frimpong only played 20 minutes? apart from the early fouls, what didn't you like, I'm curious? he was only on the pitch because of the defensive injuries, and because rosicky had a tough time near the end of the game. i think he did an okay job.
When you've got guys like Frimpong in, the ball movement dies 'cuz he doesn't see the field and he doesn't play the ball quickly enough. And he's not a good enough as a midfield destroyer to make up for it. The worst was when we had a midfield of Diaby, Denilson, Eboue and Song. We had no chance to win a game if two or more of them were on the field at the same time (God forbid all four). Not that he's a bad player, he looks to me about where he ought to be in his stage of development. The key to his success for being on the field now is to understand what he can do and what he can't, and do the things he can quickly.
This is how I saw the game too the centerbacks were outstanding again (altho Asamoah was the best player on the pitch, imo. What a freaking player) and Chamakh is looking like a Moroccan Cameron Jerome
I searched the entire thread, and only one poster used the word "great" to describe any players performance in this game.
Agree. Plus, it will be nice to see how our back line can handle Carroll in the air. I'm looking forward to watching Vermaelen match up with him.
If we had another striker on this team I would release Chamakh from his contract. Baptista and Aliadiere put in better performances than what he has shown since January.
Pool will boil down to this. Wojo has to be solid which he is. Back 4 will need to cover the width especially LB but keep TV home in the center to elbow Caroll in the gut when needed. Were probably going to give up the mid-field espec. if Jack isn't fit and late in the game when Rosicky gases out. If we can even only occasionally get the ball onto RVP's feet he will be a threat(especially if he is "on") and will keep the Pool defense honest and have to stay home. We could pull it off. Strong performances and not f-ups by the newbie's (Frimpong,etc) would help as well....... Gunners 2-Pool 0 Up the ARSENAL!
asamoah is a dyna freakin mo...my god di natale is 33 years old...my word, that little dude is a baller, one commentator described him as canny. you never know what he will try, if he will run at you, shoot. his movement when he drifts behind the defender. lord if only we had a striker like him to partner rvp
I thought Ramsey played a freaking blinder. Did it all today. He lacks ultimate understanding of his responsibilities when defending (especially in numbers-down situations), but he covers ground, breaks up play and has legitimate talent with the ball. Most importantly, he's got vision and the ability to execute the pass when he sees it.
Anti nailed it. This has been my major comments on the boards the past few weeks. Most of us have seen Arsenal go through many different transformations so losing Nasri and Cesc didn't fill me with panic, but not having replacements while we are already in two competitions is the serious concern. BTW, is it time to start wondering about our physio staff. How many blown out hamstrings does are team suffer every year? These injury epidemics are an annual tradition and have cost us some silverware the past three seasons. I'd like to see us spend a few quid from the Cesc/Nasri sales on the Phoenix Suns physio staff since they work miracles on players out here.
My ratings for today: Sczesney - 8 - Excellent saves & good positioning especially in 1 on 1 situations, looked alert and a superb save to deny Di Natale was an eye-catching moment. Growing in stature every single game Gibbs - 6 - Quiet 45 minutes as Arsenal had the better of the first half with most of Udinese's attacking play coming down the right hand side. Didn't get forward too much either Vermaelen - 7.5 - Excellent and dominating performance who is showing something which Arsenal seemed to lack last season. Great reading of the game and assertive to quell dangerous Udinese attacks Koscielny - 6.5 - Done well in being part of a clean sheet effort but did surrender possession on a couple of occasions which nearly led to Udinese goals. Sagna - 7 - Played a part in the goal & had to be alert the whole game as Udinese threatened down his flank. Did make a misjudgment in the first half but done well in a tough 90 minutes Song - 7 - Got stuck in the centre of midfield and tried to impose his aggresiveness into the play. Seemed troubled & outnumbered at times but fought hard to help out his defence. Ramsey - 7 - Excellent cross for the first goal and some nice crisp passing. However he seemed to drift in and out of the game but a good game none the less. Rosicky - 6 - After a bright 15 minutes, he seemed to fade very badly and was replaced rightly just after the break. Maybe carrying an injury? Walcott - 6.5 - Done well to finish on his weaker foot but didnt have much success during the rest of the game. Was denied brilliantly in the final moment of the game. Chamakh - 5.5 - Disappointing game as he failed to provide any attacking threat despite doing a good job holding the ball up. Link up play was wanting too. Subs -: Jenkinson - 6 Djourou - 6 Frimpong - 6
I wish you were my boss Cashflow and gave me evaluations and raises like those performance numbers. Chamakh 5.5 ? Maybe 2.5 !
Been saying that. Dude's middling and frankly struck me as a "Well I gotta do something, so here it is" signing. I don't rate Gyan but yeah he is indeed better than what Chamakhs showing. Hell he's not scoring and he's slower than my gf reaching for her wallet to pay for sh*t lol
i used "great" to describe the result, if you are counting that as well. which considering everything, i thought it was. need an away goal to put some pressure on them but even still we have an advantage. if the defense continues to grind out these clean sheets then i'm not worried about udinese. plus they arent really the same team as last year.....but neither are we.
He was at least scoring some important goals in the Champions League the season before we got him. And he worked hard and was active in the box... just not seeing much of that now. Don't expect him to ever be a "great"
One of the main issues is our top guys being inconsistent. We need more consistent performances across the board. That's what separates top sides from also rans.
LOL I think Wenger really wanted him, but he isnt a fit for how this team plays. It looks awkward. that Bordeaux team was built for him to shine. Wing play, crosses into the box for him to get on to. Even then, he was not a prolific scorer. Obviously we dont play that way. My thing is that he isnt even playing like a physical presence, like Heskey at least provides. He serves us no real value.