Tuesday, August 16th, 2011 « Untold Arsenal: Arsenal News. Supporting the Lord Wenger; coach of the decade

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By Phil Gregory

With Cesc gone, Nasri uncertain and rumblings of discontent in the stands during the Newcastle game there’s plenty to be talking about in this article. So much in fact, that I planned on writing a whole separate piece on the aftermath of the Toon game until work got in the way. No matter, Tony and Walter have covered expertly most of what I would have said.

One point I wanted to raise here though was that of the supporters. Wenger mentioned in his press conference about the media “manipulating” the fans and whilst every team’s fans claim they are harshly treated by the press, Anne’s recent digging suggests there is some strong evidence backing up concerned Arsenal fans in this regard. This negative attitude has filtered through to the stands, and was evident during the Newcastle game with highly audible chants of “spending some f*****g money”. The sheer lack of intelligence amongst those who sing is clear once you note that the chant only broke out AFTER the red card and the game turned against the Arsenal. The very moment the team needed the support from the travelling support and what did they get? Well, we can imagine how well that went down with them.

Are there areas in the team that need looking at? Certainly, and Wenger is doing that. Are Song and Gervinho idiots for their transgressions during the game? Undoubtedly, their actions could cost the club in the upcoming games and they should be disciplined accordingly. But no player who pulls on the Arsenal jersey deserves to hear those sorts of chants while they are giving their all for our club on the pitch. Save your grievances against Wenger for the phone-ins after the game, during those ninety minutes we should all be behind the lads to get three points. We do all want the club to succeed, don’t we?

Is there a way those of us who support the team can show that these chants aren’t all of us? I look forward to suggestions in the comments.

The X-factor in this situation is the new Nasri chant. Going along the lines of “nananananana Sammy you’re a C**T”, Nasri stated on Monday (via twitter I think, I saw it on SSN) that he found such chants disrespectful. Are they helpful for the board whilst we’re fighting to keep him here? Nope. Did I join in at the Newcastle game? Yes I did, as I think Nasri has been made a perfectly acceptable offer and isn’t treating Arsenal with respect. Respect is a two way thing Samir – we’ve given you a hell of a lot of chances, money and support since you’ve been here and if you don’t respect the club, don’t expect respect back. Some may see that as contradictory to what I said during the second paragraph. I don’t think it is, but hey that’s life. I think I made my case quite clearly.

Anyway, for a change let’s talk about the football! For me, the defence was absolutely outstanding against Newcastle. It was the complete performance: not only in terms of the pure defensive skills (tackling, intercepting and intelligent positioninging) but also in terms of their use of the ball. Clearances went to a man, reducing pressure and the number of opportunities Newcastle had to attack us. Szcznesy too distributed intelligently, coming for the ball consistently and confidently, including his cheeky little headed clearance. If we defend like that during the course of the season, we will win games even with Eboue up front. I plan on sitting my Sunday league side down and showing them the first 45 minutes for a defensive “how-to” guide before our first game kicks off.

There is, of course, the small matter of a Champions League playoff tie to be dealing with on Tuesday too.  Rosicky is in the squad but faces a fitness test on Tuesday morning, whilst Van Persie and Nasri are suspended. Naturally Gervinho and Song are available as any bans are domestic and the latter has only just been charged anyway. Wilshere wasn’t mentioned in the press conference which likely rules him out of contention.

Rosicky’s injury is a concern, after he put in an impressive, battling performance in the midfield against Newcastle United. Presuming the worst, we find ourselves quite short in midfield given Cesc’s departure and the absences of Diaby and Wilshere continued absence, we might find ourselves giving youngster Lansbury a run out in midfield, or perhaps shifting Arshavin into that central playmaking role. The latter option seems more likely option for me. We’re at home, so will likely get away with a slightly more physically lightweight midfield than we would otherwise like, whilst the Russian will offer more creativity than Lansbury. At home, we can’t risk lacking creativity: a lead of a goal or two would be great to take to Italy.

As for the rest of the time, the back five unit remains the same. I said in recent articles that it is a big season for Gibbs, and he looked really good against Newcastle so the signs look positive so far. Song shields the midfield and with him almost certainly missing the came at the weekend he’ll be looking to give 110% to make up for a moment of foolishness that might cost his club dearly.

In attack the farcical ban of Van Persie rules him out of the tie, so Marouane Chamkh has an opportunity to show Arsenal fans that his early season form last year was not a one off. Flanking him will be Gervinho and Walcott, though Arshavin could be in the mix if Rosicky is passed fit to start.

Szcznesy

Sagna Koscielny Vermaelen Gibbs

Song

Ramsey Arshavin

Walcott Chamakh  Gervinho

I can’t say much on how I think the game will turn out as I’ve already prattled on enough.  Udinese have yet to start their domestic league, so might be just a little rustier than the Arsenal. As Wenger says, no team from Italy should ever be taken lightly but let’s be honest: Spurs beat the Italian League winners, so surely we can beat the fourth placed side? 2-0 to the Arsenal for me, I’m more concerned about upcoming games in the League with tired legs than this game, personally. This game will be tense – there’s a hell of a lot riding on this game, Arsenal are a Champions League club after all – but I can see us getting past them over two legs.

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(And don’t forget there’s an Untold article in the club programme tonight – and for every Arsenal game with the series “Arsenal Uncovered”)