Saturday Fulham Stuff (26/11/11)...

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Jol: Arsenal will allow us space

Fulham boss Martin Jol has told his players to exploit the space Arsenal will allow them in Saturday's Premier League game at Emirates Stadium.

Jol is sure Fulham can get something from the game, but he knows they must find a way to shackle Robin van Persie to stand any chance.

The in-form Holland international is in the midst of an incredible scoring run for the Gunners, with 38 goals in 41 matches this year.

Jol was quick to praise his compatriot ahead of the game, but believes Fulham can cause an upset in north London.

"The priority is to defend well but still play with confidence and belief," Jol said. "I think we have done that in our last three or four away games.

"We have kept a clean sheet three times so we have some confidence of doing that [again]. I think we are always capable of creating a few chances.

"Of course they have their strengths, but they also have their weaknesses like any other team.

"The other night Borussia Dortmund did well against them but Arsenal have the quality now with Van Persie, he is the one scoring the goals and has a hell of a record.

"They play in a specific style with two wing players, Van Persie up front and three midfielders - two attacking, one sitting. That has changed a bit from a couple of years ago when van Persie was a lower number 10 or second striker.

"They are playing with a lot of possession and of course they have a lot of talent in the team, but they still have to rotate at the back. Hopefully we can exploit the space we get.

"In any game we will get chances, so if we can do the same we did against Wigan, where we scored two goals out of three or four attempts, then we can always get a result."

Former Tottenham manager Jol was also full of praise for Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, labelling him "one of the greatest" in the game.

Jol failed to win any north London derbies against the Frenchman during his time at the Spurs helm and, while admitting it still rankles, thinks the Gunners had a better team back then.

"That was a regret because Arsenal were our biggest rivals but we had three draws," he said. "We were close and even in the last game Spurs played at Highbury we finished 1-1.

"They had a good side then with Gilberto Silva and Thierry Henry - old war-horses. They were a different team then with a lot of experience and Henry was a problem.

"There were a few good games and close ones, but they always had the specific quality, especially at home, to have the edge."

Jol will be without several first-team players for Saturday's game.

Republic of Ireland winger Damien Duff is out with a calf problem, while international team-mate Stephen Kelly is also sidelined with a thigh injury.

Although John Arne Riise returns after missing last week's clash at Sunderland due to the birth of his son, Steve Sidwell, Zdenek Grygera, Orlando Sa and Simon Davies are all missing.

Such injuries have seen an increasing number of players linked with a move to Craven Cottage in January, including Marseille striker Andre-Pierre Gignac.

The France international, who was set to join the Cottagers in August before Marseille pulled the plug, has fallen out with manager Didier Deschamps and has been relegated to the reserves.

Asked whether he would consider another move for Gignac, Jol said: "If we do, we will let you know.

"Of course we always look to improve the squad and that is what we try to do, but I don't want to mention names."



http://www.teamtalk.com/arsenal/7333159/Jol-Arsenal-will-allow-us-space?

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Arsenal v Fulham

Gunners reliant on Robin's goals Arsene Wenger accepts Arsenal are currently "reliant" on the goals of in-form captain Robin van Persie - but maintains the Gunners are far from a one-man team.

The Holland forward netted a brace in the midweek Champions League win over Borussia Dortmund to take his tally to 17 as Arsenal secured safe passage through to the last 16 as group winners.

Van Persie, 28, has enjoyed a superb 2011, breaking the 30-goal barrier for the calendar year with another double in last week's win at Norwich.

Despite the Dutchman's red hot form, Wenger maintains there are others who can wade in with the goals as he prepares for Saturday's visit of Fulham, when Arsenal will look to record a sixth-straight Premier League win.

"Robin is top, top, top in the world at the moment.

Hopefully we can keep him going," Wenger said.

"He is in a period where he shows it is natural for him to score goals.

When you are not desperate for goals, you score.

"We are reliant on Robin, of course, because he scores many goals, and that is always a problem when you have when someone is playing extremely well.

"However, I believe that players like Gervinho, [Theo] Walcott, [Andrey] Arshavin and [Aaron] Ramsey will score goals as well, but at the moment they are more in the providing zone.

"I am confident that in the near future, some others will score goals as well.

" Wenger added: "We have [Marouane] Chamakh and Park Ju-Young, who I think are quality, but at the moment they are not getting the opportunities because Robin is in such fantastic form.

"It will be up to them to show they can take the relay when needed because the season is long and we play in many competitions, hopefully for a long time.

Everybody will get a chance.

" Wenger, though, maintains it is up to the likes of Arshavin, who was an unused substitute in midweek, to force their way back into contention.

"I feel sorry for every player who does not play, but competition is part of our job," he said.

"You must accept that in some periods of your career somebody can get in front of you.

" Despite requesting Holland not to play van Persie in the second of their recent internationals, Wenger understands he cannot simply wrap Arsenal's talisman striker in cotton wool.

"You have to accept the gamble and the risk," the Gunners boss said.

"We had periods with Thierry Henry going through stages like this, it is the same.

"Risk is part of the game and enjoyment demands risk.

You have to just play full through it and that's life.

That is part of sport.

Arsenal have dedicated the match to their global charity partner Save the Children.

Players will be donating a day's wages along with many Arsenal staff to help raise funds, while 50p from each programme sale will also go to the charity and there will be collection buckets - some manned by "mystery guests" - for supporters to give what they can.

Midfielder Thomas Rosicky (thigh) could be in contention after missing out against his old club Borussia Dortmund in midweek while Laurent Koscielny is set to continue at right-back in the absence of Carl Jenkinson (back) and Bacary Sagna (ankle).

Martin Jol insists Fulham can get something the match, but knows they must find a way to shackle Van Persie to stand any chance.

Jol was quick to praise his compatriot, but believes Fulham can cause an upset in north London.

"The priority is to defend well but still play with confidence and belief," Jol said.

"I think we have done that in our last three or four away games.

"We have kept a clean sheet three times so we have some confidence of doing that [again].

I think we are always capable of creating a few chances.

"Of course they have their strengths, but they also have their weaknesses like any other team.

"The other night Borussia Dortmund did well against them but Arsenal have the quality now with Van Persie, he is the one scoring the goals and has a hell of a record.

"They play in a specific style with two wing players, Van Persie up front and three midfielders - two attacking, one sitting.

That has changed a bit from a couple of years ago when van Persie was a lower number 10 or second striker.

"They are playing with a lot of possession and of course they have a lot of talent in the team, but they still have to rotate at the back.

Hopefully we can exploit the space we get.

