Arsenal-Udinese Preview

By: jg | August 15th, 2011

Apparently some player that used to create a lot of goals for us has left, to a faraway land filled to the brim with delicious tapas and douchebag athletes. And Busquets.
But we can’t worry about that right now, because tomorrow Arsenal will play one of their most important matches of the season- the play-off to get into the Champions League group stages, against Udinese.

udinese

I really can’t emphasize how important this match has become. After a summer of frustration, with only 4 wingers, 3 of which aren’t even close to the finished article, and a League One rightback as our arrivals, and the departure of our captain and most influential player at a discount price to quite possibly the most arrogant and insufferable (as well as most brilliant) club in world football right now, it’s safe to say that Arsenal’s fans are the angriest, saddest, and frustrated at the moment. Whether you believe Wenger still has it or you think he’s stark raving mad and should go (looking at you, Homey), what can’t be argued is that Arsenal have made a mess in the transfer market this summer. The Cesc deal should have been resolved waay earlier, the Nasri debacle should have been resolved waay earlier, and now with 2 weeks to go until the transfer window closes, we have to find suitable replacements for those two that will help us compete, all at an affordable, Wenger-approved price. Oh yeah, and another CB, too.

I know thing suck right now, so look at this cute kitty!

I know things suck right now, so look at this cute kitty!

So that’s where this match comes in. We, predictably, have started the season in bad shape, with a dour opening day draw to Thugs FC- err, I mean Newcastle, and our current most influential player, Jack Wilshere, injured until who knows when. This match is the first leg in a play-off that we’re only in because of our spectacular collapse at the end of last season, something that only added to the fans frustration. Needless to say, failing to get into the CL group stages would be a cataclysmic disaster for Arsenal. The removal of that precious cash influx each qualification grants would all but bar any significant transfer signing, and would harm the credibility of this club more than ever. So getting off to a good start in our home debut would be great for our confidence, and add some good news in what has been a pretty depressing couple of weeks to be an Arsenal fan.

Despite losing Sanchez, Udinese are still a strong side, and will be tough to beat. Their captain, striker Antonio di Natale, was Serie A’s top goalscorer last season, and is a dangerous all-around forward who will be quite a load on our defense. Also, much of their attacks come from the flanks (they play a 3-4-3), where their adventurous full-backs, Chilean Mauricio Isla and Colombian Pablo Armero, will be charging up and down the pitch. Therefore, it’s going to be important for our fullbacks tomorrow to be at their best, and it will be a real baptism of fire for Gibbs, who will have a great opportunity to prove that he’s capable of holding down a first-team LB role. Udinese also boast a great, underrated keeper in Samir Handanovic, a guy we were linked at back when we were linked with every single dees GK not at a top club. They also have the solid and composed Mehdi Benatia at CB, and at CM they have the mercurial Kwadwo Asamoah, who will have a pretty good battle in midfield with Song and Ramsey. All in all, Udinese are not a team to be taken lightly.

Now, for team news. We won’t have Robin van Persie for this one, serving a one-match suspension for being sent off in the 2nd leg of the Barcelona tie last season. A big, big loss for us. Arsene Wenger will also serve a touchline ban for rightfully calling Massimo Bussaca mean things. Technically, Samir Nasri also has a one-match ban, but I don’t think that matters right now. Gervinho and now Song are suspended for forthcoming EPL matches (although Arsenal will appeal against Gervinho’s charge), but those disciplinary issues don’t apply for European competitions and will be available tomorrow. Rosicky apparently got a slight knock and will face a late fitness test tomorrow morning to see if he can play. And of course, Wilshere and Diaby are still injured.

Based on our latest team news, I think the lineup tomorrow will look like this:

Szczesny

Sagna Koscielny Vermaelen Gibbs

Song Ramsey

Walcott Arshavin Gervinho

Chamakh

Bench: Fabianski, Djourou, Jenkinson, Frimpong, Rosicky, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Vela

Our back 5 were as impressive as you can be against a blunt Newcastle, so I don’t think Wenger is going to experiment in that area for such a crucial fixture as this one. (As of this writing, Traore went and injured himself in the Reserves debut against Man United, so it’s going to be Gibbs at LB anyways) It’s where you get upfield where things get a bit interesting. Rosicky will face that late fitness test so in all likelihood will start from the bench, which leaves a hole in that CAM spot.

