DoubleDecker
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Holy diver... LOL!!!
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fgl
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Match Report
Barclays Premiership
Emirates Stadium
Saturday, December 16, 2006, 3pm
Arsenal-
Portsmouth-
By Richard Clarke
Having gained as much as anyone could have expected in three successive away games, Arsenal now must attempt to solve the Achilles heel of their Premiership season so far — consistency at home.
It is important to stress that Arsène Wenger’s side have not actually lost at Emirates Stadium yet. But their eight Premiership games have brought four wins and four draws. Of the top 10 in the division, only Aston Villa have gleaned fewer points.
The scenario so far has been this. If Arsenal take the lead they win 3-0, if the opposition score first they draw 1-1.
Crucially, Wenger argues his side have found a defensive stability in a trio of tough trips recently. The challenge now is to gain the momentum necessary for a run that will see them close in on the top two.
“We have had three difficult away games - Porto, Chelsea and Wigan — where we have been stable defensively and resilient,” said the manager at Friday’s press conference.
“We have shown great spirit and great character. We have responded well to the two disappointing results we had at Bolton and Fulham. We have improved our belief and our strength but now we want consistency.
“I feel at the moment it’s not been long enough to say we will [go on a run]. You expect a longer consistency - six, seven, eight or nine games - before you can say that. But I believe we are capable to do it.
“However we are playing 10 weeks on the trot, three games a week. So it is down to how we will cope physically with the schedule we have.”
Consistency and injuries are normally linked so it is concerning that Arsenal’s treatment room continues to be pretty crowded. Tomas Rosicky (hamstring) is now fit but will not be risked against Portsmouth. William Gallas (thigh) will not be back before Christmas, Thierry Henry (hamstring) and Abou Diaby (ankle) are out until the New Year. In addition Philippe Senderos, Gael Clichy and Emmanuel Eboue have all spent lengthy periods out of the side already this term. Meanwhile Lauren had not played at all until his 55-minute cameo in a behind closed-doors friendly this afternoon.
Portsmouth are the surprise package of the Premiership campaign. We are only two games from the midway point of the season yet Harry Redknapp’s early leaders are deservedly fourth just a point behind their opponents on Saturday.
“I feel you can underrate them a bit,” said Wenger. “They have a very dynamic team. I am especially impressed by the quality of their midfield. I have seen them many times and they are doing very, very well. Kanu is in the form of his life and Benjani is doing very well as well. I expect a very even game.”
Of course Kanu is one of three former Arsenal players heavily involved in the success story at Fratton Park. Sol Campbell is marshalling their defence and, of particular note, will be the presence of Tony Adams on the Portsmouth bench on Saturday as assistant manger.
The former Arsenal captain was a Highbury hero but, for an afternoon at least, he’ll be the enemy at Emirates.
“It's good to see Tony on the bench and starting to do this job,” said Wenger. “I am happy to see him doing so well. It will be funny because a lot of former red and white people will be there [for Portsmouth].”
The Arsenal manager must ensure they are left feeling blue on Saturday night.
Barclays Premiership
Emirates Stadium
Saturday, December 16, 2006, 3pm
Arsenal-
Portsmouth-
By Richard Clarke
Having gained as much as anyone could have expected in three successive away games, Arsenal now must attempt to solve the Achilles heel of their Premiership season so far — consistency at home.
It is important to stress that Arsène Wenger’s side have not actually lost at Emirates Stadium yet. But their eight Premiership games have brought four wins and four draws. Of the top 10 in the division, only Aston Villa have gleaned fewer points.
The scenario so far has been this. If Arsenal take the lead they win 3-0, if the opposition score first they draw 1-1.
Crucially, Wenger argues his side have found a defensive stability in a trio of tough trips recently. The challenge now is to gain the momentum necessary for a run that will see them close in on the top two.
“We have had three difficult away games - Porto, Chelsea and Wigan — where we have been stable defensively and resilient,” said the manager at Friday’s press conference.
“We have shown great spirit and great character. We have responded well to the two disappointing results we had at Bolton and Fulham. We have improved our belief and our strength but now we want consistency.
“I feel at the moment it’s not been long enough to say we will [go on a run]. You expect a longer consistency - six, seven, eight or nine games - before you can say that. But I believe we are capable to do it.
“However we are playing 10 weeks on the trot, three games a week. So it is down to how we will cope physically with the schedule we have.”
Consistency and injuries are normally linked so it is concerning that Arsenal’s treatment room continues to be pretty crowded. Tomas Rosicky (hamstring) is now fit but will not be risked against Portsmouth. William Gallas (thigh) will not be back before Christmas, Thierry Henry (hamstring) and Abou Diaby (ankle) are out until the New Year. In addition Philippe Senderos, Gael Clichy and Emmanuel Eboue have all spent lengthy periods out of the side already this term. Meanwhile Lauren had not played at all until his 55-minute cameo in a behind closed-doors friendly this afternoon.
Portsmouth are the surprise package of the Premiership campaign. We are only two games from the midway point of the season yet Harry Redknapp’s early leaders are deservedly fourth just a point behind their opponents on Saturday.
“I feel you can underrate them a bit,” said Wenger. “They have a very dynamic team. I am especially impressed by the quality of their midfield. I have seen them many times and they are doing very, very well. Kanu is in the form of his life and Benjani is doing very well as well. I expect a very even game.”
