Arsenal Post Match Thread

[memzey]

You answered your own question for me.

I thought it was fairly even too.

We did little more than they did but not enough to win the game until the crucial moment of the game when Frimpong was send off, which ultimately swang the things in our favor as I don't believe Kenny would've played Suarez at all today if that didn't happen.

Him coming in totally changed our approach to the game and in few minutes later we created 2 goal scoring chances which we failed to do for 70 minutes prior (except Carroll header) but we did have a player more + Jenkins was also injured but he couldn't leave as they used up all their subs.

I'm extremely thrilled with the result but I thought our performance until Suarez came in was average at best.

Got to disagree with that bit in bold mate. KK had Suarez, Meireles and someone else warming up for 15 minutes or so before they came on and pulled them into the dug out for final instructions before going on, just before Frimpong got sent off. I think the timing was just happy coincidence

[Craig_H]

Lucky in the sense that we met them early in the season when they have been decimated with injury and people leaving. They're also going to sign players (or at least they should), so they should be stronger as the season goes on. We were lucky to meet them just now before the strengthening occurs.

That's the fixture 'computer' though, you sometimes get to play a certain game at a good time, sometimes less so - everyone will have a 'well-timed' game at some point, this was ours.

City away last season - that was the reverse.

Swings and roundabouts.

And by the same token, if you talk about players who can make things happen in games like this, we were missing our talisman and skipper - that's not lucky by any means - Arsenal were playing us, at home, with our inspirational captain missing. We were also missing our first choice RB and started without Suarez. The difference is, we've taken measures to lessen the impact of missing key men, they havent. And that's not luck, it's judgement.

[SK]

We were very solid in defense, and did not look like conceding a goal. But at the same time there are a lot of pressing issues regarding our play as well. Henderson is not ready for the first team and should in no way be ahead of Meireles. Kuyt has lost that little pace he had, and his hard work isn't enough anymore, should be a backup as well. He was sloppy on the ball and the Arse could have had a few attacking chances from him loosing the ball.

The defense looks solid as a rock and imo should not be changed much during the season (even when Johnson returns), Lucas looks like he's enjoying the position he's playing and has matured into a fine DM. Adam needs a bit more time, but he'll be a good deep-lying playmaker for us, i'm sure of that.

Everythng that needed to be said about Enrique has been said, fantastic buy, and looks like a player we needed for years, just hope he isn't injury prone.

Now regarding Carroll, like some of you guys I think we play better without him in the line up, our play is more fluid and dangerous. He's in the team for a reason - that is to win headers, hold up the ball and link up play, now if he's not doing those things there is absolutely no reason he should be in the first XI.

He's still got a lot of time to come good, and thankfully does not (yet) have the pressure Torres has on him at Chelsea.

For now I feel we should be starting (when fully fit of course) with Suarez and Meireles ahead of Kuyt and Henderson.

[Mostar]

Fairly even, but we produced where it mattered and they didn't - so we deserved to win.

Also, I've not seen many people mention this, but how often in a game at the Emirates, is the possession 50/50? Arsenal normally dominate, but we didn't let them, we controlled it IMO and in the last 30, we bossed it.

You were at the match so you were able to see things that we couldn't on TV but I thought we were slightly better and little more dangerous them when everthing is taken into consideration but we also had the luck on our side.

Win is win and we'll take it.

This great result should serve as a great foundation for the game against Bolton, which we have to win as we have 2 tough games away right after.

[Buzzo]

Right - just got back from the game to read this thread and be utterly astounded by some of the negativity on here. Amazing - what did some of you expect, for us to go to the Emirates, play Arsenal off the pitch like we are Brazil circa 1970 and they are Marine? Some people need to recalibrate their expectations I think, because as far as I can tell, we just went to our most likely rival for 4th place, restricted them to the square route of **** all in terms of chances and tucked two excellent goals away without ever looking particularly ruffled. IMHO we were in no way lucky. They hardly threatened throughout the game. We had more space after Frimpong got sent off, but I always felt we were the most likely to score (as did most of the gooners sitting around me).

Right - that's my general overview, some more specific points:

Henderson: I'm still not 100% sure what kind of a player he is but he did play extremely well today (I know that sounds daft, but bear with me please). A significant improvement on his debut and I couldn't help but think during the game that this performance would hopefully silence a few of his critics. No luck their though it seems. He kept the ball in all sorts of difficult, pressurized positions and demonstrated throughout the game the one thing I was 100% sure of about him - an astounding engine. The boy gets around the pitch and puts himself in positions to help the team all game long and his technique seems very good. Well done the lad and keep on improving.

Adam also seems to have come on since the Sunderland game, played like a mini Scottish Alonso at times. Not quite up to the standards of everyone's favorite Basque, but he done well nonetheless.

Enrique: Played a blinder all game. All the gooners around me were moaning that Walcott had done nothing for them this game, but it seemed as though Enrique just had his number and didn't let him out of his pocket until the final whistle blew. I hope he continues in this vein.

Our defence in general played extremely well I thought and never really let arsenal get a look in, which is great going against them at their own place, whether they are suffering with injuries or not. In addition to Enrique, a special mention should also go to Agger, who looked comfortable and assured throughout.

