Arsenal 1-0 Leeds United: The King Delivers the Script and Nets the Winner

By: jg | January 9th, 2012

Let’s calm down, it’s only the FA Cup Third Rou-WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

tittyhenry

A game dominated by Arsenal but missing a special finish was effectively ended when Thierry Henry made his return to Arsenal as a 69th minute substitute and scored a sublime winner 10 minutes later. Leeds were organized and headstrong in defense but Arsenal controlled the match, having chance after chance after chance. The night belonged to one man, however, who made his return to Arsenal a glorious one and restored confidence, emotion, and feeling to the Arsenal Nation. Thierry Henry, good god!

The game started with an experimental defense and offence, but an all too common midfield- the Great Triumvirate of Song, Arteta, and Ramsey. Marouane Chamakh got his last appearance for Arsenal before departing with Morocco for the Africa Cup of Nations. He was flanked by Arshavin and the Ox. In the back, the Kids Were Allright at the fullback spots, with Coq and Miquel deputizing at the right and left, respectively. Our old pal, Squillaci, was at CB but was partnered by Kos so he did well. The bench saw some familiar faces (Walcott, Yossi), but also some youth (Martinez, Yennaris), a ghost (Park), and of course, the King.

Arsenal started the match with intent, with Arshavin shooting well over the bar after a minute. The Gunners were playing with high tempo and using the wingers as offensive outlets, and this nearly led to a goal in the 3rd minute. Ox received an own-pass from Leeds Defender, quickly passed it to Chamakh, who put it for Arshavin to score, but the Russian lashed it over the bar. Our next big chance came in the 15th minute, when an Arteta freekick was met by Squillaci, of all people, but his header narrowly went wide. 3 minutes later, Ramsey shot over after some nice work by Arshavin. Then, 300 seconds later, a low shot by Arteta narrowly went wide. It seemed that a goal was imminent, but Leeds started to get a little dirty and start fouling us repeatedly- Arshavin was shouldered off the ball in a clear foul, and Arteta was cynically kicked. Of course, Mark Clattenburg didn’t zee nuffink! Leeds’ tactics took a bit out of our game, and as a result the first half trudged on, with Arsenal dominating possession but lacking in urgency and penetration. Our night took a bad turn when, at the half hour mark, Coq did his hamstring and was immediately sent to the tunnel, with Nico Yennaris coming on to replace him. Considering he was our 8th choice full back, and he got injured (he’ll be out for a couple of weeks, according to Wenger), this only strengthens the case to get a new defender, even if on loan. Anyhow, the first half ended with a whimper, with Kos’ header going over the bar. 0-0.

67897067

The second half, however, saw Arsenal start with a renewed sense of urgency and a desire to break the deadlock. Indeed, Leeds were virtually relegated to their own half for most of the second 45. With barely a minute after the restart gone, Ox went on a great solo run that ended with a low shot just going wide. Not giving up, Ox went on a similar run 9 minutes later and created the greatest chance of the match up to that point. Going on a run to the byline, his low cross was met by Chamakh, who tapped it to Arteta, whose first time shot was pretty weak and well saved by Lonergan. A minute later, Arshavin capitalized on a Leeds mistake and ran onto goal, with his shot flashing just wide. Arsenal were trying to get the goal but the goal wasn’t coming, so when Ox lashed wide yet again (after some great buildup by Arteta and Chamakh), Wenger decided that it was time, and told Walcott and Henry to come on. It was the 69th minute (heh, I’m 9!), and TH12 and TW14 stepped onto the pitch…

Britain Soccer FA Cup

… and Henry’s first contribution to the game was to be flagged offside.
Nevertheless, the crowd realized the magnitude of the moment, and the Emirates really rocked tonight. The goal was coming, no doubt, and only a fool would have guessed wrong on who scored the goal. In the 78th minute, a fantastic Song pass was met by the one and only Thierry Henry, who was onside and already past the Leeds defenders and finished in the same cool, world-class fashion that epitomized Thierry Henry in those glorious years between 1999 and 2007. A classic Henry goal.

