Well, this is it...the last game of a long season. Seems like only yesterday that Lauren was scoring an own goal to get things started... Predictions? PAIN!!! (Thanks, Clubber) Anyway, assuming that the lineup for next week is the same as it was for Fulham (with Bergkamp on for Reyes), who will get the spots on the bench? I imagine it's important to be actually dressed with the squad, so who gets in and who doesn't? The starters: Lehman Lauren, Toure, Campbell, Cole Ljungberg, Parlour, Vieira, Pires Bergkamp, Henry We know that Reyes, Stack, and Keown will be on the bench (Keown so he can get in for his medal). So who gets the final 2 spots? Kanu has already made his appearances, as has Aliadiere. Clichy would seem like he would have to be one of the last 2, so the last spot goes to??? Edu's still got the eye problem, but he's been huge this year, and Gilberto has been just as important. Seems to me somebody's going to be left out in the cold, here.
The only problem is that you actually NEED cover for central midfield as Vieira is playing with a cracked rib.
I just want the guy to get the credit that he deserves. I do, however, suspect that something like my avatar happened to him as a small child, which would go a long way towards explaining the logic of the sig...
Yeah, and Pires can, as well. Hmmm...OK, here's what to do: bring Reyes on for PV4 and Gilberto in for Razor, back Dennis up a little deeper in midfield and let him have his choice of targets (How much would DB10 drool when he sees Henry streaking up the left and Reyes making a run towards the box on the right, plus Pires and Ljungberg scrambling around for room). Just tell Gilberto that central midfield is his, so don't screw it up. Then bring Keown in for, oh, let's say Henry (since he's been the replacement for DB10, Pires, and Ljungberg already this year) and let the party begin.
I don't like the idea of Bobby in the middle. You need someone willing to tackle a lot with the way we play, and Bobby isn't a terrific tackler anyway - as well as his little fear of re-doing his knee. When Keown comes on, it'll be huge.
I'm hoping that Arsenal are up by at least 2 at half-time. Then maybe Wenger can bring him on to start the second half, after having the "Kolo, you gotta' cover for the old man" chat with Toure. Wait a second: it would be much cooler if he brought Keown on for PV4 and Paddy gave him the armband to finish his Arsenal career. I'm sure Martin would appreciate being able to say he went out as Captain.
We were trying to figure out who would get left off the subs bench for the game. Since Edu's got the eye problem, I'd say it will be him who is the odd man out. It sort of sucks that this will be the second chmapionship celebration he'll be in street clothes for (although he did get to whoop it up at OT in '02). As much as it pains me to say it, Gilberto really deserves to be in uniform for this one.
I have a little feeling that our dear Keown will be given the Captains armband as well. It will be his last ever game for Arsenal, played at Highbury so it would give him the send off he deserves. As for Gilberto deserving.....hmmmm I won't comment!! But I will say that I think you will find Parlour on the bench. Saturday is going to be the day when we get to say bye-bye to some of the players. It will be quite telling who will be joining Kanu and Wiltord in leaving.
I say the last bench spot is for either Aliadiere or Bently. Most likely Aliadiere. I really want to see Keown with that captain armband in his last match
I think Wenger should dress and show the youngsters how it is done....just kidding. I think the last spot should go to Wiltord (I think he is healthy?!)... he definitely deserves a sending-off at least for his strike against manure to secure the crown 2 seasons ago. if not wiltord, then I would agree with coach on Gilberto. Also, I think they should let Keown Start this game...and with the armband. ...this has all been wonderful, but now I'm on my way... gp
I'd like to see Keown with the armband at the end, it would be a good send-off. As for the "Leicester will be difficult" brigade, what are you smoking? This game will only be difficult if we make it difficult for ourselves. The players haven't been bothered since the Spurs game, that's the only reason we haven't taken Brum, Pompey and Fulham apart. The same old crap was trotted out for the Leeds game, but the players were focused and hit five and it could have been a lot more. And Henry should be dropped, his lack of application since the title was won is totally unprofessional. Give Aliadiere a start.
You must of lost your marbles now!! He's just been as bad as the rest of them, the only reason we notice him more is that usually he's far better than any other player, so the diference is now more pronounced. I'd like to see Aliadiere start with Henry up front and Reyes just behind them. A very attacking formation would be good.
Because in the chances he has been given in the last few weeks has Aliadiere's work rate really been any better? I don't think so. I say give the team that played the majority of the season this year their due and let them finish it out. Everyone has played like crap lately-they are tired as hell. Esp. Henry-what did he get rested for like one prem. match this season? It would be nice to let the young ones participate but I would rather see the major contributors this season on the pitch.
Not sure that would be the way to motivate him for next season. Personally I want all of the main players out there so that I can show my appreciation for what they have achieved this season.
I agree about wanting them out there. About motivation, what about the stupid amount of meny they're paid. I don't mind if players are obviously trying, but it isn't quite coming off for them. Look at Reyes at the moment, he's obviously trying so hard, maybe too hard, but because he's only getting used to his new team-mates, a lot of his play looks bad. That's fine with me. But since Spurs, Henry has just been notable for Olympic class standing about. Pires is another one. If they need a rest, or just can't be bothered, give one or two of the younger squad players a game.
Now for the really important question: will FSW show the trophy ceremony or not? The game is on at 11am (PDT) on tape delay, but the running time according to soccertv is only 2h. Surely this is not enough time to show the game and the post-match celebrations.
While I agree that Henry hasn't exactly distinguished himself in the last several games, he can, will and should be in the starting 11. He's arguably been our best player over the season, and he's on 29 goals. The game to have him sit was either against Fulham or Portsmouth. I actually look for the full first team to start, with Parlour over Gilberto again. I look for Reyes on the right, with Bergkamp in his preferred withdrawn role. Pires gets the nod over Ljundberg. This game will be a walk in the park, with the Gunners up 2-0 by the half. At about minute 60, Keown replaces Viera as noted earlier. At minute 70, Aliadiere for Bergkamp and Clichy for Pires. Neither Kanu nor Wiltord see the subs bench. This game is about celebrating this season and looking to the future--with a tip of the hat to warhorse Keown. Leicester get one back to make it interesting before a late surge by Arsenal. 4-1 to the Gunners. Henry with a brace. jw
firestorm!!!!!!!! michaec hates HENRY!! lol.. really excited for this one and the whole team has done us ALL proud!! even Henry~~ what a fantastic season~~ ..and if perchance a newt slimed by, i'd stuff it in my sack..... fluffhead~
FINALLY, the lads will snap out of the stupper and absolutely dominate Leicester City, 2-0 maybe 3-0! I don't care if the 12 apostles were on The Mighty Foxes of the Midlands....the trophy is in The Home of Football and our place in history is emminent! Raise a pint as the The Dial Square/Woolwich Royal Arsenal are going to end this fantastic and memorable season with some fireworks. Up the Arsenal!
phishy, nice, but do you think trey was talking about a certain breeze? The foggy cavern's musty grime Appeared within my palm I snatched Rick's fork to scrape it off With deadly icy calm gp