THE FOOTBALL THREAD Vol 2
- Thread starter fgl
- Start date
loldude333
New member
Results so far: Full time: Spurs 2-0 Portmouth
Half-time: Bolton 0-0 Man City
Blackburn 2-1 Wigan
Aston Villa 0-0 Sunderland
Newcastle 1-0 Fulham
Middlesbrough 1-0 Derby
Reading 1-0 Birmingham
Half-time: Bolton 0-0 Man City
Blackburn 2-1 Wigan
Aston Villa 0-0 Sunderland
Newcastle 1-0 Fulham
Middlesbrough 1-0 Derby
Reading 1-0 Birmingham
headwan
New member
As a gunner fan, utter complancency by their 2 center back and the dunno-wat-i-gonna-do-with-the-ball-either-shoot-or-keep-passing-until-the-ball-goes-out-attitude by their attacking player, honestly the first goal drogba came from an offside position but what can i say,a goal is a goal drogba more power and pace to kill off Arsenal and yuh Arsenal as what ppl noe them good at keeping possession and sleek passing but history keep repeating itself, no end result...honestly i love their style of possesion play but too much make me bore to death, look at man u, they play long pass or play to the width and by all mean cross into the penalty box coz they noe their striker is there to just put the ball into the back of the net.......wat bt gunners, they even try to pass when there are like crowded with players.... i think Arsene should not keep looking for Henry replacement but more to Ian Wright or Alan Smith and also should at least replace 1 of their centre back or u noe who i want them to replece,which have the same leadership,strenght,mentallity and passion as Tony Adam....Im not too keen of their striker and also the leadership of Gallas.....pure pure pure dissapointment......3/4 of season on top of the league and now dropping........thnx for making my day Gunners
fgl
Well-known member
'We must win games before we dream of title'
On the repercusations of this defeat...
"It is a big setback for us when you add the four games we drew and today's loss. Now we just have to come back and win games before we dream of the title."
On the game itself...
"It was a game we should have won, but we paid for some lapses in concentration. It is difficult to swallow because we played quite well and were in control of the game. What was left to Chelsea was to play long balls, and we did not deal well enough with it."
On the reasons for the defeat...
"The spirit was right and the mentality was fantastic, over all the team played very well but at the moment, I feel we have some defensive problems which we need to sort out. We got caught on the long balls and the physical battle. But we were a bit unlucky because the first goal was offside and it was also a foul from Terry before that. That has a big impact in the game, and recently we have been badly done by things like that."
On the opportunity missed...
"I don't worry about Chelsea. I worry about Arsenal and the way we play the game. We were 1-0 up and had it all in our hands. We needed a bit more defensive authority as the game was there to be taken. We had plenty of chances on the counter-attack when they went 4-4-2. It was just a matter of time to score the second goal. We were not serene enough defensively."
On disappointment...
"I feel the sprit in the team is fantastic. Today the players will be very disappointed because they gave everything but we go home without any points. That is why we have to show our strength. I believe we have the strength, but at the moment we are six points behind Manchester United. We have first to win our next game before we talk about the title. I do not believe that we had any confidence problem today."
On losing the lead...
"I feel the team got a big blow when we went 2-1 down and then lost a bit of patience in the build-up. We wanted to go too much through the middle instead of going wide." On the ankle injury to Bacary Sagna ...
"I don't know how bad it is. But it was also a disturbance to lose him at such an important moment of the game."
On the repercusations of this defeat...
"It is a big setback for us when you add the four games we drew and today's loss. Now we just have to come back and win games before we dream of the title."
On the game itself...
"It was a game we should have won, but we paid for some lapses in concentration. It is difficult to swallow because we played quite well and were in control of the game. What was left to Chelsea was to play long balls, and we did not deal well enough with it."
On the reasons for the defeat...
"The spirit was right and the mentality was fantastic, over all the team played very well but at the moment, I feel we have some defensive problems which we need to sort out. We got caught on the long balls and the physical battle. But we were a bit unlucky because the first goal was offside and it was also a foul from Terry before that. That has a big impact in the game, and recently we have been badly done by things like that."