Britain Soccer FA Cup

Of course, games don’t end in the 80th minute, they end in the 90th, so we still had 10 minutes plus stoppage time to see this one out. And lo and behold, Leeds had a glorious chance to equalize right after we scored when McCormack got a free header 12 yards out, but it was straight at Szczesny. Then, Arshavin got a chance to score a second after another good pass by Song, but he was not Henry and put his shot into the side netting. Still, it was a good performance from the Russian. The rest of the game played out but not before Mikael Forsell nearly ruined it for us with a great shot inside the box in the last minute, but his great shot was stopped by an equally great save by Szczesny. Full time soon came, 1-0 to the Arsenal.

Match Stats
Possession: Arsenal 67%-33% Leeds
Shots (on target): 24(3)-7(4)
Fouls: 6-12
Corners: 12-1

On to the ratings:

Szczesny 7 For most of the match, SZCZ could have brought a lawn chair and some popcorn and enjoy the match (from a great seat, no less). However, Leeds got two dangerous chances late on and he did well to save them both- McCormack’s header from 12 yards, and Forsell’s dangerous lashed shot in injury time.

Coquelin N/A Coq got another chance to impress at full back and did a decent job for the 30 minutes he was on, being composed as ever on the ball and linking well with Ox. Unfortunately, Coq did his hamstring just after those 30 minutes passed and was immediately brought off for Yennaris. A big, big blow to our defense, and hopefully this means that we will definitely get a new defender this January.

Squillaci 6.5 Leeds barely threatened all game long, and Squillaci did a good job, about as good as you can when you’re barely under pressure. Nearly scored in the 15th minute from a header.

Koscielny 6.5 As competent and dependable as ever. Our makeshift defense was greatly helped out by Koscielny’s presence. Our most consistent and present defender this season.

Miquel 7 I was really impressed by Miquel tonight. Got forward a lot, helping out the attack and linked well with Arshavin. On the back, he did well to cope with Nunez and Townsend. Will probably have an extended spell in the first team now that defender #3,456 is injured (poor Coq), but I still think we need a short-term acquisition.

Song 7.5 Another good performance from Song. Solid as ever in midfield, and was involved in the attack as well. Supplied the key through ball that led to Henry’s winner.

Arteta 7 Our metronome kept ticking tonight as he maintained our possession and ensured we were in control. Probably should have scored in the second half after some neat buildup by Ox and Chamakh, but his first-time shot was a bit too weak and well saved by Lonergan.

Ramsey 7 The week of rest did Ramsey well. Everpresent in our attack tonight, trying to get involved as best as he could. Kept dishing out shots, that unfortunately all went wide. An energetic and assured display.

Arshavin 7 Probably his most busy performance all season. Involved from start to finish, and should have scored in the 3rd minute when Chamakh put him through, but he lashed over. Labored as the first half finished, but started the second half strongly and nearly put us up in the 57th. Later, missed a good chance to put us 2 up in the 83rd. They say one performance does not make a season or career, but if Arshavin can continue to play like he did today, then he might just have a future at Arsenal.

AOC 7.5 A really good showing today. All he needed was the finish. Arguably our best attacking player during the time he was on. Tried his luck numerous times from long distance, and a few went wide, although he was denied a great team goal thanks to a good Lonergan save in the 63rd minute. Terrorized the Leeds defenders tonight. Looks like the Year of the Ox has started.

Chamakh 6 We know he’s slow, he’s clumsy, he’s not a good finisher, whatever you name it. Didn’t embarrass himself, though, and could’ve had an assist in the 3rd minute, His linkup play overall was actually quite good, interacting well with Ox and Arteta. Subbed for the King in the 69th minute.

Subs

Yennaris 6.5 Came on for the injured Coquelin and did a good job at right back. Got forward a lot, and was decent in defense. Like Miquel, might appear again this season due to our many injuries. One for the future.

Thierry Henry 8 MAN OF THE FREAKIN’ MATCH He came back. He saw what he had left behind. He scored to conquer the game and the fans’ hearts and minds. Who? Thierry Henry, that’s who. A deadlocked game that we were on top, save for one special finish to put us ahead. And he went ahead and did it. Form, physique, and the legs are temporary, but class is permanent. He tired near the end, as you could expect from a 34 year old, but it looks like it will be a special 2 months for Arsenal and Thierry Henry.

