Morning everyone.
Overview
Today we face Manchester City at the Emirates and a win will go a long way towards setting the right mood for the tough fixtures ahead.
We come into this game with only three absentees: Giroud, Walcott and Gnabry. With Olivier the situation is clear: we'll be unable to rely on the Frenchman until New Year. Gnabry's injury is a murky one, but he's not exactly in the first-team picture right now, so, while I wish him speedy recovery, it's not like he'd even be considered for the bench. Walcott is up-and-running, training with the squad and stuff, though he's still a couple of weeks away from being fully fit. Everyone else is available. With that bit in mind, I'll try to guess how we line up for this game, just as I always do.
The back five
Although Ospina is fit and available for selection, Szczesny should start. The Pole have made no blunders during the first five games, saved the team on several occasions and, despite his distribution sometimes bordering on risky (to put it mildly) he's our number 1 at the moment. And rightly so.
In defence, I suspect Gibbs will return at the expense of Monreal (the Spaniard had a good run of games, but may be required as back-up elsewhere). Debuchy, Mert and Kos also have to start. The Frenchman was the only one with a question mark over his head, but he seems to have fully recovered from that nasty concussion and should get the nod. As much as I like Chambers (who, by the way, was voted player of the month), our defense looks much more assured with the usual Mertescielny axis of awesome.
Midfield
Here we have EVERYONE available. I'm not kidding, Arteta and Ozil are both back and I won't be surprised if both are handed starts. Arteta is the captain, so he should play by default, while Ozil is simply one of the best playmakers in the world and definitely the best at Arsenal. Main question is, whether the German will be deployed in his preferred position.
I, for one, think think we should go back to 4-2-3-1, which implies two anchoring midfielders: a sitter and a runner. Arteta and Ramsey at the base (remember how good they were in 2012-2013?), Ozil under the striker. No need to shuffle the German out wide, when we have more capable players to feature there.
However, it'd be interesting to see, whether Arsene wants to experiment a bit and finally give Chambers a run-out in that holding role. I'm leaning towards no for an answer on that one, simply because it's risky to play all your CB's at once. Though we can probably call Hayden for help if needs must (he's had a brilliant U21s game on Thursday) I wouldn't want to go that far down the pecking order.
Also, I want Wilshere to slot in somewhere. Maybe Arteta can be dropped? I've argued his case on numerous occasions, but I always said we may need to come up with something in big games. Maybe Ramsey is not fully fit, despite taking full part in a training session? I hate the idea, but I'd love to see Jack on the pitch. The Englishman was very good, he needs to be playing regularly, so if Arsene can find him a place in the starting 11, that'd be great.
Attack
Danny Welbeck
"Oh Danny boy, the old summer is calling". Can I call him Danny boy from time to time? Yes? No? I will anyway, the temptation is just too hard to resist.
Anyway, all eyes were trained on our shiny new striker during training sessions and most of the questions during the Thursday's press-conference touched on the Englishman. I'll present you the most interesting snippets, however, I strongly advise you to watch the said conference in full, so that you can form your own opinion.
“I'm very pleased [to have signed him] because we lost Olivier Giroud. To find a striker who is a young English international and has the pace to play up front, that is not an easy task.
“He's a team player. I see him more through the middle than on the flanks but what is very good for us is he can play in all three positions - and sometimes behind the striker if needed - so he's very versatile as well."
Arsene's words. Though our manager was pretty coy on the subject of starting Welbeck today, I suspect that's exactly what'll happen.
AW also said he initially wanted to sign Welbeck on loan with a buy-out clause. However, he then stated it was only because the Englishman was AVAILABLE on loan early on deadline day. As soon as Danny was up for grabs permanently, Arsene went ahead and signed the striker.
On the subject of being in Rome, something that displeased most Arsenal fans:
“If I had not travelled that day, Welbeck would not be here. I'll explain that a bit later but the coincidence made that because I was on my way. If I had stayed at home, Welbeck would not be here today. That's the truth.
