Deserve ain't got nothing to do with it Gunners grind it out
Fantastic
By Boris Mellor
January 17 2010
Owen Coyle had a startling affect on Bolton, no they haven't stopped being dirty bar stewards, but they did actually attack and have one more chance in total than Arsenal. In the future they will play worse and fare better, but fortunately not in this game.
The difference between the two teams was not that Arsenal had more luck, but Fabregas. When Fabregas got his chance he buried it and with it Bolton's chance of getting anything from the game. Yes it was not entirely safe until Arsenal got the second, but Bolton were never going to score a first. They might have had chances but their shooting was dismal. Almunia had to make a few saves, but none of them were that difficult.
Talking of deserve Fabregas had a very good shout for a penalty against the Bolton goalie turned down. Action replays seemed to confirm he was right. If that had been given then the Trotters would have been out of it earlier.
Wenger's squad is now down the bare bones, I doubt if he would have started with Eastmond if Denilson, Nasri or Ramsey were available. Eastmond did reasonably well, but tired early in a game played at a frantic cup tie pace. I have to confess my heart sank when Merida came on, but within 15 minutes of coming on his assured shot for 2-0 put the game beyond Bolton.
Bolton managed to play at a frantic pace for the full 90 minutes; they also tried to bully Arsenal out of the game. It didn't work, Arsenal might not have played their best football but they did grind out a victory, and that's what counts.
It was fortunate that Almunia had one of his best games in a long time, he did a lot right, and got the ball at corners. Traore had a torrid time on the left and must have been grateful when Clichy was put on to shore up that side. The rest of the defence was solid enough.
It is stating the obvious that Arsenal are missing Song, but that fact probably explains why our defence looked a little shaky, but they did keep a clean sheet. Some might dispute that Arshavin, Eduardo and Rosicky had a good game, but without a striker they had to toil hard to keep the ball moving into the danger area. Combined with Fabregas they provided enough chances to get the job done.
Diaby covered a lot of ground, but never threatened the goal. Fabregas was fantastic. I just hope that the lame start to walk pretty quickly; or our fate could be decided in Africa. Clearly we can beat Bolton with a limited availability of midfielders, and no striker, but Villa and Chelsea away will be a different matter.
I was looking to Song returning early, but Zambia messed up, so now it all rests on Tunisia. Would it be ethical to nobble the Cameroon team?
Deserve ain't got nothing to do with it
Posted by: Arsenal Times (IP Logged)
Date: 17/01/2010 21:13
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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2010:01:19:23:22:09 by Padre Pio.
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Re: Deserve ain't got nothing to do with it
Posted by: eduardo (IP Logged)
Date: 17/01/2010 21:29
Arsenal deserved a penalty early on, which would also have deserved the bolton goalie a red card, bolton huffed and puffed but got what they deserved in the end
Re: Deserve ain't got nothing to do with it
Posted by: Rockstaar (IP Logged)
Date: 17/01/2010 21:32
I dont think the result was really in doubt..it was a great game for a neutral to watch though
Re: Deserve ain't got nothing to do with it
Posted by: Chapman's Ghost (IP Logged)
Date: 17/01/2010 21:52
Who claimed we didn't need Fabs for this one?
He's becoming our most consistent player and actually
seems capable of scoring which none of our strikers,
what's left of them, seem to be able to do.
Just hope we can find a suitable striker that meets
Wenger's million and one requirements before Feb 1.
He's becoming our most consistent player and actually
seems capable of scoring which none of our strikers,
what's left of them, seem to be able to do.
Just hope we can find a suitable striker that meets
Wenger's million and one requirements before Feb 1.
Re: Deserve ain't got nothing to do with it
Posted by: karteta16 (IP Logged)
Date: 17/01/2010 23:05
Quote:Chapman's Ghost
Who claimed we didn't need Fabs for this one?
TBF Bolton are 19th.
Theodore roosevelt - In any moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing, the next best thing is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing.
Re: Deserve ain't got nothing to do with it
Posted by: Chapman's Ghost (IP Logged)
Date: 17/01/2010 23:17
And where are Wham and we couldn't keep a 2-0 lead
against them?
If your best player is fit you use him.
against them?
If your best player is fit you use him.
Re: Deserve ain't got nothing to do with it
Posted by: karteta16 (IP Logged)
Date: 17/01/2010 23:18
but he shouldn't be our only player
Theodore roosevelt - In any moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing, the next best thing is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing.
