8 comments

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  Anonymous

  2 years ago

  I take issue with the statement that Arsene should/could have fielded a stronger team than what he fielded last night. Due to injuries and suspensions we had at least 10 recognized first teamers unavailable for last night's match. Including RVP (our top goalscorer this season, Henry another with a bad foot). We didn't do ourselves any favours by missing some sitters but it would help if you research a little before making sweeping statements about why Wenger put out the line up he did.
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  Anonymous

  2 years ago

  no one cares about the carling cup ...let's be honest
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  The Gaffer

  2 years ago

  What about Fabregas and Lehmann? They weren't on the injury list and could have made a huge impact last night.
  
  
  Cheers,
  
  The Gaffer
  
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  payam

  2 years ago

  arsenal will beat psv with no problem and beat reading! next year the we can win every tournament going! we have the best future out of all world football, Wenger just knows how 2 manage a football team, unlike ferguson, benitez and mourinho!
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  jm

  2 years ago

  I similarly have to take issue with this notion that Wenger was being stubborn by fielding a youth team yesterday. I will then turn to the Carling Cup.
  
  
  So let's start with lastnight's team. What could they have done different? Traore had to be called back from abroad to play, and Eboue's suspension was appeal pretty much just to allow him to play yesterday. Their back line was decimated, they had no other options. What about the front line? Aliadiere and Baptista played, not because of their role in youth side, but because, they were the only strikers left!
  
  
  
  The only two players who could have possibly played yesterday that are first teamers are the two you mentioned - Fabregas and Lehmann. Wenger has been clear that Lehmann's rest schedule is such that he won't be playing in the cups. Either way, he's beside the point - no keeper was stopping the Rovers' goal. Fabregas? Sure, he would've helped. But first we need to look at why he wasn't playing! Fabregas has been anchoring this injury riddled lineup all season, and has been showing serious signs of fatigue lately. He absolutely needed a rest. When do you rest a player when you have FA Cup, Premiership (where we are fighting for a champions league spot!) and Champions League games all in one week? Wenger had to pick a spot to rest him, and any choice would've had negative consequences.
  
  
  
  Now to turn to the Carling Cup. Wenger made the right decision. Casted in the way you put it, pragmatically, you might be right. The gain of a Cup win might be better than the gain of one day of experience. But, Wenger's decision was not purely pragmatic. It was ethical. He told these kids that this was their tournament - and how did they respond? By beating Liverpool and Tottenham. Wenger gave them the opportunity to play in the Cup, and they earned a chance in the title. I think it was the ethically correct decision to let them play the match that they earned.
  
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  riocharlie

  2 years ago

  Gaffer exactly what impact would lehman have made last night?
  
  
  PLenty of chances to win the game and arsenal didnt take it, i think ive seen this movie too many times this year. I dont lay it on injuries, every team has em, i mean listen to the moaning in stamford bridge when they lose 1 central midfielder, can you imagine how annoying hed be if he had lost 10 of his 1st teamers? so please.
  
  
  
  the real blame to me is with wenge. he played 2 of his 4 defenders out of position both on the right side. he easily could have either kept senderos inside or at the least protect him with moving gallas to the right. wenge has many strengths but he does tactically come up short.
  
  
  
  tough week to be a gooner
  
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  Anonymous

  2 years ago

  Cesc needed a rest and Almunia is a fine keeper and has played all the cup matches. Arsene played I'm sure what he felt was the best team to win the game, given the decimating injuries. Arsenal lost due to horrendous finishing by two sub-standard strikers and a shocking, shocking game from Graham Poll (as per usual). In regards to the Carling Cup, I will say I think he should have played Gilberto, but I applaud Wenger's commitment to be consistant as to his approach to the competition.
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  Anonymous

  2 years ago

  We only have 14 players to choose from for tonight's clash against Reading. Another big chance for Ali and Baptista to show their worth.
  
  
  On Carling Cup :
  
  It matters not that we lost, quite undeservingly I must add. The kids played breathtaking football, it was a great game and it filled me with pride That is what I will always remember the first Cup final at the new Wembley.
  
  
  
  Come On Gunners!
  
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