Match Preview: Arsenal vs. Everton

By: Dan | December 28th, 2007

After the narrow win over Tottenham (2-1) over the weekend and the excruciating draw at Pompey (0-0), some fresh ideas are needed for tomorrow’s game against Everton. The team is tired and Wenger is stuck. Simply put, the 4-5-1 has killed our creativity and ability to score, resulting in our drop in the table. In the Portsmouth game Adebayor was lost. He was drifting throughout the field, making room for a second striker who wasn’t there. With Hleb and Fabregas underperforming after coming back from injury, we can’t depend on their midfield goals or creativity. If we had approached Wednesday’s game with a 4-4-2, coupling Eduardo or Bendtner with Adebayor, it would have opened up dramatically. Instead, Bendtner had a cameo at the end, infusing the game with energy, but far too late. Honestly, Rosicky and Clichy seemed to be the only one’s who were fighting throughout the game.

And we have injuries. Robin van Persie is out for some unknown reason, and Gallas is missing as well. More pressure on the team for Saturday. The answer is a 4-4-2, bringing Eduardo behind Adebayor to do what he does best – score. If Adebayor is tired (which he is, based on the past few games), throw Bendtner up top with Eduardo. We need fresh legs and fresh ideas, and to not use a 4-5-1 for a month. Wenger, I’m looking at you.

Thus, my line-up.

————–Almunia———————-
–Sagna–Touré–Senderos–Clichy–
–Hleb–Fabregas–Flamini–Rosicky—
———-Adebayor–Eduardo————-

Bring Bendtner on if Adebayor is looking sluggish.

But, honestly, one of Wenger’s few flaws is tactics, and I expect this line-up.

—————————- Almunia ———————————
— Sagna ——- Touré —— Senderos ——- Clichy —
—- Eboue —– Fabregas —– Flamini — Rosicky —
—————————- Hleb —————————–

Everton Defenders

———————————————————————— Adebayor

And I expect another draw.

In other news, Lehmann seems to be on his way out. He has lost his place in the squad and judging from his resentful face on the bench, it is time for him to leave. I feel confident enough in Almunia that I’m not that worried, but I wouldn’t mind Wenger buying Buffon in the transfer window.

I hope everyone had a nice holiday (I’m still digesting my Christmas meal) and I think we can all enjoy the fact that Arsenal is in its best position in years. Here’s hoping for a good new year.