The WideMen

What the return of Walcott and Podolski means for Arsenal

Injury, Arsenal’s main problem, robbed the team of all the natural wingers at the same time not surprisingly but all the same unfortunate. Walcott, Podolski and Chamberlain all out. With Gervinho gone this meant the only natural winger Arsenal has is Gnabry (pronounced Ger-nar-bree). 

The trio has been missed. Walcott’s electrifying pace during counter attacks, Podolski’s turn of pace, crosses and great combination upfront with Cazorla and Giroud and Chamberlain’s pace, hard work and bursting runs into the box. The injuries indeed altered Wenger’s plan A. In his brilliant article, Robbie Savage referred to the widemen as Wenger’s plan B in a recent article but I think they were and still are Plan A. Wenger hasn’t changed his formation of preference despite the absence of the fast men. He stuck to his  4:3:3/ 4:2:3:1 formation sticking Ramsey, Wilshere, Cazorla, Rosicky and/or  Özil in those wide positions, most of the time unfruitful. This means that the fullbacks were forced further forward thus Arsenal being caught out on the counter, for example versus Borussia Dortmund at Emirates.

Walcott’s return means pace, assists, more goals, tired opponent’s defense, pinned back opponent’s defense and of course more offsides to the Arsenal stats but that is not such a bad thing. Walcott will also bring out the best in Özil as his searching through-balls will be chased by someone who can actually reach them. Cazorla will be able to play in his free role and no more Wilshere on the wings (aren’t we all grateful). Giroud will also get some quick support upfront as Walcott can take advantage of his lay-offs and knock downs.

Podolski’s experience will be welcome back. His eye for goal and his good relationship with Giroud and Santiago will be a plus. Podolski also had a great relationship with Gibbs on the left. Podolski will also help Özil settle better and they also have some good chemistry from the numerous times they  have played together for the German national team and also they do speak the same language(I bet it will be better than Mertesacker yelling to Özil all the way from defence). Podolski may however start from the bench more often than not and come in as Giroud’s sub or he may cover for Giroud at centre forward, a position he can flourish in. 

Both Podolski and Walcott will definitely bring in more assists and goals but they also bring in competition for places. This may mean that Gnabry is demoted back to reserves (I hope not). It definitely does offer more depth and options to the team which is a positive. In matches where the creativity of the team is nullified by the opponents, the pair’s pace will offer another outlet.

The Prince and 'Sign da Ting'

Till next time, ATID

  

The Unsung Hero

Koscielny: Improved or Always a Success

On 7th July 2010, Arsenal handed jersey number 6 to an unknown French footballer from Lorient. Typical Wenger, everyone said. Signing cheap, unknown and worse inexperienced players to play at the heart of the defence. Koscielny was of course sent off on his debut against Liverpool at the 94th minute. The end of Koscielny's debut season saw him voted as Arsene's most effective signing by the Arsenal fans it seemed Wenger had proven them wrong, once again or had he?

During his first season in 2010-2011, Koscielny was patnered by French compatriot Sebastian Squillaci or by Swiss international Johan Djourou. The rest of the defence had Sagna, Eboue and an injury prone, inexperienced Gibbs. The back four was protected by Alex Song then as well. He had what is rated as his best performance in an Arsenal shirt when Arsenal beat Barcelona 2-1. He also did score some vital goals that season but what he is remembered for is the error vs. Birmingham City that cost Arsenal the trophy. It was however only his first season and he was playing with a 19 year old goalkeeper. Not really the best of circumstances. Despite the list of relatively weak defenders and an inexperienced goalkeeper, he was voted Wenger's most important signing.

For most of 2011-2012, he was partnered by Vermaelen in defence. Sagna remained at right back for the most part, while there was one Andre Santos at left back. Per Mertesacker was also brought in during this season. This made the defence a bit better but lots of work still left to the Frenchman. He did do well still and sent Arsenal to the Champions League by scoring the winning goal vs. West Bromwich Albion on the final match-day. In 2012-2013, he scored the winning goal that again secured Arsenal's place in the Champion's league playoff.

