Thoughts from the Sunderland Game

Top of the morning to y’all

The beautiful madness started all over again last weekend and it seemed nothing seemed to have changed (much). Teams coming to the Emirates contented with sitting deep, soak up pressure and try to hit us on the counter while we probe and probe for that final pass to break up the opposition. Unfortunately when the pass came, Giroud couldn’t capitalise.

It was disappointing that we couldn’t win the game no doubt but I was more interested in the positives from the game. I think our new signings were pretty ok. Cazorla was excellent in fact although I think he was probably shocked by the physicality of the game and Poldi did the best he could with the little service that he got. Diaby and Walcott gave a very familiar account of themselves and I don’t think it will be too much to ask them to step up their acts over the course of the season as we chase silverware.

 Arsene said after the game,

We lack sharpness and fluency at the moment to be dangerous in the final third. The few chances we had, we couldn't convert them. Sunderland always play the same way against us, in the final third and defensively, and if you're not sharp enough to make the difference early in the game it becomes difficult. They defended well, they defended the whole game very well, and we lacked something - sharpness and also quality and accuracy in the final pass.

While this is all true and is well expected from a Martin O’Neil managed team, the bother comes from the fact that we don’t seem to have a second plan for teams that come to the Emirates and sit deep. Definitely Sunderland wont be the first and last team to come here and defend for 90mins and Arsene has to come up with a plan B to deal with these sort of situations. Ramsey and Arshavin came on in the second half and their input was negligible at best. Arshavin in particular looked lost and very un-motivated. He looked a shadow of himself and am sure Wenger was forced to use him due to the injury to the Ox.

Coming back to our new signings, I was really impressed with Cazorla. He looked very impressive and comfortable on the ball and seems to have a good eye for a killer pass. His reverse pas set up Giroud for what was the best chance of the game which unfortunately we couldn’t capitalise and yesterday, Wenger said he could be the buy of the season

He played very well and looks like he could be one of the buys of the season

He has everything you want in the game. He can play short, he can play long, on the right or left, he can play the final ball and works hard as well. He is a fighter so it is very positive for us.

 

A great acquisition no doubt and I have no doubt he can fulfil all that has been said about him. Meanwhile, Giroud has called for patiencefrom the fans while stating that he is not here to replace Robin.

I am just asking people to be a little patient with me.

I am not here to make people forget Robin, because he has made beautiful things here, but I just want to bring something new.

Which is all well and good as he doesn't have to replace anyone. All we need is a confident and reliable striker that can deliver when he is called upon.

The transfer window slams shut in a couple of days and there is still time to make some signings which will help the team overall. The BBC yesterday ran a story that we are on the verge of Sahin capture from Madrid as a replacement for Song. Am going to reserve my comments on that until it’s been made official.

That's all for now folks, I got a four hour drive ahead of me today. Be back on Wednesday for another one.

God bless the Arsenal. iree o