"In any game we will get chances, so if we can do the same we did against Wigan, where we scored two goals out of three or four attempts, then we can always get a result.

" Jol will be without several first-team players.

Republic of Ireland winger Damien Duff is out with a calf problem, while international team-mate Stephen Kelly is also sidelined with a thigh injury.

Although John Arne Riise returns after missing last week's clash at Sunderland due to the birth of his son, Steve Sidwell, Zdenek Grygera, Orlando Sa and Simon Davies are all missing.



http://www.itv.com/sport/football/news/previews/arsenal-v-fulham-86656/?

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Squad sheets: Arsenal v Fulham

What crisis? Arsenal's revival after the dark weeks of the early season has temporarily mocked the naysayers and reinforced the veracity of several adages, chief among them the hilarity of this old game. There is also the one that says "Arsène knows". With the unforgiving spotlight transferred to Chelsea, the Arsenal support will hope to revel in a sixth straight league win. Fulham's ex-Tottenham manager, Martin Jol, once squared up to Wenger on the touchline. "He obviously hadn't seen the size of my fists," Jol said. The scale of Fulham's challenge is clear. David Hytner

Venue Emirates Stadium, Saturday 5.30pm

Tickets Sold out

Last season Arsenal 2 Fulham 1

Referee Mike Dean

This season's matches 9 Y29, R1, 3.33 cards per game

Odds Arsenal 4-9 Fulham 8-1 Draw 7-2


Arsenal v Fulham: Probable starters in bold, contenders in light. Photograph: Graphic

Arsenal

Subs from Fabianski, Mannone, Miquel, Koscielny, Squillaci, Benayoun, Diaby, Eastmond, Coquelin, Frimpong, Rosicky, Park, Arshavin, Chamakh, Oxlade-Chamberlain

Doubtful Diaby (ankle), Rosicky (thigh)

Injured Gibbs (stomach, 26 Dec), Miyaichi (ankle, Jan), Jenkinson (back, Jan), Sagna (broken leg, Jan), Wilshere (ankle, Feb)

Suspended None

Form guide WWWWWL

Disciplinary record Y21 R3

Leading scorer Van Persie 13

Fulham

Subs from Etheridge, Somogyi, Briggs, Senderos, Kasami, Gecov, Frei, Johnson, Kacaniklic, Tankovic, Burn, Marsh-Brown

Doubtful None

Injured Davies (knee, 5 Dec), Kelly (groin, 5 Dec), Sidwell (hernia, 5 Dec), Duff (calf, 10 Dec), Grygera (knee, May), Sa (hamstring, unknown)

Suspended None

Form guide DLWLLW

Disciplinary record Y27 R0

Leading scorers Dempsey, Johnson, Zamora 3

Match pointers

• Fulham have never won a match at Arsenal in 25 attempts in all competitions, losing on 22 occasions

• Robin van Persie is the fifth player in the Premier League (after Alan Shearer, Thierry Henry, Les Ferdinand and Ruud van Nistelrooy) to score 30 or more goals in a calendar year

• While playing for West Ham, Bobby Zamora scored in the last match Arsenal lost at Highbury (in February 2006) and their first defeat at the Emirates (in April 2007)

• Mikel Arteta is still joint-top scorer at Everton with two goals, despite leaving the club for Arsenal in August

• Fulham have not won away at any London club since two goals from Barry Hayles helped them beat Tottenham 3-0 at White Hart Lane in August 2003



http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/nov/25/squad-sheets-arsenal-fulham?

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Clean sheet priority for Jol
Fulham boss putting his emphasis on defence against Arsenal


Martin Jol: Believes that his side should have confidence and belief in securing a clean sheet against Arsenal

Fulham manager Martin Jol admits he will be going all-out to keep a clean sheet against Arsenal on Saturday evening.

The Cottagers are going in search of their first ever win away at Arsenal but also their third consecutive away clean sheet in the Premier League.

They have a difficult job in preventing Arsenal from scoring, as the Gunners have netted a minimum of two goals in each of their last five league games.

Robin van Persie has been central to their free-scoring form, with the Dutchman contributing 10 goals in the last 15 that Arsene Wenger's side have scored.

Fulham are desperate for a win to pull clear of the relegation zone with a two-point gap separating themselves with 18th placed Bolton.

But Jol is confident that his team has what it takes to restrict Arsenal's firepower.

Confidence and belief

He said: "The priority is to defend well but still play with confidence and belief. I think we have done that in our last three or four away games.

"We have kept a clean sheet three times so we have some confidence of doing that. I think we are always capable of creating a few chances.

"Of course they have their strengths, but they also have their weaknesses like any other team.

"The other night Borussia Dortmund did well against them but Arsenal have the quality now with Van Persie, he is the one scoring the goals and has a hell of a record."



http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/7333253/?

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Fulham boss Martin Jol confident of stopping Arsenal forward Robin van Persie
The former Tottenham manager believes that if his side can defend well and control the prolific Dutchman, they could take something from the Emirates on Saturday

Fulham manager Martin Jol claims that his side are capable of taking points off Arsenal when the two sides meet at the Emirates in the Premier League on Saturday.

The hosts are currently on a nine-match unbeaten run in all competitions, with prolific striker Robin van Persie having scored a staggering 17 goals already this season.

But Jol insists that if his side continue to defend well, they can defy the odds and take a result from the game.

"The priority is to defend well but still play with confidence and belief," he told reporters.

"I think we have done that in our last three or four away games. We have kept a clean sheet three times so we have some confidence of doing that [again].

"I think we are always capable of creating a few chances. Of course they have their strengths, but they also have their weaknesses like any other team."

The 55-year-old also said that while he recognises the quality that the Gunners have in attack, his side may be able to exploit the hosts' defence.

"The other night Borussia Dortmund did well against them but Arsenal have the quality now with Van Persie, he is the one scoring the goals and has a hell of a record.

"They play in a specific style with two wing players, Van Persie up front and three midfielders - two attacking, one sitting. That has changed a bit from a couple of years ago when Van Persie was a lower number 10 or second striker.

"They are playing with a lot of possession and of course they have a lot of talent in the team, but they still have to rotate at the back. Hopefully we can exploit the space we get."



http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2896/premier-league/2011/11/25/2774149/fulham-boss-martin-jol-confident-of-stopping-arsenal-forward?

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Game preview - Arsenal (a)

Perhaps it's a rather fortunate time to be playing an Arsenal side that appear to be on the upturn, or perhaps we'd prefer to tackle a side prefaced quite wondrously by Robin van Persie at a more quiet period in their season. Like most of our games of late, there's a degree of ambiguity about which way this one will go.