Koscielny moved from a heavily criticized player to the hero in most matches. Brilliant tackler, pacy, fighter, ball player and great game reader, Koscielny has beared a lot of the weight of the crest since his arrival at Arsenal. He has played along some of the worst defenders in the world and no real cover at DM yet his brilliance could always be seen. Now he is playing alongside two of the best fullbacks in the world (Sagna and Gibbs) and a well settled Mertesacker. Mertesacker's intelligence and composure has been great for Koscielny and the best is yet to come.

Koscielny has always been a success and he is still improving. He was just unfortunate that he didn't play alongside experienced willing players. Koscielny will be the best defender in the league for ages.

AMAZING: Koscielny and Djourou did not concede a goal in January 2011...we all know who the reason for this is.

Did You Know: Koscielny was eligible to play for Poland but he picked France instead. If you didn't, now you do.

Quotes: "Koscielny reminds me a lot of Martin Keown. He's very tenacious. I hate labelling people because Martin Keown was one of the best we've ever had. But there are similarities there, the way Koscielny marks and his last-ditch tackles. He's tenacious in the tackle. [When it came to] that tight, one-to-one defending, there wasn't a better player that I've played with, [than Keown]. To put Koscielny in the same category is an enormous compliment I think." Tony Adams

The Arsenal is lucky to have Koscielny and he is lucky to have the Gunners.
  
Till next time...ATID

A Bird In Hand Is Worth Two In The Bush

Striker Options for Arsenal

Lots of talk has been going on about the need for another striker. This is based on the fear of Giroud getting an injury and also the need for a different type of striker. Both reasons are valid and Arsenal do really need to sign a new striker. However, that cannot happen till the winter transfer window in January. Luckily within the team we have options.

The options for Arsenal upfront are:


1. Nicklas Bendtner

The big Dane is the only other senior natural striker Arsenal has. He has shown his potential before and with a few more games he can definitely be a genuine option for a striker. Good in the air, his feet and not short of confidence he is still a threat and can be counted on to score a few inspite of his new hideous look.



2. Lukas Podolski 

The German has largely been used on the left wing but has a lethal strike and when used as a center forward he has shown his worth. Podolski’s is strong in the air, long shots and is quicker than both Bendtner and Giroud on the turn and thus can trouble the opponent’s defense more.




3. Theo Walcott

The speed man has previously stated his wish to play as a center forward. He does offer that option and also a different type of play based on his ability to run behind opponent’s defenders and his good finishing. Walcott is direct in his play and the top goal scorer for Arsenal last season definitely eases any immediate striker woes the team may have for now.




4. Yaya Sanogo

Young, inexperienced and injury prone is what most think first when the name Sanogo is mentioned. The young Frenchman has however shown his goal scoring ability at his former club and also for the France Under-20 team. He is acrobatic, good on the head and the volley and may offer cover to Arsenal’s main strikers. As his game is unknown to opponents, he also offers the surprise element.


5. Chuba Akpom

Like Sanogo, Akpom is young and inexperienced but he has shown his potential when given the chance. He rarely misses clear cut chances and is one to watch.

6. Santi Cazorla

The little magician is great on both his feet, can turn quick in the box, has a great long range shot and amazing vision for goal. He can be deployed in a false 9 position and he can do really well as he has almost all the qualities of a striker. He offers a genuine option for striker.

7. Mesut Özil



The ‘King of Assists’ was recently deployed as a striker in Germany’s world cup qualifiers after they faced a weird striker crisis. He did very well in that position with his neat passes and of course the goals. Like Santi he can flourish in a false 9 position and offer an option upfront.

8. Serge Gnabry

The young winger scored his first senior goal for the team and so brilliantly. He is great at dribbling, holding on to the ball and never afraid to have a go. He can be a good finisher given the chance.

9. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain

The pacy midfielder has a pretty decent eye for goal and a great long range shot. His dribbling skills means he can hold on to possession well. He has the ability to turn and can surprise the opponents.




10. Tomas Rosicky

The little Mozart has scored some great game winning goals for the team. Despite his age, he is hardworking as ever and always key in a game. He can play as an attacking midfielder or be deployed on the wings. He can easily play the false 9 position.

