Post Fulham thoughts

[onetreehill]

A good return to form in most places - soccernet was a little too kind in their calling it a vintage performance, I think

We were hardly tested at back, but I thought all the players gave good performances. Clichy's early runs inspired the team, I think. Their lone striker, Dempsey, was obviously going after Senderos, and our CB stood up very well, made some strong tackles and distributed well from the back. Gallas and Sagna strong performances as usual.

The midfield took awhile to get going, but Hleb and Rosicky were, ultimately, outstanding. Flamini had another strong outing, but Fabregas has yet to really capture that pre-injury stride that he had. Is he playing hurt.

Adebayor was outstanding and his knack for scoring with his head is very, very welcome. Nice to see him return to form after taking the game against Birmingham off, Eduardo continues to improve. He has that early-Arsenal affliction of holding on to the ball too long, but he set up several goal scoring ops today for Fab and, of course, Rosicky.

Almunia - 7 nothing to do, but gaining confidence all the time in managing his area
Sagna - 7
Gallas - 7
Senderos - 8
Clichy - 9
Hleb - 9
Flamini - 7
Fab - 7
Rosicky - 8
Adebayor - 8
Eduardo - 9

ok - I mark high

MOTM - honourable mentions to Rosicky, Hleb, Adebayor and Clichy, but I'm going with Eduardo for his non-stop running, playmaking and ability to control the ball. He deserved a goal and is going to make it tough for RvP to get on the field.

So, our first team is getting its confidence back, do we abandon our shadow squad mentality on Tuesday against Spurs? Probably not, but the first team must start against Newcastle in the FA Cup next weekend. I think they have had plenty of rest and need to play untill the end of the season now. Thoughts?

[gooner gal]

overall we played some good footy.
our fans were loud throughout the game, fulham fans couldnt even be heard. we even got a new ade song

I was disapointed in cesc's performance again, one can only hope he gets back to his usual self soon

[onetreehill]

Originally Posted by gooner gal

overall we played some good footy.
our fans were loud throughout the game, fulham fans couldnt even be heard. we even got a new ade song

I was disapointed in cesc's performance again, one can only hope he gets back to his usual self soon

Could hear the Arsenal fans throughout on the tube - that Adebayor song was sung for quite a while. Very impressive display by the away fans more of the same, please

[Your1ted]

pretty fair ratings... senderos did step up this game even after being elbowed in the nose. i think cesc played okay but not his best. eduardo did lose the ball couple of times( made hleb mad sometimes). but a good game. i just wished we could have scored some more, since were are 2nd in table for goal difference. but man. u scored in 90 minute to get an extra goal. all in all, great game- by the way, shout out to clichy- sometimes i think he is too good for a left back!!!

[Kawee]

What have we learned today?

1. Our strikers are most dangerous when in the box.
2. Width is GOOOOOD.
3. Midfielders making runs into the box is useful

Really, it's something we already know. Everytime we struggle offensively, it's beuase we don't do these sort of things. When we struggle we:

1. Our strikers pick the ball up from deep, so there' no target up front to pass to. Thus, final balls can't be passed.
2. PLay too narrow. Whenever we play with width, we do well. It's been true for almost a decade.
3. Our midfielders just passing outside the box. Containing posession but no penetration.

If we keep playing the way we play today, I am not too worried at all. IF the three former things apply to every game, GD will not see us behind Utd.

[onetreehill]

I agree with you, Kawee, Rosicky and Clichy began to find real understanding down the left, while Sagna and Hleb already have a good one. I don't think we should limit our attack to only three points though - your three don'ts can also produce good opportunites.

A couple of goals almost came from Eduardo picking the ball up early and creating openings for Hleb and Rosicky who were storming through

Our third goal came from playing down the middle

The near miss by Fab on the pass from Eduardo after the brilliant dribble along the box by Hleb came at the end of a long period of passing around the box

We have a ton of weapons at our disposal and at our best when using all of them. It keeps the other team on their heels and we are way less predictable.

Agree though that that was the type of form that Arsenal need to produce for the rest of the season

[Kawee]

I can definitely see where you're coming from OTH.

A couple of goals almost came from Eduardo picking the ball up early and creating openings for Hleb and Rosicky who were storming through

That is my third Do point. It's alright when a striker drifts wide, but only if the midfielders make up the number in the box. What usually ahppens is our striker drifts wide, and yet our midfielders remain outside the box to help "retain posession."

Our third goal came from playing down the middle

Width does not equal attacking down the flanks. It equals to using the full width of the pitch, stretching the opponents defensive line, and create spaces every where. Be it left, right, or middle. Playing too narrow, means we can only attack down the middle, and there isn't a lot of space. Defenders cna usually just stand and mark. But with width, they must keep moving, and that's when spaces become available.

The near miss by Fab on the pass from Eduardo after the brilliant dribble along the box by Hleb came at the end of a long period of passing around the box

That's true. But the chance didn't come because we played narrow, or wide or anything. It wasn't a result of, "playing a certain way." It happened because of the individual abilities of the players.

Agree though that that was the type of form that Arsenal need to produce for the rest of the season

Could not agree more.

Cheers.

[onetreehill]

Good points, Kawee. You will never hear me argue against having width, overlapping wingers (or defenders in our case ) and stretching the opposition.