We say that Song isn't a DM and he really isn't, but he's our strongest midfielder and with Arteta going out, needs to be kept in a more defensive sense, especially if Drogba is playing. You can't rely on Ramsey as he is off form and Rosicky has done a good job of pulling the strings up front. The only person that can help on defending is Song against Drogba. This will be a key battle against Chelsea and if Song continues to gallop forward and leave gaps behind, this could spell disaster. Arteta has done very well to cover Songs forward ventures. Do you trust an off form Ramsey to cover these runs?
In some ways I'd rather Aaron does just that, sitting back and covering and playing the simple balls, even if they are just 5 metres to the side. As it is he's constantly trying too hard to prove himself and find that ellusive killer ball. It's doing his confidence no favours so I'd prefer him to get the basics right and build from that. Do I want him to start this game? No. No I do not. Do I see a better option on the bench at the moment? No. No I do not. Were Diaby or Coquelin match fit then I'd pick Coquelin as a direct replacement for Arteta (then Diaby/Ramsey in that order) but they're not so it's a moot point. For some reason I think we'll actually win this but I'd not be displeased with a point.
Even if Coqs is fit, it's a little risky playing him in such an important game over a player that's had regular football (Ramsey). I agree, Ramsey should keep it very simple and just help in link up play in midfield and not some killer balls or rampaging runs. I definately wouldn't give him the responsibility to track Drogba, that would be Song! I wonder if i say it enough would Wenger listen? Will he stubbornly stick to his usual game plan and ignore the potential Drogba threat?
That's been our 'strategy' for the past 5 years so why would we change it now ! Just read that Coquelin won't feature at all so that's that question answered.
It's like being given several days warning of a Hurricane and not battening down the hatches. If Wenger doesn't have any contigency plans in place for Drogba, then he truly is a nincompoop.
Drogba out, not sure he would have played anyway. Just means they have no really dangerous strikers unless you can call Torres and Sturridge dangerous.. http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/new...rogba-out-with-knee-injury-article892936.html
Silly thing to say, of course Sturridge and Torres are dangerous. Sturridge absolutely took Andre Santos to the cleaners at the Bridge in October and Torres's movement and link up play with Mata and Meireles will cause Vermaelen (who is positionally clueless) plenty of problems as well as Koscielny. I think your midfield could be too strong for us, and whoever plays down your left will have a field day with Bosingwa.
Sorry maybe I should have clarified... I used the term "dangerous" in terms of goals scored. Yes Santos had a bit of a mare against Sturridge the last time..
Massive relief and definately a big bonus for us. We still need to play well but Verm and Kos should be able to handle Torres. Main danger will come from Mata and Ramirez as both are Chelsea's best players. Sturridge will be an outside danger. It's a shame Gervinho is off form, would love to see him roast Chelsea's right back....
If Drogba isn't playing thats the best possible news for Arsenal. Dont agree that playing Coquelin if he were available would be a risk at all compared to Ramsey's experience, Ramsey has been utterly ineffectual, Coquelin's game far surpasses Ramsey's. I am a fan of Ramsey but I have to say he has had an indifferent season and one best forgotten.
A big amen to that. I like Aaron, hence trying to defend him at times, but this season is one I'm sure even he would like to forget fast. Don't agree about Coquelin though. Can you imagine the grief Wenger would get if he played him too soon and he picks up another injury?! Diaby is someone I'd contemplate for the last 30 minutes or so (should he not get injured in the next 12 hours).
