Feels like you're in an argumentative mood tonight, so didn't really come across as a joke. So sorry if I misread that post.
Not at all, not in an argumentative mood. Just my opinions. I'm happy and amazed we got a point tonight.
Especially as my elder family are from London and Arsenal fans, My Grandpa was all his life. Unfortunately he went through all those years of no trophies, then died just before they wont that first cup for like 7 years. Then my GF family are London based and Arsenal fans too (coincidentally) I'm massively happy I don't have to get ripped apart by them next time I see them!
I was at thebbb game and once we endured the initial Arsenal onslaught, we got more and more into the game. Howson's overhead kick was only just over the bar. Still, we stayed ahead of Sunderland and gained a point on them (could easily have been 3), so overall, 'a good day at the office!!'
From the highlights it looked like we really should have won it! FML, it feels like you're conflating negative with defensive. I think AN's set up is actually a positive defence as in we'll sit back, absorb pressure and close down space but as soon as we win the ball back, we get on the front foot and get plays forward. I agree Redmond would be good in that system but you can definitely see why AN has gone for more solidity across the middle of the pitch. I expect Redders and Wes to start vs Watford.
Morning all! Very happy today and was delighted with our overall performance. As I said in an earlier post, we are looking far more accomplished across the back four - Wisdom maturing into the team and taking on players now going forward, a sign of confidence and that he feels he can make a fist of it. Ruddy needs to get his concentration back - he wasn't helped by a poor back pass to his weak foot and poor control from O' Neil, but you have to work on your weaknesses, right? Benno finally getting the run he deserves and I think he and Bassong are that much more solid - it also appears that Benno knows not to pass to Bassong as regularly as Martin does and put him under pressure to dally and feck up when he tries a Cruyff turn. It was a good performance. OTBC
I thought that was the point, but seriously does it grow like that or does he have it cut that way? Surely you wouldn't would you? Maybe he's in Procol Harum or The Whole Shebang!
From the Arsenal not606 MDT Nothing wrong with the decision to card Cazorla for diving however the gamemanship shown by the Norwich players is something else, akin only to Stoke City when they play us. Violent conduct IMO. We have a past history with them as well. #116 Mihaela, Yesterday at 8:47 PM
That happened several times yesterday - until we needlessly squandered possession in good areas, leaving elements of the solid midfield hopelessly out of position should Arsenal counter quickly. I can remember at least four (4) occasions where we gave the ball away cheaply - while under no real pressure, which leaves us wide open to a counter-thrust. Grabban and his horrible religious beard were guilty twice and I've forgotten the other culprits.We improved (in all departments) second half, but could well have been undone before half-time had Arsenal been firing fully on all cylinders. Surely ball retention / passing to a guy in the same coloured shirt is a pre-requisite of professional football at any level - and should be a given in the P.L. ?
I thought our performance was good considering the opposition (ok, the Arse weren't at their best but they are still a very good side) and weather. When I saw the line-up I went "Oh S**t" but actually the team picked was a good one - picked to do a specific job and they did it. That's what I like about Alex - he will pick a team suited to the opposition and tactics needed to get a result against that team - he is learning very fast. We did give the ball away cheaply at times but felt we created the better chances (imagine the hue and cry if Grabban had ballooned the one that Wes missed in the first half) and totally deserved the point if not more. Finally, the Gooners fans are a moaning bunch aren't they ?
I really like the Arsenal philosophy and the way they play, but my God are they most bitter supporters! I've noticed this just about every time we've played them in the lasts five years. Maybe it's because we have a reasonable record against them recently for one of the big clubs, but it really is pathetic sour grapes. The Untold Arsenal blog being the worst (and I wonder whether it's defamatory tbh). Even their manager had the grace to say we played well and our players used their physicality well. Shame.
When I saw the team selection, I feared the worst, but as others have said, AN got his selection spot on. To limit Arsenal to 12 shots on goal is quite a remarkable achievement. I'm certainly feeling much more positive than I was a week ago and apart from Sunderland, the teams below us haven't made much headway. I'd love to see us get a minimum of 6 more points by the end of the year.
Interesting - and great, that our two most stand-out players yesterday were Wisdom and Brady - both brought to the club by Alex Neil. More of the same in January please, squire!
Yep - Brady was outstanding yesterday - deserved the MOTM award. Ryben and Wisdom weren't far behind imo.
Yep and just three on target! Mind you, I really do not trust those stats because it said Norwich had three shots on target - but I thought that usually includes the goals scored. Brady drew a save from Cech, as did Hoolahan with Cech's wonder save, plus Grabban's goal means minimum of three on target for us I think
