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Arsenal losing their soft underbelly

Will doubt return to the minds of future opponents?

31 October, 2011 9:00 30 comments
Arsenal losing their soft underbelly

Joy at the Bridge: Turning point for the season?

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Saturday’s game showed the best and worst of Arsenal's season so far. The first half consisted of the kind of shocking defending that has blighted our early games this season. We rode our luck but players such as Song and Ramsey do not hide and have that never give up attitude. Song gave the ball away too much in the first half but battled on to make some fine saving tackles. He persevered and as he improved, later played the through ball that Santos finished with great composure.

Ramsey had a terrible start to the season but he continued to work hard and now his performances reflect his efforts. This seems to rub off on their team-mates and from a disjointed team we are slowly becoming a real team again. As the first half was coming to a close I remember thinking we need to make sure we go in all square. We of course failed and I feared the worse for the second half.

How wrong I was as we eradicated those defensive frailties as the whole team came together as one, something we took for granted not long ago. Walcott's goal displayed the determination, aggression and finish we know he commands but frustratingly rarely shows. The calm firm side foot from Santos was Brazilian finishing of the highest order. We have Van Persie, the striker who is literally on fire and the best all round forward in the Premiership at the moment. Some of his play is becoming reminiscent of Bergkamp in his prime. Of course Van Persie is also now in his prime and how we pray he can stay injury free.

I don't know what happened at half time but I have not seen a more organised determined Arsenal for some time. One that had the opposition worrying what we were going to do next and so nullifying their own threat. All too often teams have come to exploit our weaknesses in defence knowing we cannot hurt them at the other end as we once did. This performance will put some doubt back into the minds of future opposition. The team is gradually growing in confidence and self belief once more. If we can build on this teams will soon be granting us respect fearful of the damage we can do them.

We are losing that soft underbelly and gaining a tough spine with Koscielny, Song, Ramsey and Van Persie in the team. Vermaelen can add to this once he is back in the starting line-up and let’s not forget we have Wilshere to come back who does not give an inch and never gives up. There is still a long way to go but we beat one of our big rivals on their own manor 5-3. Lets all enjoy it. I for one am more optimistic than I was at 1.30pm on Saturday.

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30
comments

  1. wolfgang

    Nov 03, 2011, 14:15 #14775

    Badgerhead, r we related, we are both talking from the same hymn sheet? Why are so many supporters so blindly loyal(Mike for example) as not to see the flaws that for the past 3 seasons have blighted our team. I will say it all again. Poor defending, no plans for set pieces, past season's lack of quality goalie and defenders(still no decent back up goalie), I am not finished yet, no back up striker, if heaven forbid RVP gets injured again? What was AW doing buying Shamach and Bendtner(nice Christmas present getting him and Almunia back). We don't ever take the good for granted RVP, Wilshire, Ramsey, many great players, but let's not forget, we have a right to complain...unless Mike, you are getting free season tickets, otherwise shout from the rooftops, GET IT RIGHT MR WENGER, GET IT RIGHT!!!

  2. Badgerhead

    Nov 01, 2011, 9:05 #14704

    Here's my theory. Last few seasons start great, look like gods, November time start to stumble, revive around Christmas, Feb/March wheels fall off, win **** all, cue much anguish etc etc. This season, start like relegation favourites, pick up speed, solid through November, great Christmas, Feb/March Jack and Bac back, beat everyone, April/May strong as you like, win something, anything, but I'll settle for the Champions League this season. Job done. Much humble pie eating by perpetually moaning season ticket holders but only while at the same time saying the defence isn't good enough, the other strikers are crap, Walcott doesn't track back and how come Arshavin is holding the Cup we haven't seen him all season etc etc

  3. Mike

    Nov 01, 2011, 8:25 #14700

    Now that we are not losing games it is time to moan and groan about the defense - give over - Chelsea has let in 5, Man Utd has let in 6 - as Pele once said- it doesn't matter how many goals you let in, as long as you score one more. There are problems in defence - TV is now back and for the first time this season the are alternatives - Players do not really have to play out of position anymore. Jenkinson, TV, Per, Santos, Djurou,Kos, Gibbs all fit. The only one missing is Sagna, but at least we are not utilising midfielders as defenders. I am sure the coaching staff are well aware of the problems.