11. Aaron Ramsey

Initially, I thought this up as a joke then it hit me. He has scored so 8 goals for Arsenal and 3 for Wales in as many games. The goals have been from a Ramsey with the calm and confidence of Thierry Henry and I believe that there’s more to come from him. He has featured for Arsenal as a central midfielder, defensive midfielder, attacking midfielder, on both wings both at the front and at the back and at central defense. If called upon, he can attack very well.

There you have it gooners. A whole team of potential strikers. These options mean that the team isn’t under so much pressure before the transfer window and that it can hold its own till then.

Proud to be a gooner!!

Walcott- What I like

Theo Walcott...the Great

No, I am not being sarcastic. I actually think Theo Walcott is great, or he can be great...a legend at Arsenal I might add. From a previous blog, some may say I hate Walcott or rather Theo's Ego.

This is totally untrue. I actually quite like Theo and hence the excess criticism on him. The reasons I think he is a great footballer are:

He is a team player- Theo is a great team player and he is hardly ever accused of ball hogging or holding possession for a minute too long. This is shown by his numerous assists and his involvement in goal scoring chances for the team.
  
He is brilliant at running behind defences- Theo is exceptionally great at turning out behind defenses. This element of his game gives Arsenal the advantage of surprise. This ability and his pace form a lethal goal scoring weapon which should lead to Walcott being a top forward at his prime.

Potential game changer (the Super-sub)- Walcott can be used as a game changer. His pace and determination are a nightmare to any defender and they would totally finish an already tired one.

Strong finisher- given the right ball and the right on the right foot (everything has to be right with Theo). Last season he was top scorer for Arsenal and he can do better.

Great key passer- As said before, he has many assists. This means that he has to give the proper ball for the goal to happen and he has certainly done this on many occasions. He may not be the creative genius but he definitely is efficient.

He keeps fullbacks occupied- Walcott is very good at keeping the fullbacks busy. This cuts out an attacking channel for opponents, especially opponents with attacking fullbacks such as Everton, Westham etc. An exposed fullback effectively ruins the opponents.

Last but not least, and definitely what I love Walcott most for is the fact that he doesn't dive. With his pace and size, it would be easy for him to dive and easily win those penalties and freekicks and ultimately, games. However, Theo stays on his feet. He is a player who knows that games should be won by men on their feet not men rolling on the pitch, screaming for nothing.

These few points show the faith and expectations of not just myself but also other Arsenal fans.

Till next time, ATID.

Lessons from WBA draw

 

Lessons Arsenal should learn from WBA draw

Arsenal players were happy at the end of the match. Two reasons: They had fought and fought hard for a draw and a well-deserved one too; the draw also meant the international break finds them at top of the table. The game exposed some of Arsenal’s weaknesses and strengths. 

1.       Wilshere is not a winger

Wenger has done well…and also been lucky when playing some players out of position. This has gone well with Ramsey, Cazorla among others. However, Wilshere lacks speed to not only attack but also defend. He constantly lost the ball on the wings which led to quick counter attacks by WBA. In the middle of the pack, however he shows his potential and exerts his influence well.

2.       There is need for another striker

Giroud has started his season well and has definitely improved his finishing and also his hold up play and dribbling skills (albeit surprisingly). Giroud is the only finisher in the team currently in the as been absence of Walcott and Podolski. He holds the ball but has no one to help him attack. Most of the time he is isolated and this ends up in wasted possession. The team clearly needs a box striker to support the big French man. 

3.       The Arsenal is now a team

The team no longer relies on one player as has been for the last two seasons where we heavily relied on van Persie and Cazorla. This season all team players are playing like they are stars and by that they become stars. All players are equally important. Against WBA, Arsenal went a goal down for the first time this season and all the players showed the fight and spirit to win back a point for the team.

4.       Gibbs is growing into the trademark Arsenal left back

The baby faced player started out in the first team as an injury-prone and error-prone player. He has now matured into a respectable left back, top 5 in the world even. He is a great tackler and is doing quite well as a game reader. His importance in attack has become so important for the team and his attacks from the left wing were a constant threat vs. WBA.

