As an individual example? No. As part of a list of goals and performances against top teams? Yes. And i agree with you in part - Arsenal in general haven't been good enough against the Top teams, particularly in the first half of games. In the second half against City and Chelsea we where the far better team, but due to our poor showings early in those games we lost both. Neither where toothless performances, but the result wasn't good enough. And i also agree we haven't been consistent enough this season. I just found it strange that you would pick Cazorla and Walcott, two players who have performed to a very high level in recent games against Spurs, as the two players who don't perform in big games (especially as both have generally done well in the big games even when the team hasn't). There are other Arsenal players you could of named without anyone batting an eye lid, but you chose two of this seasons best performers
On the topic of a combined team and who is "better", We can leave that to an Arsenal "legend", Alan Smith http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/picturegalleries/9901827/Alan-Smiths-north-London-XI.html A man who doesn't care much for biased or deluded opinions and you can count how many Arsenal defenders he picks, although it won't take long.
You did backtrack. You said that Benny was too inconsistent and implied he was only good at getting the basics right yet you rated Gibbs and Monreal. Now you accept that there's not much difference and they're all good. Perhaps you're just confusing me in your ability to hold contradictory opinions. Podolski's the same, all very confusing. My point about Lloris is you keep saying Szczesny's at a similar level when he's not. That's why I brought up Walker and Sagna, if you read what you've said for him that also applies for Lloris yet you think Sagna is clearly better than Walker and there's not much in it between Lloris and Szczesny. It just doesn't make sense to me, especially when we had an Arsenal fan on the thread earlier saying losing Sagna wasn't much of a loss. Also when you feel there areas where we're even you still managed to pick 2 Arsenal plays(Podolski and Monreal) on preference yet couldn't get a *** paper between the centrebacks so you can see why you look biased.
I didn't backtrack. QUote in regards to the central striker role from my first post: "through the middle it's probably Podolski with the most lethal finish, Giroud who is the most physical and Adebarndoor who is capable of the most on his day" I went on to say i'd go for Podolski if i had to choose just one player as his movement would be good with bale and walcott. I have repeatedly said it depends on the opposition as to who would play through the middle. Quote from my first post about the LB position: "I can see why Spurs fans would argue for his inclusion though, especially due to Monreal being so new to the league - so i'd be happy for any of the 3 players to occupy that spot in a best 11." It's clear any preference i have for Monreal/Gibbs is due to me being happy about the strength of that position at Arsenal currently, but that i can see why and would be happy for Benny to be included as well. As for Szc - i think he is at a similar level, he has the odd error in him, but overall as the stats show, there isn't that much between them. Both are good enough for top 4 teams (in my opinion). And once again - i haven't said i'd take Szc over Lloris, i'm just argueing the point that he isn't as far behind Lloris as the initial comments from spurs fans might suggest. And once again i'll add - i think Lloris is a fantastic keeper and wanted him at Arsenal. Your completely right in that he has the same strengths over Szc that Sagna has over Walker in that he has more experience and has been consistently at that level for a longer period of time. I'm sure your just looking for a reason to argue - i really haven't been that biased. There are 4 Arsenal players ive said would definately get into a best 11 and 2 Spurs players. I've then said i would personally have a preference for two other Arsenal players but that those two spots could just as easily go to spurs players. And that the other positions i'm Undecided on. I'd probably agree with you that Lloris as it stands would be the first choice keeper, so thats 3 spurs players i'd go for. You seem to be making it out like i'd pick a full Arsenal team!
Someone's been on the old juice again http://www.skysports.com/opinion/story/0,25212,15205_8531370,00.html Mole faced bell end.
I'm not saying anything controversial about any pundits views until after the match today. I've supported Spurs long enough to know that things can seriously come back and bite you on the arse! So I will just reserve all comments until after the match. Unless we get spanked and then you won't see me for a while! As has been mentioned I'm not really looking forward to the game I just want it over and a win for us them I can watch it again plus all highlights etc. if we lose all sports channels and radio get ignored for at least 24 hours!
I think you're still missing the point. As it stood in the post Roo quoted of yours you picked 6 Arsenal players, 2 Spurs and 3 that you couldn't decide on and that's where Spurs fans will take issue with because that gives the impression that you think you're a lot better than us. One look at the table of course suggests that it's much closer. Now you might say Podolski and Monreal are just a slight preference but that's not the impression you gave, if it was so close you could've just said the same as you did with the centrebacks and not pick anyone. The stats don't show that 'keepers are evenly matched though, it just shows that the defensive stats of both sides are evenly matched and this is what I'm saying about relying on stats. The defensive stats might be even but we've been without our best centreback since the first game of the season, Ekotto's not long been back, Gallas has been injured as well as Naughton so when you look at how we've changed 'keepers too we haven't had a regular back 5. It was the same at the start of the season when a lot of your fans were claiming only Bale would get into your side, which even the most stubborn fan would have to accept looks foolish now. Anyway, for the sake of argument here's my team with the ones who would comfortably improve the other side in bold: Lloris Sagna, Kaboul, Vertonghen, Benny Sandro, Wilshere Walnut, Cazorla, Bale Defoe/Giroud(doesn't really matter)
I had a dream last night. Ade scored the winner (a bit far fetched I know), but his celebration was really good. He ran the entire pitch to the Goons to offer his condolences with a sliding testosterone fuelled fist pump. Rings a bell from somewhere. Lol
Don't talk about a fellow Blue like that. Strangely enough quite a few are backing Arsenal despite your good form.
It must be a good sign, as I was due in at work today at 8 but my alarm never went off, battery died and never awakened until 11!..... 9 voicemails! luckily my partner who runs the business with me, found someone to cover the shift i was doing........otherwise I would have missed the game!.....am hoping thats an omen that I was meant to watch us win!
Couldn't believe it, woke up, daylight and I thought "oh ****" but then I thought "awesome, I can now watch the derby"
Could be worse - the other day I answered the phone to a player with over 300 appearances for Arsenal. I had to resist the urge to bring up the NLD... And, before anyone asks, I am not at liberty to say who or why.
Didn't know you worked for Alcoholics Anonymous mate? Anyway - just heading off to the Lane - wishing all of us a great afternoon, settled stomachs and as few grey hairs as possible... COYS!!!!!!