Most will assume Arsene Wenger's men have the upper hand, what with our terrible record at the Emirates, but the Gunners are reaching a point in their season where everything appears to be going swimmingly and it's always these moments where the errors start to slip in.

What that doesn't do, however, is say much about the form of our very own Fulham.



We have been nothing short of indifferent of late. The 0-0 draw away at Sunderland was, while being a good point on paper, a slightly demoralising display of expansive football played out to no avail. With only 4 goals in our last 5 Premier League games, the potential acquisition of Jean-Pierre Gignac from Marseille is looking ever more delectable - regardless of the whereabouts of Andy Johnson.

For Wenger, things have been panned out far more dreamily of late. They haven't lost a game in all competitions since being defeated by Redknapp's Tottenham on 2nd October, and looked particularly astute in undoing German champions Borussia Dortmund in midweek.

Their injury book is probably Wenger's only concern for the Cottager's visit, Carl Jenkinson, Bacary Sagna and Jack Wilshere all out. The Frenchman will be able to welcome back Abou Diaby, though.

Three injury doubts will play on Jol's mind with Damien Duff, Steven Kelly and Steve Sidwell unlikely to start, while John Arne Riise has returned to the first eleven.

Predicted line-up: Schwarzer; Riise, Hangeland, Hughes, Baird; Dempsey, Murphy, Etuhu, Dembele; Zamora, Johnson

Score prediction: Arsenal 2 - 1 Fulham



http://www.cottagersconfidential.com/2011/11/25/2586115/game-preview-arsenal-a?

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Jol: Stopping Van Persie is our priority

Martin Jol takes his side to the Emirates stadium on Saturday with the stifling of Robin Van Persie and Arsenal his priorities.

The in-form Holland international is in the midst of an incredible scoring run for the Gunners, with 38 goals in 41 matches this year.

And former Tottenham boss Jol has identified his countryman's change in style as the catalyst for his surge in form.

"The priority is to defend well but still play with confidence and belief," Jol said. "I think we have done that in our last three or four away games.

"We have kept a clean sheet three times so we have some confidence of doing that [again]. I think we are always capable of creating a few chances.

"Of course they have their strengths, but they also have their weaknesses like any other team. The other night Borussia Dortmund did well against them but Arsenal have the quality now with Van Persie, he is the one scoring the goals and has a hell of a record.

"They play in a specific style with two wing players, Van Persie up front and three midfielders - two attacking, one sitting. That has changed a bit from a couple of years ago when van Persie was a lower number 10 or second striker."

Fulham are being linked with another European striker in the shape of Marseille man Andre-Pierre Gignac.

The France international, who was set to join the Cottagers in August before Marseille pulled the plug, has fallen out with manager Didier Deschamps and has been relegated to the reserves.

"If we do [bid for Gignac], we will let you know," Jol said. "Of course we always look to improve the squad and that is what we try to do, but I don't want to mention names."



http://www.talksport.co.uk/sports-news/football/premier-league/1317/35/jol-stopping-van-persie-our-priority?

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Fulham boss quiet on striker link



MARTIN Jol is staying tight-lipped around speculation linking him with a January swoop for Marseille striker Andre-Pierre Gignac.

The French international was close to moving to Craven Cottage in the summer, only for the deal to fall through at the eleventh hour.

However, the 25-year-old has had a bust-up with boss Didier Deschamps and is stuck in the Marseille reserves.

But Fulham manager Jol refused to confirm his interest in the hitman.

He said: "Of course we always look to improve the squad and that is what we try to do, but I don't want to mention names."



Read More http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2011/11/25/fulham-boss-quiet-on-striker-link-82029-29843557/?#ixzz1enSDZujq

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Arsenal – Fulham Preview

Arsenal continue their decent into the relegation zone after another disastrous Champions League match where they once again showed their defensive frailties and lack of mental strength and character, and facing the stalwart Fulham FC will offer no let up to the North London crisis situation. One has to seriously consider how Arsenal will keep hold of their entire squad, that is, Robin van Persie.

Yea, scratch all that because Arsenal have been quietly rolling along for the past two months, having not lost since October 2, 2011 against Tottenham, recording eight wins and one draw. While Arsenal fans have been largely warming up to this much more pragmatic Arsenal side than the exhilarating side of past seasons, there are still people who are not convinced. The Guardian Football Weekly Extra podcast presenters were all unanimous that Arsenal have flattered to deceive on their current run of form, while busy making excuses for the Manchester sides lack of form in Europe. When you go back and read the match report of the Sp*rs loss and how negative it was on the squad, and then compare it to optimistic but still slightly cautious match reports of Arsenal's wins against Norwich and Dortmund recently you can really see the progress and turnaround that has been occurring right in front of our eyes. It has been pleasant to see, and a nice change from the seemingly year long turmoil the club seemed to be in prior to this run. One cannot help but wonder how much better this season could have been if Wenger had done his transfer business before the season started and not after a thrashing to United, but I digress...

November has traditionally been an extremely rough month for Arsenal, but we have done extremely well this time around with 3 wins and 1 draw and two more matches to go. Part of this has to do with an improving squad, but it also has to do with an easier schedule in November than last year. An 2 week international break and two less matches in the month have eased the burden of our November blues.

Fulham comes to the Emirates and offers Arsenal a good opportunity to extend their solid form as they have struggled this season going 2W-5D-5L and currently sit 16th in the table, tied on points with Sunderland and Wolves. Last season Arsenal recorded a 2-1 win at home to Fulham, and drew the away fixture on the final day of the season in a meaningless match which was played as such. Fulham is still a good defensive team as they have always been, only allowing 15 goals in 12 matches which is 6th best in the league. Fulham are 13th in goals for with 14 which sounds decent, until you realize they scored 6 of those 14 when they pasted QPR 6-0 back on October 6 and have only managed two goals in their five matches since. They have failed to score in three of their last four Premier League away games, but have also kept three clean sheets in those four matches. Martin Jol has been their manager this year and has attempted to make Fulham a more attacking club from the days of Roy Hodgson and Mark Hughes, and while it's not come off in the Premier League to date, they Fulham has had an impressive run in the Europa League with seven wins in 12 matches while scoring 22 goals. Fulham seem to have struggled in balancing playing in two competitions at the same time, but having no match midweek, they should be rested and ready go to.

