Post Community Shield Analysis

Arsenal beat Manchester City 3-0 to start off the season by winning the Community Shield. It was a nice game to watch for the neutral but it was also an encouraging performance by the Gunners. Arsenal was simply too good for City in the first half as they completely dominated the game from the beginning as City threatened mostly from Counter. Santi Cazorla broke the deadlock after a smart finish after a nice team play and a nice dummy before unleashing a fierce shot to the bottom corner of the goal. 1-0. Then, Aaron Ramsey doubled the lead to make it 2-0 after Yaya Sanogo picked a beautiful trhough pass from Alexis Sanchez and sent it to Welshman who coolly feinted one defender before beat Willy Caballero. Substitute Olivier Giroud, who was heavily criticized on Emirates Cup, added the third goal, with a fabulous long drive from outside the box. Manchester City tried to dominate the game at the later stage of the game, but the damage has been done, and Arsenal picked the first trophy this season.

Mikel Arteta lifted the Shield after demolition of City.
Photos from Premier League Official Twitter Account

It's interesting to analyze deeper to this game, as there are few notes we can take from this game.

1. Squad Depth and Competition

This year, Arsenal has a better depth squad upfront and in the middle. Aside from giving the freedom for Wenger to rotate the player, this squad depth gave the players an urgency to compete for the starting line-up. On the lone striker for example, Olivier Giroud and Yaya Sanogo are competing for one slot, and both of them must show their best to grab the position. Two players competing for one slot is ideal, though we can still consider Lukas Podolski, Alexis Sanchez, and Theo Walcott (all of them is naturally a winger) play in the middle also. Last season Sanogo were mostly injured and Giroud might be a bit complacent, remembering that his position in the first XI was safe. This season, Sanogo was given chance first to show his worth and answered it with a tremendous performance against Benfica in Emirates Cup and positive display in this Community Shield. Olivier Giroud also showed that he is not willing to be demoted to the bench by scoring the beautiful goal against City. 

A healthy competition for this position.
Photos from squawka post

We might be a bit short at the back, but maybe Wenger are not planning to buy anyone as he tried Nacho Monreal to play in the central defence. There are still few players yet to back, and looks this squad has that potential to challenge - if there's no big injury crisis. Today, we still haven't played Mertesacker, Ozil, Podolski; but Chambers, Wilshere, and Cazorla perfectly stepped up to play the integral role in this game. Interesting to see how Wenger manage the players to give playing time for everyone but balancing it to keep them fresh.


2. Defence Improvement

I realized there are few numbers of blocks done by Arsenal players, particularly on the second half. It's interesting to see City getting more and more dangerous on the later stage of the game, but despite that, Szczesny wasn't really tested from a shot. He was only forced to rush out from his area few times - and he did brilliantly. The players throwing bodies to stop the opposition to have shot on target - indirectly this will likely to less goal threat to Szczesny. We did brilliantly today in the blocking department - sadly I haven't got any data on this one, I just did a qualitative observation on the game -, while City looks fragile at the back.

We still have things to improve, as our defence still looks a bit nervous against quick attack. (thanks for Aldi Rivaldi from Arsenal Indonesia Supporter facebook group for pointing this one) City's counter attack is always dangerous but I feel there could be few improvement on defending on counter. The backline still looked confused during that situation, particularly seen when Alexander Kolarov marauding the left flank with another City winger, with only Debuchy facing them, leaving 2v1 situation.

3. Players to Step-Up

Last season was Ramsey's season as he went from zero to hero, scoring numerous of important goals. This year I expect few of the players to step up from previous standard.

Now is his time to shine?
Photos taken from Arsenal.com

The biggest expectation would be this guy, Jack Wilshere, who wear the number 10 for the club. He had been good since 2010-2011 season, but he seems stagnated on few years. His bad boy attitude also doesn't help his development. This season, Wilshere is 22, and he is entering the age where he is expected to deliver. On the Community Shield, he showed he has the potential to do that. He is fearless against much physical Yaya Toure, plus playing some improvisation and making few flashy runs to the dangerous area. He was one of the best player on the pitch, but the question now is whether he can do it on consistent basis.

