Can We Beat The Gunners?

Although Arsenal are a little more physical this season than last, they still do not like the game to be a bit too rough and tumble for them, that's the first clue to beating them Gianfranco.

Also they appear to have no plan 'B' - plan 'A' relies almost entirely on their slick passing game but they can be so intent on going forwards they forget at times the defensive element of their game so they are vulnerable at the back to the counter when attacking.


A nippy forward to play along side Cole Gian, (no 4-3-3 perleese) to get in around the back, but who? I suppose it’ll have to be Hines but is he strong enough for the job up against the Gooner centre-backs?

I don't think we'll be able to defend against them for 90 minutes, we’ll get beat and handsomely if we try that; our defence is still very suspect without Collins and (dare I say it) Neill, but we will be ok if the Hammers are all on their game especially Faubert and we need Ilunga to show up for this one, he has been a shadow of his former self.

We will need to try and break up their play in midfield so both Noble and Parker are musts for me. Our boys need to get at them as soon as the traps are open and stay like that for the duration, have they the stamina? Press them as hard as we can the whole game don’t let them settle on the ball and get their own passing game going, get in their faces as they say.

And dare I say it, smack a few long balls up to Cole (Curbishleyesque) in the hope he makes something of them or he lays off/assists effectively enough for someone else, the points from this game are sooo very important.

I have the feeling that there is going to be at least 4 goals in this game, let's hope it's at least a 2 all draw and a well earned point for our beleaguered Hammers. First foot on the first rung of the ladder of confidence eh... Come On You Beautiful Irons