On the opportunity missed...
"I don't worry about Chelsea. I worry about Arsenal and the way we play the game. We were 1-0 up and had it all in our hands. We needed a bit more defensive authority as the game was there to be taken. We had plenty of chances on the counter-attack when they went 4-4-2. It was just a matter of time to score the second goal. We were not serene enough defensively."
On disappointment...
"I feel the sprit in the team is fantastic. Today the players will be very disappointed because they gave everything but we go home without any points. That is why we have to show our strength. I believe we have the strength, but at the moment we are six points behind Manchester United. We have first to win our next game before we talk about the title. I do not believe that we had any confidence problem today."
On losing the lead...
"I feel the team got a big blow when we went 2-1 down and then lost a bit of patience in the build-up. We wanted to go too much through the middle instead of going wide." On the ankle injury to Bacary Sagna ...
"I don't know how bad it is. But it was also a disturbance to lose him at such an important moment of the game."
fgl
Well-known member
<LI class="">
Sarkozy, Wenger and Brown
Wenger's pride as Brown and Sarkozy visit Emirates
By Richard Clarke
Arsène Wenger described the visit of Gordon Brown and Nicolas Sarkozy to Emirates Stadium as a "very proud day" for Arsenal FC.
The two leaders came to the ground for an Anglo-French summit. But before talks began the British Prime Minister and the French President were shown around Emirates Stadium by the Arsenal manager. They chatted with Wenger and watched a short five-a-side game comprised of players from the Club's French Double Club.
"It is a very proud day for us," said Wenger afterwards. "It shows that having a wonderful stadium like ours can be a big promotion for the Club. It is aswell a big honour to be chosen by Gordon Brown to host this summit. For me it is a symbol of the union of France and England."
When the three men did get a chance to talk, there was only one topic of conversation. And, it appears the Prime Minister was something an expert.
"We talked about sport and about football," said Wenger. "I feel football can show European countries the way the world of tomorrow will be.
"And Gordon Brown knows his football very well. He is a Raith Rovers fan. He knows all the details of what is going on in the English game so that was very impressive."
Wenger, Brown and Sarkozy
The manager shows the PM around
Wenger's pride as Brown and Sarkozy visit Emirates
By Richard Clarke
Arsène Wenger described the visit of Gordon Brown and Nicolas Sarkozy to Emirates Stadium as a "very proud day" for Arsenal FC.
The two leaders came to the ground for an Anglo-French summit. But before talks began the British Prime Minister and the French President were shown around Emirates Stadium by the Arsenal manager. They chatted with Wenger and watched a short five-a-side game comprised of players from the Club's French Double Club.
"It is a very proud day for us," said Wenger afterwards. "It shows that having a wonderful stadium like ours can be a big promotion for the Club. It is aswell a big honour to be chosen by Gordon Brown to host this summit. For me it is a symbol of the union of France and England."
When the three men did get a chance to talk, there was only one topic of conversation. And, it appears the Prime Minister was something an expert.
"We talked about sport and about football," said Wenger. "I feel football can show European countries the way the world of tomorrow will be.
"And Gordon Brown knows his football very well. He is a Raith Rovers fan. He knows all the details of what is going on in the English game so that was very impressive."
headwan
New member
yuh, last season they use the excuse, "the team is still young".....hiyo, but wat can i say, wenger is not like some manager who just shoot at the team in public for losing a game or under-performance.....and he never practice "hair dryer" treament which i hope he will coz look at the team with a manager who gives "hair dryer" treatment during team talk....it works for them
loldude333
New member
I think arsenal may not have the experience and perseverance to fight to the finish. There seems to be a lot of controversy surrounding Gallas' captaincy, rumours abt him losing the dressing room and that could further derail them. Yes, they started the season well. Yes, they were on top most of the time. But when it comes to the business end of the season, they must be prepared to keep it all together and weather the tough times through together. If Gallas keeps doing this, i think he alone will sink the Gunners dreams (although he has kept them alive for most of the season. Funny innit?). Wenger is an excellent manager, a rare breed like Fergie. But even he cannot be the only one to spur the team on. They MUST always stick together as a unit or it will be Wenger who is left to pick up the pieces.
fgl
Well-known member
Barclays Premier League
Reebok Stadium
Saturday, March 29, 2008, 3pm
Bolton Wanderers
-
Arsenal
-
By Richard Clarke
Forget the title and Champions League for now, Arsène Wenger's short-term target is simply to win again.
