In today's Arsenal Vision Post Match Podcast: Paul (@PoznanInMyPants) and Elliot (@YankeeGunner) discuss Arsenal's defeat to Olympiacos at the Emirates *sigh*
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Olympiacos (h) – Were poor defensive errors a result of changes?
A lot of the post match talking points have been about Arsène's decision to play David Ospina ahead of Petr Cech, a lot of people deciding not to take Arsène's word for it that Cech has been dealing with injury. I am not sure what that is based on. Arsène has never rotated keepers between the league and the Champions League before in his entire time at Arsenal. Especially with his established keepers. I find it difficult to believe he was giving David Ospina a go in such an important game just because he his desperate for him to play. I don't buy it. If that is the case and Petr Cech doesn't have any injury concerns whatsoever then he would deserve the finger being pointed in his direction
Olympiacos (h) Confirmed Line Up: Arsenal make attacking changes
Per Mertesacker and Aaron Ramsey who played in our last two games have been rested and in come Gabriel and Alex Oxlade-chamberlain. Kieran Gibbs has also come in to replace Nacho Monreal at left back so it will be interesting to see if Gibbs has a more withdrawn role today or if he will push on as he usual tries to do. As expected David Ospina has come in for Petr Cech.
Olympiacos (h) Thoughts & Line Up: Midfield injuries could force managers hand
The only players to play in both games for the full 90 minutes were Per Mertesacker and Aaron Ramsey but Arsène has somewhat of a problem. Both Mikel Arteta and Mathieu Flamini will miss tonight's game with injury and I think in an ideal world, Arsène would want to give Francis Coquelin a few extra days off and not risk his knee so even though Ramsey played in both games, I wouldn't be surprised if we continued with Ramsey in the middle alongside Santi. That would open a door for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to start down our right against the same opposition in which he scored his first Champions League goal.
AV Post Match Podcast – EP48: Leicester City (a) – Welcome Back Alexis Sanchez
In today's Arsenal Vision Post Match Podcast: Goals Goals Goals rain down at Leicester City. Alexis scored his first Arsenal hat trick which we hope will now open his own personal floodgates. Walcott and Giroud continue to score one from the start and one off the bench. James (@GoonerFanatic49) returns and joins Paul (@PoznanInMyPants) and Elliot (@YankeeGunner) to discuss the fun and games, and also what awaits the team in the CL and then Manchester United next weekend.
Leicester City (a) – Theo Improving, Alexis Clicks As Goals Return In Gunners Win
I continuously bang on about small margins in top flight games and it could have been very different at 1-0 down when Vardy hit the post with a header, only for us to scamper down the other end of the pitch and equalise. 2-0 down away from home with the crowd buzzing would have been tough to come back from but instead Theo Walcott's left foot finish rolled into the corner of the net. Had he missed that chance
Leicester City (a) “He will get between 25-35 goals this season” – Q&A
His performance was excellent. I also noticed that he was holding the ball up much better. He needs to improve on his composure and finishing a little but that will come with just starting more games. I don’t see Wenger signing a striker or any player for that matter in January and with Giroud off form and Danny Welbeck injured I see Theo being given the opportunity to make that position his own until Welbeck is fit at least. He is making very Henry like runs and I feel we COULD be watching the next evolution of Theo into a genuine world-class striker. How far he goes depends a lot on how often Wenger starts him in that position. If he starts 80% of our games in that position, barring injury he will get between
Leicester City (a) Confirmed Line Up: Two Goal Hero Keeps His Place
It's amazing what a volley at the lane can do for you. Mathieu Flamini has jumped up the pecking order and keeps his place in the team ahead of Mikel Arteta as Francis Coquelin is still short following a knee injury. Gabriel's one game suspension has given Per Mertesacker the chance to win his shirt back after sickness so he will partner Laurent Koscielny at the heart of the defence. The rest of the team that were cheated at Stamford Bridge come back into the side which means Theo Walcott reclaims his position leading the line.
Leicester City (a) Thoughts & Line Up: Flamini, Alexis & Mahrez + 12 Months of Evolution
Arsène Wenger said that Francis Coquelin will not be available for today so it will be interesting to see what Arsène does in that area. Mikel Arteta would have been next in line before Wednesday but Mathieu Flamini's match winning performance may have changed the managers mind. The decision may not just be about the mindset of the players but Leicester have quick players who may well be used on the break against us, for all of Arteta's quality, his ability to get across the pitch wasn't his strength a few years back, let alone now so Mathieu Flamini may be the better option in that regard at least
Tottenham (a) – Flamini Wins It While Gibbs Saves Us
Before that Calum Chambers was unlucky to put the ball into his own net from a Chadli cross. I thought Chambers had his best game for a while. I was a little concerned about his suitability with Mertesacker but both performed fairly well and we did not give away too many chances. Mathieu Debuchy at right back wasn't quite so good and looks short of his real level but staying