Nov 02
The Arsenal View: Blog Chat With Arseblogger
Morning all. Another day goes as we build up towards the clash against Arsenal. Today we thought we could let in an Arsenal fan’s view about his team and thoughts ahead of the match. So I happened to catch up with Arseblogger of Arseblog, who is among the who’s who as far as Arsenal blogs go.
He was gracious enough to set apart some time for agreeing to an interview and answered my questions. Thanks Arseblogger.
So read on to see views from the other side.
Hello Arseblogger, thanks for agreeing to do this chat.
Red Ranter: Now that your team is top of the table and is playing some outstanding football did you honestly believe, at the start of the season - with all the boardroom uncertainty, the departure of Henry and the hacks that wrote the team off - that Arsenal would have been at the top of the table and unbeaten thus far?
Arseblogger: I was of the opinion at the beginning of the season that we probably needed to bring in a few more players than we did. Shows what I know. There are a lot of players who have stepped up this season when based on last season’s performances it wasn’t too unfair to think we might have a more difficult time of it.
No question the start to the season has been a bit of a surprise but a very pleasant one.
RR: What do you think has been the difference for your team this season, as we know that the team hasn’t significantly changed from last year?
AB: Cesc Fabregas - the fact that he’s added goals to his game has made such a difference to us. Last year we really struggled for goals from midfield. Apart from Gilberto nobody else really scored. Now we have Fabregas with 10 already, Rosicky and Hleb scoring some, and the strikers sharing them around. No question Cesc has been the driving force so far though.
RR: Which player has stood out for you, apart from Fabregas. And which player do you think has a big role to play this season in the big scheme of things — someone who hasn’t been that much in the limelight so far, but you think he might actually have a major role to play over the course of the season.
AB: I think Gael Clichy at left back has developed into a very good defender. We could still see a bit more from him in the attacking third of the pitch but he’s been consistently good. Also the new right back, Bacary Sagna, has come in and settled into the side like he’s been there for years.
I can’t not mention Alex Hleb either. He was a source of major frustration for a lot of fans last season but he’s been excellent this time around.
RR: Okay, I need an honest answer here. I know it’s a bit unfair to ask, but since this is for a United blog I’ll take this liberty: Name a United player you’d have liked in Arsenal.
AB: Of all time or the current United side? If it’s the current side I would have liked Tevez in the summer but his ownership situation was so complicated.
Of all time it’d have to be Gary Birtles. What a beard. I’m joking of course. It’d be Djemba-Djemba.
RR: Your favourite Man Utd - Arsenal game? Why?
AB: 1979 FA Cup final. Not because it was a great game but because it’s one of the first that sticks in my mind. From the happiness going 2 up to the despair at United’s two late goals and the joy of Sunderland’s late winner. Your readers won’t care to remember it but it’s just one of those games that’s etched into my mind.
RR: What do you think should be Arsenal’s preferred formation and approach? Do you think Arsene would go conservative and play to avoid defeat or would he continue with his fearless attacking approach?
AB: I’m not quite sure what’ll do to be honest. If Robin van Persie was fit there’s no question we’d play 4-4-2. It depends on whether or not he thinks Eduardo is ready for a game this big - the goals in midweek might just do that. If not I think we’ll play a 4-4-1-1 with Hleb just behind Adebayor. We’ll certainly attack though, that’s the way we play and that’s the way United play, which is why we’ve had so many great games between us in recent years.
RR: So what are your predictions for this weekend’s game?
AB: It’ll be nail biting.
RR: And finally, which position would spurs… oh I’m sorry, Sp*rs, end up, come the end of the season?
AB: I don’t really care, to be honest. Hopefully they’ll finish where they are now but at the moment they’re an irrelevance.
Thanks a lot Arseblogger, once again. Although we do hope your team lose out to us. 
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Tags: Interview
November 2nd, 2007 at 10:20
nice chat, did you do the same for them on the other end??
November 2nd, 2007 at 11:43
This was kinda cool. Perhaps you can arrange one for every “big” game?
