| West Ham United | 0 | |||
| Arsenal | 1 | van Persie 13 |
A win that in many espects was more pleasing than the carnival procession last weekend. One that emphasised just how much the team has improved on the 2006-07 season. The style of the performance was a step up from last season. It contained everything that you know they are capable of; swift accurate passing, concentrating all over the pitch, working hard for each other. Too often last time round, we got one or two of those things, occasionally all three away from home. This time, all three are the norm. Long may that continue.
Robin van Persie’s winner in the early stages seems scant reward with hindsight. That same vision understands why West Ham think they could have got something from the game but Curbishley admitted that Arsenal were the better team. Were it not for Green (again) and the woodwork, the margin of victory could have been more. The goal itself encapsulated all of the improvements. clear passing from the defence / midfield by Toure, Adebayor held the ball well on the right hand side of the box, waited for Hleb in support who delivered a superb cross which removed the goalkeeper from the equation and RvP got above the defence well to put the ball into the net. Green may feel he might have done better to prevent that but it would be too hard on himself to say that; the bottom corner at the foot of a post is probably the best place to put the ball.
It was not one way traffic by any stretch of the imagination but the manner of the performance was such that another one for Arsenal was always achievable. van Persie hit the post; a whole host of players forced Green to make good saves. At the other end, Ljungberg flitted with the past on a couple of occasions, the offside flag denying him his moment of glory and had Dean Ashton been more in tune with his game, he may well have made more of the opportunities that fell his way. When he did get a shot on target he found Almunia in good form or the unlikely presence of RvP blocking the route to an equaliser. Ashton made life difficult for Senderos in the afternoon but more through his willingness to drop deep to link with the midfield. However, the defence dealt with all that West Ham had to offer; the midfield offered protection and controlled large portions of the game.
Several players put in performances worthy of note. Sagna at the back, I felt, had another solid game. His defensive positioning is pretty much spot on but he is deceptively fast when caught out. Flamini again justified his inclusion in the middle although Gilberto’s re-appearance towards the end might suggest that he is coming back into contention for a starting spot, perhaps the eye of the manager is on Liverpool for that one. The last one who deserves praise is Diaby; playing out of position in a tough derby is not easy but he is showing a commendable adaptation to the role.
The injury to Hleb is a blow in many respects; he was shaping up to have a good game before Noble scythed him down. I do not care if it was accidental, it was worthy of, and deserved, a straight red. Following on from Cole last weekend at Old Trafford, it seems to me to highlight the inconsistencies of refereeing with Dangerous Play purely punished by a yellow. Drogba should not be complaining about his second yellow, more praying to his God for thanks that he did not get a straight red. Adebayor it seems has a knock rather than a hamstring injury and is expected to be fit for Tuesday. With Eduardo out, his presence will be important.
RvP is coming in for some stick for his performance by some. I’m baffled by it. Returning after two games out, scoring and like the rest of the team, working hard for the win is it seems not good enough any longer. Flair, verve and panache are required every game according to some. A reality check might be the better option for those who deem any victory without those three in abundance, to be unworthy. A title challenge is built on wins such as yesterday more often than those achieved over Derby. A lot more games this season will require solid performances. And let us not forget, a solid Arsenal performance is still more entertaining to watch than seventeen or eighteen of the rest of the division playing flat out attacking football.
’til Tomorrow.
Hear, hear Yogi! Somehow we’re the only team expected to win every game in style? Get real people! I couldn’t believe what I read in one of the papers this morning from a so called Arsenal fan saying we are top of the league because the other teams are so mediocre! What more does this young team have to do to get some respect from their own fans?
By: Passenal on September 30, 2007
at 8:31 am
Hear Hear! Sensible thoughts as always, Yogi.