Walcott 7 Much better. Was lively down the wing and tried numerous times to put the golden ball in the box, a performance no doubt influenced by the Ox’s lively display earlier. Touching to see him, #14, and the master, #12, come on at the same time.

Even though we missed a lot of chances, this match will be one to remember. Of course, it was the return of Henry and he scored the match winner, a dream for the romantics. Also, we played very well against a Leeds side that came close to beating us in the same pitch last season. Last season, it took a last minute Cesc goal to send the match to the replay. Today, a late Henry goal gave us an outright win. There are still issues in this squad, and the job is not done. But performances like tonight’s are those that fans dream us, and point a way to the future.

Forward Arsenal!

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Category: Arsenal News

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Muzzey

you did it henry
Patoux21

Pires is back in training with the Gunners! Bring back all the Invincibles!
caligunner

Arsenal dominated the game but didn't create many chances. Scoring has been a problem for Arsenal over the last 6-8 games. The chances are just not coming regularly. I'm putting this down to two things:
1. Lack of attacking fullbacks to change the point of attack and provide spacing for the attackers.2. Ramsey not quite being ready for the responsibility as the chief creative force in the Arsenal attack. I'm not offering this as a criticism of Ramsey(who I think has been generally good) but of the fact that the Arsenal system relies so heavily on the quality of the touches and runs from the player in this position. No one but Fabregas has really done it successfully for Arsenal. It hasn't been a big problem against teams that attack Arsenal as it opens up the counter, but when other teams pack it in Arsenal has been struggling lately.
Tfyoung

Ramsey needs help in the middle going forward. Song and Arteta seemed to be holding midfielders in the first half which seemed odd given we were at home against a lower division side. Song played higher in the second half and it made a big difference.
I thought the game was very poor until TH came on. Really showed how limited our attacking options without RVP
Martin

Was surprised by how good Arshavin was. Thought he was involved in pretty much everything good we did all match, but his final ball/finishing was dreadful. But if he works like that and plays like that for the rest of the reason, I definitely hope we keep him around.
Mira

The funny thing is, that sounds more like a description of Gervinho to me.
caligunner

I thought he was excellent as well and probably would have caused more problems if there was better movement to wide positions when he was cutting in. Miquel didn't overlap much and Chamakh/Ramsey don't have the pace guile to drift to those wide positions like RVP does.
Patoux21

If he was so good he would have converted some of his chances but apparently it's enough for him to get praise whereas when Walcott final ball or finish is poor we say he was awfully bad (as for Bendtner too). I don't get it after all what is asked for a striker or attck midfielder is either assist or score but he did none of them. Maybe it would be interesting to check player ratings in sources like Sky or the Guardian to see how well he's been rated
Bumblefock

just checked guardian ratings. arsha's second to henry. go on, please
Darren_V

Yes, because goals and assists are the only way to evaulate players, which happens to be the most difficult thing to do in the game.
It is possible to have a good game but miss chances. Or have you never actually played the game before?
Patoux21

I know it's not all about assists and goals and yes I've been playing and watching football for more than 10 years so I think I could have a little bit of relevant and objective opinion on the quality of players. People keep telling how decisive Arshavin can be with his incisive passing and this game was his chance to deliver but how can you expect to at least have a chance to score when you don't even hit the target. He made 6 shots (most in the team) and I don't think I remember a single one hitting the target... He's very often trying with his left foot and it's a total disaster. As for his passing accuracy it's probably one of the worst amongst midfield players you can argue he's trying difficult cross but for how many assists so far? not mentioning even simple pass he isnt very careful and accurate and subpar workrate as usual
Bumblefock

"and subpar workrate as usual" - your lumping of things alltogether speaks volumes of your biased judgement. this reply thread started with martin's "he was involved in pretty much everything good we did all match" which is another description of a thing called workrate. but you just keep spaming with your copy-paste arshavin vocab.i allow you to begin your reply to my comment with your usual whine of me being "intolerant to other people's opinions". and then gradually sidetrack and change the subject.
Patoux21

I am providing relevant stats, facts and sources but how can you expect an army of Arshavin fans to consider other views and see beyond adulation. So far I've only had people replying to me and defending him with more or less objectivity. Only Homey agrees that he isn't delivering what is expected for a player of his standing and paycheck (plz dont mention Torres or Caroll unless you want dumbing down)
Bumblefock

where are your relevant stats? the rating where he's behind chamakh in the leeds game - i coundn't find it anywhere. you're a troll, patoux.
Patoux21

guardiancouk or skysportscom I hope u are blinded by your adulation to see who's got the worst rating (second to Cham) and btw thank you for the kind remarks
Bumblefock

are you blind? i just wrote you that on guardian he's second to henry? hello? HELLO? (shakes head in disbelief). you are a sad french troll
Martin

Yes. Because you know how much I love to criticize Walcott and Bendtner...
Perry S.

