Match Preview/Stats/Thread: Arsenal v Newcastle Utd
By Tyne-Talk
March 11 2012
Newcastle United travel to London tomorrow night where Arsenal will host at the Emirates Stadium. Arsenal go into the game on the back of three consecutive wins from their last 3 games in all competitions, 4 wins from their last six games in all competitions and two defeats. Newcastle go into the game on the back two wins, two draws and two defeats from their last six.
Newcastle continue to be without Steven Taylor (Achilles), Sammy Ameobi (knee), Sylvain Marveaux (groin) and Leon Best (knee), whilst earlier this week manager Alan Pardew confirmed that Peter Lovenkrands could be out for the rest of the season after picking up a thigh injury against Sunderland last weekend. The injury will be a huge disappointment to Lovenkrands who is out of contract in the summer.
Shola Ameobi, who has recovered from illness is expected to start on the bench, whilst Papiss Cisse and Demba Ba partner each other in the starting eleven.
Arsene Wenger could welcome back Mikel Arteta (concussion) and Aaron Ramsey (ankle) but continue to be without, Diaby (hamstring), Squillaci (groin), Coquelin (hamstring), Mertesacker (ankle), Frimpong (knee), Wilshire (ankle). They boast the busiest physioroom in the League with the highest number of currently injured players.
Andre Santos (ankle) and Yossi Benayoun (virus) are both expected to return.
Pardew will be looking for a win, after being without one in their last three games, whilst Wenger will be hoping to continue the momentum and see his side get their 5th consecutive League win. Their confidence will be boosted by the fact that Newcastle have lost three of their last four games away from home in the League.
Fact: Newcastle have won 66 games between the two sides, Arsenal have won 65 and there have been 38 draws.
Fact: Arsenal have had a player sent off in each of their last three games against Newcastle.
Fact: Newcastle have taken just one point from nine in games in London this season.
Arsenal |
| Newcastle United |
|
|
|
27 | Played | 27 |
49 | Points | 44 |
15 | Won | 12 |
4 | Drawn | 8 |
8 | Lost | 7 |
55 | Goals Scored | 39 |
38 | Goals Conceded | 39 |
|
|
|
Match Preview/Stats/Thread: Arsenal v Newcastle Utd
Posted by: TyneTalk (IP Logged)
Date: 11/03/2012 16:39
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Re: Match Preview/Stats/Thread: Arsenal v Newcastle Utd
Posted by: TOONTILLIDIE (IP Logged)
Date: 12/03/2012 15:40
Bit worried about the game, as Arsenal have been on fire recently, and if we get the Gunners performing like they did against Spurs and Milan it could be a long night. I do think the best hope is to pack the midfield and drop Cisse for this game and play the extra midfielder.
Hopefully we can keep it tight and not play like kids like we did against Spurs
Hopefully we can keep it tight and not play like kids like we did against Spurs
Re: Match Preview/Stats/Thread: Arsenal v Newcastle Utd
Posted by: mentalman (IP Logged)
Date: 12/03/2012 16:22
we need to go at them early and disrupt how they want to play, i can see Shola being used tonight as an aerial threat!
Re: Match Preview/Stats/Thread: Arsenal v Newcastle Utd
Posted by: annie (IP Logged)
Date: 12/03/2012 17:18
It's going to be a tough game. I'd be happy with a draw.
Re: Match Preview/Stats/Thread: Arsenal v Newcastle Utd
Posted by: MissC (IP Logged)
Date: 12/03/2012 18:10
Hopefully Shola is fit to start then and this "virus" doesn't mean he isn't fully fit.
I can see us getting battered but I will be optimistic and remember that 4-4.
I can see us getting battered but I will be optimistic and remember that 4-4.
Re: Match Preview/Stats/Thread: Arsenal v Newcastle Utd
Posted by: MissC (IP Logged)
Date: 12/03/2012 19:38
Re: Match Preview/Stats/Thread: Arsenal v Newcastle Utd
Posted by: Ronaldo is a diving FAG (IP Logged)
Date: 12/03/2012 19:50
Considering we have been playing like a bunch of muppets for the past 2 months and arsenal are flying it isn't going to be pleasant.
Gone are the days like we played in the first half of the season. Constant pressure, decent passing and good finishing.
Our players play like it is job done, when that couldn't be any further from the truth.
I hope they pull their socks up and actually try and win this game.
Let's face it. When we play at our best, we can beat anyone.
Gone are the days like we played in the first half of the season. Constant pressure, decent passing and good finishing.
Our players play like it is job done, when that couldn't be any further from the truth.
I hope they pull their socks up and actually try and win this game.
Let's face it. When we play at our best, we can beat anyone.
Re: Match Preview/Stats/Thread: Arsenal v Newcastle Utd
Posted by: MissC (IP Logged)
Date: 12/03/2012 19:50
If you don't have SKY
vipbox.tv has the game on but DON'T use the BULTO link because I just did and Norton blocked a Virus threat (a red one - means its the worse type) from a Hockeyice site
vipbox.tv has the game on but DON'T use the BULTO link because I just did and Norton blocked a Virus threat (a red one - means its the worse type) from a Hockeyice site
Re: Match Preview/Stats/Thread: Arsenal v Newcastle Utd
Posted by: MissC (IP Logged)
Date: 12/03/2012 20:10
Tiote has already been in the thick of it.....whats the betting on a card or two tonight?