Other players are Yaya Sanogo and Joel Campbell. Sanogo didn't score any single goal but looked very positive on the FA Cup Final against Wigan. On the Emirates Cup he also scored quattrick in one match. Wenger said he won't stop scoring once he score one goals and I hope that would be the case. Meanwhile, Joel Campbell stated he wants to challenge for a place here. He had a great World Cup with Costa Rica, but the problem is the intense competition on the flank. There are Alexis, Walcott, Chamberlain, Cazorla, and Podolski on the wide areas, so he might not get a good playing time, but I hope he can be a supersub like Lukas Podolski. His versatility to play on both flanks and upfront might be a good card for him also.

Conclusion: This win is an excellent start to the opening of the Premier League, though we shouldn't be that complacent for this game. City were unable to field three of their key players: Vincent Kompany, Pablo Zabaleta, and Sergio Aguero. The game might get much more intense and harder, should these key players is picked by Pellegrini. Arsenal's game is far from perfect despite good, as there is a room for improvement at the back, and I still expect one or two new singings - which means more time needed to settle for them. I do believe if they can continue playing like this game, they have the chance to mount the title Challenge

Additional Note: Sorry for not writing for a long time because of being busy in the real life. Hope I can continue writing this season.

Late Goals Seals 3 Points

Arsenal scored two late goals to seal three points in Emirates Stadium against Cardiff City. It was a rather boring first half, as both side failed to threaten, but in the second half, Arsenal created many chances - and wasted it, before Bendtner broke the deadlock as he rebounded the ball saved by David Marshall on Sagna's header, smashing the ball to the top of the goal nearing the end of the game. Walcott sealed three points in the dying minutes of the game as he scored the second goal. With Manchester City won the game 3-2 against Swansea, Arsenal must win to keep the top spot - and ultimately they did. 

Bendtner scored the first goal!
Photos from Premier League Twitter

The match looked likely that the game would end without a goal, despite Arsenal's handful of chances - wasted chances. Per Mertesacker came close twice, while Jack Wilshere's moment of magic was denied by post and Nicklas Bendtner failed to connect with Theo Walcott's cross. However, Arsenal's persistence was paid 2 minutes before the normal time. Cardiff were not expecting the goal from Bendtner, and few minutes later, Theo Walcott made it 2-0 as Cardiff came out to attack, leaving their defence a bit loose and allowing the winger to scored his fifth goal from five games, receiving a beautiful through ball from Jack Wilshere.

It was a tight game for Arsenal, as Cardiff defended very well and gave them little space to create chances. But good thing that they never stop trying to score goals, even though it was a bit frustrating at times where they decided to pass instead of shooting in the nice position. Good determination shown by the team until the final minutes, and they were rewarded by three points. Arsenal might be a bit lucky to escape conceding penalty when the scoreline is 0-0. Nacho Monreal handballed just in the line of the penalty area but the referee seemed not to see it. However, Arsenal had one strong penalty shout in the first half, when Gary Medel brought down Jack Wilshere in the box. Overall, Arsenal deserved three points, they created more chances (28 shots - and Cardiff only 8 shots) and getting more possession.

Impactful Substitution, that's what changed the game for today. Wenger subbed out two of the most uninfluential players today, Flamini and Podolski, replacing him with Rosicky and Nicklas Bendtner. Tomas Rosicky added fluidity to the team, giving them more dynamic movement on attacking phase. Arsenal created more chances after the introduction of the Czech. Nicklas Bendtner showed that he still have something to offer. Wenger might have been wrong not to play him upfront from the start, but ultimately he came in and scored the goal. Good reaction by the striker to take the ball, after he saw Sagna's header was saved - and spilled - by David Marshall. He injured himself on the process, though, and Arsenal now looked short of striker - Giroud was injured too.

Lukas Podolski was not striker, at least he is no a lone striker. He looked very uncomfortable upfront, and looked like he would play much better in the wing. He dropped very deep, leaving Arsenal without target in the penalty box and disrupting the attacking movement of the team. With Bendtner and Giroud out injured, Wenger have few option upfront. Walcott might played upfront also but I think he was much better on the flanks where he gets a lot of space and can cut inside during the game. It is unlikely option, but Chuba Akpom might be given chance in the first team as  he can play in central striker also.

We ended 2013 strongly and started 2014 well. Next game: FA Cup tie against Tottenham Hotsp*rs!  Time to kick them out of the cup and continue the good run! COYG!

It's Just Enough - Post Match Analysis

Arsenal just did enough to overcome Fulham in the Craven Cottage by Per Mertesacker's single goal in the first half. Fulham who played with ten men from the early of first half came close few times to equalize in the second half, and they even had one goal correctly disallowed. However, Arsenal was able to hang on until the final whistle. This win bring them up to the third place ahead of Chelsea who will play against Liverpool tomorrow in Anfield.