By: Le Bob on September 30, 2007
at 8:36 am
Excellent well balanced review of the game Yogi. Even if Freddie did score a good goal who could deny us the result after a performance like that. West Ham fans were even commenting on radio phone ins that we were far the better team and were serious title contenders. My only concern is big Phil who is clearly not improving as a player and its gutting to criticise him as he always gives his best for our club but with him getting his share of opportunities and not exactly being a youngster anymore it looks like in my opinion that he wont cut it at the club which would be an enormous blow for an honest, hard working committed pro.
By: veteran on September 30, 2007
at 8:53 am
Nice report, and I fully agree that Van Persie looked much better today.
My only complaint was Big Phil, he looked nervy and indecisive again. Lets hope Bill is back for the Liverpool game.
Check out http://www.le-grove.co.uk
By: Pedro on September 30, 2007
at 8:56 am
spot on…..we deserve to be top but i do think we have been riding our luck a bit at the back, having said that though if we do concede i have no doubt the team will just go and score another, senderos is a liability, any strong good striker always shits the life out of him.
By: duke goonem on September 30, 2007
at 9:08 am
Heartening three points indeed; a demonstration of character by the side.
The break seems to have done RvP good. I was concerned earlier that the pressure of being the leading striker was perhaps resting a bit too heavy on his shoulders, blunting his edge despite the workrate; but he looked a lot sharper last evening; here’s looking forward to more.
Senderos, sadly, remains a source of concern, clean sheet notwithstanding.
On the principle that the best time to improve is when the going is good, perhaps it is time Arsene brings in a defence coach? To go the distance suggested by the potential and character in this side I think we have to considerably tighten the defence and improve our conversion,and defense, of set pieces. That’ll make an already fine squad awesome.
By: Karthic on September 30, 2007
at 9:17 am
I just wondered out of all our centre mids what people think is (or should be) the pecking order. Obviously Cesc picks himself, but what about his partner? Flamini, Diaby, Diarra, Gilberto, Denilson.. Anyone care to rank them? I’ve been trying to work it out in my head and it’s too difficult.
By: Jimmy on September 30, 2007
at 9:27 am
agree Yogi
this is definately the result I have been most happy with, as we have ground out a win whilst on on top form and that does show an improvement from last year. the last two away games have been the first real tests and who can argue with 6 points.
Passenal is right, we are not going to perform to our fluid best everyweek and that is why it is important to win these games, it is an area where especially Chelsea have stood above us in recent years.
You singled out Diaby, and whilst you cant argue with his effort, I do feel the opposition players realise he is one footed now and will start to funnel him down the channel. I definately feel that in lieu of a pure winger we need to trial EDS out there and see how it goes. When is Rosicky back?
and you are right about Hleb, I watched it on the internet and it looked bad then, but watching it on TV showed that a red was surely the only option. I think it was an accident but it was so late, those tackles are potential career enders.
By: patthegooner on September 30, 2007
at 9:58 am
Agree the trackle was an accident but very late. In a way I feel sorry for Noble and WHU for that because they were committed but not dirty, unlike Blackburn and Bolton before them. Overall also think this was RvP’s best game since pre-season. Senderos? I really am frustrated with him because I think if he just relaxes he would be a fantastic player. He’s the sort that we will sell and will go on to become the best in the EPL at Pompy or Wigan. Again, Ade showed a lot of commitment and generally played well. But Good Lord he cannot finish!! As with Blackburn we had the opportunity to kill the game and messed it up. I worry that this will catch up with us in the future.
By: LB on September 30, 2007
at 10:11 am
From watching the highlights of the game on MOTD, it seemed that both Diaby & Adebayor were guilty of not taking first time shots/attempts on goal with their respective left foots, both instead controlled the ball with their right foot, before cutting back inside and passing to another Arsenal player.
In doing so, not only did they slow down the momentum of the particular attacks, but they effectively wasted the goal scoring chance.
I hope Arsene notices this, and gives them regular extra training on how to use, pass and shoot with their respective left feet.
By: Magneto on September 30, 2007
at 10:18 am
yw
Are you happy with Senderos performances so far? He was poor last season and I think the trend is continuing. We should be looking for a supportive CB, otherwise we might not be twice lucky. The centre of our defence is weak and the weak link is Senderos. He works hard but the problem is, he hasn’t got the skills to make it.
By: Howard on September 30, 2007
at 10:38 am
Hi YW,
Who is giving RvP stick? I haven’t managed to find any negative comments. He looked pretty impressive to me.
By: Frank on September 30, 2007
at 10:48 am
Pedro: good blog site
By: Ian on September 30, 2007
at 11:06 am
i guess wenger will keep trying song at CB in the carling cup.if he keeps on convincing……
By: radioactive_gooner on September 30, 2007
at 11:24 am
Has anyone else noticed how RvP has obviously been working on his right foot?
Last season he used it to stand on (pretty much what everyone is currently accusing Diaby of doing with his left) – anyone remember that “freshie”?
I have now seen him score a cracking goal with his right (Inter), and take at least two (that I can think of of hand) thunderous shots with his right as well.
This has always baffled me.
When I was (a lot) younger, at varsity, I was an ok player, certainly no Pele, so I looked to see what I could do to give me a better chance of getting into the team.
I noticed that most players were very one-footed, so I spent 3-4 hours, every night for about 3 weeks in the sports centre, kicking a ball against the wall with my left foot.
I ended up with a left foot very nearly as good as my right, and yes, it did get me into the team.
My point is, if I could do that, why can’t these highly talented and supposedly dedicated players do the same?
I am really heartened that RvP has put the effort in, he’s gone up even further in my estimations as a result.
By: Mike on September 30, 2007
at 11:50 am
Well, Maradona made me shut up about one-footed players. I remember some survey that was done a while back that suggested that most top class players were actually very competent with their “other” foot (I’m not talking Nigel here) but felt that the extra with their natural foot was worth the disadvantages. As a kid I taught myself to use my left and it was nearly as good in the end except for shooting zip.
By: Hackajack on September 30, 2007
at 11:58 am
What a fantastic article this is…
http://football.guardian.co.uk/News_Story/0,,2180175,00.html
By: Frank on September 30, 2007
at 12:47 pm
Jimmy
I would put our CM in the following pecking order:
Fabregas, Gilberto, Flamini, Diaby, Denilson, Diarra.
Although I think it can be further broken down into more attacking CM – Fabregas, Diaby, Denilson and more holding CM – Gilberto, Flamini, Diarra, Denilson. You’ll notice that I’ve put in Denilson in both categories as I think he has an eye for the pass but also puts himself about rather well.
What do other people think?
By: IziRascal on September 30, 2007
at 1:30 pm
Congratulations Arsenal on the win. It is amazing to see such a young squad with no real superstars (perhaps aside from Fabregas) playing with so much confidence and skill. And playing football the way it should be played.
I still don’t think Arsenal will win the title, but I hope they finish above United and Chelsea. But not above us though!
- LFC fan
By: evanescent on September 30, 2007
at 1:47 pm
Mike i totally agree with you regarding players using just one foot. It is bewildering how they obviously dont work on getting their standing foot to better use. I remember Paul Merson when being played on the left wing by George Graham used to use the outside of his right foot to cross the ball albeit succeeding very well at it, its still very strange that coaches dont seem to be too bothered. Presently we have Diaby who is a very talented lad but always uses the right pin when being played out on the left and as someone else has already said other teams will suss him out very quickly and will always show him the byeline. If i had Liam Bradys job (i wish) i would make all those young lads use the other foot only in five a sides or something similiar and im sure an improvement would be seen immediately. One of my favourite players was Anders Limpar who could shoot and cross with either foot to great affect, and that should be bare minimum for any professional.
By: veteran on September 30, 2007
at 3:05 pm
These guys do train their wrong foot and are able to strike the ball perfectly well with it. It’s not a case of training i can promise you that. Manager’s aren’t stupid.. The fact is that under the pressure of a premiership game in front of 40,000 + fans it’s all about confidence. Therefore unless you are naturally two footed you will rely on your strongest foot.
