Reviews
Fulham (h) Post Match Thoughts: Does Arshavin play for Arsenal or Andrey?, Robin regret & an afternoon of firsts
Date: 10 May 2010By Mean Lean
Match Review - Arsenal 4 Fulham 0 - Premier League
Arsenal winning comfortably whilst our neighbours fluff up a two goal lead to lose at Burnley. At last, some order seems to have been restored to the world.
After all the worry of losing our third place, I wondered what we were all so concerned about at the final whistle. Before I talk about the game I would like to wish all Arsenal Vision readers a happy and blessed St Totteringham's day, much later than most living Gooners are used to but as they say, better late than never.
As expected Fulham made changes to their personnel, not a complete new team but eight changes from their previous game against Stoke City.
To be honest, I think if Fulham had played their strongest side and gave their all, I still think they would have been undone by an impressive and committed Arsenal team. I think the attitude was much improved from the recent outings to Wigan and Blackburn. I do not think that it was a coincidence that the players upped their game as all of a sudden the players had a target to play for.
The sunshine, along with Van Persie back to somewhere near his best form just reminded me back to the first few months of the season. Our football was fluid, we were creating chances effortlessly. Unfortunately we haven't been able to witness this for a long enough stretch to sustain a full title fight right until the very end.
Fulham were on the back foot from the very beginning, Arsenal as expected started quickly, won their individual duels and passed the ball quickly. It could have been a completely different start had Fulham taken advantage of the out of sorts Fabianski's fumble from a Fulham cross after only six minutes on the clock. Clearly Fabianski is a bag of nerves right now and each cross into the box looks to be worrying him. I wasn't very impressed with the home support's ironic cheers whenever he caught or kicked the ball.
I personally think that he should be loaned out for a season and should not be a part of our first team at present but that does not mean that when selected he should be subject to that from his own fans.
A few minutes later Van Persie tested the finger tips of Mark Schwarzer, after his inswinging free kick was heading for the top corner.
Schwarzer has been a keeper on many fans wish list as a stop gap until Woijech Szechney is old enough and experienced enough to claim the first team gloves. To be honest, I could think of worse candidates but if his error had been made by either Fabianski or Almunia then there would have been mayhem at the Emirates.
Schwarzer received a back pass but his touch was heavy, the quick thinking Andrey Arshavin nipped in and whipped the ball away from the big Australian goalkeeper. I stand by my initial thoughts whilst watching live. He made a terrible decision to go for goal.
My thoughts went back to our game against Manchester United at the Emirates. 0-0 Arshavin in a similar position but went for goal when Cesc and Nasri were in good positions. At home to Bolton late on in the game, Theo Walcott is completely unmarked yet Arshavin completely ignored him and went for glory on his own without applying the finishing touch.
Arsenal players play for each other and not for themselves. You could argue that we need someone who will take on a bit of responsibility but players like Thierry Henry, Robert Pires, Cesc Fabregas and Dennis Bergkamp knew when it was better to go alone and when to play the simple pass to a better placed team mate to score the goal. Andrey Arshavin plays for himself and that to me is not the Arsenal way.
It is almost ludicrous to suggest that as the ball found its way into its intended target, but that will not always be the end result and it could cost us as Adebayor's selfishness proved at Birmingham a few years ago with Bendtner screaming for it in an unmarked position.
The nerves had been eased, Arsenal supporters already knew that Gareth Bale had given Tottenham an early lead in Burnley so Arshavin's goal was just what the doctor ordered.
Minutes later, Bacary Sagna slipped in Walcott with a lovely left footed threaded pass, a pass that Cesc Fabregas would have been proud of. Theo raced in the space and squared to Van Persie who struck past the keeper at the second attempt after his first shot was blocked onto the crossbar. Van Persie raced to Walcott, hugging him and pointing to his team mate. The cynic in me wondered if that was a slight dig at one of his other team mates.
9 goals in 14 starts for Van Persie. *sigh*
The time that Van Persie is fit for 80% of our season is the time we win the league comfortably.
Van Persie's overall game was superb, I am sure he is still short of his full match sharpness but his link up play and first touch is wonderful. Nicklas Bendtner made a terrific impact when he returned from injury, his goal scoring record tells its own story but when the ball is killed dead when passes are being fired at Van Persie, a shimmy later then a floated pass into the feet of an advancing team mate just makes you open your eyes to what we have missed.
Theo had the ball rolling in the back of the net after a good move but the flying winger was adjudged to have been offside. Ten minutes before half time the game was wrapped up. A lovely passing move resulted in Walcott crossing into the penalty area, Eboue's flick deceived Chris Baird and his extended leg diverted the ball past his goalkeeper.
When was the last time we raced into a 3-0 lead at half time? It has been far too long.