It was another ugly win for Arsenal. Arsenal played against 10-men since Steve Sidwell sent off in early of the first half, and this match should be a walk-in-the-park, if they could take advantage of it. Score a quick goal, force them to go out attack, and counter attack them. Could be another 7-3 scoreline. But they didn't. They didn't show too much attacking flair and beautiful through pass. Yes, they were dominating the game until one hour, but they didn't do much with the ball. What they do is just to pass the ball around, and they were lacking of penetration

In the second half, it was worse. No slight intention to built up play and try some through pass. After they reached two third of the pitch they gave it back to the defender. That's it. What kind of football is this? I was really disappointed for Wenger because of this. 

The scoreline 1-0 is one of the most dangerous scoreline. It's a lead, but not safe, and if the opposition could gain momentum, they could score one, two, or even three. Because Arsenal gave chance for Fulham to recover and regain their confidence, Fulham came out and pushed forward. Arsenal could've easily punished, had Fulham could equalize and this would cost them another two points dropped. Luckily, Fulham wasn't that clinical in this match, and Arsenal still go home with three points in the bag.

Tomas Rosicky was a standout performer today. He sent numerous of incisive passes which unfortunately wasn't capitalized by Giroud or Walcott. Looking by current form, now Rosicky is more important than Cazorla. It's seen that since the time Rosicky withdrawn, Fulham started to gain control of the game, and came close in the dying minutes to equalize. Wilshere is still yet to be in his form before he was injured, and Rosicky should start again next week against Manchester United. Jacky could come off the bench to give a difference.

Credit must also be given to Arsenal's central back duet, Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker. Koscielny was a bit shaky in early minutes but recovered well and solid afterwards. Per Mertesacker showed a great composure in the backline, and given a hard task to mark Berbatov, Per did well in this match. He even scored the winning goal in this match, receiving Laurent Koscielny's header from Theo Walcott's freekick. As Fulham threw everything forward in the final minutes, both Koscielny and Mertesacker handled the attack well, and kept another clean sheet. Well, this might be another bad sign for benched captain, Thomas Vermaelen, who seems will sit in the bench again next match.

Mertesacker scored the decisive winning goal

(pictures from Arsenal.com)

On the other hand, Giroud failed to find the net again, and he even was sent off after ferocious tackle on the second half. He was anonymous throughout the second half despite being close to score in the first half, hitting the right post of Fulham's goal. A red card means he will be suspended for next match. Wenger have three option for this : Gervinho, Podolski, and Walcott. Podolski might be given his chance as Wenger hinted earlier, Podolski could play in the middle. This might be a blessing in disguise, as Giroud was off-the-pace for last two match. Podolski might perform better than the Frenchman now.

Arsenal's next match is no easy, welcoming the Manchester side who currently on top of the table. Arsenal have potential to beat them, but not with the kind of this Fulham game. Wenger's side must improve if they want to grab another three points to secure the Champions League spot this season.

Post Norwich-match analysis

Arsenal scrapped a 3-1 victory after a hard-fought battle with Norwich in a fine afternoon in Emirates Stadium. Norwich was the one first scoring the goal, with Michael Turner headed away a goal, before Mikel Arteta equalized 5 minutes before the normal time ends. Olivier Giroud scored Arsenal's second, after a nice run from subsitute Chamberlain. Lukas Podolski scored third goal to seal third point

Arsenal player celebrates the goal.

(photos from Arsenal.com)

POSITIVE NOTES

Winning is good for morale, but coming from behind is a morale boost. I didn't remember when last time Arsenal winning after conceded first. It shows Arsenal's never say die mentality. It's never easy to score two goals in 10 minutes, but Arsenal managed to score, not two, but three. I admitted that the penalty is a bit of luck because Arsenal was in deadlock against sturdy Norwich defence. That penalty is also debatable, but in my point of view, it's a legit penalty. Shirt pulling is not a good decision in defending, so the ref had done his job well. After that goal, Norwich lost their focus and Arsenal managed to grab more goals, via Olivier Giroud and finally Lukas Podolski.

 In the other hand, this victory also gave Chelsea and Tottenham a massive pressure to keep the pace. Chelsea is one point off Arsenal with less one game played, while Tottenham is also one point off, but with the same game played. It would be a huge advantage for Wenger's boy, especially because Chelsea and Tottenham need to kill each other in the league, which means definitely one of them will drop the point. Now, it's just how Arsenal keep their winning habit till the end of season.

