Arsenal 5 – 1 West Ham United
0 – 1 Collison (18)
1 – 1 Podolski (22)
2 – 1 Giroud (47)
3 – 1 Cazorla (53)
4 – 1 Walcott (54)
5 – 1 Giroud (57)
Is this a case of history repeating itself? Just shy of twelve months ago, Arsenal went into a London derby needing a win to get their season back on course, to give themselves a real chance of finishing in the top four. That afternoon, Tottenham were cast asunder, three goals in eighteen second half minutes turned the match and campaign around. Last night, West Ham had no answer to four second half goals in a ten minute spell. After the disappointments of previous matches, it was a match to enjoy, one which brought just rewards for attacking verve.
From the outset, Arsenal were determined to put recent poor first half performances behind them. Walcott and Giroud both had early opportunities which came to nought. At the other end, it went wrong for the hosts. West Ham exerted their first real pressure of the night and Arsenal succumbed, Olivier Giroud got his first assist of the evening when his header found Collison on the edge of the area; his powerful drive found the net. Arsenal were undeservedly trailing. It was no surprise that a set-piece provided the breakthrough, this is an Allardyce side after all; the disappointment in the goal was the space afforded on the edge of the area.
It didn’t matter; four minutes later Jack Wilshere flicked the ball to Podolski who rasping shot flew into the side of the goal with Jaaskelainen grasping at thin air. Arsenal nerves were settled with the swift response, they had it and were able to begin to find the unrelenting rhythm of the evening. The forward line of Podolski, Giroud and Walcott was menacing but few genuine chances were created. The best was fell to the Frenchman but he could not reward the hard work of Kieran Gibbs, the finish applied lacked punch. Similarly though, the visitors could not threaten as the Arsenal midfield, Ramsey in particularly, set about their work conscientiously and an accuracy of passing which has been missing all too frequently in recent first halves. Put the Welshman into his favoured and more natural role in the side and he will produce the form that brought him to Arsène’s attention in the first place.
As it was the imminence of the interval brought a flurry of activity. Sagna’s header deflected to Carlton Cole, the forward lifted the ball past Szczesny but Ramsey and Vermaelen raced back to prevent the goal, the Arsenal captain’s efforts ending for the night with mission accomplished in this instance and an ankle injury which is likely to keep him out for a fortnight. At the other end, Jaaskelainen saved Cazorla’s excellent freekick and Giroud could not convert the rebound.
It was an appetiser for what followed. Barely had the second half begun when Arsenal showed that they work on corners in training, Walcott’s centre met by Giroud at the near post, the shot too powerful to be stopped. It meant the visitors had to open their game up in search of an equaliser and Arsenal rapidly exposed the spatial delinquency offered. The third came when Giroud and Podolski combined, the Frenchman’s lofted pass gave an opportunity which was quickly snuffed out; it didn’t matter, Podolski had seen the support arriving in the middle and instead of hacking at goal, squared for Cazorla to apply a deft backheeled finish. Barely had Arsenal’s returned to seats when Podolski broke clear on the left and sent a deliciously curled cross into Theo Walcott’s path, the first time finish unerring. Three goals in six minutes had ended the contest and left the visitors reeling. The fifth came from the same source, this time Giroud providing the end product.
The attacking was breathtakingly quick. Arsenal were rampant, punishing the slightest slip. Giroud was on a hat-trick as well as an assist (albeit at the wrong end), Podolski a hat-trick of assists; they were involved in all of the goals in the match. Understandably Arsenal assessed their work and decided that the job was complete. The German made way (as usual) for Andre Santos, Giroud for Oxlade-Chamberlain; the ill and walking wounded were being rested and rehabilitated. As a match, it petered out; Potts collided with Sagna and required lengthy treatment, adding twelve minutes to the game.
It was a match to enjoy, to celebrate a feast of football. It does not mean that the shortcomings are forgotten or ignored, just a performance appreciated which should happen given the inconsistencies of recent matches. Afterwards, Arsène observed that press conferences were being curtailed as he needed to work on transfer deals. I don’t know why, his scouting network is the one scrutinising him on such occasions. David Villa is back in the spotlight as Ashley Williams role in Swansea’s ascent has not gone unnoticed. A week to go before the madness dies down but for today, let’s just enjoy last night.
’til Tomorrow.
Fecken ‘ell. Mvila’s been sold to a team Ruben Kazan who have a transfer ban imposed on him. I guess he’ll only be able to train with them?
It’s all in Isas Anic
its like being in one of those hippy chill out tents at a festival without george and ateeb around.