November 2nd, 2007 at 12:34
That was fuckin’ excellent.
November 2nd, 2007 at 13:04
whats the story behind this Sp*rs?
Anyways nice article as always
November 2nd, 2007 at 13:10
unfortunately for him evez is in man utd,maybe they can go get djembe djemba..the interview was cool
November 2nd, 2007 at 13:32
Tomorrow’s match: System to use - 4-4-2, Line up: EVDS, Brown, Vidic, Rio, OH, Anderson, Nani, Ronaldo, Tevez and Rooney. Approach: (1) First 20 minutes
Start cautiously, aim at holding off the ball against Arsenal players, do not allow Arsenal players space on which to pass the ball, close them in and use safe tackling skills to get ball off them. Prevent conceding a goal within the first 20 minutes. During this time, try to catch them on counters and if possible nick in a goal that would totally disorient them (2) Rest of the first half - with Arsenal players starting to get jittery, frustrate them with mild tackles, continue holding the ball off them, start making self initiated raids at their goal but please make sure you avoid conceding. Aim to get a goal especially through a header off a corner or a long range kick. It would be fantastic if United go into the interval at least 1-0 ahead (3) 46th minute to 70th minute: Approach the game cautiously again, let them come to us but let us catch them on counters. Do not allow them to pass the ball too much. Hold them, guys hold them on. (4) Last 20 minutes: Anybody can guess this one. Go for the kill! Attack them! Throw cautin to the wind. Try all attempts. Fire from all angles. Make sure you knick a goal or 2 during this time. Final Whistle: United wins Arsenal loses.Goal Margin? I do not care, what matters are the three points. Anybody comment on this one??
November 2nd, 2007 at 14:31
I have this horrible feeling that SAF may not pick Anderson for this game. The right formation/selection is the one we’ve used since the Wigan game because that is when we started to really play the kind of football that we can. Arsenal wont be able to cope if Hargo can take Cesc out of the game. They have no reply when his creativity is gone. Flamini isn’t the quickest of players and I think Anderson could thrive in that atmospere. If Carrick plays instead of Anderson it will be waaaayyy too defesive and Arse may just pick us apart. Then should Nani or Giggs start? I’m on the fence on that one.
November 2nd, 2007 at 15:15
Anderson has to start !! to hell with the 3 fucking points ..
November 2nd, 2007 at 15:36
“Anderson has to start !! to hell with the 3 fucking points ..”
Those two comments really don’t correspond. In my opinion, playing Anderson is our best chance of GETTING three points. Unless Scholes (being English) makes a miraculous recovery in the next 24 hours…
Although, Carrick and Saha have been named in the squad:
Man Utd (from): Van der Sar, Kuszczak, Brown, Simpson, Ferdinand, Vidic, Pique, Evra, O’Shea, Ronaldo, Fletcher, Hargreaves, Carrick, Anderson, Giggs, Nani, Tevez, Rooney, Saha.
It’s worth considering, however that Hargo and Carrick together would really shut Fabregas down- as well as Carrick’s experience in big games (compared with Anderson). But I really can’t see where the creativity would come from in that central midfield pairing.
And playing all three in central mid would rule out the super partnership between Shrek and the Hulk, which is IMO where we have the edge over the Arse.
Fergie’s facing some tough choices…
November 2nd, 2007 at 16:28
I was saying no need to be cautious and put Fletcher in and not play Anderson. Thanks for your misinterpretation.
Also Carrick/Hargo pairing isnt creatively devoid at all. Carrick is not shades behind anybody including Anderson in creativity. All he lacks is the running with the ball and hassling which Anderson does pretty nicely.
November 2nd, 2007 at 16:31
I am not going to predict a starting line up because it is as confusing and tough it can get. It can go either way. If SAF selects Anderson ahead of Carrick, it may backfire coz of Anderson’s inexperience. But if he selects Carrick, it might shut down our attacking flow…oohhh..I am confused..I just hope whoever we field will be giving a good performance. and we really want Rooney , ronaldo and Tevez to really bring it on …because every ManU supporter is taking for granted that they will be on form for every game this season…..This is a huge game…By the way great to know that Arsenal is also feeling the pressure…Its a game which cannot be predicted…both teams on top form,scoring goals,flowing moves…I cant wait for the match..