If Wenger sticks with the 4-2-3-1, then it’s either going to be Ramsey or Arshavin in that role. Putting Ramsey, who wasn’t very good against Newcastle, in that spot means that Frimpong starts next to Song in the holding mid spot. I just don’t think Wenger is going to take such a risk in such a crucial game, so while Arshavin has played exclusively on the wings at Arsenal, this is the chance for him to show what he can do in a more central role and see if he can step up with the departures of Cesc and (most likely) Nasri. So I think Arshavin gets the CAM role tomorrow, with Ramsey and Song backing him. In the wings, it’s got to be Walcott and Gervinho. Up front, with Van Persie suspended, I suspect Chamakh will get the start, although it could very well be Vela. This is the most worrying part, because Chamakh hasn’t awoken from the rut he’s been since the middle of last season, so getting goals will be tougher with him playing tomorrow. You can just tell we’re going to have this dilemma all season…so..I wonder.. if Bendtner staying… wouldn’t be such a bad thing after all…

A big, big match for us. It’s important to take advantage of the home leg to give a good performance, calm down the fans and the players a little bit, and take a big lead to a hostile Italy. For all of the bad things going on in the Arsenal Nation right now, losing out on the CL proper would only add to the magnitude of the situation and pretty much ruin our season. So let’s go out there and get a big win.

Come on Arsenal!

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Category: Champions League, Preview

« Goodbye Fabregas… So Now What? | Home | Liveblog: Arsenal v Udinese »

Kweku

This game was incredibly frustrating and difficult to watch. I was borderline furious for the majority of this game (specifically every time Chamkh touched the ball). I cannot fathom how Wenger could legitimately think this team could compete for a premier league title. If this kind of squeaking by, by the skin of your teeth is what has become happenstance for the Gunners then Wenger really must go. If there are no new signings before the window closes, Wenger's fate is sealed.
Kas123

Eboue has officially left the building.
JG

Gervinho appeal dismissed, will serve his 3 game ban like all good boys do. Vela off on loan to Real Sociedad, dropping our number of first-team strikers who aren't wanting to leave at 2 (3, if you count Afobe)
Orion

I really hope we keep Bendtner, and if we do add to the striker tally, maybe loan out Chamakh.
Patoux21

I haven't seem Koscielny play recently but is he better than Djourou at the moment or is it because of injuries or fitness issue? I also think that Vermaelen could be suitable to play in a holding mildfield position thanks to his composure and passing abilities if we need to keep the score.
Patoux21

I haven't seem Koscielny play recently but is he better than Djourou at the moment or is it because of injuries or fitness issue? I also think that Vermaelen could be suitable to play in a holding mildfield position thanks to his composure and passing abilities if we need to keep the score.
Orion

Djourou had quite a crappy pre-season, making some crucial Squillaciesque mistakes.
SJGgumby

Agreed, and he wasn't particularly good at the end of last year either, though at the time I chalked it up to coming back from injury and generally wearing down. Let's hope the Djourou we saw in the beginning of last year is the real Djourou, and that he gets that form back soon.

I also remember someone posting that Djourou's style was duplicative with Verm's, and that Verm was best paired with someone like Kos. I also remember thinking it was a pretty impressive analysis, though I don't recall all of it.
Orion

Yep, I read it on Tim Stillman's column over at the Arseblog. I think it said that Vermaelen and Djourou are the aggressive, going-forward, moving-the-ball-out-of-the-box kind of players. On the other hand, Koscielny (and Squillaci to a certain extent) are more like the traditional sweeper that hoofs the ball upwards and chases the most forward man out of the game. The two types of players compliment each other.
Patoux21

I haven't seem Koscielny play recently but is he better than Djourou at the moment or is it because of injuries or fitness issue? I also think that Vermaelen could be suitable to play in a holding mildfield position thanks to his composure and passing abilities if we need to keep the score.
Gigi_man

So big this game. So big.
Fingers crossed.
Take care of my heart gunners!
carvivlie

Are you saying that Busquets isn't a douchebag athlete?! He's in my top 3 of footballers I don't mind seeing stretchered off the field. Harsh I know. ... Or are you saying he is so insufferable he deserves his own place in football hell?
JG

The latter.
Zamil_m10

damn. a 3-4-3 could very be dangerous against our team. i think your lineup is very likely but if we had a reliable other CDM i would put Ramsey in the cesc role because against just 3 defenders i think his over the head through balls would completely destroy the lock of the Udinese defence. Otherwise we keep to your plan but If Chamakh doesnt do well we should sub him early for Rosicky to take Arshavins spot and Arshavin goes striker
COME ON ARSENAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!
we should also unleash Miyaichi and Chamberlain at some point.
Actually Chamberlain looks like he can do a good job as the central striker hmm
Homey_Mills

In my previous match report, I rated Song as a 4.5, due to the stomp on Barton that should have been red. Someone said I shouldn't have rated him that low, since the ref missed the call. But now that he'll be suspended, I'd have to say a 4.5 was generous. I guess we have to see what Frimpong can do.
JG

Eboue officially gone. I wish him the best, and I hope he becomes a success in Turkey (and makes awesome dance celebrations, too). Now, to re-invest with what we got for him, please.
Homey_Mills

And now Jenkinson is officially the backup RB. Lovely. I'm surprised that more fans aren't alarmed about gifting that spot to a guy with so little experience, and none at a top level.
Zamil_m10

Its cause Jenkinson is really good man, constantly on his toes. Him and Djourou look like they could additionally be very good midfielders if given the task
Homey_Mills

I guess we shall see. However, I would say that NOBODY, including Wenger, can be certain what we'll get from Jenkinson when he's thrown into the fire against top competition. He's simply never even come close to having experience at that level. Maybe he'll surprise all of us. But to assuredly rely on a total unknown is a dangerous thing. At least Sagna is one of our least-injured players.
Martin

van Persie named new captain, Vermaelen vice-captain, as expected. I tend to think there is too much hype over who is captain and wears the armband, since it's not like rugby where only the captain is allowed to talk to the referee, and it's not like the captain makes any tactical decisions. Leaders will lead whether they wear an armband or not, and giving someone who is not a leader the armbad won't suddenly transform him into a leader (see Gallas, William). But in this case, it is a nice recognition of two guys who work hard and do a lot for the club and their teammates on and off the pitch.
Gigi_man

Hmm dont know. Its not for the things the capt can do or not, but take a look back at when Adams was, he literally IMO lifted the team.
Dont get me wrong, I just love RvP and his loyalty and his goals, and his skills, he is on the way to be my living Arsenal legend, but I think being captain is also about other stuff.
But granted that he deserves it, just looking his loyalty he totally deserves it.
Bumblefock

should have been verm with vice-captaincy to arsha. arsha was bossing the squad in the newcastle game directing what everyone should do, which is cool. it'll also add him additional boost of responsibility not to slack off
FredJacob

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v...
Patoux21

It's tough having Arshavin in the CAM spot when we used to play Fabregas or Nasri in that position. Totally different class.
Gigi_man

Its maybe my two-men club membership talking here, but he seems to have a spark when he is given the chance.
Over here, in some games, they called him "little magician".
Martin

Well, I would say two things -- (1) anyone we have other than Fabregas is going to be in a differenct class, that's unavoidable -- but I'm not sure Nasri was all that effective in that position; and (2) who do we have that would be better than Arshavin in that role? I'd certainly take him over either Ramsey or Rosicky, who seem to be the only other candidates.
Patoux21

For me either Fabregas or Nasri are above Arshavin for the simple reason they didn't mind running and defending ... not sure at all about Arshavin and God knows how poor his passing can be sometimes
SJGgumby

Agreed - I'm not sure Arshavin is a different class than Nasri there. I DO worry that we'd have a hard time maintaining possession with him playing that role, but we'll see. And frankly, I wonder if we won't be a more dangerous team with a little less possession.
Martin

I guess my thoughts are that that role is a good one for Arshavin, especially given the paucity of other options. He's the best, most incisive, most creative passer on the team, and as we saw all to clearly on Saturday, this team can struggle if we don't have someone who is really looking for the through ball in that part of the pitch. He has a way of finding space in traffic, which is key in the middle of the pitch. And he doesn't have a bad eye for goal, and will shoot from distance, which will draw defenders to him.

And I think his weaknesses -- his inconsistent work rate, his lack of pace, his reluctance to close down, his inconsistent crossing -- wouldn't be as exposed there. If the other side gets by him and he's playing there, they still have to get through Song, Ramsey, Vermaelen, and Kos before they get to goal. Whereas when he's on the wing, they get by him and it's just Gibbs. And the reality is that Cesc is actually a pretty slow player who didn't exactly have Flamini's motor or work rate, either.
SJGgumby

Martin - as usual, I agree with most of what you say, and I do want to see what he can do there. I'm still concerned though - he does have a tendency to sometimes give the ball away pretty easily, and I'm not sure I agree that we're safer if he does so in the middle of the pitch, regardless of who he has behind him. Also need to make sure he's willing to come back a bit and provide a link between midfield and the forward line, though I'm less worried about that since I actually think his work-rate has been fine recently (end of last year and in the preseason/Newcastle).
Gener4

I think as much as it pains me to say so, playing a little "anti-football" may be the way to work through this draw. Have Ramsey and Arsh looping balls over the D and having Gerv and Walcott bounding past the CBs is the way to get this. We'll most certainly give up the share of possession, but perhaps recycling from the back through the middle and keeping things narrow might be more successful.
FredJacob

I think defending deep and hitting on on the counter is also a good way, when we play balls over the top players miss trap
Gener4

Also note for anyone in Canada, Setanta has the game, and are on a free preview this month.
Luke99

Lyon and FC Porto are clubs that sell their top players and they still manage to do the same every year i dont understand why arsenal dont buy quality players with the money they get instead of buying little kids i know Cesc and Nasri wanna leave and once players wanna leave u cant hold on to them but than again theres so much players out there such as Jadson, Pjanic, fernandinho, Marvin Martin, and many more and im pretty sure they all cost less than 20mill
Martin

Now Wenger saying that Bendtner may stay, and may play tomorrow night. Don't play with my heartstrings like this, Wenger.
FredJacob

Pre-March Press Conference

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v...
Martin

I know he's struggling, but I think Chamakh may be the key in this one.

