The problem with the Rosicky incident is that we played on ourselves. If we had played the ball out (we were in possession), then there would be nothing to discuss. The ref has to take his cue from the players
No, the ref does not take his cue from the players, patently false. Refs take their cue from their judgement and the judgement of their assistants. Players play to the whistle.
Agbonlahor led with the elbow, just a minute after Lambert semed to be signaling for his players to wind the opposition up. It was a red card offence as Tomas had already out-jumped the England international.
However i thought that was the best refereeing performance we have had in ages. No unecessary stoppages and the elbow on Rosicky was basically the only thing he got wrong all night.
And Ozil is being marked on a different scale to the other players in my opinion. Not so much on the ratingss but it feels like people want fireworks, when his game is all about control of the attack and space. And almost every game he creates and finds massive space for everyone around him. He’s amazing.
Yes, he is. I read an interesting piece once (can’t remember where now unfortunately, it was a long time ago) about how professional scouts work. The journalist went with a scout to watch some matches and the scout had to keep telling him to stop watching the ball, or the match, and just watch the player they were there to scout. Nothing else. Watch how he moves with the ball. Watch how he moves without the ball. Watch how he creates and uses space for himself. Watch how he moves in order to make space for others – not just… Read more »
I think one of the massive things that has happened since the “downward spiral” started is nowadays you very rarely see an opponent getting the ball with no-one around him in that space just in front of the penalty box. When we used to concede more, this was a frequent occurrence (two of the goals in the home leg to Bayern spring to mind)
Arsenal players do the right thing by playing. So do the Villa players. But the referee and his linesmen have to see the clash. He falls straight to the ground holding his head. No excuse ref!
Snarf
10 years ago
I fell asleep on the couch before the second half. I take it I saved myself some grief?
Think he is trying to force him out of the club. No reason to not play him yesterday, and with putting Gnabry on he risked the match in my opinion. Podolski could do much more damage, and is much more experienced.
Interesting comment. It is important that the manager does what is good for the team. At the time OX came on, we needed someone to strengthen the midfield. Yes, Ox is just coming back but he’s more effective defensively. The game didn’t need runners upfront as much as defensive work. Pod would be stronger if the idea was to get another goal. I doubt the manager thought was looking for a goal. As for Gnabry, he turned up on the right, where Pod would not have been. In fact, Gnabry replaced Theo. In the next few matches, the manager will… Read more »
Dont think so. If anything, he was going to be the third sub until Tommy got his nose smashed. If you look at the substitution, the OX had sat down after warming up and was suddenly having to get ready.
Even if that’s true, still being a third sub, playing for 10-20 mins is an indication on how much he (under)values him. Still, should’ve played him instead of Gnabry. Against WH he was amazing in such a short time, on left wing. I don’t think he is world class, but he is a very positive guy who enjoys football, so his scoring is that much easier than Giroud’s, who’s workrate is amazing, and he means a lot to the team, but has a huge ego and is not good under pressure, most of the chances he misses. I am happy… Read more »
Heroldgoon
10 years ago
Its been said cazorla could keep the ball in a telephone booth against 3 players.
Apart from his moment of madness lets not make a make a mountain off a mole hill. he was pretty good today….
I think he wasn’t poor, but he always seems to get a bit lost when we pull back and try to hold the result. The same thing happened today – in the 1st half, he was probably the one that had ball in possession for more time than anybody else in our team. He tried to find space and had some nice combinations with Giroud and Wilshere. That’s why I believe that it’s quite harsh to say that he was “poor” – yes, he’s definitely the one to blame for the goal, I agree with that, but in the 1st… Read more »
Well, apart from giving the ball away for the goal, he was generally better and more aware than Jack. OK, Jack got a goal and an assist but when will he learn to stop turning into trouble when he first receives the ball especially when there is already a good pass available and some of his distribution was pretty poor too.
I do think he was the one that lost focus in the second half (or ran out of steam) — at the time I was expecting him to come off at the point TR7 came on
I never said he played worse than Jack. Jack had a poor game too. But Cazorla has been a shadow of his former self thus far, becoming more of a hindrance than an actual help to the team.
Harsh on Ozil once again on here. I understand your point but I don’t think anyone else out there tonight could have executed that pass to Monreal which essentially made the first goal.
I realise with your name you feel duty bound to defend him, but do you honestly believe that his pass for the first goal was better than Wilshere’s for the second?
It should be noted that i’m not saying it wasn’t a great pass by Ozil, just that it seems a bit rich to suggest that no other player on the pitch was capable of it.
Agreed, it was more down to an intelligent run by Monreal and Ozil weighted it nicely. Apart from that he didn’t have a great night and has struggled a bit of late (before the shoulder injury). It’s great that arguably our 2 most talented players are playing subpar and we are still winning games, good things to come when Mesut and Santi consistently find their form.
Good analysis by Neville on MNF re where Ozil was to play the pass. There was a moment in the first half where he lost the ball in midfield – bad pass – and must have kept moving, thinking because when we won it back straightaway he was given the ball in acres of space on the right wing… sums up his way of playing. He doesn’t dwell on the bad moments long. Wenger is playing him and Santi through there less than amazing performances because he knows they are class. Just as he knew with Bobby.
Actually do yeah.Ozil’s pass was kept on the ground and sent Monreal clear. Wilshere’s pass was lofted in and left Giroud with some work to do, although tbf that was down to the 2nd man covering across. There really isn’t any other pass that Wilshere could have played, it was a good ball.
As it stands Ozil is being rated as our 2nd worst player tonight and third by Blogs. I just find hard to fathom.
Well maybe when I was sick. And as coincidence would have it Ozil’s worst game imo was against United when he was rumoured to be ill. Thing is though, I don’t think Ozil was that off today and in any case this is a recurring theme where his rating has been unfavourable compared to teammates. Have you looked at 7am’s by the numbers article? Ozil gave the ball away just once in the second half completing 28/29 passes. Compare that to our other midfielders tonight, even MOTM Wilshere. The guy, who is getting a little bit of a roasting on… Read more »
I love how all of the analysts and commentators kept harping on how lucky Giroud was on his 1st touch (where is bobbed off his knee) had Aguero or Suarez done the EXACT same thing, they would’ve been panting and hollering on about how clever it was.
Did you forget to read your memo? In England anyone who’s really tall can’t possibly have good feet. The only exception is Peter Crouch, it’s why he was in the national team.
