***The Official Arsenal Gunners" Thread***

[ZM Punk]

Re: ***The Official Arsenal "Gunners" Thread***

Fabianski is getting better with each save. His confidence is clearly at an all-time high right now.

He was very good today, hopefully he can get some confidence with a couple of good performances. Though he has set the bar so low that any performance by him that doesn't involve him kicking the ball into his own net is a relief.

[Krebstar]

Re: ***The Official Arsenal "Gunners" Thread***

Seemed like someone (Mancini?) put a hit out on Fabs. City were going after him early on. Surprised he didn't get hurt.

I wouldn't dare bring it up in the EPL thread, because it would be met with a chorus of absolute nonsense talk, but it was clear they were instructed (De Jong specifically) to stop Cesc by any means (specifically with physical play).

However, Cesc used fire to fight fire and if there is ever a time that I will tolerate overly physical play it is when the same is being done to you.

It was interesting to see a team with the technical ability such as City use a tactic that a team such as Stoke or Blackburn use against us. We can't play with them, so we might as well kick them.

However, we've shown this year that we will not be physically intimidated and it continued to be on display in this game.

[~LiverpoolRed~]

Re: ***The Official Arsenal "Gunners" Thread***

I wouldn't dare bring it up in the EPL thread, because it would be met with a chorus of absolute nonsense talk

Spot on! I have to bite my lip and not even bother posting what I think in there.

Fabianski had a pretty good game. Would be a shame if he were to be pulled when Almunia comes back (the commentators intimated that he was close to returning).

Never really was a fan of Nasri before but this season he has come flying out of the gates. 7 goals in 10 appearances so far this season is superb.

[Krebstar]

Re: ***The Official Arsenal "Gunners" Thread***

Something that was brought up in the game that I found extremely interesting. There is constant criticism thrown at Arsenal for not taking shots on goal and always trying to create the perfect goal. We get to the goal and we never shoot is what people like to say. However, as it was discussed on Sunday, so far this season we've taken more shots than any other team in the EPL.

It's interesting to see a statistics in some way disprove a stereotype towards the squad. Now, while we could still could take more chances when they're in front of us, by no means to we simply pass the ball around the box and never take a shot.

[HMcCoy]

Re: ***The Official Arsenal "Gunners" Thread***

Something that was brought up in the game that I found extremely interesting. There is constant criticism thrown at Arsenal for not taking shots on goal and always trying to create the perfect goal. We get to the goal and we never shoot is what people like to say. However, as it was discussed on Sunday, so far this season we've taken more shots than any other team in the EPL.

It's interesting to see a statistics in some way disprove a stereotype towards the squad. Now, while we could still could take more chances when they're in front of us, by no means to we simply pass the ball around the box and never take a shot.

Their style creates lots of opportunities, so it's no surprise they lead in shots, they could probably be leading by way more. If their was a stat for passed-up chances, they'd probably lead the EPL in that too. While they do certainly over-pass at times, I love the commitment to being unselfish.

It's hilarious because that's exactly how I play FIFA, lol. I constantly pass my way out of chances.

I loved the toughness they played with Saturday.

[Krebstar]

Re: ***The Official Arsenal "Gunners" Thread***

Their style creates lots of opportunities, so it's no surprise they lead in shots, they could probably be leading by way more. If their was a stat for passed-up chances, they'd probably lead the EPL in that too. While they do certainly over-pass at times, I love the commitment to being unselfish.

It's hilarious because that's exactly how I play FIFA, lol. I constantly pass my way out of chances.

I loved the toughness they played with Saturday.

The guys in the OS 360 Champions League saw how often I pass myself out of chances.

I was talking to someone last night about it, and also said no matter what, I love how they're always looking for a teammate and know there is just as much beauty in setting someone up as there is in scoring yourself.

As for today against Newcastle, lineup should be announced soon. Not too many kids expected, but Bendtner and Walcott are set to start.

