EPL 2013/2014

[Kim Kallstrom]

Liverpool having their best season in 3-4 years and still only 3 points above us while we are having our worst season in 3-4 years

[Facts and Stats]

I must have slept through your last trophy win

[Kim Kallstrom]

does winning the league cup constitute a good season?

[totsreds08]

He is quality. Arsenal are still a good team, but we put it together and they had a poor day.

We aren't streets ahead of them but we are progressing, and can't ask for more than that.

A quality player doesn't perform just against smaller teams. The best players stand up in top games which is something he has failed to do when I have watched him.

Have you watched all the gaols Suarez has scored against the big teams this season.....

Suarez doesn't have to score to play good but in his past few seasons, he has scored against city, arsenal, everton, Newcastle, united, spurs and Chelsea as well as assisting goals too.

[The Kings Jesta]

Seems like my thoughts on Ozil are echoed by others now

2 mistakes (could argue 3) that led to Liverpool goals and didn't create anything with the ball at his feet. Once again showing he goes hiding in the big games i.e. vs Man City away, Man United away and most of the CL matches. It's all well and good to set up goals vs Norwich and Stoke but those aren't games that win you titles. Giroud's complacency in being the only EPL standard striker (Podolski is a winger) in the squad also will contribute to Arsenal's downfall. Big mistake by Wenger not being reinforcements in the transfer window.

I want to agree on some points, but others are wrong.

Ozil is a classic example of a player so used to playing in a certain style of team and league, he will either take some time to adjust or he will flop. La Liga is very poor defensively and physically, Ozil shone in that league due to his technique and speed of feet and mind. EPL is extremely different to La Liga. (understatement of 2014)
In both Madrid and the German national team Ozil has Khedira protecting his defensive and physical frailties. At Arsenal (minus Flammini to an extent), there is no player like this in the midfield (as much as Jack Wilshire tries to portray himself as the hard man). In both teams he also wasn't/isn't the only focal point and the only big money signing.

Goals and wins against the likes of Stoke and Norwich are exactly the types of games that win you titles. Traditionally the top 4 teams will all take points of each other home and away, so the team that wins all the games they are "expected" to, will usually win the title. This has been Liverpool's biggest issue over the last 15 years, we'll win 4-1 at Old Trafford, 5-0 at White Hart Lane, 5-1 at Anfield in various seasons against the top clubs but then, like this year, lose 3-1 at Hull and draw 1-1 at WBA.

Podolski is a Striker that players in a wider position, he is not a winger. Look through his career and where he has played the majority of his football.

If LFC can destroy Arsenal like this with pace but no real strength... Bayern, well, it could get very ugly for the gunners in Germany... you'd be hoping for a win at home and that you can bring in George Graham for one away game to bring back the boring Arsenal that could get a draw...

[BTAC]

Liverpool having their best season in 3-4 years and still only 3 points above us while we are having our worst season in 3-4 years

Difference is, your last 3-4 years have been considered successful, yet you've won fuck all.

Our past 4-3 years have been woeful by our high standards.

[The Kop]

Looks like Fulham are trying to pull a swifty. Tube strike and apparently their stewards will be unable to turn up to work so the game will need to be rescheduled.

Nothing to do with their record signing being unfit, coming off a 120min cup tie then a late KO in Manchester in 4 days, or the whipping Liverpool dished out in the early kick off on the Sat of course.

Although 60k people will go the Emirates, 35k to Upton Park the same night about 10miles away on the same network….go figure.

[BTAC]

Looks like Fulham are trying to pull a swifty. Tube strike and apparently their stewards will be unable to turn up to work so the game will need to be rescheduled.

Nothing to do with their record signing being unfit, coming off a 120min cup tie then a late KO in Manchester in 4 days, or the whipping Liverpool dished out in the early kick off on the Sat of course.

Although 60k people will go the Emirates, 35k to Upton Park the same night about 10miles away on the same network….go figure.