Re: Match Preview/Stats/Thread: Arsenal v Newcastle Utd
Posted by: MissC (IP Logged)
Date: 12/03/2012 20:12
Walcott is SO fast!
Would be such a shame if he had to be subbed off now
Would be such a shame if he had to be subbed off now
Re: Match Preview/Stats/Thread: Arsenal v Newcastle Utd
Posted by: annie (IP Logged)
Date: 12/03/2012 20:14
Ben Arfa 
Re: Match Preview/Stats/Thread: Arsenal v Newcastle Utd
Posted by: MissC (IP Logged)
Date: 12/03/2012 20:15
1-0 HATEM BEN ARFA!!!!!!!!!
WHOOP WHOOP
WHOOP WHOOP
Re: Match Preview/Stats/Thread: Arsenal v Newcastle Utd
Posted by: MissC (IP Logged)
Date: 12/03/2012 20:16
1-1 RVP 
Re: Match Preview/Stats/Thread: Arsenal v Newcastle Utd
Posted by: TOONTILLIDIE (IP Logged)
Date: 12/03/2012 20:17
Ben Arfa did brilliant, but the goal we conceded was poor, we need to get Colo to mark RVP, as Williamson is not up to the task
Re: Match Preview/Stats/Thread: Arsenal v Newcastle Utd
Posted by: MissC (IP Logged)
Date: 12/03/2012 20:23
Oh Colo!
That is not a great place to give away a free kick!
That is not a great place to give away a free kick!Re: Match Preview/Stats/Thread: Arsenal v Newcastle Utd
Posted by: MissC (IP Logged)
Date: 12/03/2012 20:29
Arsenal are dominating massively. We need to start keeping the ball and not losing it so easily.
Re: Match Preview/Stats/Thread: Arsenal v Newcastle Utd
Posted by: TOONTILLIDIE (IP Logged)
Date: 12/03/2012 20:32
Yeah we need to try and start pushing up the pitch as we are getting pinned back at the moment
Re: Match Preview/Stats/Thread: Arsenal v Newcastle Utd
Posted by: annie (IP Logged)
Date: 12/03/2012 20:33
If only we could get the ball.
Re: Match Preview/Stats/Thread: Arsenal v Newcastle Utd
Posted by: MissC (IP Logged)
Date: 12/03/2012 20:37
"ONce again a very nearly perfect ball" - eh no - it landed straight at a TOON players feet with not an Arsenal player in sight - surely thats as far from perfection as you can get?
Re: Match Preview/Stats/Thread: Arsenal v Newcastle Utd
Posted by: MissC (IP Logged)
Date: 12/03/2012 20:38
TIOTE! Very sporting - makes a change! WTF could have scored!
Re: Match Preview/Stats/Thread: Arsenal v Newcastle Utd
Posted by: Ronaldo is a diving FAG (IP Logged)
Date: 12/03/2012 20:52
Only worry I have now is which newcastle team is coming out for the second half.
Spastic Newcastle? Or capable Newcastle?
Spastic Newcastle? Or capable Newcastle?
Re: Match Preview/Stats/Thread: Arsenal v Newcastle Utd
Posted by: MissC (IP Logged)
Date: 12/03/2012 21:05
Santon Off
Perch On
Perch On
Re: Match Preview/Stats/Thread: Arsenal v Newcastle Utd
Posted by: MissC (IP Logged)
Date: 12/03/2012 21:14
Good save by Krul
Pressure is on again
Pressure is on again
Re: Match Preview/Stats/Thread: Arsenal v Newcastle Utd
Posted by: annie (IP Logged)
Date: 12/03/2012 21:20
Obertan off, Wor Shola on
Re: Match Preview/Stats/Thread: Arsenal v Newcastle Utd
Posted by: MissC (IP Logged)
Date: 12/03/2012 21:20
Obertan Off
Ameobi On!
Ameobi On!
Re: Match Preview/Stats/Thread: Arsenal v Newcastle Utd
Posted by: jamestoon (IP Logged)
Date: 12/03/2012 21:21
Obertan absolute shite as usual. Doesn't know when to pass. Can't complete a pass. Absolute waste of space. Get anyone else on.
Re: Match Preview/Stats/Thread: Arsenal v Newcastle Utd
Posted by: MissC (IP Logged)
Date: 12/03/2012 21:23
There is Tiote's 1st card
Re: Match Preview/Stats/Thread: Arsenal v Newcastle Utd
Posted by: MissC (IP Logged)
Date: 12/03/2012 21:40
Tiote OFF (sensible now carded)
Danny Guthrie ON
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2012:03:12:21:41:28 by Carys.
Danny Guthrie ON
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2012:03:12:21:41:28 by Carys.
Re: Match Preview/Stats/Thread: Arsenal v Newcastle Utd
Posted by: annie (IP Logged)
Date: 12/03/2012 21:43
Tiote was massaging the back of his thigh as he came off. I hope he hasn't been injured.
Re: Match Preview/Stats/Thread: Arsenal v Newcastle Utd
Posted by: annie (IP Logged)
Date: 12/03/2012 21:47
Ba looks very tired.
Re: Match Preview/Stats/Thread: Arsenal v Newcastle Utd
Posted by: annie (IP Logged)
Date: 12/03/2012 21:49
Another great save by Krul.