5.       Flamini is the boss

I am tempted to say that he is worth every penny…but well we all know that would be a lie. However, they do say that the best things in life are free. Flamini proves them right. His man of the match performance vs. West Brom indicated the solidness he has brought into the team. The tough tackling DM is making no friends and is one card away from a suspension. He has protected his back 4 well, as well as his command at the centre has brought balance to the team.

6.       Özil will not have an easy time

No one will argue about the importance of Wenger signing Özil. Regarded as the best signing of the summer, his impact can be felt already. The midfielder has brought into the team skills, flair and balance. However, he did join the most bullied team in the EPL and this was seen by the number of misplaced passes he had yesterday. He was often dispossessed and the tackles on him were hard. It will be a tough time for him before he can completely settle down. 

7.        Set pieces are still an issue

The team still seems lost when it comes to defending set pieces. The goal by West Brom and the fact that most of their crosses troubled the defence is still very worrying. The only plus side is that Szczesny’s  judgment of crosses has improved and he is more solid. Jenkinson’s positioning during attacks that are channeled wide is also a cause for concern.

8.       Ramsey is very influential

Last season most fans barely recognized the influence Ramsey had in the team. The top tackler stopped most of the opponent’s attack and started Arsenal’s attacks. This season he is still doing the same, just adding the goals and assists. His influence was seen after his withdrawal due to injury vs. WBA where the team seemed to lose some fluidity.

9.       Arteta is still needed

Most people have been complaining that Arteta is not a natural DM and their complains were heard and solved by Flamini. Against Napoli, Arsenal played football that reminded people of the Vieira- Gilberto era with both Arteta and Flamini in the middle. Flamini’s presence means that Arteta can roam forward and also he can tackle safer. Arteta keeps the momentum of the game and is very efficient at switching the direction of play as well as the tempo. 

10.      In Rosicky we have a true game changer

Rosicky has seen injuries slow his progress but he is still so important. In him, Arsenal have a player who brings in urgency, experience, command and a daring style of play. He has a ‘Never Say Die’ attitude and that is exactly what Arsenal needs to win anything.

All in all, Arsenal is a much better team this season and will need consistency and a bit of luck to achieve success.

Bacary Sagna: Still Needed

Bacary Sagna has been rated one of the best right backs in the world and the best in English Premier League. His good days seem to be coming to an end though. His speed has reduced, his crosses hardly ever cross the opponent's legs and he is more injury prone than ever before. This has led to many fans preferring his understudy Carl Jenkinson starting in that position.

What does this mean for Sagna and Arsenal? Sagna may be inclined to move to another team where he'll get first team chances and possible win a trophy as his contract expires in 2014. However Arsenal could still use him but at the centre back position.

He featured there in the match against Sunderland. His performance was very solid and match saving for Arsenal. He seemed like he was in his natural position. The performance from him was comfortable and impressive.

This would mean that Jenkinson starts at right back. Jenkinson, like Gibbs, is a great tackler, very fast and a good crosser of the ball. He still has lots to learn but what better way to learn than with the master at his side.

Arsenal would need to acquire a new right back to back up Jenkinson. Most fans would prefer a proven right back like Corchia or Van der Wiel but Arsenal have an almost ready player in the form of 18 year old reserve player, Hector Bellerin. Bellerin has impressed in the reserve team constantly. Pacy, good aerially and has good delivery he would make a good back-up.

In the mean-time, players like Ignasi and Angha can understudy Sagna and the other centre backs. This way Arsenal would be keeping up the youth system and also save the money.

Losing a big name like Sagna would be bad for the Arsenal players and fans. Any thing should be done to keep him.

Till next time...

ATID

Written by Fridah Kariuki

Olivier Giroud : The Brave Frenchman

Olivier Giroud must be a very brave person...or not too intelligent but the former option seems more plausible.

Being a slow-starter in his career as a footballer, Giroud was finally recognized when he joined Montpellier. He went on to help the team win their first league title and was French League 1 top scorer for the season with 21 goals and the team top assist provider with 9 assists. The team put his worth at £50-£60 million to ward off any suitors. However, he would eventually move for a fee believed to be about £9.6 million.