Swings and roundabouts. They delay this game and we could have Johnson, Agger, Sakho, Enrique, & Lucas back for the game against them.

Above all else though, it's fucking Fulham. We should be spanking them regardless.

[haywood djablowme]

I want to agree on some points, but others are wrong.

Ozil is a classic example of a player so used to playing in a certain style of team and league, he will either take some time to adjust or he will flop. La Liga is very poor defensively and physically, Ozil shone in that league due to his technique and speed of feet and mind. EPL is extremely different to La Liga. (understatement of 2014)
In both Madrid and the German national team Ozil has Khedira protecting his defensive and physical frailties. At Arsenal (minus Flammini to an extent), there is no player like this in the midfield (as much as Jack Wilshire tries to portray himself as the hard man). In both teams he also wasn't/isn't the only focal point and the only big money signing.

Goals and wins against the likes of Stoke and Norwich are exactly the types of games that win you titles. Traditionally the top 4 teams will all take points of each other home and away, so the team that wins all the games they are "expected" to, will usually win the title. This has been Liverpool's biggest issue over the last 15 years, we'll win 4-1 at Old Trafford, 5-0 at White Hart Lane, 5-1 at Anfield in various seasons against the top clubs but then, like this year, lose 3-1 at Hull and draw 1-1 at WBA.

Podolski is a Striker that players in a wider position, he is not a winger. Look through his career and where he has played the majority of his football.

If LFC can destroy Arsenal like this with pace but no real strength... Bayern, well, it could get very ugly for the gunners in Germany... you'd be hoping for a win at home and that you can bring in George Graham for one away game to bring back the boring Arsenal that could get a draw...

We went to Germany & won 2 zip last year

This may help us..
"Ribery will miss the next games of the champions, among them the last-16 tie in the Champions League at Arsenal," a statement on the club's official website read.

[Del Boca Vista]

that game was fixed like the city 3-2 bayern game, no chance arsenal will get past die roten

[The Kings Jesta]

I want to agree on some points, but others are wrong.

Ozil is a classic example of a player so used to playing in a certain style of team and league, he will either take some time to adjust or he will flop. La Liga is very poor defensively and physically, Ozil shone in that league due to his technique and speed of feet and mind. EPL is extremely different to La Liga. (understatement of 2014)
In both Madrid and the German national team Ozil has Khedira protecting his defensive and physical frailties. At Arsenal (minus Flammini to an extent), there is no player like this in the midfield (as much as Jack Wilshire tries to portray himself as the hard man). In both teams he also wasn't/isn't the only focal point and the only big money signing.

Goals and wins against the likes of Stoke and Norwich are exactly the types of games that win you titles. Traditionally the top 4 teams will all take points of each other home and away, so the team that wins all the games they are "expected" to, will usually win the title. This has been Liverpool's biggest issue over the last 15 years, we'll win 4-1 at Old Trafford, 5-0 at White Hart Lane, 5-1 at Anfield in various seasons against the top clubs but then, like this year, lose 3-1 at Hull and draw 1-1 at WBA.

Podolski is a Striker that players in a wider position, he is not a winger. Look through his career and where he has played the majority of his football.

If LFC can destroy Arsenal like this with pace but no real strength... Bayern, well, it could get very ugly for the gunners in Germany... you'd be hoping for a win at home and that you can bring in George Graham for one away game to bring back the boring Arsenal that could get a draw...

We went to Germany & won 2 zip last year

This may help us..
"Ribery will miss the next games of the champions, among them the last-16 tie in the Champions League at Arsenal," a statement on the club's official website read.

Yep, LAST year you got a result there... that wasn't after being turned over 5-1 at Anfield though. If you are hoping the Ribery missing will be the difference... Martin Skrtel and Raheem Sterling each scored twice, it's not the world class players you have to worry about...

[totsreds08]

Chelsea drop points at west brom. Seems to happen a fair bit with traveling teams this season. If man city, arsenal and liverpool win tomorrow, there will be just 5 points separating the top 4.

