Wilshere's loan move might not be considered itself due to shortage of midfielders. We already had Alex Song off for the African Nations Cup. Wenger had made a statement that in case he is going to miss Fabregas and Denilson both he will also look for midfielders in the winter market. He is left with no choice other than to play Ramsey and Wilshere or buy atleast one experienced midfielder. He also has options to play Nasri in midfield and give Walcott a starting place upfront as part of his strikeforce.

Diaby inspires Arsenal to a 3-0 over Hull City

Arsenal started off reasonably bad as usual after the big matches. Had to leave captain and playmaker Francesc Fabregas on the stands due to injury. He will be out for 10days. Wenger finally decided to play the best team he had got currently with him, available and not injured. It includes

Almunia
Eboue-Gallas-Vermaelen-Silvestre
Denilson-Song
Diaby
Nasri-Eduardo
Arshavin

This doesn't look like a conventional Wenger formation but more like an evolved one due to the need. I would say evolved since there is no Fabregas, the playmaking from the Hull half will be less and last time Hull were very attacking when they played at Emirates. Song and Denilson gave the much needed backbone to Arsenal attacks. Both of them can play very good defensively but the advantage Wenger has is the range of passing they possess. They can keep the ball and also move forward dribbling. Diaby finally gave the result which was expected from him years back. Initially Wenger played him defensively thinking he is a Viera clone with similar frame. But knowing Diaby's past will make us believe he can attack as a striker since he was a second striker in his young days. A second striker should not be played in Left Midfield or as a defensive midfield. Wenger should be playing him behind the striker and in front of the midfield which he did this time and also made the difference. He is exceptional there with his frame and speed. He possess good dribbling skills too. But the problem often seen with Diaby was that he got too carried away with his dribbling and often created problems for Gunners than opponents.

Arshavin was silent throughout the match giving more balls and chances to Eduardo who was the second best player we had on the pitch. Eduardo showed that he was regaining confidence and slowly getting to his real self. He was offmood and often offtarget last 10 matches and until last night he never was any threat to opponents. In case Wenger opts to play him in front for next 4-5 matches he would be back in form and in form Eduardo is more dangerous than many other strikers we have seen. This will also take off the striker worry for Wenger since Bendtner will be back in January by New Year.

Hull City penalty from Giovanni was saved by Arsenal stopper Almunia. It was his 4th save out of 7 penalties he had faced this season. It looks a good record. But once again his delivery was poor and also looked out of touch except for the penalty save. He surely needs to gain more confidence and hope this penalty which was saved will help him raise it. He is not even looking something similar to what he has last year. Considering Almunia's age, I would save Wenger should look for more talented goalkeepers or give Mannonne or Sczhezny one more shot. Fabianski is a good player, but still lacks the natural talent as Sczhezny who is a very young. But for an already young and dangerous Arsenal team, a goalkeeper who is of 19years won't make any difference. Awarding a penalty to Fagan was a very bad decision since everyone could he that Fagan pulled Silvestre and tried to forge a fall. Silvestre looked very dejected by that decision and later Silvestre and Vermaelen together gave Fagan a very bad time.

Silvestre was another player who caught my eye. He was good on the left back position and looks like he should be the second option for Wenger with his experience and skill. I had written previously also in my blog that Silvestre should be played at Left Back to extract what he can add to the team and proud to say that it made the difference. He is not a good center back at all, but plays well on the left back position. Wenger played Ramsey for Nasri, Walcott for Eduardo and Vela for Arshavin towards the end of the game. Walcott once again showed great pace and also missed couple of good chances which with his experience we expect him to finish. Vela also started to show that he was gaining his cofidence back which is very much needed seeing the kind of layoff that Van Persie is facing.

Once again Arsenal and Hull City match was filled with aggression as Hunt and Barmby manhandled Nasri when Nasri had fouled their fellow player after the bad treatment he received. Nasri and Hunt was yellow carded. It showed the kind of physical level these matches can take players to. Arshavin also had a stunt with Fagan for Fagan's false penalty claim and acting.

Overall it was not a great Arsenal display but what matters is the result which they were able to make. Arsenal really cannot afford any slip up. In case they had won at Burnley, Arsenal would be at second position in table with one game in hand. Let's hope this develops to a better and memorable season and also hope Wenger brings in one Center back since Senderos is set to go and also one much needed striker. Almunia would be a good second goalkeeper to have, so can save him for the bench.

Time to change - Only a draw in Turf Moor

Arsenal side deserved to win by their second half display. But looks like if they continue this way there is no way we can catch up with likes of Aston Villa, Spurs and Manchester City and will need to forget chasing Chelsea and Manchester United.

Fabregas was substituted due to an hamstring injury which could keep him away for sometime. This injury is coming at a very bad time for Arsenal since they need his services badly during the coming weeks. Fabregas was outstanding with his run and passing when the match started in Turf Moor. But once he was substituted Arsenal no longer looked the same. The lone goal for Gunners came from Fabregas and Burnley took advantage and got the draw from a penalty.

