Tag Archives: Arsenal

Goodbye Upton Park – A chance for some revenge

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Tomorrow Arsenal have a chance to go half way to avenging a pair of results that happened against West Ham a decade ago.

In 2006, West Ham became the last team to beat Arsenal at Highbury, and followed that up with becoming the first team to beat us at the Emirates.

This lead them to have 10 years of singing at us every game “Last team at Highbury, first team at Emirates”. It is a song that cuts deep. No matter how many trophies you win, something like that pair of results, for a football fan, is above that. Arsenal fans have no retort to it.

The only thing in football that is similar is clubs being able to sing “Where’s your European Cup”.

So tomorrow we play West Ham in our last ever visit to Upton Park. And it will be a sad day.

Whilst West Ham’s ground is horrible, small and in a dump of an area, it is a proper ground. One that there are very of left, not just in the Premier League, but in football in general.

At the heart of the community, surrounded by terrace houses, it is a reminder of yesterday, when clubs cared about their fans. When the stadium was built and grew alongside the area it was in. The stadium was the beating heart of the community.

Since the Taylor Report, every year another club is moving stadium. There are now so few like Selhurst Park, White Hart Lane, Goodison Park & Upton Park around now. Instead, we have a lot of identikit soulless bowls, often on an industrial estate on the outside of the City or Town. No longer part of the community. The stadiums have become detached, symbolising the detachment of clubs and players from the fans.

And at the end of this season, we lose another one in Upton Park. With the aforementioned terraced houses surrounding it, the tight alleyway away fans have to walk down to get to it, the closeness of fans to the pitch, the chicken run, 4 separate stands. It reminds me of Highbury. It makes me miss Highbury.

And then next year they move 3 miles up down the road to the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Stadium in Stratford.

Whilst in normal terms, 3 miles is no distance whatsoever, in London terms, and more importantly in football terms it is a life time away.

Arsenal only moved 500m, yet it changed the landscape of Islington on a match day. No longer way Blackstock Road the place to be. Holloway road became the new drinking port of call. Blackstock Road is now a ghost town on match day, with only a few old boys hanging on to memories past.

So what for Stratford? Where to drink? The Cow in Westfields? Or go down to the boozers on the Broadway? Bet the casino will be fun after a match day. West Ham will probably make use of the land around the stadium on match day and put up beer tents like Twickenham does for the rugby. It just won’t be the same for those fans who have been going week in, week out for 20 years.

And then the stadium itself. Yes, as a building, it is an improvement on Upton Park. But like all Arsenal fans will tell you, it is OK buying a mansion, but it will never be the same as the family home. Next year at the Olympic Stadium, fans will have to bring their binoculars to see the game.

West Ham fans, a word of warning, you might be excited about the move, like many Arsneal fans were in 2006, but just ask fans of almost every club that now have to go to a soulless bowl on an industrial estate 2 miles out of fan, is it worth it? They will say no.

A lot of the pre-match talk has already been, and will be, about Dimitri Payet. A fabulous player that shows you can still grab a bargain abroad.

At the time I felt Payet to West Ham was odd. This was a player who had created more chances than any other player in a top league in Europe over recent years, and here he was, going to West Ham. Why wern’t anyone else interested in him?

His age played a big part, he is 29. So many clubs look at resale value when buying a club. It is hard to buy a 28 year old (as he was at the time) and hope to get any money back for him.

Then take into account that he had spent his entire career in France. Whilst he had performed for many a year, twice being named in Ligue 1’s team of the year, it did present a big risk, taking a player out of a smaller league with no resale value. It could go horribly wrong. Think Gervinho.

But here he is, as a key member of West Ham’s Champions League qualification side, scoring free kicks for fun. Everything go’s through him.