[Derek]

Poor game against Man U. We need Ramsay back, at least he runs at players, getting tired of this sideways football with no end product.

[Con M]

Stonewall penalty by Vidic on Giroud.

Man.U can thank De Gea. And Valencia on the line.

[Nice One Cyril]

Stonewall penalty by Vidic on Giroud.

Man.U can thank De Gea. And Valencia on the line.

Did the ref give a penalty? No, then it wasn't stonewall was it?

Good point for both teams. Very fair result.

[totsreds08]

Great character shown by pool. Spurs keep winning too. It seems that the top 4 is being competed by only 5 teams. Very tight in there.

[Kim Kallstrom]

would have been handy if Fulham had hung on for the draw at least but oh well.. Kolo trying his best to help us at least

[Derek]

Stonewall penalty by Vidic on Giroud.

Man.U can thank De Gea. And Valencia on the line.

I wouldn't say stonewall Con.....Also we could thank Szczesny for saving RVP's header. We dominated the game overall but that means nothing when there is no end product.

Arteta is so slow, Wilshere was poor, and Giroud could not score again.

Positive note, Gibbs was very good and should always start over Monreal.

[Kim Kallstrom]

Interesting stat...

David Moyes has now won none of 49 PL away games at the 'Big Four' (Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool & Man Utd) (W0 D19 L30)

[Derek]

Great manager

[Facts and Stats]

City are better than Liverpool and should be in that list.

[haywood djablowme]

Stonewall penalty by Vidic on Giroud.

Man.U can thank De Gea. And Valencia on the line.

Clear Pen! If @ OT & Rooney went down Pen given but The Emiratesdoesnt have that power over the refs
Great savefrom Szencny to deny RVP
Wont win leagues if youcant break down teams who sit back & letyou play
2 points dropped

[Del Boca Vista]

City are better than Liverpool and should be in that list.

yes but he was talking about the big four, learn to read old mate

[Derek]

Is he BUBU in disguise?

[haywood djablowme]

Fulham sack Rene & bring in Magath

[Kim Kallstrom]

Mourinho on Wenger: "He is a specialist in failure"

[haywood djablowme]

I read alot of blogs in the UK & found this post interesting

After the United game I decided to look at Giroud’s contribution in comparison to other PL strikers that have played regularly over the last 2 seasons. I’ve excluded players like Eto’o and Negredo who haven’t had 2 seasons worth of data, but included the likes of Remy an Lukaku who have 2 seasons with 2 different clubs.It’s not my intention to single Giroud out, but this is objective data that cant be argued with, by fans, players or even the mighty Wenger.It’s my opinion that we have 2 huge, glaring issues in the striking department.

1- Huge lack of quality
2- Absolutely no options other than sticking Giroud up top

Bendtner has started precisely one game this season, despite IMO being better than Giroud, which goes to show how stuck in his ways Wenger is, with a complete refusal to give us options.

I have looked at Goals Scored, Goals Per Game, Goals and Assists Per Game, Shot to Goal Ratio, “Big Game” goals and % of goals in Big Games.Where 2 players have the same score, I have slotted the player with less appearances above the player with more.Its worth noting that Rickie Lambert aside, Giroud has been the most ever present CF in the PL, playing 58 from a possible 64 games.I could have tabulated this in one Excel table, but it would’ve been a bit messy and is easier to read as separate tables.

Goals Scored:
Suarez – 46
Van Persie – 36
Aguero – 27
Sturride – 26
Lukaku – 26
Benteke – 26
Lambert – 23
Rooney – 21
Giroud – 21
Remy – 17
Adebayor – 13
Crouch – 13
Now this table alone isn’t hugely telling as it doesn’t account for how many times individuals have played, as I mentioned Giroud has been played near constantly (which is an issue in itself).