The game slowed down considerably in the second half. Van Persie had a few Bendtner vs Burnley moments in the second half. The best chance was probably his first striking the post from close range after Schwarzer had blocked his first attempt.
Carlos Vela showed everyone how it was done with his trademark finish late in the game. Nasri slid the substitute through and he only had one thing on his mind, lifting the ball delightfully over the advancing Schwarzer for 4-0.
That was Vela's first Premier League goal of the season. I still believe that Vela could be a fantastic striker for whichever club he plys his trade for. He has the obvious talent, he just needs consistent games and confidence and the rest will come through. The problem for Vela is that he has some very good established players ahead of him, so we will wait and see what happens to him.
Speaking of debuts, Henri Landsbury made his first Premier League start for Arsenal in the last 15 minutes. He looked for the ball as much as possible and looked very neat and tidy. He has been one of the better players in the Championship, clearly the playing time has done him the world of good. He may find some more chances during the pre season to make an impression. Aaron Ramsey's injury may have opened another door for a young midfield player.
Johan Djourou also featured in the second half, replacing the injured Mikel Silvestre. I have a soft spot for the talented Swiss international. He slotted in alongside Campbell and looked assured. The door may be left ajar by William Gallas who was absent from the post match goodbyes and it is likely that Silvestre has played his last game for Arsenal. Johan Djourou needs to avoid injury and work hard in training and he could find himself fighting for a place alongside Thomas Vermaelen in 2010/2011.
Both Arsenal and Fulham had penalty appeals waved away and Fabianski handled outside the box and received a booking for his troubles. Apart from that, Arsenal were in control of the game and won convincingly.
The afternoon was made even better as Tottenham were put firmly in their place by Burnley, losing 4-2 after taking a 2 goal lead. All we need now is our lovely neighbours to be annihilated in the qualifers in August.
It was a season of up's, down's and what if's but ultimately we came up short in the end. Many of the Gooners will have the world cup to look forward to and Wenger can get on with his job, analysing the squad, the strong points the weaknesses. Players will leave and no doubt some will be brought in.
The silly season begins here.
Sagna (7.5)
Campbell (7)
Silvestre (7)
Clichy (7.5)
Diaby (7.5)
Eboue (8)
Nasri (7.5)
Walcott (8)
Van Persie (8)
Arshavin (7)
Please note that ratings are only my interpretations of the game and that others will have differing opinions
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Season Review & Player ratings review coming soon.
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The above quote was made by Wenger after our 4-0 win against Fulham yesterday. Basically he is saying that winning the Premiership, finishing in the Champions League spots as well as winning the Champions League are now his top priorities. I would rather Arsenal finish 4th with the FA Cup or Carling Cup in tow than finish 3rd in the league with no silverware.
We are so close to winning the league, it's untrue, however if Wenger were to select a stronger line-up in the FA Cup and Carling Cup, not only would it improve our chances of winning those contests, but if the players were to pick up one of the trophies, it would give them the extra confidence needed in order to challenge for the major titles.
It breaks my heart to say this, but for the first time in 13 years, I am starting to question whether he deserves a new contract (his current deal expires at the end of next season) after making a shocking statement like that.
Apart from the fact that you may have misquoted Arsene Wenger - or whichever report you read of his alleged quote is inaccurate - I don't think anything new was being said by Arsene at all.
We've known for some time that winning the premier & champions leagues are his 1st & 2nd priorities.
The fact that we haven't done so during the season just ended is disappointing, to say the least. But Arsene acknowledged that it's not good enough, along with the fact that the team simply conceded too many goals.
We have made progress this season, and I trust Arsene to take measures to ensure that the team makes even more progress next season, hopefully enough to start bringing in the silverware.
Out of interest; hypothetically speaking would you prefer to be 5th now and have a FA cup final against the Chavs to look forward to next week and Spurs and Man C getting our CL spot. Or would you prefer to have battled for the league and ended up 3rd, in my mind mainly down to a horrible injury list (that could have been worse if we had thrown all players in to win either cups)?
Yes we should have won something since 2005 and looking up at the empty space left to paint on future trophies at the Emirates is gut wrenching, but we have been challenging for the big 2 trophies in recent years, and for a club on a budget I personally think we have done well and have the best squad potentially in the league.
DJ - I often read your comments and think you have some insightful observations about the Gooners so it upsets me that you want AW out after all he has done for us?
It seems you're assuming that we qualify for the CL via the qualifiers from 4th, and win a cup. I think most of us would prefer that to coming 3rd and not winning a Cup (perhaps dependent on exactly how close we were to the teams above us). I suspect Arsene probably would too!
