Articles

Striking Obstacles and Solutions

Llorente is one, as he sits behind several international players despite being a player of real quality. There are several in the premier league in a similar position; how long can the likes of Edin Dzeko, Chicarito and Demba Ba sit on the bench before deciding enough is enough? I am not saying we will move for any of the aforementioned players but this could be the year were the January transfer window is a bit more accessible. Looking at our own squad it is clear that until January, Wenger needs to come up with a suitable plan B. This may take the form of Nicklas Bendtner, Theo Walcott or Lukas Podolski; whatever way it goes there needs to be a clear understanding of what is required

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Arsenal's Energy and Creativity won't go amiss with these three

Szczesny has been a breath of fresh air. He looks to be focused and has this look of someone who is confident in his own ability. He has pulled up some very good saves, gathered almost everything in the air, communicates well with his defence and his passing, both long and short have improved a notch. Our keeper situation is looking to be secure with him manning the post and we have got Fabianski and Viviano to keep him firmly on his feet. Only bodes well for us.

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West Brom (a) – Haw-thorns in their side – Iron Man's Match Thoughts

The lack of natural width proved a problem in the first half. Aside from Wilshere’s troubles, Aaron Ramsey was virtually anonymous before picking up a knock that eventually forced him off. Rosicky came on in his place but his advancing years and diminishing pace mean that he can not ‘stretch’ the game in the same way a more traditional wide player would be expected to.  The goal we conceded came in part from poor marking but also allowing Amanfiltano more time than was necessary to find Yacub with a ball into the box. It would be harsh to blame Ramsey for not getting tighter to stop the cross but I don’t think it’s at all unfair to think a more naturally inclined wide player would have shut that down better.

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Former Aaron Ramsey Haters, You Are Missing The Point

something came to my attention, a group of people have become very defensive about the way they slated Ramsey’s performances and called for him to be dropped over the last few years, they have also gone on, to defend in which the manner they slated his performances and questioned Arsene Wenger for playing him. So, not only were they completely wrong in their judgement of him, but on top of that, they add that they were right to be dismissive of his skill, his quality and dismissive of what currently is the best manager in the league saw in him. Some minorities went further than being dismissive, but abusive, and took pride in the abuse or stick they gave the player

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Arsenal pummel Napoli with passing master class

‘Who are you?’ Three words fans chanted at a slightly stunned looking Napoli side as they went two-nil down in less than 20 minutes. It was a fairly apt question, because Benitez’s team were made to look fairly ordinary. 
Apparently Arsenal lack a top quality striker.  Yet the ball keeps on finding the back of the net with Olivier Giroud and Mesut Ozil sharing two devastating goals during Tuesday’s performance. 
At the heart of everything was the offensive axis of Ozil, Rosicky and Ramsey backed up by a hardworking and conscientious DM duo of Matthieu Flamini and Mikel Arteta. The latter got stamped on for his troubles in the second half.

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Napoli (h) – Öozing class, Flarteta & More – Iron Man's Match Thoughts

Arsenal ripped through Napoli with a devastating first half display not seen at the Emirates for a long, long time. The metranomic Özil was at the heart of everything; dictating the tempo as Arsenal’s passing game proved too much for Rafa Benitez’ team. Not content with simply controlling the game from the middle of the park, Özil proved his effectiveness in the final third too. 8 minutes in he opened his account in Arsenal colours with a glorious first-time left foot half volley from the edge of box following an Aaron Ramsey cutback. 6 minutes later he then drove into the penalty area from the right hand side to square the ball back to Olivier Giroud

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Arsenal's Resilience Can Win Trophies

Without delving into stereotypes too deeply, there has always been a belief that a British player offers you guts, hard work and a willingness to lay their bodies on the line. Looking at some of the most successful teams in the past decade or so, there has always been a British core at the centre of title winning teams. Chelsea have had it with Terry, Cole and Lampard, United had it with Ferdinand, Carrick, Giggs, Scholes and Fletcher, among others. Even Man City, with all their billions of pounds, saw fit to centre their team around a stable Gareth Barry. Whilst I’m sure you will find similar players from any nation, I think Wenger’s recent push for British talent was two fold; firstly all of these players are of the required quality to make it at Arsenal football club if they knuckle down and work hard, they demonstrate what a bright future the club has and the faith we have shown in them is being repaid. Secondly, as they have been part of this squad now for a few years and they all seem to have broken through at roughly the same time, with the

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Swansea (a) – Power Serge, Left Jack & More – Iron Man's Match Thoughts

Arsenal were struggling to get a proper foothold on the game in the opening exchanges, Gnabry was seemingly the only player showing any kind of endeavour as he attempted to drive at the Swans' back four in an attempt to make something happen. It was this determination that led to him opening the scoring as he drifted infield from his original wide right position and pretty much found himself in a striker's position. Having peeled off the shoulder of the last man, Gnabry found himself free to receive a Ramsey pass and with a confidence that belies his 18 years, drilled the ball past Vorm and into the bottom corner sending the travelling gooner

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West Brom (a) – Iron Man Match Thoughts

At the back, Per Mertesacker put in a man if the match display and somewhat reinforced the assertion by some that he is probably first choice in central defence at present. The German international manfully marshalled the backline against the Baggies’ attack, sitting deep when necessary and frequently using his height to great effect by winning a number of important defensive headers.
Thomas Vermaelen seemed to have a far more settled game along the big German. Certainly better than what we were used to seeing last season up until he was unceremoniously dropped from the team. He did at one point however, go flying in making an unnecessary challenge just outside the box and earn himself a needless booking. The kind he has almost

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