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DM the question but Vermaelen surely not the answer & It’s all go for Yaya Sanogo

There are many more layers about the 2013 Premier League. Mikel Arteta has been underrated this season and has done a far better job defensively than Alex Song possibly ever did for Arsenal, at least over the course of a whole season. Arteta is asked to position himself in areas where he can make continuous interceptions, follow runners off the ball and interchange with Aaron Ramsey. You could argue that Vermaelen could do a similar job but I would argue that his positional sense at the back this season hasn't exactly been a positive has it?. But when Arsenal have the ball we would be asking a centre back to face his own goal, take the ball off the back four, often under intense pressure, turn past opposition players and keep the ball moving. He would also have to run

Let’s do the Ramsey wide thing (again)

Wigan (h) – Four-midable Santi lifts Arsenal to match point

I wondered if we would start off slowly to then crank up the gears late on but luckily that was not the case, we went after Wigan from the off. Arsenal fans around the world have been increasingly frustrated with our corner kick routine which are almost the equivalent of giving the opposition a goal kick. Instead of the pointless whipped kick at knee height, Santi was instead floating the ball into the near post for someone, mainly Mertesacker to flick on, Wigan showed why they are fighting relegation rather than

Everton (a) – Ignore The Bigger Picture, Just Enjoy The 90 Minutes

The Ashburton Redemption: The Resurrection of Ramsey

Ramsey adds a directness to that but also fits in well as a ball playing midfielder. Likewise, we sometimes play a fast counterattacking game. Ramsey’s pace and fitness seem very useful there and his recent improvements in his decision-making have benefited the team in those situations. Not only can Ramsey adapt to the style of play but the position too. Whilst Wenger gets slated for playing Ramsey on the wing in big games away from home earlier in the season he was my MOTM against City away and at home to Chelsea

The Void In The Middle

Wigan (h) Thoughts & Line Up: Funky formation, Per the playmaker & Basically bricking it

While I would understand the theory if we went to possession to then turn the screw later in the game due to hopeful weary late opposition legs I hope we do not go into the game like that. I hope we lay our defensive trap and that is all the players in position waiting for Wigan to pass the ball into their midfield only to find Rosicky, Ramsey, Cazorla and company tearing around jabbing in a foot to win

West Brom (a) – Thoughts & Predicted Line Up: Rotation, Youthful Defenders & Away Form

Top 4 Back in our hands & Commercial team finally getting credit

Chelsea yesterday but even worse will be supporting Stoke City for me. Yes even more than Chelsea. If Tottenham fail to win that one on the weekend then we can afford a draw and a victory which really should be possible. Gareth Bale had the chance to do what he has done in the whole of this second half of the season and snatch a later winner for Tottenham. His free kick was in a perfect place and that stupid heart celebration was

Let’s do the Ramsey wide thing (again)

Puma Sponsorship Deal Pushing Arsenal Closer to 2004

Puma will be handing over some rather large suitcases of cash to slap their cat across our kit. Roughly £30m a season according to reports which includes some front loading action, a little like the Emirates deal which assuming likes of Manchester United have been living in different worlds. Alex Ferguson has done a remarkable job in building trophy winning teams and he is to be congratulated for his work in what is now known as his final season

Let’s do the Ramsey wide thing (again)

Not the 3 points I wanted & Rivals causing me pain

If you are one that was bemoaning our lack of attacking intent on Saturday, let me ask you this. Picture the scenario. Arsenal 1 Wigan 0 79 minutes played. Lukas Podolski is back to goal with the ball at his feet, looking for a passing option, he cannot twist away from his markers to find a midfielder but look who comes bombing up the pitch down the left, it's Nacho man!!! Sprinting into the left wing position, Podolski finds him and his cross is headed out, Wigan play it down their right into the space vacated by Monreal who in search of the 2nd goal has left Arsenal short at the back, Koscielny spotting the gap trots over to plug in that space but the right wingers cross has found Kone in space in the box, bang! 1-1.

Let’s do the Ramsey wide thing (again)

QPR (a) – Wenger/Graham hybrid continues to collect 3 points

Walcott's goal after 20 seconds caught me out, it was almost too early to celebrate properly as I couldn't quite work out what had happened and how it was possible so quickly after kick off. It was in fact wonderful build up play by many Arsenal players, especially Rosicky who drove the team forward on the right, jinking his way past the QPR defence and to my surprise he opted for a left foot cross to Podolski rather than the usual outside of the right. Mikel Arteta had disguised his shot which allowed Theo to sneak away

 

Everton (a) – Ignore The Bigger Picture, Just Enjoy The 90 Minutes

Pride, Playing with freedom & Arteta’s desire

I cannot decide if watching Cesc and Song look a fraction of their best makes me giggle or if it makes me a little sad, I guess it is a bit of both. It is easy to act as if Cesc has had a terrible time since joining his boyhood club, that is not the case he has had spells of playing some wonderful football this season as well as parts of last but last night and a few recent games he has looked a

Let’s do the Ramsey wide thing (again)