He moved to Arsenal...of all other teams.. Arsenal. This was a brave move or as stated earlier stupid move...but again the former is more like it.

With the departure of Robin van Persie, it was obvious Giroud had been brought in to replace him. Podolski and Cazorla did come in with him would help but he is the central striker at Arsenal. He had mighty big shoes to fill and lots of broken hearts for him to mend. The fans started doubting him from day 1.

Aside from big boots to fill, he joined a team that is not known for its strength in delivering good crosses and corners which was a disadvantage for him as his greatest strength lies in his aerial ability. He is a great header of the ball. Here he was joining a team that knows not how to attack using aerial balls or defend them. He knew this and yet he still joined... Bravery?

The charming striker is not too pacy so when he joined a counter attacking team that plays 4-3-3 with the possibility of being flanked by Walcott or Chamberlain on the right and Podolski or Gervinho on the left he was asking for trouble. It is like a buffalo being flanked by a cheetah and an antelope and expected to work as a team. He still chose to join anyway.

OG is also known for his neat flick-ons and his quite fancy touches. However, he should have known there is no mind that can understand them. Walcott particularly has been accused of not having a 'footballing brain' cannot read Giroud's intentions to save his life. The only players who seem to read OG are the clinical German Podolski and Rosicky.. Thus Giroud's balls normally go to waste. Yet he still joined??

He also joined Arsenal at a time when Theo Walcott thought he should be the main striker. This means that even when Theo is supposed to play out wide he tends to drift out crowding Giroud out of his preferred central role and thus reducing his efficiency. Giroud may have known this would happen and yet he still joined...one wonders why.

His bravery is shown by his statistics though. 16 goals and 10 assists for the very disadvantaged striker is very impressive. Aside from that, his qualities in defending set pieces have been noted and accepted by many fans and pundits.

Arsenal was definitely not the right choice for Giroud but Giroud was the right choice for Arsenal.

With better support and when the team learns to play to his strengths he will be lethal and will prove his worth.

Next time instead of singing Na na na na Giroud maybe the fans should sing 'brave brave Giroud'.

Till next time...

ATID

Written by Fridah Kariuki

Magnetism... Like Poles Repel

When Jack Wilshere returned to full fitness most gunners were extremely excited at the prospect of him teaming up with Santi Cazorla and Mikel Arteta to form what is possibly the best midfield in the English premier league.

Jack's skills were evident from the start of his return despite the lengthy lay-off. His vision, fine touch, drive and most importantly his winner's attitude was clearly seen.

Santi Cazorla's performance on the other hand seemed to plummet. He seemed lost from the games and out of touch. Infact, he seemed lethargic with most people asking that he takes a break. He did indeed seem tired and out of form.

Wilshere then got injured and has not featured in the last two Arsenal matches. Cazorla's performance has gone back to normal. Those creative passes, the long range efforts, the holding on to the ball and the change of pace from the brilliant midfielder. He was key in the away wins against Bayern Munich and Swansea. Is this a coincidence? I think not.

Cazorla and Wilshere are both controlling forces in the midfield. Their presence is felt and seen. Before Wilshere's return, Cazorla pulled the strings in the midfield and thus had many assists and goals. On Wilshere's return, his performance went down. Wilshere seems to have overtaken him in that area with most balls to the midfield going via Young Jack. This made Cazorla seem redundant.

Unlike Arteta, whose influence on the game is hardly noticed, both Jack and Santi are dominant. If one is up, the other is down. Wilshere being the favourite of most gunners is almost always up which means Cazorla's performance is down.

This is a bad thing for Arsenal since Wilshere isn't the goalscoring midfielder or one that will get many assists....yet. This means he'll get there but now Cazorla is more important when it comes to that. Cazorla is more creative and being ambidextrous means he can play the free-role. Wilshere is great at driving forward and has great vision and distribution of the ball but sometimes that comes too late and possession is lost.

Like two North poles or two South poles on a magnet... They repel. Maybe squad rotation will help the team. Play them in different midfield sets... Santi Cazorla, Arteta and Ramsey.... Wilshere, Diaby (or a new signing) and Rosicky for example might work and be very beneficial to the teams and players individually as it allows them to grow.