Martin Jol has mostly run his Fulham side out in a standard 4-4-2. The ageless wonder Danny Murphy is still the engine room, running the midfield for the Cottagers, and with Steve Sidwell an injury doubt, will likely be paired with Dickson Etuhu. Their two wide men are Damien Duff who is creative but has not had a great start to the season, and American Clint Dempsey. Dempsey is Fulham's best player who can play most attacking positions, and will look to cut inside from the flanks. Their two strikers will likely be Bobby Zamora and Andy Johnson who are limited players, but play very specific roles. Zamora is the traditional target man, while Johnson is quick and not much else. Their big summer signing was striker Bryan Ruiz, but he has been poor all season, featuring in eight matches but managing only one paltry goal. Fulham strength lies in their compact defending, which is lead by their big Norwegian Brede Hangeland who is superb in the air. Fullback Zdenek Grygera suffered ACL damage and is out for six months so Chris Baird will likely slide over from centre-back to right back, which will allow Aaron Hughes to partner Hangeland in the middle. Former Liverpool and Roma left-back John Arne Riise will play left back, with former Arsenal target Mark Schwarzer in goal.

Simon Davies is injured and will not feature for Fulham, and they have former Arsenal favorite (It's not


just me, right?) Philippe Senderos on the bench.  Fulham have a ton of experience in the EPL, having a squad with 1873 appearance to Arsenal's 781, but they are an aging side with the club's average age at 29.5 years old, to Arsenal's 25.5 years, and their younger players such as Pajtim Kasami and Orlando Sa have done nothing to aid them to this point. They have been London club's beating stick for some time now having only won three of their last 45 Premier League London derbies away from home, and none of their last 24 since they beat Tottenham way back in 2003. Against Arsenal they have only managed 12 goals in 20 matches against Arsenal and have never won an away match in any competition to Arsenal, having lost 22 of their 25 attempts.

By all accounts Arsenal should win this match, which in the past is when Arsenal fans worried the most. Hopefully this season is different in that regard.

Arsenal team news is the same as Dortmund. Wenger revealed Jenkinson is is at least three weeks away and Gibbs is four weeks off still. Any worries over Koscielny were waved away, saying he was subbed due to fatigue and not injury against Dortmund.

Bacary Sagna and Jack Wilshere are the long term injuries and aside from regular knocks, there are no more injuries which is an odd situational for Arsenal as at this time last year Martin and Sairax were writing obituaries for our players. (not really)
There has been talk of possible squad rotation to avoid fatigue. That talk has some definite merit but it also scares me in thinking that we are taking a 'lesser' team lightly again. The Carling Cup next week against Manchester City and whether or not Wenger wants to field a strong line up for that match will greatly impact the decisions for Saturday. Personally, I feel that winning league games and ensuring Champions League qualification for next year is of up-most importance, while the Carling Cup is more of a distraction and only fun if you're in the final at Wembley. I'd field our strongest line up possible, provided players are not in the 'red zone.'

Szczesny
Koscielny     Mertesacker    Vermaelen     Santos
Song
Arteta     Ramsey
Walcott      van Persie     Gervinho
Subs: Flaps, Djourou, Frimpong, Benayoun, Diaby, Arshavin, Chamakh

Wenger suggested we could see Arshavin tomorrow, so I am very likely incorrect about the line up, but such is life. We need the three points more than we need to advance in the Carling Cup, and we better not take Fulham lightly. I'm in an optimistic mood, and I'm predicting a solid 2-0 win for The Arsenal.


http://arsenal.theoffside.com/team-news/arsenal-fulham-preview-3.html?

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Jol on Ruiz
by DAN on NOVEMBER 25, 2011

Martin Jol was quizzed about the prospect of Bryan Ruiz starting for Fulham tomorrow during today's pre-match press conference. Here's what he said:

I know him well but he is not 100% fit because he is a player that when he is fit can cause any other team problems. He is not at the peak of fitness because he was injured a couple of times in Holland and here.

He had one period when he was 100% fit and then he was injured again. He still has a little problem with his knee but I feel he can start games.


http://hammyend.com/index.php/2011/11/jol-on-ruiz/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Up next: Arsenal (a)
by DAN on NOVEMBER 25, 2011

Trips to Arsenal aren't exactly profitable for Fulham fans. Sure, you get the odd backs-to-the-wall point here and here there (compare and contrast the van der Sar vs Arsenal effort of the Coleman era with the more equal 2009 draw) but wins have been non-existent. With that in mind, as well as the irrepressible form of Robin van Persie, the black and white army will travel up the Piccadilly Line more in hope than expectation tomorrow.

Arsene Wenger's side have recovered their panache and air of invincibility since a stuttering start to the season caught everybody by surprise. The loss of Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri over the summer would have tested any squad but there was an alarming vulnerability about their early season defending that struck you as, well, un-Arsenal. Per Mertesacker might not be the modern-day answer to Tony Adams but he and Wenger's other late transfer window additions have provided greater durability to the Gunners defence, with Mikel Arteta offering some artistry to the midfield.

The Gunners looked back to something approaching their best in midweek against Borussia Dortmund, with van Persie at his imperious, goal-poaching best. The Dutch striker is such a gifted talent that you wonder what he – and Arsenal – would be able to achieve were he available for a full season. Reading the press reports, though, you'd be forgiven for thinking that the sole danger to Fulham's hopes of an unlikely away point came from the Arsenal captain. Of course, it won't be that easy at all. Quietly, Aaron Ramsey is having a storming season – and he looks especially effective when operating in the whole behind van Persie. The prospect of Theo Walcott's pace against John Arne Riise is particularly worrying too.

Whilst Arsenal do still have the odd wobble at the back – witness Mertesacker's generous gift of a goal to Norwich last week – Fulham haven't looked anything approaching potent in front of goal lately. Bobby Zamora was largely ineffective up at Sunderland, well marshalled by Wes Brown, prior to his early departure due to injury. It's likely that only one of Zamora and Andy Johnson, who looked quite a threat running in behind Sunderland in the second half, will start at the Emirates as playing with two strikers might be just a touch adventurous. What's clear – as Jol has already emphasised in his pre-match comments – is that Fulham will have to be far more predatory in front of goal.

Injuries make the task far harder. Steve Sidwell will be missing again after undergoing a hernia operation last week. While the former Arsenal midfielder will be a big miss, it's games like these that are made for Dickson Etuhu. The Nigerian midfielder has his critics – and I've been known to single him at times as well – but he was excellent up at Sunderland and excels against the smoother passers, getting in and breaking up play as well as restarting spells of Fulham possession. Perhaps the finest example of this came in Fulham's goalless draw at the Emirates in 2009, where the Whites outpassed and outharried Arsenal at times. Etuhu was superb, anchoring the midfield alongside Danny Murphy, and Fulham will need the pair to be at their best again.