Goals Per Game
Suarez – 0.85
Sturridge – 0.81
Van Persie – 0.68
Aguero – 0.57
Remy – 0.48
Lukaku – 0.48
Benteke – 0.47
Rooney – 0.44
Adebayor – 0.36
Giroud – 0.36
Lambert 0.36
Crouch – 0.23
Now this shows our CF to be in pretty poor company, as I’m sure no-one would be over the moon to see us chasing Adebayor or Lambert as CF options, nor would they have been if we were after these guys to replace Van Persie.What I hear a lot of is that Giroud has some magic ability to knit the team together and an assist record as good as Bergkamp’s.

So below lets take a look at combined Goals & Assists per game, a very good overview on how effective a player is while he is on the pitch.
Suarez – 1.09
Sturridge – 1.03
Van Persie – 0.87
Rooney – 0.83
Aguero – 0.72
Lukaku – 0.64
Benteke – 0.58
Lambert – 0.55
Remy – 0.54
Giroud – 0.51
Adebayor – 0.44
Crouch – 0.37
Once again we find that our ever present CF is competing well down the league and nowhere near as valuable to his team as the likes of Suarez, Sturridge, Rooney and RVP.Obviously an important measure of quality is goals to shots ratio. A great striker can struggle to score goals if he isn’t getting chances or playing enough minutes, and goals to shots will tell you about the quality of his finishing.
Sturridge – 1 in 4.8
Adebayor – 5.1
Van Persie – 5.3
Aguero – 5.8
Lukaku – 5.8
Benteke – 6
Crouch – 6.3
Remy – 6.4
Suarez – 6.6
Lambert – 6.9
Rooney – 7.3
Giroud – 8.8
This table really surprised me. Not that Giroud was bottom, that was obviously going to be the case, but just how much of an outlier he is in comparison to others. This shows that his finishing is significantly worse than all other regular CFs in the PL.After the diabolical performances against UTD and Chelsea, where 4 easy chances and 4 points were thrown away, I wanted to look at how Centre Forwards compare in terms of goals in big games, as well as what % of their goals come in these games.Big games are considered the top 7 teams: Arsenal, Chelsea, City, Liverpool, Spurs, Everton & Man Utd.This means 12 games per season for top 7 teams and 14 games for bottom 13 teams.
Aguero – 11
Benteke – 10
Van Persie – 9
Sturridge – 8
Lukaku – 8
Suarez – 7
Lambert – 6
Adebayor – 5
Rooney – 5
Crouch – 4
Remy – 3
Giroud – 3

% of goals in “Big Games”
Aguero – 41%
Adebayor – 38%
Benteke – 38%
Sturridge – 31%
Crouch – 31%
Lukaku – 31%
Lambert – 26%
Van Persie – 25%
Rooney – 24%
Suarez – 15%
Giroud – 14%
* Should be noted that Suarez isn’t poor in big games, he’s somewhere in the middle, but his ridiculous record against smaller teams distorts his stats.

So what does this show us? Not a lot that a lot of us didn’t already know.But it does give a fact based approach to how weak our Centre Forward position is.Both in depth (Nick doesn’t ever play) and in quality.In virtually every possible metric we are weaker than a top 4 team should be, and almost certainly weaker than most fans would have realised.If Wenger came out and said he was after Lambert, Adebayor, Crouch et al to solve the CF position most Arsenal fans would be filled with rage, well I hope after reading this you understand that we don’t have any better right now.Players like Lambert, Remy are equal to Giroud, and players like Aguero, RVP, Suarez and Sturridge are demonstrably far far better.


Big reason why we won't win the EPL this year

[haywood djablowme]

Mourinho on Wenger: "He is a specialist in failure"

Wenger 2003-2004
26 wins
12 Draws
0 Losses

First team to be unbeaten in a top flight season

Jose can be a big head arrogant prick as much as he likes but Wenger has 1 thing on him that he can dream of & will never achieve


* Spud posting on failure

[BTAC]

Bendtner better than Giroud

[Chaos]

Well played Norwich