Tag Archives: Arsenal

Bacary Sagna: Will the Frenchman depart the Emirates this summer?

  By O-Posts Team | May 16, 2013 - 00:55 | , , , , ,
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In recent years, Arsenal have been lucky enough to have a line of very good right backs in their ranks. From the English bite of Lee Dixon to the undying passion of Lauren to the total commitment of Bacary Sagna, the right side of defence has not been a problematic position for Arsenal for quite some time. Sadly though, with Bacary Sagna’s contract up in the summer of 2014, and with no sign that their has been a contract offer to Sagna by the club, you can place a bet at William Hill that he will be heading to pastures new at some point this summer. Many believe so. It just looks the case.

Sagna has been a great servant to the club for six years since he joined from French club Auxerre in 2007. His energy, determination and talent have made him a huge asset, but with two leg breaks in the 2011-12 season, he has unfortunately lost his energy and ability to boss the right side of the pitch as effectively as he once could.

I still harbour hopes that he will sign a new deal as, while he may not be the player he was, he is an experienced member of the squad and knows the club inside out – proved when he referred to Spurs as ‘the enemy’ after beating them 5-2 in the 2011-12 season.

Furthermore, he can fill in at centre back if needed and is capable of putting in a shift at right back. Should this not happen, though, which looks increasing likely, he has to be replaced well. Some have suggested simply promoting Hector Bellerin to the first team squad and letting Carl Jenkinson take over as first choice right back. While I rate both of these players and I think both have futures at Arsenal, neither are completely ready for these roles in my opinion and an experienced professional is needed to guide these two young, talented defenders.

So who to replace Sagna with? Well, for me his successor must be a rock solid defender as Bac is and has to have enough experience to immediately slot in as first-choice right back with no problems or adjustment time. A strong attacking side of his game would also be welcome, as if Sagna had a weakness, it was his final ball when he gets into a good position, although being solid defensively must be the priority.

My number one choice to fill the gap Sagna will likely leave would be Micah Richards of Manchester City. He is perfect for this role. He is at the right age, has Premier League experience, is English so would fit in with the club’s British core and has already won trophies in England. Although I think it is unlikely Manchester City would part with such a brilliant player. Lukas Piszczek of Borussia Dortmund is another option but he recently signed a contract extension until 2017 and Dortmund will not want to sell another one of their key players so that is also a long shot.

Angel Rangel is an option, he was mentioned last summer and has had a very good second season in the Premier League with Swansea and could want to make the step up to a bigger club, but would he opt against playing European football with Swansea next season?

Whoever Arsene chooses to be Sagna’s replacement, I hope he is up to the task of taking over from a player who has repeatedly been chosen in the PFA team of the year and is as consistent as Bac has been for the last 6 years.

 

Written by Charlie Smith

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Match Preview: Arsenal vs Manchester United – RVP’s Emirates Return

  By O-Posts Team | April 28, 2013 - 10:51 | , , , ,
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Rewind to the early 2000s, it was all about Arsenal and Manchester United, later Chelsea came into the equation. Fast forward to 2013 and all you see is an Arsenal decline. The team which used to compete for all the top domestic honours have been reduced to mere challengers for a place among the top 4. The transformation has been astounding even for the neutrals. Now what they created is coming to bite them hard on Sunday.

When Robin Van Persie departed the Emirates, he had only won the F.A Cup and that was 8 long years ago. The last time Arsenal fans ever saw their team celebrate a cup success (except the Emirates Cup is now massive for them). Tomorrow evening, the Dutchman who struck 30 league goals in the Premier League for them last season, returns as Champion of England.

Something last achieved by the INVINCIBLES who have all jumped ship. Arsene Wenger let his then captain leave for 24 Million Pounds. Now he returns to his former home with 24 League goals and a winners medal (although not yet given).

The Red Devils won their 20th EPL title six days ago with a convincing 3-0 win over relegation threatened Aston Villa. Fittingly and acting according to the written script, Robin Van Persie struck a finesse laden hat-trick in 33 minutes-the fastest in the League in nine years. The 2nd was reminiscent of the one time volley he hit v Everton at the Emirates last season.