Ozil doesnt put in tackles, doesnt make runs, just jogs around cleverly waiting for the ball and then doing something smooth with it. For a team like real madrid, where he’s surrounded by stars, it works. Here, HE IS OUR STAR. Put your heart in the game man, nonchalance is cool and all be want to see our 40 mil man putting in shifts and getting us 3 points! “But he’s not that kind of player” What kind of player is he then? creative? Clever? But you can’t simply disappear in a game of english football! doesnt take shots, often… Read more »
He’s shit. He won’t run like a proper player. Sad bloody forriner. They’re not real men like the English these Johnnies from Yoorup. They don’t like it up ’em, you know. They don’t like it up ’em.
Don’t know why there are so many injuries with us but hopefully we can cover well and will buy well.
Topgooner
10 years ago
Not quite sure what to make of Ozil at the moment. He is clearly a genius off the ball, always making quick bursts and finding pockets of space in clever positions, but he gave the ball away so cheaply too many times today – and not for the first time. Also needs to have a crack at goal more often, seems he is very hesitant to do so. Never the less, still love him and the fact that we have him! Another hard fought 3 points, jack and the defense brilliant. Top of the league!
but he gave the ball away so cheaply too many times today – and not for the first time. Also needs to have a crack at goal more often, seems he is very hesitant to do so. Where you watching the same game. He has just 1 misplaced pass. And Ozil is always marked by 2 players. Every game. Only Bergkamp could play with some attention but then he is GOD
I think that Ozil is finding English football hard. He gets closer attention than he did in Spain, and our refs let the opposition get away with things he isn’t used to having to put up with. He’s still coming to terms with the typical thuggish English defensive players and I think he’s having to spend more time keeping hold of the ball than picking passes with it. Not all players coming in from Spain seem to be able to accept the physical side of the English game and adapt to it. I imagine he’ll either be brilliant next season… Read more »
Rosicky made it easy for him to play on by moving about. The ref had a quick glance at him, saw him looking about (yes, probably in a daze, but looking about) and thought, “Nah, he’s OK. He’s lifted his head so it’s not serious”. If you want the ref to stop the game you either have to stay very very still, or you have to writhe about, wail in agony, roll over eight times, and make sure the ref can’t make direct eye contact with you by rolling away from him and curling into a foetal position.
GreekTragedy
10 years ago
Sometimes Ozils body language seems as though he isn’t really giving everything he can. I’m sure that’s not the case but at times he looks a little too casual and nonchalant. He needs to take more risks as well, a few times with loads of space had opted for simple passes. I’m not saying he should always go champagne but a bit of cava now and then would be nice.
Agreed. I remember some great runs taking on players for Germany back in Euro 2008 which is something he has done only a handful of times for Arsenal. I think he is still playing in the mould created for him at Madrid where Ronaldo did this alone with the rest of the team essentially having to feed him the ball. He will recoup some of that confidence to keep the ball with Arsenal and then will be a truly frightening prospect for opponents.
He definitely doesn’t shy away from work though. One second he’s on the left with Monreal, and within 3 or four passes I saw him popping up next to Sagna. He’s always dropping back to help out as well which is good to see.
Edu's Braces
10 years ago
A lot of reports about Gnabry this week, no one mentioned his shots can kill……..em, out of ten.
Fabulous
10 years ago
Arsenal have no depth and will start to fade… Says all the useless pundits without the slightest idea on our Arsenal. Arteta, Walcott, and our player of the season so far in Ramsey out, yet we still get the job done. That’s 3 first team players who would make a difference. A cover for Giroud seems a necessity but Nik will be back in 3 weeks and Poldi “can” do a job there. Let’s win all our games in Jan and Feb and hope we have a full squad come March where all the tricky games are.
Well said. We shouldn’t pick apart a squad that isn’t broken, even if a some backup would be nice to make up the numbers. We have smaller squad than in the past, but I feel the squad is more trustworthy; for instance, Monreal and Gibbs are both excellent left-backs, when before we had Andre Santos, who wasn’t as bad as people say but was less solid than Gibbs, now there is a good spread of talent. I think smaller, mobile striker who could also play wide and a young central defender who is content with less games to develop for… Read more »
In terms of midfield and forward positions though, we have fielded more players than the likes of City and Chelsea, (i.e. Akpom 1 minute) and still remain top. There is nothing to really complain about at the back unless you think it’s 2012, and it’s quite clear we do have depth.
I don’t actually think we need another defender this season; after all, how will Jenkinson ever get better and develop if he doesn’t do it the hard way? I think maybe another CB for the future as in 5 years later, but who knows, maybe even Ignasi Miquel could be that player.
Too bad no money could make him play for us for the next 6 months ._.
Petit's Handbag
10 years ago
Am I the only one who thought Ozil was a marvel tonight, clearly what he needs to do is “run around” and do some slide tackles.
He’s never been that player, he comes in and out of games, but for me he’s amazing to watch. He gave the ball away once with a poor pass but some of his flicks were fantastic and the ball for Monreal could only be done by a certain player. A world class one
Yeah i dont know, for me he was pretty poor. He gave the ball away more than once and was a bit too passive in attacking situations. He’s certainly not your typical #10 I realize but I’d like him to be just a bit more aggressive offensively. He has it in his locker, I’ve seen it.
Agree that Ozil made a few safe passes when perhaps a more direct approach would have calmed our nerves! Still, a great result and WATOTL!
Tenzo
10 years ago
Look, I understand why this is done, and I love him to death, but I’m pretty sick of everyone treating Mesut like he’s made of egg shells and fairy dust and can do no wrong. If Theo (or anybody else) played the same way tonight, people would be on his back almost instantly. I’m all for showing our players love, but critisism isn’t evil. He didn’t play well, but for that pass. Its not a crime if we acknowledge a bad performance.
The thing is, it wasn’t that bad a performance, for a guy with fairy dust it was pretty ordinary but he did his job, created space and didn’t fuck up, I don’t call that bad but just ‘average’, we should expect more I think (see: fairy Dust) but keep it in perspective.
We’re all on the same team though, and we’re top of the league again so sod it.
the issue that some, including myself, have is that the perception of him playing badly has more to do with expectations on work-rate and playing-style rather than all the great things which he brings to the team each and every time I’ve seen him play for Arsenal bar maybe the utd game. If we are going to acknowledge a below-par individual performance from a team win, why pick the player that gave the ball away once in that disjointed 2nd half (compared to 54 for the rest of the team, 7 for our other creative attacker) and led the team… Read more »
John
10 years ago
Santi is by far my favourite player… But both him and Ozil deserved no more than 5 today
T-H
10 years ago
+ Best full-back performance I’ve seen for…well…quite a while. I opted for a 9 for both Monreal and Sagna, as the latter made (right leg) crosses which deserved better end product thant they got. Actually texted my mates and said that Gibbs would never get a start again with Monreal ready. Oh, well… – Accusations against the ref are off. Yes, he should have stopped play as Rosicky bled on the pitch. But most calls were fair if not in favor of Arsenal. + Being greedy: Where are the goals from Özil, and especially Cazorla? A friend of mine said;… Read more »
Øzil made some bad passes. Wilshere made some horrible passes that could have given villa a goal. Cazorla also made some horrible passes and villa scored. I don’t think any of them had great games to be honest. Our CBs had great games.
