Post Udinese thoughts

Last night’s game dissected



Post Udinese thoughts

Szczesny: Stood strong


Despite the summer of gloom and the general feeling of Arsenal in freefall, it was somewhat of a relief to actually get back inside the E******s last night and join together as fans with the simplistic hope of winning a football game.

A bloody important football game.

Nerves were still palpable off the pitch, but they were eased somewhat by the early goal that fingers had been crossed for. That Ramsey found himself out wide was unusual in itself, but he must have been surprised further by the sight of two Arsenal players in the box at the same time. With Gervinho waiting in line, Walcott met Ramsey's fine cross to prod home from close range and the stadium sighed in relief.

Perhaps we weren't doomed after all? Alas the first half demonstrated the worries we all have with regards to this Arsenal. Comfortable in possession without threatening, whilst always worrying that the opponents can do just this with ease. This was evident when Song was robbed in midfield by Asamoah, all of 50 yards from goal, and the Ghanaian simply ran through the middle of our defence, unchallenged and through on goal with only Szczesny to beat. The Pole stood strong, as he would on numerous other occasions, to save us from the dreaded away goal. By half time we were also thankful to the rattled crossbar for this blessing.

Then came a game of Arsenal musical defensive positions, although f*** knows who was controlling the music.

With Wenger banished to the stands Pat Rice was left to get on with things to himself come the second half, as the communication he had with Arsene via Boro was spotted and halted by UEFA grasses. This was unfortunate enough without the procession of changes which Rice would now have to oversee on his own, looking up to the stands and Arsene for some guidance.

Let's assume it was Arsene who opted for Djourou to replace the hamstrung Gibbs at half time. A change which saw captain Vermaelen moved out to left back. If it was Arsene, he got it wrong. We instantly looked fragile and Vermalen, strong and commanding in the centre during the first half, was now out of position and confused at left back. His time there was brief, but the nine minutes were enough to know that the Belgium international is not the answer to that particular problem.

Arsenal hamstrings strained again as Djourou joined Gibbs on the treatment table just after he had been sent onto replace him. "What the F*** are you doing here?" Gibbs might have said to the Swiss centre half. "And why can't Gary Lewin come back?"

Pat Rice then sent on Carl Jenkinson for his Arsenal and Champions League debut, strangely selecting the life long Gooner to play at left back. This would have surprised Jenkinson, as it quickly became apparent that he did not own a left foot. It also confused Sagna, who had just been moved to left back himself as instructed by Szczesny, the Pole using common sense to conclude that it might be better to allow the rookie to take his Champions League bow in a position he was comfortable in. Right back. Whilst this mess was being sorted Udinese restarted the game with Jenkinson and Sagna both at left back.

Confusion reigned.

Such an unsettling spell was most unwelcome to a team already bereft of confidence, and we never matched the adequacy of the first half. Udinese gradually grew stronger and bossed an Arsenal midfield in which only Ramsey reached an acceptable level, always looking for the ball and trying to make things happen. A task which was certainly handicapped by the ineffectiveness of Chamakh playing as the main striker. A penny and a pound for Bendtner's thoughts on the Moroccans performance?

If only we had a team full of Bacary Sagnas. That would do. A Bacary Sagna equivalent in each position and nobody would ever left you down.

Although it was only ever a goal against away from turning, I thought the atmosphere last night was decent enough considering the current climate of gloom. For 90 minutes the booing, bitching and 'spend some f***ing money' were all left at home and I felt cleaner coming away from the ground as a result.

Clean but worried. Worried that we only have Van Persie to add to the squad in time for Saturday and that we'll be without the injured and suspended. Worried that if Arsene doesn't spend some f***ing money he will be tying a noose around his neck by trusting this lacking squad to keep up with the rest. Worried about the massive second leg that lies in wake; where the worst case scenario doesn't bare thinking about.

It's hard to be positive about this season at the moment. Whilst looking for crumbs and signings, I keep coming back to the hope that surely Arsene must know that his squad isn't complete.

Two signings before Saturday would increase the quality of the team and the whole atmosphere around the club. Imagine arriving at the E******s on Saturday with Cahill and Mata to show off?