Right back Bacary Sagna played well in the left side and few times he sent dangerous ball into the box. None of them resulting to goal though, only Giroud hit the crossbar from his cross in the first half, but nevertheless it was nice to see old Bac is back to his usual self. He has been disappointing this season, but not in this match. He made dangerous runs before being subbed out by Chamberlain, and linked up well with Santi Cazorla. I hope Wenger would still offer him another extension contract. He would be a good mentor for Carl Jenkinson.


Olivier Giroud was nearly become the villain of this match, being unable to score goals in 85 minutes and wasn't sharp upfront, and dispossessed few times upfront, and delayed Arsenal's play, but he was the one winning that penalty, and scored the second goal for the Gunners. The third goal was also part of his contribution. He challenged Fabianski's long ball to gave to Walcott, who assisted to Podolski's third goal.

Ramsey showed much improvement, again. He might be not providing creativity in this match, but he is a dependable passer. I feel like his role is a bit similar with Arteta, but Ramsey's defence is yet as good as Arteta. Ramsey is a willing runner, and closing the ball here and then. A candidate for the most improving player this season. He could partner Wilshere in the future in Arsenal midfield trio, if he continue to improve in the coming seasons.

Wenger is also deserved a credit in this match. His substitution played integral role in this match. Walcott came off the bench, and made couple of dangerous runs, Chamberlain assisted for Giroud's goal, while Podolski was the third goal scorer with his great finishing from outside the box. I was surprised Wenger kept Giroud for 90 minutes, and instead bringing off Sagna who played well for Chamberlain. But, Arsene knows, Giroud was on the spotlight today, winning penalty and scored the second. Had Wenger substituted Giroud, Arsenal might have been dropping three points. 

Lastly, the Lady Luck finally smiled to Arsenal. We've been used to see Arsenal creating chances without maximizing it, but today it's a different story. It was almost a win for Norwich before a 'luck' came in form of penalty from the assistant referee. The rest is all known, Arsenal won 3-1

NEGATIVE NOTES

Gervinho? He is way too inconsistent. Brilliant for few games then faded. Arsenal could've taken lead in first half had he made a better decision. I'm pretty sure he will back to bench after this game, especially after Podolski and Chamberlain's great game. It's unfair to criticize player on one game, but I just can hope he can rediscover his Reading match performance, if he came off the bench.

The next thing is Arsenal need a new defender. Not because Vermaelen and Koscielny is a poor defender, it's just we need a tall-strong tower who can stand against another towering target man. They are a good ball playing defender, but not the one who can be very dominant in air. Vermaelen and Koscielny was struggling against Holt, and it was from Holt Norwich goal came in. Vermaelen was also in fault for letting Turner headed the ball in, but he was quite solid in ground. Mertesacker is aerially stronger, but his speed is nowhere suitable for Arsenal's high defence line.

Lastly, Arsenal lacked of sharpness, in 80 minutes, Arsenal barely got clear cut chances. Only Giroud's heading which hit the bar, and Podolski smashed the woodwork. Norwich defended very well, but if you wanna be a champion you need to be able to break defense-minded team like this, or otherwise you can only finish fourth. I didn't see any creativity after Wilshere subbed out and before the penalty. Norwich was sturdy at the backline, but collapsed after Arteta's spot kick.

CONCLUSION

Yes, it was an ugly win, Arsenal struggled throughout the match and could've played better and sharper, but ultimately it was three points, and that what counts. Arsenal jumped to third place with 59 points above rival Chelsea and Tottenham. Next match would be a home game against Everton on midweek.

Post Chelsea-Match Analysis

Chelsea 2 Arsenal 1, and this gave Chelsea and Spurs a very very comfortable position in the Champions League zone. Arsenal is six points behind Spurs, now. 

It was unacceptable first half, as Arsenal played very poorly and made Chelsea played like Barcelona, and dominating the game comfortably. They even have already taken the lead in the first six minutes, when Juan Mata slotted home. Things going worse as Szczesny brought Ramires down in the area, and Lampard converted the penalty to double the lead. Chelsea could've finish it in the first half with few more goals, but it stand as it was, 2-0. Arsenal were outclassed, tactically, and individually, I have to admit. Too many ball lost in own area, after some of players decided to dribble past the opposition in own area - something they shouldn't do too often.