[~LiverpoolRed~]

Re: ***The Official Arsenal "Gunners" Thread***

As for today against Newcastle, lineup should be announced soon. Not too many kids expected, but Bendtner and Walcott are set to start.

Newcastle: Krul, Perch, Williamson, Kadar, Ryan Taylor, Routledge, Guthrie, Smith, Vuckic, Lovenkrands, Ranger. Subs: Soderberg, Coloccini, Jose Enrique, Barton, Carroll, Gutierrez, Tiote.
Arsenal: Szczesny, Eboue, Djourou, Koscielny, Gibbs, Denilson, Eastmond, Rosicky, Walcott, Bendtner, Vela. Subs: Fabianski, Sagna, Fabregas, Arshavin, Emmanuel-Thomas, Lansbury, Nordtveit.

[Krebstar]

Re: ***The Official Arsenal "Gunners" Thread***

Newcastle: Krul, Perch, Williamson, Kadar, Ryan Taylor, Routledge, Guthrie, Smith, Vuckic, Lovenkrands, Ranger. Subs: Soderberg, Coloccini, Jose Enrique, Barton, Carroll, Gutierrez, Tiote.
Arsenal: Szczesny, Eboue, Djourou, Koscielny, Gibbs, Denilson, Eastmond, Rosicky, Walcott, Bendtner, Vela. Subs: Fabianski, Sagna, Fabregas, Arshavin, Emmanuel-Thomas, Lansbury, Nordtveit.

Not too surprising given what Wenger said leading up to the match. Rosicky will definitely be pulling strings in the midfield. I was thinking Lansbury would get the start, but perhaps if we get a lead he'll get a good twenty minutes or so.

[Krebstar]

Re: ***The Official Arsenal "Gunners" Thread***

Walking out of the tunnel: Denilson cut his hair. Thank you, sir.

EDIT: Nevermind, I say from too far away. It's braided. Still, better.

[~LiverpoolRed~]

Re: ***The Official Arsenal "Gunners" Thread***

Gibbs has gone off injured!

[ZM Punk]

Re: ***The Official Arsenal "Gunners" Thread***

Wow Sneezy was brilliant between the sticks today. We may well have ourselves a dandy in this kid.

Didn't entirely agree with the decision to bring Fabregas on up 2-0. Do you really need to risk him at that point?

[Krebstar]

Re: ***The Official Arsenal "Gunners" Thread***

Wow Sneezy was brilliant between the sticks today. We may well have ourselves a dandy in this kid.

Didn't entirely agree with the decision to bring Fabregas on up 2-0. Do you really need to risk him at that point?

I would say no. While it definitely sends a clear statement of intent for out campaign for a trophy, it's un unnecessary risk.

[Perceptor]

Re: ***The Official Arsenal "Gunners" Thread***

Didn't understand that either since we were winning in comfortable fashion. Having said that, Bendtner and Walcott scored some sweet ones and our young keeper looked good. I've been hearing he's the future of Arsenal in terms of goalkeeping. He definitely didn't disappoint

We're almost healthy. We just need RVP and Ramsey back and we'll be fine. Despite what other say, I think IF Fabianski/Almunia don't cost us any games, we can win. The talent is there

[~LiverpoolRed~]

Re: ***The Official Arsenal "Gunners" Thread***

Where's Diaby been the last few weeks? No mention of him injured.

[Qb]

Re: ***The Official Arsenal "Gunners" Thread***

Didn't entirely agree with the decision to bring Fabregas on up 2-0. Do you really need to risk him at that point?

Didn't get to watch the game, but I can't see why Wenger would bring Cesc on at that point. I guess one could argue he's still not 100% match fit and could use some work, but I think the risk outweighs the reward. It appears everything is OK, but still a curious decision.

Where's Diaby been the last few weeks? No mention of him injured.

I thought I read he didn't pass a fitness test prior to the City game. Perhaps his ankle is nagging him, as he's turned it a few times this year. Or maybe AW's just frustrated with his inconsistency and wanted to give the less dynamic but more consistent Denilson a chance to make his mark.