Evening lads,
Just a few thoughts from yesterdays game and the season in general.
Firstly, I was really impressed by Ramsey yesterday, I know he's had a lot of praise already but I feel I owe him some having previously been harsh on him. He's come a long way from last season, he's turning into a very calm and balanced player, his passing has more conviction, he plays at a higher tempo, and the way he runs himself into the ground and chases lost causes is great to see, in many ways he matches Wilshere in that regard but doesn't get the plaudits because he doesn't slide into tackles and act hard all the time. I don't think he'll ever have Jack's dynamism but, whisper it, he's finding some really consistent form which is great to see having struggled mostly since his return from injury.
Onto a more negative point, Giroud is starting to makeme lose my patience. He is sluggish, ungainly, his touch is poor, he's basically Bendtner with less time to improve, he seems to have that heightened opinion of himself as well which is incredibly frustrating and leads to selfishness. He plays for himself, sure some of his link up play is great and he's good in the air but its not enough, he's not even good at holding the ball up, very little sticks to him and he constantly fouls the defender. His stats are good but when it comes to taking crucial chances, the moments that separate an average striker from a top striker, he fluffs his lines. I know Poldi isn't really a lone striker but it's criminal to see him left on the bench while Giroud and Gervinho labour up front. Top class striker desperately needed in the summer.
However I was also very pleased with our subs - hopefully Podolski comes through his surgery well because his finishing is a real asset and will win us games. Oxlade-Chamberlain meanwhile is now playing with the freedom he didn't have in the 1st half of the season - he looks leaner, meaner, and it's absolutely fantastic to see our British core in top performances for us this campaign - foreign players might come in and dazzle for a few years, if we're lucky, but these guys will be the spine of our team for the next 10 years if all goes well.
A few thoughts
posted on 14/4/13
Very good article. Agree with all the points. The one positive from Giroud is that despite playing apallingly he did play a big part in two goals.
posted on 14/4/13
Played appalling but had a part in two goals?
Played well then......
posted on 14/4/13
Good article. Agree with all points.
posted on 15/4/13
Its good Ramsey is getting some credit and credit to you for being honest and not just sticking to saying "he is not good enough for Arsenal" which some people are just because they overstated there opionion to start with.
I think Giroud has been better than some people think. Sure there is room for improvment but I think people are a little harsh on him. His goal return is not bad at all and it is his first season with us. I think people need to give him some more time. We do clearly need more options up front next year but I think he is a good squad player and has served us well so far.