Ever notice when he plays in cup matches we win. Enough said...
Patoux21

As far as I remember we didnt win last year Carling cup final and Arshavin was playing
Bumblefock

0_o he provided an assist to arsenal's only goal in that match. shit, man, you're really somewhere out there when you write your comments.
Perry S.

Wow, nice that you can blame him for that loss when it was a cock-up on the other end that cost us. He was massive to us throughout that cup competition considering he had 1 goal and 3 assists in 3 starts and 1 sub appearance. Obviously that wasn't good enough for you. Like I said a few weeks ago, we should sell him so he can make twice as much money elsewhere and likely do twice as well when he has strikers up front who can actually finish his work.
Patoux21

You dont need to be agressive whenever I say something negative about Arshavin. I was just mitigating your statement and against Leeds we won thanks to Song and Henry not Arshavin. As I wrote before you should probably check player ratings from Sky or Guardian and you will notice he has the lowest rating in the Arsenal team right after Cham (not very hard really) and on par with Squid
Bumblefock

which ratings do you mean? this particular match ratings? he's after henry. overall seasonal ratings? there's no such thing on guardian. have you pulled it out of your ass? yes.
Homey_Mills

Bolton at home and Leeds at home? I'm not sure how much that says really, especially when both were super tight.
Perry S.

Oh theres many, many more. Last year Barca, Carling, etc. etc. He's a cup player without a doubt.
Gigi_man

He might as well be our "magic cup player" of the knock out rounds. He seems to step up in these stages..Oh my God, I just jinxed him...
Asolee

Well we had an Fa cup game at the Emirates that wouldn’t stay in our collective memory for the rest of our lives.
We played Leeds who turned out to be a very stubborn opponent. But this was what we expected them to be. So the game went on in the first half with well nothing but chances for Arsenal. Arshavin was very lively but his shots kept missing the target. Ramsey worked his socks off but he also couldn’t find enough space to put the ball in the Leeds goal. Always a defender in the way, always a leg or an arm or a head. Or well a misplaced last ball.
And a linesman that seemed to try to keep us from scoring when he saw the ball over the line when it wasn’t even close of being over and then calling back Oxlade Chamberlain for what seemed to be nothing.
The most important thing in the first half was the fact that from now it is certain that there is some kind of voodoo spell on the full backs at Arsenal. Any players that comes near to this position will get injured it seems. Coquelin who had a great game in the first 25 minutes suddenly went down after he made a run forward and had to leave the field. I have lost count but I will try to count the full backs we have used so far this season that are unavailable for the moment.
At right back we had so far playing: Sagna, Jenkinson, Koscielny, Coquelin, Djourou and now came on Yennaris. This is the 6th right back this season!!! At left back we had Miquel today. And he only came there because we had used so far this season: Gibbs, Traore, Santos, Vermaelen. Am I missing someone? If not this means we have used 11 players so far just for 2 positions. Who on earth has jinxed us? We are used to some problems with injuries but come on this is even for Arsenal unseen and unheard.
But I thought Miquel and Yennaris did a great job today. Miquel played very assured and was strong in the challenges and he looks a promising player. Yennaris was a bit nervous at first and it showed a bit but the further the game went on he became more relaxed. And he had a few great interceptions, made a few strong blocks. Not bad at all for a 6th choice right back.
In the second half Oxlade Chamberlain stepped up his game. And well he was unlucky not to score today. He deserved it and he was very lively and looked very promising. Some great runs and some good shots but the keeper didn’t want to make Oxlade Chamberlain man of the match.
The game went on and on and we couldn’t get the ball in the goal despite enough chances to do so. And then came an old bald guy that we hadn’t seen for a while. He used to kick a few balls in his younger days. Maybe some of you older guys will remember him. Some say that he used to score a few goals in those days. Some fans are sometimes even seen with his old shirt from that long forgotten period. Some say that he even has a statue somewhere in North London. Some say that he is the top scorer of all times for Arsenal. Some say that he is a living legend. Some say that his name is Thierry Henry.
So this living legend came on the field. And when a few minutes later Song played an inch perfect pass to this living legend I wonder how many people knew from the moment he got the ball what he would do with it. I think some 50.000 in the stadium hoped he would turn the ball around the keeper in the far corner. Some 10.000 Leeds fans feared he would turn the ball around the keeper in the far corner. I think even the keeper knew what he was going to do.
Some million Gooners worldwide raised from the ground, their sofa, chair, or whatever they were sitting on in expectation that he would score. And that is just exactly what he did. Nobody could have written a better script. Thierry Henry coming on the field at 0-0 and then he to score the only goal in the game. And a goal that was and still is apparently so typical Thierry Henry that it just felt even better. Come on Tony admit it that you wrote the script for this evening.
The comeback of the king, with a typical Thierry Henry goal to give victory over a hard defending Leeds. A more than deserved win at the end and a great way to let the world know that you are back with the club you really do belong, Thierry.
You guys who can say for ever that they was there when TH came back and won us the game can well say it forever. But for us at home we felt as if we were there too. And thanks to the wonders of technique we could see just how much it meant to him. To see the joy after he scored was great. To see him running to Arsène Wenger and embracing him was great.
But the best thing was at the final whistle. Thierry said he had cried 2 times in his football career. Once when he left, once with the unveiling of the statue. And I wonder if he cried for a third time at the final whistle tonight? If not he was very close to it.
When a statue came to life could be the title of a horror movie or a Stephen King book about impossible things happening. But today I have seen a statue coming to life. I was not there, but I will never forget it!
Rico