The absence of Damien Duff, sidelined by a calf injury, may create an opening for Bryan Ruiz, as we've discussed earlier today. Ruiz is apparently available to start games (even if Jol has questions about whether he is fully fit) and would be much more suited to taking on Arsenal, where there may be a little more time and more on offer as opposed to afternoons at Stoke or Wolves for example. It's time that our £10 million plus man is given greater game time and he could flourish as part of an advanced trio of midfielders – also including Dembele and Dempsey – behind Zamora.

MY FULHAM XI (4-2-3-1): Schwarzer; Baird, J.A. Riise, Hangeland, Senderos; Etuhu, Murphy; Dempsey, Ruiz, Dembele; Zamora. Subs: Etheridge, Baird, Hughes, Briggs, Kasami, Frei, Johnson.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2011/11/up-next-arsenal-a-2/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham (h) preview

I'll keep this fairly brief, if I may. I've had about an hour of sleep since finishing work at 8 o'clock this morning, so I'm feeling a little bit knackered.

I'm a bit disappointed that I didn't have the time to write a review of the Dortmund game as there was so much to say about a wonderful evening of football. If I can summarise I would firstly pay tribute to the incredible travelling support of the Germans. I had to walk down Aubert Park in among them as they were escorted to the ground past Highbury. They were loud and colourful but, largely, very friendly. It felt like being in amongst an English crowd with the amount of drunks and the peeing against walls, but there was certainly very little malice present in their ranks. The other thing I would say about the night is that, after the first thirty minutes Arsenal were outstanding and played as well they have in quite some time. Alex Song recovered from a shocking start to the game to turn in a man of the match display, capped by that incredible run and cross for the first goal. To beat the German Champions quite so comfortably (2-1 was not a reflection of the play) was very gratifying indeed. Having the group wrapped up already is something nobody could have envisaged before the first game in Dortmund (or even after it, such was the hiding we got in a 1-1 draw). I think a very weak team will now travel to Greece for the final match, and rightly so on this occasion.


On to tomorrow and the quest for Premier League redemption continues. I can see one or two possible changes. Koscielny was replaced with fatigue on Wednesday night, so Arsene might look to start him on the bench tomorrow (this would also possibly make him available for Man City on Tuesday). Elsewhere I can see some midfield rotation, though as for who will miss out I wouldn't like to guess. I thought Aaron Ramsey was outstanding against Dortmund, but a rest might do him some good with Diaby getting a possible start (or maybe even Rosicky if fit). I wouldn't be surprised to see Gervinho left out tomorrow, though I would not be in favour of dropping the Ivorian. He seems to be seriously lacking in confidence in front of goal, which is bizarre considering the rest of his game. He certainly needs to put some chances away, or the crowd will begin to get at him, and we don't want that at all. The law of averages says he must score one or two eventually and at least he is still getting in the position to score, even if he is not managing to apply the finishing touch.

Fulham have problems of their own tomorrow with injuries, which should aid Arsenal's cause. At the start of the season I tipped them for good things. I felt their UEFA qualifiers could see them get off to a flier this season, before fading late on. As it has turned out they have struggled from the off in the League. They have decent forwards in Andy Johnson and Clint Dempsey, but I would seriously annoyed if our defenders got turned over tomorrow by Bobby Zamora. Elsewhere they have the giant Hangeland who I would expect to struggle against the skill of a man like Van Persie, or the pace of Theo Walcott. They also have Philippe Senderos. Big Phil was harshly done to by Arsenal. When given a run in the side he showed he could play with real quality. His confidence was eventually undermined by the Manager and the way he used him in the side. I hope Senderos doesn't come back to haunt us tomorrow.


That will do for today. I'm off to bed. More tomorrow night, when I get home from the game.



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Arsenal vs. Fulham: a match preview


Dean Mouhtaropoulos - Getty Images
DON'T TREAD (actually though, let's tread)

Arsenal vs. Fulham
Emirates Stadium, N5, London, An Island
Saturday 26 November 2011, 12:30 pm ET
TV: Fox Soccer
SB Nation Fulham zone: Cottagers Confidential
ARS: WDWWW     FUL: LWWLD

Arsenal return to domestic competition Saturday as Fulham visit Ashburton Grove for a meeting between two sides in very different situations. The Gunners find themselves in a spectacular run of form through a month that usually gives them trouble, while the Cottagers have been very inconsistent thus far. Depending on which Fulham team shows up, this could either be a breezy win for Arsenal or a hard-fought battle; either way, they are certainly not a team to be taken lightly.



Fulham have been up-and-down this year, with some huge performances and some really bad ones. They put six in against Queens Park Rangers and had a great battle with Manchester City in a home draw, and though they lost 3-1 to Tottenham they were able to get 31 shots and should have had a late penalty that would have been a chance to equalize at the time. On the other hand, they've lost to Stoke City, Wolves, and Everton. Fulham are 16th right now, two points out of the relegation zone. I can't answer as to why they're underachieving so much this year (they finished 8th last season). Perhaps the added strain of playing in Europe, as they qualified for the Europa League via the Fair Play table? They were runners-up in the competition in 2010 though, so it may just be a case of tough luck.

One thing to look out for came up during my visit to Cottage Talk this morning. Evidently one of the things that's been installed this year by Fulham manager and former Spurs man Martin Jol is a group of different set piece plays that they run, a bit different from the usual "shot at goal or cross to a header" free kicks. On the one hand we should be able to cope, as we've been much better this year at defending the set piece than last year. On the other, when faced with even slightly unconventional set pieces at Old Trafford we folded (granted, with a much different back line to what should appear tomorrow) so it's possible that this could be important.

Because I'm an American and I only care about things having to do with America (AMURIKUHHHHHHHHHHHH!), I will also be looking for a good performance from Clint Dempsey. Though I find him a bit distasteful (he dives, and he plays dirty sometimes) I also like him a lot as a player, if that makes any sense. He's a very versatile player, who's useful at striker, winger, and central midfielder, and can play behind the striker as well. He had 13 goals in all competitions last year, and his 12 in the Premier League was a record for an American in England. Incidentally, Dempsey's 33 career goals are the most by any Fulham player in the Premier League in the club's history. He was also voted the player of the year by Fulham fans. He's a seriously good player, and he should be dangerous tomorrow. Oh, and there's this.