Don’t say that Dukey, someone will be found OD’d on smack in a mo
@JJ
I completely agree. I would love a player like Capoue, I know I keep harping on it but he is exactly the type of player that would be great cover for Arteta and play like Diaby not to mention he is young and hungry.
Not bad, duke.
yeah kev me thinks villas worth it..no point haggling over 3-4mil just do it..
.
i liked mvilla c, but yeah capoues another one who was good when i watched ligue un..
JJ, quality is quality, 31 or not.
You been to any games up North this season mate?
@JJ
I have a not so secret man crush on Mvilla’s talent and overall game. I have been wanting us to sign him since the summer of Arteta. I do wish we would(though none of us truly know except for the pedantic one!) have bid on him this transfer window cause he would have been perfect. I do think that Capoue is the closest thing to a Diaby like that we could get not to mention he has the talent and skillset to play like we want to play.
none, kev
stopped going a bit back…
decided it was cheaper to throw my remote at the telly on a weekends instead
JJ
capoues good..
strong quick covers the ground..can tackle can pass..
hes alot like le coq but we have about 10 tecnical mids and all of le coq as a duracell bunny (dont count diaby) i would like another please….
and away from home i would go belt and braces with both le coq and someone like capoue in the axis going to fucking war and the front four can go bang bang bang without having to worry about whats happening elsewhere..
i like a balanced team you see i like to see a few players who can kick the fuck out of someone just in case we cant play them off the park..
kick them off it..
then play them off it..
like vieira and petit used to do..
@JJ
I know plus Capoue is a big lad. I was watching a match were he was tackling and winning the ball everywhere. I love balance and the best part and thing I do love both about Le Coq and Capoue is that they are 1-2 touch players with a wide range of passing.
They would make the transition from defending to attacking easily and quickly. I must admit that I would love nothing more than for Arsene to be working on buying Capoue right now especially with Arteta, Le Coq and Diaby all seeming to probably not really have a return date.
JJ,
The balance of the team you speak of is something I would love to see as well. I like the thought of having some power and steel behind a creative and lethal front four.
especially with bombing wingbacks too..
Agree JJ,
How often do we concede when our fullbacks have pushed up and been caught out when we lose possession? Sagna was exposed against Chelsea when Le Coq lost out.
If that’s the strategy, who is providing the cover?
The sort of grit that JW has … but a couple of sizes larger.
A couple of important points that I saw coming out of the victory and (more importantly) the performance:
Sagna remains the best right back in the EPL (shame on those who doubted him too quickly)
Podolski offers huge amounts from the left (and has now expressed his satisfaction in that position at Arsenal) and
There is a lot more to come from this squad (if we can keep them together this year and maybe make one or two critical additions)
Grounds for happiness indeed
That’s obviously a strange couple
About tomorrow’s cup game, I hope Diaby starts. He’s apparently enjoyed his rest and is raring to go. It seems an ideal opportunity to build on his confidence and rest other players as he continues his rehabilitation.
Ramsey and Le Coq could be two similar options to improve their confidence and game time.
Not to labour the point YW nor even make a fuss as such, but re: banning orders against various posters.
1) Yes, you set the rules of the game; you have discretion
2) Since a blogsite, aside from the opening gambit, is a “conversation” amongst people, sometimes long-term, I ask that you consider banning posts not people and adopt a time-based sin-bin strategy so that redemption is possible should the offending poster wish to re-engage
3) Repeat offence naturally result in permanent or long-term removal
That said, back to business. Lukas (12 goals), Olivier (12), Theo (16) is an awesome front trio with Santi in advanced central position (12 goals) and Darius’ stats (if I got the goals tally correct, can’t recall the assists now, about 10 each) seem to back this up. The back-ups 3Gs/Arsh, Ox, and someone central (I hope Villa, later Campbell if he gets his permit) seem ideal too. The other mids seem ridiculously rich in choice: Jack, Aaron, Mikel, Abou, Tomas, Le Coq, Frim.
The problem appears to be getting the balance, form and mental approach right. That seems to be being addressed, which I find thrilling. I’m convinced it is the missing piece of the puzzle.
Assuming Santi is first name on the team sheet, which seems to be the case, and some rotation for him (Tomas ideally, Jack at times) and all are fit its tricky picking between Jack, Aaron (on this form), Mikel, Abou. Jack will get preference, so the other three rotate on form?
Now, we all seem to want a monster DM type, and when does this guy play? Is he better anyway than Coq, or Diaby?
No, we are in for a second/third striker and a reserve defender, since the first three CBs are rotating fairly adequately.
