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I just got back from my annual Arsenal match at the Emirates with my father-in-law. Fortunately, the streak of Arsenal never losing a match I attend continues, though it was a close thing tonight. Ironically, prior to the match, my father-in-law and I were discussing Wilshere's lack of goal scoring. There was a lot of cheering after Bellerin's goal obviously. It is disappointing getting a draw when Arsenal desperately needed a win, but it is still better than losing. Although Arsenal had its chances, Chelsea really appeared to be the better side. Thankfully, Morata couldn't hit the broad side of a barn tonight. At this point, it seems clear that Arsenal's best chance of making the Champions League will be to win the European Cup. I just don't see them getting in the top four. They are a good squad but they really don't have enough creative players who are able to consistently put the ball in the back of the net. But that is really Arsenal's story for the past decade, isn't it?
 
This game is a prime example of why I think Arsenal finish 6th at best and potentially finish lower in the table this year. I do find it interesting that you focused on the offense for criticism since most pundits said the offense was there today, and typically is, but it is the defense that is lacking. Some have even gone as far as saying the defense is the reason Arsenal is not winning major titles (the past 10 years or now).

I don't always agree with a lot Jamie Carragher has to day, but I do agree with this article.

http://www.skysports.com/football/n...s-why-arsenals-defending-is-so-poor-and-basic
 
This game is a prime example of why I think Arsenal finish 6th at best and potentially finish lower in the table this year. I do find it interesting that you focused on the offense for criticism since most pundits said the offense was there today, and typically is, but it is the defense that is lacking. Some have even gone as far as saying the defense is the reason Arsenal is not winning major titles (the past 10 years or now).

I don't always agree with a lot Jamie Carragher has to day, but I do agree with this article.

http://www.skysports.com/football/n...s-why-arsenals-defending-is-so-poor-and-basic

Oh, I agree that Arsenal's defending is atrocious. Last night was no exception, as exemplified by Morata's glaring miss. But I did not mention for a few reasons. For one, Arsenal's defending has been atrocious for so long that it is really just a given. And it is what kept them for competing for titles over the past decade. But they always managed to finish in the top 4 (until last season) because they could score a lot of goals. I just don't see that sort of offensive proficiency this season. Second, as bad as their defending has always been, it was even more predictable going into this match. When we saw Holding and Chambers starting, there was a sense of doom. While Koscielny and Monreal are not world beaters, they are very experienced. Even Mustafi was playing injured tonight. Finally, I don't think defending is what separates Arsenal from the other teams competing for the top 4 this season. Other than Man U, none of those teams are great at defending. Liverpool, Chelsea, and even Man City struggle defensively. But they score so many goals and maintain possession to such a degree that it generally doesn't matter.
 
Oh, I agree that Arsenal's defending is atrocious. Last night was no exception, as exemplified by Morata's glaring miss. But I did not mention for a few reasons. For one, Arsenal's defending has been atrocious for so long that it is really just a given. And it is what kept them for competing for titles over the past decade. But they always managed to finish in the top 4 (until last season) because they could score a lot of goals. I just don't see that sort of offensive proficiency this season. Second, as bad as their defending has always been, it was even more predictable going into this match. When we saw Holding and Chambers starting, there was a sense of doom. While Koscielny and Monreal are not world beaters, they are very experienced. Even Mustafi was playing injured tonight. Finally, I don't think defending is what separates Arsenal from the other teams competing for the top 4 this season. Other than Man U, none of those teams are great at defending. Liverpool, Chelsea, and even Man City struggle defensively. But they score so many goals and maintain possession to such a degree that it generally doesn't matter.

I think yesterday was a sign of what Arsenal can be going forward. If they can maintain even 75% of that going forward for the rest of the campaign, they should get wins against all non-big 6 teams. That is what (I'm guessing) is probably most frustrating to Arsenal supporters -> not dominating the "smaller" teams.
 
Oh, I agree that Arsenal's defending is atrocious. Last night was no exception, as exemplified by Morata's glaring miss. But I did not mention for a few reasons. For one, Arsenal's defending has been atrocious for so long that it is really just a given. And it is what kept them for competing for titles over the past decade. But they always managed to finish in the top 4 (until last season) because they could score a lot of goals. I just don't see that sort of offensive proficiency this season. Second, as bad as their defending has always been, it was even more predictable going into this match. When we saw Holding and Chambers starting, there was a sense of doom. While Koscielny and Monreal are not world beaters, they are very experienced. Even Mustafi was playing injured tonight. Finally, I don't think defending is what separates Arsenal from the other teams competing for the top 4 this season. Other than Man U, none of those teams are great at defending. Liverpool, Chelsea, and even Man City struggle defensively. But they score so many goals and maintain possession to such a degree that it generally doesn't matter.

