Well, that was a comfortable win. :-o . Preston should've been at least 2 up at half time, Gabriel had a shocker and Mustafi was still looking rusty. The problem from their point of view was simply that they wouldn't be able to keep playing how they did in the first 45 minutes for 90+. In the 2nd half, buoyed by Aaron's excellent strike, we were in control and the winner, albeit very late on, was always on the cards. Preston deserved a draw and a pay-day replay but Perez came up with a nice flick and somehow Giroud's shot found its way into the back of the net to end that dream. Preston played some nice stuff. If this was typical of their league performance, I'm not sure how they are 11th having only scored 33 yet conceded 32! Hoping for a much easier watch for Gooners in the 4th round, that's for sure.
@XsTream- We like him. His hold-up play, lay-offs, ability in the air and wonder strikes are all world class. He also, however, produces world class misses. The lack of pace would be unimportant if he scored most of the simple chances. It's purely a concentration issue, not technical. He doesn't put all the mental effort required into finishing so either shoots at the keeper or puts wide/over. If he focused on those chances as much as the worldy strikes, he'd have 20+ league goals every season.
Oezil, Alexis, Koscielny and also, in all likelihood, Bellerin will be rested. Coquelin is out for 4 weeks. Walcott, Gibbs and Perez are "doubtful". Mustafi will probably start to get his match fitness up. Given Wenger's reluctance in playing Jenkinson, I expect Holding to start at RB. I would want to rest Xhaka because he has looked jaded in the last 2 games. Making silly fouls, misplacing passes he doesn't usually etc, but I don't think we have too many players able to fill the void. The squad will be dependent on which reserve/youth team players play in the U23 game against Derby on Friday, but my XI would like something like: Ospina, Holding, Mustafi, Gabriel, Monreal, Ramsey, Niles, Chamberlain, Adelaide, Iwobi, Giroud. I think it'll be a typical tough away tie F.A cup game resulting in a 2-0 Arsenal win.
@SteveHyland Ospina, Jenkinson, Holding, Gabriel, new non league left back Cohen, A M-Niles, Ramsey, Jeff Adelaide, Ox, Lucas, Giroud is what I think maybe the starting lineup. Depends on injuries and availability. Welbeck to come of the bench and play. May also see Zelalem and Willock off the bench. Bielik and/or Sheaf may also make the bench.
@Overmars- Wenger is looking to sell Jenkinson. As of yet we have no bids but the last thing he wants is Carl to get injured so I doubt he'll play just in case. Holding can play there plus Mustafi getting some match fitness would be no bad thing after his rusty performance against Bourenmouth. I think Perez has been ruled out. I'd like to see Zelalem and Bielek get some opportunities. Both have been touted as potentially world class but as of yet they have seen very little first team action.
@truestory-Yes it is, I forgot to read-through before posting. I usually spell it correctly. We'll hopefully see him in the next round. Mustafi needing game time meant he was guaranteed to play today. Could've played him with Bielik I suppose but with Kos' injury, maybe Wenger was thinking he'd give the Mustafi/Gabriel partnership some time against "lesser" opposition (?) As it turned out, this was a great test.
@Valor- Niles should because he is a DM by trade. Ramsey always goes missing but we should dominate enough that his defensive qualities, or lack of, aren't exposed too often.
Mustafi was horrible in the first half
Well, that was a comfortable win. :-o . Preston should've been at least 2 up at half time, Gabriel had a shocker and Mustafi was still looking rusty. The problem from their point of view was simply that they wouldn't be able to keep playing how they did in the first 45 minutes for 90+. In the 2nd half, buoyed by Aaron's excellent strike, we were in control and the winner, albeit very late on, was always on the cards. Preston deserved a draw and a pay-day replay but Perez came up with a nice flick and somehow Giroud's shot found its way into the back of the net to end that dream. Preston played some nice stuff. If this was typical of their league performance, I'm not sure how they are 11th having only scored 33 yet conceded 32! Hoping for a much easier watch for Gooners in the 4th round, that's for sure.
once again giroud saves the day.. and to think the arsenal fans dont seem to actually like him that much constantly looking for replacement
@XsTream- We like him. His hold-up play, lay-offs, ability in the air and wonder strikes are all world class. He also, however, produces world class misses. The lack of pace would be unimportant if he scored most of the simple chances. It's purely a concentration issue, not technical. He doesn't put all the mental effort required into finishing so either shoots at the keeper or puts wide/over. If he focused on those chances as much as the worldy strikes, he'd have 20+ league goals every season.
It is painful to be an Arsenal fan.
Think this game will be tough as Preston will be well up for it.
Oezil, Alexis, Koscielny and also, in all likelihood, Bellerin will be rested. Coquelin is out for 4 weeks. Walcott, Gibbs and Perez are "doubtful". Mustafi will probably start to get his match fitness up. Given Wenger's reluctance in playing Jenkinson, I expect Holding to start at RB. I would want to rest Xhaka because he has looked jaded in the last 2 games. Making silly fouls, misplacing passes he doesn't usually etc, but I don't think we have too many players able to fill the void. The squad will be dependent on which reserve/youth team players play in the U23 game against Derby on Friday, but my XI would like something like: Ospina, Holding, Mustafi, Gabriel, Monreal, Ramsey, Niles, Chamberlain, Adelaide, Iwobi, Giroud. I think it'll be a typical tough away tie F.A cup game resulting in a 2-0 Arsenal win.
@SteveHyland Ospina, Jenkinson, Holding, Gabriel, new non league left back Cohen, A M-Niles, Ramsey, Jeff Adelaide, Ox, Lucas, Giroud is what I think maybe the starting lineup. Depends on injuries and availability. Welbeck to come of the bench and play. May also see Zelalem and Willock off the bench. Bielik and/or Sheaf may also make the bench.
@Overmars- Wenger is looking to sell Jenkinson. As of yet we have no bids but the last thing he wants is Carl to get injured so I doubt he'll play just in case. Holding can play there plus Mustafi getting some match fitness would be no bad thing after his rusty performance against Bourenmouth. I think Perez has been ruled out. I'd like to see Zelalem and Bielek get some opportunities. Both have been touted as potentially world class but as of yet they have seen very little first team action.
@SteveHyland It's Bielik. And I'd gladly see him play today as well. Depends on the score I guess.
@truestory-Yes it is, I forgot to read-through before posting. I usually spell it correctly. We'll hopefully see him in the next round. Mustafi needing game time meant he was guaranteed to play today. Could've played him with Bielik I suppose but with Kos' injury, maybe Wenger was thinking he'd give the Mustafi/Gabriel partnership some time against "lesser" opposition (?) As it turned out, this was a great test.
@Overmars I agree Xhaka needs a rest. But my concern is, can Ramsey and Niles shield the back 4 effectively? Wish Elneny was available.
@Valor- Niles should because he is a DM by trade. Ramsey always goes missing but we should dominate enough that his defensive qualities, or lack of, aren't exposed too often.