RSSThe first of two villas and Senderos nearly became permanent captain
IT’S the first of two “Villas” in five days tonight and I suppose more than anything we’re protecting our unbeaten record stretching back 28 games.
Gunnerblog has had a very reasonable punt at the team and I’d agree that Hoyte and Traore that Almunia, Hoyte, Traore, Senderos and Toure will make up the defence.
The latter will, of course, be captain. But things could have been so very different for way back in summer 2005 Arsene seriously considered making big Phil Senderos captain in the aftermath of Patrick Vieira’s shock departure.
The revelation comes via Tony Adams in Xavier Rivoire’s biography of the boss, which I finally got round to reading on my recent holiday. Adams reveals:
It’s quite a thought really. Say what you like about Thierry Henry’s captaincy, I think it’s safe to say giving Senderos the armband could have created some serious problems. You can’t really drop your captain but you can’t really argue Senderos and Toure OR Gallas would currently be an improvement on Toure AND Gallas.
The book itself is a largely decent read, but I’ll leave a more geeky review of it for another day.
Unlike Gunnerblog, I reckon we could see Eboue or more likely Rosicky (or even both) given a rest, with either Denilson or Diarra filling in on the flanks and Gilberto and possibly Cesc coming in. Equally, Cesc could be used as an impact player from the bench, which he’s quite decent at (see Wigan away last season).
Up front it’s Bendtner and one other.
Here’s hoping the Freeview reception holds tonight as I can’t be bothered to go to the pub.
27 November 2007 at 11:03 am
You never know, making him captain might have improved him, remember he was on top form then, it wasn’t until Drogba embarrassed him in the 2005 Charity Shield that he went downhill.
The two games he has been captain for this season (Lazio and Newcastle), he has been excellent.
27 November 2007 at 11:03 am
Definately enjoyed Xavier’s biography of Wenger, a far less pretentious read than Mr.Palmers efforts.
Really hope Traore starts tonight, he’s a monster talent that needs to be given opportunities, good chance for Bendtner to impress too.
27 November 2007 at 11:06 am
Denis, apart from the goal line clearance, Big Phil had an absolute shocker against Newcastle!! Song was constantly getting him out of trouble. I like the big Swiss but i’m not convinced he has the mobility to play the Arsenal way - he lacks the pace to play a high line and is often caught off balance when one against one with pacy strikers.
27 November 2007 at 12:18 pm
I suppose back in 2005 Senderos could have been quite a decent option? I’m happy with Gallas though.
Are you saying that you don’t rate the Toure and Gallas partnership?
27 November 2007 at 3:44 pm
with seville’s speed on the flanks i dont see Denii being started on the wing and considering Eboue’s inconsistency he should be chucked in there to improve his game and provide some cover for Hoyte.
i wouldnt mind having both Diarra and Berto playing but we would need to have Rosicky or Cesc(or even both)as well in order to have some kind of attacking threat.
Almunia
Hoyte Toure Senderos Traore
Berto Diarra
Eboue Rosicky Eduardo
Bendtner
subs:Him Again,Sagna,Denii.Cesc,Walcott
with the bove players it can be possible t switch to 4-4-2 jus to see how that pans out,i feel we have a lot of players who are still trying to prove themselves so this could be a good game and hopefully a good result(win) but a draw wud be fine as um not readily accepting a defeat eventhough we have already qualified