Such a big game for so many reasons next week and I'm incredibly nervous about what the outcome might be. 1. 3rd means no qualifying game - As seen last year it takes alot our of you (we lost both league games afterwards including 8-2) 2. 3rd means guaranteed CL football - Not only does 4th have to qualify but if Chelsea mange to win the CL you've lost that place anyway 3. Keep RVP - I think RVP wants to stay but surely knowing if we're in the CL will play a big part in his decision 4. Signing New Players - Part of the issue last year was players didn't want to join us until they knew we had qualified and we weren't sure how much to invest in case we didn't make it. As an example what would our chances be for getting Vertonghen if we're 4th and Spurs are 3rd!?!? TEAM/TACTICS TO SELECT 1. Ramsey MUST be dropped. If he starts again after so many horrible performances Wenger really has lost the plot!!! I'd try Coquelin in there 2. AOC MUST start, he deserves it and adds the quality we need 3. Someone has to be instructed to sit deep and protect the back 4. No one did that against Norwich and look what happened 4. TV needs to pull out a great performance. He's been a massive liability in recent weeks and needs to step up to the plate!! 5. Gibbs needs to track back. I think he's a decent player but he's often caught out of position
It's an incredibly tough game for Arsenal/van Persie. It's great for you to have 3rd in your own hands, but some of your fans seem to think you've won it already. Last home game of the season for WBA, Hodgson's last game in charge. It won't be easy.
We should go with the following team: Shezny Gibbs Kos TV Coquelan Song Rosicky Benayoun OXO Gervino RVP When we had that team on, that's when we started clicking in gear, Gervinho started playing much better on the left handed side and things got going. Ramsey CANNOT AND SHOULD NOT START.
I would actually play Jenks in place of Sagna if he is fit - not sure though? Coquelin I would play in the middle - he holds possession extremely well. Szczesny Jenkinson Kos TV Gibbs Song Coquelin Rosicky Benayoun RVP Gervinho. OXO on the bench and used in the middle if needed. I think it is unlikely that we will win the game - but we could. A point may still be enough.
Perhaps you lot on here are all pessimists. But the majority of Arsenal fans I know are texting/messaging/tweeting me thinking it's already in the bag. I don't think you'll beat West Brom, but I also think Spurs will draw with Fulham (Jol is going to be very determined), so 3rd is yours I reckon. So much depends on Munich.. p.s You must hate Piers Morgan more than most
In normal circumstances I would agree, but this is no game to play inexperienced youngsters, no matter how good they look. He has really had very little game time to start a game of such importance.
I have said this many other times, but we need to look at our strengths. We should go into the game to out-score the opponent not necessarily to attempt a clean sheet. Especially away. Let Rosicky play the Arteta role and Benayoun in his position. Oxo and Gervinho on the wings. These are all tested players who are less likely to crumble under pressure.
He'll start Ramsey - he never learns and is looking more clueless by the day. He reminds me of Benitez when he started to lose the plot at Liverpool, taking off Torres in crucial matches etc.
Oh god, I hope Jenkinson doesn't start, we'll get destroyed down that flank if he does. We do need to really be steady at the back, we can't afford any more poor defensive displays. I'd like to see some pace in the team for the counter attack, so Theo or Oxo on instead of Gerv/Benayoun. Although I have an unfortunate feeling we may be seeing Ramsey play again...
Rather put Koscielny on the right and have Djourou or Song at CB... Djourou is not a complete disaster at CB, he might be a disaster at RB though. It's just one game.
Again our own destiny has been put in our own hands. Again, we have the chance to secure a decent position depending only on our results. Again, the pressure has been put on us. I just hope that we don't fall short of the mark again! I look forward to the match and I'll be cheering us on. Let's cap off a horrendous season with something to cheer about.
