Gobby Gooners

Djourou signs on...

2008-09-22T13:56:00.004+01:00

Johan Djourou has signed a new "long term" deal with the Gunners.

This is great news for the gunners. After sending Senderos and Armand out on loan we're looking a little short in defensive cover, especially if Arsene continues to use Kolo as cover for Sagna instead of Eboue. Signing up Johan is a signal of Arsene's belief in him, and personally I have always had more faith in him than in Senderos.

He has the pace, the strength and the vision to be a world class central defender and he has two of the best role models to work with in the game today in Billy and Kolo. This season will be a very important one for the young Swiss defender as despite having already racked up 50 appearances for the Gunners he now will need to prove his worth.

Everything is in place for Johan to succeed Billy, now it is up to him to prove he is the man to provide a long term solution for Arsenal's back four.

R

Preview: Carling Cup v. Sheffield Utd.

2008-09-22T11:25:00.005+01:00

Each year’s Carling Cup brings with it a strange sense of anticipation, without the same worry applicable to the FA Cup or Champions League. We are afforded the luxury of watching our youngsters blossom and shine against experienced premiership teams, against seasoned professionals and internationals, yet when we lose, although it is a blow (I for one would love it if we won the Cup) it is not as crushing as being knocked out of the champions league for obvious reasons.

The reason for this is because of just how well our Carling Cup squad has fared in recent years. Despite not winning the trophy Arsene has time and time again fielded a younger and younger starting XI. Each game when the team sheet goes up before a game I tend to think, they have a chance – but in the back of my mind I have a sinking feeling. Yet we win, and we win convincingly. Last season 2-0 against Newcastle. A 3-0 away win at Sheffield Utd. The season before a 2-0 win against Everton and of course the victory over Tottenham.

Tottenham fans can laugh all they want about 5-1 last season, but the fact that that’s the victory they’ll take with them to their graves is slightly pathetic, but then again that’s what you come to expect from a small club. I know we’ll meet them again in one of the cups this season and I’m relishing the thought of bringing them back down to earth again.

Anyway onto this season’s Cup, again I do not want to predict a spot in the Final, much less victory, but I have a sneaking suspicion that we will once again do better than expected. I feel that this year our squad is stronger than last year. I think that Vela will be the perfect foil for Bendtner - a player so underrated it is criminal, and I think he will shine and hopefully terrorize defences up and down the country this season when given the chance. Song is improving every single game, and in defence Djourou looks for the first time commanding in defence. If we add to that spine the guile and trickery of Wilshere, and the vision and commitment of Ramsay I feel (to use Arsene’s favourite phrase) we have the ability to break down most teams.

Sheffield will be a tricky task as they always are, having a penchant for Bolton-esque letskicktheshitoutofthem and hoofithigh. However they do not possess the (limited) skill the Bolton has, and therefore should be no match for our young guns. We must not be presumptuous, as it is precisely these types of games where complacency leads to defeat, a win here and confidence will be sky high amongst our precocious youngsters. I would personally hope for a starting line up that includes Wilshere, Ramsay, Vela and Song. I would also hope that we do not include Cesc, Kolo, Theo, Adebayor and/or Robin.

Finally I think it will be interesting to see what defense the Magician plays, as it seems that other the Djourou, with Senderos and Traore off on loan, there are limited youngsters available to play – at least youngsters you might trust, I personally do not feel confident that Gavin Hoyte is quite at the level at which he could start a game like this.

Anyway enough rambling, and lets just all just enjoy the game!

Arsenal 6-0 Sheffield Utd: Speechless

2008-09-21T12:02:00.003+01:00

To say I am proud of our young guns would be the understatement of the century. There really is little to say on this - not least because someone decided it wasnt worth showing on tv so I havent been able to watch the game. But to put it into perspective I'd like to make this comparison.

Tonight the youngest team in Arsenal's history destroyed an experienced Sheffield Utd. team

6-0. This team contained a 16 year old, and only three players all of whom have very limited first team experience. Last season a similar team, although vastly more experienced managed to win 3-0.

The season before, the last time we played Sheffield Utd with our first team we lost 1-0.

People may go on about how rubbish the team was we're playing but it is impossible to take anything away from what can only be described as a stunning thrashing. A hatrick for Carlos, two for (again the highly underrated Bendtner) and one for 16 year old Jack Wilshere.

Tonight could not have gone any better, and to all the people who slate Arsene for devaluing the competition they should put up and shut up unless they can beat these precocious youngsters.

I for one cannot wait to see the game later tonight...