Almunia once again proved how much he was worth, with his wonderful erroraneous displays. He needs to improve if Arsenal is to win anything this season or else Wenger needs to play Mannonne or Szex. Almunia got lucky when a good goal from Fletcher was disallowed calling offside where it never looked as one. The ball passed through Almunia rolling for Fletcher to finish. This was the biggest blunder most people have ever witnessed by any goal keeper. Walcott tried to over do things with his pace but was well marked by Burnley defenders. Nasri played well and did his part without much success.

Song once again stood strong against the opposition and towards the end of the match we could see Song's play making ability. He was no more a defensive midfielder, he was controlling things from a higher position on field and Diaby went back. Eduardo came in for Walcott and once again missed quite a few chances which he could have scored during his better days.

Arsenal started with Silvestre on the left back position. Eventhough he played better in this position than his central back games. He let the players come in lot of times. Arsene Wenger would surely think before renewing his contract seeing the kind of game he is producing. Wenger keeps praising Silvestre for his leading ability which maybe is off the field and not in field. Ramsey came in for Fabregas and could not make any impact on the game.

If we are to pose any threat to atleast 3rd or 4th position, we need to win these matches or else we all will need to wait for one more year to start all over again. There should be an end to all this wait. As I wrote in last few occassions we need a good goalkeeper, couple of strikers with height and a good central defender. Wenger maynot agree with me. But when we fans keep saying this he should atleast have a look. Its our team, same like his. Only thing is he makes it and we support it. If not for himself, hope he does this for the supporters and for the team.

Arsenal wins the crucial match against Liverpool

Gunners showed that they are capable of coming back and winning the game after the last victory in AZ Alkmaar. Arsenal won 2-1 against Liverpool and moreover at Anfield. Arsenal had not defeated Liverpool at Anfield since 2003. This could be a turning point for Arsenal in the league as Chelsea drew against Everton and Aston Villa winning against Manchester United.

More than Arsenal team, I should write about the Liverpool team selection which would have scared anyone. It looked as if they were preparing whole season for this match. Have a look at it guys!

Reina
M.Johnson-Carragher-Agger-F.Aurelio
Mascherano-Lucas
Kuyt-Gerrard-Benayoun
Torres

That team would raise a chill through anybody's spines and same happened to me.
Whereas Arsenal team looked as below, completely young and inexperienced considering the Liverpool giants.

Almunia
Sagna-Gallas-Vermaelen-Traore
Fabregas-Song-Denilson
Walcott-Arshavin-Nasri

Arsenal deployed Walcott and Nasri as wingers more than attackers but during the first half they were not able to poise great threat. Later during the second half Walcott and Nasri changed the flanks and that did the trick. Denilson got a yellow card very early in the match. First half saw Arsenal in hand brake mode as admitted by Wenger too. Torres missed the best chance of the match from a Gerrard pass during counter attack. Almunia was miserable as usual and his error while clearing a freekick crafted the lone Liverpool goal from Dirk Kuyt. It was a good goal considering the tremendous pressure this match had.

Maybe that pressure continued to second half when Arsene Wenger blasted the young guns and shouting at them for first time as per Fabregas's view. He said that he had never seen Wenger this angry during half time in his whole Arsenal career. I would believe he had all the reason to be angry. This was a must win to take advantage of the other slip-ups above us in table. Second half saw a rejuvenated Arsenal team which attacked with all fronts. This continous pressure led Johnson to find his own net from a Nasri cross which saw Walcott of space even if it had come through Johnson. Thanks Johnnie for bring Arsenal back on track. Within 6-7mins from that own goal Arshavin found Liverpool net shaking from his wonder strike once again. He controlled the ball from a Fabregas cross and again Johnson behind him not able to keep up the pace at which everything was executed. That was one wonder strike from the Russian champ.

Later Arshavin was substituted with Ramsey and I doubt there is some strain or ankle related issue for him. Diaby came on for Walcott to add height to Arsenal attack and strength to Arsenal defence. He played well for his 20mins and seems to be in good touch. Traore also limped making way for Silvestre once again. Wenger did take a big gamble playing Traore again last weekend considering the hit he sustained on previous encounter at Stoke. Arsenal will be playing Burnley on the midweek. Burnley had already showed their skills against Manchester United by causing an upset to them during the start of this years campaign. The most interesting thing will be to see the team selection for the Burnley encounter. Since we are again playing over the weekend against Hull City who had defeated Arsenal last season.

My team for the Burnley encounter would be as below:
Mannone
Eboue-Senderos-Vermaelen-Silvestre
Ramsey-Song-Denilson
Wilshere-Eduardo-Vela

Substitutes:
Fabianski-Fabregas-Arshavin-Diaby-Gallas-Sagna-Merida

The team looks erratic which I do agree. But would love to see that team play because it has experience at back and speed at front. Just to see how it works will be a pleasure to watch.(Just because I picked it :-)) This will allow Wenger to rest his players and also use them in case it is required after understanding the pressure and situation of the match. This holds no disrespect to Burnley team. I have watched couple of their games and I found them very good at counter attack and set pieces. So Arsenal beware, better take them seriously or else they will let you know the difference.