Re: Match Preview/Stats/Thread: Arsenal v Newcastle Utd
Posted by: MissC (IP Logged)
Date: 12/03/2012 21:49
Another necessary save by Krul
5 Minutes ET
5 Minutes ET
Re: Match Preview/Stats/Thread: Arsenal v Newcastle Utd
Posted by: MissC (IP Logged)
Date: 12/03/2012 21:53
FFS 2-1 arsenal
Re: Match Preview/Stats/Thread: Arsenal v Newcastle Utd
Posted by: annie (IP Logged)
Date: 12/03/2012 21:53
Oh No! 2-1 Arsenal with a minute to go.
Re: Match Preview/Stats/Thread: Arsenal v Newcastle Utd
Posted by: Ronaldo is a diving FAG (IP Logged)
Date: 12/03/2012 22:00
Saw it coming to be fair.
Simply arn't good enough.
Simply arn't good enough.
Re: Match Preview/Stats/Thread: Arsenal v Newcastle Utd
Posted by: Gaucho (IP Logged)
Date: 12/03/2012 22:00
f00k this. @#$%& poor defense again,this is ridiculous and just a f00king infuriating display as soon as arsenal equalized. i hate being this frustrated.
Re: Match Preview/Stats/Thread: Arsenal v Newcastle Utd
Posted by: MissC (IP Logged)
Date: 12/03/2012 22:00
Actually gutted. I thought we held our own much better in the 2nd half and deserved a point for perseverance if nothing else.
My link cut straighte after the final whistle but Krul and RVP were both heading into the tunnel at the same time, I hope it didn't kick off down there.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2012:03:12:22:02:33 by Carys.
My link cut straighte after the final whistle but Krul and RVP were both heading into the tunnel at the same time, I hope it didn't kick off down there.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2012:03:12:22:02:33 by Carys.
Re: Match Preview/Stats/Thread: Arsenal v Newcastle Utd
Posted by: Ronaldo is a diving FAG (IP Logged)
Date: 12/03/2012 22:02
One word, Williamson.
That is why we fail.
That is why we fail.
Re: Match Preview/Stats/Thread: Arsenal v Newcastle Utd
Posted by: annie (IP Logged)
Date: 12/03/2012 22:03
I'm gutted too, I thought we did enough in the second half to deserve the draw.
Re: Match Preview/Stats/Thread: Arsenal v Newcastle Utd
Posted by: annie (IP Logged)
Date: 12/03/2012 22:05
To be fair Williamson defended better in the second half, he headed out quite a few balls
Re: Match Preview/Stats/Thread: Arsenal v Newcastle Utd
Posted by: Gaucho (IP Logged)
Date: 12/03/2012 22:06
Krul did enough to gain us a point with a little help from Simpson's goal line clearance and Colo's defending. Williamson needs to gtfo this team asap. Terrible marking for the first goal. And Shola over Cisse?! What is this bizarro world AP livess in?
Re: Match Preview/Stats/Thread: Arsenal v Newcastle Utd
Posted by: Andrew The Mag (IP Logged)
Date: 12/03/2012 22:06
Absolutly devastated we deserved a popint after that resiliance, and I hate those smug @#$%&.
Re: Match Preview/Stats/Thread: Arsenal v Newcastle Utd
Posted by: Ronaldo is a diving FAG (IP Logged)
Date: 12/03/2012 22:07
Williamsons @#$%& up for the first goal destroyed us.
He looked like a sunday league player, regrallardless of the first half.
He looked like a sunday league player, regrallardless of the first half.
Re: Match Preview/Stats/Thread: Arsenal v Newcastle Utd
Posted by: Andrew The Mag (IP Logged)
Date: 12/03/2012 22:08
Shola was brought on to hold the ball up better which to be fair he did well. Hopefully the lads confidence wont be down too much.
Re: Match Preview/Stats/Thread: Arsenal v Newcastle Utd
Posted by: Gaucho (IP Logged)
Date: 12/03/2012 22:08
RVP would have been worse off with Saylor in the back. What else does Ashley's fatass have to see to convince him we need BETTER CBs!
Re: Match Preview/Stats/Thread: Arsenal v Newcastle Utd
Posted by: Ronaldo is a diving FAG (IP Logged)
Date: 12/03/2012 22:10
Priority for the summer should be signing 2 class CB's I agree.
Put them under pressure to earn their place in the squad.
Put them under pressure to earn their place in the squad.
Re: Match Preview/Stats/Thread: Arsenal v Newcastle Utd
Posted by: TOONTILLIDIE (IP Logged)
Date: 12/03/2012 23:56
Totally gutted that we lost and the way it was lost with the amount of time left, it proves we don't have a big enough squad when it comes to the defence, Saylor got himself injured ages ago and we look bloody awful at the back since, a CD has to be a priority and in the meantime we should play one of the kids at CD instead of Williamson, as Colo is getting dragged around to cover him.
I said on another thread I would have started Guthrie instead of Obertan as Guthrie would have offered a bit more graft in the midfield. Our form is totally cr@p, and we need to start picking up points quick otherwise the brilliant start of the season would be wasted.
Suppose if you look at some of the games we have then we should be able to pick up some points as I can't see many teams keeping that much control as Arsenal did
I said on another thread I would have started Guthrie instead of Obertan as Guthrie would have offered a bit more graft in the midfield. Our form is totally cr@p, and we need to start picking up points quick otherwise the brilliant start of the season would be wasted.