According to Arsene Wenger, we'll see the same squad tomorrow that we saw at midweek against Dortmund. I would assume the starting XI will be the same as well then, unless there's a late issue with someone today or in the morning. The only other bit of injury news is that Jack Wilshere is progressing well, and will likely be making his triumphant return in the end of January or at the beginning of February. Obviously that won't help tomorrow, but it certainly is welcome news to Arsenal fans.

Projected lineup:

Szczesny

Koscielny - Mertesacker - Vermaelen - Santos

Song - Arteta

Ramsey

Walcott - van Persie - Gervinho

Prediction:
I run out of snarky ways of saying Robin van Persie will do something awesome. Clint Dempsey will probably elbow someone in the face while scoring a goal. Mark Schwarzer will have about 20 saves, and just generally piss me off. Gervinho will actually score a goal, and it'll be a ridiculously hard one to make up for the sitters he's missed lately. Arsenal 3-1 Fulham


http://www.theshortfuse.com/2011/11/25/2582575/fulham-previewfest-2011?

[WhiteJC]

 
Arsenal vs. Fulham match preview: cantstopwontstop

Arsenal vs. Fulham
Kickoff: 12:30 PM EST, Saturday, November 26, 2011
Emirates Stadium, Nahfph Lahnd'n, Greatah Lahnd'n, Englun', Oi
TV: Fox Soccer Channel
Form: Arsenal WDWWW | Fulham LWWLD
SBN Fulham perspective: Cottagers Confidential

Arsenal look to continue their top Premier League form against a Fulham side that has been struggling to stay out of the relegation zone so far this season. The Cottagers currently sit 16th in the league on 11 points, two points above the pit of doom, while Arsenal are seventh on 22 points, behind Liverpool and Chelsea on goal difference. Fulham, managed by old foe Martin "He obviously hadn't seen the size of my fists" Jol, are fighting on multiple fronts again this year, playing in the Europa League by virtue of the fair play table, and they will be short a couple of key players tomorrow when the sides come out of the tunnel.



Midfield stalwarts Steve Sidwell, Damien Duff, and Simon Davies will be out for the West London side, along with forward Orlando Sa and defender Zdenek Grygera. Still, Fulham have some talented players that Arsenal will have to contend with up front: Bobby Zamora and Moussa Dembele will most likely lead the line, with Andy Johnson possibly standing up front and Dembele moving to midfield. There, he would be most likely joined by Clint Dempsey and Dickson Etuhu as well as ageless wonder Danny Murphy, who has been a league fixture since 1956. John Arne Riise and Brede Hangeland will both be in defense, which the Norwegian eighth of me gets a major tickle from. [Confession: I LOVE John Arne Riise. Don't ask me.]

Arsenal have very little reason to change what's working at the moment, other than the sheer number of matches that some of their key players have worked through lately. The injury front of Gibbs, Sagna, Wilshere, Miyaichi, and Jenkinson is unchanged. Johan Djourou may feature in the back four at either center or right back, as Wenger will probably look to rotate some of his options besides Andre Santos. A Djourou-Koscielny-Vermaelen-Santos backline seems likely, but really putting Mertesacker in place of Koscielny or Djourou, and sliding the other out to right back, seems just as likely.

The midfield trio of Song, Arteta, and Ramsey has forged a really solid understanding as of late. It's also hard to see who could come in at the moment; Rosicky has been battling a slight thigh strain. Oh, but there is Abou Diaby; it would be interesting to see what he could produce over a full match at the moment, but he also needs time to develop a relationship with a somewhat unfamiliar team. He seems likely to appear in the Carling Cup midweek rather than tomorrow.

Gervinho, Robin van Persie, and Theo Walcott are a lead-pipe lock as the front three.

Arsenal have been on a serious run as of late, and there does seem to be some real team solidity coming together this year. Perhaps it's anecdotal, but the team has responded much better to giving up goals over the past couple of months than they have in the past three or four seasons, and when they switch off, they do seem able to find their bearings again, as they did against Chelsea and Norwich. Whether the mentality has changed is impossible to say, but if Arsenal can avoid the kind of dips in form that they've suffered in the past, things could be looking very good. With each win that comes in the league, it becomes more tempting to worry that disaster is around the corner, but all anyone can do is take things one match at a time.

Especially Diaby.

Prediction: Arsenal to win 4-0 with a hattrick from 67th-minute sub Diaby, who scores with his neck, knee, and left scapula in unprecedented fashion after finding a shrine to Gozer in the boot room refrigerator and sacrificing van Persie's old horse placenta to him. The Emirates Stadium glows green and floats above the ground momentarily as Szczesny marches in pentagonal patterns around his penalty spot.



http://www.theshortfuse.com/2011/11/25/2586442/arsenal-vs-fulham-match-preview-cantstopwontstop?

[WhiteJC]

 
Arsenal vs Fulham – Team and Score predictions

With European progress secured, the focus is back to the Premier League. The Emirates will be host to Fulham, a side with just 2 wins in 12 thus far this season.

Despite decent form in the Europa League, Fulham has struggled for form in the Premier League, sitting just two points above relegation in 16th place. Jol's side has been very poor away from home, only grabbing three goals six matches. Given Arsenal's excellent recent run, it seems that this match is one that the Gunners should win easily.

The BBC has provided me with this surprising, and yet promising, stat – Fulham has never won away against Arsenal. I don't see that changing tomorrow afternoon in the late kick off, because this Arsenal side is learning the ability to win, without even playing scintillating football. We are more of a team than I have seen for some time, despite probably having weaker individual players than we have had in the past.

Now for the customary "van Persie is amazing" paragraph – he has seven games left to score the six goals that will make him the most prolific striker in a calendar year since the Premier League began. He has 44 goals in 50 games for club and country, with a goal/game ratio bettered only by that arrogant, hair-slicked-back attacker at Real Madrid. Fulham manager Martin Jol has been speaking about our Dutchman:
"Of course they have their strengths, but they also have their weaknesses like any other team. The other night Borussia Dortmund did well against them but Arsenal have the quality now with Van Persie, he is the one scoring the goals and has a hell of a record.
"They play in a specific style with two wing players, Van Persie up front and three midfielders – two attacking, one sitting. That has changed a bit from a couple of years ago when van Persie was a lower number 10 or second striker."

Team Prediction


I expect Wenger to pick the same team that has won the last two matches 2-1, courtesy of two goals from van Persie. There is a possibility that Arshavin and Diaby will start, after the latter has returned from injury, but why change a winning team? Those two will probably be in the team for the City Carling Cup game in midweek. Koscielny is set to continue at right back due to absences. He was apparently substituted in the Dortmund game due to fatigue, and he will be available for tomorrow.