It has lead to West Ham fans stealing Arsenal’s song about Mesut Ozil and rewording it for Payet. I have no issue with it as almost every song is stolen from another club, whether it be at home or abroad. I was at Burton Albion v Oldham over Easter and the Oldham fans were singing Ozil’s song about one of their players!dimitri-payet-v-mesut-ozil-in-de

Yesterday, the journalists had some fun with some Arsene Wenger quotes about Payet. He confirmed he was a player the club had watched. These days every top club has watched every half decent player in every league around the world. A side like Arsenal will have a scouting network of 100s. As do Manchester United, Barcelona, Bayern Munich. Every player get’s watched.

Wenger mentioned he did not go for Payet as he felt he had sufficient quality in his position at the club. Listing Mesut Ozil, Santi Cazorla, Jack Wilshere, Aaron Ramsey. And of course, he is right. Imagine the outcry of the fans had we, in the summer, signed Dimitri Payet, another diminutive play maker. We would have screamed that he is clueless. That we already have Ozil, Cazorla and Wilshere. And that it was typical Wenger, buying an unknown Frenchman to take the place of an Englishman in Jack Wilshere.

Instead, 9 months on, the story is being written by the manipulative English press that Wenger decided not to sign Payet due to having Jack Wilshere, who has been injured all season. No mention of the other 3 in the squad. Just focus on Wilshere. Especially after he has been in the press this week for misdemeanours.

Further proof Wenger has lost it, people cried. Not signing Payet as he backed Jack Wilshere. Well that is not true. He backed Ozil, Cazorla, Ramsey & Wilshere.

And to repeat the point. Would you have been annoyed in August if we had sold Wilshere to Manchester City and signed Dimitri Payet? If you answer yes, then you can not really dig out Wenger for not making the move.

Football is an easy game in hindsight.

So Saturday will be built up as Ozil v Payet. I always find these sort of battles interesting. As the reality is, on the pitch, the only time they will be near each other is to swap shirts at full time.

The more important battle will be Ozil v Noble, Coquelin v Payet. We need Coquelin to be on his game, and helped out by Mohamed Elneny. Shadow Payet for 90 minutes. Do not let him leave your sight. And let Elneny deal with the rest of the midfield.

Perhaps most importantly, do not give away a free kick within 35 yards of the goal. Payet has been finding the postage stamp recently. He is a danger, whether shooting or putting a ball in like he did in the opening game against Arsenal this campaign.

Coquelin v Payet, I am backing my boy Coquelin.

And if we win, and we do have a great record at Upton Park in the last decade or so, we will be half way to putting the ghost of 2006 to bed. We might not become the last side to ever win at Upton Park, they have a few more home games left, including Manchester United twice, but at least personally, Arsenal would have won their final game at Upton Park.

And then it is on to the Joshua fight…

Enjoy!

Keenos

Arsenal Youth – Some thoughts

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On Monday Arsenal’s u18’s were knocked out the FA Youth Cup at the semi final stage against a very good Manchester City sides. Here are my thoughts…

It was a quality game. Both sides battled well, and the exhaustion shown by both at the final whistle showed that both sides gave everything. Manchester City won, and were the better team.

Manchester City played as a team. They put in a professional performance and played as if they had been together for years. Arsenal looked like a team of individuals. Rather than passing the ball around, every time an Arsenal player got the ball he looked to try and take on a player. It was 11 men playing for themselves rather than as a team.

This was perhaps most highlighted by the goals. Manchester City’s were wonderfully worked, whilst Arsenal’s came from a corner and an individual effort.

It also came through in defence. Manchester City defended as a team with defence and midfield staying solid. Arsenal were much more ‘all over the place’ with them allowing Man City players to get in behind too often.

What made me smile was the amount of English lads on show. Now the un-educated amongst you would look at the names and wonder where the Smith’s, Brown’s or Harris’s are. Whilst they might not have been traditional English names, 19 of the players who played were either English, or eligible (and have played for) England. A good sign for the future.