November 2nd, 2007 at 17:00
This element of inexperience is often too talked about and too over analyzed by us fans and especially by coaches. This is football, not rocket science. Anderson has played enough games with Porto and also with Brazil to be given the chance to start. To Hell with his age. Ronaldo was almost two years younger when he started for us.
Take a look at our opposition. Loaded with young and relatively inexperienced players. But Wenger plays them and that’s the key. This desire to play so many young players cost them big time last season but it’s paying hefty dividends this season. United cannot afford to throw in the towel like Wenger did last season. But then again, nobody is asking him to play six or seven inexperienced players at once.
Play Anderson for Christ’s sake. He is a much better talent to Carrick and or Fletcher and he adds a real sense of caution to Wenger’s game plan. The more Wenger has to concern himself with us defensively, the less of a threat Arsenal will be offensively. Sitting back and slowly countering with Carrick or Fletch only forces us to lay into Wengers trap. ATTACK! ATTACK! ATTACK!. Show no mercy and take no prisoners. Show speed and physicality and the inexperience and soft side of Arsenal will show it’s ugly head. As good as this team is they are not Chelski. Chelski has players with physical presence and grit and they will play you tight and sacrifice themselves to get the job done. I’m not sure Arsenal players have that kind of determination and grit. Let’s force them to show us if they are for real or not. Forget the venue, just let them have it as if you were playing Bolton. This will also show Fergie what kind of team he has for the big occasion. We may lose trying to attack but then again we will learn about Arsenal, and most of all about our deficiencies as well. This can only spell positive things for our attack and approach to big clubs in the future.
November 2nd, 2007 at 17:44
to win tomorrow arsenal need to be frustrated by everyone of our players, wenger still has not taught them to control their anger, especiallt fabregas, so if we frstrate them, lil digs at them,play anderson over carrick, not be too cautious, then this game is ours
November 2nd, 2007 at 18:42
Never the twain shall meet. Who will have expected Arseblog at Redrants?
Still it is a good interview.
I think a draw is a fair result but I have a feeling either way it goes, the result has no bearing over who will lift the title.
November 2nd, 2007 at 19:26
I’m still not expecting Anderson to start. Hargreaves will be so important tomorrow lets pray he is on top of his game. If its Carrick that gets the nod to partner him then i’d only have a worry over his match sharpness, other than that lets not forget how many interceptions he makes in a game, against a passing team like Arsenal that could be very important. With Ronaldo, Giggs, Tevez and Rooney on the pitch it wont be too defensive hey! Put Nani, Anderson and Saha on the bench and unleash them if need be.
COME ON UNITED!
November 2nd, 2007 at 20:13
good one
November 2nd, 2007 at 20:51
i dont kno if this is relevant but have made a bid for 8 mill for veloso in sporting lisbon. so, for once redranter was wrong
November 2nd, 2007 at 22:37
Good read RR. Always interesting to know opinions.
November 3rd, 2007 at 0:26
This is a great article and i would love to see a tradition made of interviewing ‘opposition’ bloggers before the big matches.
I for one think that carrick anderson and hargreaves COULD be effective playing together. I know that the 4-3-3 system has been maligned by many a United Supporter, but I think that this group of players COULD use it effectively. I’m not saying that this is the strategy Sir Alex should employ. Our four-four-two has been phenomenal as of late and there’s not much sense in experimenting with tactics for the biggest match of the season when we seem to have found a winning formula. I think a trio of Carrick, Hargreaves and Anderson could control the midfield with Rooney, Carlitos and that boy Ronaldo attacking. Some will argue that this will leave Wazza or Tevez to be shunted to the left. I’m not so sure. I don’t think it matters whom amongst them is a winger, who’s a striker and who’s the link man because these players have the ability and footballing knowledge to slip in an out of these positions as game play necessitates. If Barca can play Ronaldinho, Messi, and Gio dos Santos simultaneously in free roles, why can’t we do the same with our versatile attackers? I don’t think we’d have to sacrifice much width with this formation, Ronaldo would still be free to drift out wide on the right. Hargreaves and Carrick protecting the defense should give Evra the impetus to tear up the left flank with abandon. That’s my dime-a-dozen theory for the day, but as we all know theories are much more valuable on paper than on the football pitch. Emirates stadium surely shouldn’t serve as our tactics laboratory, But why not give it a go against derby or wigan or if we’re protecting an aggregate lead in the CL.
