It was cool to see how diverse the EPL has become. So many different languages spoken between these players and cool to see the level of respect they have for one another. Not much to say about the game that has not been said already. It will be a royal shame if Arteta does not win a senior cap for Spain after what he has done for Arsenal.
I had similar thoughts yesterday. It may be a good thing for the Gunners, since he does not have to play international games for Spain, honestly though, he would deserve a call up. In his current form and role, he is definitely not the 10th.... He is currently playing as a pivot and besides the Barca duo of Xavi, Busquets and perhaps Xavi Alonso he will compare favorably to the other candidates. Javi Garcia who is regularly called is definitely not better than Arteta.
When does a draw feel like a big win? YESTERDAY! I'm thrilled with this result, tough road draw vs. reigning champs. What floored me the most was the absolute hysteria the traveling Gooners went into upon Koscielny scoring!! began to get a little concerned in the 2nd half, we were wanting...more possession, solid passing. Cup match Wed and Chelsea on Sat...COYG!
Theo is the same way, dont let that Spurs game fool you. and if you hadnt noticed, Gervinho was doing the same thing today, drawing defenders and creating space right until the end of the match. sheeeeeeit, he playing better than that fraud Xabi right now.
Well pleased with the performance. We went to champions and was well worthy of the draw. Who needs Robin, since I doubt many are doubting us now. Beating Chelsea next week will definitely mean WE ARE BACK lol..
I think in honesty it was because he was playing for Everton (a big club in English terms granted, but not a club Spaniards would know of) and not in the Champions league or in Europe often. I'll find it hard to believe he will not get a cap in the Brazil WC Qualifying stage. Should we challenge strongly for the title this year, it will heighten his exposure even more, so I'm hoping it happens for him.
Agreed. A draw is a good result. I'm not expecting us to win all our matches--hell, the invincibles had a couple draws themselves too.
hell nah - love arteta but he isnt even the best spanish midfielder on his own team, much less barca or madrid
He could easily replace Busquets or Xabi. It would definitely give Spain more creativity, which is a scary thought.
Arteta would walk into the England squad and many other country squad. There are just too many good players in Spain atm
It was striking to me how much the two teams mirrored each other in approach. Had we started Giroud instead of Ramsey the teams would've been nominally constructed almost identically. ------------------------------Young Keeper Stronger overlapping FB---Ball Winner---Ball Player---Arsenal Academy FB ------------------------------Spanish Pivot/CDM ------------------Dynamic/Athletic Box-To-Box CM ----------------------------------------Spanish Trequartista Flyer/Wing Dribbling AM------------------------Striker out wide ------------------------All Rounder CF Now I know there are major difference, but the construct of both sides cannot be denied as being similar. Their front 3 are at most times a bit more direct and consistent than ours, and our midfield is a bit better at passing, but I hope I'm not the only one that noticed this.
Well, yeah. Man City's initial goal was to be like Chelsea, but now they're trying to copy our blueprint. That's why they bought so many Arsenal players, and have Vieira and Platt on staff. Do they have anyone else who's ex-Arsenal on staff?
pleased with the performance, but really, with RVP I think we win this one. RVP in this squad would give us a very good chance for a title, I think. Personally I'd be willing to spend 10's of millions of Kroenke's cash for that.
Does Arteta really not have a senior cap for Spain? He should get naturalized by someone, um, like the USA
Giroud is pretty disappointing. I'm not sure how his role is outlined for him but he seems more about setting up second runners than creating his shot. He's doing this both in his actions and positioning.
I haven't commented since, but that was a great match Sunday! Talking of strikers, Podolksi didn't have such a great game but of all the (new) dudes we have he seems to me like the only ruthless striker we have. It's now 100% clear to me that Gervinho should play wide and try to provide assists. He just is NOT a reliable finisher... not even close. But some of his dribbly runs were simply amazing. Giroud is in a funk let's hope he gets out of it more easily than Bendtner ever did (or didn't). I hope Wenger can sort this out. If so, we could really be something this year. Defense looks to have some decent quality & depth. Midfield looks really strong. Come on you strikers!
He had a moment early last season when he tried to shoot and I think rvp said, "Never ********ing do that again." And then he set up a handful of goals for Robin. But after the ACN, he never found it again. I agree with you though; he's better wide. He can use his speed and cut the ball back to others in the box. I'm not too worried about Giroud. He looks good enough - just needs a goal.
Was Arteta wearing the captain's armband for this match? If so, has he captained the side before? Looked around and couldn't find a quick answer. Just curious.