Totally agree, our midfield is always slicker and a better unit when TR7 plays who after his brilliant performance against the Spuds should have started. Then he may not have got a broken nose as we’d probably been more than two up and Villa wouldn’t have had their tales up late in the game.
Ozil has raised the level of the team, no doubt. He’s lifted the team to this stage of the season.. we now need a top, top player to come in and do what he has done for the remainder of the season. Ozil is ace but the team needs another big name to come in and push them on.. that player coming in may not be better than our existing players but bringing in someone world class will do wonders for the team. Ozil will be far better next season due to familiarity with our league. Bring a German striker… Read more »
Carob leg
10 years ago
I won’t stick up for laziness, and I admit Ozil is no Tomas Rosicky in terms of work rate, but he is a rather peculiar player in some ways; if you watch a video of just him when he seems to be having an average game, his movement is still great in the way he creates space for others. Off the ball, he is the best No. 10 in the world. Of course, he can still have off games, but tonight was a good example of his intelligence off the ball, even if he was far from the best on… Read more »
Yes, Ozil’s off-the-ball movement is fantastic.. And his passing, ball reception and first touch are class but you do feel he is a bit afraid to take chances and prone to keeping the ball- oh well, the possession obsession is a familiar disease within many top teams today who try to orchestrate play through the middle (except for ones who play solely from the wings like crap United.. oh wait, did I say top team? I take that back 🙂 But, IMO, for any top team like Arsenal, keeping possession (or not losing it cheaply) is the core around which… Read more »
Ozil’s like those movies which u start to get when u watch multiple reruns.
Family Enclosure Man
10 years ago
Actually thought this was one of the best ref performances I’ve seen this season. Definitely not a homer. But will somebody tell me what’s going on with Man City refs at the moment? In the last month refs have chalked off FOUR legitimate goals against them (Arsenal had two good goals denied for offsides that never were, Liverpool had another disallowed in similar circumstances, and Tiote’s screamer was disallowed on Sunday)?
Man City and Chelsea will benefit from special treatment now, in the same manner that Manchester United did from 1992 onwards, because they have the money and power to influence the league.
Never forget who owns and runs the Premier League, and their motives.
Very Very true… All this talk about Chelsea being better than us last time i checked they should of been a man down against us and were allowed a late penalty to save their unbeaten run at home.
City make me laugh the most tho all the money behind them and people are dull enough to believe that with all that money to referee’s are going to be approached so slightly swing things in their favour..
Money is all that matters in football now even more now than ever before
Fender797
10 years ago
Why is a player of podolski’s class, a proven international with a fantastic goal scoring record sat on the bench every week?.. He is fresh, had a great haul of goals and assists playing on the left last season yet can’t get a start in front of an 18 year old (A damn good one it’s true) and another who is by his very good standards, out of form and out of position in Santi Cazorla? Even the Ox, only just back himself from a very serious injury gets minutes ahead of him. I’m wondering A, has podolski upset wenger… Read more »
Maybe tactical reasons. They scored with plenty of time left, if it was still 2-0 maybe Poldi would have come on, but he doesn’t contribute much in the defensive phase.
I suspect that Poldi may not yet be fully match fit after his injury. Also, he seldom plays for 90 minutes so there may be a longer term problem there.
Very troubling really – Podolski alone has got that shot and eye for goal that no one else , apart from Theo, has in the team. Ox is good but Poldi has got the guts (and experience)..
I have the same worry. Maybe too much Football Manager for me but I have a feeling he wants him out, and is showing it to him this way. To make room and funds for Draxler maybe, if the rumours are true.
I agree, I find it very odd. I strongly believe in players like the Ox and Gnabry, but thinking they’re going to be the deciding factor in getting a PL title seems to be a bit much (given their age). Putting such pressure on the shoulders of proven internationals, however, is expected, so I really hope Podolski gets a good run of games to get back to his best. It’s not just about skills as a footballer, but about being able to keep calm under difficult circumstances. An example yesterday was the Ox near the end of the match –… Read more »
Ozil is like that player you’ve saved up 42.5K coins to buy and then when he doesnt score (3) hat tricks in a row you feel like he was a waste. Then after about 20 games he starts banging them in and you are like “yeeaaaa beech”
loose_cannon
10 years ago
I actually thought Ozil played well tonight. Maybe he was a little conservative with his passing but he’s still class. Also, congrats to Giroud for the goal, dunno if I was the only one who thought he wouldn’t take that chance.
You keep banging on about this our worst player last night was Santi. But hey top of the table after 21 games did anyone honestly believe after the first league match this season that we would be?
Completely different to Arshavin and that’s all that needs to be said on that. It’s frustrating because I really believed a Ozil-Walcott partnership would be heroic. He’s still class though and as he gets used to the league, he’s game will develop. Already seen him trying to take more people on and drive into space. You need more patience.
Good ratings, and I like the new system even though I have a sneaking suspicion that many gunners are voting too high for players simply because they’re happy we won the game but hey, fair enough! 😀
I thought the ref had a good game actually, except of course for the rosicky decision but then again he allowed us to play on so maybe he thought it was only fair if he allowed Villa to play on. Either way, I’m sick of the ol’ Arsenal injury sagas.
Zaharaddeen Getso
10 years ago
Hope injuries to rosicky & monreal are not serious because we need everybody fit at this crucial time
ZDR
10 years ago
I actually thought Swarbrick had a solid game today. Didn’t buy some of the Villa dives, tried to keep the game flowing. Top marks for booking that guy in the first minute for blatant intimidation.
Jammathon
10 years ago
This article comes out hellishly on the Android app, until I enter the comments section where everything looks peachy. Worth checking out?
Yeah, we’ve got some issues with the new ratings system and the apps. We’re working on it though. In the meantime, you’ll have to use the ‘view in browser’ option to see the posts properly.