Theodore roosevelt - In any moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing, the next best thing is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing.
Re: Deserve ain't got nothing to do with it
Posted by: Padre Pio (IP Logged)
Date: 17/01/2010 23:20
He was the difference today, when you have no strikers he is essential.
When a team is at home, has a new manager, hasnt lost for 4 games and is desperate to stay in the Prem 19th tells you nothing about how hard the game will be.
We had this nonsense about Burnley away - Fab went off we lost our lead.
"When we had to suffer the team is a lion because they suffer together." 4 July 2020 at Wolverhampton Wanderers
Arteta on his team's first away victory at a club above them in the Premiership since September 2015 at Leicester.
When a team is at home, has a new manager, hasnt lost for 4 games and is desperate to stay in the Prem 19th tells you nothing about how hard the game will be.
We had this nonsense about Burnley away - Fab went off we lost our lead.
"When we had to suffer the team is a lion because they suffer together." 4 July 2020 at Wolverhampton Wanderers
Arteta on his team's first away victory at a club above them in the Premiership since September 2015 at Leicester.
Re: Deserve ain't got nothing to do with it
Posted by: karteta16 (IP Logged)
Date: 17/01/2010 23:26
I'm all for playing our first team if 100% fit, so is most of the fans.
Maybe I overrate our players but without Cesc, Man 4 Man are we better than them.
Because Wenger can't seem to find any players better than the ones we have.
Theodore roosevelt - In any moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing, the next best thing is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing.
Maybe I overrate our players but without Cesc, Man 4 Man are we better than them.
Because Wenger can't seem to find any players better than the ones we have.
Theodore roosevelt - In any moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing, the next best thing is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing.
Re: Deserve ain't got nothing to do with it
Posted by: eduardo (IP Logged)
Date: 17/01/2010 23:26
Its funny how our fans complain that our players are arrogant and show a poor attitude against lesser sides yet these same fans totally dismiss these lesser side as being not worthy of us fielding our best players. Jeez utd can't rest Rooney for a home game v Burnley but some expect us to rest Cesc against bolton, I can imagine the reaction if we did and fail to win
Re: Deserve ain't got nothing to do with it
Posted by: karteta16 (IP Logged)
Date: 17/01/2010 23:33
Nope, it was the case of is Cesc 100% which seeing how he took all them blows and came out o.k.- he was.
But on the subject, honestly no strikers!! What the hell are Arshavin and Eduardo and i'm sure we've played a whole season with one striker before, with the absence of Nasri and Ramsey he had to play anyway. I've seen the kids in the CC beat full strength sides(well in the past), adding one or two to first first team shouldn't hurt much.
Theodore roosevelt - In any moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing, the next best thing is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing.
But on the subject, honestly no strikers!! What the hell are Arshavin and Eduardo and i'm sure we've played a whole season with one striker before, with the absence of Nasri and Ramsey he had to play anyway. I've seen the kids in the CC beat full strength sides(well in the past), adding one or two to first first team shouldn't hurt much.
Theodore roosevelt - In any moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing, the next best thing is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing.
Re: Deserve ain't got nothing to do with it
Posted by: Merlion96 (IP Logged)
Date: 17/01/2010 23:38
Quote:Chapman's Ghost
Who claimed we didn't need Fabs for this one?
He's becoming our most consistent player and actually
seems capable of scoring which none of our strikers,
what's left of them, seem to be able to do.
Just hope we can find a suitable striker that meets
Wenger's million and one requirements before Feb 1.
Sad isn't it?
We reverted to "one-man team".
"Stop Fabregas and you stop Arsenal from playing".
An echo of thsoe dreadful "Le Ego" years - 2005 to 2007?
Re: Deserve ain't got nothing to do with it
Posted by: Merlion96 (IP Logged)
Date: 17/01/2010 23:43
Quote:eduardo
Its funny how our fans complain that our players are arrogant and show a poor attitude against lesser sides yet these same fans totally dismiss these lesser side as being not worthy of us fielding our best players. Jeez utd can't rest Rooney for a home game v Burnley but some expect us to rest Cesc against bolton, I can imagine the reaction if we did and fail to win
Ed, our fear is a recurrence of that groin injury which may knock him out for that crucial run of games starting on 27-Jan.
And like we beat WHU in FA Cup, drew with Everton, we are confident that the existing players can see off Bolton.
We do want Fabregas to start, but like against Villa, on the bench and ready to come in.
