Still think that we easily replace Gilberto?

[billyho96]

We got bossed by a more physically mature midfield against Chelsea. We seem more vulnerable on set pieces and softer in the middle generally. He has played in big games for big teams and is powerful in the air.

Thoughts? Arsene said we were "small". Gilberto is a big powerful player, maybe he is a clumsy passer, but he is missed.

[Its only Ray Parlour]

We definitely miss grimbo!

[phishy]

I never thought I would say we miss his presence in the midfield, but Cesc/Gilberto looked to dominate games early on. He has been missed.

[arsenalgirl30016]

I never thought I would say we miss his presence in the midfield, but Cesc/Gilberto looked to dominate games early on. He has been missed.
Well the one thing that Cesc can't exactly help right now is his size. He should have another growth spurt but who knows when that will be. I thought that given the circumstances Cesc and Flamini held there own against experience and age. But it would have been nice to see Gilberto in there to settle the nerves a bit (even if it was just mine!)

[mad theory]

Phishy and all you other Gilberto doubters can kiss my arse.

HA! Told you so :cool:

Gilberto is so important in our style of play, and he's Vieira's best partner.
Funny how Patricks game has slipped since Gilberto's absence.

[michaec]

At the end of last season Edu was first choice alongside Vieira and Gilberto was a bit part player playing right wing on some occasions. No-one was complaining about him being missing then. I think it's more to do with missing Gilberto, Edu and Vieira for significant parts of the season rather than just Gilberto himself.

[phishy]

Phishy and all you other Gilberto doubters can kiss my arse.

HA! Told you so :cool:

Gilberto is so important in our style of play, and he's Vieira's best partner.
Funny how Patricks game has slipped since Gilberto's absence.

no you are absolutely right MT, you have been Pro-Gilberto from the start~
He is out for another month or so.. that sucks.

[mad theory]

At the end of last season Edu was first choice alongside Vieira and Gilberto was a bit part player playing right wing on some occasions.

Actually, Edu couldn't defend ******** last season we were still leaking goals but I don't think people were too concerned with that, aslong as we were winning.

[billyho96]

[QUOTE=michaec]At the end of last season Edu was first choice alongside Vieira and Gilberto was a bit part player playing right wing on some occasions. No-one was complaining about him being missing then. [QUOTE]

Actually, I think it was pretty evenly split on the Edu/Gilberto debate, would probably even been more pro-Gil, but for coach leading Edu's Army :)

[Detlef]

missing Edu & Gilberto really has hurt depth in central midfield. Flamini & Fabregas didn't make many tackles yesterday. Chelsea attacked a lot through the middle :(

[Gunner Phan]

Who? I don't think I have ever heard of him...........




Clearly we miss Gilberto. Stupid back injury:(

gp

[AjaxGunner]

Actually, Edu couldn't defend ******** last season we were still leaking goals but I don't think people were too concerned with that, aslong as we were winning.

To be fair, Arsenal also scored more. I always appreciated Gilberto, but he's replaceable - with Vieira! But then, if we look at history, Paddy never played as a true shielding d-mid - Petit and Grimandi did that job - so maybe I'm expecting too much for him to adapt to playing that way with the more offensive-minded Cesc.

[The Canandien WizKid]

Well the one thing that Cesc can't exactly help right now is his size. He should have another growth spurt but who knows when that will be. I thought that given the circumstances Cesc and Flamini held there own against experience and age. But it would have been nice to see Gilberto in there to settle the nerves a bit (even if it was just mine!)
Except for that one run, cesc was hadding Robben his @$$. IMHO Cesc is naturally aggresive though small, so he can't handle alot of the bigger stronger guys. For strength I think Gilberto is defenatly missed, he was a key in defending against free kicks to. How many times did Titi defend a free kick ever last year? Almost never because his hieght wasn't needed, Gilberto was a tank in the air and on the ground.

Word to the wise, us 17 year olds are tougher than we look

[nicephoras]

Except for that one run, cesc was hadding Robben his @$$.

:rolleyes: Riiiiight. Why is that we can't seem to acknowledge good play on another team when commenting on good play for one's own team? Ah, the mysteries of football fans.

[phishy]

:rolleyes: Riiiiight. Why is that we can't seem to acknowledge good play on another team when commenting on good play for one's own team? Ah, the mysteries of football fans.

Robben's mazy run (2nd half) where he split 3 guys and nearly scored the winner was nothing short of genius~

[antifan]

Robben's mazy run (2nd half) where he split 3 guys and nearly scored the winner was nothing short of genius~
Sigh, i remember when Damien Duff used to make runs like that. It seems so long ago. :)

[mad theory]

Robben's mazy run (2nd half) where he split 3 guys and nearly scored the winner was nothing short of genius

The angle was against him so I wasn't too worried :p

[W26 D12 L0]

I hate to admit it but we do miss gilberto. Its unfortunate that we learnt the hard way! But be positive...when everyones fit we will have 4 class central midfielders (Viera, Gilberto, Cesc and Flamini)...that w*nker Edu will either be warming the bench at barca or playing at valencia.

Does anyon know when gilberto will be back?

[The Canandien WizKid]

I agree, infact he deserved to score, luckily he didn't. But Cesc had him under wraps for the majority of the 90 mins, no?

[Catfish]

Gilberto is a meat and potatos kind of player. Edu is more finess. We need them both healthy as options. Gilberto is mini Vieira. They compliment each other well. Gilberto may not be a great passer, but he is fast and physical. The physical prescence is definately lacking in our side.