Finally, he is a Premier League winner. Something that eluded him in his 8 years as a Gunner. Just one year as a Red Devil, he is about to hoist his maiden trophy. Man United also helped Michael Owen add a winners medal to his collection two years ago. Steven Gerrard could be next….who knows?

Arsenal come into this match on the back of 5 wins from their last six games in the League. Only Everton have taken a point off them in that spell. Nonetheless, it is the Champions who are in town. A team they haven’t done well against in recent fixtures. They won’t forget in a hurry how they got thumped 8-2 last season and 2-1 in the reverse fixture. It was 2-1 again at Old Trafford earlier this term.

Arsenal’s last win over Manchester United came in May 2011 when a sweetly struck Aaron Ramsey goal was the difference at the Emirates. A repeat of that will be appreciated by Arsene Wenger, but the scorer should be someone else..lol. The North Londoners are going to be pumped up for this crucial game. They are locked in a London battle with Chelsea and Spurs on who gets the automatic slot for next season’s Champions League Campaign. It is a wonderful experience for those who support neither outfit. The tension- soaked affair is expected to drag on until the end of the season.

An Arsenal win tomorrow will put them in a great position to at least finish fourth if third is beyond their reach. Traditionally (at least since 2006), they always come good during the tail end of the season to end it on a high. Consolation for not fighting for the EPL title. Something they last managed to do in 2008, and eventually fizzled out when it became fierce.

Overrated Englishman, Jack Wilshere has been hampered by injuries yet again this season. Despite his limited time on the pitch, he was surprisingly chosen as a YPOTY (Young Player Of The Year) nominee. Among the six (Hazard, Benteke, Lukaku, Bale, Welbeck and Jack), he least deserved such recognition. Even though he gets much more praise than the effort he actually puts in, he does play with his heart on his sleeve and when fit, is one of the best young players in the world. He seems ready for the big time.

A good performance tomorrow will go a long way to assuage the doubts people have about him. Santi Cazorla, perhaps one of the best midfielders of his generation and by a country mile, Arsenal’s best player this season, was unfairly overlooked for the POTY award. That hasn’t deterred him one bit. The Spanish footballer hasn’t been too effective in the last couple of weeks because he has been featured on the left side of midfield where his performance will be restricted.

Arsenal’s qualification for Europe depends largely on what he does right. Starting from tomorrow, the gunners have four finals to play. To win all of them, Santi must be at the forefront of everything Arsenal do right.

Robin Van Persie is the happiest man in football right now. A hat-trick to seal Manchester United’s 13th Premier League title and his first was an excellent conclusion to a fabulous season. He will walk out of the tunnel as a Champion. The major reason why he made the move to MUFC. The 20-20 marriage has blossomed beyond his imagination. When he joined, he said the ‘LITTLE BOY’ in him told him to switch allegiance. That ‘kid’ has been vindicated. He added that he chose the  NO 20 shirt because he wants to help his new team claim their 20th Premiership crown. That again has been achieved. It is a dream come true for the Dutchman and everyone attached to the red army.

Despite the disappointments of elimination from the Champions League and the FA Cup, this has been celebrated like none other and May 12 will be like the last day at school for each and everyone at the CLUB. Sir Alex Ferguson has hailed the contribution of the Dutchman this season and even likened his impact to that of King Cantona. I can’t agree more and others have concurred. 24 league goals (one for every million pound spent on him) and 8 assists have been nothing short of extraordinary.

Now he is going to walk through a GUARD OF HONOUR made up of his former colleagues at a club where he spent eight years with one of the greatest managers in History as his tutor. He thoroughly deserves all that he will tomorrow evening and as SAF said in his pre-match presser yesterday, he wouldn’t be disturbed by chants, boos and abuse from supporters who once hailed him as the best in the business. How the cookies crumble.

 

PROBABLE LINEUPS

ARSENAL- Szczesny, Sagna, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Gibbs, Arteta/Wilshere, Ramsey, Rosicky, Poldy, SANTI, Walcott.