We will never know as like at Upton Park, who knows, the team may up their game and beat Bolton.
Re: Deserve ain't got nothing to do with it
Posted by: karteta16 (IP Logged)
Date: 17/01/2010 23:48
Quote:Merlion96
Sad isn't it?
We reverted to "one-man team".
"Stop Fabregas and you stop Arsenal from playing".
Tactic which was used but Adebayor this season.
Theodore roosevelt - In any moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing, the next best thing is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing.
Re: Deserve ain't got nothing to do with it
Posted by: eduardo (IP Logged)
Date: 17/01/2010 23:54
if we start leaving players out cos they might get injured then we should give up, whats to say he would not after being rested for next couple of games pull up in first few minutes injured in comeback v Aston Villa, its all ifs buts and maybes, its simple really pick your best 11 for the next league game for the rest of the season, don't rest anyone cos there is a cl game coming up or cos we play x, y or z.
Three points from an away game v Bolton is as important as 3 away to Villa, the game on Wednesday is now a very important game, not only is it important we win but win by at least two so we can go top. Maybe a bit early in the season to stay there but its a confidence booster and will help put a little doubt in opponents minds.
Three points from an away game v Bolton is as important as 3 away to Villa, the game on Wednesday is now a very important game, not only is it important we win but win by at least two so we can go top. Maybe a bit early in the season to stay there but its a confidence booster and will help put a little doubt in opponents minds.
Re: Deserve ain't got nothing to do with it
Posted by: karteta16 (IP Logged)
Date: 18/01/2010 00:06
Quote:eduardo
if we start leaving players out cos they might get injured then we should give up,
so you would have prefered Clichy started?
Theodore roosevelt - In any moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing, the next best thing is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing.
Re: Deserve ain't got nothing to do with it
Posted by: eduardo (IP Logged)
Date: 18/01/2010 00:25
Clichy is a totally different case to Cesc, its months since he played, only couple of weeks for cesc, and Clichy had a broken bone in his back, not a simple hamstring pull.
I'd be on for Clichy starting on Wednesday if he shows no ill effects from today.
I'd be on for Clichy starting on Wednesday if he shows no ill effects from today.
Re: Deserve ain't got nothing to do with it
Posted by: karteta16 (IP Logged)
Date: 18/01/2010 01:41
Quote:eduardo
Clichy is a totally different case to Cesc, its months since he played, only couple of weeks for cesc, and Clichy had a broken bone in his back, not a simple hamstring pull.
I'd be on for Clichy starting on Wednesday if he shows no ill effects from today.
I know Clichy's a different case, just throwing it out as you see there's such thing as precaution, some are more cautious than others, We had a good team out there, minus Traore and Eastmond the rest could be classed as near enough first teamers.
Theodore roosevelt - In any moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing, the next best thing is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing.
Re: Deserve ain't got nothing to do with it
Posted by: Chapman's Ghost (IP Logged)
Date: 18/01/2010 08:13
A good team yes but I'm afraid without Fabs it isn't a
great team. Factor in no RVP or Song and we look rather
ordinary.
We do rely heavily on Cesc but we also need Vermaelen
and Gallas at the back. Those latter two were scoring goals
before but that's dried up so we need someone up front
to make things happen in the last third of the pitch.
At the moment it's Cesc that does that consistently.
I'm sure I don't have to remind you about last season's
farcical result at home to Hull. So far this season
there has been no repeat of that kind of ridiculous defeat.
great team. Factor in no RVP or Song and we look rather
ordinary.
We do rely heavily on Cesc but we also need Vermaelen
and Gallas at the back. Those latter two were scoring goals
before but that's dried up so we need someone up front
to make things happen in the last third of the pitch.
At the moment it's Cesc that does that consistently.
I'm sure I don't have to remind you about last season's
farcical result at home to Hull. So far this season
there has been no repeat of that kind of ridiculous defeat.
Re: Deserve ain't got nothing to do with it
Posted by: Gööfle11 (IP Logged)
Date: 18/01/2010 12:32
Every team without the two start look less of a team. Thankfully for us, we actually do have a fantastic squad, and don't rely on Fabregas and van persie as much as Liverpool/Man Utd rely on Gerrard and Torres/Rooney and erm... Fletcher?
Official 1000th poster in the classic transfer rumors thread of 2014.
Re: Deserve ain't got nothing to do with it
Posted by: Chapman's Ghost (IP Logged)
Date: 18/01/2010 16:34
I'd use the word "fantastic" with caution when describing
our squad. If we win the league or the CL that will be
a fair description.