Suppose if you look at some of the games we have then we should be able to pick up some points as I can't see many teams keeping that much control as Arsenal did
Re: Match Preview/Stats/Thread: Arsenal v Newcastle Utd
Posted by: mentalman (IP Logged)
Date: 13/03/2012 09:38
Arsenal are in decent form at the minute so we cant be too disheartened by this performance away from home!
HBA was excellent in the first half but faded away in the second although he tracked back and defended far more than usual which is what i have criticised him of recently!
Maybe the penny has finally dropped and he now realises that if he helps out the team then he'll be in the team!
I've openly blamed williamson for recent results and again he was poor he was to blame for the first goal and looked lost whenever the ball came near him in the box!
Colo was strong again but i wish he would just stay in the centre sometimes instead of helping out the fullbacks so much, if and when they got beat and the ball was centred williamson just stood there and only reacted once a arsenal player had picked it up or Simpson and come and covered.
Everyone is saying CB is the main priority and i think the club already know this, i would bring in a quality CB to challenge Saylor and also a young lad to take up the 4th spot, Willo isn't premier league standard and should be moved on in the summer.
Obertan was hopeless i've defended him in the past but when you have an ex team mate saying he's playing in his favourite position and he plays that badly you cant defend him, we recalled Vukic for the game and he would have probably been a better choice than Obertan as would Gosling or we could ahve played Cisse up front with Ba just behind him or Ba up front with Ameobi behind him or vice versa.
HBA was excellent in the first half but faded away in the second although he tracked back and defended far more than usual which is what i have criticised him of recently!
Maybe the penny has finally dropped and he now realises that if he helps out the team then he'll be in the team!
I've openly blamed williamson for recent results and again he was poor he was to blame for the first goal and looked lost whenever the ball came near him in the box!
Colo was strong again but i wish he would just stay in the centre sometimes instead of helping out the fullbacks so much, if and when they got beat and the ball was centred williamson just stood there and only reacted once a arsenal player had picked it up or Simpson and come and covered.
Everyone is saying CB is the main priority and i think the club already know this, i would bring in a quality CB to challenge Saylor and also a young lad to take up the 4th spot, Willo isn't premier league standard and should be moved on in the summer.
Obertan was hopeless i've defended him in the past but when you have an ex team mate saying he's playing in his favourite position and he plays that badly you cant defend him, we recalled Vukic for the game and he would have probably been a better choice than Obertan as would Gosling or we could ahve played Cisse up front with Ba just behind him or Ba up front with Ameobi behind him or vice versa.
Re: Match Preview/Stats/Thread: Arsenal v Newcastle Utd
Posted by: Biffins Bridge (IP Logged)
Date: 13/03/2012 11:36
Pretty much summed it up Mental.
Im sorry like, but do we have fans or just critics. We know we need a CB but its not just there. FB is a problem too so lets just see what we can do in the summer.
Ive noticed it at the matches lately, fans moaning at Williamson. Do you think getting on any players back is going to help the matter. No. He is what he is and probably deep down knows he is at best going to be 4th choice come next season. Or at worst moved on. I think Williamson was better last season and that probably has something to do with have a more settled back 4 with Jose being a regular.
You can see just looking the table at how close this league is in all areas.
I was gutted with the loss but it would have been a hard fought point at best. We were playing probably the form side at the moment at home. What did people expect. We have a run of games coming up that on paper we could clock the points up but we need the fans behind us as well.
Im sorry like, but do we have fans or just critics. We know we need a CB but its not just there. FB is a problem too so lets just see what we can do in the summer.
Ive noticed it at the matches lately, fans moaning at Williamson. Do you think getting on any players back is going to help the matter. No. He is what he is and probably deep down knows he is at best going to be 4th choice come next season. Or at worst moved on. I think Williamson was better last season and that probably has something to do with have a more settled back 4 with Jose being a regular.
You can see just looking the table at how close this league is in all areas.
I was gutted with the loss but it would have been a hard fought point at best. We were playing probably the form side at the moment at home. What did people expect. We have a run of games coming up that on paper we could clock the points up but we need the fans behind us as well.
Re: Match Preview/Stats/Thread: Arsenal v Newcastle Utd
Posted by: tunyc (IP Logged)
Date: 13/03/2012 20:53
The first goal was Santon's fault, not Williamson's. RVP will beat 99/100 CBs 1v1. Colo couldn't help because he was out doing Santon's job as Davide was too terrified of Walcott to get close to him.
I dare say Cisse is still carrying the injury. Just a guess.
I suspect that our management doesn't understand the importance of a good CB to this squad because:
-we've needed one since Saylor went down in December
-we weren't even linked believably to a defender until the last couple days of January
-we wouldn't go above 2M for Mariappa if you believe the rumors; Ridgwell moved for an estimated 4M; Samba did ultimately move; Wolves got Bassong on loan FFS!
So please don't imply that it's pure carping if you criticize the club for not getting a CB.
I dare say Cisse is still carrying the injury. Just a guess.
I suspect that our management doesn't understand the importance of a good CB to this squad because:
-we've needed one since Saylor went down in December
-we weren't even linked believably to a defender until the last couple days of January
-we wouldn't go above 2M for Mariappa if you believe the rumors; Ridgwell moved for an estimated 4M; Samba did ultimately move; Wolves got Bassong on loan FFS!
So please don't imply that it's pure carping if you criticize the club for not getting a CB.