Gael's OK

2008-09-20T20:58:00.002+01:00

Good news regarding Gael. After being taken to hospital during the second half of today's game against Bolton, Clichy was given the all clear and was able to travel home with the rest of the squad. He has only suffered bruising to the shin and so could be available for the Hull game, but it wouldn't surprise me if Arsene chooses to use it as an excuse for an early rest and brings in Silvestre (if he's fit).

Post match analysis: Bolton vs Arsenal

2008-09-20T19:29:00.004+01:00

Well, what can I fucking say? What a fucking great game. Had everything. The disappointment of conceding another shitty goal from a corner because Gallas doesn't know how to mark or organise his defence. The enfuriation of hitting the post twice and having a certain goal expertly blocked. The elation of scoring 2 excellent goals (albeit one offside). The pleasure of seeing some of the best football this season being played for a good solid 50 minutes. And finally, the excitement of seeing Theo come off the bench and literally tear the shit out of a tired Bolton side. His place is just sensational, and now that he's combining it with a calm head, clinical finishing and great passing, he is destined to be one of the best players in the world.

Anyway, I'm not gonna bother running through the match cos I assume and hope that everyone will have watched the match so you don't need me telling you what happened.

What I am going to do though is highlight a few things I noticed, some more serious than others.

1)Almunia had a virtually faultless game (aside from that time he came for the ball on the 83rd minute and then had to retreat and got lucky that Vaz Te is shit and can't shoot). With each game I get more and more confident with him in goal, so well done Moomoo

2) In the second half Cesc and Denilson seemed to switch positions (following on from my previous article) and all of a sudden Cesc looked much more dangerous and generally a more happy player

3) Adebayor continues to drift out left. Look Ade, you're not fucking Henry! So just stay down the middle and run around like crazy like you did last season and we'll love you again. Do what you do best.

4) Eboue on the left actually looked quite dangerous. Maybe it was more down to Bolton's poor defending at times but he managed to find himself in a lot of space and cutting in from the left on his right foot makes you think that he might actually score for once...and he did! Once Nasri/Rosicky are back he won't get a chance out there but for the time being I'd possibly keep him there, or at least have him and Theo swapping wings throughout.

5) There was a noticable difference when Clichy went off injured. I don't know the latest on his injury but let's hope it's not too serious. It will be OK if he misses Hull but beyond that we could start noticing a difference without him. Having said that, Djourou was fine when he came on, but he's just never going to be the penetrative player that Clichy is. Neither is Silvestre for that matter - perhaps a chance for Gibbs if he takes his chance on Tuesday

6) Has anyone else noticed Theo's pathetic clapping when he's about to come on? Always makes me laugh but at the same time, last season it made him look like a pussy and would come on and play like a pussy. Luckily for him and us though, he now looks like a pussy on the sideline but comes on a plays like a fucking legend.

7) Song has finally shaved that shit he used to have on his face - it was one of the worst attempts at designer facial hair I've ever seen and I'm glad to see its gone - hopefully forever.

8) A big congratulations to our favourite cheating new found hero, Manu Eboue. That goal was his first in the premier league - 1 goal in 71 games. I think we've found our new Pires! It will only take him until he's 62 to reach the same number of goals as Bobby. Can't wait!

Finally though, just a big well done to the Arsenal. Was a really encouraging performance. We never panicked and came from behind, completely outplaying Bolton and just generally looking fucking incredible - missing at least 3 1st XI players as well.

G

Preview: Bolton vs Arsenal

2008-09-19T16:59:00.001+01:00

So, that time of the season has come again. The time that at one stage (and perhaps still does for some) struck fear and dread into the hearts of Gooners everywhere. From my point of view, that time has now passed.

We all know why we used to lose. We'd get there and "Big Sam" would tell his players to kick the shit out of us and then look to get a goal from a set piece or a lucky counter attack. Well, now that Sam has joined the line at the Job Centre, that tactic doesn't seem to work quite so well. Maybe Sam was the only one who knew how to play "fucktheball,justkicktheplayer" well enough to stop our free-flowing football time and time again. Who knows? Anyway, that was the past and now it's time to look ahead to this evenings fixture.

I'm expecting to see Theo rested, and to be honest, I'd be a bit disappointed and concerned if he isn't. I'd like him on the bench and to come on, if needed, at around 60 minutes (when he's still got enough time to have an impact unlike Arsene's usual 80th minute substitutions) but preferably I'd like him to get a complete rest and start getting ready to destroy Hull next weekend (I'm assuming he won't play Carling Cup). In his place, I'd really like to see Vela get a chance. Some of you will probably think that giving him his first start in a place that is notorious for doling out a beating isn't the best of ideas, and you may be right. However, I think that he possesses the close control, quick feet and pace to cause them problems. No doubt he'll be hacked down a few times, but maybe this'll give us a chance to get a goal from a set-play and Goldenboots Gallas.

