OLYMPIACOS 2-1 ARSENAL
Rosicky 38 mins, Maniatis 53 mins, Mitroglou 73 mins
Att: 30,000
Tonight saw Arsenal visit Greek outfit Olympiacos, in a game that meant relatively little in terms of the Champions League. Arsenal had already qualified alongside Schalke, though it didn't take a genius to guess that Arsenal would like to finish top of their group. However, as stated in his press conference following the defeat to Swansea, Wenger felt his team were "jaded" by their recent efforts, and would take any opportunity to rest them; one can see his logic, to which most Gooners would probably agree with.
What next? What does Wenger do? Well, Wenger went with a team mixed with youth and some experience. Skipper Thomas Vermaelen kept his place, along with Szczęsny and Gervinho. Of the starters, one who certainly gained attention was Champions League first-timer Jernade Meade, the 20 year-old Englishman being granted his first start by Arsene Wenger. Another of the first XI was Sebastien Squillaci, much criticised and underplayed, he rarely sees a game for Arsenal these days. In fact, the last time Squllaci appeared in an Arsenal shirt was in February 2012, in the FA Cup defeat to Sunderland. Arsenal fans tend to wince when his name appears on the teamsheet, which is unfortunate for him, but one does often question what kind of quality he poses to the club.
The game began rather confidently for the young Arsenal side. The first ten minutes naturally saw few clear cut chances, but an air of comfort was oozing from the Gunners; that said, Olympiacos weren't particularly nervous either, and both teams seemed to approach this game as if it were meaningless, a foregone conclusion.
Arsenal had their first clear chance in the 17th minute, when a ricocheted effort bounced kindly for Aaron Ramsey, positioned sweetly 7 yards from goal. But alas, the Welshman could only scuff his shot, being on his weaker foot, and his best efforts to have another pop ended with him dribbling himself into touch. Unlucky, but certainly not the end of the night's action. The Greek side responded two minutes later with a chance of their own. A corner looped in was found, and was heading for a goal but for a decisive goal-line clearance. Both teams seemed revitalised by this recent spell of attacking football. The game was end to end, and in the 24th minute, Olympiacos could have scored again, Abdoun's fizzing shot palmed away expertly by Wojciech Szczęsny. Abdoun, who once had a trial at Manchester City, was seeing much of the ball and playing some excellent football, with the Arsenal defence just about coping with the recent barrage of attacks.
The Olympiacos fans were in good voice, and it has to be said that on the past two occasions, the fans never disappointed. They will have been disappointed when Arsenal took the lead.
The first goal came in the 38th minute from TOMAS ROSICKY. Arsenal came streaming forward in a counter-attack which was initially squandered by thoughtlessness from Gervinho. But as Ramsey revived their attack, Gervinho held the ball in a highly congested penalty area. He played a bullet pass across the box, which Rosicky powered home into the bottom left corner, Olympiacos keeper Roy Carroll only managing to brush the shot with his fingertips. An important goal which Arsenal in general deserved, and at that moment in time Arsenal were all set to finish top of Group B, as Schalke were drawing 0-0 in Montpellier.
The game didn't loose its zing, and Olympiacos were certainly not downhearted by conceding. However, as referee Undiano Mallenco blew for half-time, Arsenal returned to the dressing rooms relatively comfortable. That said, Wenger would have wanted another goal to perhaps assert Arsenal's dominance. As the teams reemerged for the second half Arsenal made a substitution, bringing on Andrei Arshavin for goalscorer Tomas Rosicky; Arsenal's most experienced substitute of the night, the rest of the bench would be debutants. The formation was slightly edited, with Arshavin occupying the left-wing, Gerivnho on the right, and Oxlade-Chamberlain moving to a freer, more central role behind striker Marouane Chamakh.
Arsenal made their intentions clear from the kick off, applying pressure early on. Want-away Chamakh wasn't provided many goal-scoring opportunities in the first half, and a goal for the Moroccan could only do him good. And yet, in the 54th minute, Arsenal had another counter-attack, and it was Chamakh who played the decisive ball to Andrei Arshavin. However, the cross was ill-placed, and Arshavin was forced to attempt a header, which spiraled hopelessly out of play. A disappointing move, but at least the attacking intent was there.
Olympiacos were still an ever-present threat, and their visitors were given a stern reminder by Fejsa, who's shot in space hit the side-netting. Meanwhile, Schalke scored in Montpellier, pushing Arsenal back into second place in Group B. Whether the players knew of the current scores is unknown, but Wenger would undoubtedly be keeping his eye on proceedings in France.
Olympiacos finally equalised in the 64th minute, GIANNIS MANIATIS finding the net. After a corner was seemingly dealt with by Arsenal, danger-man Abdoun sent in a swerved cross that bounced in the box, finally met by full-back Maniatis, his half-volley brushing the post on its way in. A succor-punch for the Gunners, who were finally cracked despite their valiant efforts. Arsenal were firmly on the rack now, and the team needed to demonstrate composure if they were going to soak up the pressure.