Good analysis, and I agree with a lot of what you stated.

By the way, I forgot my #WengerOut in my post. Also, from the sounds of things he may not be on the bench a lot for the remainder of the season. He was charged by the FA after his comments about Mike Dean for the crap handball call on Chambers. Then he continued both before & after the Chelsea game yesterday, and has been charged by the FA again. Keep in mind he was issued a 4-match ban last year for similar comments, so he may be given longer this time around.

Lastly, Arsenal have officially made their annual January youngster signing, and they are immediately sending him out on loan. He is a 20-year old CB from Greece. Hopefully he is a better prospect than Chambers and can make the first team sooner rather than later.
 
Merseyside Derby today in the FA Cup, and the match is on instead of United (United is in a Derby match today, also).
 
Merseyside Derby today in the FA Cup, and the match is on instead of United (United is in a Derby match today, also).

ManU vs. Derby County is on FX2 at 2:45 Eastern Time, the Merseyside Derby is on FX1 at 2:30 Eastern Time.

I will most likely have the ManU game on in the background as I think that can actually be a better game than the Merseyside Derby.
 
ManU vs. Derby County is on FX2 at 2:45 Eastern Time, the Merseyside Derby is on FX1 at 2:30 Eastern Time.

I will most likely have the ManU game on in the background as I think that can actually be a better game than the Merseyside Derby.

Barkley just went to Chelsea and Wenger just got a 3 match ban.
 
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Barkley just went to Chelsea and Wenger just got a 3 match ban.

The Wenger ban is for the first incident with Mike Dean. He still has charges regarding the additional comments made the other day, so it is entirely possible the 3 games is increased by the second set of charges.

It is funny reading comments of fellow Gunner fans on various sites. A lot don't think it will matter much because he generally sits on the bench except to go yell at the 4th official or pump his fists if Arsenal score a goal.
 
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It is funny reading comments of fellow Gunner fans on various sites. A lot don't think it will matter much because he generally sits on the bench except to go yell at the 4th official or pump his fists if Arsenal score a goal.

That's funny, seminoleed used to say the same thing about SAF! :Face with Tears of Joy
 
Ugh...Chelsea draws Norwich 0-0 in a lifeless performance. Now must play them again to add to an already-grueling slate.
 
€160 million for Coutinho, Liverpool just recouped some cash for van Dijk, but man, Pogba seems like a discount buy now.

This will hurt Liverpool, alot, IMO.

Also, big grumblings that Mou wants Ozil now.
 
Newport County (11th in the 4th division) knocks out those ***** from Leeds (in a playoff promotion position in the 2ND division), biggest upset so far?

Also, what a Paul Scholes like 2nd goal from American Eric Lichaj, to put Nottingham up 2-1 over the Ginner at the half.

Would love to see Nottingham Forrest back up in the top level, along with the two Steel City teams, and oh ya, my son's 2nd favorite team, Pompei.

Any teams you guys would like to see compete in the top level?
 
Wolves will be up, they are dominating the Championship League.

Forgot about Villa, one of the few teams to win the Premiereship.
 
I wonder how much traction the #WengerOut cry will get this week now that the FA Cup is over for Arsenal this year.

Of course we only scored 2 goals so it must be time to sell a defender and buy an attacking player. Maybe we can bring in another teenage defender who will not see the field for Arsenal for a few years. Even better, maybe we will get a teenage midfielder and continually play him out of position as a defender (seems to be the Wenger way these days).

I get we have had injuries, but what else is new there. Arsenal is supposedly a big club yet they can't have more than 2 CBs they trust? Debuchy is a RB and should not be part of the back 3...sames goes with Monreal when he is healthy. Mertesacker should have retired last year.

Bottom line is it all starts & ends with the manager.

#WENGEROUT
 
Arsenal lineup for Carabo Cup Semi-finals against Chelsea...

Ospina
Chambers - Mustafi - Holding
Bellerin - Wilshere - Xhaka - Maitland-Niles
Iwobi - Lacezette - Welbeck

Bench:
Macey, New Greek Signing, Mertesacker, Nelson, Elneny, Walcott, Alexis.