 Jack Wilshere battled with Ramires

(photos from Arsenal.com)

Second half was Arsenal's game, despite two clear cut chances from Chelsea by Torres - saved by Szczesny, and Ba - cleared off the line by Vermaelen. Arsenal pushed forward, but only managed to find one goal from Walcott after picking Cazorla's sublime pass in the 58th minutes. Arsenal was getting numbers of corners and freekicks but no real threat from set pieces.

Recently, Arsenal has been playing very poorly in the first half, and the opposition delivered heavy blow in the first half, the Gunners started playing better. Away games to Reading and Bradford in League Cup, then home game against Newcastle. The same thing happened in this game. First half was a total disaster, and no one is playing well, except Wilshere and Coquelin, who ran everywhere to chase the ball. Second half was much better, but with Chelsea already had two goals advantage, they can just sit back to defence, and wait for chance for counter attack, a tactic that nearly paid, had Vermaelen not blocked Demba Ba's shot.

Giroud was not the striker we need. Arsenal, as long as I know, is not really friendly place for a towering striker. You can argue Adebayor was Giroud-esque, but Adebayor had more pace, compared to the Frenchman. Arsenal's success striker mostly are pacey striker, Wright or Henry; or technical striker, like Bergkamp, Kanu, and the Dutch betrayer. An old fashioned striker like Giroud, is not really suitable for Arsenal's style of play, or probably - and I hope - , he is still adapting ini his first year in England. Chamakh is already off-fire, while Bendtner only playing well for his first and second season before becoming overconfident and failed to shine.

Bacary Sagna is not the player we used to know, consistent, decisive, and solid. After last season's injury, Sagna seemed declined drastically. I could say he was one of the top right back in world two seasons back. But now, he looked like decent full back. His delivery was all wrong in this match. He got lot of space down the right, but his crossing was nowhere nearing his best. The second goal was also his fault, for playing to narrow, leaving Ramires so free on Chelsea's left side. Against City, Sagna was also poor, misplaced few passes from the start of the game. Time to try Jenkinson - despite his mistake against Swansea in the League on December, I guess.

Diaby was also another disappointment in this match. On the first half, he failed to cover the pitch well, and failed to make impact from the middle, before replaced by Arshavin in the second half.

On the other hand, there's some encouraging notes from this match. Jack Wilshere, once more showed he would be the one driving Arsenal forward this season. His passing was excellent, and some of his chips were dangerous. He should be played down the middle, even if it means to sacrifice Cazorla to either flank. Francis Coquelin looks like Chamberlain last season, a good team player who rarely got chance. He was a better performer in the first half, and he was never scared to move forward, or challenge the opposition player. If he could play consistently, I can imagine Arsenal's engine consisting of Wilshere and Coquelin in cetnral for the next few seasons.

For Wenger, he'd better another striker, to make it more competitive, as there's no central striker anymore in Arsenal beside misfiring Giroud, after Chamakh is loanned out. Buying Adrian Lopez would make sense, but we need someone who can change the game. I haven't seen Adrian a lot, so I'm still unsure of this man. Fernando Llorente is another target but it is another old fashioned target man, like Giroud. Cavani would be a coup, but Wenger said he doesn't want to splash on cash on Cavani. Demba Ba is already taken by Chelsea. So we can just wait and see who Wenger buy this transfer windows. I wish Wenger would make a big transfer for Arsenal - even if it means he is cuptied in Champions League - at least he could save us in the Premier League.

Another defensive midfielder would be a great additon. It is true that we have Coquelin and Arteta, plus Diaby - if you insist that he is a defensive midfielder. Diame from Wigan would be an excellent transfer, as he is already used to Premier League, and not Cuptied for the Champions League. He could sit deep, and giving Cazorla and Wilshere the freedom to move forward. He is a strong defensive midfielder we've been waiting for. Fellaini would be an expensive alternative, but recently he was playing as attacking midfielder, so buying him would not resolve Arsenal's problem.

There is still time for Wenger to buy players. 9 days is short, but anything still could happen in the short time, IF Wenger really wants to make a move in this winter trasnfer windows.

Well, Wenger is Wenger after all, and I'm not hoping too much for him. Few years he hasn't buy anyone in this period, except Arshavin, who helped Arsenal to climb to fourth place four years back. Let's just hope Wenger could find another Arshavin, or Arsenal could play like second half in Stamford Bridge, consistently. Otherwise, we might not seen Arsenal in Champions League - or even Europa League - next season.