  4. ed enough

    Nov 01, 2011, 8:23 #14698

    Hold up....let's not get carried away...We still conceded 3 goals and a host of golden chances to chavski on saturday. We will continue to leak goals like no tomorrow...One good result does not a season make!...Good result yes...Back in the race for top 4? Beat WBA and win at Norwich, and then we can say we are showing the consistancy that will be needed to gain a top 4 place.

  5. James

    Nov 01, 2011, 7:24 #14696

    We still cant defend and our 7m a year manager still fails to address it.Another goal conceded from a set piece.Its a joke.Will someone at the club tell Wenger football is about defence as well as attack.We are walking a tightrope if RVP gets injured its Chamakh and Park

  6. Wombledin

    Oct 31, 2011, 23:36 #14692

    As pointed out by other astute and realistic fans, the soft defensive underbelly is still there. What is different now is that, at long last, intestinal fortitude and maturity is has been added to the squad that was sorely lacking the last two seasons. The age balance is much better now. Undoubtedly the addition of mature, proven leaders like Arteta and Mertesacker is starting to make a difference, combined with RVP's new found fitness and form (how long will it last - touch wood!). The kids now have men around them. If only Arsene had got this balance better in the last few seasons - Fabregas screamed for a colleague like Arteta.

  7. wolfgang

    Oct 31, 2011, 23:26 #14691

    Chala thinks we are always moaning. Can you recall why/how within the past 3 seasons, why we had it all, then lost it all and why that was and also whether you were so keen to accept this? The fact is that we conceded too many goals, and why was that? Reason was that the manager, didn't appreciate the importance of top quality goalies and defenders(read Almunia, Senderos etc etc). He refuses to accept the advice of whoever is out there and can help him. I am not going to put on rose coloured specs when we all know, that if the necessary improvements are not made in our defene, we can have anothe ramazing season and yet blow it all on bad defending. Thankfully, we have a good goalie, yet not a decent back-up goalie. I rest my case, I am happy about saturday, but not naive enough to know we aren't at risk without a proper defence coach, Arsene Wenger doesn't like being told anything, well I will tell him, he needs to sort out the defence systems once and for all, and for that he needs a quality adviser!

  8. Treble Double

    Oct 31, 2011, 21:13 #14690

    Blimey! Positive editorial appearing on this site. Whatever next?

  9. lee afc

    Oct 31, 2011, 21:09 #14689

    This Arsenal side have shown they need confidence. To breed confidence you need results. That has been the key over the last 6 weeks or so, irrespective that the wins have come against teams that you expect to walkover. I, for one, had a weekend that I could be proud that I was a Gooner. Its West Brom Saturday, Lets keep the ball rolling and you never know where the season ends up. C'mon Gooners, we all know its not all red roses but get behind the lads. Lets see where this rollercoaster ends up.

  10. chala

    Oct 31, 2011, 20:47 #14688

    This site is really something. Can't you people just for once stop moaning and enjoy this fine win. Sorry to say that, but some of you sound actually unhappy that Arsenal won and is obviously improving, and yet you call yourselves Arsenal supporters?. Doom and gloom mongers, how is that you never get tired of it. Depressing...

  11. natty

    Oct 31, 2011, 19:44 #14687

    Anybody who fails to recognise that Adams, Viera, or Keown would make a difference to the attitude and organisation of these players must be one of those poor deluded fools who still believe. No trophies, goals conceded, poor at set-pieces...look at the facts my friend, just the facts.

