ATTACK We started with Ramsey and Podolski on the wings when neither has pace nor skill to beat his man? Giroud's main strength is in the air yet the wingers weren't getting any crosses in. For Man Utd the system needs to change and some of that might be forced through injury I'd start with Podolski up front...hes our most clinical finisher at the club and although Utd dont have the best defence we wont get many chances Arshavin might not have a long term future but he showed when he came on he can dink in a few decent crosses although conversley I think Santos for all his crap defending is good going forward so playing him on the wing is an option Walcott will hopefully be fit enough to start on the right and you need his pace in the side DEFENCE Santos does make some decent interceptions but he really makes more mistakes than he does things well and he CANNOT play against Utd at left back. Ferguson was in the stands today and if he knows Santos is playing he'll target him as our weak link I'd bring Kos back and play him in the middle and switch TV to left back. I know he's not great there but its the best option we have unless Gibbs can make it back Team vs. Man Utd ..................Mannone Sagna.......Mert.....Kos.......TV/Gibbs .............Arteta....Wilshere ..................Cazorla Walcott....................Arshavin/Santos .................Podolski
In fairness to Podolski, I thought he looked much better and into the game than some of the past few, was a bit disappointed to have seen him come off. With Gervino out injured, this will give Podolski more opportunities to play central with OXO, Walcott, and Arshavin potentially playing on the wing positions. As for Ramsey, I have no idea why Wenger persists in playing him out wide, he had 1 good game against City at that position and Wenger seems to think it'll always be the case.
That's the thing, all he can play is AM. He can't play CM and he can't play wide. I would rather have Cazorla or Arshavin in his best position. Every decent team has a better player for Ramsey's best position.
Very similar line-up to what I suggested in the match thread, although I switched Arshavin and Cazorla because I think Arshavin would be better in the middle, while Cazorla is awesome wherever he plays. Cazorla would also support his LB better than Arshavin probably.
Ramsey is a CM. That's where he plays best, not as a AM or on the flanks. Ramsey has been asked to play a number of roles over the last couple of seasons due to injuries to other players. He's been a bit of a utility player and overall, he's done a fairly decent job in there. Ramsey comes in for a lot of criticism, but he's a player who deserves some credit in my book.
I disagree, he's far too prone to making mistakes, and far too inept at defending to be a CM. Can't count the amount of times he's lost possession around the center-circle and the other team has scored, or the amount of times he failed to track back. His strength is as an AM.