Score Prediction
3-0 to the Arsenal with goals from anyone but van Persie.


http://straightalkingooners.com/2011/11/25/arsenal-vs-fulham-team-and-score-predictions/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham on alert after Gignac's fall-out with Marseille boss Deschamps

Fulham are monitoring Andre-Pierre Gignac's situation as the France striker's frustration grows at Marseille after falling out with boss Didier Deschamps.

Sportsmail revealed that Fulham were on the verge of signing Gignac, 25, on loan on transfer deadline day only for Marseille to pull the plug at the 11th hour.


Frustrated: Andre Pierre Gignac (right)


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2066367/Fulham-alert-Andre-Pierre-Gignacs-fall-Marseille.html#ixzz1enWUw2sG

[WhiteJC]

 
MARTIN JOL: I'M NOT TERRIFIED OF ROBIN VAN PERSIE

MARTIN JOL believes Robin van Persie has to make an impact on the international stage as big as the one he is having at Arsenal if he is to be judged world-class.

Fulham travel to the Emirates tonight with the mission of trying to stop the Dutchman, who is scoring at will for the Gunners.

"If you look at him at Arsenal, he certainly is world-class," said Jol, above. "If you look at him at international level, maybe if they played in a similar style as Arsenal it would be the same. But when you see him on his own up front like we did last summer for the national team, he was not scoring the goals.

"There is a new energy in him at No9 and his record in the Premier League is amazing. Van Persie is in incredible form, but I'm not terrified of him. If you say that you might as well just give them the points. It's not going to be easy to stop him. The easiest thing to say is don't let them pass it to him, but they can vary their game. They can go through the spine or attack down the flanks. Luckily, we are one of the best teams in England at defending crosses."

Fulham have never won at Arsenal and Jol never got the better of Wenger while he was managing Tottenham. Jol takes heart from four clean sheets in their last five away league games as he looks to end both hoodoos.

He said: "Even the best teams have weaknesses. Hopefully, we can exploit the space we get.

"If we can do the same as we did against Wigan, where we scored two goals out of three or four attempts, then we can always get a result."


http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/286101/Martin-Jol-I-m-not-terrified-of-Robin-Van-Persie?

[WhiteJC]

 
Staring Down the Barrel

The bald facts tell you Fulham never win away to Arsenal. Twenty-five attempts down the years, three draws and twenty-two losses. The bookies have Arsenal 9/4 on to maintain the winless streak this weekend.

And even those odds, in a two-horse race, look generous to me. I really can't see anything other than another Arsenal win for ESPN's live game Saturday evening. The Gunners are running hot, that 8-2 scoreline at Old Trafford already feels like something from a parallel universe. Perverse bad luck for the Whites we didn't have them early in the fixture list. Wenger's credentials to remain in charge at the Emirates were being questioned just 12 weeks ago. Incredible. While his side are now white hot - having won five league games straight - Fulham's season is yet to ignite

The redtops were running full page profiles of van Persie this week after his double downed Dortmund in the Champions League.

Now here's a chilling stat for you. The Dutchman's 13 league goals this season match the entire output of the whole Fulham team... Only Christiano Ronaldo has scored more goals in the last calendar year.


© Getty Images

So here's a London derby that acts not just as a test of loyalty for every Whites fan, but a real test of character for Fulham's professional players. Not surprisingly, our followers have been fairly sombre this week across the web, while I was almost tempted to resurrect my spoof letter from 12 months ago whereby Hughes 'offered' to gift Arsenal a 3-0 win and save everyone the trouble of turning up. But that would only have freaked out all those third world Gooner fans again who took my 2010 posting at face value. There are large areas of the globe where British gallows humour still goes right over peoples heads.

Dare I suggest the best we can hope for come Saturday night is to have 'escaped' with a defeat that keeps the scoreline semi-respectable? A year ago we were well in the game at 1-1 until a mazy, magical dribble from Nasri ended our resistance. And as recently as May we were cruelly pegged back late on in the season closer, having twice been in front.

But the gulf between the two sides has widened to a chasm since. One of our goalscorer's at a sunny Cottage that day Steve Sidwell is still recovering from a hernia op. The day's other scorer, big Bobby, seems less settled and assured of what his role in the side now is. Questions remain if Jol knows how to get the best out of our international striker. Proof if you want it that our Dutch manager has but one game plan only is the bizarre fact that we have used the least number of players so far of any side in the league - just 20. Yet we are struggling along with a fair sprinkling of veterans just above the relegation zone.

From all this you will see why Jol is already beginning to sprout a nose as long as Pinocchio's when he repeats after every game that the 'side is playing well and it's all about to come together.' What's the betting Fulham's top scorer in all competitions this season (by some margin) starts on the bench? AJ is not going to lever himself into the side before January because Jol has decided he's surplus to requirements. Compare his stance over Andy's contract demands with his immediate - and strident - 'hands off' warning to any club with designs on Zamora or Dembele.

If Jol compounds this dogmatic view by playing weak-link Riiise at left-back, we are going into a run of really testing fixtures with two players persistently underperforming. I'm not singling out Dembele specifically for time on the bench, though I continue to wonder what warrants a price tag of £10 million for this ephemeral talent. The surprising disappointment so far this season has been Clint. Is it a case of slow burn-out? If I was a neutral observer surely last summer was the time for Dempsey to seek a new challenge. What else did he have to prove after four years at Fulham? At 28 he could have commanded a fee of £10 million and had his pick of elite clubs offering him a path into the Champions League. Are we now seeing the hangover from a lack of ambition on the part of both the player and his agent?

A pragmatic approach for Arsenal from Jol will determine a repeat of last week's dismal showing at Sunderland - three centre-halves strung across the back four, Etuhu told to put the emphasis on 'search and destroy,' no natural width of course with Duff injured (again), no natural support player for an isolated Zamora, and no progress up the left flank as Dempsey tucks infield and Walcott terrorises JAR, who spends the whole match back-pedalling. Digest all that and it comes down to Hangeland and Mark playing the game of their lives!

At the risk of a public stoning, a hammering for the Whites, something like 4-0, may actually be a blessing in disguise. It will force the board into a searching reassessment of their new manager and focus minds on the depth of the crisis. And what fate awaits our own poor cinderella? Will Bryan Ruiz again be watching from the subs bench, or will he cruelly be pitched in from the off to face the rampant Gunners carrying the tag of 'Fulham's great White Hope?