Re: Match Preview/Stats/Thread: Arsenal v Newcastle Utd
Posted by: Biffins Bridge (IP Logged)
Date: 14/03/2012 00:06
Well we needed a CB since last summer, not just since Saylor went down.
The Mariappa deal was a little disappointing but we now stick to our guns. If not you will end up with your pants being pulled down.
If West Brom want to pay 4m for him then crack on. Samba refused to play then went for over 12 mill. Dont get me started with Bassong. Its well discussed at how he went on when we went down and he is doing a cracking job for Wolves.
Like I have said, this is how we do things now and Im sure we have a list of players to get over the line in the summer. January window is a different kettle of fish.
Its like the striker thing. F00king moaning about how we need one, didnt get one, Ashley is a big fat f00k. When we do bring one in under the radar the moaners are not like "well done, great job" its all "f00king about time but their is still 25 mill of the Carroll money to spend".
Same as every window when Tiote, Colo, Krul....are going to be sold. Funny they are still here, but again, very little credit.
My pal text me before moaning about the fans. He summed it up by calling most of ours f00king @#$%& with short memories. Two years ago in the Championship and now talking about Champions league or shoe ins for a Europa spot.
The Mariappa deal was a little disappointing but we now stick to our guns. If not you will end up with your pants being pulled down.
If West Brom want to pay 4m for him then crack on. Samba refused to play then went for over 12 mill. Dont get me started with Bassong. Its well discussed at how he went on when we went down and he is doing a cracking job for Wolves.
Like I have said, this is how we do things now and Im sure we have a list of players to get over the line in the summer. January window is a different kettle of fish.
Its like the striker thing. F00king moaning about how we need one, didnt get one, Ashley is a big fat f00k. When we do bring one in under the radar the moaners are not like "well done, great job" its all "f00king about time but their is still 25 mill of the Carroll money to spend".
Same as every window when Tiote, Colo, Krul....are going to be sold. Funny they are still here, but again, very little credit.
My pal text me before moaning about the fans. He summed it up by calling most of ours f00king @#$%& with short memories. Two years ago in the Championship and now talking about Champions league or shoe ins for a Europa spot.
Re: Match Preview/Stats/Thread: Arsenal v Newcastle Utd
Posted by: Andrew The Mag (IP Logged)
Date: 14/03/2012 08:13
Well put biffins I agree, this season has been a huge sucess, remember almost all pundits predicted relegation for us this season.
People complaining about Pardew saing he hasnt been up to it, pardew has done a great job for us. Saing he isn't up to it tactically, well if thats the case why are we where we are in the league? Simple luck? no way.
Would people really be happy if we had spent 2-3m on a CB who are no better than williamson when in the summer we can go get soemone better to push the main two. And then there is williamson aww we should get rid etc ect. Yes he isnt as good as saylor or colo but squad players you cannot expect to have 22 or more great first choice players at every club, 3rd and 4th choice people for a position cannot be expected to be as good as the first team.
Then theres the carroll issues that keeps creeping up, well we have signed two strikers since he left both of who I'd prefer over him atm, especially Ba.
People complaining about Pardew saing he hasnt been up to it, pardew has done a great job for us. Saing he isn't up to it tactically, well if thats the case why are we where we are in the league? Simple luck? no way.
Would people really be happy if we had spent 2-3m on a CB who are no better than williamson when in the summer we can go get soemone better to push the main two. And then there is williamson aww we should get rid etc ect. Yes he isnt as good as saylor or colo but squad players you cannot expect to have 22 or more great first choice players at every club, 3rd and 4th choice people for a position cannot be expected to be as good as the first team.
Then theres the carroll issues that keeps creeping up, well we have signed two strikers since he left both of who I'd prefer over him atm, especially Ba.
Re: Match Preview/Stats/Thread: Arsenal v Newcastle Utd
Posted by: mentalman (IP Logged)
Date: 14/03/2012 15:27
Tunyc,
Although i dont tend to agree with your posts i can usually see where you are coming from but your last post makes me think that you've either had a bad knock to the head or somebody else wrote it!
Santon did have a torrid time against walcott, with the form he's in walcott will beat 99/100 lb's and they probably expected this and so Colo was going out to help when he could! They probably didn't know Williamson would be so easily brushed to the side without any effort or just stand like a rabbit startled by headlights everytime colo left him alone!
I suspect the management does understand the importance of a good CB to this squad because:
- we wouldn't spend the required 4m for either Mariappa who has never played at this level and has only ever attracted interest from ourselves and Wigan and Ridgewell who has shown over the last few seasons that he is not a PL player! Had we gone out and blown 4m on either of these then you would ahve been the first to criticise AP, MA, and DL for buying from a lower league!
- how many of our recent transfers have been publicised before it went through, the press only found out about Cisse when he landed at the airport!
So any players being linked would ahve been pure speculation anyway!
- bassong left under a cloud and hasn't really done much at spurs and isn't really doing much at wolves, would he have done much here, with the hostility towards him it would never have been a sucess and i very much doubt the club or the player would have wanted him back for this very reason!
we've all known since last summer that we needed a new CB but if the ones we go after aren't available or our valuation is below the clubs valuation then its better to wait than waste money on somebody who is no better than what we already have!
Although i dont tend to agree with your posts i can usually see where you are coming from but your last post makes me think that you've either had a bad knock to the head or somebody else wrote it!
Santon did have a torrid time against walcott, with the form he's in walcott will beat 99/100 lb's and they probably expected this and so Colo was going out to help when he could! They probably didn't know Williamson would be so easily brushed to the side without any effort or just stand like a rabbit startled by headlights everytime colo left him alone!