One final thought: We’d all do well not to overlook Michael Carrick. I view him as the modern incarnation of Nicky Butt. In the Treble era, Butt didn’t get the same attention or adoration that was showered on Scholesy or Keano, but he was still an extremely vital cog in that title winning machine. He could more than capably fill in for Scholes or Keane while playing differently than both of them. He was less of a hard tackling enforcer than Keane, but more focused on ball retention than Scholes. He had the ability to change the look of the side when we needed him to from the onset or from the substitute’s bench. Carrick occupies this same niche that Butty filled admirably for club and country in the nineties. I think it’s time that we stopped criticizing Michael Carrick for not being Scholes or Keane, (or Hargreaves or Anderson for that matter) and appreciated him for being Michael Carrick.
November 3rd, 2007 at 1:04
@Millz - I can’t make my mind up about Carrick. It’s true that, like Nicky Butt, he doesn’t get the kind of praise that’s routinely given to Scholes et. al., but what else about him suggests the comparison? Mainly, he seems inconsistent to me–brilliant in one game, wayward in the next. And though I don’t agree with the common idea that he disappears in big games, he does seem to go through phases of being out of step with his teammates. Maybe I’m basing my impression too much on his England performances? What’s impressed you so much about his play?
November 3rd, 2007 at 1:35
Agree with u Millz…Carrick does not deserve the stick he gets, especially when he hasn’t been playing that badly at all. What he did for us last season and the amount of games he played in showed that he has a lot more talent than most people think. Because of his laid-back style and lack of genuine pace, it’s understandable why he appears a very normal player. However, his importance to the team should not be overlooked. His tackling is solid and he is one of the best passers on our team. Success is often times the reward for taking risks, but depending on the circumstances it might actually be better to take a conservative approach…and in tomorrow’s case, I think it’s best to start Carrick ahead of Anderson if he’s fully fit. Maybe tomorrow, Anderson will officially make his mark in the EPL, but even then he still has a lot to prove to dislodge Carrick in the pecking order for the near future. Anyways, like Ryan in post 15 pointed out, even without Anderson we are still a very attacking side with 2 genuine wingers and 2 strikers. If things aren’t working out, then we could unleash Anderson, Saha, and/or Nani (if he’s not starting) from the bench to change things up a bit and spread havoc with some fresh energy…I think that will really unsettle Arsenal. Our new depth is really looking impressive. Hope we win tomorrow and bring Arsenal back to reality, go UNITED!!!
November 3rd, 2007 at 2:52
i would like to see Anderson playing ahead of Carrick, but for an altogether different reason……. Carrick hasnt played any football since the Roma game that ws around a month ago and u dont take chances with someone’s fitness against a team like Arsenal…. he can come of the bench later to replace anderson and add some stability if we’re leading or in place of hargreaves to add some creativity if we’re not, but dont play him from the start….. besides anderson is playing well, lets not take the famous benitez way of tinkering with a winning team…..
November 3rd, 2007 at 4:17
i agree with you samg about not benitezing a winning side into mediocrity. I think the school of thought on carrick’s fitness is that since it was only his elbow keeping him out, he shouldn’t have lost much fitness. the nature of his injury shouldn’t have kept him off the treadmill or prevented him from taking part in agility training or kicking the ball around. this is pure speculation, but he may even have been able to take part in full first team training. the problem i see with his month long layoff is that he may have lost a touch of sharpness from not playing at the highest level. also, the team has come a long way in a month and they’ve grown together without michael. could this be a problem? i don’t know. I suppose we won’t find out until he’s given a good run-out but i’m willing to give him the benefit of the doubt.
