Match Reaction - Arsenal vs Sunderland

[Flavs]

Thought practically everybody played well. Only think slightly lacking we more penetration upfront, but aside from that, not bad at all.

Sunderland, whilst going through a bad patch, aren't a bad side, and showed that by closing up the gaps from 30 mins onwards.

A lot of our poor form is down to confidence, and I thought the senior players banished some of that with more determination. Perhaps they're finally stopping feeling sorry for themselves, and actually trying to do something about it.

Still a bit loose at the back, but there were signs with Merts and Kos that they're getting to know each other better.

Couldn't fault anyone really....though Theo needs to be put down

Corrected that for you

[Syn]

We should try playing Theo on the left. He's generally only going one way because he's not that keen on cutting in with his left.

It's the same reason Gervinho beats his man quite easily; he's comfortable cutting in or going on the outside (regardless of whether he's right footed or left footed)

Also, I can't work out why Andre Santos isn't starting. The new fat fuck is really good going forward. I'm not sure he can defend but then again nobody can in our team so we're not really losing out on that front. Good attacking full-backs are really underrated in terms of the impact they can have - it can completely transform your attacking threat. Look how many times Jenkinson got the ball in a decent position yesterday. I think Santos and Walcott on the left would be good...so obviously Wenger won't do it just to annoy me.

[Power n Glory]

We should try playing Theo on the left. He's generally only going one way because he's not that keen on cutting in with his left.

It's the same reason Gervinho beats his man quite easily; he's comfortable cutting in or going on the outside (regardless of whether he's right footed or left footed)

Also, I can't work out why Andre Santos isn't starting. The new fat fuck is really good going forward. I'm not sure he can defend but then again nobody can in our team so we're not really losing out on that front. Good attacking full-backs are really underrated in terms of the impact they can have - it can completely transform your attacking threat. Look how many times Jenkinson got the ball in a decent position yesterday. I think Santos and Walcott on the left would be good...so obviously Wenger won't do it just to annoy me.

I agree. Santos should be starting as well. Stronger and better going forwards.

[gunsofashburtongrove]

Two of our senior players RVP and Song showed a lot of commitment and intend. We managed to reduce the number of mistakes we committed and few committed were either in inconsequential areas or like the one Jenkinson committed didn't count against us. Jenkison looked really good for me as did some very unfashionable names like Rosicky, Arshavin and Koscielny. Cant think of poor displays today. Walcot might not have been setting the stage on fire but he did afford a lot of space for Jenkinson to get into. Arteta despite of looking anonymous is the best i have seen anyone play in that slot for us

[Japan Shaking All Over]

A full back who can cross

If Chamakh were playing yesterday he would of scored a couple IMO

Defesively he is a little naive but shit he was playing in a pub league not so many moons ago. . . .looks like he does have a decent cross on him, at least he tries to get one in.

Unfortunately for him there is never any one in the box to get on the end of them.

Totally agree that even though Chamakh isnt flavour of the month, his stock could rise with a few bites at a few of the crosses as he is never going to be a holding striker responsible for bringing others into the game. . . .would greatly benefit from a more direct style. . .never know could even surprise NQ!

[Japan Shaking All Over]

We should try playing Theo on the left. He's generally only going one way because he's not that keen on cutting in with his left.

It's the same reason Gervinho beats his man quite easily; he's comfortable cutting in or going on the outside (regardless of whether he's right footed or left footed)

Also, I can't work out why Andre Santos isn't starting. The new fat fuck is really good going forward. I'm not sure he can defend but then again nobody can in our team so we're not really losing out on that front. Good attacking full-backs are really underrated in terms of the impact they can have - it can completely transform your attacking threat. Look how many times Jenkinson got the ball in a decent position yesterday. I think Santos and Walcott on the left would be good...so obviously Wenger won't do it just to annoy me.

Santos did start against Blackburn but was dead on his feet early into the second half. . .watched him bring the ball forward and he could hardly break into a trot.

Imagine the one some call 'clueless' Wenger, thought it best to leave him a while longer. . .yesterdays performanance should show he is ready now. . .Must Start

[Niall_Quinn]

Watching the replay again and there are quite a few positives from this match. Top of the list but tentative, the performance of Arshavin. Is he back? I don't care if he's such a lazy fuck who only performs when there's a major International tournament coming up. If he decides he's going to play then that can only be great news for us. His slalom through the Sunderland defence yesterday was one of those moments I thought was gone, something to get me jumping out of my seat with a big smile on my face.

Please let him be back... the season will be worth it if RvP and Arshavin can keep supplying entertainment like this.



Also, Rosicky dominated the midfield and ran past his opponents - WTF? Alien abduction and clone job? I don't care, it's great and unexpected to see our more experienced players stepping up and delivering. Can it last beyond one match? If we all think positive thoughts, maybe it will.

[Olivier's xmas twist]

A full back who can cross

If Chamakh were playing yesterday he would of scored a couple IMO

This and one who knows the basics. good thing about the young lad is he knows the old when in doubt kick it out routine. Its good to have a dender who can clear the ball away instead of paasing it out and us getting cuaght out and conceeding a goal.

[Flavs]

Totally agree that even though Chamakh isnt flavour of the month, his stock could rise with a few bites at a few of the crosses as he is never going to be a holding striker responsible for bringing others into the game. . . .would greatly benefit from a more direct style. . .never know could even surprise NQ!

If Wenger doesn't play Chamakh on point with Ryo and Ju on the flanks against Bolton he should be stoned to be fair

[Olivier's xmas twist]

If Wenger doesn't play Chamakh on point with Ryo and Ju on the flanks against Bolton he should be stoned to be fair

who?