This was a tough game on paper and Swansea this season, as Gary Monk has alluded to in his post match interviews that his team are adaptable. This game was reminiscent of the Southampton game in February where Swansea won 1-0. They didn't go to the Emirates last night and match Arsenal style of play. They sat back held a low block looked to hit Arsenal on the counter with Montero and Dyer (2nd half Barrow). They had set number of players that were involved when they managed to move forward. A good example, in the 1st half (20 mins)Rangel pushed on down the right after a turnover of possession which he was involved in, Dyer instead of joining the attack filled in for Rangel at RB until the attack finished. It was no surprise given the tactics used that both wingers in the attack had a say in the goal( barrow 1,2 to cross 1st time on the right, loose ball from cross picked up by Montero played a good ball in to Gomis).
@88Albanese despite Swansea organisation, solid defensive performance and quality from Fabianski. Arsenal were very poor. Very slow and laboured in possession and when they did get in behind the finishing was poor. 78 mins double chance from Sanchez and Walcott We're straight at Fabianski. This is why Arsenal have struggled in Europe in recent years. Swansea played as if it was a European game and denied Arsenal space in last third (understandably given How Hull defended and played last week). When Arsenal did have space to exploit they show flashes of good they are quick 1,2 touch football, but they didn't have a plan B. More intricacy around the box to create more clearer openings ( movement was not as fluid in recent weeks) , pressing Swansea aggressively and quicker tempo when in possession. No adaptability shown unlike Chelsea showed this season in all their games. One of main reasons why Chelsea are champions.
This game just shows the difference between wenger and mourinho. Wenger takes coquelin off for Wilhere trying too hard to go for the win and ends up losing. Believe me no way mourinho takes off matic after 67 minutes tied 0-0
I thought the home loss against Spurs was hard to take but this took the biscuit. This was attack vs defence literally from minute 1. Total dominance in every respect. You know you have been on the end of a raw deal when the only opposition player who played well was the keeper, yet you still lose. You don't always get what you deserve in football but I think even the most hardcore Tottenham fans will be hard pressed to say we didn't deserve a win here. Luckily Utd will have to be more open due to the fact a draw wont be good enough for them.
@MiguelSuave- Na, we actually drew 1-1 at home but I wasn't being literal. I didn't proof read my comment above (which I usually do) so the quotation marks are missing from loss. I meant to imply it felt like a loss given the run of play, think I mentioned it on the gameday for that match. It does look strange without them tbf so sorry about that.
unbelievable... all of our clear cut chances went straight to Fabianski.could have been easily 2-0, instead as usual we concede a lucky goal. however, credit to Swansea
@JoMadridista haha... I mean it in a different sense to "what's up ducky?" It's an expression of exasperation or disbelief in Xhosa (a language in South Africa). Sort of like a "what!?"
The goal line technology must be the best thing to have happened in the PL. Or else we'd just see cheating imbeciles like we saw today trying to con the refs to give decisions in their favours.
@NotBiased- The look on Ospina's face was 1 of genuine disbelief and although even if he knew it was over the line, he probably would've blagged it, I don't think in this instance he did. I also don't think he actually understood what was happening in regards to the referee giving the goal. It looked as though he was totally oblivious to the whole process even when the ref was pointing to his watch.
@SteveHyland Didn't come across that way though. He was trying to argue with the ref even when he signaled that its not him that made the decision its the technology.
And for a footballer who spends most of his time on the playground I'm not sure what was there about disbelief. It happens all the time.
@NotBiased- That was my point, I don't think Ospina had a clue what was going on with the watch. There's no excuse, he should know (and I'm sure he was briefed on it at the start of the season) but he looked perplexed. He wouldn't be the first stupid footballer.
@MiguelSuave Except that my comment was about technology and players trying to cheat if its not in use.
Arsenal have won the fairplay league in the past which is the only worthwhile thing the club has won in the last decade so I'd expect a bit more from the club that "prides itself on values of fair competition and positive behaviour both on and off the pitch"
Sanchez on the right wouldn't allow us to take advantage of Bellerin bombing forward as much as it would with Wilsh/Ramsey out there really can't see that happening.