I fully expect Arsenal to give up 3+ goals today. The defense is currently in a shambles and Wenger is continuing to play AMN out of position as a left wing back. There is no confidence within the side and I think a lot of guys have an eye on the door since it is January.
 
Interesting lineup to be sure.

Sanchez on the bench. What’s the point? If he’s gone, then don’t even name him in the side. If he’s (still) here for the time being, then f’ing play him! What are Iwobi and Welbz on better form?

Ridiculous.
 
What's scary is that this is likely to soon be about as strong a lineup as Arsenal can muster. Take out Holding and Chambers for Koscielny and Monreal. Right now, I am not sure Cech is much better than Ospina. Ramsey is not a big addition when in the lineup. With Sanchez and Ozil gone, who else will Arsenal have? I am skeptical that they sign anybody of significance in January. This could be the weakest Arsenal team in many years to finish up the Premier League season.
 
Well, count me as surprised a 0-0 draw. The issue for Arsenal is that was @ Chelsea, so they need to win at the Emirates.

- After the match Wenger confirmed that Coquelin is gone to Valencia.
- Wenger also mentioned that Ramsey should be back soon.
- Wilshere left the game early with an ankle injury, so they will have more on that in the days to come. I would expect him to be out for a couple weeks.
 
Well, count me as surprised a 0-0 draw. The issue for Arsenal is that was @ Chelsea, so they need to win at the Emirates.

- After the match Wenger confirmed that Coquelin is gone to Valencia.
- Wenger also mentioned that Ramsey should be back soon.
- Wilshere left the game early with an ankle injury, so they will have more on that in the days to come. I would expect him to be out for a couple weeks.
There’s no creativity in the side w/out Ozil. It’s so glaring it hurts. And I’m not the biggest Ozil fan, but I can admit the truth.
 
There’s no creativity in the side w/out Ozil. It’s so glaring it hurts. And I’m not the biggest Ozil fan, but I can admit the truth.

I agree. I am beginning to think that the rumors about Wenger leaving after this season have some merit. Whoever takes over will be left with a pretty bare cupboard.
 
I agree. I am beginning to think that the rumors about Wenger leaving after this season have some merit. Whoever takes over will be left with a pretty bare cupboard.

I agree as well. I wasn't as shocked about Chelsea keeping a clean sheet as I was about Arsenal. I thought for sure there were some goals out there for Chelsea to have against the Gunners defense.

The rumors about Wenger leaving are starting to heat up. I have already heard Ancelotti as a potential replacement, but I think that was just someone throwing out a big name. I have also heard Arteta, but I can't imagine him getting the job after only a year as an assistant to Pep. I would rather them try and get Vieira. Even though he has been in MLS, at least he is the head guy at NYCFC.
 
I agree as well. I wasn't as shocked about Chelsea keeping a clean sheet as I was about Arsenal. I thought for sure there were some goals out there for Chelsea to have against the Gunners defense.

The rumors about Wenger leaving are starting to heat up. I have already heard Ancelotti as a potential replacement, but I think that was just someone throwing out a big name. I have also heard Arteta, but I can't imagine him getting the job after only a year as an assistant to Pep. I would rather them try and get Vieira. Even though he has been in MLS, at least he is the head guy at NYCFC.
The problem is you never want to be the (first) guy to follow the guy.

It worked for Jimbo Fisher, but he's about the only guy I can remember where it worked out well.
 
Le Coq is gone. Allegedly for somewhere between £12-20 mil. I never saw him as part of the problem, but then again, he isn't world class either, so best of luck to him at Valencia. We now have 0 true DMs. That seems prudent.

Theo rumored to be heading to Everton for £20 mil, to be offsides on every play. Please god let that be true!
 
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I've grudgingly come to the conclusion that my favorite squad Chelsea represents me too perfectly. I'm not sure if they're ever going to score again! (It's been three entire matches now.)
 
Worst Arsenal team in over 40 years. I am not sure if this side could make the playoffs in the Championship. I wonder how Wenger feels about Sanchez possibly going to play for his arch-nemesis Mourinho. And to add insult to injury, Man U have offered to throw in Mkhitaryan. Oh, he would fit right in with this Arsenal side.
 
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Invincible no more. Thank you Liverpool (never thought I would ever say that)!

Unfortunately as an Arsenal fan I can't really enjoy it too much because our club is terrible at the moment.

#WengerOut
 
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Reading that the Alexis-to-Man United deal would already be done except Mkhitaryan doesn't want to come the other way. Allegedly, Mkhi, himself an incredibly AVERAGE player who won't make a bit of difference in our side, IMO, doesn't think that Arsenal has a Top 4 chance (which may in fact be true - no argument there)...so he doesn't want to come.