Lukasz Fabianski is still nursing the rib injury he sustained three weeks ago, so Wojciech continues in goal. Oli Giroud starts his three match suspension tomorrow, while Mikel Arteta is a doubt after feeling something at Craven Cottage last weekend. If he doesn’t make it, Wilshere will sit deep, with Rmsey-Rosicky-and SANTI ahead of him. Poldy will support Walcott in attack to make up for the absence of the Frenchman. Arsenal have shipped in 21 goals at the Emirates this season and have failed to keep a clean sheet in 12 of their 16 home games already.

Their away form is better in this regard; only 14 goals conceded is the best in the Division. Arsenal have taken the least points (4) from fellow members of the top 5 this season. Others have taken at least 6 more. Arsenal were the last team to win the Premier League with 4 games to spare. Their last triumph in this competition in 03/04.

 

MANCHESTER UNITED- DDG, Rafa, Rio, Vidic, Buttner, Jones, Cleverley, Kagawa, Nani, RVP, Chicharito.

There will definitely be changes to the line up on Sunday. With the Title sealed last Monday, the mighty reds of Manchester will make alterations to the team. Carrick and Evans will be rested after playing through pain last time out. Cleverley has played for a while. So are Nani and Chicharito who have had limited time on the pitch. The little pea has been unfortunate this season. He has still scored 16 goals and made his presence felt. RVP could have been rested, but I feel and think Fergie will even make him captain for tomorrow’s encounter just to rub it in more and make it spicier.

Wayne Rooney has scored landmark goals for Manchester United against Arsenal. His first ever League goal was against Wenger’s men in 2002. he also hit his first for MUFC in the League against tomorrow’s opponents. His 100th in the League was also against Arsenal at the Emirates. He just loves playing against them, doesn’t he? He might be rested alongside Valencia and Evra. Anders Lindegaard is 2 games away from reaching the mandatory 10 appearances in the League to be eligible for a medal. Fergie will decide when to field him.

Ashley Young is out for the season….he will get a medal, though.

We wish all the nominees GOODLUCK  at the PFA POTY AND YPOTY Awards ceremony tomorrow night…..GO FOR THE KILL….

 

Written by Ohiskaka Eboreime

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Olivier Giroud: Big Frenchman needs to up the ante to cement his Gooner status

  By O-Posts Team | April 25, 2013 - 20:08 | , ,
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Arsenal fans tend to be hostile sometimes. The frustration of not winning a silver-ware for eight years seems to be its toll on them. And when you criticize their players – you are dead meat.

Olivier Giroud, as I have said countless times, has struggled to replicate the form Robin Van Persie once displayed at Arsenal. He is nowhere near RVP’s class and quality, but he can be deadly if given enough space to fire and convert.

But then you ask, what space?

We have seen cases of Giroud having enough time, space, room to either make a forward pass or even take a shot, but the French man strangely opts for the ridiculous (spanking the ball on Robin Van Persie’s face).

In the West Brom game, after Giroud was sent off for what looked like a red card, the French man insisted “he slipped and went for the ball “. But in the way Sidwell was sent off, a red card for him was highly inevitable.

Arsenal fans on social networks didn’t hide their excitement on his dismissal.  In fact, a section of the supporters suggested Wenger shouldn’t appeal for the red card. During that spell on the sideline, Giroud will miss the Manchester United, QPR and Wigan matches.

Unfortunately, this same set of fans, when confronted on Giroud’s poor finishes, don’t waste time to remind you about his impressive stats “17 goals and 13 assists”. Then they console themselves by also, reminding you, that RVP in his first season at Arsenal couldn’t score as much as that. Furthermore, they also remind you that Giroud is the main striker in the team and the pressure is always on him to produce goals, so expecting too much from him on match-days is just plain selfish.

Yes, I can agree on the point that Giroud is the main striker in the club – not just an ordinary club, but a big club, and the pressure on him is always gigantic. But I believe it’s ostensibly a privilege for a player of his caliber, to start week in and out for a big club like Arsenal. So, is this privilege and honor in representing such a prestigious side enough reason for him to give away silly passes and waste decent attack opportunities,  when he could have created something useful.

Take for example the West Brom game: his only decent effort was in the 35th minute, when his low shot hit the bottom of the post and eventually went out for a goal kick. Other than that, he was poor and the red card summed up his poor performance. The fact is, the French international hasn’t been consistent enough and needs to up the ante if he wishes to succeed at such a top side, and avoid the destinies of flops just like in the cases of Chamakh and Park.

If Arsenal get a striker, a quality striker like Jovetic, in the summer, then the so-called main-man pressure is sure to be reduced, but his place in the starting-line up could be threatened.

Maybe when he is sitting on the bench, with the grim face, we could chant about his 17 goals and 13 assists – whilst Jovetic utilizes the opportunity he once wasted.

 

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Match Preview: Arsenal vs Everton – Squeaky Bum Time

  By O-Posts Team | April 16, 2013 - 16:01 | , , , ,
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Since the Moyes dynasty started in 2002, the Toffees have not defeated Arsenal in the Premier League either at Highbury or the Emirates. Tonight, the Scotsman and his boys will attempt to end that horrible away record tonight when they face 3rd placed Arsenal.

 

Everton are back in the hunt for the race to be England’s representatives in the Champions League next season with a remarkable run of 4 wins from their last 5 League games. Last weekend’s 2-0 victory over QPR took their points tally to 55, just three less than Spurs and Chelsea who are 5th and 4th respectively – although the latter have a game in hand over their fellow Champions League chasers. Liverpool can count themselves out of the ‘TOP 4′ race as they lie 5 points adrift of 6th placed Everton even after playing a game more.

 

The Evertonians have stepped up their level in recent weeks, taking out the likes of Manchester City and Stoke on their way to getting themselves back in the race for Champions League qualification. Leighton Baines has been the Premiership’s best left back this campaign and the Blues best player by a stretch. His forays, mazy runs, crosses, and set piece accuracy have been very instrumental to Everton’s surge.

 

Nikica Jelavic has been inconsistent this term after a sparkling start to life in Merseyside. The Croat has since returned to his shell. Kevin Mirallas, Victor Anichebe, Leon Osman, Gibson, and co have all come to the fore. It is  the Moroccan giant, Marouane Fellaini that has carried the goal scoring duties in the league. He is the only Blue to reach double figures (11) in league goals scored.

 

Tim Howard has been excellent again this season. The American number one is still one of the best between the sticks. The central defensive partnership of Distin and Jags (Jiagielka) has been sensational most of the time. The task of keeping out the in-form Arsenal front line will be arduous, but not impossible.

 

Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal traditionally raise their game at this time of the season. When others are jostling for the EPL title, the Gunners fight tooth and nail to be among the Champions League flag bearers. Not since 2008 have Arsenal been in any title race. It remains to be seen when they can mount a serious challenge for top honours again. That by the way side, London’s most successful football club have won their last five Premier League games and are favourites to make it six on the trot when the Toffees come visiting.

 

 

The Frenchman has a very good record against David Moyes and tonight’s challenge shouldn’t be too big to negotiate through. The Arsenal have risen to 3rd place in the EPL standings and can go 4 points clear of Chelsea and Spurs with a victory tonight. Jack Wilshere returned to the fold on Saturday to boost the morale of his teammates. Lukas Podolski came on to score a beautiful goal at the weekend and Thomas Vermaelen deputised for the suspended Per Mertesacker v the Canaries and did very well. Theo Walcott also came on and set up Poldi’s goal.

 

By and large, the weapons are potent. The Arsenal filled with enough to devour the Evertonians. The stage is set for a pulsating finale.

 

PROBABLE LINEUPS

 

ARSENAL

 

Szczesny, Sagna, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Monreal, ARTETA, Rosicky, Cazorla, Walcott, Gervinho, Giroud.