Will update when we’ve got a solution.
adiiii83
10 years ago
Let’s be honest here people, Ozil was terrible. What position does he play? It looks to me like a free role attacking midfielder, cos he hardly ever comes back, he barely tackles, so it’s only fair to assume that it’s the role Wenger has given him. Now, if you’re a player that has no defensive responsibility, then you should be picking up big stats in goal scoring, assisting, and dribbling. Just ask yourselves how many of these things he did today. Did he have a shot? No! Did he dribble anybody? No! How many key passes did he make? One!… Read more »
“Adapt his game defensively”? The whole team is goddamn defensive these days.. We are Arsenal, play 4-3-3 and hold a high line (till Bouldie and fear take over), for heaven’s sake. If Ozil will stay near the half-way line when the whole team is simply defending and holding out, then it will be a blessed relief when the ball comes to him coz he is good enough to keep it/pass it or set someone up precisely or smart enough to get fouled otherwise – honestly, there aren’t many players in world football who can do that. Nobody is saying Ozil… Read more »
Ozil had 1 key pass or 3 key passes? Take a look at Opta or the By the Numbers piece. If 12 is greater than 14, Santi was our top scorer last season, otherwise it was Theo? What game are you watching? Are you on drugs?
At least get your facts right if you want to spew bullshit.
john
10 years ago
Sure, Ozil didn’t have the most influential of games yesterday. However, at the very least, he dropped deep and kept his passing simple to keep our play ticking. On the other hand, Cazorla misplaced so many passes, including the one that led to us conceding, yet he is still rated higher than Ozil. Mind boggling.
john
10 years ago
Sorry, not rated higher but criticised less.
Hans
10 years ago
Özil has brought a calmness to the team which wasn’t there last year. He showed that last night by the way he saw out the final 2 mins. of injury time with the ball.
The ghost of Peter Storey
10 years ago
If I read all of the above I come to the conclusion that Ozil and Santi were rubbish, which probably explains why we lost last night. It’s a shame, because I would have enjoyed being top of the fucking table still.
Nordin
10 years ago
AW is no stupid guy!! He has shown that time & time & time again!! Got it??! So if he is willing to break the transfer record ( almost theee times the last amount) to bring someone in, he must have a damn freaking good reason to do that! And the fact that he keeps playing that player, when not injured, also means that he got a or many freaking reason/s to do so. So to those fans who keep critising Ozil (most probably you are also those who want AW out, or Ramsey shift back to Wales, Per to… Read more »
waking up for a 4 am match sure aint a nice habit.
ArsenalFan
10 years ago
Amusing to see Ozil getting stick for some time now. No pre-season and average, inconsistent players all around him and still he delivers what he can. Expectations are so high that one misplaced pass or losing the ball under pressure makes us groan whereas Santi, Jack and Ramsey misplace passes, lose possession under no pressure all day with impunity. Ultimately, Ozil will only be as good as his team… No proper striker and no movement before for the pass master at all yesterday – disappointed esp. with Gnabry yesterday about this but he still delivered on the one time someone… Read more »
imstillChibs
10 years ago
How Özil is getting all the blame which Giroud should pack. If he had a real striker before him, he has that pass to set him 1vs1 and be sure he would score. Giroud isn’t that guy and his inefficacy is dulling my entire forward play. Nicely taken goal though. Igor Stepanov, die
A solid win overall, we dominated 75% of the game and controlled possession well. Once again we defended stoutly, a real positive consistency we have had these past few games. In recent years we would have thrown that game away, not this season however! Keep it up you Gunners!
“In recent years we would have thrown that game away, not this season however” – True but the gaping elephant in the room all season (the hole in front of the defence) was truly evident yesterday.. it was disconcerting to see Villa have a no. of chances from those positions.. Thankfully, it was Villa and their shots were poor but the need for an all-action and more stronger/powerful CDM or CM who can mark, tackle, track back quickly still exists.. Flamini is doing ok and Arteta very well but still one feels we need an all-action Fernandinho type in the… Read more »
For those criticising Ozil, just stop. He is the best player in the entire squad, no doubt. If you actually watch him during the game, you would see that his vision, creativity, passing, dribbling and ball retention is second-to-none. Another key part of Ozil’s game is his teamwork and off the ball movement, the quick looks over the shoulder to drift a few yards into space and receive the ball keeps the play moving, creates space for others, and moves the opposition out of position. These things are taken for granted by ungrateful, over-demanding fans. Have you not noticed our… Read more »
Your first paragraph (that I agree with) could also be used to describe TR7 which is why the two of them should play together more often. Remember, Ozil said that having the opportunity to play with him was one of his draws in joining Arsenal.
Fully agree but wanna add one point I have observed.. Ozil, at times, seems to be hesitant and diffident in making passes to players around him due to the fact that more likely than not, the ‘moves’ end up breaking down (or) players can’t return the pass to him (or) in some cases, we ridiculously over-complicate the play in the final III (when an obvious pass is available – typical Arsenal) and end up losing possession.. Ozil knows this and it is affecting the confidence in his teammates.. Hey, we may not be Madrid but Ozil needs to trust his… Read more »
can anyone help …have just seen that in Ballon d’or voting , winner Ronaldo voted for Ozil. as one of his three votes. as did atheletico madrid captain – team mate of Diego Costa. Does anyone know how to find out on the web …
who Ozil himself voted for ….? … am wondering if it was for Ronaldo or Messi or fella german…
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The problem with the Rosicky incident is that we played on ourselves. If we had played the ball out (we were in possession), then there would be nothing to discuss. The ref has to take his cue from the players
Or take a cue from the bloody nose… Pretty obvious cue of a head injury
No, the ref does not take his cue from the players, patently false. Refs take their cue from their judgement and the judgement of their assistants. Players play to the whistle.
Agbonlahor led with the elbow, just a minute after Lambert semed to be signaling for his players to wind the opposition up. It was a red card offence as Tomas had already out-jumped the England international.
Needs to be looked at by the FA as the ref apparently saw nothing. Two match ban foir being a total fannytwatcunt.
Not for a head injury, up to the ref.
However i thought that was the best refereeing performance we have had in ages. No unecessary stoppages and the elbow on Rosicky was basically the only thing he got wrong all night.
And Ozil is being marked on a different scale to the other players in my opinion. Not so much on the ratingss but it feels like people want fireworks, when his game is all about control of the attack and space. And almost every game he creates and finds massive space for everyone around him. He’s amazing.
Yes, he is. I read an interesting piece once (can’t remember where now unfortunately, it was a long time ago) about how professional scouts work. The journalist went with a scout to watch some matches and the scout had to keep telling him to stop watching the ball, or the match, and just watch the player they were there to scout. Nothing else. Watch how he moves with the ball. Watch how he moves without the ball. Watch how he creates and uses space for himself. Watch how he moves in order to make space for others – not just… Read more »
This ^^
I think one of the massive things that has happened since the “downward spiral” started is nowadays you very rarely see an opponent getting the ball with no-one around him in that space just in front of the penalty box. When we used to concede more, this was a frequent occurrence (two of the goals in the home leg to Bayern spring to mind)
I’m all for long paragraphs.
