The Official 2011/12 Thread for Arsenal F.C.

[Montana Moe]

A defensive coach couldn't hurt, though I've read in a few places that it would be just another person Wenger could blame. The buck obviously stops with AW, but from all accounts they rarely practice defense, so I'm all for it.

I agree that the team needs time to gel, and I was upset they lost this weekend, but the fact that there were two own goals and an offside goal makes the result a bit easier to swallow for some reason. I think these gaffes made the bad things seem worse than they really are.

[Addick]

Originally Posted by Montana Moe

I think these gaffes made the bad things seem worse than they really are.

Another reason for a lot of the fall-out is these gaffes, which can easily be caused by a lack of cohesion that comes with personnel movement, were made consistently last term by a back four that had played together for a while. As such, it was seen as the same old Arsenal. However, that could also still be the case.

I have a bit of a wait and see attitude but I would really like to see a solid defensive coach added or even just a new voice that can give Arsene a proper scolding every once in a while.

[Barnet Flame]

Just back from the game. At half-time I wanted to hang myself.

I wondered where we'd manage to get a goal from. Thankfully, Van Persie came up with a wonderful piece of skill right at the start. Speaking of wonderful, Chesney had bugger all to do today, but he pulled out a top drawer save right at the start of what surely would have become a dark dark dark dismal afternoon.

Speaking of dismal - Theo Walcott.

Nice to see Van Persie get is 100th. He'll have to be on form if we are to get anything out of the Spuds next week.

[Addick]

Originally Posted by Barnet Flame

Speaking of dismal - Theo Walcott.

Originally Posted by Barnet Flame

Nice to see Van Persie get is 100th. He'll have to be on form if we are to get anything out of the Spuds next week.

Walcott is a bit of a one trick pony and today they kept feeding him hay! Disappointing that he couldn't bag one of them. While I think Gervinho will be adequate down one wing, I think we have questions about the other. Hopefully the Ox can pull a Cesc/Wilshere and be able to step up young, otherwise, I think we'll have to dust off the trolley for another spin in January or the summer.

RvP is one of our big players and they have to be big when you need them the most. We are on the road to recovery and we need an excellent wheel man.

Has anyone else noticed how livelier the Emirates has been? Maybe one good thing to come from a poor run is the exodus of the prawn sandwich crowd!

[Addick]

Originally Posted by Barnet Flame

Arsenal were better than expected, Spurs worse and it took about 20 Ramsey giveaways and a howler by Chesney for Arsenal to lose

I don't want to prematurely give up on Ramsey but I'm interested in seeing how a trio of Arteta, Coquelin, and Song would fare. With the current set-up Ramsey has the role of creator, Arteta utility man, and Song destroyer. Basically, this handcuffs Arteta who is probably the most creative of the three. It wouldn't be that much of a problem if Ramsey was producing but I don't think that he is. As Coquelin is showing signs that he can both create and defend, I think he may be able to relieve Arteta of his defensive duties and allow the Spaniard to concentrate on creating and playmaking.

[Barnet Flame]

Park's first goal for Arsenal is a bit special.

[Barnet Flame]

Roger Federer gets in on the post match celebrations after Arsenal qualify as Group winners.

During the match Federer, sitting next to Henry was caught eating a burger.