I suspect the management does understand the importance of a good CB to this squad because:
- we wouldn't spend the required 4m for either Mariappa who has never played at this level and has only ever attracted interest from ourselves and Wigan and Ridgewell who has shown over the last few seasons that he is not a PL player! Had we gone out and blown 4m on either of these then you would ahve been the first to criticise AP, MA, and DL for buying from a lower league!
- how many of our recent transfers have been publicised before it went through, the press only found out about Cisse when he landed at the airport!
So any players being linked would ahve been pure speculation anyway!
- bassong left under a cloud and hasn't really done much at spurs and isn't really doing much at wolves, would he have done much here, with the hostility towards him it would never have been a sucess and i very much doubt the club or the player would have wanted him back for this very reason!
we've all known since last summer that we needed a new CB but if the ones we go after aren't available or our valuation is below the clubs valuation then its better to wait than waste money on somebody who is no better than what we already have!
Re: Match Preview/Stats/Thread: Arsenal v Newcastle Utd
Posted by: tunyc (IP Logged)
Date: 14/03/2012 15:34
BB: "we stuck to our guns."
Fair point but the consequence is that our defense is average to poor lately and that is the responsibility of the people at the club who handle personnel decisions. It has caused us to drop points. It will cause us to drop further points and may cost the club several million in placement bonuses. They do deserve some criticism for that.
An analogy I've used before: if you were starving and kept insisting that 5 pounds is too much for a loaf of bread, the fact that you may be right about that wouldn't be much consolation after you starve to death.
Short memory? Is that an accusation? I remember the CL, too.
Just sayin'.
Fair point but the consequence is that our defense is average to poor lately and that is the responsibility of the people at the club who handle personnel decisions. It has caused us to drop points. It will cause us to drop further points and may cost the club several million in placement bonuses. They do deserve some criticism for that.
An analogy I've used before: if you were starving and kept insisting that 5 pounds is too much for a loaf of bread, the fact that you may be right about that wouldn't be much consolation after you starve to death.
Short memory? Is that an accusation? I remember the CL, too.
Just sayin'.
Re: Match Preview/Stats/Thread: Arsenal v Newcastle Utd
Posted by: tunyc (IP Logged)
Date: 14/03/2012 15:42
For guys very much into AshleyCo's sangfroid when it comes to the books, you sure are letting your emotions dictate whether or not you'd have Bassong in the squad. The reality is on the last day of the window, I'd have had anyone who would give Williamson some competition at a decent price. We may well lose more than 4M in placement bonuses over our defense-not even to mention deepening the squad on principle.
I can accept that our front office gambled that not signing a CB wouldn't hurt our results too much even though I disagree. What bothers me is when people bend over backwards and tie themselves in rhetorical knots to insist this wasn't a gamble and has no potential downside. That's ridiculous. You can support an institution and not agree with everything it does. Blind support doesn't tend to convince anyone of your loyalty but rather tempts them to deceive and manipulate you.
I can accept that our front office gambled that not signing a CB wouldn't hurt our results too much even though I disagree. What bothers me is when people bend over backwards and tie themselves in rhetorical knots to insist this wasn't a gamble and has no potential downside. That's ridiculous. You can support an institution and not agree with everything it does. Blind support doesn't tend to convince anyone of your loyalty but rather tempts them to deceive and manipulate you.
Re: Match Preview/Stats/Thread: Arsenal v Newcastle Utd
Posted by: Biffins Bridge (IP Logged)
Date: 15/03/2012 17:58
Of course its not an accusation. There are very few fans on this site with that sort of crack. If I had something to say I would my pal.
I also dont feel that people have blind loyalty towards the organisation. Maybe the team but not the owners. As Ive said numerous times I am willing to go with their plan as numerous other plan A B C D's..... havnt worked.
Unfortunately for some, Im a glass half full type of person who accepts that we are not going to win every game. Like the Ben Arfa situation this season. How many fans have been slating AP for not playing him. People have pinned their hopes on him they want him in all the time regardless. I on the other hand could see that he wasnt the be all and end all and could do with a kick up the ar.se. In my eyes AP has handle him pretty well and we could be seeing the benefit now. A lot of fans though just see the negative and still slate Pardew for not playing him sooner. "Were would we be now if he had played every week/sooner". Well thats all ifs and buts but Im not sure you would have had the work rate he put in in the last two games if he had been treat like the huffy child he can be. I dont think so.
I also dont feel that people have blind loyalty towards the organisation. Maybe the team but not the owners. As Ive said numerous times I am willing to go with their plan as numerous other plan A B C D's..... havnt worked.
Unfortunately for some, Im a glass half full type of person who accepts that we are not going to win every game. Like the Ben Arfa situation this season. How many fans have been slating AP for not playing him. People have pinned their hopes on him they want him in all the time regardless. I on the other hand could see that he wasnt the be all and end all and could do with a kick up the ar.se. In my eyes AP has handle him pretty well and we could be seeing the benefit now. A lot of fans though just see the negative and still slate Pardew for not playing him sooner. "Were would we be now if he had played every week/sooner". Well thats all ifs and buts but Im not sure you would have had the work rate he put in in the last two games if he had been treat like the huffy child he can be. I dont think so.
