I think it was Engima that made this point earlier in the thread, but I think the best way to stop Bale is for us to keep the ball well and not be sloppy in possession. Not sure we have the players that can do a job on him like Jones did for Man Utd. Most of our players are attack minded, even the defenders, ffs.
I agree, if we sit back and try to contain Bale FC then we're just going to invite pressure. We need to be sharp and incisive with the ball and retain possession, not give the ball away with sloppy passing or cheap free kicks. Also, our MF need to fall back and defend when they don't have the ball, the goal we conceded against Villa was largely due the to fact that Walcott, Cazorla, Wilshere and Arteta were all in the final third when Villa were breaking and left our DF horribly exposed. If we give Bale that sort of space, we'll get murdered. If we can get this right, then I think we'll be the ones taking the game to the spuds and we could get a lot of joy pegging them back in their own half.
It is imperative that Arsenal have a plan to neutralise Bale. Man Marking him is a good idea. Briefing Jenkinson on showing him OUTSIDE and doubling up on him are very important, as is confining space between the midfield and defense. It worries me a lot that Wenger will literally just play the normal game and not focus on him at all, and it will spell very bad news for Arsenal.
I'm pretty sure, despite what he said today, that Wenger will instruct his players on how to handle Bale.
Nah, he had a good game but nothing that outstanding, he made you look better than you actually are. The fact it took your one single *potential* world class quality player to crack him says something. Still, im looking forward to watching the gunners smash you like they always do!
if we play our normal game, we need to watch out for counter attacks, because spurs have pace in abundance and thats where bale is at his best
This is why our MF need to get back and defend when they lose the ball in the final 3rd. The goal we conceded against Villa was a criminal case of allowing our defence to be exposed.
We have before us an ordeal of the most grievous kind. We have before us many, many long months of struggle and of suffering. You ask, what is our policy? I can say: It is to wage war, by sea, land and air, with all our might and with all the strength that God can give us; to wage war against a monstrous tyranny from middlesex, never surpassed in the dark, lamentable catalogue of human crime. That is our policy. You ask, what is our aim? I can answer in one word: It is victory, victory at all costs, victory in spite of all terror, victory, however long and hard the road may be; for without victory, there is no survival. Let that be realised; no survival for The Arsenal no survival for all that The Arsenal has stood for, no survival for the urge and impulse of the ages, that we will move forward towards our goal. But I take up my task with buoyancy and hope. I feel sure that our cause will not be suffered to fail to the scum. At this time I feel entitled to claim the aid of all, and I say, "come then, let us go forward together with our united strength,Victoria Concordia Crescit " *Winston Churchill
Not overly optimistic for the game on Sunday. Of all the 'big' matches we've played this season the only one we did well in was against Spurs and Adebayor getting sent off played a large part in that.
Spurs played well for 10mins and Adebayor got himself sent off. The rest was down to Arsenal We haven't been consistent at all this season, but if we turn up, we have more than enough to hand spurs another defeat.
Tory weren't he ? No socialist rousing speech .? Oh no they have committees for such things dont they ?:
Fair enough, everyone's titled to their opinion, I just couldn't disagree with you more on certain parts. You Sir, are the first Arsenal fan I've ever seen, make such positive comments about Arshavin. I didn't realise he was an integral part of you qualifying for the CL last season. - I guess that must have been his world class talent in his locker.
@Roo - aye, he has world class talent, he is just too unfit and uninterested to make an impact at Arsenal anymore. It's a shame he wasn't able to work on the defensive side of his game as he would still play on the left if he had. It also hasn't helped that his best position is through the middle in Cazorlas role but he will never get an opportunity there. He is one of those players who is capable of moments of pure brilliance but can be a liability when you don't have the ball! Unless you can give him a free attacking role you just can't get the best out of him. And unfortunately thats a luxury few teams can afford!
Bales getting all the attention but I think it will be Walcott who has the bigger impact. Theo plays well against teams like Spurs who play a high line.
Just so you're aware afcftw, the two faced spud **** who was amicably chatting with you on here, is trying to take the piss out of you on the spuds match thread:
