FC Köln 1 - 2 Arsenal: Attack good, defence shaky. Where have we heard that before?

Players who impressed me today:

Miyaichi
Gervinho
Jenkinson
Frimpong
Rosicky


Players who shocked me, in a bad way:

Nasri
Song
Gibbs

Players who were virtually non-existent:

Chamakh
Vela
RVP

Vela lost the ball too many times. he was not good at all.

in 2nd half arsenal had a very slow tempo and we all know what happens when arsenal dont play fast.

the 1st half was looking like a start of something new


2nd half was just like watching Arsenal from the last 10 games.

We staterd the second so well but, we statrd to relax and let them do what they want. Defence needs work a lot of work.

Jay I agree with all your rating, but I think Jack got a high rating, he was a workhorse but lost the ball too often, I give him 6.

Wilshere was playing really well, but he lost the ball a lot too. He got caught in possession way too many times. He needs to let go of the ball a bit more readily than he does now.

I was very impressed with Miyaichi. In his 15 minutes, he managed to do a lot of things. He created a couple of chances that should have been converted, beat his man readily and used his pace far more effectively than Walcott does.
Jenkinson was playing very defensively. Only put in one cross and usually held back. He needs to start linking up with the winger in front of him, as all he did was pass the ball to the midfield which was sometimes too congested.

Rosicky was very good today. His passing technique never ceases to amaze me, but today he didn't take as much time on the ball as he usually does, which made him more effective. If only Nasri actually tried linking up with Rosicky instead of completely bypassing him. There is definitely a problem there, because Nasri just wouldn't pass the ball to Rozza.

Excellent review as always Jay

Also, a few words on Frimpong:

He was very good. His passing range, I feel, is superior to Song's. His positioning is also better, for he knows when to hold back and when to go forward. He pressed tirelessly for the whole 45 minutes, made some key passes and protected the CBs, which is his main job. Arsenal were rarely ever cut through the middle during the second half, unlike the first one.

Great review jay

But i gotta say that Rosicky's rating should be at least 7.5

Sagna is awesome we all know that but it must be said that Pudolski gave him far more trouble then he gave jenkinson. Jenkinson doesnt get bullied by defenders. Pudolski is a bull, think Sagna got dominated at times.

@icemand, Nah dont think his passing is as good as songs atm but can improve. Thing with frimpong is that hes a real out n out DM. will rarely go forward. Song on the other hand has created a new whole position for himself

CADM lol

On Conor Henderson’s injury…
The only sad thing today is the injury to Conor Henderson, it looks quite bad but let us hope that we have good news tomorrow morning. He twisted his knee, I don’t know how big the damage is but the first signs don’t look too encouraging.

on any other knocks…
Samir got a kick to his ankle, Gervinho got a kick on his knee but both have minor damage.

Jenkinson was playing very defensively. Only put in one cross and usually held back. He needs to start linking up with the winger in front of him, as all he did was pass the ball to the midfield which was sometimes too congested.

I don't see much of a problem with this, personally. I think full backs should be good defenensively first and foremost and then develop their attacking game later on, like Sagna did.

Or he could just remain as a defensive full back. Since it looks like we're going to using a very offensive left back, having a defensive full back might help balance things out a bit.

If only Nasri actually tried linking up with Rosicky instead of completely bypassing him. There is definitely a problem there, because Nasri just wouldn't pass the ball to Rozza.

The only type of pass Nasri seemed to do was the expansive cross-field pass to the full backs. I feel that Nasri is a little too selfish in his play to be effective in the middle; seems too intent on playing the blockbuster passes or trying to take people on. I'd rather use Rosicky there than Nasri. He uses the ball better, in my opinion.

I'm thinking about changing my review style slightly. Might not recap the match like I usually do and just focus on the key moments of the game and the tactics used throughout.

Excellent work Jay, I missed the match but after this match, what problems do you see and how could they be resolved? I know it's only one match but just something to discuss.

