Have to say, this should be a really interesting NLD. We have really got it together in recent weeks but Sp*rs are a tough side to beat at their home ground... We need to keep up the level of defensive solidity we've shown over the past few weeks. Kane and Eriksen are their main threats. We can't give away any stupid free kicks in and around the area. Eriksen is absolutely lethal from dead ball situations. If we manage to deal with the attacking threat, we will win. Their defence is suspect.
It will be a close game and Spurs are looking dangerous with their front trio of Ericksen, Kane and Lamela. But as you've pointed out, their defence is looking a little suspect and ours is looking a great deal better with the addition of Coqs and Bellerin. We also have the edge in attack and playmaking so i'm going for a win, or a draw if we don't put them away.
I think we need to approach this game in exactly the same way as the City game. That means Coquelin and Ramsey lying deep and concentrating on their defensive duties. Spurs will have a lot of the ball, but that's fine. They'll also try and attack us, that's fine too. If we set up properly we can hit them on the break. They don't have any particularly quick defensive players and the likes of Sanchez and Walcott could have a field day.
Happy for us to lose possession if it wins us games, for too long we have won possession but lost games. perhaps AW has a tactical rethink
When we won as ****e Fart Drain last season, Rosicky scored an early rasper and then we just soaked up the Spuds pressure for the next 85 mins.
I've got to say, I'm really looking forward to seeing who plays on Sat, and there's going to be a few unlucky players who don't even make the bench (Chambers might be one of them). And this is without Welbeck, Gnarby, Wilshire & Arteta back as well! Hope Oxo is back though...
Last season, Spurs were an absolute mess so the win over them wouldn't have as much satisfaction as it would this season when they are 2 points behind us, in decent form and they have a decent manager. Winning at WHL this time around would have so much more significance, in my opinion.
Definitely, especially as it'll really give us some momentum going into an important phase of the season. As well it'll get us closer to the top of the table, and maybe even put a nail in Spurs CL/European aspirations (depending on how they'd react). Just need to hope it happens...
Just a tactical thing... I've noticed in recent times that attacking teams will attempt to win free kicks by driving into midfield, into the front of the defence in front of the 18 yard area. These runs cause the defender to have to make a decision, to committ, and if they get it wrong they could give away a free kick or penalty. If we want to cut this threat out on Saturday (a la Eriksen), its a good idea to restrict the space between the back four and midfield and to force them to play out wide. If we concede fouls in wide areas it's not so dangerous as it eliminates the danger of a direct set piece goal.
Flattered that you have to adopt your park the bus formation against us - real sign of improvement. As for no fast defenders, well that would exclude Walker and Rose. And Dier is the fastest player at the club. And Vertonghen's no slouch. Nor, now I think about, is Bentaleb. The rest are pedestrian.
Sanchez is ruled out. Big blow, in my opinion. Even if he was on the bench, his presence would make the Spurs side more cautious. Ox isn't back either. Those two I believe would have really thrived in this game but unfortunately they are injured. I think we have enough quality to win but we need to be clinical and smart in how we approach this match. I'd prefer us to be tactically astute rather than gung-ho. Although I would like to see an end to end match, the points are far more important. Let's hope the players are up for it.
Hmmm bummer to have Sanchez missing, I don't think we can maintain that same defensive discipline we did VS City with a midfield of Walcott-Ozil, they're just not that type of players, so if it was me I would opt to add Rosicky to the starting line up to add more steel. But with both Sanchez-OXO out, Walcott is our only winger available, so if he doesn't start we have no proper wingers, if Walcott and Rosicky start, then maybe no place for Ozil, but if Ozil-Walcott both start the same as last time, then I think it makes us a bit lightweight in terms of defensive duties from midfield. Decisions decisions.
I feared that Sanchez would miss a few games when I heard it was 'only a slight tweak of the hamstring', so much for possibly making the side against Villa - same with Oxo, he was supposed to be back way before this originally, and now he's missing the derby as well. Is Welbeck back?
Yes. He's the only other player who is fit, aside from Walcott, that can beat his man. Not a fan of Danny personally, but I appreciate the qualities he does have and his speed, especially on the counter, could be very important for this game.
Ozil - never had an injury keeping him out for longer than 5 games in his career... comes to Arsenal and has two of them in two seasons. Sanchez - not been injured since 2012... comes to Arsenal and is out with hamstring injury. Welbeck - no serious injury for four years... comes to Arsenal and is out for over a month. Mental.
IMO he could be a good option off the bench, but preferably I think we'll have a 4-1-4-1 with Ramsey, Cazorla, Walcott and one of Ozil/Rosicky making up the 4 - I think Ozil's work rate and speed may surprise some people, but I agree Rosicky has got a lot more dog, is defensively better, while still a good passer.
I have a lot of time for Rosicky. He brings a lot to the team and his grit and determination out in the middle is admirable considering his size. I think he needs to feature more this season for us. Rosicky and Sanchez are similar, both immensely skilled, yet have high workrates and are happy to dig in and get physical.
