Good win yesterday, despite what some pundits said, i thought we played well and looked like we are slowly regaining some of that fluidity to our play. Time to focus a bit on the weekends against Pulis' **** Kickers. I think Stoke may be a bit different this year; in the past we have never have a defender with the presence to stop huth, shawcross and co a free header at goal not to mention a big comanding keeper. But now we have the Mertasker and Szhehsyyey (give up spelling his name). Line-up wise i can see theo being dropped and so to arshavin with gervinho on the left and benayoun on the right. Will add a bit of height and also, i hope, a bit more effectiveness. Not sure if Jenko is gonna be fit so maybe Djorou right back? Or even Kos with Djorou forming a giant centre half pairing with the BFG (Big Friendly German)? Bring on 6 wins out of 7.
Stoke are a much improved side as well, Tony Pullis has done an unbelievable job up there. They still have the Delap threat but they also now knock it around more and play better football, this is not an easy game. I'm thinking we'll nick a tight one but I wouldn't rule out a hard fought draw...
Nevermind spelling his name, it's saying it without sounding like i'm having some sort of stroke that i struggle with!! and i quite like stoke and pulis, okay they were abit dirty etc, but they concentrated on what they could to stay in the league, and then slowly but surely they are improving both in terms of general quality and style of football i'd much prefer stoke who try to improve rather than any fat sam style team that just play **** for the hell of it!
i know what you mean wright. the commentators of our matches all seem to say "se chesney", while i thought it was more "chesney" if you get my meaning. almost like they think he's been knighted sometimes... Sir Szczesny
I always end up saying shees-shnes-shney, then having to point out i mean arsenals keeper lets start a petition to get him change his name to john wright
Stoke are a different beast this season, they've really come on and Pulis has made some really good signings. They actually play football on the deck now, rather than just lobbing it forward via boot or throw. Stoke away has always been a tough fixture, but I think we're good enough and with confidence flowing we should be good for a 3 pts at home.
Stoke are terrible away from home so i'm more confident about this game than any other we have had this season.
I'm a realist mate ! To be fair, whilst Stoke are much improved they also have a poor record after a European game (especially when away from home) so maybe it's a good time play them. To be honest, I'd take a scrappy hard fought 1-0 win...
I have a good feeling about this game. If we continue to concentrate on reducing our mistakes defensively, then i can see us winning this 2-0. I don't want to say it but maybe we are turning a corner.......... :|
Looks like it..I would rather tempt Dixon out of retirement that play Johan Draw On eyebrows playing at right back
The last time time we had this combination of defenders was away at Blackburn. We all know what happened there. Might consider two cdms, Frimpong and Song. Just an opinion.
Djourou looked ok when he came on at Marseille - he seems to draw a lot of unwarranted stick. Still, places up for grabs this season, any one who can find a bit of form should get a run...
Djourou vs Etherington... AARRRGGGHHH!!! he's gonna get crushed. i would actually prefer coquelin to play there...
RVF is correct - our away form is so bad I'd be delighted with a point. We are starting to play a more visually entertaining style but we'll still be singing sweet chariot especially for Arsene.
