Robin van Basten?

By Boris Mellor
January 23 2011

Arsenal have now gone four Premiership games in a row without conceding.Before this run of clean sheets started on January 1st, the team had only four in total.

Thus the number of clean sheets has doubled to eight in less than a month. It’s hard to know how much of this is due to brilliance of the back five, or the lack of ambition by the opposition.

If Wigan was anything to go by, or Man City, the lack of ambition by the opposition has a lot to do with it. Wigan did not have a shot on target during the whole 90 minutes, and managed a derisory two shots off target, which was one more than Citeh. No wonder Wigan only brought 200 fans; the tiny area allocated to the away fans was pitiably under populated, indeed segregation wasn’t required. Arsenal Times regular Celine Dion was free to wander the motley away crew, almost getting into a fight with Janice Battersby; but I digress, back to the game.

Clearly Koscielny and Djourou are building a good partnership, but the fact that the team played most of the game in Wigan’s half meant it wasn’t exactly difficult. Meanwhile the midfield and forwards whirred away creating 18 chances, ten on target, and eight, including a penalty, off target

Hat Trick of High Quality and Free kicks

It was a wonderful hat trick by van Persie, who shrugged off missing a penalty to complete his first ever hat trick for Arsenal. It seems a surprise that this was his first, but then, due to injuries, his career has to be calculated in dog years, or is it the other way around?

It was well worth the wait, as it was a hat-trick of the highest quality, a friend insisted that his second goal was as good as anything van Basten had ever done. It certainly had a Bergkampesque sheen to it. It’s worth remembering that the second goal came from a beautifully timed and placed free kick from the Spanish master.

Cesc had a great game but was disappointed that he didn’t score , Nasri and Walcott hopefully share that feeling. Walcott should clearly have shot, rather than passing on bearing down on the Wigan keeper. You want to be a striker Theo? Then shoot when you are one on one, I am sure Henry will explain it to you.

Wenger on RvP, Trophies and Centre Backs

After the match  Wenger praised RvP and Cesc, and made it clear that RvP will remain the number one penalty taker. I thought it was useful that Robin missed, it will get it out of his system before he takes one in a situation that really matters.

Wenger also said he will not blame not signing a centre back if Arsenal fail to win a trophy. That’s either very brave, or perhaps a hostage to fortune. He has a cunning plan of using Song if necessary, and Diaby will replace Song. Has anyone given him Diaby’s Opta stats? They are ten minutes every three games, I exaggerate, the last time he played was at Wigan, he lasted 27 minutes. The best thing he did all game was to come off. The other issue is we need Song in midfield, not at CB, no one else can play that well as a holding midfielder.

Perhaps Arsene has forgotten the nightmare of the first 30 minutes against Barcelona with his selection of makeshift and crippled centre backs. Come on Arsene, even if he is fit Squeakyarchy isn’t that good, a quality centre back could only improve things, and it won’t kill Djourou, there are plenty of games.

Trophyless Wenger won't blame failure to sign a centre back

Discussion started by Arsenal Times , 23/01/2011 12:31

Arsenal Times
23/01/2011 12:31

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Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2011:01:30:20:23:45 by Padre Pio.

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eduardo
23/01/2011 13:03

Wenger may not blame the failure to sign a central defender if we do not win trophies but the fans will. Come on arsene just do a deal and do it today.

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Merlion96
23/01/2011 14:12

Quote:

eduardo
Wenger may not blame the failure to sign a central defender if we do not win trophies but the fans will. Come on arsene just do a deal and do it today.

.....it is like Tatar saying I wouldn't blame you if I am pregnant.

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AJ The Gunner
23/01/2011 16:52

as a chronic gambler, wenger will probably not sign

arsenal have lost out chances of winning at least a trophy due to this..

Can We Now Trust The Process 🤔🤷🏿‍♀️ or Should We Still Remain Cautious 🙇🏿‍♀️

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SaltnPeppah
24/01/2011 00:33

Wenger said in the programme yesterday that he didn't need another defender as he could play Song there (the last time he did that Song was useless and we conceded 3 to Man City), or Miquel, who hasn't played for us yet. And buying a new defender would inhibit the progress of the defenders we have.

But when we lose any chance of the league due to a lack of defenders (not to mention get torn apart by Barca), he'll put it down to bad luck.

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Blaine
24/01/2011 14:35

So, Wenger would rather to spend £10 million on a wonder-kid for the future than addressing the current need of the first team. I'm convinced Wenger is losing it!

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AJ The Gunner
24/01/2011 18:44

Quote:

Blaine
So, Wenger would rather to spend £10 million on a wonder-kid for the future than addressing the current need of the first team. I'm convinced Wenger is losing it!

thats typical of wenger...to think that we may have been able to win something if he addressed the present needs January...he really infuriates me

Can We Now Trust The Process 🤔🤷🏿‍♀️ or Should We Still Remain Cautious 🙇🏿‍♀️

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Thetruthisback
25/01/2011 19:02

One of the goals was taken from Bergy's hand book - the chest and volley -- briliant.

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Bergmars
26/01/2011 11:02

Its an obsession,we might kill the ones coming through,what exactly does that mean,SAF has never been frightened to up the competition for places,if the ones "coming through" are good enough nothing will "kill" them.
We now have two competent GKs and neither is assured a placecompetition has to raise standards.

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Peter Storey
29/01/2011 08:57

Yes Wenger is too f.u.ckin obsession about the fledgling players coming through. Also cant believe how many Arsenal fans are gettin giddy after recent wins and cup runs, still a way to go yet! League cup is there for takin although I see Birm will play rough and drag us down to their level. Also, can't believe what I hear today that Weng still thinks we dont need a quality holding midfielder. Barking f.u.ckin mad!


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