<<THIS!!!! Yessss!!!
no,the ref has to stop the game if there is a serious injury to the head and book the perpetrator. he didnt
Arsenal players do the right thing by playing. So do the Villa players. But the referee and his linesmen have to see the clash. He falls straight to the ground holding his head. No excuse ref!
I fell asleep on the couch before the second half. I take it I saved myself some grief?
PLASTIC FAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!11111!!!!!!
i suppose people cant take a joke haha
Or go to sleep
If you can’t share the joy and the grief, then you’re a cunt. 🙂
Grow up 🙂
why Sagna and Monreal have switched flanks?
They didn’t in real life, so don’t worry too much!
It’s that half time thingy again, it fucks up the feeble minded when they change ends.
the ref took no action over agbonlahor’s assault on TR7 so it’ll be interesting to see what the FA do
sweet FA would be my guess
fuckers
Podolski was not happy 🙁
Think he is trying to force him out of the club. No reason to not play him yesterday, and with putting Gnabry on he risked the match in my opinion. Podolski could do much more damage, and is much more experienced.
Interesting comment. It is important that the manager does what is good for the team. At the time OX came on, we needed someone to strengthen the midfield. Yes, Ox is just coming back but he’s more effective defensively. The game didn’t need runners upfront as much as defensive work. Pod would be stronger if the idea was to get another goal. I doubt the manager thought was looking for a goal. As for Gnabry, he turned up on the right, where Pod would not have been. In fact, Gnabry replaced Theo. In the next few matches, the manager will… Read more »
Dont think so. If anything, he was going to be the third sub until Tommy got his nose smashed. If you look at the substitution, the OX had sat down after warming up and was suddenly having to get ready.
Even if that’s true, still being a third sub, playing for 10-20 mins is an indication on how much he (under)values him. Still, should’ve played him instead of Gnabry. Against WH he was amazing in such a short time, on left wing. I don’t think he is world class, but he is a very positive guy who enjoys football, so his scoring is that much easier than Giroud’s, who’s workrate is amazing, and he means a lot to the team, but has a huge ego and is not good under pressure, most of the chances he misses. I am happy… Read more »
Its been said cazorla could keep the ball in a telephone booth against 3 players.
Apart from his moment of madness lets not make a make a mountain off a mole hill. he was pretty good today….
He was crap today let’s be honest. Still a class player but wasn’t his night.
I think he wasn’t poor, but he always seems to get a bit lost when we pull back and try to hold the result. The same thing happened today – in the 1st half, he was probably the one that had ball in possession for more time than anybody else in our team. He tried to find space and had some nice combinations with Giroud and Wilshere. That’s why I believe that it’s quite harsh to say that he was “poor” – yes, he’s definitely the one to blame for the goal, I agree with that, but in the 1st… Read more »
He wasn’t poor? Please enlighten me as to what exactly he did right yesterday? He gave the ball away, which led to counter-attacks, at least 3 times.
And why the hell didn’t our players keep the ball at the corner flag when they gained possession towards the end? It was frustrating.
Still, 3 points in the bag. Won’t be beating the big performers with that performance though.
Well, apart from giving the ball away for the goal, he was generally better and more aware than Jack. OK, Jack got a goal and an assist but when will he learn to stop turning into trouble when he first receives the ball especially when there is already a good pass available and some of his distribution was pretty poor too.
I do think he was the one that lost focus in the second half (or ran out of steam) — at the time I was expecting him to come off at the point TR7 came on
I never said he played worse than Jack. Jack had a poor game too. But Cazorla has been a shadow of his former self thus far, becoming more of a hindrance than an actual help to the team.
Oh Santi Cazorla… Oh Santi Cazorla… OH SANTI CAZORLA!!!!!!!
Harsh on Ozil once again on here. I understand your point but I don’t think anyone else out there tonight could have executed that pass to Monreal which essentially made the first goal.
I realise with your name you feel duty bound to defend him, but do you honestly believe that his pass for the first goal was better than Wilshere’s for the second?
It should be noted that i’m not saying it wasn’t a great pass by Ozil, just that it seems a bit rich to suggest that no other player on the pitch was capable of it.
Agreed, it was more down to an intelligent run by Monreal and Ozil weighted it nicely. Apart from that he didn’t have a great night and has struggled a bit of late (before the shoulder injury). It’s great that arguably our 2 most talented players are playing subpar and we are still winning games, good things to come when Mesut and Santi consistently find their form.
Good analysis by Neville on MNF re where Ozil was to play the pass. There was a moment in the first half where he lost the ball in midfield – bad pass – and must have kept moving, thinking because when we won it back straightaway he was given the ball in acres of space on the right wing… sums up his way of playing. He doesn’t dwell on the bad moments long. Wenger is playing him and Santi through there less than amazing performances because he knows they are class. Just as he knew with Bobby.
Actually do yeah.Ozil’s pass was kept on the ground and sent Monreal clear. Wilshere’s pass was lofted in and left Giroud with some work to do, although tbf that was down to the 2nd man covering across. There really isn’t any other pass that Wilshere could have played, it was a good ball.
As it stands Ozil is being rated as our 2nd worst player tonight and third by Blogs. I just find hard to fathom.
Everyone can have their off days, when you were 17 there were times when you decided you didn’t want to jack off today.
Well maybe when I was sick. And as coincidence would have it Ozil’s worst game imo was against United when he was rumoured to be ill. Thing is though, I don’t think Ozil was that off today and in any case this is a recurring theme where his rating has been unfavourable compared to teammates. Have you looked at 7am’s by the numbers article? Ozil gave the ball away just once in the second half completing 28/29 passes. Compare that to our other midfielders tonight, even MOTM Wilshere. The guy, who is getting a little bit of a roasting on… Read more »
I love how all of the analysts and commentators kept harping on how lucky Giroud was on his 1st touch (where is bobbed off his knee) had Aguero or Suarez done the EXACT same thing, they would’ve been panting and hollering on about how clever it was.
Did you forget to read your memo? In England anyone who’s really tall can’t possibly have good feet. The only exception is Peter Crouch, it’s why he was in the national team.
*cough* http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Y_YnxUP6RU
You make your own luck.
(You should know what goal is on the other end of the link; just wanted an excuse to watch it again).
But that’s ONE pass!
Ozil doesnt put in tackles, doesnt make runs, just jogs around cleverly waiting for the ball and then doing something smooth with it. For a team like real madrid, where he’s surrounded by stars, it works. Here, HE IS OUR STAR. Put your heart in the game man, nonchalance is cool and all be want to see our 40 mil man putting in shifts and getting us 3 points! “But he’s not that kind of player” What kind of player is he then? creative? Clever? But you can’t simply disappear in a game of english football! doesnt take shots, often… Read more »
He’s shit. He won’t run like a proper player. Sad bloody forriner. They’re not real men like the English these Johnnies from Yoorup. They don’t like it up ’em, you know. They don’t like it up ’em.