I never envisaged things coming to a head like this as we began the new season. I must confess to being as gloomy about our future prospects as at any time since taking over this blog 18 months ago. Looking out across the landscape this weekend, I'm watching Wigan's approach to their game at Sunderland with great interest. If they get a result there, and they just might, Bruce will be a gonner. Mrs. Jol is another who might not be around to take advantage of the January sales.

A time for bravehearts - and as this is Fulham FC after all, can we sneak it 0-1???

Twitter@fulhamphil


http://blogs.soccernet.com/fulham/archives/2011/11/staring_down_the_barrell.php?

[WhiteJC]

 
Arsenal vs Fulham: Head to Head stats

Recent Premier League form:
Arsenal: W W W W W L
Fulham: D L W L L W

Despite decent form in the Europa League, Fulham have struggled for form in the Premier League, sitting just two points above relegation in 16th place. Jol's side has been very poor away from home, only grabbing three goals six matches. Arsenal's recent form would suggest that this match is one that the Gunners should win easily.

However, I have recently been informed that we have not one in any of the last 9 games that Mike Dean has refereed – a run stretching all the way back to 2008. This is just something that has been noticed. I am definitely not suggesting that Dean might actually have a significant impact on this afternoons result...

Head to Head
Against Fulham in Premier League: W24, D4, L2

As you can see from the head to head stats above, we have only lost twice to Fulham in the league (in 2006 and 2008).

Fulham have never won away at Arsenal in any competition.

Martin Jol also has a bad record against Arsenal, having failed to win in all seven North London derbies as Spurs manager.

Top Scorers
(in all competitions this season)
Arsenal: Robin van Persie – 17, Theo Walcott – 4
Fulham: Andy Johnson – 11, Danny Murphy, Clint Dempsey, Bobby Zamora – 5

Injuries
Arsenal: Sagna (ankle), Wilshere (ankle), Jenkinson (ankle), Gibbs (hernia), Miyaichi (ankle)
Fulham: Grygera (knee), Kelly (groin)


http://straightalkingooners.com/2011/11/26/arsenal-vs-fulham-head-to-head-stats/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham Preview: All Round Improvement Targetted

Fulham arrive at The Emirates today, facing an Arsenal side bouyed by their European adventures. Not that you would realise it with the negativity in the broadcast media, punditry apparently reaching its nadir. Which is why nobody should listen to stations such as Talksh*te who thrive and exist purely to create attention for themselves. Despite knowing this, you still do but hey ho. From what I have read about the comments, they have been making their print colleagues appear lucid and information. How low can you go?

It is the 83rd meeting between the two teams across all competitions, major and minor. Fulham have three victories at Arsenal, all in WW1 matches. Not a good record. Indeed they do not seem to like this part of North London at all; of the 25 senior matches, they have 3 draws with 22 defeats. Even in Arsenal's dark days of the early to mid-60s, Fulham couldn't win at Highbury. It is that sort of feelgood record that makes this match seem a straightforward occasion. One ripe for over-confidence. That, to me, is Arsène's biggest test this evening.

Not that there is a hint of that from Andre Santos. In a Daily Express interview this morning, he speaks of the half-time at Stamford Bridge,

I sat down in the corner of the dressing room at half-time against Chelsea and thought about that. I focused on the fact I must be better. I thought about it and decided, 'I have to go back and play much better'. Things have definitely got better for me since then and I am still trying to improve.

It is that sort of attitude we could have done with senior pros showing last season. It didn't happen and it is a relief almost, to read an Arsenal player showing self-awareness without it seeming to be a soundbite. Wenger emphasised that this is the squad attitude,

I believe what turned the season around is the excellent attitude and mentality of the players. The players who came in have all shown excellent desire to do well and the right focus. That was the real turning point. I was always optimistic because every day the players wanted to improve. When you have that in the dressing room you have a chance.

He has never been slow to praise the mental attitude of previous squads but this time there seems to be more substance to it. The love-in since Dortmund has been fine and goodness knows that the squad is entitled to feel bouyant having turned the season around relatively quickly.

Santos' comments identify a key aspect of that turnaround; desire. It is burning into their souls how quickly the club was written off as Arsenal hovered above the relegation zone after few games were played. Nobody, it seemed, believed that the squad was good enough to turn things around. Defeat this weekend for Chelsea and/or Manchester City will see them cement their positions as the Premier League's crisis clubs. Already the heat is on Villas-Boas, especially with Abramovich's public backing. The difference between the Chelsea manager's Press Conferences and those of Wenger highlight the reality of both club's philosophies. The media tried to get Arsène to put his own head on the block; Villas-Boas is being dragged there, kicking and screaming.

To end the day in the top four would require some outlandish luck but in a season of freakish results, Arsenal need to ensure that they win their matches to take full advantage. They have the personnel to do so, with more luck the small positive goal difference achieved might be larger. That is something of a concern; who scores if van Persie doesn't? Gervinho is being targetted as that man and whilst there is an element of bad finishing, there is also bad luck. Perhaps he is trying too hard?

The equaliser at Carrow Road might have been his, an air flick of the heels allowed the ball to come through to van Persie. Ruddy saved well having been beaten whilst a late Hummels tackle denied him against Dortmund. He is not shy of shooting, perhaps not shooting early enough is the problem? Whatever the case, the manager rates his contribution,

At the moment Gervinho is a fantastic provider and he creates space for the other players because he always goes behind [the defence].  The problem with Gervinho is he is in the opposite position of Robin van Persie. He is desperate for a goal and once you are in that situation... well, you could see the other night he had the chance to score but he started to think.

That's the answer: don't think. Which if he is the archetypal footballer, shouldn't be too hard and marks him out well for a broadcasting career when he retires.

So to this evening's team. Options in defence are limited with Djourou and Squillaci the real options for change. Those two however, may be the experience saved for the visit of Manchester City in the Carling Cup. Perhaps the former for Koscielny at right back if Wenger decides he wants a strong central partnership in midweek. Ramsey in midfield might make way for Benayoun or Oxlade-Chamberlain. Arshavin must be chomping at the bit to take a place in the starting line-up. All of the Gervinho talk makes me wonder if he is being primed for a rest. Park and Chamakh may have to wait; the temptation might be there to make changes but Wenger is likely to make no more than two or three. I expect the line-up to be:

Szczesny; Koscielny, Mertesacker, Vermaelen, Santos; Arteta, Song, Oxlade-Chamberlain; Walcott, van Persie, Arshavin

Enjoy the match wherever you are watching it. 'til Tomorrow.


http://aculturedleftfoot.wordpress.com/2011/11/26/fulham-preview-all-round-improvement-targetted/?