The only team with a fantastic squad in the league is
the damn Chavs.
our squad. If we win the league or the CL that will be
a fair description.
The only team with a fantastic squad in the league is
the damn Chavs.
Re: Deserve ain't got nothing to do with it
Posted by: Gööfle11 (IP Logged)
Date: 18/01/2010 17:20
But they have yet to win the League or Premier League, so how is it 'fantastic' by your rule?
Official 1000th poster in the classic transfer rumors thread of 2014.
Re: Deserve ain't got nothing to do with it
Posted by: Chapman's Ghost (IP Logged)
Date: 18/01/2010 17:26
They won the FA Cup last year and have won the league
twice with a fantastic squad, many of whom are still
in their present squad. And I reckon they'll win
the league this year too.
While our "fantastic" squad has won nothing for nearly
five years.
twice with a fantastic squad, many of whom are still
in their present squad. And I reckon they'll win
the league this year too.
While our "fantastic" squad has won nothing for nearly
five years.
Re: Deserve ain't got nothing to do with it
Posted by: Gööfle11 (IP Logged)
Date: 18/01/2010 17:33
Their squad is not the same, its changed white a lot.
And im not having the FA Cup as any sort of proof that they are any better than us. Any decent team can win it.
Official 1000th poster in the classic transfer rumors thread of 2014.
And im not having the FA Cup as any sort of proof that they are any better than us. Any decent team can win it.
Re: Deserve ain't got nothing to do with it
Posted by: Chapman's Ghost (IP Logged)
Date: 18/01/2010 17:44
Any decent team can win it. Then why haven't we? In fact
they've won it twice since we last won it.
The fact they've finished higher than us since 05
would maybe hint they are better than us.
they've won it twice since we last won it.
The fact they've finished higher than us since 05
would maybe hint they are better than us.
Re: Deserve ain't got nothing to do with it
Posted by: Gööfle11 (IP Logged)
Date: 18/01/2010 17:48
Never said they weren't mate, but you can't say we have not got a fantastic squad.
Official 1000th poster in the classic transfer rumors thread of 2014.
Re: Deserve ain't got nothing to do with it
Posted by: Chapman's Ghost (IP Logged)
Date: 18/01/2010 17:52
I can say it and I did say it.
Personally I think this is the best squad we've had
since we last won a trophy but until we do I'm not
using the word fantastic. Winning the FA Cup would
be the least we could do but we ain't won jack yet
so until that happens I remain to be convinced.
Personally I think this is the best squad we've had
since we last won a trophy but until we do I'm not
using the word fantastic. Winning the FA Cup would
be the least we could do but we ain't won jack yet
so until that happens I remain to be convinced.
Re: Deserve ain't got nothing to do with it
Posted by: Gööfle11 (IP Logged)
Date: 18/01/2010 18:00
I don't subscribe to that line of thinking.
Official 1000th poster in the classic transfer rumors thread of 2014.
Re: Deserve ain't got nothing to do with it
Posted by: Chapman's Ghost (IP Logged)
Date: 18/01/2010 18:07
Fair enough.
But if we win nothing for the next five years with
the same squad I won't be calling it fantastic then.
Will you?
But if we win nothing for the next five years with
the same squad I won't be calling it fantastic then.
Will you?
Re: Deserve ain't got nothing to do with it
Posted by: Gööfle11 (IP Logged)
Date: 18/01/2010 18:10
Depends how close we come.
Official 1000th poster in the classic transfer rumors thread of 2014.
Re: Deserve ain't got nothing to do with it
Posted by: eduardo (IP Logged)
Date: 18/01/2010 22:08
I agree with Chapman on this, our squad seems good, better than it has been for some time but until they win something its premature to call them fantastic
but I will say that our squad can easily be compared favourably to Liverpool's and ManU's, pool look awful without stevie me and torres, utd look weaker than they have been for five years with the sale of Ronaldo and take out Rooney and they would be poor. Our problem still is massive amount of injuries and how this makes us lacking in quality at CF and of course CB cover - one thing that liverpool manU and Chelsea have over us is they all have a better first choice goalie
but I will say that our squad can easily be compared favourably to Liverpool's and ManU's, pool look awful without stevie me and torres, utd look weaker than they have been for five years with the sale of Ronaldo and take out Rooney and they would be poor. Our problem still is massive amount of injuries and how this makes us lacking in quality at CF and of course CB cover - one thing that liverpool manU and Chelsea have over us is they all have a better first choice goalie
Re: Deserve ain't got nothing to do with it
Posted by: Chapman's Ghost (IP Logged)
Date: 18/01/2010 22:10
It's rather a mundane way of thinking but most great
teams have to have a trophy or two to emphasize their
superiority.
