Tag Archives: Champion’s League

Arsenal Player Ratings v. Milan – Phoenix (not Arizona) Edition

Posted on by
2

I don’t think I’ll add anything new to the conversation that hasn’t already been said about Arsenal’s near history-making performance against Milan on Tuesday. It surely was a bittersweet game that had hearts pounding, palms sweating and legs bouncing. How could you sit still? I couldn’t. I think I scared the crap out of my neighbors at one point. But that’s why we love this game (and especially this team).

The performance was very special. It shows what an Arsenal team that plays at a high tempo and with pace can do to nearly any team in Europe. I don’t think any team would have beaten Arsenal on Tuesday night – not Manchester City, not United, not Barcelona. Not even Real Madrid. AOC was an absolute revelation on Tuesday night playing in the central midfield role. Can you imagine a midfield with Song, Wilshere and the Ox on the field at the same time? With Rosicky and Arteta rotating in and out? And Ramsey, too, if he can ever get his shit together. Wow! It’s a very exciting time to be an Arsenal fan.

I normally go through and rate each player individually, but I think the Milan game showed a committed and inspired team effort – therefore, the team will be rated collectively. For me, the Arsenal team that played on Tuesday night feels a bit like the Phoenix rising from its own ashes to be reborn again.

The Arsenix -- kicking ass and taking names.

If you stop and think about where we started the season, and where we are now, it’s nothing short of remarkable. I can’t tell you how many times – according to press on both sides of the Atlantic, as well as a few fickle fans – we’ve been left for dead only to reemerge and confound the “experts.” We’re in 4th place, with a real chance to capture 3rd. I get there’s still a long way to go this season and a top 4 finish isn’t guaranteed, but this group of players should be extremely proud of the way it has overcome adversity and pulled together as a team.

I think the chemistry and camaraderie and fighting spirit on this team with RvP as captain is actually much stronger than last year’s team. Cesc is a supreme talent, no question, but he wasn’t the galvanizing force that was so sorely needed. And we won’t even talk about Nasri.

So, yes, I think the Phoenix is the appropriate symbol for Arsenal this season, and the essence of that Phoenix spirit was captured and on display against Milan on Tuesday night.

Arsenal v. Milan Player Ratings – The Star Wars Edition Redux

Posted on by
Reply

The game against Milan today is either the hardest game to analyze or the easiest. No analysis. Pages and pages of analysis. They are both the correct approach in their own right.

The thing I can’t wrap my head around is the fact that many of the players on Arsenal are exceptionally talented players, but seem to suck collectively as a team. There’s something there just out of reach, just at the periphery of vision that flits away when you try to look at it directly, something that’s looked at through a lens coated with Vaseline.

The lack of energy and fight was obvious today. But why? Did Arsene not prepare his team properly? Did the players go on a bender in Italy last night? Were they scared of the San Siro? Were they overconfident? Do they not have a “winning mentality”? I don’t know. I’m not even sure Arsene knows the answer at this stage.

Sure, Ox and Henry injected some energy into Arsenal in the 2nd half, but it was more of a brief blip on the heart monitor rather than an electrifying, life-giving, game-changing experience.

It was as if the Arsenal players were wearing their lethargy boots. Maybe it was the equipment manager’s fault. He accidentally brought the lethargy boots instead of the “give a shit” boots. I’ve seen MLS teams play better. Hell, I’ve seen college teams play better.

I was going to use a different player rating system, but fuck it. If Arsenal can be lazy, I can too. It’s back to Star Wars. And there’s really only one character that sums up the play today.

Szczesny (Jar Jar Binks): Didn’t make any terrible mistakes, but no one’s getting a free ride today.

Sagna (Jar Jar Binks): For the first time in as long a time as I can remember, Sagna looked lost in a game.

Vermaelen (Jar Jar Binks): Really just had a shit game from beginning to end.

Koscielny (Jar Jar Binks): Ditto. And then got injured.

Djourou (Jar Jar Binks): “Djourou” <As you say his name, your head slumps down and your voice drops at the end>

Song (Jar Jar Binks): Other than Henry, probably was the best player for Arsenal — which isn’t saying much.

Ramsey (Jar Jar Fucking Binks): My mother always said that if I can’t say anything nice, STFU.

Arteta (Jar Jar Binks): Game passed him by.

Walcott (Jar Jar Fucking Binks): Did he even show up for the game? Was he on the field? Oh, he was?

Rosicky (Jar Jar Binks): The Little Mozart was most definitely not in tune today.

Van Persie (Jar Jar Binks): Ok, he was probably a bit better than that, but it’s a collective Jar Jar Binks moment.

Henry (Jar Jar Binks): He really tried to inject some life into the team, but the players already on the pitch would have none of it.