The game was good, Arsenal should of won by more than 1-0 but hey we'll need to learn to take our chances when they are presented. Leeds did kind of park the bus a lot too. As for Henry goal, it made my night, it was written in the stars that if he came on and we were still 0-0 he would pull out of piece of Henry-loves-Arsenal magic. Watching him take the shot you knew where it was going, like you said classic Henry goal.

Did everyone else see who was watching the game? Nasri! maybe it was because it was his friends or maybe he's watching as the FA cup is the only time he gets a game.

I like a wee flutter (a bet) on the football and I did check the odds on this game, they weren't worth betting on, however I missed the first to score section somehow. I would of put some cash on Henry to score first just because its Thierry Henry of course. The odds were 16/1. Unbelievable I missed that.
Perry S.

Damn, thats a great payout. Like an ace-deuce or yo bet in craps (my favourites)...
brenton

Dream with me, everyone:

Sczcesny
Sagna Verm Kos Santos
Arteta Song
Wilshere
Walcott Persie Henry
Orion

By the time Santos comes in, I think TH12 will have left.
Darren_V

You're such a buzz killer.
brenton

Guh. Stop with the reality: "Dream with me", I said.
Squash2034

i'd say Ramsey better than Arteta no?
brenton

Different roles. Arteta is our metronome.
Will

Isn't Wilshere more of that type of player? He was playing last season a lot like Arteta is this season, setting the pace and creating a lot but not getting too many assists and zilch goals. I think Ramsey's the one to fill Fabregas' void... nice to have a depth issue for once, though.

Szcz
Sagna Verm/Mert Kos Santos
Song Wilshere
Ramsey
Gervinho/Walcott RVP Henry
LachlanS

Maybe, but I personally have no doubt that Wilshere would be able to step up into the role that Ramsey is playing now and be able to do it at least as well as Ramsey is playing it
Perry S.

No, Arteta definitely wins out there.
Gigi_man

Agreed, If anything, Ramsey while Jacky boy warms up, I love Ramsey but Arteta wins it so far.
formos

It's good to have King back. Wish him to become a rabbit's foot for us (should we just cut it of him when his loan finishes?) and gunners will get better.