@Titou14- Yeah it wont happen, Wilshere will likely play there because Walcott's contract talks aren't going smoothly and Sanchez has played left-wing most of the season. I think having Sanchez on the right wing (where he has been world class since his last season at Udinese) would actually make us even more potent on the right, something akin to him and Dani Alves at Barcelona. Bellerin could/would overlap Sanchez and the fact Alexis mucks-in with the defensive side would take the pressure off of Bellerin slightly meaning he wont have to do all the offensive and defensive duties on that side. It certainly makes more sense doing it that way than constantly sticking a central midfielder out there who invariably cuts inside making us too narrow- therefore easier to defend against not to mention the lack of genuine width making the centre of the pitch congested and space to pass into minimal. Wenger's passing game is jaw-dropping at times but genuine width would give us so much more imo.
@Titou14 More likely we will see Jack Wilshere on the right. Small chance of Theo starting there, but Wenger often likes to play to play one forward/touchline hugging winger and one narrow CM on either flank.
Will finish 4-2 Arsenal, with Alexis getting a hat trick and the 4th scored by Theo or Jack.
Ozil to get 3 assists and Santi 1. Siggurdson and Shelvey to score for Swansea.
This game will be a purists wet dream. Swansea play arguably the best football in the league with the Arsenal. And they defeated us at home earlier in the season when Montero consistently skinned Chambers.
So much so that Oxlade-Chamberlain still teases poor Chambers about it.
I think this is going to be a high scoring match, would like to see Gabriel play over Mertesacker as he is quicker and more mobile. If Gabriel plays we should win, if Mertesacker plays it could go either way.
@Overmars- Mertesacker's lack of pace is a weakness overblown by the media & seemingly by some Arsenal fans alike. For all the talk of him being slow, immobile, vulnerable to anybody faster than a tortoise- how often have you seen him actually in a situation where a lack of pace has cost him? He had a bad section of the season when Koscielny was out but that's because defensive partnerships are just that. Chambers & Monreal's positioning in the centre was poor, so Per was essentially doing 2 players' jobs. The only time I've heard pundits say John Terry has played badly in his career just happened to coincide with playing next to Luiz (a player constantly out of position). Put a competent defender next to him and he looks the best in the league. The only times Per has looked poor since Koscielny came back into the fold are those where Bellerin has been severely out of position meaning the BFG has to cover both the RB & right CB spaces (in a non-shift situation). Nobody can do that.
@SteveHyland I don't think it is merely about who is playing next to BFG but who is playing in front of him.
You're right in that sense, as ever since Coquelin has come into the team he looks much better protected. And I believe this also follows for John Terry. He often has Matic in front of him or 2 DMs as is Mourinho's way.
@Overmars- Well, that has been the case for every great centre-back in history, including Terry. Name a top quality centre-back and they to 99% certainty have had a quality central (or in modern times, defensive) midfielder in front of them.
@Milann- Just a slight exaggeration. I can guarantee you if his lack of pace was that much of a chronic problem to the extent of it costing us goals as often as you suggest, he would be nowhere near the squad. People have to differentiate between a player's weakness causing a goal and a manager's setup allowing a player's weakness to be the cause of a goal. The 2 aren't the same. At Arsenal we defend a ridiculously high line when attacking and have Mertesacker as the shallowest of the 2 CB (even when there isn't someone to mark), why? I'm not sure, but it's an intentional ploy by Wenger because it happens every game. The reason the setup doesn't look as bad when the attack is on Koscielny's side is because he has pace so can recover. That doesn't mean the setup is right though or that Per's lack of pace is the reason why attacks on the other side come to fruition. He is being asked to do something which he can't and never has been able to do but does it extremely well.
Chelsea vs Swansea 9-2 Arsenal vs Swansea 1-3 Hehehe
I see United putting Arsenal back where they belong, 4th place :p
This was a tough game on paper and Swansea this season, as Gary Monk has alluded to in his post match interviews that his team are adaptable. This game was reminiscent of the Southampton game in February where Swansea won 1-0. They didn't go to the Emirates last night and match Arsenal style of play. They sat back held a low block looked to hit Arsenal on the counter with Montero and Dyer (2nd half Barrow). They had set number of players that were involved when they managed to move forward. A good example, in the 1st half (20 mins)Rangel pushed on down the right after a turnover of possession which he was involved in, Dyer instead of joining the attack filled in for Rangel at RB until the attack finished. It was no surprise given the tactics used that both wingers in the attack had a say in the goal( barrow 1,2 to cross 1st time on the right, loose ball from cross picked up by Montero played a good ball in to Gomis).