“want to see our 40 mil man putting in shifts and getting us 3 points!”
He’s done this on several occasions this season
TR 7 could have!
Don’t know why there are so many injuries with us but hopefully we can cover well and will buy well.
Not quite sure what to make of Ozil at the moment. He is clearly a genius off the ball, always making quick bursts and finding pockets of space in clever positions, but he gave the ball away so cheaply too many times today – and not for the first time. Also needs to have a crack at goal more often, seems he is very hesitant to do so. Never the less, still love him and the fact that we have him! Another hard fought 3 points, jack and the defense brilliant. Top of the league!
Basically he has been shit after a few good assists at the beginning of his arsenal career.
but too many fans are sucking his balls because of who he is, he was Arsenals worst player yet again today.
It’s Arshavin all over again, no matter how shit he plays some mug will talk about the one time he made a good pass.
but he gave the ball away so cheaply too many times today – and not for the first time. Also needs to have a crack at goal more often, seems he is very hesitant to do so. Where you watching the same game. He has just 1 misplaced pass. And Ozil is always marked by 2 players. Every game. Only Bergkamp could play with some attention but then he is GOD
Yes, Ozil’s the one giving the ball away. It’s Ozil. You can look up the stats here and see that….
yeah, nevermind.
I think that Ozil is finding English football hard. He gets closer attention than he did in Spain, and our refs let the opposition get away with things he isn’t used to having to put up with. He’s still coming to terms with the typical thuggish English defensive players and I think he’s having to spend more time keeping hold of the ball than picking passes with it. Not all players coming in from Spain seem to be able to accept the physical side of the English game and adapt to it. I imagine he’ll either be brilliant next season… Read more »
Dumb cunt, that Swarbrick bloke.
Why, apart from the Rosicky incident he had. great game & as actually quite favourable to us
Yes – he let the game flow where many refs wouldn’t. He got it wrong with Rosicky, many get a lot lot more wrong.
Rosicky made it easy for him to play on by moving about. The ref had a quick glance at him, saw him looking about (yes, probably in a daze, but looking about) and thought, “Nah, he’s OK. He’s lifted his head so it’s not serious”. If you want the ref to stop the game you either have to stay very very still, or you have to writhe about, wail in agony, roll over eight times, and make sure the ref can’t make direct eye contact with you by rolling away from him and curling into a foetal position.
Sometimes Ozils body language seems as though he isn’t really giving everything he can. I’m sure that’s not the case but at times he looks a little too casual and nonchalant. He needs to take more risks as well, a few times with loads of space had opted for simple passes. I’m not saying he should always go champagne but a bit of cava now and then would be nice.
Agreed. I remember some great runs taking on players for Germany back in Euro 2008 which is something he has done only a handful of times for Arsenal. I think he is still playing in the mould created for him at Madrid where Ronaldo did this alone with the rest of the team essentially having to feed him the ball. He will recoup some of that confidence to keep the ball with Arsenal and then will be a truly frightening prospect for opponents.
He’s still adapting to the team and the league.
On/off is normal.
He’s creator. He need runners around him.
He definitely doesn’t shy away from work though. One second he’s on the left with Monreal, and within 3 or four passes I saw him popping up next to Sagna. He’s always dropping back to help out as well which is good to see.
A lot of reports about Gnabry this week, no one mentioned his shots can kill……..em, out of ten.
Arsenal have no depth and will start to fade… Says all the useless pundits without the slightest idea on our Arsenal. Arteta, Walcott, and our player of the season so far in Ramsey out, yet we still get the job done. That’s 3 first team players who would make a difference. A cover for Giroud seems a necessity but Nik will be back in 3 weeks and Poldi “can” do a job there. Let’s win all our games in Jan and Feb and hope we have a full squad come March where all the tricky games are.
Well said. We shouldn’t pick apart a squad that isn’t broken, even if a some backup would be nice to make up the numbers. We have smaller squad than in the past, but I feel the squad is more trustworthy; for instance, Monreal and Gibbs are both excellent left-backs, when before we had Andre Santos, who wasn’t as bad as people say but was less solid than Gibbs, now there is a good spread of talent. I think smaller, mobile striker who could also play wide and a young central defender who is content with less games to develop for… Read more »
In terms of midfield and forward positions though, we have fielded more players than the likes of City and Chelsea, (i.e. Akpom 1 minute) and still remain top. There is nothing to really complain about at the back unless you think it’s 2012, and it’s quite clear we do have depth.
I don’t actually think we need another defender this season; after all, how will Jenkinson ever get better and develop if he doesn’t do it the hard way? I think maybe another CB for the future as in 5 years later, but who knows, maybe even Ignasi Miquel could be that player.
smaller, mobile striker who could also play wide. sounds like someone I know…
Too bad no money could make him play for us for the next 6 months ._.
Am I the only one who thought Ozil was a marvel tonight, clearly what he needs to do is “run around” and do some slide tackles.
He’s never been that player, he comes in and out of games, but for me he’s amazing to watch. He gave the ball away once with a poor pass but some of his flicks were fantastic and the ball for Monreal could only be done by a certain player. A world class one
Yeah i dont know, for me he was pretty poor. He gave the ball away more than once and was a bit too passive in attacking situations. He’s certainly not your typical #10 I realize but I’d like him to be just a bit more aggressive offensively. He has it in his locker, I’ve seen it.
I like trains.
toot toot!
Agree that Ozil made a few safe passes when perhaps a more direct approach would have calmed our nerves! Still, a great result and WATOTL!
Look, I understand why this is done, and I love him to death, but I’m pretty sick of everyone treating Mesut like he’s made of egg shells and fairy dust and can do no wrong. If Theo (or anybody else) played the same way tonight, people would be on his back almost instantly. I’m all for showing our players love, but critisism isn’t evil. He didn’t play well, but for that pass. Its not a crime if we acknowledge a bad performance.
The thing is, it wasn’t that bad a performance, for a guy with fairy dust it was pretty ordinary but he did his job, created space and didn’t fuck up, I don’t call that bad but just ‘average’, we should expect more I think (see: fairy Dust) but keep it in perspective.
We’re all on the same team though, and we’re top of the league again so sod it.
Spot on, Ozil can do no wrong in many people’s eyes.