What would concern me is that Arsenal seemed to have many of the same type of player. Slight, quick, with a trick. Only perhaps 4 of the outfield players to have played for us were not this kind of player. Bielik, Sheaf, Bennacer. Bola also had some power to him, but got sent off.

I do wonder if Arsenal are looking for a certain type of player. The next Sanchez or Messi, rather than the next Wilshere or Iniesta. It reminded me a bit of the 2009 winning  side when a lot of the players were strong & physical lads, rather than swift and skilful.

Some players for Arsenal stood out, some showed they were perhaps not yet ready. Without being accused of writing of kids too early, or abusing a youngster (most were 18, so whilst we should not abuse, it is OK to criticise), this is my honest opinion on all the players:

Hugo Keto (18) – The big Finn in goal could do little about either goal. Infact, the second came after he made an excellent save and he was unlucky not to get the rebound shot. Valently clearing the ball after it had already crossed the line. I always feel for youth team keepers. The consensus is that a goal keeper matures later. Maybe they should allow U23 keepers to play U18 football to enable them to continue progressing at a more suitable level? Very impressed by his kicking.

Chiori Johnson (18) – Do not really remember much of his performance. A lot of Arsenal’s play was down the left. By not remembering much does not mean he was poor, but also means he was not Dani Alves like. A full back’s good work often go’s unnoticed (ala Sagna) unless they are attacking all the time (ala Alvez / Bellerin).

Marc Bola (18) – Massively outshone by his defensive partner. He is a big, strong, powerful guy but was rightly sent off for a crude, late, ankle high challenge. Luckily he did not end the career of his young opponent. Felt like he spent a lot of time out of position, relying on his pace and power to get back into position.

Krystian Bielik (18) – The Pole signed over a year ago to great fan fare. He showed yesterday his ability. Captaining the side despite being one of the youngest, he held together a shakey defence, covering for his partner and full backs. Also came up in midfield a few times with the ball. Clearly a talent, but lets allow him to develop.

Tyrell Robinson (18) – Looked out of his depth. He got a lot of criticism on Twitter, which was unfair, but he did not look up to it. Beaten far to comfortably, out of position a lot, and poor distribution. The criticism was unfair because Robinson was originally a winger, playing left and right, and is in the process of being converted into a full back. Cole, Clichy, Eboue, gibbs, Bellerin spring to mind.

Reiss Nelson (16) – Youngest man in an Arsenal shirt, and did not look out of place. Comfortable on the ball, quick, direct with a trick. Took the best corner of any player at the Emirates this season. Whisper in quietly. We have a player on our hands.

Ismael Bennacer (18) – Played in the Sheffield Wednesday defeat where he did not impress, and he once more failed to shin. Average set pieces, he often got over ran in the middle of the park. He is the type of player that frustrates. Signed in the summer from Arles-Avignon in France. He does not look good enough. But takes the place of an English lad. If you are a foreign boy, you have to be the best on the pitch. He wasn’t

Jeff  Reine-Adelaide (18) – Disappointing. I was expecting him to run the game in the same way a 17 year old Jack Wilshere did in 2009. He was playing deeper than normal, but he did not impress what so ever. Is he just overhyped after a good pass in the Emirates Cup? Who knows. One of the younger players in this side, and other peformances have shown ability. Let’s not go OTT though.

Christopher Willock (18) – Saw a lot of the ball. Tricky, direct, agile and a great goal from the edge of the area. Looks like a playground footballer, always looking to take on rather than pass, but that is something we do lack. Certainly a talent. Only slight issue is Reiss Nelson is 2 years younger and already as good. Could be a Lansbury / Wilshere situation where we end up losing a talented individual due to an even more talented player coming through. Impressive though.

Kaylen Hinds (18) – Was surprised he played. I had always thought he was older than 18. Strong, quick and a good touch. He drifted out wide a bit. Only really had one attempt from memory. Looks a player, but probably not good enough. Afobe and Akpom were superior at the same age.

