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

[RoyceDa59]

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

Well, that's a disappointing point. To dominate like that, you have to win. But that's the Arsenal story. Dominate but lose or only come away with a draw.

Really disappointed I did not like how Arteta was playing like a holding midfield I expected more involvement out of him. At least Carzola looked impressive and even Diaby did as well but I expect that quality out of Carzola after watching some of his matches over the years. And I am sad that Song is going that is a huge blow IMO. Also what a miss by Giroud I couldn't believe it you got to at least get that on target. I was really expecting a win since Arsenal got to play Stoke at home next week and we all know how tough that game could be. However, hats off to Sunderland Martin O'Neill has that team well disciplined.

[Krebstar]

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

Going to be another long year I'm afraid.

We're definitely playing for 3rd/4th. I accepted it months ago, so it'll make the season easier to stomach.

It could be worse. We could be Liverpool. Seriously.

[Krebstar]

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

Really disappointed I did not like how Arteta was playing like a holding midfield I expected more involvement out of him. At least Carzola looked impressive and even Diaby did as well but I expect that quality out of Carzola after watching some of his matches over the years. And I am sad that Song is going that is a huge blow IMO. Also what a miss by Giroud I couldn't believe it you got to at least get that on target. I was really expecting a win since Arsenal got to play Stoke at home next week and we all know how tough that game could be.

Games like today are the ones where we won't miss Song as much. However, against teams who will challenge us offensively, we'll notice his absence. Unless of course we get that "destroyer" that I think many of us really want.

I think as the season rolls on, the goals will come. Podolski and Giroud are players who have proven they score goals.

It'll still be the defense and the holding midfield role that worry me. Games in which we're up 2-0 and lose 2-3.

[HokiesCavs]

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

I'm not too surprised. A team coached by O'Neil are more disciplined that most who just put then behind the ball. Some teams will get too excited and try and break when they shouldn't, and leave themselves open. Not that Sunderland side. Far too organized.

Of course, next week at Stoke we'll face the same thing.

I'm really, really tired of Gervinho not running at the goal. I feel like he far too often kills chances. He'll get the ball, slow the pace and run to the side, instead of in and challenge defenders. I'd much rather see The Ox out there, as he'll go straight to goal, challenging defenders to foul him or give him space to make a play. Gervinho just allows defenders time to think. It's the mentality and style that kill us. Pretty tricks and turns, but absolutely zero substance.

It's not a terrible point, especially considering we barely had an actual preseason. Cazorla was brilliant, and Diaby looked great.

Good points on Gervinho. I did think he at least looked sharp, though I agree his style of play can be quite annoying. Still thought he was more positively influential than Walcott for the most part. Wouldn't mind seeing Ox take Theo's spot personally.

[ZM Punk]

We're definitely playing for 3rd/4th. I accepted it months ago, so it'll make the season easier to stomach.

It could be worse. We could be Liverpool. Seriously.

No doubt. It's been that way since Henry left. Still don't make it any easier to stomach. We win that game if RVP is in the middle, that much I know. Outside of Gervinho and Santi we were poor.

Podolski lived up to his reputation of being very inconsistent, you wouldn't even know he was on the pitch today.

[ImTellinTim]

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

Well, Song to Barca is now official.

[Krebstar]

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

Good points on Gervinho. I did think he at least looked sharp, though I agree his style of play can be quite annoying. Still thought he was more positively influential than Walcott for the most part. Wouldn't mind seeing Ox take Theo's spot personally.

Next week Theo will be brilliant, and then he'll fall asleep for a few more games.

Honestly, I felt like we could've done more in the first half to involve him on the right side. The longer him and Cazorla play together, the better Theo should look.

As for Gervinho, I'm still not sold on him, at all. Nobody on the squad does as much as he does while also doing so little. He's all over the field each game, yet it's always low percentage crosses into the box. At least Theo usually puts them on target for someone to shoot.

[Krebstar]

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

Well, Song to Barca is now official.

Good riddance. Darren Dein now officially has his claws out of this club.

[ZM Punk]

Well, Song to Barca is now official.

It was official once Arsene said what he said in that press conference. I also expect Sahin to be announced by Monday. I'm guessing that will be our last move of the Summer unless some amazing deal comes Arsenes way.

[ZM Punk]

Good riddance. Darren Dein now officially has his claws out of this club.

He should not be allowed within a thousand yards of this club. Guy is getting revenge for his daddy.

[Krebstar]

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

It was official once Arsene said what he said in that press conference. I also expect Sahin to be announced by Monday. I'm guessing that will be our last move of the Summer unless some amazing deal comes Arsenes way.

He'll fit nicely into this squad. It'll effectively put Ramsey out of a job except for League Cup matches.

Basically a younger/fresher Arteta.

[ZM Punk]

He'll fit nicely into this squad. It'll effectively put Ramsey out of a job except for League Cup matches.

Basically a younger/fresher Arteta.

Anything to put Ramsey farther down the pecking order is fine with me.

[RoyceDa59]

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

Games like today are the ones where we won't miss Song as much. However, against teams who will challenge us offensively, we'll notice his absence. Unless of course we get that "destroyer" that I think many of us really want.

I think as the season rolls on, the goals will come. Podolski and Giroud are players who have proven they score goals.

It'll still be the defense and the holding midfield role that worry me. Games in which we're up 2-0 and lose 2-3.

Yup, defence needs to be solid. Mertesacker looked really shakey out there at first he eventually settle in but against a higher quality team we could have seen some early goals against us. And your right Song won't be missed in games like this but I just don't think he needs to be sold and especially for £15million, that is laughable. And if he leaves, there goes another experienced player gone from our squad leaving Walcott the most long serving Gunnner on the squad, which is unacceptable to me.

[Krebstar]

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

Yup, defence needs to be solid. Mertesacker looked really shakey out there at first he eventually settle in but against a higher quality team we could have seen some early goals against us. And your right Song won't be missed in games like this but I just don't think he needs to be sold and especially for £15million, that is laughable. And if he leaves, there goes another experienced player gone from our squad leaving Walcott the most long serving Gunnner on the squad, which is unacceptable to me.

I think Koscielny definitely starts next week. We'll need his physicality. Well, he better be fit. He's supposed to be, as well as The Ox.

[KG]

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

I thought Song was fantastic last year but where the hell is he gonna play at Barca. They have Busquets & Mascherano. Granted he's better going forward then both of those guys combined they are both pretty ingrained in the squad, especially Busquets. I guess Mascherano will slot back into CB a lot but that move makes no sense to me from the Barca side.