  12. wolfgang

    Oct 31, 2011, 18:49 #14686

    Lets not take anything away from our Chelsea victory BUT the awful defending from set pieces needs a full explanation! Whatever happened to the man standing at both goal posts for a corner(Dixon/Winerburn style), what the hec was Artetta doing, moving from the post, to inside the goal? Apart from Merseckers awful defending, the lack of any organization for set pieces is UNDEFENDABLE by our manager who REFUSES to bring in an a defensive expert such as ADAMS/KEOWN OR BOULD to coach, he just doesn't want to know, somebody please tell him, why is he so STUBBORN? In the long run it could be the failure yet again for our team, in spite of all the good play!

  13. ex akb

    Oct 31, 2011, 17:49 #14685

    Natty. heard it all now! spurs in the CL once and lucky it was a season before citee got their act together. sure your not a media loving harry plant

  14. Shayan

    Oct 31, 2011, 17:37 #14684

    About the weaknesses of our defense,everyone forget about the opposite side and their attacking power:Mata,Torres,Lampard,Malouda,Ramires etc.How many teams have such attacking power?remember how many opportunities they had against ManU.

  15. What was the point in leaving Highbury?

    Oct 31, 2011, 16:16 #14683

    Hold on a minute we haven't lost it at all. All that has happened is we won a thriller but don't overlook the fact that they scored three and could have had 7 or 8 on better days (as could we). Our full backs were woefull. You don't win leagues playing the way we did, thats a fact. That said I havent enjoyed a win as much for ages and loved seeing Terry fall over, brilliant. Also thought our away support was fantastic and loved seeing the players celebrate the way they did becuase it showed it ment something to them. The result does give us something to build on and hopefully we will sign a couple more defenders in January and you never know but let's be honest here are problems still exist.

  16. E5 Gooner

    Oct 31, 2011, 15:12 #14681

    When's the last time you felt like that after a game? Donkey's weren't it. Yet the media and our own support still try to pick holes in the team. Yes there are problems to address still, but the performance on Saturday showed improvements all across the field. Now its our turn to really get behind the team and keep this form up (8 from 9 aint too bad either). UP THE ARSENAL!

  17. Ron

    Oct 31, 2011, 15:00 #14679

    natty - Maybe, and if you like mugs like Tim Sherwood and Allen on your case its fine. I suppose its their advice thats won Tottenham so many titles over the last lord knows how long though and why Redknapp is on the cusp of yet another glorious title win to add to his already heaving CV. I suppose thats why hes in the frame for the Englnad job though. I can understand now.

  18. Rocky RIP

    Oct 31, 2011, 14:56 #14678

    Not sure a decent defensive display in the 2nd half of a crazy game qualifies as us losing our soft underbelly. Even as far back as the invincibles we'd play in a way which allowed other sides a way into the game through slack defending. That's not to deny the immeasurable positives to be drawn from Saturday's result though. I only wish I could trust us not to keep chucking away good positions. Does anybody feel confident at 3-2 with 25 mins left? After we beat CFC last Christmas it felt amazing didn't it? We thought we were well on our way again. We COULD beat a top side after all. Then we blew a lead in our next game and drew. Then the players tell us they have learned lessons. Anyway, let's focus on the postives here as there are many. Ramsey is improving with every game. Koscielny is providing the grit we need and silencing a few people. TV5 is back. The rest of the team look more like a 'team'. That celebration in Kanu Korner on Saturday spoke volumes for team spirit. It's the best feeling after a win since barca at home, so let's enjoy the afterglow and hope we can use it as a platform. Victory through harmony.

  19. will

    Oct 31, 2011, 14:55 #14677

    Optimistic post, but not sure about eradicating the soft underbelly. We don't have any full backs who can defend now Sagna is out.Unless RVP scores a hat trick every game I fear it will be a rollerocaster. Agree there seems to be a more resolute attitude about the team. Would the team of last season have come back twice, I don't think so.