I'm not saying there's a problem. I think Jenkinson just wanted to put in a solid display, and so he didn't go forward as much as I would have liked to see. I do agree that defensive responsibilities outweigh the offensive ones, but he seemed to have the defense covered. Would have been nice to see him link up with Walcott, but that didn't happen. I also do believe that he has a good cross on him.
Plus, lets not mention Sagna....do I need to remind you how many times his crosses go nowhere? Not to say that they are never effective, but he could definitely improve upon them.

I also agree with you 100% on Nasri, and changing your review style by adding in your thoughts, and who did what wrong would be a good idea

Iceman wrote:Also, a few words on Frimpong:

He was very good. His passing range, I feel, is superior to Song's. His positioning is also better, for he knows when to hold back and when to go forward. He pressed tirelessly for the whole 45 minutes, made some key passes and protected the CBs, which is his main job. Arsenal were rarely ever cut through the middle during the second half, unlike the first one.

i agree with you as it is exactly what i think. there is however one problem frimpong imo made some really hard challenges and they could have easily been bookings. now arsenal need physical players but too much hard tackles may result in a sending off which is not good. he needs to learn when to make a dirty and intelligent fouls. this is a very important component of defensive midfielder and he needs to improve this area.
frimpong is more physical as compared to song and reminds me of tiote of newcastle.

ArsenalWenger wrote:Excellent work Jay, I missed the match but after this match, what problems do you see and how could they be resolved? I know it's only one match but just something to discuss.

Same problems as last year, unfortunately.

The two centre backs are being exposed too often by Song, the supposed defensive midfielder, and Gibbs being too far up the pitch. This leaves a big hole between defence and midfield, which intelligent strikers will exploit.

When that space is exploited, it creates confusion in the defence because they don't know whether to press or stand off, especially when it's a 2v2 situation. If you got more bodies back one defender can press while the others track runners in behind.

Another problem is that Arsenal commit men forward but don't press the ball as much as they should do. We had seven players in the opposition half quite often but rarely did they press the ball. Starving the strikers of service is an effective way of defending, especially when you have a defence like ours. If we don't press we become vunerable on the counter.

If we aren't going to press the ball then we need more men back in our half protecting the back four. I've seen Arsenal defend very well when they get bodies back and defend with with a bank of four and a bank of five. So it's not like we're incapable of doing so.

the long ball problem is still not sorted out

they have started taking long range shots that is new

The commentators I were listening to were 100% correct in regards to our defence.
We don't press in the right place to play a high line which is why we get exposed so often, I mean some of the balls they were playing were poor and our defence was making them look world class. Frimpong over Song for me from the match today, he knows the DM position better he breaks up play properly, Song seems to be play like a CM now.

Hopefully Wenger bottles it and plays Nasri through the middle this season rather than a Wilshere - Ramsey CM duo with a decent DM behind them.

surely wenger has seen what half the world have seen as well. Rosicky played some excellent forward passes. Nasri on the other hand was too static

Okay. Sorry I took a while but I went out after the match.. Only just got home

Firstly, watching a match LIVE is NOTHING like watching on a television/stream. Its absolutely brilliant and a lot more insightful. Seems like you guys have covered most of what I had to say about it, but I will try and put things in my perspective as well. Here goes..

PART 1

The stadium was absolutely buzzing. Barely resembled a friendly atmosphere. The fans, 41500 in number (including those in the 2 away stands) were up for it. Being a german club, there was enough and more beer and cigarettes being sold in the stands to keep the atmosphere alive. I was in a stand surrounded by the home fans and it was a bit hostile for me to sit there in my shining Red & White Arsenal jersey. Almost got into a brawl when Arshavin went down in the penalty area - that was a clear penalty from where I saw it. Oh I was in the North Stand, right behind the goal

The match has been discussed a bit by you lot. I will only point out some key things now:

Firstly, Jenkinsson is very very impressive. Defensively solid. By the time Sagna leaves, we'd still be well stocked in that area. I can almost say that he had Podolski in his pocket. However, the real man was Tommy V. WHAT A DEFENDER! Appeared from nowhere for some of those tackles and blocks. And won many of the headers too. He deserves the Captain armband after Cesc.