With the notable exception of that historic victory in Milan, Arsenal have not tasted victory since February 11 when Blackburn were beaten 2-0 at Emirates Stadium. In that period they have exited the FA Cup and, more importantly, seen a five-point advantage at the top of the table diminish to a six-point deficit.
Incredibly, Sunday's defeat at Chelsea was only their second of the Premier League campaign, half the tally of leaders Manchester United. However Sir Alex Ferguson's side have amassed four more wins.
Given their recent problems, Wenger would settle for a victory - plain and simple - before they kick-off a mammoth 10 days that will see them play Liverpool three times and then Manchester United at Old Trafford.
"We want to come back to winning games that is what we need to show on Saturday," said the Arsenal manager at his pre-match press conference.
"People talk about the Champions League, but it is better you go into the Champions League if you have won the game before than to have had a disappointing result.
"On Saturday, the team just wants to focus on a top-level performance, and then we will win. Not the opposite when how you play does not matter as long as you win. It is important how we perform, then we win the game.
"We have played many times this season. Recently things have gone against us, little decisions which used to go for us and we could not deal with that mentally.
"But overall I believe we are tough enough mentally. However it's true that when you are so close to the end and things go against you one week after the next, at some stage you have to win again, or that mental strength will go.
"We had a massive disappointment after the Chelsea game, but the fact that they all went away and thought about something different [with their international games] will have refreshed them. They can come back focused again and think it is a new start again."
The game at Stamford Bridge cost Arsenal the services of Bacary Sagna (ankle) for three weeks at least. He joins an injured list consisting of two long-serving names - Tomas Rosicky (hamstring) and Eduardo (broken leg).
"It is a big blow," admitted Wenger. "Sagna has been a revelation for us, a fantastic player."
The manager also hinted that Emmanuel Adebayor may be rested, which presumably means Robin van Persie and Niklas Bendtner will be paired up front.
Traditionally, Bolton away has been a bogey fixture for Arsenal. On Saturday the Trotters will be going for the fourth consecutive Premier League win over Wenger's men. However that record was built-up under Sam Allardyce. Despite creditable Uefa Cup success with Gary Megson, they have slipped into the bottom three in recent weeks and are staring relegation square in the face. That, however, is not Wenger's concern. His primary aim is two-fold. Firstly to lift his side's belief and then achieve the win that might lift them up the table.
Remember Manchester United still have to play Chelsea and Arsenal. So if no one is making assumptions at Old Trafford there seems no reason to do it in North or West London. Wenger's attitude was summed up when he was asked whether his players now lacked belief in their own title challenge.
"Well," he replied drawing breath. "That would be a shame because we have worked so hard and fought so hard. Not to believe it now would be crazy.
Yes the belief is maybe less strong than when we were five points ahead but we know for us Bolton is a massive game.
"We don't necessarily have to win every game [to win the title] but certainly we cannot drop any points in the direct game with Manchester United. We are in a situation where we have to win that.
"However," Wenger concluded. "before dreaming of the title, we have to show we can be consistent again and win games."
That process starts on Saturday..
Reebok Stadium
Saturday, March 29, 2008, 3pm
Bolton Wanderers
-
Arsenal
-
By Richard Clarke
Forget the title and Champions League for now, Arsène Wenger's short-term target is simply to win again.
With the notable exception of that historic victory in Milan, Arsenal have not tasted victory since February 11 when Blackburn were beaten 2-0 at Emirates Stadium. In that period they have exited the FA Cup and, more importantly, seen a five-point advantage at the top of the table diminish to a six-point deficit.