I don't care if each player costs Arsene three or four million pounds more than the economist would like to pay. Such differences are only a home match gate away from being made up. As Nike said, just do it.

*Follow my Arsenal ramblings on Twitter @TheArsenal_


NEW! Subscribe to our weekly Gooner Fanzine newsletter for all the latest news, views, and videos from the intelligent voice of Arsenal supporters since 1987.

Please note that we will not share your email address with any 3rd parties.


Article Rating

Leave a comment

Sign-in with your Online Gooner forum login to add your comment. If you do not have a login register here.

33
comments

  1. SilverGooner

    Aug 18, 2011, 9:55 #11395

    After only the second game of the season, many fans are already furious with Wenger. With Nasri set to follow Cesc out of the door, the Emirates could be a very uncomfortable place for him on Saturday if we fail to win against Liverpool. But hey - this is a man who doesn't listen to anyone else. Are we not the clubs paying customers? I've got news for Ivan and Arsene - you won't be getting another penny out of me until this mess is sorted.

  2. CD

    Aug 18, 2011, 9:34 #11394

    If today's press stories are to be believed, it once again shows that doing your transfer business early in the window avoids being outbid at the eleventh hour, thus missing out on your potential targets. With Chelsea apparantly bidding for Mata, and Liverpool supposedly close too doing a deal for Cahill it once again shows that Wenger's penny pinching dithering will result in neither player coming to Arsenal. Wenger's refusal to get involved once someone else shows serious interest or because his valuation is out by 3-4 million, will mean we will no doubt acquire a cheaper lower quality option player, or no one!!

  3. Mark

    Aug 18, 2011, 9:17 #11393

    the front of the financial times yesterday gives you a clue what is going on. it was about man utd potential float/ipo in singapore next year that would take their club valuation to £1.5BN. if they do this and it is succesful the glazers will make out like bandits and you watch how long it will take Stanley to follow them. thats the sole reason we went to asia. to start to source new shareholders - asians are waking up to buying shares and football clubs now also count. so leading up to a potential IPO within say 2-3 years, the club will keep the finances very tight in order to present the best possible balance sheet when the time comes. trophies dont necessarily dicate the value of the football club in the financial world. Real Madrid havtn won much for ages. the writing is on the wall - AFC shareholders can see a massive pay day on the horizon and wenger is the perfect prudent manager to get them there and his job is safe come what may. passionate trohpy hunting old arsenal is long long gone my friends

  4. Brigham

    Aug 18, 2011, 8:32 #11392

    @PPP, please enlighten me to exactly what you class as a genuine Arsenal fan. I bet you are another of the JCL's we have inherited and have had to put up with for the last 12 years or so. As clockendpaul said, it was a terrible atmosphere up there on Tuesday night, even by our own 'Library' standards. I see we still had over 58K there, according to the normal lies from the club! Before you go off on one, I am a ST holder and have been a 'supporter' since 1969.

  5. clockendpaul

    Aug 17, 2011, 23:16 #11389

    PPP.. was you at the game on tues, the atmosphere was terrible people have had enough of the lies, get your head out of his ars

  6. and again

    Aug 17, 2011, 23:04 #11388

    Hazard £25m, Benzema/Higuian £25m. This really proves how dumb some so called fans are. yyaaaaa i wish we COULD get theseguys for 25 mil but then again then they probably would have moveda long time ago at these prices

  7. Ed enough....

    Aug 17, 2011, 21:42 #11385

    Good article....but dont hold you breath on Mata or Cahill or anyone else....trust me..NO ONE will arrive before the window closes and we will lose the next 3 matches to end our season before it has started.....Taxi for wenger..

