In today's Arsenal Vision Post Match Podcast: Elliot (@YankeeGunner) and Paul (@PoznanInMyPants) revisit the 1-2 defeat at the hands of a crappy Manchester United team at Old Trafford. The guys discuss Arsenal's dysfunctional midfield, Theo Walcott, Gabriel and all that fun stuff in today's Arsenal Vision podcast.
Leading up to the game I had been hoping that we could take the positives from the Barcelona game, positives that I believe were massively overlooked due to our late folding in that particular game, but we worked extremely hard collectively, defended very well as a unit and that gave our counter attacking game an excellent platform. If we performed in the same manner there is no way that this Manchester United team would have beaten us. Interestingly though, I thought the selection of Welbeck and Gabriel
It is interesting to note that Gabriel has come straight back into the team in place of Per Mertesacker who made a couple of errors in midweek. The section looks quite front footed both at the back with our recovery pace and Welbeck and Alexis on the flanks, we could be in for quite the high energy, high pressing Arsenal teams that did so well against Manchester United back in October.
Arsène hasn't really given Welbeck much of a run as centre forward so I wouldn't be surprised to see Welbeck played from the right and maybe Walcott played through the middle. On a very similar theme, I would really like to see Alexis have a run as our centre forward. Now, I am sure Arsène has his reasons why that experiment has been pretty much thrown out with the rubbish, I mean he is the fella who gets to see the players up close and on a regular basis, not to mention the fact that he has had a few decent strikers under his management over the years but watching Sergio Agüero take a quick touch past his man and fire low past the keeper in their 3-1 beating of Dynamo Kyiv on Wednesday, I thought to myself, 'Alexis could do that'
There is no doubt that Giroud is an impressive player but there are a few arguments that have been brought forward about whether he can fill the big shoes left by Thierry Henry. Although the French striker has had some great moments and achievements, the consistency in his form is questionable. It seems as though some days he is on fire and others he doesn’t reach the level we all know he is capable of. Maybe it’s just because the fans are just used to Henry never letting his form slip and that gives a harsh measuring stick to use on Giroud.
In today's Arsenal Vision Post Match Podcast: Elliot (@YankeeGunner), Paul (@PoznanInMyPants) and Tim (@Stillberto) discuss the 0-2 defeat in the Champions League against Barcelona. Taking chances, team strategy and plenty more all discussed in today's Arsenal Vision podcast.
When the ball fell at the feet of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain with only the keeper to beat early in the first half, he fluffed his lines and mishit a shot straight at the keeper who was already committed to make the save. There aren't many cleaner strikers of a ball in the squad than Oxlade-Chamberlain yet when the moment came, he could not deliver. That was a huge moment for him and for Arsenal. He had been playing very well down the right before his injury but two moments, the shot and the heavy touch which prevented a chance at the back post. It also resulted in his game being cut short after a collision with Javier Mascherano, and that meant the Arsenal vs Barcelona story had to be written a different way
I reckon the plan will go something like this, start defensively, make a lot of blocks and tackles. Francis Coquelin will be very important and hopefully he will be closer to the pre injury Coquelin. When the draw was made, I said that without Coquelin we wouldn't be able to get a result from this game, but Francis Coquelin in the team gives us a much better chance. He is one of the best players in the Premier League without the football so I expect him to be making a lot of important defensive contributions. Then if the game is level or very close on 70 minutes, we will see Arsenal applying some pressure on Barcelona. It is a tactic that has worked against this team a few times now, to some success I might add
In today's Arsenal Vision Post Match Podcast: Elliot (@YankeeGunner), Paul (@PoznanInMyPants) and Tim (@Stillberto) discuss the 0-0 draw in the FA cup against Hull City. Welbeck's performance, replay chances, taking chances and plenty more all discussed in today's Arsenal Vision podcast.
In today's Arsenal Vision Post Match Podcast: Paul (@PoznanInMyPants) and TIMMEHHHHHY!!! (@Stillberto) discuss the 2-1 home victory against Leicester City. The team talk about Arsenal's new approach, The Vardy incident, Welbeck's impact and plenty more all discussed in today's Arsenal Vision podcast.