Other than Theo being rested, the only other change I could potentially see happening is Bendtner coming in. The obvious swap would be for Adebayor but it wouldn't suprise me if Arsene actually sacrifices Robin. Whatever happens though, I just fucking pray we don't play 4-5-1, with no width, no penetration...and no goals! My desired (and I suppose predicted) line-up is:

Almunia
Bak Kolo Willy Cli
Eboue Den Cesc Vela
Bendtner Ade

Subs: Fab, Djou, Ramsey, Robin, Song, Wilshere, Randall

Prediction: Bolton 1-3 Arsenal

Having said all that, I very much doubt Arsene will play that team but who fucking knows!

Finally, lets hope that the chavs and man utd both drop points tomorrow, but if that's not possible, then anything other than a Chelski win will do me fine. I fucking hate those c*nts

Anyway, let's hope we all enjoy the match!

Thoughts?

Is Denilson's inclusion in the team hampering Cesc's development?

2008-09-19T02:31:00.032+01:00

No one can deny that since Cesc returned to the team for our demolition of Newcastle, we have looked a much more composed and complete side. However, we are also yet to see Cesc pulling the strings in quite the same way as he was doing this stage last season.

Now, obviously there is the case that he has returned back late from the Euros and so essentially had no preseason, whereas before he had a full and productive one, but for someone of Cesc's undoubted quality I think that there is more to the issue than simply "cobwebs".

Last season, Cesc had Flamini (dickhead). He was a no-frills, midfield warrior and would fight and chase down every ball. This freed up Cesc and allowed him the luxury of basically doing whatever he wanted, which is when he plays best. This season, Denilson is playing along side him. I am a big fan of Denilson and when the day comes when Cesc eventually leaves us to play for Barcelona, I gain some comfort from thinking that Denilson would be go some way to filling the hole left by Cesc. But this is my point. Cesc and Denilson are too similar toplay together. As Cesc is the better and more creative player (and so more likely to give the killer final ball), he has been pushed further up the field and plays quite close behind the strikers, leaving Denilson to be the one who picks up the ball from the defenders and essentially dictate play. This is a mistake in my opinion. It's the same problem as England have, where, because Gerrard is their best player, he is forced to play out of position because he can do the job well basically anywhere.

So, what is the solution to this problem? The sad fact is that the only way to sort this out is to drop Denilson, playing Song alongside Cesc and letting him get back to business like last season. Only problem is, this is unfair on Denilson and he deserves his run in the team. Therefore, I'm left wondering whether Denilson will slowly be moulded into more of a box to box midfielder/battler so that he can play that position that Flamini (wanker) played so well last season.

The thing is though, is it actually a problem? We are still creating plenty of chances each game, or at least enough to win basically any game we play. I think my main concern is that I, along with many Arsenal fans, enjoy Cesc being a hero and the string-puller. This isn't to say that we should fully rely on Cesc, and it's good that creative responsibilities can be shared, but I want Cesc to remain the focal point and eventually win the Ballon D'or, which won't happen unless he continues to be as influential as last season, and not merely become part of the team.

At the end of the day though, if Arsenal win, I'm happy. What's your thoughts?

Kolo in midfield for arsenal..

2008-09-19T02:31:00.022+01:00

This is posted to clarify the subheadline to the blog. This has got to be up on my list of most hated topics. Every summer - in fact pretty much every game in which we get roughed up a bit, kicked off the ball and basically outplayed, someone comes up with "sagna in central defence and kolo in midfield"

No. Never.

I've always personally hated the idea of playing someone out of position, first of all we should never have to unless there's an injury crisis, but the idea of moving probably our best defender, and moving him into a foreign position (he wasnt a central midfielder before he came to us, he was a striker) pisses me off beyond belief. Apart from the fact we would then leave a gaping hole in central defence, has noone even entertained the thought that actually he might just be shit there?? Actually wait, he has played loads of games there for us....oh wait, he's never played there!!

We have to stop this bollocks because, apart from the fact that it pisses me off, its time to get behind the squad we have and support players like Denilson and Song as whilst they can be frustrating they are the future. The future is not trying to change a 27 year old defender into something he isn't and never will be.

R

Welcome to the newest and best Arsenal blog online!

2008-09-19T02:31:00.021+01:00

Here is the first post of the soon to be global blogging phenomenon - gobby gooners! We're two hardcore gooners, who have our own strong opinions on anything to do with Arsenal Football Club and we've decided that it would only be fair to share them with the world.

Anyway we'll start posting soon enough and we'll be a breath of (hopefully not too controversial) fresh air!

R + G