Tuesday 19 December 2017 Ashburton Grove USA “TV”: ESPN3 2:45pm ET Just 2-3 days rest. Fast and furious indeed. And we meet the same team who stymied us just 6 days ago. A team who’s on quite a turnaround since their management change. But in this competition, even if it’s quarterfinals, I suspect we’ll see our B-team. And I’m a little bullish on them, even if JFW has now graduated. And I’m really really looking forward to some bonefide goal scoring by us. And to improving my current run of D-D-W. And putting the curse of Dave Grohl even further behind us!
This is a weird position to be in, because you never want to give up a shot at silverware, but it's also the league cup, and we have Liverpool on Friday... I would imagine the squad will be a mix bag tonight, with some starters and some reserves. I also think we are back to the back four full time now, so don't expect a change there. --------------Giroud------------ Iwobi ----------------- Walcott -----Wilshere----- AMN-------- ------------Coq/Elneny---------- Kola------------------------Debuchy ---------Holding--Chambers----- -------------Oooospina-------------- I feel like Kola gets a run out since he hasn't played in a bit, and Niles gets a shot in the center with Wenger's recent comments. The biggest question mark here is Jack. I just don't know if he can go four 90s in the span of 2 weeks. I wouldn't be surprised to get Coq and Elneny in the middle tonight.
Yeah, I've been thinking about this too. My best guess is that Jack gets the day off today, and comes back Friday. But even so, that will be potentially 3 full 90's in 2 weeks. Which in itself, seems a little like a death wish, given how fragile he's been in recent years. Could it be that Wenger is giving him one last very intensive fitness test, before we have to decide whether to give him a contract renewal? Or is that giving the boss too much credit... maybe he's just picking his best XI for EPL, and at this point Jack makes it into that XI on merit?
No, I think that's the case 100%. Wenger has been very vocal about the need for Jack to stay fit, and be a contributing member of the squad. Jack has also been very vocal about wanting to play, and wanting a new contract. I think this is very much a case where it's now or never for Jack, and Arsene knows that. If he can make it through the Christmas period, I think he gets a new contract. If he breaks down again though, and it's something that isn't caused by another player, I don't think he gets renewed terms. We almost have a need to play him today if we want any kind of creative force besides Iwobi out there. He has looked better in the last few games, but he still leaves A LOT to be desired. Very far from the Jack of old.
Can't see Wilshere, Kolasinac, or Iwobi playing in this game - not if they're going to play on Friday. Likely to see a midfield two of Coquelin and Elneny with a back 3.
I was pretty damn close to right... Here it is - our team for #AFCvWHU pic.twitter.com/lSMRkt3EaS— Arsenal (@Arsenal) December 19, 2017
What's happened to Kolasinac? Does Wenger not trust him anymore? Saw something that said he was the worst passer in the first XI by some distance.
He’s really struggled defensively, mostly being unable to recover quickly, which makes me think he might not have the stamina for this league right now.
I guess we now know that Kola has been missing more because of form than injury. I still rate him so I hope he re-proves his merit to be in our A side.
I haven't been watching too much. Eventhough the ESPN3 stream is damn near perfect. 28' and have we even had a sniff on goal yet??
Theo misses a WIDE open header from 8 yards. Oy-vay! Meanwhile Jon Champion just reminded us that Wenger is about to break SAF's all-time games managed record. For some time now I've been thinking that that has figured prominently into his decision to stay on, even when there's been plenty of disgruntlement about him doing so.
I want to go on record as saying Coq's forward passing has been pretty good as the season has gone on.
He has been pretty dreadful out there. He can’t cross the ball. Missed an easy header. And it looks like he has lost a few steps.
I really like this announcer on espn3. He doesn’t suffer from diarrhea of the mouth. Long pauses where you can just listen to the game.
Theo would have this kind of performance right after he played really well. This season has actually looked like having an A and B team. Wilshere, Maitland-Niles played there way into A team. Giroud was always a tweener. I can't say I hate it. I would like to see Nelson, Eddie, and the Jeff come on in the 2nd half, but I'd wager we see Sheaf come on instead of the Jeff.
Like him a lot too. Except when he goes off on those tangents about suede loafers and the interrelationships involved with the backup 4th official!