Hopefully, they can strike a balance and learn to work together as that would be potent.


Till next time,
Fridah Kariuki

 

JACK Will..Share!

The Englishmen once said "Where there's a will, there's a way". How right they were especially when it comes to Arsenal.

Luckily though, the gooners do have a Wil.....shere. Jackie boy. Young Jack, Super Jack, Brave Jack or just Wil.

He plays with determination, strength, love, fire and passion. He puts the Wil in will. No matter what direction the game is taking, he has a winning mentality. He keeps the fight alive. He keeps the dwindling hope of Arsenal fans alive. He is Jack Wilshere. He shares the will not only with his team-mates but with the whole Arsenal family as well.

The man defends (remember that goal-line clearance), attacks, dictates play in the centre. He is just a JACK of all trades.

A natural leader too. He shows his team-mates where to pass the ball, He drives the team forward. He appreciates a great effort.  If Wilshere is in the lineup, fans get a relief. If Wilshere gets fouled, fans curse the opposition player. If Wilshere has a knock, fans panic and pray that he is alright.

He gets angry with sloppy play, he goes on tackling the players if are failing to make a positive impact and he gives a piece of mind to the defense when the opposition score.

The manager is all praise for Jack Wilshere.  He has high hopes on Jackie boy. This is what he said about the future Mr. Arsenal:
“He is a complete midfielder. He can defend and attack. He is a guy who can dribble and give a final ball, so the closer they are to the goal the better it is.”

If there is one player whom as supporters we can trust for the commitment, that is Jack. He is often compared to Tony Adams who once said "I'll sign any contract Arsenal put in front of me"

This is what Wilshere said sometime back:

 The present may look bad for the gunners but there is a light at the end of the tunnel and at the heart of the Arsenal for there is a Wil...shere.

Keep the faith gooners... Jack Will....share!

Till next time.. ATID.

Writeen by: Fridah Kariuki & Nishanth

The Ego Has Landed

Theo Walcott... He seems to have been enjoying being the center of attention the last couple of months. Demanding £100,000 a week and to play in the central forward position got Walcott refusing to 'sign da ting'. Well over time he did get to play in the center forward position and eventually the board has given in to his demands for a hefty pay rise.

I wonder though, does he deserve it or is the team and players worried about losing another big name? In my opinion, Walcott doesn't deserve to be the team's highest paid player.

He has scored important goals for the team but he has been so inconsistent as well. Against Swansea he kept drifting out of position and thus colliding with Giroud at the CF position. Giroud, being a team player, often moved to cover the right wing position causing an imbalance on the team. Against Manchester City, following Koscielny's red card and Oxlade's substitution, logic has it that Theo should have covered the right wing but he couldn't be bothered and he managed a measly 13 touches in 99 minutes of football, even Chamberlain had more touches in a tenth of the time. Time and again Walcott's selfishness has been seen but lately has become profound.

I will not deny it, the man can move fast as a racecar but his ego is fast overtaking him... He can't curve a ball so I don't see why he takes the free kicks. He seems to score only in those Arsenal made videos.  There are better kickers such as Arteta, Santi and Podolski. Walcott can't deliver corners also and in any case for someone who wants to play CF so much, shouldn't he be in the box trying to score.

Last I checked, a team attacks together and defends together. Walcott however looks at defending as a task for the poor and for players who aren't as massively talented as he is.

He has a first touch that resembles n infant's grasp. If he could lose the ego as fast as he loses possesion he would improve as a person and as a player.

Theo does score great goals but they are all inside the box. The man can't head the ball or score from outside the box. He does score some 'Henry-esque goals and that I appreciate but for £100,000 he should be scoring amazing volleys and 25-yard screamers.

Respect is earned. Walcott has got his money, I sure hope he can respect a team that has given him so much and prove his worth.

Victoria Concordia Crescit... Victory through Harmony. Walcott better know that and put in £100,000 performances for the team and with the team.

Till next time... ATID.


Written By:  Fridah Kariuki