Of course Kanu is one of three former Arsenal players heavily involved in the success story at Fratton Park. Sol Campbell is marshalling their defence and, of particular note, will be the presence of Tony Adams on the Portsmouth bench on Saturday as assistant manger.
The former Arsenal captain was a Highbury hero but, for an afternoon at least, he’ll be the enemy at Emirates.
“It's good to see Tony on the bench and starting to do this job,” said Wenger. “I am happy to see him doing so well. It will be funny because a lot of former red and white people will be there [for Portsmouth].”
The Arsenal manager must ensure they are left feeling blue on Saturday night.
DoubleDecker
New member
West Ham 1 MUFC 0... darnz... 5 pts lead reduced further.
DoubleDecker
New member
I expected the lead to be cut somehow... 
DoubleDecker
New member
MUFC always have this habit... I'm already used to it. That's why I never take that 5 pts lead too much... Look at their history, they have not been much EPL standings that put them clear ahead of the pack. Always within the last couple of matches.
killinghall
New member
This guy's blog echoes my sentiments on the Sat match between Arsenal - Portsmouth:
http://www.afc4life.co.uk/2006/12/18/arsenals-slim-title-hopes-dashed-by-inexperience/
"Arsenal’s Slim Title Hopes Dashed By Inexperience"
"We know that United and Chelsea are miles ahead of us this season but I like many Gooners still had that faint hope of maybe lifting the title come May. Call it blind faith but that’s what supporters are all about.
But unfortunately a poor result against Pompy at the weekend dashed even the most optimistic supporters hopes of success in the league this season.
The fact was that Arsenal were poor until Adebayor made his introduction 10 minutes into the second half but at this point Arsenal were 2-0 down and had a mountain to climb.
Why must we insist on giving teams the lead at home?
In the end Arsenal could have won it but it was clear that only playing well for 30 minutes is pushing your luck when you’re trying to win games.
And it was quite confusing seeing Aliadiere starting a game for us since he hasn’t even been on the bench recently. Correct me if I’m wrong but wasn’t his last start for us in the league against Liverpool at Anfield in November 2003?
Anyway, Saturday saw Arsenal drop another 2 points and Liverpool even pipped us to 3rd place in the table. Arsenal usually have a poor Xmas period and can you see us winning our next few games?
The fact was Portsmouth had a striker crisis but they still managed to score 2 goals and get a draw against us. Yet again, an opposing keeper had a ‘great game’ at the Emirates and you have to ask yourself if these great performances by goalkeepers is just a co-incidence or simply poor finishing on our part.
Another question that has been raised is the rotation policy Wenger has employed over the last few weeks despite the fact that Arsenal have needed to win games to stop slipping down in the table. I know Henry and others are out but the key to consistency is to play your strongest side and win games. This rotation almost cost us against Wigan and cost us at the weekend against Pompy.
And why wasn’t Baptista even in the squad?
In other news, Cesc has basically told Cole to f*ck himself. Which in all fairness I couldn’t agree with more!
We travel to Liverpool to play in the Carling Cup on Tuesday which now seems to be a must-win game as it presents possibly the best chance of winning a trophy this season.""
http://www.afc4life.co.uk/2006/12/18/arsenals-slim-title-hopes-dashed-by-inexperience/
"Arsenal’s Slim Title Hopes Dashed By Inexperience"
"We know that United and Chelsea are miles ahead of us this season but I like many Gooners still had that faint hope of maybe lifting the title come May. Call it blind faith but that’s what supporters are all about.
But unfortunately a poor result against Pompy at the weekend dashed even the most optimistic supporters hopes of success in the league this season.
The fact was that Arsenal were poor until Adebayor made his introduction 10 minutes into the second half but at this point Arsenal were 2-0 down and had a mountain to climb.
Why must we insist on giving teams the lead at home?
In the end Arsenal could have won it but it was clear that only playing well for 30 minutes is pushing your luck when you’re trying to win games.
And it was quite confusing seeing Aliadiere starting a game for us since he hasn’t even been on the bench recently. Correct me if I’m wrong but wasn’t his last start for us in the league against Liverpool at Anfield in November 2003?
Anyway, Saturday saw Arsenal drop another 2 points and Liverpool even pipped us to 3rd place in the table. Arsenal usually have a poor Xmas period and can you see us winning our next few games?
The fact was Portsmouth had a striker crisis but they still managed to score 2 goals and get a draw against us. Yet again, an opposing keeper had a ‘great game’ at the Emirates and you have to ask yourself if these great performances by goalkeepers is just a co-incidence or simply poor finishing on our part.
Another question that has been raised is the rotation policy Wenger has employed over the last few weeks despite the fact that Arsenal have needed to win games to stop slipping down in the table. I know Henry and others are out but the key to consistency is to play your strongest side and win games. This rotation almost cost us against Wigan and cost us at the weekend against Pompy.
And why wasn’t Baptista even in the squad?
In other news, Cesc has basically told Cole to f*ck himself. Which in all fairness I couldn’t agree with more!
We travel to Liverpool to play in the Carling Cup on Tuesday which now seems to be a must-win game as it presents possibly the best chance of winning a trophy this season.""
DoubleDecker
New member
panz3rr said:
It's more like 4-3-1-2
DoubleDecker
New member
It's a Monday... wet one... everyone's busy.
marcdadrummer
New member
MAN YOU LOST!!
the_man_of_men
New member
SPURS FINALLY GOT THEIR 1ST AWAY VICTORY!!
GLORY SPURS!!
GLORY SPURS!!
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