Randoms thoughts on: Arsenal 0 – 0 Man City

A disappointing result in terms of points but we played very well.

First things first. We were the only team that went out there to get the maximum points and we were good for the full ninety minutes. We were pressing, passing, looking for openings, organized in defense, the whole team was helping each other out and we had shots on target too.

Man City came out only to defend as they hardly challenged our back line or keeper. The credit also goes to our good pressing because as soon as we would lose the ball we would get it back. They were very organized at the back and at times when they were beaten the woodwork or their keeper came to their rescue. Their tactics, however, were pathetic with the amount of talent they have.

In terms of the chances created, I feel we should have done more regardless of twice hitting the post. We did play great football at times with intricate passing and movement. Some of the decisions in front of goal, on a few occasions, were disappointing; otherwise we were very fluent in our movement and took our shots on goal. I feel, at times, we should have opted to go for the aerial ball.

Anyways, It was good to see the forward and midfield players coming back to defend and this is where we have improved in the past 10 days.

The result is frustrating no doubt but I am delighted by the way we are playing. We can only try and that is what we did today. We deserved to win today after playing so well and Man City didn’t even deserve a point IMO.

We just have to continue with the way we are playing see what happens at the end.

One thing is for sure, Man Utd, after this result, sits very comfortably at the top. And as hard as I don’t want to admit it, the title is United’s to lose now.

Arsenal vs Man City preview: Yet another must win game!

Tonight it’s yet another important and must win game as we face Man City at our home. This season, if I am not wrong, most of the games have been must win and I believe the games to come are going to be no different. We can only keep pace by taking most of our points and capitalizing on others dropped points. Man Utd played yesterday and won their game, so we need nothing short of three points to keep up with them.

Matches against Man city have been feisty encounters in these last few years, except the one played at our home in April last year. With plenty of star players in their squad, this year they have the results going their way despite plenty of off-the-field incidents. Currently lying second in the table, they are a team to be beaten if we want to maintain our challenge.

For today’s game they have Silva out. Yet they have players like Yaya Toure, who is a very dangerous player if allowed to run with the ball, Tevez, Milner and Hart to name a few available. Defensively they have been very good and if they come out to play they can also be very creative upfront.

As for us, we will need to keep our focus from start to finish. They will be hard to break, so patience and alertness will be important. The real battles will be in the middle as we experienced last time, when we played them at their home in October.

I would start with the same back line as it was against Birmingham. Szczesny to start in goal. Fabianski had a good game against Birmingham but I still maintain we need to start more with Szczesny in goal.

In the middle, I would stick with same trio too but if Wilshere needs a rest, I would pick Rosicky to replace him.

Up front Van Persie should start in the lone striker role. Chances are high that Van Persie gets a rest and we see Chamakh up there. On the right, I would play Nasri today because in the last match he connected really well with Fabregas when he drifted to the centre or to the right. On the left, I would then go with Arshavin. He usually ups his game in the big matches and with him staying on the bench these past few games, he would want to do more to show his abilities, and this is where he can be a game changer.

Otherwise, Arsene, please pick the same team that played against Birmingham with Szczesny in goal.

Probable sarting XI: Szczesny, Sagna, Djourou, Koscielny, Clichy, Song, Fabregas, Wilshere, Nasri, RVP, Arshavin

This is going to be yet another exciting game no doubt and I believe we will win it. The way we have played against Chelsea and Birmingham has been really encouraging and if we maintain the same level of football, we will roll Man City, provided we take our chances.

Enjoy the match and keep your fingers crossed!!