I think today's dismissal could pose quite a risk to Sidwell's future here. Jol is already looking at CM targets and then Sidwell misses 7 of the last 9 matches (and a big chunk of the games he did play in that span). Besides, Sidwell has hardly set the world alight this season. However, he may be saved by the fact we need to find another CM and Jol may want at least -some- continuity in our midfield next year...
I'm so confused! A great performance overall with Enoh standing out. But to play 3 luxury players with 10 men on the pitch is crazy, and then not to make a sub until 83 mins! Frei on the left AGAIN- that makes me so angry. If a guy is quick but has no left foot why play him in a position where he has to cut in, therefore negating the value of his pace. Pires defined that role- Frei is not Pires. Play him on the right and tell him to hit the by-line- it's as predictable as him on the left but he has the pace to beat the man on the right, he doesnt have the skill to cut in and beat him on the left. I have written this so many times- how can Jol and the coaches not see it. It makes me lose faith despite plenty reasons to think contrarily. On paper its a great result, but that was not Arsenal as we know it. That was a team for the taking- even with 10 men. Ruiz or Berbatov has to go this summer- frankly I dont care which. Both skillful players, technically great, but I'm not paying to watch individuals, I'm paying to watch a team and with those two on the pitch we will never reach the heights of 2010. If I want to see great touches and skill I'll go watch the freestylers. Ruiz has no bottle, he is scared ****less of being hurt (although he did have a good game). Berbatov plays like we owe him for the privilege of watching- I don't care if he is an artist, if he cant be bothered to keep himself onside and offer an option to the others then he can **** right off.
Silkship, great points. Especially regarding Berba and Ruiz and subs. The team had no help from the bench yesterday. Ruiz should have been taken off and get Hugo to give them some runs and trouble on the line. And can we ensure the person who takes a corner can actually lift the ball??? Also agree to Surlyc's point about Sidwell becoming a liability. Any challenge he is making will be subject to scrutiny. Something like Barton. In any case
It was a definite red. The ref had no option. His studs were showing and both feet off the ground. Enoh was top drawer I thought. Ruiz was at fault for the goal. Didn't puck up his player, very poor. As already said we had 2 players on the pitch that are a complete luxury. Should have got a point against a poor Arsenal.
He is incredibly infuriating, and seriously needs to buck his ideas up. One or two fancy passes per game is just not good enough.
Yup - been on about this for the last 2 years. The serious dip at the corner flag plays a part so why do the coaches never get the players practicising at the Cottage. Like SuperBri's point earlier about constantly using sprinklers. If the grass needs dousing do it a couple of hours before a game, not a couple of minutes. Both simple things that we could remedy rather than shoot ourselves in the foot.
Mr Marriner youâre on camera It wasnât Sidwellâs red card that go to me - at the game I thought straight away heâd gone and having seen the replays still think the same. [Giroudâs I thought was iffy]. No what got me was - 1. The number of shoulder to shoulder/bustling tackles which he gave Arsenalâs way simply because they fell over or flapped their arms [the one he gave that led to their goal was one of those in my opinion] 2. That Arteta should have had at least one more yellow and Koscielny two (one at least for deliberate hand ball) 3. His inconsistency about stopping play when a player was on the floor (apparently) injured - applicable to both teams. Allied to this, his hesitance in calling on the medical people which leads me to: How the heck was there only 3 minutes of extra time in the second half ? There were 4 substitutions plus Giroudâs sending off which as I understand the ârulesâ adds up to 3 minutes, without any other stoppages. Despite his best efforts it was an enjoyable game. I am just so annoyed because it could have been so much better but for his showboating.
Have you seen Sturridge's tackle on Ivanovic tonight? another Sidwell job - no card at all ! I don't defend Siddy - both reds, but a Liverpool player...ahh, it's alright. Nauseating.
I'd be surprised if Giroud's red card wasn't overturned. I worry that much more of Sidwell and we'll lose our good reputation in the eyes of the referees.
Not surprised they rejected Giroud's appeal Surly, what with all the other brooha that's around. A part of me wishes they had though since in my view Mr Marriner was too hasty in brandishing the red card. http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/arsenal-striker-olivier-giroud-to-see-out-threematch-ban-after-appeal-is-rejected-8584964.html