  8. ppp

    Aug 17, 2011, 21:31 #11384

    The absurd doom and gloomers are starting to look beyond ridiculous. The season has started. We won our first game at home and drew away. Start supporting your team you numpties. Banging on about who we haven't signed is a waste of time and makes you look like spoiled brats. Most of these idiots have a sinister agenda anyway and aren't even arsenal fans. Best wishes to all genuine arsenal fans! :)

  9. Shropshire Lad

    Aug 17, 2011, 20:57 #11382

    He won't do it. This is a man so lost he allows an out of form Chamakh ( a 'quality' buy last summer, apparently!) to look so out of place even Barry can gloat! Pat Rice, my favorite 'what does he do' rant exemplified what I believe he does - sucks up to Wenger and does NOTHING. It must have been his worst nightmare sitting 'in charge' on the touchline with all his frailties exposed and looking like a rabbit caught in the headlights. Wenger could improve it all overnight - change all the back room staff, coaching and medical, just like His arch rival Ferguson does. Buy Cahill and Parker (if he does two seasons at his age who the f....ck cares at his price. Oh, and has Wenger's 'build for the future' with young players worked!!). Complete change of atmosphere and approach - job done. But of course where does Gazidis 'no bollocks' and Silent Stan sit on all this?

  10. goonerjake

    Aug 17, 2011, 20:18 #11378

    Could not agree more. Please please please tell me why why why cant wenger see it our way?

  11. Sam

    Aug 17, 2011, 18:42 #11374

    good article. Last night showed the depths of mediocrity Wenger has dragged us to. Gervinho - you are quite right, headless chicken. Runs around fast in circles, then gives the ball to an opponent and falls over. Super Quality he ain't. Gibbs was awful. Didn't realise he'd done a hamstring but pleased when he was subbed as he was out of position all the time. Sagna, CZCZ, Verm, even Koscielny weren't too bad, but there's nothing at LB, nothing left in midfield and up front, Chamakh may as well have sat down and had a pizza. Even Super Nik is far better than him. The most entertaining (apart from Udinese -well played) bit of the night was Rice getting a crick in his neck and Boris on the phone all the time, with Dear Leader pretending he wasn't coaching from the stands. You have to laugh or you'd cry. Udinese will be fitter next week too. Only plus is RVP will be back. My only question is whether Wenger and Gazidis genuinely think this team is good enough? If yes, they need medication.

  12. Mike

    Aug 17, 2011, 18:04 #11370

    Should definately go for Mertesaker - good international who expressed interest in Arsenal - the man had a great World Cup last year - better than any English defensive player - Thought Pat Rice should be a useful defensive coach - he spent his playing career there - probably taught Steve Bould everything he knows - Anyway looks as though the supporters will only have to wait until September this year and not March as usual to see the team implode on itself. Once we are out of the running for any meaningful competitions we can concentrate on the Carling and FA Cup. I will still be supporting them to the hilt nevertheless along with the manager

  13. Seven Kings Gunner

    Aug 17, 2011, 17:31 #11366

    I expected "Terry Mancini" to run out when Djourou went off - I thought the game at half time had been declared a testimonial, incredible to see such a great club unable to field a team where at the least the players are playing in their correct positions!

  14. Brigham

    Aug 17, 2011, 17:07 #11364

    Agression. Neat passing. Great shots on target. Moving the defence about all game. Application. Attacking with pace. Cut the opposition apart. Anyway, that is enough about Udinese last night, lets talk about our bunch of overpaid nancy boys. Good article and highlights our problems easily, problems which anyone in football could spot from outer space, but OGL's myopic vision fails to see. Stop lieing to us Wenger, we all know you will continue with your failed project and I am beginning to wonder if you are a double agent for that lot up the road. Roll on Saturday and a few glasses of Peroni pre match.

  15. Forward1886

    Aug 17, 2011, 15:54 #11361

    Even the blind and the hardcore optimists (me) can see how, fragile and empty our squad is right now. Seeing as we face Liverpool and then Udinese again we cant sit around thinking "well, at least we have Nasri VP and Wilshere", when no one is avaliable (as of today).

  16. Ron

    Aug 17, 2011, 15:06 #11360

    Putrid showing from the 4th min to the end. Wengers probably already starting 'converting' Jenkison. Lets face it hes screwed players around for years. The booing back in 08 towards Eboue wasnt to Eboue, it was towards Wenger for screwing the guy over and making him look a mug.