Incredibly, Sunday's defeat at Chelsea was only their second of the Premier League campaign, half the tally of leaders Manchester United. However Sir Alex Ferguson's side have amassed four more wins.
Given their recent problems, Wenger would settle for a victory - plain and simple - before they kick-off a mammoth 10 days that will see them play Liverpool three times and then Manchester United at Old Trafford.
"We want to come back to winning games that is what we need to show on Saturday," said the Arsenal manager at his pre-match press conference.
"People talk about the Champions League, but it is better you go into the Champions League if you have won the game before than to have had a disappointing result.
"On Saturday, the team just wants to focus on a top-level performance, and then we will win. Not the opposite when how you play does not matter as long as you win. It is important how we perform, then we win the game.
"We have played many times this season. Recently things have gone against us, little decisions which used to go for us and we could not deal with that mentally.
"But overall I believe we are tough enough mentally. However it's true that when you are so close to the end and things go against you one week after the next, at some stage you have to win again, or that mental strength will go.
"We had a massive disappointment after the Chelsea game, but the fact that they all went away and thought about something different [with their international games] will have refreshed them. They can come back focused again and think it is a new start again."
The game at Stamford Bridge cost Arsenal the services of Bacary Sagna (ankle) for three weeks at least. He joins an injured list consisting of two long-serving names - Tomas Rosicky (hamstring) and Eduardo (broken leg).
"It is a big blow," admitted Wenger. "Sagna has been a revelation for us, a fantastic player."
The manager also hinted that Emmanuel Adebayor may be rested, which presumably means Robin van Persie and Niklas Bendtner will be paired up front.
Traditionally, Bolton away has been a bogey fixture for Arsenal. On Saturday the Trotters will be going for the fourth consecutive Premier League win over Wenger's men. However that record was built-up under Sam Allardyce. Despite creditable Uefa Cup success with Gary Megson, they have slipped into the bottom three in recent weeks and are staring relegation square in the face. That, however, is not Wenger's concern. His primary aim is two-fold. Firstly to lift his side's belief and then achieve the win that might lift them up the table.
Remember Manchester United still have to play Chelsea and Arsenal. So if no one is making assumptions at Old Trafford there seems no reason to do it in North or West London. Wenger's attitude was summed up when he was asked whether his players now lacked belief in their own title challenge.
"Well," he replied drawing breath. "That would be a shame because we have worked so hard and fought so hard. Not to believe it now would be crazy.
Yes the belief is maybe less strong than when we were five points ahead but we know for us Bolton is a massive game.
"We don't necessarily have to win every game [to win the title] but certainly we cannot drop any points in the direct game with Manchester United. We are in a situation where we have to win that.
"However," Wenger concluded. "before dreaming of the title, we have to show we can be consistent again and win games."
That process starts on Saturday..
fgl
Well-known member
Wenger - Adebayor maybe needs a breather
Bolton Wanderers v Arsenal
Barclays Premier League
Reebok Stadium
Sat, Mar 29, 2008, 3pm
By Richard Clarke
Arsène Wenger has hinted that he may rest Emmanuel Adebayor for the trip to Bolton on Saturday.
The Togolese striker has been the mainstay of the Arsenal attack this season. He has featured in 29 of his side's 31 Premier League games this term scoring 19 goals in the process. However he has hit the net only once in his last eight appearances in all competitions. It came in the solitary win of that sequence - the 2-0 win in Milan. Otherwise the 24-year-old's difficult spell has coincided with the struggles of his side.
With three games against Liverpool then another at Manchester United on the horizon, it is no surprise that Wenger was suggesting he might rotate Adebayor this weekend.
"I believe he has given a lot this year and so he would need a little breather, maybe," said the manager. "He has played a lot on his own up front and has had to fight very hard. So at the moment, to refresh him a bit would do him some good.
"He has not scored recently but then, as a team, we have made less chances. Also physically he was a bit jaded because he has played in nearly every single game since the start of the season.
"He is an important player in our squad. But I have Bendtner there and I have van Persie coming back."
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