“We are in 2014 and you can always be in touch with everybody even when you travel. The advantage of that day was I had to get up at six o'clock in the morning and I was available the whole day.”
I'm not into conspiracy theories, so I am not reading too much into it. Arsene got up early, was available all day and thus had the time to pull off the deal. That's it for me. If you want to hear the story in full, listen to the Arsecast Extra.
Flanks
Back to the preview, however. I expect Welbeck to be handed his first start in an Arsenal shirt, but the flanks present a more interesting dilemma. I'm all for Sanchez on the right with the Ox on the left, though Arsene seems reluctant to use the Englishman there. Cazorla should start wide, therefore, but you never know. Santi was great down the middle, so, once again, the manager may not want to tamper with the formation too much.
Bottom line is, we have a lot of options up front. We haven't had that luxury in a long, long time and I don't expect further additions there for at least a couple of years. Sure, Poldi may leave, in which case I'll be all for signing up Reus, but that's about it.
The verdict
We definitely have the strongest squad in years, with almost everyone up-and-running. We've thrashed City at Wembley and I see no reason why we can't do it again. We've become a better team in that month, while they have lost Jovetic and Fernando. Kompany is back, but he's just one guy. On home turf we really should be looking at a win, regardless of who we face.
So c'mon you Gunners.
Finally, a couple of side notes. The rainbow laces campaign is in full swing, with Arsenal players ready to show their support, blah blah blah, something something. Honestly, I'm not much into such things, but you can always read Tim Stillman thoughts on the subject.
Also, some tip Sagna to start against us, despite Sabaleta being fit. I don't know whether the fans will opt to boo Arsenal's former right-back and I'm unable to influence their decision, but I personally don't think it's the welcome the Frenchman deserves. He's given Arsenal his best years and stuck with us through the hard times, so I see no need to jeer him.
That's it for today, back Sunday or Monday with a review.
Until then
Follow me on Twitter (@AlexBaguzin)
Overview
Today we face Manchester City at the Emirates and a win will go a long way towards setting the right mood for the tough fixtures ahead.
We come into this game with only three absentees: Giroud, Walcott and Gnabry. With Olivier the situation is clear: we'll be unable to rely on the Frenchman until New Year. Gnabry's injury is a murky one, but he's not exactly in the first-team picture right now, so, while I wish him speedy recovery, it's not like he'd even be considered for the bench. Walcott is up-and-running, training with the squad and stuff, though he's still a couple of weeks away from being fully fit. Everyone else is available. With that bit in mind, I'll try to guess how we line up for this game, just as I always do.
The back five
Although Ospina is fit and available for selection, Szczesny should start. The Pole have made no blunders during the first five games, saved the team on several occasions and, despite his distribution sometimes bordering on risky (to put it mildly) he's our number 1 at the moment. And rightly so.
In defence, I suspect Gibbs will return at the expense of Monreal (the Spaniard had a good run of games, but may be required as back-up elsewhere). Debuchy, Mert and Kos also have to start. The Frenchman was the only one with a question mark over his head, but he seems to have fully recovered from that nasty concussion and should get the nod. As much as I like Chambers (who, by the way, was voted player of the month), our defense looks much more assured with the usual Mertescielny axis of awesome.
Midfield
Here we have EVERYONE available. I'm not kidding, Arteta and Ozil are both back and I won't be surprised if both are handed starts. Arteta is the captain, so he should play by default, while Ozil is simply one of the best playmakers in the world and definitely the best at Arsenal. Main question is, whether the German will be deployed in his preferred position.
I, for one, think think we should go back to 4-2-3-1, which implies two anchoring midfielders: a sitter and a runner. Arteta and Ramsey at the base (remember how good they were in 2012-2013?), Ozil under the striker. No need to shuffle the German out wide, when we have more capable players to feature there.