One notable exception would be the Hungarian team
of the fifties. They lost a world cup final to
West Germany and yet of the two teams they are the
more celebrated.
teams have to have a trophy or two to emphasize their
superiority.
One notable exception would be the Hungarian team
of the fifties. They lost a world cup final to
West Germany and yet of the two teams they are the
more celebrated.
Re: Deserve ain't got nothing to do with it
Posted by: eduardo (IP Logged)
Date: 18/01/2010 22:33
you can get the great tag at international level due to style of play, people remembered that hungarian team and of course people can name more of the Holland teams of 74 and 78 than they can the german and argie teams that beat them in the finals of the world cup, it was the holland style that made them great while the winners had hatchet men, dour style and of course off field bribery and underhand tricks.
At club level you can not get away with style alone cos there is competition every year and you must win, internationals have at least two years and normally four to get its reputation with little games.
At club level you can not get away with style alone cos there is competition every year and you must win, internationals have at least two years and normally four to get its reputation with little games.
Re: Deserve ain't got nothing to do with it
Posted by: Padre Pio (IP Logged)
Date: 18/01/2010 22:34
Its not how good our squad is - its where our squad is thats the problem.
"When we had to suffer the team is a lion because they suffer together." 4 July 2020 at Wolverhampton Wanderers
Arteta on his team's first away victory at a club above them in the Premiership since September 2015 at Leicester.
"When we had to suffer the team is a lion because they suffer together." 4 July 2020 at Wolverhampton Wanderers
Arteta on his team's first away victory at a club above them in the Premiership since September 2015 at Leicester.
Re: Deserve ain't got nothing to do with it
Posted by: Merlion96 (IP Logged)
Date: 19/01/2010 00:42
Yup.
We are at least 2 year soff the pace.
And winning anything this season is a bonus.
But there is no excuse for not winning anything next season.
Wenger staked hsi Future on these Wudnerkind comes of Age thsi season or next season.
Anything after that, Wenegr will recognise the fact that there is nothing more he can do....and will leave.
Great motivaiton for these Wunderkind to perform?
Or for them to leave this season if they come out empty-handed in May 2010 [again]?
We are at least 2 year soff the pace.
And winning anything this season is a bonus.
But there is no excuse for not winning anything next season.
Wenger staked hsi Future on these Wudnerkind comes of Age thsi season or next season.
Anything after that, Wenegr will recognise the fact that there is nothing more he can do....and will leave.
Great motivaiton for these Wunderkind to perform?
Or for them to leave this season if they come out empty-handed in May 2010 [again]?
Re: Deserve ain't got nothing to do with it
Posted by: Chapman's Ghost (IP Logged)
Date: 19/01/2010 07:21
And Holland of 74 and 78 as Eduardo points out. And indeed
national success is different as trophies can only
be won every two years.
Arsenal are in four tournaments every year. Is it
really too much to expect a "fantastic" squad to
win one of them?
national success is different as trophies can only
be won every two years.
Arsenal are in four tournaments every year. Is it
really too much to expect a "fantastic" squad to
win one of them?
Re: Deserve ain't got nothing to do with it
Posted by: Padre Pio (IP Logged)
Date: 19/01/2010 08:16
50% of our squad is in the treatment room, and 25% dont shave yet
"When we had to suffer the team is a lion because they suffer together." 4 July 2020 at Wolverhampton Wanderers
Arteta on his team's first away victory at a club above them in the Premiership since September 2015 at Leicester.
"When we had to suffer the team is a lion because they suffer together." 4 July 2020 at Wolverhampton Wanderers
Arteta on his team's first away victory at a club above them in the Premiership since September 2015 at Leicester.
Re: Deserve ain't got nothing to do with it
Posted by: Chapman's Ghost (IP Logged)
Date: 19/01/2010 08:32
And the other 25% can barely shave the post with a
shot.
I'd expect Arsenal to win something within the next
two years after all the talk Wenger wastes on this
team. But then I lost faith in Wengerese years ago.
shot.
I'd expect Arsenal to win something within the next
two years after all the talk Wenger wastes on this
team. But then I lost faith in Wengerese years ago.
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