If he does end up coming, way to endear yourself to the Gooner Faithful, Henrikh.

Said in the tone of the guy that taunts Shooter McGavin: "Jackass!"
 
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Well, the #WengerOut cry seems to be getting louder on the other side of the pond. Various news organizations are not only reporting that it is a possibility, but rather a probability that Wenger leaves after this season. I cam across the following regarding potential replacements, though I don't know that a replacement would actually come from that list.

http://www.90min.com/posts/5948562-...-arsenal-manager-arsene-wenger?utm_source=RSS
 
For some reason this year when it comes to the January Transfer Window, I feel like one of the FSU Recruiting junkies over on the PRB. Every time I sit down to my computer I want to find news and see who is incoming and who is outgoing. For you Arsenal fans, below is what I have been reading.

Outgoing:
- Sanchez - heading to Manchester, the question is which club. City have supposedly pulled out leaving ManU, but now Chelsea also apparently have interest.
- Walcott - apparently heading to Everton this week. Big Sam wants him and Theo wants out of Arsenal. However, Southampton are also interested and Theo came from there so he may decide to go south instead of north. Also, Bournemouth have apparently recently approached with loan interest (I don't see that happening).
- Debuchy - I'll believe it when I see it. He has been rumored to be leaving for a couple years now, and he is still with the club.
- Giroud - rumor is that he will be a package deal with Dortmund for Aubameyang.

Incoming:
- Aubameyang - mentioned above. He is apparently at odds with Dortmund and wants out. Personally I would rather get Pulisic (I know he is a young American, but i see the upside with him), rather than Aubameyang. He will be a big name though and get fans excited.
- Mkhitaryan - apparently a package deal to send Alexis to ManU. However, he apparently isn't agreeing to terms so he may either need to be removed from the deal, or Alexis doesn't go to ManU. Personally I would rather have someone else...maybe Martial?
- Malcolm - Arsenal apparently really want this kid. The big question is whether or not they will agree to terms with his club, and him.

Also rumored to be returning from loan are:
- Lucas Perez - not sure why because all he did was sit on the bench when in London.
- Joel Campbel - again not sure why. He has been given some chances but never really solidified himself as a first team player.

Amazingly I have not seen any rumors of incoming defenders. The defense is currently crap and we would have a better chance if we played Swiss Cheese back there, but the only apparent additions are attacking players.

Of course this is Arsenal, so all this is rumor. One comment I read pretty much summed things up perfectly. The only incoming player we will most likely land is the new North Korean sensation Fu Kin Kno Wan.
 
I just got done commenting on "Arsenal Banter" (fun page on FB if you're not already a subscriber) that none of these transfers are going to happen.

Aubameyang rumor is just to distract from Sanchez leaving. In the end, "Dortmund asked for too much." It's all too predictable.

Malcolm scores a goal every four matches. I realize he's young and has potential...blah blah blah. We already have a player that does that - Danny Welbeck. No thanks. Pass! Give Reiss and Eddie a chance in the first team, especially after useless, always-offside Walcott is sold (which by the way, I'll believe that when I see it too).

My thoughts on Mkhi are already listed a couple of posts above. F him if he doesn't want to come to Arsenal. I only want players who are excited to be here. We don't need to kickoff a relationship w/the player being a malcontent.

Regarding the defense, how have you missed the illustrious Johnny Evans rumors? All of our defensive woes would be solved! (gun to head)


EDIT...In all fairness, I'm just as hooked on all these rumors as you though! Not sure what that says about me other than I'm a masochist who refuses to learn his lesson.
 
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Les...

Thanks for the FB page reference. I will look that up and follow it.

I forgot about the Johnny Evans rumors...or maybe I just blocked them out because I don't want him at the club. Those seem to have quieted a bit though as I don't recall reading anything about him since last week.

Te biggest transfer I want to hear about is a new Manager. Can we sell Wenger, maybe on a swap deal?
 
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Les...

Thanks for the FB page reference. I will look that up and follow it.

I forgot about the Johnny Evans rumors...or maybe I just blocked them out because I don't want him at the club. Those seem to have quieted a bit though as I don't recall reading anything about him since last week.

Te biggest transfer I want to hear about is a new Manager. Can we sell Wenger, maybe on a swap deal?
Loan Wenger to Scunthorpe United...I’ll take anything to get him out.
 
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