@88Albanese despite Swansea organisation, solid defensive performance and quality from Fabianski. Arsenal were very poor. Very slow and laboured in possession and when they did get in behind the finishing was poor. 78 mins double chance from Sanchez and Walcott We're straight at Fabianski. This is why Arsenal have struggled in Europe in recent years. Swansea played as if it was a European game and denied Arsenal space in last third (understandably given How Hull defended and played last week). When Arsenal did have space to exploit they show flashes of good they are quick 1,2 touch football, but they didn't have a plan B. More intricacy around the box to create more clearer openings ( movement was not as fluid in recent weeks) , pressing Swansea aggressively and quicker tempo when in possession. No adaptability shown unlike Chelsea showed this season in all their games. One of main reasons why Chelsea are champions.
This game just shows the difference between wenger and mourinho. Wenger takes coquelin off for Wilhere trying too hard to go for the win and ends up losing. Believe me no way mourinho takes off matic after 67 minutes tied 0-0
I thought the home loss against Spurs was hard to take but this took the biscuit. This was attack vs defence literally from minute 1. Total dominance in every respect. You know you have been on the end of a raw deal when the only opposition player who played well was the keeper, yet you still lose. You don't always get what you deserve in football but I think even the most hardcore Tottenham fans will be hard pressed to say we didn't deserve a win here. Luckily Utd will have to be more open due to the fact a draw wont be good enough for them.
@SteveHyland Didn't "we" draw 2-2 at home and lost 2-1 away with the Spurs?
@MiguelSuave- Na, we actually drew 1-1 at home but I wasn't being literal. I didn't proof read my comment above (which I usually do) so the quotation marks are missing from loss. I meant to imply it felt like a loss given the run of play, think I mentioned it on the gameday for that match. It does look strange without them tbf so sorry about that.
there goes 2nd place
...and Leicester City go top of the form table
@rpuddin- As much as I dislike Nigel Pearson, Leicester have shown some fortitude recently and deserve to stay up.
@SteveHyland Pearson's just misunderstood. He's a top fella.
League double for now over both United and Arsenal. Gary Monk has done a fantastic job.
Fabianski, great guy, impossible to hate him.
@What4- Yep, we kept the wrong Polish keeper.
unbelievable... all of our clear cut chances went straight to Fabianski.could have been easily 2-0, instead as usual we concede a lucky goal. however, credit to Swansea
10 q swansea
Eish... How'd that happen?
@6seconds eish ya batta
@JoMadridista haha... I mean it in a different sense to "what's up ducky?" It's an expression of exasperation or disbelief in Xhosa (a language in South Africa). Sort of like a "what!?"
The goal line technology must be the best thing to have happened in the PL. Or else we'd just see cheating imbeciles like we saw today trying to con the refs to give decisions in their favours.
@NotBiased- The look on Ospina's face was 1 of genuine disbelief and although even if he knew it was over the line, he probably would've blagged it, I don't think in this instance he did. I also don't think he actually understood what was happening in regards to the referee giving the goal. It looked as though he was totally oblivious to the whole process even when the ref was pointing to his watch.
@SteveHyland Didn't come across that way though. He was trying to argue with the ref even when he signaled that its not him that made the decision its the technology. And for a footballer who spends most of his time on the playground I'm not sure what was there about disbelief. It happens all the time.
@NotBiased- That was my point, I don't think Ospina had a clue what was going on with the watch. There's no excuse, he should know (and I'm sure he was briefed on it at the start of the season) but he looked perplexed. He wouldn't be the first stupid footballer.
@NotBiased Oh yeah like no one else would try that
@MiguelSuave Talk about fair play eh? And even then , arguing against the technology is only going to make you look like an idiot.
@NotBiased Oh yeag i'm totally arguing against technology.. maybe i'm just arguing against that moronic comment..
@MiguelSuave Except that my comment was about technology and players trying to cheat if its not in use. Arsenal have won the fairplay league in the past which is the only worthwhile thing the club has won in the last decade so I'd expect a bit more from the club that "prides itself on values of fair competition and positive behaviour both on and off the pitch"
@NotBiased Have you considered that Ospina might not have thought it was over the line? Even the linesman didn't think it was over.
time to say #WengerOut #MoyesIn
What on earth...
Good lord Walcott.. How can he want to play more when he can't finish with Fabianski on the ground
Scrappy doo coming up.
Swansea is playing se well so far... we need some speed, maybe a Coquelin/Ramsey-Walcott substitution
Alexis didn't have key pass, dribbles and interceptions ?? Im sure that he had.
Evening Ben. Enjoying the game? By the way, Happy St. Totteringham's Day.
somehow a slow burner so far...
somehow a slow burner... :/
3-2 gunners win!