However, it'd be interesting to see, whether Arsene wants to experiment a bit and finally give Chambers a run-out in that holding role. I'm leaning towards no for an answer on that one, simply because it's risky to play all your CB's at once. Though we can probably call Hayden for help if needs must (he's had a brilliant U21s game on Thursday) I wouldn't want to go that far down the pecking order.
Also, I want Wilshere to slot in somewhere. Maybe Arteta can be dropped? I've argued his case on numerous occasions, but I always said we may need to come up with something in big games. Maybe Ramsey is not fully fit, despite taking full part in a training session? I hate the idea, but I'd love to see Jack on the pitch. The Englishman was very good, he needs to be playing regularly, so if Arsene can find him a place in the starting 11, that'd be great.
Attack
Danny Welbeck
"Oh Danny boy, the old summer is calling". Can I call him Danny boy from time to time? Yes? No? I will anyway, the temptation is just too hard to resist.
Anyway, all eyes were trained on our shiny new striker during training sessions and most of the questions during the Thursday's press-conference touched on the Englishman. I'll present you the most interesting snippets, however, I strongly advise you to watch the said conference in full, so that you can form your own opinion.
“I'm very pleased [to have signed him] because we lost Olivier Giroud. To find a striker who is a young English international and has the pace to play up front, that is not an easy task.
“He's a team player. I see him more through the middle than on the flanks but what is very good for us is he can play in all three positions - and sometimes behind the striker if needed - so he's very versatile as well."
Arsene's words. Though our manager was pretty coy on the subject of starting Welbeck today, I suspect that's exactly what'll happen.
AW also said he initially wanted to sign Welbeck on loan with a buy-out clause. However, he then stated it was only because the Englishman was AVAILABLE on loan early on deadline day. As soon as Danny was up for grabs permanently, Arsene went ahead and signed the striker.
On the subject of being in Rome, something that displeased most Arsenal fans:
“If I had not travelled that day, Welbeck would not be here. I'll explain that a bit later but the coincidence made that because I was on my way. If I had stayed at home, Welbeck would not be here today. That's the truth.
“We are in 2014 and you can always be in touch with everybody even when you travel. The advantage of that day was I had to get up at six o'clock in the morning and I was available the whole day.”
I'm not into conspiracy theories, so I am not reading too much into it. Arsene got up early, was available all day and thus had the time to pull off the deal. That's it for me. If you want to hear the story in full, listen to the Arsecast Extra.
Flanks
Back to the preview, however. I expect Welbeck to be handed his first start in an Arsenal shirt, but the flanks present a more interesting dilemma. I'm all for Sanchez on the right with the Ox on the left, though Arsene seems reluctant to use the Englishman there. Cazorla should start wide, therefore, but you never know. Santi was great down the middle, so, once again, the manager may not want to tamper with the formation too much.
Bottom line is, we have a lot of options up front. We haven't had that luxury in a long, long time and I don't expect further additions there for at least a couple of years. Sure, Poldi may leave, in which case I'll be all for signing up Reus, but that's about it.
The verdict
We definitely have the strongest squad in years, with almost everyone up-and-running. We've thrashed City at Wembley and I see no reason why we can't do it again. We've become a better team in that month, while they have lost Jovetic and Fernando. Kompany is back, but he's just one guy. On home turf we really should be looking at a win, regardless of who we face.
So c'mon you Gunners.
Finally, a couple of side notes. The rainbow laces campaign is in full swing, with Arsenal players ready to show their support, blah blah blah, something something. Honestly, I'm not much into such things, but you can always read Tim Stillman thoughts on the subject.
Also, some tip Sagna to start against us, despite Sabaleta being fit. I don't know whether the fans will opt to boo Arsenal's former right-back and I'm unable to influence their decision, but I personally don't think it's the welcome the Frenchman deserves. He's given Arsenal his best years and stuck with us through the hard times, so I see no need to jeer him.
That's it for today, back Sunday or Monday with a review.
Until then
Follow me on Twitter (@AlexBaguzin)
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