Arsenal Injury Worries ahead of Liverpool match!

Arsenal kids loses to Olympiacos

Arsene Wenger once again started a youth team against Champions League rivals Olympiacos. Arsenal had already qualified for the next round by topping the table. Wenger placed a complete youth team with an average age below 21. This is another record in Champions League coming Arsenal's way.

Ramsey had been the star for the day from the start with his brilliant runs, passes and shots. He had been instrumental and showed the glimpse of next Fabregas in making. Welshmen with 18 years of age showed the character and skill of an experienced player in late twenty. Arsenal young gun lost in some style to Olympiacos. We also saw Wenger hugging Zico after the match which showed the kind of attitute he has after losing a match. Not comments on Man City Carling Cup match.

Arsenal team played well with their excellant passing. The few negatives we can find is again in the front. We were not able to finish. The winning comes only through scoring goals in football and whatever nice passing football you play, if you can't score? Answer is a well known big waste of time and resources. Arsene Wenger should consider poaching on a poacher this winter during the Christmas break. This is what we really need now and not a technically apt terrific goal scorer. Hope the return of Bendtner might help the Arsenal campaign.

Silvestre seems to be not up to the expectation according to our review. He needs to play in his natural position which is left back and give chance for upcoming youngsters to take the center stage in the back four line up. Arsenal also needs to look for an experienced defender.

Arsenal defeats Stoke City at Emirates

Gunners started off with a totally unexpected formation with Andrei Arshavin on the apex of the attack.

Almunia
Sagna-Gallas-Vermaelen-Traore
Fabregas-Denilson-Rosicky
Eboue-Arshavin-Nasri

Stoke played the natural game fully pushing and sliding. They kept on attacking the gunners physically which took off the rhythm in the Arsenal movements from the early part of the game. Fabregas was often targetted for the fouls. Referee seems to be totally blind 90% of the times. Arsenal played brilliant short passes and cruised forward for sometime but the ball in the final third was awful. No real threat at all in corners and freekicks due to the lack height in the players. Stole players were giants considering the Arsenal height. Arshavin hit the first goal from a beautiful one two passing with Fabregas from the left side of the penalty box. Wenger didn't play any striker at the start of the game. In the center of the park the ground was crowded with Stoke midfielders and defenders which caused real trouble in the movement.

The best chance Arsenal got was when Delap fouled Arshavin which gave us a penalty. To be frank, as soon as I saw Fabregas stepping up for that penalty I knew we were going to miss it. We had Arshavin who won the penalty, Nasri who could take it well, Denilson who had good power with his shots and Eboue who is a known penalty taker. Still the captain took the oppourtunity and hit it so slow that even the kids playing next street can stop it. It was one of the worst penalty witnessed by us. Sorensen was already a known goalkeeper too and now this adds to his fame.

Second goal for Arsenal came through Aaron Ramsey with a great finish considering the number of defenders with him when he was hitting it to the back of the net. Arshavin went down with the defender when the later tried to push Arshavin which game Ramsey a clean run with the free ball and finishing off in style. Ramsey came on for Eboue who seems to be in some pain when he left the pitch. Not sure whether we are waiting for another injury news. But since in our blog we never speculate, which is the main reason not writing about transfers. Let's leave it to the boss to update us. Carlos Vela came out for Rosicky as played as a wide player in the left wing. Vela seems to be out of form like Eduardo and also didn't take up few good chances he got inside the penalty box. With the speed he has and the talent he holds he should have taken those chances.

Traore needs a special mention because this guy was far better than his previous games in his attacks. He gave few good crosses and seems to have improved. But he still needs to work on his defense and also the power of the final balls. He often stays upfront which makes it problematic for other players to cover his area. Finally Wenger played Silvestre in Left Back when Traore looked like struggling to recover from another Stoke City foul. Silvestre just got 3-4mins to play on his renowned position but looked ok with his touches. We always wanted him to play there rather than Center Back.

The gist of it is Arsenal won 2-0 in a match which needed a fair result to keep up the campaign. Denilson was not able to completely shine in that Defensive Midfield role as Song did. Song missed the match due to suspension from 5 yellow cards honour. Song was infact missed by the players and also looks like Diaby should be there since players are reluctant to take on defenders which he is very good at.

Manchester City Owns Arsenal once again!

Nothing much to write out here tonight guys. Gunners are starting to lose their way as usual. If they lose to Stoke City this weekend, we can conclude our season by Christmas. Traore was awful and too many yellow cards collected. Team selection was poor and with a full team from Manchester City, we had no chance. Arsenal needs to improve their striking and strikers. Needs to have someone to head properly. One request to Wenger would be to stop playing Song in Center Back position. He is getting better as a defensive midfielder, don't spoil him. Why is Senderos in the team if he is not even fit to play a Carling Cup match? Should have played 4-4-2 today. Arsenal team looked and played ordinary and foolish football today. Congrats to Manchester City and especially Lescott for his wonderful defense and Wright Phillips for his superb runs and goal.