 

There will be a couple of changes to the starting line up tonight for sure. Nacho Monreal is set to replace Gibbs at left back….Per Mertesacker is back from a one game ban which means Vermaelen returns to the bench. Wojciech Szczesny will get an unlikely start as fellow compatriot, Fabianski,  is sidelined through injury. Jack can’t be risked again, so Czech playmaker, Rosicky, will return and hope go continue his good form.

 

Olivier Giroud will lead the line alongside Gervinho and most probably, Walcott.

 

 

EVERTON

 

Howard, Coleman, Distin, Jagielka, BAINES, Gibson, Osman, Pienaar, Mirallas, FELLAINI, Anichebe

 

The Toffees will start with just about the same team that beat QPR on Saturday. The duo of Fellaini-Anichebe will cause a lot of trouble to the Arsenal rearguard. If they are to win for the first time in 17 years, both must fire. The Everton record at Arsenal is shameful; 20 games and 16 defeats is absolutely rotten.
We await the fireworks.

 

 

Written by Ohiskaka Eboreime

 

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Arsenal: The Loanees – do they still have a future with the Gunners?

  By O-Posts Team | April 14, 2013 - 13:25 | , , ,
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They were all sent out on loan for different reasons, and with competition for a place in the Arsenal starting line-up looking feisty, I have listed in a short and plain method of how their Arsenal future might look like when they eventually return.

 

1) Marouane Chamakh

Chamakh….. praying for his Arsenal future.

After securing the signature of French-born striker Olivier Giroud- Chamakh’s realistic chances of playing upfront for Arsenal was sent into raptures.

Arsenal have only one recognized striker, but despite that, he was sent on loan to West Ham and has since featured in only three games for the Hammers. With Arsenal expected to secure the signature of Fiorentina prolific striker Stevan Jovetic this summer, it’s all doomsday for Chamakh.

Arsenal future: The Gunners are looking set to get rid of dead-wood players this summer, Chamakh would never fit in at Arsenal again. Impossible.

 

 

2) Andre Santos

On loan at Gremio, Santos in my opinion should have been one of the most consistent left backs in the history of the EPL with his brilliant ability to support counter attacks. Unfortunately, it didn’t work out – probably because of his obsession for instagram hah.

Arsenal future: Player has clearly stated his desire to remain at Gremio, also not forgetting the fierce competition for the left back position between Kieran Gibbs and Nancho Monreal. Unlikely.

 

 

3) Park Chu Young

Signed for Arsenal from Monaco in 2011, where he has managed just 11 minutes of English Premier League football. The South Korean international was later loaned to Spanish outfit Celta Vigo where he has managed three goals in 19 appearances. Just three goals.

Arsenal future: Seriously? He should be playing in the Championship or something.

 

 

4) Ryo Miyaichi

One word: injuries. They can really be frustrating especially for a young lad who has a bright Arsenal future ahead of him.

Arsenal future: The Japanese speedster is currently recuperating at Wigan, and when he is back, he should be sent on loan to a Championship team for next season. A successful Arsenal career is still possible.

 

5) Nicklas Bendtner

The Greatest Striker in the World. A player with a very big ego, decided to join a big club like Juventus when I expected him to set his sights on a smaller club to get game time and prove his worth and self-value.

Well, his season at Juventus has been a nightmare for the big Dane and I don’t see him ever setting his foot at the Emirates. Not now. Not anytime soon.

Arsenal future: Well, since miracles do happen, anything is still possible.

 

Written by @femi4arsenal

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Arsenal: Three Possible Summer Signings to Boost the Gunners’ Title Hopes

  By O-Posts Team | April 10, 2013 - 13:16 | , , , ,
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This season is done and dusted for Arsenal in terms of fighting for a major title – they can only fight to secure a top 4 finish. Some Arsenal fans might not understand the relevance of finishing in the top 4, but it is as important as winning a title (Wenger’s tone). If Arsenal fail to secure to a Champions League spot, this could be disastrous because the big names might opt to leave for greener pastures.

For that, I have successfully deduced 3 signings that could boost Arsenal title pursuit next season.

 

All statistics are courtesy of Whoscored and Caught Offside.