Minutes later, Olympiacos should have been leading. In the 70th minute, Djebbour was gifted a free header after a brilliant cross, Carl Jenkinson caught daydreaming. The striker could only plunge his effort wide when he really should have found the back of the net. A scary moment for the Gunners, and one could sense a fightback coming on.
And moments later, Arsenal were finally punished for their procrastination. Ever since the equaliser, the team had been greatly nerved. In the 73rd minute, they could only watch on in awe as substitute KOSTAS MITROGLOU curved a 25-yard beauty into the right corner of the net, a fantastic goal, which one could say they had earned. Arsenal disappointingly flat, Olympiacos looked in control.
Though this game was, in majority, played for pride, Arsenal were not giving up just yet. The game was heading into the 80th minute, and Arsenal could be commended for keeping their heads high, not allowing themselves to plunge into the depths of insignificance. As much as they would have liked to win, a win away in Athens is always a tall order, whatever team you happen to be. Furthermore, there were encouraging signs from Jernade Meade, a makeshift winger-come-left-back who will have greatly valued his display tonight. At 20, he demonstrated general stability and athleticism, as well as forming great chemistry with his peers. Maybe not a first choice left-back now, but who knows what will happen in the future. There was a debut for Swiss full-back Martin Angha, who replaced Meade, another product of Arsenal's strong reserve set-up. He wasn't given much time tonight, but who knows, maybe soon he will be given a chance to flourish in the way Meade did tonight.
The game ended in a 2-1 defeat for the Gunners, their second straight loss in a row. Wenger may grumble at the result, but deep down he will be satisfied that his team played some good football, and his first-team regulars were given a much needed rest ahead of some crucial games. I don't think that anyone can realistically criticise the performance tonight, though if Arsenal lose at home to West Brom on Saturday, serious questions will be asked by the press and fans. Do not prejudge, however; Arsenal need an incentive and they will perform. A win is a must, and I'm sure they know that, so let's give them a chance before we shoot them down.
In Arsene we trust, up the Gunners!
Tuesday, 4 December 2012
Saturday, 1 December 2012
Enough talk - the day of the walk
ARSENAL 0-2 SWANSEA CITY
Michu 89 mins & 90 mins
Att: 60,098
Today was the day of the Black Scarf Movement walk. At 1:30pm, around 1200 fans gathered outside the Cannons pub for the demonstration which lead right up to 'Bear roundabout' outside the Emirates Stadium. It was a tense atmosphere, and the songs that were sung ranged from Anti-Gazidis to Pro-Arsenal in terms of material. It was a demonstration which left me feeling very proud of the Gooners who took part, as we showed to the board (and to the Prawn-sandwich brigade) that Arsenal's true core supporters are not happy with the current situation.
Arsenal went into the game off the back of two draws against Aston Villa and Everton. Both games, granted, were away from home, but Arsene Wenger was surely dismayed that Arsenal only managed to take two points from a possible six. Alarm bells were being readied by the Arsenal fans, who knew that the next two home matches against Swansea and West Brom were must-wins.
What happens next? Or rather, what happened next? The Arsenal fans who took part all strove for the same message: let's kick greed out of football, and let's reinstate that fighting ambition the club once had, instead of focusing on a fourth-place finish every season. And as if it was Sod's law was at work, Arsenal lost at home to Swansea City for the first time since 1982, being comprehensively outplayed by Michael Laudrup's young side. Where did it all go wrong?
The game began in similar fashion to the performance at Villa Park last weekend. No real clear-cut chances were fabricated by either side, and Arsenal were demonstrating the same kind of passionless, dreary non-football, which is to sheepishly caress the ball around the edge of the box, without having a shot.
There was so little to talk about in the first half, and it seemed like these kind of lacklustre displays were becoming the status quo for Arsenal; against Everton and Villa, the side barely showed any attacking intent - after Walcott scored inside 50 seconds, the Arsenal eleven were merely spectators for the rest of the game.
And as the teams returned for the start of the second half, it seemed that all the game needed was a bit of zest, an infusion of brilliance, even the slightest glimmer of inspiration, and then one team would go on and win this. However, and rather sadly for Arsenal, that spark was not found. Arsenal continued in the same way as they had ended the first - fannying around with the ball. As the ball was frequently exchanged between Gibbs and Oxlade-Chamberlain, there seemed to be no striker for them to pick out. The general movement of the Arsenal forwards was atrocious, and, combined with sloppy passing, made for a pretty desperate situation for Wenger and his team.
The Arsenal faithful were not happy, not even close. It seems the natural consequence for Arsenal to concede before anything happens, be it good or bad. And when Arsenal finally did concede - in the 88th minute - there were real questions as to how it was Swansea could unlock the Arsenal defence that easily.
Michu, Swansea's £2 million signing, linked up with Luke Moore, exchanging quick passes. All of a sudden, Michu was bearing down on the Arsenal goal, with Szczesny in his way. What followed was simply an act of brilliance. The Spaniard finessed the ball into the top left corner with ease, and the boos rang out around the Emirates. Some Arsenal fans headed for the exits - they'd seen enough.