Wenger is saying that qualifying for the CL and not winning a domestic Cup is a better season than not qualifying for the CL (say, coming 5th) but winning one.
Of course that doesn't tie in with the ideals of the romantic fan in all of us, but financially it would be idiotic for Wenger to think otherwise. That is how the game is now, and Redknapp said the same last week. All managers would.
Wenger made the statement towards the end of the MOTD interview he conducted after the Fulham game yesterday. Click on the following link to access the interview:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/a/arsenal/8671355.stm
If in any given season, Arsenal fail to win the league, I would like the team to preferably finish second in the league with a domestic cup in tow (FA Cup or Carling Cup), like we achieved in the 2004/05 season. If we were to win the much coveted Champions League, that would also be a bonus.
I have never stated on this blog that I want Arsene Wenger to leave our beloved club. I merely expressed that I am starting to have some doubts on whether his contract should be extended.
I would love Wenger to stay at the club for a long time; however you can't tell me that you are happy for Wenger to come out and say that the second most important thing after failing to win the Premiership is to qualify for the Champions League? Wouldn’t you prefer to finish in one of the Champions League spots with a trophy in tandem?
There is no doubt that the Champions League provides the club with much needed revenue, however if you were to ask any of the players, I’m sure they would’ve like to have picked up some form of silverware this season in regards to just finishing in one of the Champions League qualifying positions.
We have progressed on a variety of levels this season, however I think in order for the players to gain a greater winning mentality, Wenger has to improve the team's chances of picking up silverware by fielding a stronger line-up in the domestic cup competitions. Once the players pick up their first trophy at The Grove, there is no doubt in my mind that the team will move on to greater heights. Surely you all agree with me on that point?
On the match, it was good to get back to wining ways and the icing on cake was Vela scoring with is ''trade mark'' my chip.
ML, i am waiting for your season's assesment, with ratings for every player that took part in the season.
Every fan should speak for themselves only and not claim that 'Arsenal Fans' need this and need that. There's no consensus on whether FA Cup or CarNothing Cup should be a priority over qualifying to Champions League.
I watch football because I want to be entertained and as far as I see Arsenal do that BEST.
I want my club to win matches and makes me happy for most matchdays and Arsenal usually do that for me.
I want MY club to show that they can compete with the best in Europe and Arsenal do some of that for me.
I want my Arsenal to win trophies but so far Arsenal failed me on this one.
I want my club to be stable financially, well run and sustainable to guarantee brighter future and employment and Arsenal do that for me.
So as far as I am concerned Arsenal ticked most points I wanted them to tick except one and I hope in near future they will fulfill that.
The great thing about this season is I can’t wait to watch us next season as we can surely only get better.
The only reason why Wenger has put the FA Cup down the list of priorities is because when he tried to juggle the three (League, Champions League and FA Cup) we failed and the demands were too much.
This season just gone we have run out of players, injuries have more than taken their toll and that is without us fielding strong sides in the Carling and FA Cup. I am sure that had we had more available players then we could have played far stronger teams in the other competitions.
Don't forget that Wenger has been to plenty of FA Cup finals and has won his fair share of them.
And I agree with ML's comments about Arshavin - plays for his own glory - yes, he's a good player but I would not shed one tear if he left for Barca or elsewhere.
I'm not a great fan of long post-mortems. We didn't do it this season, it's obvious why (defence + injuries), AW now seems to recognise this and is intent on rectifying the situation. End of.
Just hope we hang on to the rest of the squad, especially Cesc, and strengthen where necessary. I love watching the Arsenal play since Wenger came - surely no-one wants to go back to the days of GG just for the sake of a trophy?
Have a nice summer all - keep the faith.
I was happy with yesterday's performance. Much better all round. Without wanting to dwell on the negatives too much, why are we still so wasteful?
All day we've been hearing how great Chelsea are for all their goals this season but we could have easily been their equals if we put away just half the chances we waste week in week out. Theo's miss just about summed that up yesterday.
ML, I sort of half agree about Arshavin's selfishness but if there was anyone in the team I'd want to go it alone in those situations, it would probably be him. The invincibles being an exception, every successful team in history has had a selfish goal-hungry player up front. Look at Drogba and Lampard yesterday, yes, the former acted like a small child but it's that determination to succeed, be it as an individual or as a part of a team that for me, separates them from us.
On the issue of either/or regarding trophies, why can't we challenge on all fronts? Chelsea are about to do the double having lost just one round earlier in the Champs league while United went out at the same stage as us but we able to win the Carling Cup and challenge up until the final day.
It's not a case of 'rather' this or that but at the end of a season surely it would be better to sit here with a trophy, ANY trophy, than nothing?