Gervinho - don't know how much you saw of him on screen, but his movement, on and off the ball, is beautiful! There was this period of play between our goals when he and Walcott effectively switched wings and their defense was bamboozled for a few minutes. The early goals, coupled with the Rensing injury, put the home fans in a frenzy. Gervinho was at the receiving end of quite a few abuses when he was substituted.

Miyachi came on to replace him and that kid is nothing short of brilliant. Although I have my doubt over his physical strength, he showed some quick feet, great movement and good composure on the ball. Saw enough of him in 15 minutes to feel really really eager to see him at the Emirates.

Walcott, apart from the assist (which looked like a fluke though) had an okay half. I was not too impressed with his movement. He has to improve a LOT more technically if he wants to start playing centrally.

Chamakh - I have been supportive of this lad since his poor form started in 2011. But no more. He was absolutely woeful. Worst player in the first half. He looked like a bad hybrid of Denilson and Bendy in his headless chicken mode. Nor did he showcase his aerial abilities in the chances he got. The man is in a rut. And he needs to dig himself out of it, fast. The highlight was when he lost the ball but ran all the way back with the chap who tackled him and ended with just a foul on him. Woeful. Not the time to show your work rate. However, our defense was short and it was good he ran back to help. The rest were still lounging in the other half.

Koscielny - Nothing much to report.

Song - I am feeling more and more convinced that he is trying to add those chips and long balls to his game. He tried it a few times.

Wilshere - Man of the Match for the first half. What driving runs, what creativity and what vision! Enough said!

Ramsey - Played well but needs to work on his corners; were poor. Also, had a few lapses while defending when he gave the ball away needlessly. Gibbs was also to blame for those though.

Sczcesny - Absolutely wonderful lad! And was really good in goal too. However, I noticed that he tends to wander almost till the half line when we are attacking! He should NOT be doing that! I got a few pics of this. However, given that our CBs were themselves somewhere in the other half, Szczesny was the only player left in the entire half of our side. And halfway down to boot. We were DEAD and ROASTED if Cologne had a better counter attack.

Worth mentioning is the training before and between the halves. Some of the ball control and one touch passing brought a tear to my eye. I love this club and the football they play.

GoonerJay29 wrote:

ArsenalWenger wrote:Excellent work Jay, I missed the match but after this match, what problems do you see and how could they be resolved? I know it's only one match but just something to discuss.

Same problems as last year, unfortunately.

The two centre backs are being exposed too often by Song, the supposed defensive midfielder, and Gibbs being too far up the pitch. This leaves a big hole between defence and midfield, which intelligent strikers will exploit.

When that space is exploited, it creates confusion in the defence because they don't know whether to press or stand off, especially when it's a 2v2 situation. If you got more bodies back one defender can press while the others track runners in behind.

Another problem is that Arsenal commit men forward but don't press the ball as much as they should do. We had seven players in the opposition half quite often but rarely did they press the ball. Starving the strikers of service is an effective way of defending, especially when you have a defence like ours. If we don't press we become vunerable on the counter.

If we aren't going to press the ball then we need more men back in our half protecting the back four. I've seen Arsenal defend very well when they get bodies back and defend with with a bank of four and a bank of five. So it's not like we're incapable of doing so.

Sure does sound like last year, maybe if we didn't play such a high line against teams then we wouldn't be caught out like that. We need more players pressing as you say, and to keep it at a high standard throughout the match/season and not to drop it.

Everton last year at the start of the season (it was last season wasn't it?) is a good example because we were pressing Everton as much as we could and came out with a 6-1 victory, and the potential we have to create more big scoring matches like that in our favour is huge, we just need to starve the opposition.