As if to rub salt into the wounds, Swansea scored again. As Arsenal pressed for an equaliser - though to not much avail - the ball landed at Michu's feet, and, thanks to a defensive slip-up, he found himself clean through on goal, again with Szczesny in his way. He opted for a low drive this time, sending the travelling fans into delirium, and the boos rang out around the Emirates again. This time, there was a monumental fire exit from the fans. Similar to the defeat to Schalke last month, the Emirates quickly emptied, though the fans that did stay made their feelings loud and clear.
The final whistle went, and Arsenal were left speechless, astounded and disappointed.
Was the BSM's protest in vain? Were they at fault for the team's below par performance? I'd say certainly not, as every fan has the right to say what they think about the club - after all, they're the ones forking out the money to go and watch them. Arsenal lie tenth in the table, 12 points off the pace of Manchester City. There is little more I need to say on the matter, as the following picture sums up the situation of the club at the moment. Thanks for reading.
Michu 89 mins & 90 mins
Att: 60,098
Today was the day of the Black Scarf Movement walk. At 1:30pm, around 1200 fans gathered outside the Cannons pub for the demonstration which lead right up to 'Bear roundabout' outside the Emirates Stadium. It was a tense atmosphere, and the songs that were sung ranged from Anti-Gazidis to Pro-Arsenal in terms of material. It was a demonstration which left me feeling very proud of the Gooners who took part, as we showed to the board (and to the Prawn-sandwich brigade) that Arsenal's true core supporters are not happy with the current situation.
Arsenal went into the game off the back of two draws against Aston Villa and Everton. Both games, granted, were away from home, but Arsene Wenger was surely dismayed that Arsenal only managed to take two points from a possible six. Alarm bells were being readied by the Arsenal fans, who knew that the next two home matches against Swansea and West Brom were must-wins.
What happens next? Or rather, what happened next? The Arsenal fans who took part all strove for the same message: let's kick greed out of football, and let's reinstate that fighting ambition the club once had, instead of focusing on a fourth-place finish every season. And as if it was Sod's law was at work, Arsenal lost at home to Swansea City for the first time since 1982, being comprehensively outplayed by Michael Laudrup's young side. Where did it all go wrong?
The game began in similar fashion to the performance at Villa Park last weekend. No real clear-cut chances were fabricated by either side, and Arsenal were demonstrating the same kind of passionless, dreary non-football, which is to sheepishly caress the ball around the edge of the box, without having a shot.
There was so little to talk about in the first half, and it seemed like these kind of lacklustre displays were becoming the status quo for Arsenal; against Everton and Villa, the side barely showed any attacking intent - after Walcott scored inside 50 seconds, the Arsenal eleven were merely spectators for the rest of the game.
And as the teams returned for the start of the second half, it seemed that all the game needed was a bit of zest, an infusion of brilliance, even the slightest glimmer of inspiration, and then one team would go on and win this. However, and rather sadly for Arsenal, that spark was not found. Arsenal continued in the same way as they had ended the first - fannying around with the ball. As the ball was frequently exchanged between Gibbs and Oxlade-Chamberlain, there seemed to be no striker for them to pick out. The general movement of the Arsenal forwards was atrocious, and, combined with sloppy passing, made for a pretty desperate situation for Wenger and his team.
The Arsenal faithful were not happy, not even close. It seems the natural consequence for Arsenal to concede before anything happens, be it good or bad. And when Arsenal finally did concede - in the 88th minute - there were real questions as to how it was Swansea could unlock the Arsenal defence that easily.
Michu, Swansea's £2 million signing, linked up with Luke Moore, exchanging quick passes. All of a sudden, Michu was bearing down on the Arsenal goal, with Szczesny in his way. What followed was simply an act of brilliance. The Spaniard finessed the ball into the top left corner with ease, and the boos rang out around the Emirates. Some Arsenal fans headed for the exits - they'd seen enough.
As if to rub salt into the wounds, Swansea scored again. As Arsenal pressed for an equaliser - though to not much avail - the ball landed at Michu's feet, and, thanks to a defensive slip-up, he found himself clean through on goal, again with Szczesny in his way. He opted for a low drive this time, sending the travelling fans into delirium, and the boos rang out around the Emirates again. This time, there was a monumental fire exit from the fans. Similar to the defeat to Schalke last month, the Emirates quickly emptied, though the fans that did stay made their feelings loud and clear.
The final whistle went, and Arsenal were left speechless, astounded and disappointed.
Was the BSM's protest in vain? Were they at fault for the team's below par performance? I'd say certainly not, as every fan has the right to say what they think about the club - after all, they're the ones forking out the money to go and watch them. Arsenal lie tenth in the table, 12 points off the pace of Manchester City. There is little more I need to say on the matter, as the following picture sums up the situation of the club at the moment. Thanks for reading.
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