If Per Mertesacker does come to Arsenal, that could be a great signing. However, unless Arsene pays a bit more attention to the defensive side of things, then who knows what will happen.
I dont think it's a coincidence that Man U, Man C,Chelsea and to a lesser extent Liverpool are where they are today if it wasn't because they all have very strong defences indeed. All have top class Goalies, terrific pairs of CB's, great wing backs, very hardworking midfielders.To my mind, doing a load of defensive work on the training ground and I think it shows on the pitch
Personally, I think,now is the time to let Pat Rice retire gracefully. I believe Pat wanted to go last season but Arsene pursuaded him to stay on. Anyone watching the 1st leg of the CL qualifyer at the Emirates ( where Wenger was banned from the dugout); could see the Pat didn't have a clue what to do.There was an occasion during the second half when, with the pysio alongside him on the touchline he could only scratch his chin.He seemed to be thinking ; " what do I do now"
Maybe time to promote Stave Bould to his side in the dugout
Cheers Proudgooner
Mertesacker good, But!!!!
posted on 30/8/11
3 decent games for Chequebook Kenny's 100M+ signings and now even our fans are joining the "they are really good bandwagon". If not for an OG and a red card, Liverpool would have gone home from London with a defeat or a draw at best.
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this
posted on 30/8/11
'3 decent games for Chequebook Kenny's 100M+ signings and now even our fans are joining the "they are really good bandwagon". If not for an OG and a red card, Liverpool would have gone home from London with a defeat or a draw at best.
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this'
this
posted on 30/8/11
"3 decent games for Chequebook Kenny's 100M+ signings and now even our fans are joining the "they are really good bandwagon". If not for an OG and a red card, Liverpool would have gone home from London with a defeat or a draw at best."
posted on 30/8/11
"3 decent games for Chequebook Kenny's 100M+ signings and now even our fans are joining the "they are really good bandwagon". If not for an OG and a red card, Liverpool would have gone home from London with a defeat or a draw at best."
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posted on 30/8/11
The tragedy is that had we invested properly in team at
start of last season and won the league, which was not
beyond the realms of possibility at that time we might have held onto Nasri and even possibly Fabregas.
Our transfer policy has pushed the club backwards for
at least three years making it difficult to qualify for Champions League next season and buy top quality
players in midfield and up front.
posted on 30/8/11
I personally am glad that goofy frog Nasri left....
posted on 30/8/11
U5799 spot on! We were in all comps Christmas last year, If we had of bought just 2-3 players in the Jan window we would likely of won something, and definitely qualified for CL with no play off etc...failure to buy then is costing us dear.
posted on 30/8/11
There was an occasion during the second half when, with the pysio alongside him on the touchline he could only scratch his chin.He seemed to be thinking ; " what do I do now"
====================================
I believe Pat Rice is thinking "I feel like Chicken tonight"...
Virtually the entire back room should be thanked for their services and terminated with immediate effect.
posted on 30/8/11
Alright,alright lets forget Liverpool then (just for the moment Anyway) . I think it's true to say those other teams mentioned do live up to the statement. Other teams that aren't that good as an attacking force do seem to be at least fairly adequate defensively I think.
To those that mention about set pieces, well that's all about defending isn't it?
Personally; and I've been saying it for many seasons, the 1st criterion to bear in mind is concentration, concentration and more concentration for 90 + minutes.That includes no silly fouls in dangerous positions,no reckless tackles resulting in red-cards, (blimey we've more red-cards than points or goals so far this term, dammit) No conceding pens in added on time.This all needs to be addressed on the training ground.
And yes, Martin Keown would be my choice for defensive coaching. An excellent idea
Cheers Proudgooner
posted on 30/8/11
" 3 decent games for Chequebook Kenny's 100M+ signings and now even our fans are joining the "they are really good bandwagon". If not for an OG and a red card, Liverpool would have gone home from London with a defeat or a draw at best."
________
Whilst that is true to a certain extent, did Arsenal really
threaten Liverpool's goal at any time. After all the article was about defending wasn't it ?