November 3rd, 2007 at 4:33
also remember that hargo hadn’t played in ages before being thrust into action. granted he didn’t have to come back against an in-form and undefeated arsenal side, but still i think we’d all agree that he aquited himself satisfactorily.
November 3rd, 2007 at 4:55
Millz; You wrote; “Michael Carrick. I view him as the modern incarnation of Nicky Butt.” Was that meant to impress us all about Carrick? Butt was nothing more than a role player and barely an adequate one at that. The reason he never got the attention Scholes and Keane got was because like Carrick, he wasn’t good enough and didn’t deserve it.
And United Shield; Carricks’ laid-back style and lack of pace is not an excuse. Juan Roman Riquelme lacks pace and plays with a very laid-back style and he is in the top three players on the planet. Carrick is a good player, don’t get me wrong, but I am getting sick of the bleeding hearts club coming to his rescue just because they love his supposed effort and genuine mediocrity. Give me a frakken break already! The guy is spaghetti without meat sauce. He’s dull, slow and totally uninspiring, yet he does an adequate job.
I wonder how good Carick would be if he actually showed up for all games and not just for Chelski. If he showed me some real offensive spark and consistency, then I would be happy to get off his back. In the mean time all I can say is that the guy bores the crap out of me. And the ironic thing is that I rarely have seen his supposed great passing. I’ve seen more imaginative and bold passing from Anderson in three games than Carrick has delivered since he got here. The guy is just bland bland bland. Sorry to disagree with you guys but I just don’t see it. I want more from him than a safe afternoon stroll in the park. Perhaps with Hargo taking a lot of his defensive responsibilities away he will actually open his game up and show some attacking flair.
November 3rd, 2007 at 5:28
good point #24
November 3rd, 2007 at 5:47
grognard, while i admire your vociferousness in support of our favourite club, by the tone and content of your posting on this site i often wonder whether your aim is to forward the discussion about all things United among like minded supporters. I don’t mean to offend, but honestly, i get the impression that your contributions here come from a desire to argue for arguments sake while professing your undying allegiance to a certain argentine playmaker. This raises a serious question. Are you Riquelme in disguise?
November 3rd, 2007 at 7:02
Grognard #25: Carrick’s brilliant long passing won us games last year. Judging him on the limited number of games he’s played so far this season seems pretty myopic.
November 3rd, 2007 at 7:20
by the way brian (20) thank you for exemplifying how to disagree while still forwarding the conversation. i didn’t notice your post until right now and i have an answer to your question (written and deleted, but still saved on MS word). considering that i’m responsible for half of the last ten posts, i’ll avoid further monopolizing this discussion with a multi-paragraph response. I’m sure that the merits of michael carrick will be a topic of discourse for several months yet. Hopefully i can tell you excactly what’s impressed me so much about his play after he plays a vital roll in our 4-0 dismantling of l’arse.
November 3rd, 2007 at 8:08
Well atlast a red to the rescue of Carrick. Brian you are right , looking at the way he has performed for England , Anyone will say HE was poor . However , mind u , 2 seasons we did not win anything . This guy Carrick enters a team where he has to play Secondary as well as Primary role along with THE BEST MID-FIELDER - SCHOLES , && the passes to wingers and strikers is more important than any other club in EPL . Grognard , u may be right with ur vision of How united would be if we had 6 super stats in midfield and offense , with the likes of anderson and hargo …. But u cant compare Carrick to other players like Anderson or Riquelme . They are different , ofcourse Anderson has got raw talent but Carrick was one of the best mid-fielders in the EPL last season…
The question to be asked is do u think Fergie would be just satisified with Carrick and Scholes previous season for the mid-field , IF THEY DID NOT HAVE QUALITY ?