By: Jimmy on September 30, 2007
at 3:41 pm
Frank
There were a few comments I read in the wee small hours that criticised the performance of RvP; I guess it is because he was/is viewed as a ’successor’ to Henry by some. I don’t see it that way – there isn’t one in my book – but obviously some view things differently.
Howard
Happy with Senderos? Not entirely because I believe he is a better player than he is showing. That said, I am not unhappy with him; he is, to my mind, the fourth best CH at the club behind Toure, Gallas and the on-loan Djourou. He was caught short against Pompey with his red card but in the other games has contributed to the clean sheets. He needs a bit of patience which I think he is getting to a degree. Lets not forget, he is not a first choice centre half and is called on irregularly, getting a run of three or four games – maybe a couple more – and I think in his case you see the best of him in longer spells.
It is an oft-quoted thought about him that he functions better in a 4-5-1. Perhaps he does yet the anecdotal evidence of the 2005-06 CL run does not necessarily stack up with that – we played 4-4-2 as much in that run – plus he was there in the League at the same time. However, that said, I do think that he is getting to the point where he needs to show his quality through on the pitch every game as he is of an age where he will want to play every week, regardless of the quality around him. It is not quite make-or-break for him because his attitude seems to be right just the application needs to be applied to his abilities more consistently.
YW
By: Yogi's Warrior on September 30, 2007
at 4:15 pm
Cheers YW,
Minds addled by drink no doubt. I watched the extended highlights and he looked very impressive. Some great passes, tackling back, defending on the line as well as the shots (both feet (not at once)) and a rare headed goal.
I think that Big Phil did the job and he will look less wobbly and more assured as he gets games under his belt.
Flamini is just turning in one fine performance after another..a really gritty player.
Actually for me it was one of those good solid team performances, in a horrible place for an away team to play. Great stuff.
By: Frank on September 30, 2007
at 5:14 pm
I’m trying to be patient with Senderos as he reminds me of a young Adams. Senderos isn’t fast but then nor was Adams or Terry. Remeber adams in 1988 Euro when Van Baseten I thnk made him look awful. Wasn’t that when the donkey chants started. The difference between Adams and Senderos appears to be confidence. He will come good but he may have to go elsewhere to rediscover confidence and form.
By: Jamie on September 30, 2007
at 5:43 pm
We win the chamionship and chelsea finish outside the top 4. it’s worth a bet. I’ll let you know the odds
By: Jamie on September 30, 2007
at 6:02 pm
Quality optimism Jamie
I think we will have a better idea after the Man Utd and Liverpool games as to if we can keep this outstanding startup. I still cant see it although we do seem to be coping with injuries. Given Chelseas demise I think we will get at least 3rd
As for Chelsea, I wish but I doubt they will finish outside the top 4. I don’t think they will win it but I doubt that the new guy will be there come the end of the season, especially if the players revolt over training methods turn out to be true.
as you all know, I was crying out for more strength in depth before the window closed, and now although I would still like that elusive left winger and maybe another striker, I would be wary of rocking the boat with new faces especially if this great start does continue into the Crimbo break.
Finally if Jamie’s bet does come off and we did win it, Wenger would have to go down as Manager of the Century.
By: patthegooner on September 30, 2007
at 6:13 pm
“A title challenge is built on wins such as yesterday more often than those achieved over Derby.”
I heartily concur, Yogi. Without getting carried away (oh, all right then, I am getting carried away) the team look and act like potential champions. OK, we may not win the whole caboodle, but we won’t wilt.
By: FunGunner on September 30, 2007
at 6:25 pm
It seems that every game is seen as a ‘test’ for the team. Last season they did not struggle against the top 4 teams it was the games they were ‘expected’ to win where they came a cropper. So far they are keeping the level of commitment and concentration high in every game. I’m fairly optimistic that they will not assume any games are ‘easy’ and thus give anything less than 100% every time. They seem to have learned the lessons of 06/07 and long may it continue.
