Let him start on the bench, bearing in mind he was out injured with a hamstring, and then unleash him for the West Ham fixture so he can ram Golds words down his throat with a hatrick
Didn't Wenger squinny and whinge about how his players were bullied by Long? On that basis alone, he needs to be the first name on the team sheet, because he's under their skin already. I'd never looked at Long as being a "bit naughty" but have since noticed a few little "bumps" into players, that could have been avoided. (Maybe he's the modern equivalent of Terry Paine, who ended up in Jack Charlton's black book of players that he wanted to kick over the stand.) I would definitely stick with two quickies up front, and hope that Mane finally remembers to put his scoring boots on. Charlie can always get a run out at 3-0 .
I have to laugh at that. Koscielny was so outpaced by Long that he thumped him twice. Once in the back on the half way line, 15 yards from the ref who just waved play on. Then he elbowed Shane so hard that he drew blood. If that's the result of Shane being the bully, I'm a Dutch uncle. Basically, Shane made their defence look like their feet were nailed to the floor and their response was subtle violence. When Shane got his own back with that heel-tap, I really did feel it was justice done. They got away with murder, so Wenger whining just makes me smile; he's clearly terrified of Long's pace. If only for that reason, we have to start with Long. Vin
Arsenal are likely to have Sanchez and Coquelin back into the team, hopefully fit enough to start the game, which will make a big difference to our defensive performance. Possibly Gabriel will be in for Mert giving more pace at the back too. I'm also expecting us to have far more options from the bench than our last game where we had to rely on youth players off the bench. I think our performance level will depend a lot on which players have gained enough fitness after returning from injury to be involved.
Normally it isn't an issue as Coquelin shields the back four well and A combination of Merts good reading of the game and Koscielnys and Bellerins ability to cover with pace makes for a fairly solid defensive unit. The problems have been since we've used Flamini in the midfield, who is fine if your sitting deep with 2 defensive midfield players, or when he just has to man mark someone, but positionally he isn't good enough and doesn't give the defense the cover they need to play with a high line. If Coquelin and Gabriel play it will be a very different defensive display to our last fixture... Or so I'd hope! Sanchez will also add an extra element of fight and closing down which tends to spur on the rest of the team to put in more effort. It'll make a big difference who is fit and who isn't for this game I think.
I'm running out of interesting poetry types. How about a positive Villanelle? Do not go gentle into Tuesday night, Goals blazed should burst the net at close of play; Score, Score players of the flying Red and White. Though Austin at the end heads balls in right Against Manure, the Arse are better so please Do not go gentle into Tuesday night. Good fans, the last wave by, crying how bright Dear Little Southampton's deeds have danced in a green bay, Score, Score players of the flying Red and White. Wild Mané caught and sang the ball in flight, And learned, too late, he sent it the wrong way, Do not go gentle into Tuesday night. Fraser Foster, who sees with blinding sight Bright eyes catch balls like meteors fierce as day, Score, Score players of the flying Red and White. And you, my Koeman, there on the pitch height, Curse, bless, me now with your fierce tears, I pray. Do not go gentle into Tuesday night, Score, Score players of the flying Red and White.
I call poetic licence. I also hope everyone recognises the Dylan Thomas original. I love this poem and thought it would work well... But apparently I have damaged it. Tut tut.
Oh we all love the original too, some of us are getting closer to that good night every day! I think that might just be Godders' issue with your version...
I don't see any logic in dropping Long. Not given his current form, which included a game against Arsenal. There's a case for dropping Mane for Austin, yes, but I personally wouldn't go down that route either - although I'd have no issue with Ron doing that. Assuming he is fit, the only change I am making is Davis for Tadic. (If Davis isn't, then Romeu for Tadic with Clasie pushed further forward).
I would venture to suggest that being match fit for QPR and the Championship is a little different to being fit enough to play a whole match for Saints. So I would like Austin to build his match fitness, not burn it. Early-ish introduction in the 2nd place will give him enough time to get on the end of something.
if you rate Shane on his actual performances for us and forget the fact that he wasn't really rated by many when he joined us and the fact that many thought we over paid for him - he's been bloody brilliant and we keep winning when he plays!!!