If it is Diame, I assume he is seen as a “CB who can also pass, and at times a game closer”. If it is Villa perfect. He sets the scene until Campbell is ready, 2 seasons hence; next season on the bench, following season fighting for his place. We also have Ryo, probably 3 seasons away. My guess is he is destined for the right, because 3Gs will come good.
We need to rotate, and win tomorrow. I wonder if we will see
Jenks/fit CBs/Gibbs
Diaby, Aaron
Ox, Theo, Lukas
Rested for Pool: Sagna, Jack, Santi, Olivier
Jenks/fit CBs/Gibbs
Diaby, Coq
Ox, Aaron, Lukas (usual 65 mins)
Theo
ZP
I am operating a time-based sin-bin. It’s called forever and the spam trap.
And if I did follow your suggestion, on this occasion step 3) would be applied since it is a repeat offence.
OK?
Shame on people who have noticed that Sagna has been poor overall this season and absolutely dreadful against Chelsea?
No, I don’t think so. He has been excellent for us but has not produced his best form this season.
ZP,
Mozart’s back I hear.
Pls insert in your invisible bench.
Thanks.
The difference between Wednesday night and what weve been watching for ages is that we got got their defenders turned and chasing their toward their goal.
Incisive and quick through balls as opposed to the laboured lateral passing game that has seen us so easy defended against.
Atvtimes the slow predictable passing game we employed seemed to hypnotize our players into a lull they dont come out of but vs West Ham they kept the width, looked for the ball in behind and this was matched by the runs of Walcott and Podolski.
A throwback to years ago.
Some forget Sagna was out for a long time.
It takes time to get back to 100%…
though AW should give Jenks some time.
Hope he does tomorrow.
ZP,
“No, we are in for a second/third striker and a reserve defender, since the first three CBs are rotating fairly adequately.”
Adrian & Wanyama are my 1st choice duo but I don’t see them joining till summer, if at all.
Apart from those two, I have no idea who else fits the bell.
PS: did no one realize Gervinho scored the winning goal in his country’s first match @ AFCON?
Well done 3Gs…keep it going
If 3), obviously, OK.
Now, not over-reaching ambitions, 15 games to go, overhauling Chelsea and that 8 point gap remains in the realm of the possible; Benitez is a good manager but likely to make mistakes and sans Hazard their balance will be upset, he is without question their stand-out midfielder, so they need to start dropping a few; ManC improbable.
We must first do away with Everton and Spurs. Both are due for their annual reality check, Everton hasn’t had their’s yet, and Spurs tend to sprint out of the blocks all flush with belief and leave it late. Pool must be beaten to rid ourselves of their biting our ankles in the table.
If can match or better last season’s result, I’ll be delighted.
I get a feeling that yogi is losing his love of the blog.
I see steww has had a snide bitch at aclf. Sneaky git, I always knew he was a wrongan.
If Mozart’s back, I suggest send AW panadol to use during his selection. Can’t wait to see Santi and Tomas together after Santi’s comments, unlikely in a way I know.
Seems people have become too sentimental these days, if you don’t agree with someone then your a cunt. I suppose it’s a human nature thing to want to be in a group against another. Optimists v pessimists. Akb’ s v doomers…shame.
I fear Wanyama will end up a manc…
If so, after adding Zaha, RedNose’s team becomes even more formidable next season.
They can really rest Rio & Vidic, sell Nani and plan Giggs’ testimonial properly.
Kagawa & Cleverly have already “replaced” Scholes….d**n!
…I want Fernandinho in addition to Adrian…lol
Stew is an old school football fan who believes in supporting his club and its staff no matter what.
Admirable qualities in my view.
Acknowledging that trait in others – be it on Twitter or elsewhere – is hardly “a snide bitch at ACLF”.
dukey,
Rules are being broken all over the place
Publicly standing up for what one believes in has never been so drastically private.
The new world order/globalization/interwebedness has people juxtaposed….I mean, I could be taking a sh*te and hacking into classified papers @ MI6 right now..
I miss PG & Frank.
oh and I miss Steww too.
And he hates anyone that doesn’t share his style of support Andrew. And he did slag off aclf. Me it doesn’t bother me if people moan, sing, wave their pom poms. It’s all harmless debating over a game of fukin football.
To be heard while standing up for what you believe in, within the cacophony of opinions permeating the interweb, sometimes demands that you break some rules.
Punishment is inevitable but should be commensurate to your crime & track record.
hope “it ain’t permanently so”, YW.
Steww left of his own accord. He found his views divergent with those on here, myself included, and has a different style of supporting. He does not want / feel the need to be involved beyond the pitch and that is his prerogative.
http://www.aclfarsenal.co.uk/?p=10477
Today’s post.
PV
If it wasn’t permanent, I wouldn’t have used the word.