The same question goes to Saha .. Fergie very well knew this guy would be injured half-season . But his goals have been highly valued last season , esp the one against chelsea. I expect a cracker of a sub performance from Saha.
Do u think Fergie would have still held onto him if he wasnt United Quality.
Comparing Barry to Carrick cannot be justified.He was good for England but that guys quality would be clearly exposed in a team like united , where every goal scored almost happens in seconds .
Well would we want a Scvechenko and Mikel in our team instead of Carrick and Saha ????
Expect a cracker of match today , we definetly can bombard in the later parts of the match with Nani Saha and Carrick firing all cylinders !
November 3rd, 2007 at 8:42
carrick is shit, your all falling in love with him after his first season, because he was a starter in the team that won the premier league, well woop-tee-doo, smith and saha were in the team to, saha-a glass that kept falling smith-a striker who cant score is as usefull as an injury prone defender
your funny rick saha, i can imagine scoring, but carrick lol.
November 3rd, 2007 at 10:09
Dan #31: Saha’s a striker. Scoring is his job. Carrick’s job is passing and tackling and controlling the play. If he doesn’t score, that doesn’t mean he’s shit.
Nevertheless, Carrick did actually score three goals last season.
November 3rd, 2007 at 10:12
got to say im with Grognard, there seems to be way to much love for a man who in my opinon represents mediocracy. I just dream of a player like Pirlo or Juan Roman the Magic man feeding Ronaldo and co. Rather Im blessed with Carrick and his lacklustre passing. Ok to harsh. But he does just the simple things, I just feel that he just ties down our team, and that his inclusion would be at the expense of our formation. I do hope Im proved wrong though…
November 3rd, 2007 at 10:14
This is meant for a light note (not meant to offend) - Grognard comes out as the most controversial blogger so far in this website. His arguments always keep this blog alive. He says he loves Man U but will not praise the team for the sake of it. Where there is a need of criticism he says it loud and clear. At first I did not like his comments but I have come to like his arguments of late. Millz, learn to live with him, he is ours…
November 3rd, 2007 at 11:57
Frankly I wonder how many of you watch United at times. Last year Carrick was brought in and asked to play the role of what was effectively a water carrier, and after a slow start he played this role to a great effect. When Carrick was subbed of missing for the game our passing noticeably suffered. He is a player that you only notice if you specifically watch him. Teams can’t be packed with players all looking to play the killer pass every time, they all need people to keep them ticking over just as much. When Scholes was out Carrick, by and large, stepped up to the plate and dictated the teams play to mostly good effect. That central midfielder managed to outpass and outmanoeuvre virtually every other PL midfield at least once, short of Arsenal, and even then they put in an admirable display of defensive cover at the Emirates (PS I couldn’t give a toss what he does on England duty or if Barry outperforms him there).
This season he played well in his first three games and after a couple of mediocre performances managed to make himself into a scapegoat for some fans. Bullshit, complete and utter bullshit. His performances were no worse than any of our other attackers in that initial period of the season yet he gets singled out. I would, with confidence, say that if Riquelme had been bought instead of Carrick last year we would NOT have won the title last year. Similarly I wouldn’t have been that confident with Pirlo because he wouldn’t have offered the same amount of defensive cover which we desperately needed. That is something people often forget, they yap that his passing isn’t exciting enough but then completely ignore his excellent reading of the game, defensive cover and intercepting abilities. Not to mention, for a deep lying midfielder, a decent tally of goals.
Grognard: Do not underestimate Butt, he may have fallen away in his last 18 months at the club but he was a good performer before that and to describe him as barely adequate is nothing short of disrespectful and ungrateful to him
Dan: Your argument is flawed Smith played virtually no part in the PL campaign while Saha’s contributions in the first half of the season were critical to our success. Oh and go and take a look at Carrick’s goal tally in the second half of last season. I like him because I feel he made a big contribution to the teams excellent displays last season by giving them a stable platform to work from.
November 3rd, 2007 at 12:14
if you are United lover i bet you will love this one.For that you have also have to be an Arsenal Critic.
Do read this blog.