Football is a business too and there are few clubs better run than Arsenal. Look at Man Utd and Liverpool's debt and consider that Chelsea's achievements are only possible because they have an owner with a bottomless purse. For Arsenal to finish third in those circumstances is a great achievement.
At least Arsenal fans don't feel the need to wear green and yellow scarves and throw them on the pitch at the end of the season.
Thank you.finishing third is not a trophy.we have to start winning cups like the Carling or FA at least,if we want to have that winning mentality.These comments by Wenger about exceeding expectations despite what the critics said is really sad.There are some players who are not supposed to be on the Arsenal first team.The TRUTH is the TRUTH.How come we always show up when it matters least.Beating Fulham 4-0 on the last day is good but lets not attribute this to injuries alone.Most of the players on the field are not good enough,let alone those on the bench.
DJD honestly I agree with you a great deal about some Arsene's comments.Honestly,he makes these players feel like they have achieved anyways.This is not a winners attitude.He talks about mental strength.I beg to differ.The final games that we played have nothing to show for mental strength.
I think what we have is a team with mostly made up of bunch of players have just come to accept that its okay to qualify for CL and challenge for the premier league.Most of the players argue that there have been injury problems.but lets ask ourselves..how much performance did the fit players turn in???
Arsenal is more than just a team that must finish third and qualify for CL.this is THE ARSENAL and its about time we bring our guns out and gun opponents down.
Oh and how shameful it is,the number of defense-splitting through passes we fail to make in the absence of Cesc.Its awful but God knows this is supposed to be our strength.How can we take every ball to the flank when we have short players..And we have lost game because we have failed to shoot sometimes and overplayed the ball.Things have to change.Long live THE ARSENAL.
Yes, DJ, that's a no-brainer. Wenger would feel the same I'm sure.
What he is saying is that qualifying for the CL (while not winning a trophy) is more important than winning a domestic cup but not qualifying for the CL.
Well great minds think alike.I feel it will give them a taste of what a cup-wining victory is.at the moment,about 95% dont have that experience.if you look at the Man U squad,to be honest,they are not miles better than us in terms of quality.but they have the mentality.they know how to win ugly when it matters.They know how to enforce the issue.
One thing that bothers me is that it almost always seems no one wants to shoot the ball.have you noticed how many attacks break down just because we over play the ball?
I feel we are so close yet so far away.Even though we need signings,we also need to change our attitude and a few things about how we play.for a team like Arsenal,the number of defense-splitting passes we have in a game is disappointing.except when Cesc or RVP is playing.
Just want to say I disagree about Arshavin being too selfish. Arshavin has a hunger for goals that Arsenal has lacked since (as you point out) we lost Henry and Pires. He's a natural goalscorer and I'm happy for him to be a bit selfish because in the end that is what is best for the team. I think there's a lie around the Arsenal team which suggests that not shooting and passing to your mate is a 'team-based style of play'. It's not; a 'team-based style of play' is making the decision that is best for the team, and very often that is taking the responsibility to get a goal yourself. To back that up, I'm always fairly impressed by how hard Arshavin chases the ball. I know he can be a bit peripheral in games, but for me he works hard off the ball. I find all the negative stuff about Arshavin that I keep reading a little frustrating - I think he's exactly the kind of player we've been missing lately.
Oh and I love AW, but please let him realise that Fabianski has no career prospects in the Prem. He's too small, too nervous, and too quiet.
In terms of the rest of Arshavin generally though he really doesn't make himself an easy player to like... RVP was up on a rape charge, has never played a full season yet is viewed as nothing short of the messiah by a lot of fans, why? Because he cares about the club, is unbelievably talented and is vocal about his loyalty whenever he is linked elsewhere. Arshavin has been with us for a season and a half and is already trying to court Barcelona, he clearly realised that Barca would see him as more of a commodity coming from us than some Russian backwater.
I find his behaviour off the pitch less easy to forgive than some of his selfishness on the pitch, he is a world class player who I hope stays with the club, equally if he doesn't see our club as "big" enough for his own ego then I say get shot of him and I don't think he would be particularly missed.... How many times this season has he even come close to reproducing that performance against Liverpool??? that was a shop window performance if ever I've seen one.
Arshavin for me fits into the Craig Bellamy category (who bizarrely enough I actually quite like), incredibly talented when he wants to be but also very mercenary and will peddle his wares to the highest bidder, I'd rather our club be filled with those who want to wear the shirt (Eboue, Diaby, Wilshere, Cesc,) than those who use us as a brand to better themselves, we are not and never will be Chelsea, let's keep it that way
He's becoming an embarrasment.
It's a no brainer! The former option all the way.
Like Iron Man rightly pointed out, finishing 2nd, 3rd or 4th is not something to celebrate, whilst failing to win one out the three additional competitions we compete in.