are we lacking parlour's grit?

Arsene bought Gio, then Edu, then Gilberto all for one reason - Europe. The Romford Pele is fine in the domestic game, but is too reckless with his tackles in Europe. Don't get me wrong, I love seeing players get stuck in as much as the next guy, but I still have visions of Ray getting sent off against Bayer Leverkusen last season, and that being a direct contributor to the Germans' late equaliser.

Ray's place is in the league and in the cup, I hope to see him start on Saturday.

 

Parlour's grit is a package deal; it also comes, unfortunately, with Parlour's lack of touch, Parlour's poor passing, Parlour's inability to score goals, Parlour's lack of pace and fitness, and Parlour's propensity to commit silly fouls, even when already saddled with a yellow.

 

I'm not sure who should come in, but, I'm sorry to say Pires at the moment is the one to drop. When he came on against Chelsea he was all over the place he never got into the tempo of the game and he picked up in the same fashion with Roma. I haven't seen him play so ineffectively since he first came back from injury.

 

Don't forget (tho' maybe you already included this in "Parlour's poor passing") Parlour's utter inability to deliver a cross. He's decent as a holding midfielder if Vieira or Gilberto can't go, but he's disgraceful on the wing. Grit or not.

 

I believe we really miss the Freddie of last year. How many times did he score a late winner or we could depend on him to make a break into the box and snag that security goal. He has never been 100 % this season and I think thats why we dont have that "killer instinct."

 

I really think that Freddie does have a bit of last year in him (is it just me or does it seem like he'
s holdiing back?) but I don't think that it's his fault we don't have the "killer instinct." Say what you want, but I still believe in Freddie, and in Kanu. And Parlour is our weapon against English opponents. Playing him in the CL is like trying to kill a fly with a sledgehammer.

Vive le AFC!

OPArsenal

 

Bring back Manu!

 

I think that our first choice midfield should be: Pires, Vieira, Edu, Ljungberg. That said, when Fred is injured or suspended, I'd put in Parlour ahead of Wiltord, Toure or any of the others Wenger has at his disposal. No he's not the greatest player, but his determination and experience count for a lot. He picks up his share of cards because of his wholehearted commitment to the cause, not because of recklessness. And dwinkler, if you think he lacks fitness, you watch the next time he plays a full 90 minutes and see who's the one still running himself into the ground into injury time. with the injury to Paddy for the Blackburn game, I'd definitely have him in the centre of midfield.

 

I think for the most part "grit" is overrated.

KYGunner is right, last year Fred had about 11 clutch goals. We miss that.

martymarts, Pires was just named Player of the Month. He's not the problem.

michaec, you'd take Parlour over Wiltord, I wouldn't. Tomorrow the sun will rise in the East.

 

Lacks fitness, as in frequently unable to play due to injury. Or, in the English vernacular, often fails fitness tests.

And say what you want about Wiltord (and I'm sure you will), but no one has ever accused him of not running hard for the team. (Well, maybe you have, but no one who doesn't harbor a pathological dislike of him, I should say.)

 

Ah, I see what you mean. My mistake.

I've never said that Wiltord doesn't work hard. Merely that he's not good enough.

 

Michaec,

If Wiltord had come to Arsenal on a free, would he be good enough?

 

Today we saw why Parlour has no right to starting place in the gooners line-up. If he stays with the team his role for me would only be as a squady. AW should give more pitch time to Toure. If Toure plays crap at least you can put it down to his inexperience, over enthusiasm and a natural part of the Premiership learning curve. Can't make those excuses for Ray.

 

No.

I was expecting a comment like this on this thread after yesterday's performance. On yesterday's performance you could say the same about Cygan, Pires, Van Bronckhorst and Edu at least.

 

At least with Romford Ray you know what to expect- loads of running and tight marking and a couple long range shots that have been known to find the net, as well as the occasional perplexing challenge and consistently sloppy passing.

There are others in the side who might offer more grace on the ball but you don't know what "player" will show up for the match. Gotta hand it to Ray - he's consistent.

 

By that logic, then I should play for Arsenal. I'll put in a consistent performance every time. Consistently subpar is still subpar.

 

Consistently subpar passing but consistently above par and committed running and tackling. At least you know what you're gonna get. Is Ray a good subsitute for Viera? HA! Can he play a role harrassing the opponents midfield? Hell yes! You just have to have a little cover for his sloppy passing.

 

If this were a pub team, then that's acceptable. But this is the absolute highest level of professional soccer. We are playing among the top 10 teams in the world. Sloppy passing isn't something we can afford to "cover" for.

I don't have anything personal against Ray Parlour. As far as I know he's a gentleman are a very decent footballer. I just don't think his ability is up to the standard Arsenal need.

 

Agreed. Ray has had many moments in Arsenal's sun, but that time is over. Is it his fault that he can't keep up with AW's ambitions? Probably not, but there are no excuses at this level so it doesn't really matter.

As much as I loved his goal v Chelsea in the FA Cup finals, there's a reason why the announcer said "No worries, it's only Ray Parlour."