Re: Match Preview/Stats/Thread: Arsenal v Newcastle Utd
Posted by: mentalman (IP Logged)
Date: 16/03/2012 09:06
The club did make a mistake by not strenghening the defence in january but in all honesty who was their to bring in! We were interested in mariappa and ridgewell both were valued at more than we valued them at, it wouldn't just be the 4million that we paid there would have been agent fees signing on fees and a hefty wage to pay and then we potentially could be stuck with a player not good enough for the team taking up wages and a squad place!
Therefore the next possibility is to bring in a player on loan, bassong was the only player who was openly available and he was the wrong player not for footballing reasons but because of the history between him and the club!
Like Biffins i'm a optomistic kind of person and i can see the good in everything, that doesn't mean i've blind loyalty to the club as a whole and can see their failings and ctiticise this when necessary, i do not hate the current ownership and can see what they are trying to achieve and why they are doing it the way they are, many people cant see past their hatred of MA and his regime to see what is happening at this club! The same goes with AP, he knows far more about football, tactics and players than any of us on here and if he's not playing HBA then it is because he can see what some of us can but many fans cant, other than the last 2 games HBA doesn't play in the team, he's on his own little adventure on the pitch!
Therefore the next possibility is to bring in a player on loan, bassong was the only player who was openly available and he was the wrong player not for footballing reasons but because of the history between him and the club!
Like Biffins i'm a optomistic kind of person and i can see the good in everything, that doesn't mean i've blind loyalty to the club as a whole and can see their failings and ctiticise this when necessary, i do not hate the current ownership and can see what they are trying to achieve and why they are doing it the way they are, many people cant see past their hatred of MA and his regime to see what is happening at this club! The same goes with AP, he knows far more about football, tactics and players than any of us on here and if he's not playing HBA then it is because he can see what some of us can but many fans cant, other than the last 2 games HBA doesn't play in the team, he's on his own little adventure on the pitch!
Re: Match Preview/Stats/Thread: Arsenal v Newcastle Utd
Posted by: tunyc (IP Logged)
Date: 16/03/2012 17:45
Ridgwell = "hefty" wages? I doubt it. He'd want English market rate. I don't think WBA have him on 60K/week. It's not like he wasn't good enough-Mariappa was the level for which we aimed. Or, if you want to go for the ring, sign Vertonghen.
Are you guys completely pleased with AP's tactics? "Whatever he's doing must be right" isn't a valid response. SAF or Redknapp or Guardiola would do some things differently. Would they be wrong? It's not that simple. AP is a very good professional coach and the organization of our defense under him has been brilliant. Regarding offense, though, where would we be without Ba's goals? How many were the product of hoofball and/or his own individual skill? You do realize HBA's our second leading scorer this season, right? I just don't see an attacking tactical system out there on the pitch that's designed to use our squad's strengths to consistently produce goal scoring chances. I think that's directly related to AP's trouble figuring out how to use HBA.
Are you guys completely pleased with AP's tactics? "Whatever he's doing must be right" isn't a valid response. SAF or Redknapp or Guardiola would do some things differently. Would they be wrong? It's not that simple. AP is a very good professional coach and the organization of our defense under him has been brilliant. Regarding offense, though, where would we be without Ba's goals? How many were the product of hoofball and/or his own individual skill? You do realize HBA's our second leading scorer this season, right? I just don't see an attacking tactical system out there on the pitch that's designed to use our squad's strengths to consistently produce goal scoring chances. I think that's directly related to AP's trouble figuring out how to use HBA.
Re: Match Preview/Stats/Thread: Arsenal v Newcastle Utd
Posted by: TOONTILLIDIE (IP Logged)
Date: 19/03/2012 07:32
Every manager makes mistakes and AP has done some himself, but overall he has made far less than most in this division, when you take into account the squad that we have, money spent and sold and the expectation of the media at the start of the season, let's get real nobody would have predicted us to be 6 points behind Spurs who are 3rd at the this stage of the season.
The squad does need strengthening and ideally we would have bought in another defender, but I wouldn't want us to get anybody who wasn't going to improve the squad longterm for 4 million, as that then comes out of next season budget, so far it has worked out as if we get the 6th place then signing a defender or not wouldn't make us finish higher, don't get me wrong a good loan deal would have done me, or going out and spending big to bring somebody in like we did with Cisse, but in this window you have limited time to get it sorted as well as the extra cash that you pay.
Once the window opens I hope the Toon bring in a few players and a CD to be able to try and push for Taylor position, so atleast we have the quality in a back up, either the new lad or Taylor, we would have enough games to keep everybody happy providing we get the Europa league
I do think next season, the goals will be a bit more spread out, as we will have Cisse. Cabaye will be more settled and then a decent right winger providing goals will mean that we don't have to relay on BA. HBA has been discussed so much, and as I said he will play more next season, but it is down to the work rate that he shows, so unless he plays on the wing in a 4-4-2, and we make the right back totally sitting to cover him it wouldn't work in that formation as Cabaye and Tiote have to be in the CM, so you would then need to play him in a 4-5-1 in behind the forward, and try and set up the team around him like Barca do for Messi, but then it means that Cisse is dropped.
The squad does need strengthening and ideally we would have bought in another defender, but I wouldn't want us to get anybody who wasn't going to improve the squad longterm for 4 million, as that then comes out of next season budget, so far it has worked out as if we get the 6th place then signing a defender or not wouldn't make us finish higher, don't get me wrong a good loan deal would have done me, or going out and spending big to bring somebody in like we did with Cisse, but in this window you have limited time to get it sorted as well as the extra cash that you pay.
