Arsenal v Udinese Tuesday August 16th 19:45

[Master Splinter]

Szczesny

Song

[Power n Glory]

Szczesny

Song

Song got the final block.

[Master Splinter]

Song got the final block.

It was his fault - twice - in the first place.

[Aaron Wilshere]

Vermaelen really is a quality defender.

Missed him so badly last season

[Syn]

In recent years we don't expect to deal with long throws or aerial threat, but one thing we're sure as fuck meant to be half-decent at is technique. The first-touch of most players is, at best, average for top division standard. Our players need 2 or 3 touches to set themselves before making a pass longer than 15 yards let alone a shot.

[Niall_Quinn]

In recent years we don't expect to deal with long throws or aerial threat, but one thing we're sure as fuck meant to be half-decent at is technique. The first-touch of most players is, at best, average for top division standard. Our players need 2 or 3 touches to set themselves before making a pass longer than 15 yards let alone a shot.

Our final ball, it's appalling. We're our own worst enemy on the pitch. And Sagna cannot cross a ball to save his life. It's such a huge weakness to have to carry.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Gibbs booked.

GHEL special.

[Syn]

Our final ball, it's appalling. We're our own worst enemy on the pitch. And Sagna cannot cross a ball to save his life. It's such a huge weakness to have to carry.

People keep focusing on the final ball...but we're not 'nearly' creating chances. Far from it. Even working the ball to a position in which we can play a final ball is proving to be very, very difficult. Cutting teams open relies on being able to play the ball quick enough to manoeuvre some space. By the time a player traps the ball and gets in a position to play that ball, the opposition defender has closed the gap. It should be a split second; if not first-touch, one touch to steady and straight through. But from the pass, the control isn't instant...it's far too slow.Iif the final ball seems slow it's because we're taking too long to play that pass.

[Niall_Quinn]

Lucky we caught them cold. Awful match.

Get Arshavin on, Chamakh off, put Theo through the middle.

[GP]

Vermaelen really is a quality defender.

Missed him so badly last season

Vermadams and Keowncielny are both quality.