It's not how we usually play, but a team with a 3-4-3 can be very susceptible to pace down the flanks. If we use pacey wingers like Theo & Gervinho, as well as our full-backs, to take advantage of that wide space, we should have plenty of room to try to aim it at the big man's head in the box.

But knowing Wenger, and knowing Arsenal, I have a real fear that we'll try to stick with our same tactics, and we'll have a big problem getting clogged up by all those players in the middle of the pitch.
Felegy

Agreed, I'm not giving up on Chamakh quite yet (like so many others it seems). I really think that, once again, Chamakh is a player that is not being used for his greatest strength or in his best role, which is his aerial ability as a second striker. It certainly isnt with his back to goal or dribbling at defenders as the lone striker (where he often turns around and passes to a teammate). Why Wenger refuses to play him up top alongside RvP puzzles me? RvP's somewhat creativity would help to open up space in the box for Chamakh to work his magic on crosses. Are Homey's doubts in Le Professor rubbing off on me.....
Rico

I agree on Chamakh, we don't use his abilities as the aerial attacker. He saved us a lot in the first half of last season and I am not giving up on him yet. I think he just needs his break again, no doubt RVP coming back knocked his confidence. RVP did managed to score more than anyone else in just half the season last year.
Kas123

Seeing that it's public knowledge that Chamakh doesn't play very well upfront by himself, tactically do you think we could accomplish more if we started Vela and Chamakh together? Sorta like a 4-4-2 formation and have Vela play off Chamakh's left shoulder. Eliminate the CM role that Ramsey will play, play Arshavin a little closer to the second striker? Just a thought.
Casimir

I don't think that'd be a bad option at all. Especially against a 3-4-3 it would pressure their backline more or force a wide player to drop back if we put two up front. I think a Vela and Chamakh pairing would work well, IMHO, do to their differing styles. Have Chamakh up top as a true forward and allow Vela to roam as a deep/secondary striker (or even Arshavin). Then have Ramsey and Song in the middle, with Gervinho on the left and Walcott on the right. With the absence of a true playmaker/CAM/trequartista a 4-4-2 would be a decent temporary solution.
Kas123

Yeah, at this stage, having 2 up front to collect crosses from the wings would be a plus. During Saturday's game, the crosses that did come in didn't reach anyone because RVP was often the only person in the box. What's the thoughts of Walcott playing as a true forward? I remembered him saying this summer about wanting to be given the opportunity to play in that position. He has he pace, but I don't think he possess the skill of a Rooney, or even Messi to beat challenges and create his own space n the middle of the field. Thoughts?
Homey_Mills

Well, 90% of my doubts concern the transfer market. I'm not sure I'd want Chamakh playing along with RvP very often. The simple reason is that I'd want to try my best to get our best players on the field. And for me, I don't think Chamakh is better than Arshavin, Walcott, Nasri, etc. So playing the formation we play seems to get better players on the field. Also, if we played a 4-4-2, I guess we could have Wilshere and Song in the center of midfield. But if you look at last season, if you played a 4-4-2, you'd be putting on Chamakh and taking off Wilshere. I am not sure I'd want that exchange.
Felegy

Well, if its goals that you are looking for I would sacrifice either Song or Wilshere to add some attacking options up front. I'm not saying that it has to be for every game either. I just think our approach is anything but unpredictable.
I would love once in a while to see Chamakh up front with RvP dropping slightly deeper than him in a forward position. With a midfield composed of some combination of Wilshere/Ramsey/Song in the middle, and Walcott/Gervinho/Arshavin/Ryo combo on the flanks. The formation we have been playing was designed to have Cesc as the main playmaker in the middle. We no longer have Cesc, and nobody on our squad currently is adequate to play "in the Cesc role". Time to switch things up AW!
boscorelli

One look at the lineup and now I have depressive disorder.
JG

Currently, Arsenal Reserves lead 2-1 against Man United Reserves, goals from Watt and Aneke. Traore and Afobe injured.
Clichy is a starter in Citah's debut against Swansea, currently 0-0. Hasn't caused any goal-giving mistakes, so I have to say Clichy is doing a pretty good job.