He was poor yet again tonight
the issue that some, including myself, have is that the perception of him playing badly has more to do with expectations on work-rate and playing-style rather than all the great things which he brings to the team each and every time I’ve seen him play for Arsenal bar maybe the utd game. If we are going to acknowledge a below-par individual performance from a team win, why pick the player that gave the ball away once in that disjointed 2nd half (compared to 54 for the rest of the team, 7 for our other creative attacker) and led the team… Read more »
Santi is by far my favourite player… But both him and Ozil deserved no more than 5 today
+ Best full-back performance I’ve seen for…well…quite a while. I opted for a 9 for both Monreal and Sagna, as the latter made (right leg) crosses which deserved better end product thant they got. Actually texted my mates and said that Gibbs would never get a start again with Monreal ready. Oh, well… – Accusations against the ref are off. Yes, he should have stopped play as Rosicky bled on the pitch. But most calls were fair if not in favor of Arsenal. + Being greedy: Where are the goals from Özil, and especially Cazorla? A friend of mine said;… Read more »
I would have bought Benteke or Lukaku just for the sake of not having to face them really XD
Not gonna lie ozil is starting to piss me off, so lazy when it comes to defending and its as though he isnt trying hard enough when hes in possession.
Other than that, great win Kos and Merteswagger were quality at the back along with bac. Great to see Chambo back too.
Top of the league!!
did you just try to hide that ozil b/s under the complimentary message at the end?
No he was just being honest.
Ozil has been poor.
Øzil made some bad passes. Wilshere made some horrible passes that could have given villa a goal. Cazorla also made some horrible passes and villa scored. I don’t think any of them had great games to be honest. Our CBs had great games.
Totally agree, our midfield is always slicker and a better unit when TR7 plays who after his brilliant performance against the Spuds should have started. Then he may not have got a broken nose as we’d probably been more than two up and Villa wouldn’t have had their tales up late in the game.
Ozil has raised the level of the team, no doubt. He’s lifted the team to this stage of the season.. we now need a top, top player to come in and do what he has done for the remainder of the season. Ozil is ace but the team needs another big name to come in and push them on.. that player coming in may not be better than our existing players but bringing in someone world class will do wonders for the team. Ozil will be far better next season due to familiarity with our league. Bring a German striker… Read more »
I won’t stick up for laziness, and I admit Ozil is no Tomas Rosicky in terms of work rate, but he is a rather peculiar player in some ways; if you watch a video of just him when he seems to be having an average game, his movement is still great in the way he creates space for others. Off the ball, he is the best No. 10 in the world. Of course, he can still have off games, but tonight was a good example of his intelligence off the ball, even if he was far from the best on… Read more »
Yes, Ozil’s off-the-ball movement is fantastic.. And his passing, ball reception and first touch are class but you do feel he is a bit afraid to take chances and prone to keeping the ball- oh well, the possession obsession is a familiar disease within many top teams today who try to orchestrate play through the middle (except for ones who play solely from the wings like crap United.. oh wait, did I say top team? I take that back 🙂 But, IMO, for any top team like Arsenal, keeping possession (or not losing it cheaply) is the core around which… Read more »
Ozil’s like those movies which u start to get when u watch multiple reruns.
Actually thought this was one of the best ref performances I’ve seen this season. Definitely not a homer. But will somebody tell me what’s going on with Man City refs at the moment? In the last month refs have chalked off FOUR legitimate goals against them (Arsenal had two good goals denied for offsides that never were, Liverpool had another disallowed in similar circumstances, and Tiote’s screamer was disallowed on Sunday)?
Bribery.
Man City and Chelsea will benefit from special treatment now, in the same manner that Manchester United did from 1992 onwards, because they have the money and power to influence the league.
Never forget who owns and runs the Premier League, and their motives.
Very Very true… All this talk about Chelsea being better than us last time i checked they should of been a man down against us and were allowed a late penalty to save their unbeaten run at home.
City make me laugh the most tho all the money behind them and people are dull enough to believe that with all that money to referee’s are going to be approached so slightly swing things in their favour..
Money is all that matters in football now even more now than ever before
Why is a player of podolski’s class, a proven international with a fantastic goal scoring record sat on the bench every week?.. He is fresh, had a great haul of goals and assists playing on the left last season yet can’t get a start in front of an 18 year old (A damn good one it’s true) and another who is by his very good standards, out of form and out of position in Santi Cazorla? Even the Ox, only just back himself from a very serious injury gets minutes ahead of him. I’m wondering A, has podolski upset wenger… Read more »
Maybe tactical reasons. They scored with plenty of time left, if it was still 2-0 maybe Poldi would have come on, but he doesn’t contribute much in the defensive phase.
I suspect that Poldi may not yet be fully match fit after his injury. Also, he seldom plays for 90 minutes so there may be a longer term problem there.
Very troubling really – Podolski alone has got that shot and eye for goal that no one else , apart from Theo, has in the team. Ox is good but Poldi has got the guts (and experience)..
I have the same worry. Maybe too much Football Manager for me but I have a feeling he wants him out, and is showing it to him this way. To make room and funds for Draxler maybe, if the rumours are true.
I agree, I find it very odd. I strongly believe in players like the Ox and Gnabry, but thinking they’re going to be the deciding factor in getting a PL title seems to be a bit much (given their age). Putting such pressure on the shoulders of proven internationals, however, is expected, so I really hope Podolski gets a good run of games to get back to his best. It’s not just about skills as a footballer, but about being able to keep calm under difficult circumstances. An example yesterday was the Ox near the end of the match –… Read more »
I will use a FIFA reference.
Ozil is like that player you’ve saved up 42.5K coins to buy and then when he doesnt score (3) hat tricks in a row you feel like he was a waste. Then after about 20 games he starts banging them in and you are like “yeeaaaa beech”
I actually thought Ozil played well tonight. Maybe he was a little conservative with his passing but he’s still class. Also, congrats to Giroud for the goal, dunno if I was the only one who thought he wouldn’t take that chance.
He played well?
He was our worst player.
Arshavin all over again.
You keep banging on about this our worst player last night was Santi. But hey top of the table after 21 games did anyone honestly believe after the first league match this season that we would be?
Completely different to Arshavin and that’s all that needs to be said on that. It’s frustrating because I really believed a Ozil-Walcott partnership would be heroic. He’s still class though and as he gets used to the league, he’s game will develop. Already seen him trying to take more people on and drive into space. You need more patience.
Ok….. we get it…. you dont like MO for some reason. Enough already with being an ass!
10/10 to Per for shouting am going to kill someone here if we give another goal away. That scared the santa in santi
…but he didn’t scare the vampire in Dracula?
