First of all great win and clean sheet last night. Some players in my book really deserve their spot on Saturday taken in to account their counterparts previous performance.
Bibi had a brilliant match. It was great to hear the commentator say "Oh and Albrghton burst's forward, but Gardner keep up and makes the tackle" so many times last night. I don't think even Robbo's fiercest defenders can deny that he has been massacred by pacey players this season resulting in a lot of free crosses and goals.
Muamba I've heard from one person on here was the difference in our midfield. I heard little about him on the commentary so can't comment but chuffed to hear.
Kakuta was a real threat. Just the kind of player we need if we are going to play this formation. I was surprised to see him start on the right but I assume it's because Petrov has been our star player this year and doesn't deserve to be dropped where Eagles on the other hand....He looked good there, but did give the ball away a fair bit. Eagles also did well and certainly gave Coyle a big decision for who can play RW.
My team:
GK
Jussi (Bogdan had good game but was tested rarely, Jussi still no1)
RB
Boyata (With Gretr' injured only player)
CB
Cahill (A good captain last night)
Wheater (Better then Knight but mobility worries me)
LB
Bibi (Huge improvement on Robbo. Would rather him Vs Wallcott)
CM
Muamba (Need him to break up play)
NRC (Same as Fab')
Mark Davies (Thrives against Arsenal, will do better in a 451 IMO)
RW
Kakuta gets it. Sounded good for whole 90, not just an impact player)
LW
Petrov is an easy choice. Can't wait to see him in a LW position.
ST
Davies. I know many will shout me down and he has been poor but we are still not good enough to have Ngog starting alone. Last night I recall hearing numerous times that our defence/midfield couldn't find a way through and passed it back to Bogdan for him to kick up to Ngog who lost out nearly every time. We aren't yet at the level where we can pass it up through the middle with a good success rate. While we're still knocking balls up top, Davies will win more the Ngog.
Subs:
Bogdan
Robbo
Knight
Pratley
Holden
Eagles
Ngog
P.S Sorry to GG for posting an identical.
Team for Arsenal
posted on 21/9/11
I see the majority don't want Kakuta to start
posted on 21/9/11
Just another Holdsworth. BIG problem. You have KD playing up front and also on the bench.
Change your line up bud or remove him from the bench.
posted on 21/9/11
I personally would start with Davies. For the simple reason that he will give Koscielny a nightmare and Mertesacker, although a big guy, has never faced Davies, and videos can only teach you so much. Stoke's big centre defence do well against Davies because the have faced him before and know what to expect- not true of Mertesacker.
Let Davies bully, harass and bruise them for 50-60 minutes the either replace him with Ngog or bring Ngog on and go 2 up top.
Bibi needs to start. By all accounts he had a good game, and much as I enjoy the patented "Robbo welcome to the game" tackle, I also think Bibi's pace with be more important.
Wheater obviously needs to stay in the middle. Knight has been useless this season so far.
Right-back, if he's fit then its got to be Gretski for his experience, otherwise Boyata.
Midfield, Muamba, NRC and Mavies. I agree with what has been said already about Holden, I don't want him rushed back and I really don't want to put him in against an Arsenal team who have an awful disciplinary record this season.
posted on 21/9/11
Davies hasn't bullied, harassed or bruised anyone for nearly half a year now, he was meant to do that against United and failed to do so, can't see why he'd be able to do it against Arsenal. Mertesacker will gobble up long ball, we need to expose his pace (or lack of) and play N'Gog from the off.
posted on 21/9/11
4 - 1 - 4 - 1
Jussi
Steinsson / Boyata (Steinsson if he's fit)
Cahill (Capt)
Wheater
Gardner
Muamba
Eagles
Holden
Coker
Petrov
NGog
Subs:
Bogdan
Davies
Mavies
Pratley
Knight
Robbo
Kakuta
posted on 22/9/11
i would go with bogdan,steinsson,cahill,wheater,gardner,eagles,reo coker,holden,mavies,kakuta,ngog. really think jussi robinson and knight must be left out and made to find their form and confidence and earn their way back into the team.do think coyle will go with jussi,boyata,cahill,wheater,robinson,eagles,reo coker,muamba,pratley,petrov,ngog.
posted on 22/9/11
i go for the same setup as billy whizz fan club except id play muamba (muamba takles, wins the ball then LEAVES it to holden to distribute, this partnership seems to be blossoming)
as much as i love super kev....he HAS been not very effective this season and with the pace and way arsenal play i dont think he will do to much, arsenal dive a lot as well - dive near davies and your guarenteed to win a foul...think he could cause more problems playing than not.
i agree with cahill as captain but fear it may detract from his responsibilities as a footballer, id go for somone
posted on 22/9/11
...continued
with a bit more experience who may handle the roll a bit better - maybe coker? he seems to be very passionate during the game, ive seen him shouting at players mid game, trying to marshal the midfield, good atributes for a captain...
posted on 22/9/11
@ Reebok Rebel... I did have Muamba in!
Everyone, myself include, have neglected Tuncay. I'd have him on the bench, if he's available.
posted on 22/9/11
i also realised i said id have muamba in place of coker....then said coker would make a good captain.
both valid points but together, they totaly contradict each other...
ooops
cahill for captain