Morning everyone.
Today's game (which will kick off earlier, than usual) is, according to tabloids, a chance for the Gunners to redeem themselves. Our Champions League encounter is something of an embarrassment, if mass media`s point of view has merit. And that's a big «if» in my opinion.
I've already said, I find nothing shameful in a loss to a team as good as yours. Arsene was right about Borussia`s physical condition, when he said that the Germans were a notch above anyone we played this season. You could see it with your own eyes, especially in the first half, how able Jurgen Klopp`s team was. They basically deprived us off possession for prolonged periods of time and their pressing off the ball ensured we could do little with it, when we finally laid our, erm, legs on it.
In the second half, the teams swapped places. We attacked, they defended, both sides had little success (but Arsenal just that little bit less).
We saw two very different sides of Borussia, and both were exceptionally able. Both were also in fine physical form, as good as ours, maybe better.
Fitness issues aside, Jurgen Klopp`s side also has a number of technical players (surprise, surprise) and, even Goetze`s absence wasn't noticeable. They didn't get to the final without reason, so at the moment, it's one of the best European teams we've lost to.
And even after admitting Borussia is as good as we are, I don't think we would have seen to many raised eyebrows, had the game ended in a draw, or had Arsenal grabbed a winner in the second half.
Their win also didn't happen only due to how good they were. Arsenal wasn't exactly at their best, with exhaustion having kicked in and the overconfidence of some players also hampering our chances. Both goals, we have conceded were completely avoidable, had Ramsey not decided to dribble his way out of trouble on the edge of the box, while facing three opponents and had we not tried so desperately to win, throwing everyone forward, thus exposing or own goal.
So any talk of redemption is complete and utter crap. Just knock the steam off some overly enthusiastic individuals and we should be fine.
In terms of availability, Flamini is back, and I expect him to start alongside Arteta. His presence and overall discipline was thoroughly missed on Tuesday and I see no reason to omit him today.
Whilshere is still a doubt, having jarred his ankle, but even if he is fit, he'd probably be rested. He's pivotal to our success, so the manager won't want to take any chances with him, especially when it can come at a cost in the long run.
Apart from that, I don't think Arsene will field a much changed side. Guys like Gnabry, Bendtner and Vermaelen will get their respective chances midweek, when we play Chelsea in the CoC. The Belgian, by the way, was praised by the manager for his fantastic attitude in training, saying, that when he's called upon, Thomas will be ready. Good to hear. That's what competition does to people.
I don't think, Crystal Palace will be up to scratch, when it comes to providing us with a test, but our test is of another kind. Should we pass it, the now managerless Palace will be demolished. So here's for a win and a good display. Come on you reds.
Not much else going on, so I'll leave it at that. There's this piece from our former skipper, that provides for an interesting read, so check it out.
Back later with a review
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