  20. Dan h

    Oct 31, 2011, 14:07 #14676

    You can't understate the importance of saturday's result it will give the team belief.It also shows that Chelsea are in no way a shoe in for a CL spot the Manchester clubs will take the top spots imo but 4 teams could be battling it out for the 2 other places.TV coming back will hopefully bring stability & organisation the defence desperatly needs.The result helps put us back on track the season started off badly & a poor pre-season means the team will need to sustain a good run of form for some time before we can look too far forward.

  21. Gee

    Oct 31, 2011, 13:04 #14675

    The moments we had in the first half didn't result in any shots on target. In some cases Chelsea did not register a shot at all. The first half they had 6 shots on goal, 3 of which were on target. The second half we restricted them to 6 shots at goal (3 on targtet), all except one was from outside the box. Yes djourou and Santos got caught in the first half but the result was not many chances came of it. If any. I don't think we got enough credit for our defensive performance, particularly in the 2nd half. In the first half two dog poor attempts from mertesacker cost us goals. Their 3rd was a wonder strike by Mata. Koscielny was excellent as was Song, Ramsey and Arteta ahead of him. The three up front caused no end of problems to Terry, cole Ivanovic and Boswingwa. The team is certainly starting to gel now. This is a result which absolutely has to be built upon. Two home games before the international break. Win those and then we got Norwich away. COME ON YOU GUNNERS

  22. Kenny

    Oct 31, 2011, 13:02 #14674

    For the 3rd time in just 5 away games we conceded 3 goals.That tells me the belly is still soft.And without VP we would be in the bottom half of the table.Our full backs were shocking on saturday yes Santos scored a goal but his job first and foremost is too defend.

  23. tp

    Oct 31, 2011, 12:42 #14673

    It was a great result and great defensive second half performance. Lets just hope they keep up the hard work and improve on their weaknesses, its a good run so far so lets keep it going. Up the Arsenal.

  24. Hamza

    Oct 31, 2011, 12:36 #14671

    down here in S.Africa, I usually watch weekend EPL gmaes with my uncle. So on Saturday he says to me "Hamza, it's been a long time since I've seen you enjoying an Arsenal game" How true. Come on Arsenal!

  25. natty

    Oct 31, 2011, 12:30 #14669

    This is a team challenging for a CL place not titles. I have little faith in a team that puts a man on the line at a corner who then goes and stands behind the goalkeeper. Little basic details that should be taken for granted. We can enjoy winning this battle but the war is beyond us because 'Le Boss' just cannot change his ways. At Spurs 'arry surrounds himself with a bunch of ex-players who offer good advice from which the manager and players benefit.

  26. Stumpy Den

    Oct 31, 2011, 12:20 #14668

    Like I said on previous note, if we get into their faces we could nick a result. I know that we need to work on our defence, but 5-3 at Stamford Bridge aginst a team that is tipped to challenge MADE MY WEEKEND. The confidence this gave the team can only do good. Another good performance on Tuesday night will do nicely. Always proud to be a gooner.

  27. luke

    Oct 31, 2011, 12:07 #14667

    Funny not long ago,there were tons of short-sighted and brainless fans calling for dumping RVP because of his injury record. With better injury-free time,the golden boot honour this season should be within his remit. RVP is like exquisite wine,such enjoyment and pleasure he shares with the fans.

  28. English Pedant

    Oct 31, 2011, 11:42 #14665

    For 'literally' read 'figuratively'

  29. Paul

    Oct 31, 2011, 11:30 #14664

    The underbelly is still there.We could have been 3-0 down after 5 mins.Djourou and Fat boy were getting over run time and time again.The truth about saturday was Chelsea defended worse than we did.It was nothing to do with a new found belief.At the end of the day its teams with the best defence who get success.And as we know Wenger doesnt do defence

  30. RDT - 4

    Oct 31, 2011, 11:19 #14663

    Sorry to nitpick but it would be pretty grim if Van Persie was "literally on fire"!