Also, some good luck shined on us in form of Ledley King injury (I know it's not a good thing to praise, but...), now Spurs will be much softer and hopefully will drop points.
Tomisin

tHe diff between Almunia and SZCZ is so clear, in one of our cup games last season, i dont remeember which, Almunia had to make just one dying minute save and the game would endbut he let it in and earned us a replay instead. That element of concentration wwhich Szcz has and Al doesnt makes aworld of difference.
Bumblefock

chicago bulls retired #23 shirt. why didn't we retire #14
Guest

Very logical.

Because some other team does something, we must follow.

LOL
brenton

No, he has a point. Henry was the greatest player to put on an Arsenal shirt. I can see why some think his number should be retired.
Martin

This is actually something that's always interested me. Seems to be mainly an American vs. European mindset thing. In America, clubs routinely retire numbers -- the thought being that a player was so good and so definitive wearing that number that no other player should ever wear it. Whereas in Europe, it seems that when a player is great it becomes an honor for future players to wear that shirt (think about the #7 at Man United, or the #9 at Newcastle). There's probably some larger significance to this, but I leave it up to you to figure it out.
brenton

Something to do with North Americans needing to invent history to demonstrate authenticity.
Bumblefock

come on, add 0.5 for arsha. AOC wasted just as many chances, but created fewer.

also, would you really have prefered that arsha converted his chances and killed the fairytale one-henry-goal scenario? forgetaboutit
Gigi_man

I was in the highway all day long, too bad but too good, if you know what I mean.
Nice that Titi scored, really nice and proves Arsenes got it. But its too bad it was the only goal, yeah from the read Leeds just did a good job, but thats where we have to have a Titi and RvP for more than 2 months. I really hope we go for one or Ox starts scorin
Will

Arsenal in for Lampard, Hazard, Goetze, Huntelaar and Podolski! Anything can happen, Henry scored a goal in his first appearance!
Homey_Mills

Anything can happen, except for Wenger spending big money in the transfer window.
Wolffy

god i love that man. TH14 for life, gunner for life
Homey_Mills

You talking about Walcott?
Wolffy

who do you think I am talking about, lets be serious, there is only one true TH14 and it is Mr. Va Va Voom the one and only Thierry Henry.
Rico

"Hey Bobby! Whats the French for va va voom?"
kmd

The first line of this blog entry made me cackle like an idiot.
Homey_Mills

I'm still not sure how a new fullback would fit in exactly. Let's say we get one within a few days, which is pretty unrealistic since nobody is really considered close right now. anyway, the soonest a new player would be available would be against Man Utd on January 22. After that, the next game is the FA Cup against Villa on January 28. As things stand now, it looks like Sagna, Vermaelen, and Djourou should be back by the Villa match. Perhaps Gibbs too. So arguably, we could be getting a new player to play maybe once. Now, if it's someone good, he could remain as the primary LB for a while. But I don't see Wenger going 3-deep at LB for the long haul, and I really can't blame him. Especially when guys like TV5 and Coquelin can play there in a pinch.
So I dunno... just get another forward or winger or both. Please.
Will

I dunno Homey, we have 7 fullbacks out. 7. Our first 4, and out-of-position subs Vermaelen, Djourou, and now Coquelin. We can't afford to lose games for a very stupid reason like not having fullbacks. As for those coming back: Djourou isn't good enough out wide and his form is bad, Verm is wasted when not playing CB and doesn't overly impress at LB, neither of them offer much going forward or help out the wingers as fullbacks should, and Gibbs is not good enough to be a starter for Arsenal, despite being very good for his age. Besides, he will only get injured again soon if his health throughout the rest of the season is an indicator. And those players will most definitely not be back simultaneously in time for Villa. We desperately need a fullback, if not two, on loan. Better than Gibbs and Yennaris, who cannot be expected to truly excel when compared to the other prem fullbacks because fo their age, consistent enough to perform for two months at the same level, and fit and in form enough to start nearly every game. This way we can rotate Miquel, Vermaelen, Sack and Kos at CB to avoid more injury. Aly Cissokho and Taye Taiwo are who I want.
Homey_Mills

Will, I don't really disagree with you. I guess my point is this: Knowing that the option is either some mediocre spare to get on loan, or stick with what we have, I'd rather ride it out with what we have.
Now, if you're talking spending 8 million pounds on Cissoko and going about the LB position in a totally new way, then that's great. At some point you'll need to offload Gibbs, I guess. And I'm fine with it. But I was saying my opinion within the framework of what I really think Wenger would do. You know?
caligunner

I think the loss of Coquelin in this one was a big one for Arsenal, hopefully it will be short. He is the only legitimate backup at both fullback positions and in DM. He looked to be really finding his feet at the fullback position and he is much more natural of an attacking player than any of the current options in those positions.
Perry S.

