In today's Arsenal Vision Post Match Podcast: Paul (@PoznanInMyPants), Tim (@Stillberto) & Elliot (@YankeeGunner) discuss the 0-0 draw against Southampton at home. The midfield, Oliver Giroud, scoring goals and concerns for our title bid all discussed in today's Arsenal Vision podcast.
Joel Campbell is in good form and is fully rested but also know that Arsène loves a bit of the Ox, as do I in fairness. Chamberlain had a good game against Burnley and might want to give him another go to see if he can gain some momentum, he did that after the last FA Cup match against Sunderland, Ox went on to start the next Premier League match. It would be very harsh on Joel Campbell who has worked his socks off, so much so that Vic Akers has had to dig around for a new pair. He deserves his place in the first team at the moment but I get the suspicion that the Ox is still higher in Arsène's long term pecking order
In today's Arsenal Vision Post Match Podcast: Paul (@PoznanInMyPants), Tim (@Stillberto) & James (@Goonerfanatic49) discuss the 2-1 victory against Burnley at home. Elneny, Coquelin's return, Chambers striker finish and plenty more discussed in today's podcast.
Elneny was pretty much what I expected. We've all watched the YouTube videos right? Then we know that he is a ball recycler who drifts into good positions to receive passes. What I was unsure of was his work off the ball. Stuff like, what was he like when the other team were in possession? Well that was the part that interested me the most. He continuously closed down opposition players when they had the ball, not giving his opponent much time to lift his head and play a pass. He does appear to lack a little bit of physical strength in the challenges and I am sure he will correct this over time
I was always going to be a rather interesting team selection today, a real chance to rotate the squad given the returning players we have. We've all been patiently (or not so in some cases) waiting to get a glimpse of new signing Mohammed Elneny, he starts today alongside Francis Coquelin which for me is the most interesting part of the team selection this afternoon. We should have a lot of running, energy and athleticism in that part of the pitch.
In today's Arsenal Vision Post Match Podcast: Paul (@PoznanInMyPants), Elliot (@YankeeGunner) & Tim (@Stillberto) discuss the 0-1 defeat to Chelsea at home *sigh* Mathieu Flamini, Mohammed Elneny, The Summer and plenty more discussed in today's podcast.
Marked to replace legendary goalkeeper David Seaman, Wright’s transfer was an epic failure. In July 2001, Wright joined Arsenal from Ipswich Town for £6 million, a significant sum for a goalkeeper at the time. Seaman’s injury rapidly saw Wright starting, but he turned out to be disappointing: notably, his own goal during a match against Charlton Athletic. Following an injury during a Champions League match against La Coruna, he was replaced by the young Stuart Taylor, who quickly
I was furious that Mertesacker was left isolated so high up the pitch. Chelsea play with one forward so why was Laurent Koscielny so far away from his partner when he knows he is not able to recover? If we are going to play Mertesacker in a high line you must protect him or you will be punished. That is not Mertesacker's fault, it is the fault of those around him
As expected Arsene has brought Mesut Özil back into the starting line up and Alexis Sanchez back to the squad by making him an option from the bench. Arsene has been very cautious about rushing him too quickly so a starting place was always pretty unlikely. New signing Elneny also keeps his spot on the bench. Oxlade-Chamberlain is the one to make way for Özil today and will join Alexis on the bench. I was hoping to see Tomas Rosicky in the squad but perhaps it is a tad too soon for him also. Club captain Mikel Arteta cannot get into the squad.
Alexis Sanchez should return to the squad after a lengthy period out with a hamstring problem. As much as I'd love to see him up against Ivanovic, I think the sensible decision would be to place him on the bench and ease him in gently. Theo Walcott was not at his best at Stoke at all so I could see Arsène wanting to give him a chance to rectify his performance. Arsène likes to do that. Not only this but Theo Walcott has a habit of turning on the style in big games against Chelsea.