  17. Mark

    Aug 17, 2011, 15:00 #11358

    Van Der Vaart was 27 yrs old and £8M when arry got him from real madrid. he's a personal friend to RVP who was desperate for him to come. at that time AW would have or should have known of risk of losing Cesc and even Sami. fact is AW is not as smart as is made out to be at all in the transger market and he has missed loads of bargains. preferring stupid moves like signing Sylvestre (!), resigning Lehman and Campbell instead of properly building. Aw is a liar and a fraudster and he is selling stories to arsenal fans every time he opens his mouth

  18. Ren Vassilliou

    Aug 17, 2011, 14:42 #11357

    Great great Article, i only wish Wenger could read it and wake up and see what every other Fans in the country is seeing , Mr wenger you must before Saturday do the deals that are required to get us out of this mess you created ,At least last year we pushed the ball around ,this year we will get busted big time by the top ten in the premiership ... you see....

  19. Hussein

    Aug 17, 2011, 14:42 #11356

    WE NEED CAHILL, FALCAO OR HULK, AND A MATA(OR SOMEONE LIKE HIM)....OH AND A LEFT BACK.. SAKHO POSSIBLY. BUT THAT'S JUST ME DREAMING. IN REALITY NONE OF THIS WILL HAPPEN. MAYBE ONE SIGNING...BUT THATS ABOUT IT.

  20. Cattell

    Aug 17, 2011, 14:32 #11355

    Great article mate. I agree with Arsene that we don't need to spend money for the sake of it...but that's not what were asking. If you look at the players who would improve our squad, Cahill, Jagielka, Parker, Mata, they would all jump at the chance to join Arsenal and their clubs would all be willing to sell. The problem seems to be that they want what their player is worth, market value, and it's seem a bit rich for Arsene to be moaning about prices when we spent so long trying to get £35m out of Barca for Cesc!

  21. Gutted

    Aug 17, 2011, 14:31 #11354

    I'm glad the handling of Jenkinson was highlighted. I'd have been dismayed if his first competitive debut was at left back in the Carling Cup, never mind in the first encounter of a CL qualifier. However, the basic defensive shape was so poor it was amazing. How can Song, as the defensive midfielder be looking for a one-two when Gibbs is shadowing Gervinho. It was a good result, but there will be no fear held by Udine. Our defence is easily capable of conceding and only luck and consistent goalkeeping kept us in contention. Liverpool and United must be having wet dreams about facing us. (Suarez and Rooney for the fantasy football subs anyone?) I want all the Arsenal fans to laugh in my face and tell me that I'm a doom spreader but I cannot see the squad having any additions. If this team is only 6 points away from the top 4 by Christmas then I'll eat house.

  22. Gunner6288

    Aug 17, 2011, 14:30 #11353

    Szczesny impressed - strong in goal (goodness, havent been able to say at Arsenal for a while) and obviously cluey enough, even at 21 to make abetter decision than Rice or Wenger. Sagna, as always, was Mr. Consistency, and Gervinho looks dangerous. But with him and wishere out of the 'Pool clash, thats a lot of weigh ton Ramsey's shoulders.

  23. arsenaltillidie

    Aug 17, 2011, 14:25 #11352

    cahill aint better than koscielny trust me and he is a average player 4th choice english center back says it all and for 17 million your having a laugh dont believe everything the media says weve been linked with all these players but we havent put in any bids so we cant be that interested in them mata hazard if the 26 million price is even tru and samba for 12 million are the only transfers which hold any value for money would like to see hummels we need a center back with pace because we play the high line and pressing game which is why he went for jagielka

  24. Yanto

    Aug 17, 2011, 14:21 #11350

    Good article ....Wenger knew that this Summer's transfer window was his 'Last Chance Saloon', and yet after his(and gadzidis) promises of comings and goings this summer - we have seen the departure of 2 of the 7 we needed gone, and the arrival of average quality in Gervinho and 3 others who have 'potential' (maybe) for the future....When we get ripped to shreds in the next 3 games....maybe then Wenger will wake out of his walking coma...don't hold yer breath though :O(