 

1) Stevan Jovetic

Current club: Fiorentina

Been on Arsenal radar for a while now, in fact the  Montenegro forward has gladly stated his desire to join the Gunners ; “I have always liked Arsenal” . Scoring 14 goals in 27 appearance last term, and another 12 this season ; it is all clear that Jovetic could be of great help to the inconsistent Olivier Giroud.

His ability to shoot from distance and his threatening presence on the counter would be a bonus addition to Arsene Wenger’s attacking options. He also loves to play as a centre forward, which has yielded an aforementioned 12 goals for the Fiorentina man this season- but he is yet to score a single goal for his club when placed on the Right flank.

Possible Transfer Outcome: Very possible, if Arsenal manage to seal a Champions League spot for next season.

 

2) Remy Cabella

Current club: Montpellier

An exciting assiduous youngster, a versatile attacking midfielder; he can either play at the center, right or left flank. He has assisted 7 and scored 6 goals so far for Montpellier this season. He was also the major catalyst to Olivier Giroud’s high-flying collections of goals in the 2011/2012 season where Montpellier went on to clinch the title that year .

Noted mostly for his dribbling ability, key passes and defensive contributions – also not forgetting his mouthwatering through balls – he could be the man to assist Giroud upfront with some scintillating final passes.

Possible Transfer Outcome: Although Cabella currently has a contract with the club which runs until 2016, a possible move to the emirates is likely with Wenger a huge admirer of this young lad. Remember, he is French too.

 

3) Loic Remy

Current club: QPR

If Arsenal fail to land Jovetic, then they must turn to this French striker. Currently plays for relegation threatened QPR and with The Rangers looking set to play Championship football next season; it could be an opportunity for Arsenal to once again bid for this highly rated French forward.

Scoring 4 goals in 7 games for Rangers, it is all but clear that Remy can handle the enormous work load required from an attacker in the Premier League. Loves to dribble and very (very) good in the air, and that is just some of his uncountable football abilities.

Possible Transfer Outcome: Well, it is a simple equation. If QPR get relegated, it is highly possible.

 

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Match Preview: West Brom vs Arsenal

  By O-Posts Team | April 6, 2013 - 11:48 | , , ,
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Saturday and we are back to football ways, Arsene Wenger’s in-form Arsenal side visit The Hawthorns for an epic Premier League clash against Steve Clarke’s inconsistent West Brom team.

West Brom would be looking recover from that embarrassing loss against West Ham. Their display was similar to the Reading outfit that visited the Emirates ; committed a high number of individual errors and were also too aggressive. Although, they were a bit unlucky as they created tons of goal scoring opportunities through individual skills but couldn’t convert them into goals. Overall, they were poor and Steve Clarke should be looking  to instill some belief to a side that dominated possession but ended up losing by a fair margin.

For Arsenal, the incredible win against Bayern in the UEFA Champions League looks to have spurred the Gunners, who gained 3 successive league wins. Their mouth-watering display against Reading hasn’t come unnoticed ; they created a high number of chances relating to their possession, even though they were caught offside often, Arsenal played very well in my opinion and should have scored more goals anyway.

After losing to Arsenal in the first leg of this fixture, West Brom have managed just 5 wins out of 16, so for that, I choose to label them as “inconsistent” despite their barnstorming start to the season.

 

Team news

West Brom

Highflying goal scorer Romelu Lukaku should be available. The Belgian, on loan from Chelsea, has scored 13 goals for the Baggies this season and is currently the highest goal scorer in the team. Not also forgetting goalkeeper Ben Foster who has performed heroics between the sticks. Other than that, the team looks okay  and should be ready to give Arsenal a torrid time at the Hawthorns.

 

Arsenal

The competition in the squad is getting feisty and that has seen top players stuck to the bench. Arsene Wenger message is loud and clear: You need to be at your top game and work very hard to make the starting line-up irrespective of your position in the team.

Aside Nacho Monreal limping off at the Reading game and a definite doubt ahead of this encounter, the squad looks in good shape and it would be interesting to see if Wojciech Szczęsny is welcomed back into the squad.