Where did you read that the 3 of them will be back for the Villa match? I read Wenger is still just hoping that Djourou will be back, but that Sagna and Vermaelen are still not match ready. That would be fantastic if all 3 come back for the match.
Homey_Mills

I didn't read an article saying they'll be back for that match exactly, but I did the math based on when that match is played and how long those players are supposed to be out.

Regarding Gibbs and Santos... I said before the season began that I wanted Wenger to go out and buy a really quality LB. However, that didn't happen. Then Traore was sold and Santos was bought, and I'm still not totally sold on Santos from a defensive perspective.
However, my point is that with Wenger, the only option is either a cheap loan on a temporary basis, or staying with what we have. And I'm saying that if those are the options, I'd rather plug in TV5 or whoever we have than to bring in someone like Wayne Bridge for a couple of games.
brenton

Not one of those players you mentioned is a left back.
Homey_Mills

I'd rather play Vermaelen at left back than some washed up spare that Wenger will get on a cheap loan deal. Plus, I did mention Gibbs in there, and hopefully he'll be back by the end of the month too.
brenton

By most accounts (and to my eyes) Vermaelen hasn't been that good at left back.

And Gibbs, really? He'll be reinjured before the end of February and then we'll be short again heading into the final stretch.
caligunner

He looks especially lost when asked to make overlapping runs and quick passes from the sideline. He is pretty good tracking back as he has the pace to cover most wingers, but he does stall the fluidity of the attack.
Darren_V

He stands too far infield whenever Arsenal are in possession, and doesn't offer the width available.
Perry S.

Gibbs is not good enough to start.
roatea

As great as it is that Thierry Henry is back... I do find it unsettling that his goal was the *only* one. I think this result actually just illustrates the need to find some of that "cutting edge" at the front.
brenton

He is the cutting edge.
Darren_V

Homey disagrees by 0.5 on all your ratings
Squash2034

Thierry Henry! Thierry Henry! Thierrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrry fuckin Henry!!!!
Ryan

Who wore the armband? The picture obviously shows that Henry didn't take it, which makes sense, but you might think he'd get it as a sentimental touch for his first game back.
Darren_V

Mikel Arteta
Gigi_man

Nice. Deserved IMO.
Will

Nice write-up JG... weirdest thing happened today. I wasn't at home, so I asked my friend to update me on the match via his 3G phone. 65th minute, I told him Wenger would probably be making a sub. He checked at the 70th and I was right in guessing who was on and who was off. (Now for the far-fetched part) Around the 79th minute, I told my friend I was confident that Henry would score today, and that I had a feeling he had just done it. Lo and behold! I didn't believe him at first, it was such a wacky prediction. 12 in 12 now for Henry...

On the match itself, I wasn't sure we really 'dominated' today. We had most of the possession for sure but we never really threatened. Not Invincibles football. Our few chances were scrappy and poorly taken, save for one special one. And Squillaci was oddly as decent as one can be with little to do. I've also noticed we try to park the bus a lot more often now, especially when 1-0 up in the final 20 minutes.. and we're not so good at it thus far. It was beginning to degenerate into the situation at Fulham, with Leeds actually getting decent challenges. Those kind of late scrapped goals like the header that could've been could really cost us, like Utd at Basel. So I hope we can really get better at shutting up shop like Barca does, frustrating the opponent, and, as much as I hate it, wasting time. Szcz actually did that pretty well today. Anyway, I'm finding hard to complain when the legend himself scores upon return.. long live the King.
brenton

I thought we did a good job of passing the game to death in the last 10 minutes, save for the very end of regular time.
Will

True, but we seem to relax a little on the ball at times and can be sluggish to react to late counterattacks.