Stephy Mavididi (18) – His highlight was being cruelly bought down on the edge of the area after a great trick. No free kick was given. I do not know what the ref was playing at. Another who like many of the others above, looked to do a lot himself rather than get his team mates involved. Like Hinds, I have seen better strikers come into the side at 18 and perform better.

Subs:

Marcus McGuane (17) – Not too long after coming on Bola was sent off so had to move to centre back.

Ben Sheaf (18) – Seems to have been around for a while, but still young. Like McGuanne, suffered from Bola’s sending off. Average free kick at a good height.

Donyell Malen (17) – Good header. Worked well to find himself space from the corner. Will surely be getting picked ahead of Mavididi & Hinds soon.

 

Arsenal were beaten by a well drilled Manchester City side, showing that team work always beats individual excellence. They just seemed more experienced at this level than Arsenal, which should not be a surprise when half their side played in the defeat to Chelsea in last years final.

It is difficult to judge the quality of our youth, and of an individual player, based on one game. Someone might have been having an off day. Likewise another might have been having a stormer. There are certainly a couple of players worth keeping an eye on who wil lliekly make the summer touring squad.

Keenos

Arsenal to sell English gems

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article-2250578-16954B0B000005DC-586_964x50219th December 2012. With not much to cheers about in recent years, Arsenal announced, to great fanfair, that “Five young internationals sign new contracts”.

Kieran Gibbs (then 23), Carl Jenkinson (20), Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (19), Aaron Ramsey (21) and Jack Wilshere (20). The future of Arsenal. A bunch of young British lads. At least if we did not have trophies to cheer about, we knew we had home grown lads on the field, progressing, knowing what it means to play for The Arsenal.

At the time, Arsene Wenger said “I’m a strong believer in stability and I believe when you have a core of British players, it’s always easier to keep them together and that’s what we’ll try to achieve going forward.”

Fast forward 6 months to the unveiling of the final Nike shirt.20130709-3

Nike knew how to market a product, and they decided that they would use the British core to promote their final shirt.

To the 5 players who had announced a new contract, Theo Walcott was added in making it a magnificent 6.

A British core. Something that had been levelled at Arsenal for so long. Not enough English players. Well the future of Arsenal was bright. And the future of England seemed in Arsenal hands.

We are now in 2016. Over 3 years on from the announcement of the new contracts. In that time, Arsenal have won 2 FA Cups and got the trophy drought monkey off the back. Things are a bit brighter at the club, even if this years bottling of the title race has put a bit of a downer on the last 24 months. Arsenal are back on the up.

But then you look at the line ups of our last two games. A 2-0 away victory at Everton, a 4-0 home win against Watford. Two excellent performances. And yet just one Englishman started. Danny Welbeck. Who in 2012 was at Manchester United.

What has happened to Arsenal’s British core? And are we now in a situation where the 6 players at the 2013/14 shirt unveiling could all be sold and improved on?

Jack Wilshere – In 2012, Wenger clearly had Wilshere pegged as the next Arsenal captain. “Jack is certainly the best known, the leader of this group.” Just 20 years old, He was an extreme talent, showing his potential in 2011 with a world class performance against Barcelona, Xavi and Iniesta.

In 2012, there were already warning signs about his future. He had missed the entirety of the previous season injured. And had already been involved in numerous off the field incidents. Arrested in 2010 after a fracas outside a bar. Given a police warning in 2011 for spitting on a taxi driver.

Roll on 3 years and history is repeating himself. He has once more missed an entire season injured. And news yesterday breaks of him again being involved in a night club brawl were police had to intervene.

Clearly a good player, but he is now 24.

I am not massively concerned about his off the field antics. He should be making headlines for his on the pitch performances, but we have had worse at the club. I am concerned about his injury record.

It was at 24 we gave Abou Diaby a new 5 year deal. He had played 76 games in his previous two years. It is a contract offer which 3 years down the line caused a lot of fans to attack Wenger. In the last 5 years, Wilshere has played just 91 games.

