Really like Ozil but he had a reputation for going missing in big games. He did another magic trick disappearing v Liverpool yesterday. Can Wenger not get the best out if him in big games?
Yep. How can someone be considered the best yet have a 9 year trophy drought? Tactically average manager.
i agree, only plays one way and never has a plan b, also never signs players that would be leaders on the pitch
as much as I hate alex, he knows his s#!t and never over confident. Remember after losing the title on GD he goes out and buys a striker who made the difference. Had L'Arse lost the title on GD, he would have sold his important players stating his young team will step up next season and ensure they don't miss their top players. Also, he is the only manager who will question his players if they show any urgency in winning something!
Not only that but the trophies he did win were by enlarge with players, especially defensively, that he inherited. Once they'd all gone so did the trophies.
Just about now is the time for Wenger to lift his team. If he can do it, he's not such a bad Manager. Desperately needs to reassess his not buying policy end of year.
Coutinho made Ozil look like a school boy yesterday - The young Brazilian showed how you play the number 10 role to perfection.
http://hereisthecity.com/en-gb/2014...l-v-philippe-coutinho-who-has-the-upper-hand/ Did coutinho play as an out and out no 10 v arsenal? Did you play 442, 433 or 4231? Or something in between?
We played a 4-1-2-3 With Gerrard sitting deep. Coutinho is given a free role and usually takes up the number 10 role, just not static like Ozil in that he tracks back to help out Henderson. He gets everywhere to be honest, but he thrives best in the 10 role. Coutinho sitting behind a front three of Suarez, Sturridge, and Sterling is proving to be lethal. He's still a kid and he's getting better and better each game. Clearly Ozil is a more experienced player but for 8mil Coutinho was an absolute bargain Due to his age and the fact he has settled so well, and seems to have a telepathic understanding with our front 3 I wouldn't swap him for Ozil - That's not me saying he is a better player, I just think he's a better fit. He's also been involved in 14 goals in 30 appearances for Liverpool in his Premier League career (nine assists, five goals).
Ozil has been poor against dross recently, nothing to do with big games. I'm starting to worry he might not have the attitude for this league
Another Robinho perhaps? Looks amazing on great pitches in August but not up for a dog fight in the winter months?
I'd take Ozil in a heartbeat. The think is though, he's a special talent that requires a team built round him. This current Arsenal team has no runners and isn't balanced without ramsay and Walcott. Ozil is mata esque, great passer, finds space, and has great vision. He's not expected to do the running and he's isnt going to take a team on like messi, ronaldo and hazard. Arsenal don't have a dm without flamini (arteta slow and poor against a fast counter attacking team), Wilishire has been poor and overrated for a while. Cazorla who is class isn't the man to make runs in behind. Neither is Giroud.
Arsenal's 'problems' are the same problems they've had for years - they don't have leaders or fighters when it comes to crunch time. In the last few years they have a poor record against the top sides and don't perform usually when it really matters i.e when trophies are in sight. They play some lovely stuff and have some great ball players but without the likes of your Terrys, Lampards, Drogbas that we've had, you won't win dick.
The pitch at Anfield was first class thank you very much! It wasn't just Ozil who was pants the rest of their midfield was too. Now how does the saying go - oh yes "pass and Move" - not bloody stand there and wait whilst you opponent nips in, takes the ball and passes it quickly whilst still continuing their run! That happened time and time again.