  25. GoonerGoal!

    Aug 17, 2011, 14:03 #11349

    Surely Arsene must know that his squad isn't complete? Ermm, No. Was anyone surprised Wenger played Jenkinson at LB having played 6ft 5in Bendtner as a winger? Nope. Am I the only Gooner who thinks Gervinho is a headless chicken? Definitely not. "I will pay £30 million, I will even pay £40m if I find the right player” Do I still believe and trust Arsene Wenger when he makes such utterances? No! The heat really is on not just for Wenger, but Kroenke and Gazidis too, the fact the crowd was so small last night only disguised the fact. Do I think things will drastically change in the next four weeks? Not a chance. I see only seething anger on the horizon. The resolution of this matter is so simple, it's bleeding obvious, our club requires the return of the DEIN!

  26. kasuleonaire

    Aug 17, 2011, 13:30 #11345

    Great article man but I doubt that AW will spend money the board are happy putting money in their pockets I believe Arsenal is a business venture not a club that cares about the fans feelings but its stupid and sad that a legacy like AW's dissolves like this.

  27. Spectrum

    Aug 17, 2011, 13:19 #11343

    "I will pay £30 million, I will even pay £40m if I find the right player," Wenger told Sky Sports News. "It is not a question of money, it is a question of quality. "I think I have a wrong reputation for not wanting to spend money. I do not want to spend money for average players. I am not the only one. "We have plenty of scouts around the world and we are not frightened to spend money when we think it is right." He'll pay 30 or 40 million for "quality" ? Cahill can be had for 17 million. Mertesacker for 6 million Hazard for 23 million. These are not quality ? You can't be looking very hard, then. " I do not want to spend money for average players." Yet we are looking at the likes of Matt Jarvis, Kevin Doyle, Jadson e.t.c. "We are not afraid to spend" ? So go get Mertesacker for 6 mill, or Samba for 12 mill. Wenger is a liar and a hypocrite. His own words and lack of action, prove this. " In Arsene we rust."

  28. myles

    Aug 17, 2011, 13:08 #11340

    jenkinson has said he can play across the back line

  29. EborGooner

    Aug 17, 2011, 13:01 #11337

    Good article. Last night basically showed we have not, as yet, addressed the problems of last season. Also, and as I have said before on this site we suffer a disproportionate number of muscle strains. 2 more hamstring strains last night. It beggars belief that AW with all his scientific methods doesn't make sure the players stretch and warm up adequately. I agree we need a CB but I believe we would also benefit from a proper defensive coach (Steve Bould anyone?) because we still look all at sea at the back. Theo confirmed what we already knew. Good player, ok when reacting instinctiveley but struggles to make the right decision when given time to think. i.e crossing and his efforts on goal. Worrying lack of creativity from midfield. Jack might be the answer but he is young to carry the team the whole season. Whilst I don't get too carried away with the lack of trophies I would like to see us get better season on season. We certainly look worse than last year at the moment and spending before the end of August is a must!

  30. Ray

    Aug 17, 2011, 13:01 #11336

    Why was anyone surprised Wenger played Jenkinson at LB when he came on.This is the manager who has never played Arshavin in his natural position the number 10 role and played 6ft 5in Bendtner as a winger!!!Next week we get taught a football lesson again and get knocked out.Then the heat really will be on Wenger.Burn baby burn.And am i the only Gooner who thinks Gervinho is a headless chicken

  31. Jimmy

    Aug 17, 2011, 12:41 #11333

    Spot on Joe and glad you mentioned the atrocious handling of Jenkinson. It seemed obvious to me that Sagna would go to left-back. Hasn't he filled in there before? You know he's not going to let you down. To make Jenkinson play there was madness and won't have done his confidence any good as he struggled to adapt to a new position. Lets hope to goodness he's not Wengers idea of left-back cover.

  32. no. 1 is perry groves...

    Aug 17, 2011, 12:32 #11332

    good article, quite funny in parts

  33. Paul

    Aug 17, 2011, 12:26 #11331

    Great article, well written, Arsenal need to spend money we looked like last years team (Same Old Arsenal)