Do we continue giving him a chance, or do we learn from the mistakes we made with Diaby and cut our losses?

Verdict: Sell

Aaron Ramsey – Ramsey is certainly the ying to Wilshere’s yang. 3 years ago it looked so bright for the pair. They could become our Scholes and Keane. The new Vieira and Petit.

Wilshere had the silkiness, Ramsey the engine. Wilshere the nastiness. Ramsey the calmness. They would have complimented each other brilliantly.

In 2013, it seemed like Ramsey had finally arrived. After recovering from that leg breaking assault by Ryan Shawcross, he was our player of the season in 2013/14, cumulating in scoring the winning goal in the FA Cup Final. Since then, he has digressed.

He stopped playing his simple game that saw him become so successful in 2013/14, returning to back heels and Hollywood passes.

Over the last 2 seasons, he has had many minor injuries, resulting in him struggling to put a run of games together.

He has gone backwards in the last 2 years. But is still an important player. Into next season, he needs someone to get hold of him and say these 3 words. Keep it simple.

Verdict: Keep

Theo Walcott – In 2013 when that shirt was unveiled. Walcott was the father figure of the group. Despite only being 24 himself, he had already played nearly 200 Premier League games.

The year leading up to the shirt unveiling, he was exceptional. Scoring 21 goals in 43 games, adding many assists as well. He had finally arrived as a player.

Then the injuries returned. And now, 3 years later, he is a shadow of his former self. He looks scarred. He hides. He does not want the ball.

His time is up.

Verdict: Sell

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – The most overly hyped up player of the magnificent 6. People used to say Walcott did not have a footballing brain. Oxlade-Chamberlain is no better.

Another who’s recent years have been hampered by niggling injuries (seeing a theme here!). He is a player who has never impressed me. Plenty of talent, but no end product. That might be good enough for someone like Crystal Palace. But not Arsenal.

Cash in before the rest of the Premier League realise he is a myth.

Verdict: Sell

Kieran Gibbs – Another who just has not pushed on over the years. I remember him playing for England under 21s many a moon ago and he looked a class above. The issue with him is he was always older than we thought. When he was put forward alongside the others as the future in 2012, he was already 23. People were going on about his potential, but he should have already been established.

At the time of signing that contract, he had played barely 50 Premier League games. OK for a 19 year old. Not OK for a 23 year old.

At the start of next season, he will be 27. He has not yet made 100 Premier League starts.

His career is disappearing before it has even gotten going.

No longer can he be considered as the future long term solution at left back. The heir to Ashley Cole’s throne. Nacho Monreal is comfortably ahead of him. And there is a point when we will have to start thinking about giving a younger option a chance.

For now, Gibbs is worth keeping as back up to Monreal. But as soon as the next youngster shows any promise, it is time to move him on.

Verdict: Keep

Carl Jenkinson – The least known of the 6. At the time, you felt he was just an add on. A spare part. Like the bloke in the boyband who is always at the end but never has a solo.

And with the rise of Hector Bellerin this has been the case.

Jenkinson however was never bought to be an Arsenal regular. He was always destined to be a squad player. And with Debuchy likely to leave at the end of the season, Jenkinson will be 2nd choice behind Bellerin.

Worth keeping around as he is a Premier League standard player. Would surely rather be sitting on the bench of Arsenal, the club he loves, then playing week in week out for someone like West Ham or Crystal Palace.

He could become a Wes Brown type player at Arsenal.

Verdict: Keep

 

3 years ago Arsenal were the future of England. Now it is natural to glance at Spurs with a hint of jealousy. Harry Kane, Eric Dier, Dele Alli, all performing for their country. It is time now for Arsenal to be ruthless. If the British core are not good enough, not reliable enough, cut them loose and replace them with the quality that is needed to win the league.

Keenos