We can defend when we want to yes, Barca away showed it last year, we just need to do it to every team we play against and I'd like to see more rotation this year so players become less fatigued like Rozza against Wigan things like that because the EPL is a faster and harder (imo) league to play in compared to La Liga where Barca can save some energy by knocking the ball about a lot and keeping possession whereas the faster tempo we play leads to us tiring quicker, thus pressing less.

Going to see the game in person is definitely a different experience. You get to see the whole pitch and every player; how they move, how much they move, etc. You get to enjoy the atmosphere as well. I'm sure you had a great time.

I'm going to the Arsenal/Boca Juniors game next Saturday. It will be the first time I've been to the Emirates since Emirates Cup 2008, I think. Arsenal vs Real Madrid. Anyway, the trip is part of my future brother-in-law's stag party thing, so it'll be just the guys (my sister and my dad's partner went last time). Should be a good day out.

As a result of that, I won't be able to do a post-match thread. Unless you're prepared to wait about three hours after the end of the game, that is. It takes over an hour just to get out the stadium and onto the tube... apparently it's not going to be a full-house for the first day, so this might help with the crowd congestion a little. Unlikely, but one can hope.

Wow this is lengthy and takes some effort! Here is the second half; PART 2:

The side was devoid of any motivation. The fact that we were leading played in their heads I guess, coupled with the fact that this was *just a friendly*. Too bad the fans were not thinking the same way.

We seemed to start brightly but that was about it.

Frimpong - The lad impressed me immensely in the half and came a close second in the player of the second half for me. He is an absolute beast, no nonsense DM that we have been crying out for all this while. He has the skill, the potential and the attributes. He is very effecting in breaking up play. As a DM< he is strong, moves intelligently, and was crucial in Squillaci not looking like a clown.

Squid - Why do we have this guy? Got into a needless headbutt with their forward which would be a straight red, if not for this being a friendly. Nor did it go down well with the home fans.

Djourou - Nothing much to say. He put in his shift but Frimp and to an extent, Sagna, stole the defensive show.

That brings me to the rest of the midfield of Rosicky and Nasri.

Rozza - Vintage! Class! Perfection! Player of the Half. Enough said. If he is going to be able to replicate this performance, I would happily play him in my midfield. The highlight was a pass from the outside of his foot, PEACHY!

Nasri - Although its a bit harsh to say he was selfish, either that or he doesn't have the vision to make a good pass. RvP would be missing Fabregas sooo much, cause there is absolutely no chemistry between him and Nasri. It was dismal. Also of note was how deep Nasri kept wandering back. Shocking to see a AM playing behind the DM! Wasn't impressed with his work rate either. I am not going to throw a tantrum if we sell him. He should be worrying about his starting position with the arrival of Gervinho, unless Fabregas leaves.

Vela - Wasted on the wing. Really is. Please let this guy play in him natural position! He isn't a frekking RW!

RvP - Showed some classy ball control and was a pleasure to watch. But the lack of service from Nasri affected his game. Rozza liked up very well with him though.

Conor Henderson - Shocking decision to play him as a LB. WTF! And we picked up a twisted ankle. Feel sorry for him.

Where the hell was Traore? I wanted to do a him vs. Gibbs bit. Too bad I couldn't watch him live to draw that comparison.

Finally brings me to Arshavin. The man is really funny I like him But what I like more, is his skill. Technique. He was in a different class! And if I wasn't prejudiced towards Rozza, I would have given Arshavin a few more points. To all of you who think he is old, and should be sold, and blah blah blah - Please go watch him play LIVE instead of on TV. This man is quite something. And he was the only one showing attacking intent.

I hope I added a few more things for you guys, tried my best. Anyway, it was a wonderful experience for me to watch us live in action today and I hope I can see more of this sometime soon in the future. Gooner for life.

Thanks for that Srigooner. Really appreciate the different viewpoint for someone actually at the game.

One question though: did you take any pictures?

Anyway, at this point in time I'd say our best team is this:


And if we need a bit more technical flair up front we'd have Nasri, Arshavin and Rosicky as options. Plus Ramsey and maybe even Miyaichi provided we can get a work permit. Not bad options at all.