 

Last 5 matches for each side

West Brom League Form : WLWDL

Arsenal League Form : WLWWW

 

Predictions

This sort of fixture has been noted to produce incredible moments and goals. Expect the Baggies supporters to roar from start to finish. If Arsenal are on their top game and dictate possession, then they can cause problems for the hosts.

 

Predicted scoreline: West Brom 1-2 Arsenal

 

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Abou Diaby: Time for Wenger to let him go

  By O-Posts Team | March 30, 2013 - 10:36 | ,
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My heart was torn into pieces after the official Sky Sports page tweeted, “Diaby ruled out for the rest of the season after sustaining cruciate ligament injury in training.”

Just a few months back, Wenger had some positive words for Diaby :

“I faced exactly the same questions with (Robin) van Persie and for a while everybody thought Van Persie will never play a season, but last year he played 55 games “

“They can get over this cycle, but you always have a little fear that another injury can come in “

“We had that for a long time with Van Persie and suddenly he got over it and I hope Diaby is over it now as well.”

That’s 38 injuries in 5 years. For a top notch player that is proper frustrating; talk less of the fans who have solemnly been behind him through his never-ending injuries.

I for once have never doubted Diaby’s potential despite his frequent injuries, he is the sort of guy you want in your team ; a box to box type of player, mostly described by the press as “languid, elusive, and athletic”. He also possesses attractive dribbling abilities that can be frustrating at times, but it is always fun to watch nevertheless.

Despite all his fantastic abilities, his worrisome injuries have played a negative part on his time at Arsenal where he has appeared in only 16 occasions this season.

After watching his fair performance against Swansea, I found myself accepting his future with the Gunners is still very bright and if (only) he could stay fit, he would continue to improve everyday and overruling the idea getting a replacement anytime soon. But after getting this abhorrent update on his injury which has ruled him out of action for almost a year, I have finally accepted it is all but over for Diaby at Arsenal.

Arsene Wenger now needs to find a replacement for Diaby. I can understand his frustrations after sticking and encouraging Abou through his hard times, but it’s the duty of the manager to take necessary actions for the better of the team – he is paid to do that. The lad is out for close to a year and expecting Arsenal to stick and wait for another miraculous comeback is utter foolishness, especially for a big club like the Gunners.

Deadwood, underrated and injury prone players at Arsenal all need to move on this summer. I don’t care how Arsenal fans would take this but I would tag Abou Diaby under “Injury prone and Deadwood”. Wenger has been patient enough and I respect that so much. Not every manager in the Premier League would have supported Diaby for that long , just like in the case of Ferguson and Owen Hargreaves.

Diaby was given enough time to recuperate from his unfortunate injuries, not forgetting the backing of the staffs and the fans. But now enough is enough. It didn’t materialize. The club has tried and they can only wish the best for him with his recovery.

If Abou finally pulls through from this horrible long term injury, releasing him is the most logical idea to embark on. Players come and go. It’s time to move on. Goodbye Diaby.

 

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Abou Diaby: Another Injury Setback Puts His Arsenal Career On The Line

  By O-Posts Team | March 29, 2013 - 18:21 | , , ,
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Arsenal midfielder Abou Diaby has suffered a major knee injury ruling him out for up to nine months. The French International has suffered a cruciate knee ligament injury sustained in training and is set for a very lengthy layoff.

This latest setback comes as a massive blow to both Diaby and manager Arsene Wenger. Diaby has who has been injury stricken since his move from AJ Auxerre in 2006.

 ”Abou Diaby injured his left knee in training on Wednesday and he has torn his anterior cruciate ligament. Abou will undergo surgery to repair the injury in the near future.”

The injury to Diaby leaves Wenger short for options in the midfield and with fresh injury concerns including Jack Wilshere and Theo Walcott, Wenger and his men face a battle to finish within the top four this season. Diaby’s Arsenal career has been blighted by injuries and has only made 19 appearances in the last two years.