By: Passenal on September 30, 2007
at 6:41 pm
Passenal
I think the reason every game is seen as a challenge is simply because the home games have been ones where we expect a win and the away so far have been games where we regularly dropped points over the past two seasons. Blackburn is probably the only disappointing result so far, more because of the manner of their goal than the overall performance.
The away games have been good results so its a solid foundation to build on. Not for the team’s confidence but for ours. The best thing is we have taken advantage of others slips and that is a strong sign of their confidence. That kicks onto the support; those who have doubts are gradually losing them, not entirely won over, but coming round to the possibility of a relatively successful season, i.e. a top two or three finish. The key to confirming that though will be good results in the games against United and Liverpool.
YW
By: Yogi's Warrior on September 30, 2007
at 7:31 pm
The Senderos debate riles me more than any.
I just hope it is not self fulfillig. The guys a lot better than people a willing to give him credit for. And to most fans, time for development is never considered. He plays for us, means he is good for us.
By: William on September 30, 2007
at 8:34 pm
I agree William
I really can see the similarity between Tony Adams and Phil at that age, he is big lump that looks clumsy to the eye, but there is definately something there. In some ways it is a shame Gallas is coming back as I think Phils confidence is building.
People say the same of Song, but in that case I cant see it, and he is a couple more places down the pecking order.
The player who has most impressed me though is Flamini, he will never win any awards but his consistency and effort are both excellent, and I for one am pleased he has stayed on. I bet there are some teams now that wished they followed on from an initial interest in him. I am sure a regular French Call up cant be far away
By: patthegooner on September 30, 2007
at 9:17 pm
I’ve been dismissed as naive before for just pointing out that the guy’s not there yet but time’s on his side. But I just want to say, also for Alex Song even, that if AW thinks they’re good enough, they’re good enough. Who are we to judge, especially when we’ve got AW’s judgement to put our trust in? THis man has a track record worthy of our confidence and better than any other manager in the Premiership. With all due respect to any doubters here, I’m ready to go along withm, or at least give time to, whoever AW thinks is good enough to play for Arsenal. Enough said.
By: Louisa on September 30, 2007
at 9:19 pm
Thank goodness Frank and Yogi saw Swiss Tony in the same way as I did(or have I read that wrong). I thought the young lad played much better than he has done for ages. It seemed to me as though he was at last getting a bit of confidence back. I thought the win was workman like, and agree it was not all one way. I also felt that it was a pity we never got Ashton because he would have fitted into the Arsenal team very well. Although we won, I must admit I was glad when the final whistle went. The problem I felt was the ground is very small rather like old Highbury, we are now used to the open fields of our new home. A red card here and there would not have been amiss. Anyway I love my Arsenal.
By: Old Timer on September 30, 2007
at 9:27 pm
Sorry Louisa, Path and William it takes me ages to type, nice to see a few of us think the same about Swiss Tony.
By: Old Timer on September 30, 2007
at 9:31 pm
I’ve happily eaten a few slices of humble pie for Hleb, Adebayor and Flamini already. Would be really excited to eat another piece when Senderos really becomes a Swiss Tony. Would be perfect if that happens before Kolo goes away for the African Cup of Nations.
Maybe it’s the delightful start of the season that’s making me so optimistic. When RvP and Clichy are shooting with their right foot (RvP scored a beauty with it too against Inter), Hleb putting in crosses from the right, Cesc banging them in for fun, him together with Rosicky and Hleb scoring from midfield, RvP scoring a header, ugly/poacher’s goals coming, set-pieces becoming our source of goals for instead of goals against and, most important of all, having 7 clean sheets out of 11 games played (in each of those 4 games we only conceded one goal), we can see that the unusual things have happened usually enough. Then why can’t Senderos, or Song for that matter, improve under AW’s guidance and become a reliable player at the back!?
By: Louisa on September 30, 2007
at 9:51 pm
[...] West Ham 0-1 Arsenal (Acultured Left foot): [...]
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at 8:00 pm