Once the window opens I hope the Toon bring in a few players and a CD to be able to try and push for Taylor position, so atleast we have the quality in a back up, either the new lad or Taylor, we would have enough games to keep everybody happy providing we get the Europa league
I do think next season, the goals will be a bit more spread out, as we will have Cisse. Cabaye will be more settled and then a decent right winger providing goals will mean that we don't have to relay on BA. HBA has been discussed so much, and as I said he will play more next season, but it is down to the work rate that he shows, so unless he plays on the wing in a 4-4-2, and we make the right back totally sitting to cover him it wouldn't work in that formation as Cabaye and Tiote have to be in the CM, so you would then need to play him in a 4-5-1 in behind the forward, and try and set up the team around him like Barca do for Messi, but then it means that Cisse is dropped.
Re: Match Preview/Stats/Thread: Arsenal v Newcastle Utd
Posted by: tunyc (IP Logged)
Date: 20/03/2012 15:44
Fair enough, but I still insist that either Ba or Cisse can play effectively out wide, or we could go for a more narrow, say 4-3-1-2 formation too.
But again, that's solid analysis and I don't disagree with any of it.
But again, that's solid analysis and I don't disagree with any of it.
Re: Match Preview/Stats/Thread: Arsenal v Newcastle Utd
Posted by: mentalman (IP Logged)
Date: 20/03/2012 21:56
Ba is our leading scorer, followed by best on 4 and HBA & Cisse on 3!
cisse has scored the same number of goals in 4 games as HBA has in 17, before going to the ACoN Ba was averaging about a goal a game so why would we re position 1 of 2 strikers with better strike rates to fit in HBA?
Ba was playing in a more advanced role than HBA against norwich and helped out defensively more than HBA!
cisse has scored the same number of goals in 4 games as HBA has in 17, before going to the ACoN Ba was averaging about a goal a game so why would we re position 1 of 2 strikers with better strike rates to fit in HBA?
Ba was playing in a more advanced role than HBA against norwich and helped out defensively more than HBA!
Re: Match Preview/Stats/Thread: Arsenal v Newcastle Utd
Posted by: Biffins Bridge (IP Logged)
Date: 20/03/2012 22:41
Agree a bit with Tuncy on his last post. It would be nice to have a different formation to play against certain teams. We have CM who cover a lot of ground so that would be covered. Plus, as discussed, a lot of players who can play a more forward position. Jonas, HBA, Ba, Obertan who could all play off the striker.
Cant remember which game it was earlier in the season when AP changed things around and had HBA and Jonas playing more central off the striker. They were very good and the opposition didnt know how to handle them.
Maybe AP doesnt have the faith at this point in our FB, who are key to this formation. Its also easy to discuss the formation. Implementing it is another matter.
Cant remember which game it was earlier in the season when AP changed things around and had HBA and Jonas playing more central off the striker. They were very good and the opposition didnt know how to handle them.
Maybe AP doesnt have the faith at this point in our FB, who are key to this formation. Its also easy to discuss the formation. Implementing it is another matter.
Re: Match Preview/Stats/Thread: Arsenal v Newcastle Utd
Posted by: TOONTILLIDIE (IP Logged)
Date: 21/03/2012 08:08
I can see the formation being changed depending on the team and can see it happening more next season, when you take into account the injuries and the extra African Nations Cup, once BA, Cisse and Tiote go again then can see us playing the loan forward with HBA behind the forward.
Yeah maybe Cisse could play out wide, but then with his strike rate isn't it better to get him up front and then just buy a winger.
Yeah maybe Cisse could play out wide, but then with his strike rate isn't it better to get him up front and then just buy a winger.
Re: Match Preview/Stats/Thread: Arsenal v Newcastle Utd
Posted by: Andrew The Mag (IP Logged)
Date: 21/03/2012 08:21
I think we need a winger, but a lot of people seem to over look marveraux, who I'd like to see play when fully fit.
Re: Match Preview/Stats/Thread: Arsenal v Newcastle Utd
Posted by: tunyc (IP Logged)
Date: 21/03/2012 20:51
Hatem ben Arfa is not a striker.
Despite playing a relatively small portion of the season and being a midfielder, HBA is second in scoring in the squad.
FTFY
Regarding Marveaux: looks a good player but I have about as much confidence in him staying fit for a run of games as Owen.
I understand that Amalfitano can play out wide and so can Adam Maher, a Dutch lad we're tracking.
Despite playing a relatively small portion of the season and being a midfielder, HBA is second in scoring in the squad.
FTFY
Regarding Marveaux: looks a good player but I have about as much confidence in him staying fit for a run of games as Owen.
I understand that Amalfitano can play out wide and so can Adam Maher, a Dutch lad we're tracking.
Re: Match Preview/Stats/Thread: Arsenal v Newcastle Utd
Posted by: TOONTILLIDIE (IP Logged)
Date: 22/03/2012 12:16
From what I have seen of Marveaux he looks good, and I think if he was fully fit then he could push to make the position his, but I do agree with Tunyc, that the lad could be injury prone
Re: Match Preview/Stats/Thread: Arsenal v Newcastle Utd
Posted by: tunyc (IP Logged)
Date: 22/03/2012 19:22
Just was so disappointing to see him go down after what was, I believe, literally the first tackle on him.
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