On Carroll I must have been watching another game to some of those posting on here, because while he was on the pitch I could swear he got through tons of work, played the target man role well and brought others into play throughout his stint. I will agree though, that he didn't pose a serious goal threat often enough for my liking, but he isn't the type of player to take on a team, dribble it past them and score. He feeds off opportunities his teammates engineer and they are hard to come by when you play at the Emirates. I still don't think the players and coaches fully know how best to use him in our team as it's been over a generation since we had a really good target man, but there is plenty of quality in that big frame to work with so I'm not too worried. While I'm on about Carroll a special mention should go to Vermaelen who played an outstanding game today, arsenal's MOM by a mile IMHO.

Suarez: Simply ****ing awesome. My biggest gripe from today was having to wait until 20 minutes from the end of the game to see him on. But once he was on, Arsenal crumbled whenever he attacked them and he looked head and shoulders better than every other player on the pitch. Whenever he's on the pitch, I can't help but think anything is possible. He could literally, take it past the whole defence and score. Or set up Kuyt for a tap in from 6 inches against the scum. Or something amazing like that. Either way - me like.

Meireles came on at the same time and played in a forward role supporting Suarez, which is a position I'd never seen him play in the flesh before. He was involved throughout his time on the pitch and seemed to link up extremely well with Suarez. There might be some mileage in playing him like this again I think (if he stays). With both Suarez and Meireles it's difficult to separate their own contributions from Arsenal faltering after their sending off. To be honest, I think there was a bit of both in play here as we did find space easier to come by after Frimpong got his marching orders, but nothing should detract from the fact that these two came on and made a significant positive contribution to our play and hurt arsenal at every opportunity they got.

All in all a very ****ing good day. I don't care if Arsenal were weakened through injuries and suspension, boo ****ing hoo it happens to us every season and no one gives a **** apart from to moan about a lack of depth in our squad. At the end of the day you can only beat what's in front of you which is exactly what we did. I can't wait for the bolton game now, really hope we build up some early season momentum and confidence. Just think - We've beaten our main rival for 4th at their place without Gerrard, Suarez (for 70 mins) or GJ.

Great post mate, always good to hear the opinion of someone who was at the game. I can't help but feel this is a result which will really set up our season. It wasn't perefect, but we did what needed to be done. **** the circumstances, we got 3 points away at the Emirates.

[Craig_H]

Got to disagree with that bit in bold mate. KK had Suarez, Meireles and someone else warming up for 15 minutes or so before they came on and pulled them into the dug out for final instructions before going on, just before Frimpong got sent off. I think the timing was just happy coincidence

Spot on. I'd noticed Suarez readying himself for action before the red card.

[wavydavy]

Not that relevent at this stage but we are now 9-1 to Arsenal's 16-1 to win the PL. We are now odds on favourites to make the top 4. Early days I know but encouraging nontheless.

[Craig_H]

You were at the match so you were able to see things that we couldn't on TV but I thought we were slightly better and little more dangerous them when everthing is taken into consideration but we also had the luck on our side.

Win is win and we'll take it.

This great result should serve as a great foundation for the game against Bolton, which we have to win as we have 2 tough games away right after.

The added piece to my edited post:

"I think Suarez was always coming onto the pitch regardless, in fact IIRC, he was taking the tracksuit off shortly before Pingpong got dismissed.

You say our performance was average before Suarez came on, but this is Arsenal away - what did you expect to happen? We werent going to go there and batter them, that doesnt happen.

They created **** all, we had the better chances (and more of them) - what else is realistic to expect at the Emirates? Granted the manner of the first goal was a touch lucky, but that happens in football and Suarez, by being there and putting pressure on them, forced an error. Lucky that the ball bounced in, but not lucky that a mistake was made - that's what happens when you pressurise someone. "

[GraciousGooner]

One of the worst games i've seen at the Emirates. Sad to see two great teams fall so badly.

Carroll is woeful, Suarez is quality.

Game changed on the sending off, then a freak own goal. The sort of game you lot get obsessed over with the mancs calling them the luckiest team of all time.

I'm hoping we'll be battling each other for 4th, not confident for either side though

[Mostar]

Got to disagree with that bit in bold mate. KK had Suarez, Meireles and someone else warming up for 15 minutes or so before they came on and pulled them into the dug out for final instructions before going on, just before Frimpong got sent off. I think the timing was just happy coincidence

Fair point.

You were there

[Glenn Hysen]

****in hell for all the moaning after beating Arsenal away....

Great victory!! Long live KK!!

[Lee]

Maybe when your a little older it'll make sense.

You're.

You are.

Etc, etc.

[Mattshark]

You're.

You are.

Etc, etc.

[Craig_H]

One of the worst games i've seen at the Emirates. Sad to see two great teams fall so badly.

Carroll is woeful, Suarez is quality.

Game changed on the sending off, then a freak own goal. The sort of game you lot get obsessed over with the mancs calling them the luckiest team of all time.

I'm hoping we'll be battling each other for 4th, not confident for either side though

Speak for yourself, oh gracious one. You were ****e. We bossed you without necessarily having the necessary cutting edge for 70 mins but it's Arsenal away, we were hardly going to rip you apart.

Never in danger of losing though, whereas you obviously were.

[Pablo]

One of the worst games i've seen at the Emirates. Sad to see two great teams fall so badly.

Carroll is woeful, Suarez is quality.

Game changed on the sending off, then a freak own goal. The sort of game you lot get obsessed over with the mancs calling them the luckiest team of all time.

I'm hoping we'll be battling each other for 4th, not confident for either side though

What happened to this from a week or so ago:

City
United
Arsenal
-----Big Gap------
Chelsea
-----Big Gap------
Liverpool
Everton
Tottenham

Revised your opinion a bit now you total retard?