However, what is interesting is the similarities Diaby shares with former star Robin Van Persie. Van Persie spent years on the treatment table and but has been injury free for the past two years.  Fast forward to now and Van Persie has turned out to be one of the most deadly strikers in Europe, aged 29.

This may explain Wenger’s reluctance to sell the 26 year old, and why he kept Van Persie despite him being so injury prone. Wenger appears to have the same faith with Abou Diaby, who’s Arsenal career very much mirrors that of the Dutchman but this most recent setback will surely spell the end for Abou Diaby at Arsenal.

 

Written by Farhan Daw

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Robin Van Persie: A Big Miss For Arsenal

  By O-Posts Team | March 25, 2013 - 20:24 | , , ,
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It hasn’t been easy, speaking from an Arsenal point of view, watching your former lethal striker do so well in another club, especially for your rivals. His name is Robin, and he was like the perfect idol.

It has been over three months since Arsenal sold Robin Van Persie to Manchester United for a fee believed to be around £24 million. His departure also saw the arrival of former Montpellier and French international striker Olivier Giroud, who I won’t be so quick to criticize.

After all, given the fact it is his first season at Arsenal, his goals so far this season has been quite encouraging from a statistical point of view. But sadly, he is nowhere near to Robin. He would also fall behind Rooney and even Chicharito in the pecking order at Manchester United – making the Manchester City starting 11 is also a huge doubt.

For example, we have seen decent chances that Giroud has failed to convert and we find ourselves frustrated and then admitting “Robin would have scored that “. I’ve been guilty of saying that, and I will continue to do so until something is done about the strike force situation at Arsenal.

Don’t quote me wrong. I am not saying Giroud is not worth playing for Arsenal, in fact his brilliant scoring record and eye for goal hasn’t gone unnoticed. Scoring  14 goals so far and over 7 assists for a striker in his debut season at the club isn’t that bad to say the least, but he hasn’t really shown any sign of replacing the incredible work Robin has rooted and replacing a striker of his calibre was definitely going to be a difficult task.

The sale of Robin Van Persie has left a big (very big) vacuum to Arsenal, especially in the striking department as Olivier Giroud, as I mentioned, is  struggling to produce the magical touch Robin had, despite having a good scoring record in his first season so far at the club.

Robin’s eye for goals and brilliant technique makes you ponder if this guy is really human. All you need to do is create the chance and leave Robin to handle the rest. When Arsenal need an equalizer or maybe a winning goal, he usually provides them. Also, not forgetting the fact that he is a consistent player and can bring positives out of a negative game in a matter of seconds.

He did that against Liverpool and Everton, his curling effort against Tottenham, and the list goes on. His tally of 37 goals out of Arsenal’s total of 95 goals in all competitions in the 2011/2012 season, is a testament to his undeniable talent and outrageous ability.

I have to say that I am not really surprised Robin has adapted at his new club. He is a consistent player and he is showing the same fate at his new club. He’s also a genius who is ready to fight, and provided his full commitment in his time at Arsenal. The downside was, he was never patient. He is a big player, and big players have massive “egos”. They dictate what they want, and if you display some of sort of opposition they would most likely depart in a moment’s notice.

Van Persie’s former manager, Arsene Wenger, had this to say about big players and “egos”:

“Can you become a big player without a big ego? I would say no, it’s impossible”

As much as Arsenal fans won’t hide their bitter frustrations on losing Robin to Manchester United, I would suggest Wenger should have done more to keep his big man. Rooney almost quit United after some behind the scenes outbursts with manager Alex Ferguson, with Mirror football quoting “Rooney to leave United after outburst with Ferguson beyond repair “.

The major difference between Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger is Ferguson’s way of understanding big players who have massive egos, and that you need to act and rise to their level to keep them at your club. He did the same on this situation, and Rooney stayed.

It still saddens me that he left, but he has clearly stated his desire to win trophies which Arsenal have failed to provide.

Arsenal lost a leader, talisman, a born goalscorer and a fighter. If Arsenal fail to finish in the top 4 this season, only then would the cost of his departure be very clear. Only then.

 

Written by @femi4arsenal

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