Good ratings, and I like the new system even though I have a sneaking suspicion that many gunners are voting too high for players simply because they’re happy we won the game but hey, fair enough! 😀
I thought the ref had a good game actually, except of course for the rosicky decision but then again he allowed us to play on so maybe he thought it was only fair if he allowed Villa to play on. Either way, I’m sick of the ol’ Arsenal injury sagas.
Hope injuries to rosicky & monreal are not serious because we need everybody fit at this crucial time
I actually thought Swarbrick had a solid game today. Didn’t buy some of the Villa dives, tried to keep the game flowing. Top marks for booking that guy in the first minute for blatant intimidation.
This article comes out hellishly on the Android app, until I enter the comments section where everything looks peachy. Worth checking out?
Yeah, we’ve got some issues with the new ratings system and the apps. We’re working on it though. In the meantime, you’ll have to use the ‘view in browser’ option to see the posts properly.
Will update when we’ve got a solution.
Let’s be honest here people, Ozil was terrible. What position does he play? It looks to me like a free role attacking midfielder, cos he hardly ever comes back, he barely tackles, so it’s only fair to assume that it’s the role Wenger has given him. Now, if you’re a player that has no defensive responsibility, then you should be picking up big stats in goal scoring, assisting, and dribbling. Just ask yourselves how many of these things he did today. Did he have a shot? No! Did he dribble anybody? No! How many key passes did he make? One!… Read more »
I can’t even begin….
“Adapt his game defensively”? The whole team is goddamn defensive these days.. We are Arsenal, play 4-3-3 and hold a high line (till Bouldie and fear take over), for heaven’s sake. If Ozil will stay near the half-way line when the whole team is simply defending and holding out, then it will be a blessed relief when the ball comes to him coz he is good enough to keep it/pass it or set someone up precisely or smart enough to get fouled otherwise – honestly, there aren’t many players in world football who can do that. Nobody is saying Ozil… Read more »
Cazorla was moved out to the left last season….
And our midfield interchanges often, so its not really an issue anyway.
Ozil had 1 key pass or 3 key passes? Take a look at Opta or the By the Numbers piece. If 12 is greater than 14, Santi was our top scorer last season, otherwise it was Theo? What game are you watching? Are you on drugs?
At least get your facts right if you want to spew bullshit.
Sure, Ozil didn’t have the most influential of games yesterday. However, at the very least, he dropped deep and kept his passing simple to keep our play ticking. On the other hand, Cazorla misplaced so many passes, including the one that led to us conceding, yet he is still rated higher than Ozil. Mind boggling.
Sorry, not rated higher but criticised less.
Özil has brought a calmness to the team which wasn’t there last year. He showed that last night by the way he saw out the final 2 mins. of injury time with the ball.
If I read all of the above I come to the conclusion that Ozil and Santi were rubbish, which probably explains why we lost last night. It’s a shame, because I would have enjoyed being top of the fucking table still.
AW is no stupid guy!! He has shown that time & time & time again!! Got it??! So if he is willing to break the transfer record ( almost theee times the last amount) to bring someone in, he must have a damn freaking good reason to do that! And the fact that he keeps playing that player, when not injured, also means that he got a or many freaking reason/s to do so. So to those fans who keep critising Ozil (most probably you are also those who want AW out, or Ramsey shift back to Wales, Per to… Read more »
These guys slating Ozil are the same guys who wanted us to splash out 20m on Christopher Samba and Scott Dann. Seriously…
That was a painful game to watch. Starting to really dislike Monday night football.
waking up for a 4 am match sure aint a nice habit.
Amusing to see Ozil getting stick for some time now. No pre-season and average, inconsistent players all around him and still he delivers what he can. Expectations are so high that one misplaced pass or losing the ball under pressure makes us groan whereas Santi, Jack and Ramsey misplace passes, lose possession under no pressure all day with impunity. Ultimately, Ozil will only be as good as his team… No proper striker and no movement before for the pass master at all yesterday – disappointed esp. with Gnabry yesterday about this but he still delivered on the one time someone… Read more »
How Özil is getting all the blame which Giroud should pack. If he had a real striker before him, he has that pass to set him 1vs1 and be sure he would score. Giroud isn’t that guy and his inefficacy is dulling my entire forward play. Nicely taken goal though. Igor Stepanov, die
?
I am dead, dead in the hearts of all Arsenal fans
A solid win overall, we dominated 75% of the game and controlled possession well. Once again we defended stoutly, a real positive consistency we have had these past few games. In recent years we would have thrown that game away, not this season however! Keep it up you Gunners!
“In recent years we would have thrown that game away, not this season however” – True but the gaping elephant in the room all season (the hole in front of the defence) was truly evident yesterday.. it was disconcerting to see Villa have a no. of chances from those positions.. Thankfully, it was Villa and their shots were poor but the need for an all-action and more stronger/powerful CDM or CM who can mark, tackle, track back quickly still exists.. Flamini is doing ok and Arteta very well but still one feels we need an all-action Fernandinho type in the… Read more »
For those criticising Ozil, just stop. He is the best player in the entire squad, no doubt. If you actually watch him during the game, you would see that his vision, creativity, passing, dribbling and ball retention is second-to-none. Another key part of Ozil’s game is his teamwork and off the ball movement, the quick looks over the shoulder to drift a few yards into space and receive the ball keeps the play moving, creates space for others, and moves the opposition out of position. These things are taken for granted by ungrateful, over-demanding fans. Have you not noticed our… Read more »
Your first paragraph (that I agree with) could also be used to describe TR7 which is why the two of them should play together more often. Remember, Ozil said that having the opportunity to play with him was one of his draws in joining Arsenal.
I agree, they compliment each other fantastically and should play together more regularly, hope Mozart makes a quick recovery from his nose injury.
Fully agree but wanna add one point I have observed.. Ozil, at times, seems to be hesitant and diffident in making passes to players around him due to the fact that more likely than not, the ‘moves’ end up breaking down (or) players can’t return the pass to him (or) in some cases, we ridiculously over-complicate the play in the final III (when an obvious pass is available – typical Arsenal) and end up losing possession.. Ozil knows this and it is affecting the confidence in his teammates.. Hey, we may not be Madrid but Ozil needs to trust his… Read more »
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1922555-lukas-podolski-cant-believe-it-when-alex-oxlade-chamberlain-gets-on-before-him
what’s this about
can anyone help …have just seen that in Ballon d’or voting , winner Ronaldo voted for Ozil. as one of his three votes. as did atheletico madrid captain – team mate of Diego Costa. Does anyone know how to find out on the web …
who Ozil himself voted for ….? … am wondering if it was for Ronaldo or Messi or fella german…
and can we sign one of the players ozil voted for please
Ox not looking 5’11” in that picture, or Per is really 6’10”.