Secret Agent Fabianski, you know what to do ;)
@What4 oops. Unlucky lad.
arsenal h1
3/1
stay always enjoyable team gunners
Go Roquelin, Man of Rock
2.1
K. Sung-yueng hattrick
Sanchez on the right wouldn't allow us to take advantage of Bellerin bombing forward as much as it would with Wilsh/Ramsey out there really can't see that happening.
@Titou14- Yeah it wont happen, Wilshere will likely play there because Walcott's contract talks aren't going smoothly and Sanchez has played left-wing most of the season. I think having Sanchez on the right wing (where he has been world class since his last season at Udinese) would actually make us even more potent on the right, something akin to him and Dani Alves at Barcelona. Bellerin could/would overlap Sanchez and the fact Alexis mucks-in with the defensive side would take the pressure off of Bellerin slightly meaning he wont have to do all the offensive and defensive duties on that side. It certainly makes more sense doing it that way than constantly sticking a central midfielder out there who invariably cuts inside making us too narrow- therefore easier to defend against not to mention the lack of genuine width making the centre of the pitch congested and space to pass into minimal. Wenger's passing game is jaw-dropping at times but genuine width would give us so much more imo.
@Titou14 More likely we will see Jack Wilshere on the right. Small chance of Theo starting there, but Wenger often likes to play to play one forward/touchline hugging winger and one narrow CM on either flank.
Will finish 4-2 Arsenal, with Alexis getting a hat trick and the 4th scored by Theo or Jack. Ozil to get 3 assists and Santi 1. Siggurdson and Shelvey to score for Swansea.
Who's that alien playing for arsenal?
Theo definitely should play in starting XI: Giroud Sanchez Ozil Theo Coq Santi Bellerin Koscielny Gabriel Monreal Ospina. COYG!
Theo definitely should play in starting XI: Giroud Sanchez Ozil Theo Coq Santi Bellerin Koscielny Gabriel Monreal Ospina. COYG!
This game will be a purists wet dream. Swansea play arguably the best football in the league with the Arsenal. And they defeated us at home earlier in the season when Montero consistently skinned Chambers. So much so that Oxlade-Chamberlain still teases poor Chambers about it. I think this is going to be a high scoring match, would like to see Gabriel play over Mertesacker as he is quicker and more mobile. If Gabriel plays we should win, if Mertesacker plays it could go either way.
@Overmars- Mertesacker's lack of pace is a weakness overblown by the media & seemingly by some Arsenal fans alike. For all the talk of him being slow, immobile, vulnerable to anybody faster than a tortoise- how often have you seen him actually in a situation where a lack of pace has cost him? He had a bad section of the season when Koscielny was out but that's because defensive partnerships are just that. Chambers & Monreal's positioning in the centre was poor, so Per was essentially doing 2 players' jobs. The only time I've heard pundits say John Terry has played badly in his career just happened to coincide with playing next to Luiz (a player constantly out of position). Put a competent defender next to him and he looks the best in the league. The only times Per has looked poor since Koscielny came back into the fold are those where Bellerin has been severely out of position meaning the BFG has to cover both the RB & right CB spaces (in a non-shift situation). Nobody can do that.
@SteveHyland I don't think it is merely about who is playing next to BFG but who is playing in front of him. You're right in that sense, as ever since Coquelin has come into the team he looks much better protected. And I believe this also follows for John Terry. He often has Matic in front of him or 2 DMs as is Mourinho's way.
@Overmars- Well, that has been the case for every great centre-back in history, including Terry. Name a top quality centre-back and they to 99% certainty have had a quality central (or in modern times, defensive) midfielder in front of them.
@SteveHyland I often defend Mertesacker but I've seen him cost us goal because of his lack of pace a million times...
@Milann- Just a slight exaggeration. I can guarantee you if his lack of pace was that much of a chronic problem to the extent of it costing us goals as often as you suggest, he would be nowhere near the squad. People have to differentiate between a player's weakness causing a goal and a manager's setup allowing a player's weakness to be the cause of a goal. The 2 aren't the same. At Arsenal we defend a ridiculously high line when attacking and have Mertesacker as the shallowest of the 2 CB (even when there isn't someone to mark), why? I'm not sure, but it's an intentional ploy by Wenger because it happens every game. The reason the setup doesn't look as bad when the attack is on Koscielny's side is because he has pace so can recover. That doesn't mean the setup is right though or that Per's lack of pace is the reason why attacks on the other side come to fruition. He is being asked to do something which he can't and never has been able to do but does it extremely well.