Review of the Week

Morning all,

A quick look back at the Fulham game which was disappointing after all the good results we've had recently.The team was flat and seemed to be lacking urgency from the very start.There were early chances that were missed and you just knew that it was going to be a difficult evering.Fair play to Fulham who played well enough to get something from the game but you can't help feel we threw away 2 points.I won't do player rating,but here's a few things that stood out for me,

-we do look more solid at the back,apparently Pat Rice has been taking the defence for training on their own for the first time ever

-Theo is having a fine season, for a long in the match he was he only one causing problems and his final ball has definitively improved

-Andrey Arshavin is a shadow of his former self.That was made clear when Gervinho came on and added pace and workrate to the team

Moving on to Tuesday night and there were positives and negatives to be taken from the Man City game.Obviously losing and going out  was a big disappointment, especially in a game in which I feel we could have won.When Aguero came on City had over 100 million pounds worth of talent on the field and we more than matched them.Samir Na$ri's reception was no surprise and yet it caught him out. He played the same way as he did for us in the second half of last season.Rubbish.Players that stood out,

-Emmanuel Frimpong-already a fans favourite.His aggression in midfield is something we don't have in others.A huge raw talent.

-Francis Coquelin-worked well with Frimpong.Well capable for this level against two experienced internationals(De Jong and Hargreaves)

-Alex Oxlade(The Ox)-Chamberlain-Much better than Theo at that age.Exciting, two footed, takes players on, what a future he has.
-Laurent Koscielny-have to mention him.Just brilliant at the moment.Quick, reads the game so well, and wins a tackle even when he seems beaten.
And on the down side,
-Ju Young Park-Typical S. Korean, hard working, fit, but not good enough for this level at the moment.
-Marouane Chamakh-don't know whats wrong with this guy, a good header of the ball who can't get near the ball to head it.We're in trouble if Van Persie gets injured.

                                            Na$ri.......Welcome back

And I must say 1
Tough draw for Ireland, but 3 glamour ties to look forward to, and you know we're always better as underdogs.Bring it on.
And I must say 2
Great Formula 1 season with lots of exciting races, but if Button, Hamilton and Alonso don't get their act together Vettel is going to dominate for years.
And I must say 3
Uproar in Britain where no British sportswoman has made the last 10 for BBC sports personality of the year, but can you think of one.......No neither can I
And I must say 4
Loved Gareth Maybin's reaction when he got a hole in one today, he just jumped all over his caddie like he'd scored at Wembley

Up & Running

Morning everyone,and welcome to the first I am Irish Gooner.I've been thinking about this for a while and thanks to Jamesie, I'm finally up and running.Being an Arsenal fan all my life you know what this blog will be about although football and other sports might get a quick word.
It's certainly easier to write about Arsenal now than it was 3 months ago,a disastrous start left Arsene Wenger and the team with an awful big corner to turn.I think it could be the end of the season before we find out if we've turned that successfully or not.Certainly a top 4 finish is vital.
Winning our CL group means we avoid the mistake of last year and will not have to play the likes of Barcelona and Real Madrid.Possible 2nd round opponents include Lille, Porto, AC Milan, Ajax or Napoli although some groups are still very tight.Wednesday nights win was a very good one considering Dortmund seem to have rediscovered last seasons title winning form.One thing I have always enjoyed is player ratings and it's something I intend to do here.So here's my 2 bobs worth.
Szczesny-7
Confident lad.Dealt comfortably with everything Dortmund threw at him.
Koscielny-6.5
Playing very well.Doesn't get up and down as well as Sagna or Jenkinson but he is a centre back.Gives everything.
Andre Santos-7
Has come on a lot.Plenty of Brazilian flare but he does wander and that might cost us in other games.
Per Mertesacker-6.5
Steady and calm.He seems more at home in CL or maybe it was because he was playing a German team.
Thomas Vermaelen-7
Top player.His reaction to conceding the goal says it all.His all action style is vital to team.
Alex Song-8.5.....MOTM
Great display.Worked so hard helping the defense (mainly left back).Terrific run and skill for 1st goal.
Mikel Arteta-6.5
Reminds me of Ray Wilkins (when he had hair).Loves to link up the play and keep things moving.His free kicks have'nt worked......yet.
Aaron Ramsey-6.5
Didn't happen for him going forward.Kept going and never gave up though.
Gervinho-6.5
Now gives us pace on both wings.A good signing who just needs to add some goals to his game.Does'nt seem to like one on ones with keepers.
Theo Walcott-7
Much more consistent.Linking up with Van Persie well.But Theo, stay away from the pushing and shoving,its just not you.
Robin Van Persie-8
What can you say, he's in the form of his life. Has a great footballing brain,seems to be in the right place at the right time.
Of the subs Benayoun did alright.I've a feeling we might see a bit more of him with so many matches coming up.Arsene might make some changes for Fulham although with the Carling Cup on Tuesday he might play the 1st team and then give them the week off.Even though we're playing Man City, i don't think he cares about the CC this year.We'll see how serious he takes it with the team sheet on Tuesday.The Wifey says I always say "and I must say" so to finish off with,
And I must say 1
Are Chelsea trying to become the new Arsenal.Attacking play, bad defending, there the latest crisis club.Interesting to see how AVB deals with all those egos in the dressing room.That's if he's there of course.
And I must say 2
Did you see the Dortmund fans the other night.Brilliant.That's how to support your team.
And I must say 3
In golf, a good start to the weekend when an interviewer asked why G Mac and Wee Mac were playing with each others balls and the two lads just burst out laughing.
See ya soon