Arsenal v Monaco - Champions League Round Of 16 - 25/02/2015 - 19:45

[Master Splinter]

So we play Monaco tomorrow. They'll probably park the quadruple-decker. Wenfer will likely stick with mostly the same team, even though Feo would probably give us more threat in the final third and the continuation of both Ozil and Cazorla in midfield could come unstuck against a more accomplished opponent.

If we start sharply and aggressively, then it could be one of those enjoyable European wins. If we let Monaco settle, it will be a frustrating night.

2-0 (Giroud, Sanchez).

[Niall_Quinn]

3-0 Ozil hattrick

[Marc Overmars]

Looking forward to this, mainly because we have a chance of going through, for a change.

2-0.

[AFC Leveller]

At home in the CL, i always fancy us to win and Monaco are no Bayern so i expect us to win.

However, it would be one of those realy nervy 1-0 wins where we score early and it looks like we'll score 4 but wenger goes full on wum and plays it safe afterwards and let Monaco back into the game.

The away leg will be tough, we have produced some really cra stuff lately away from home (spuds, palace, liverpool etc) and we could be in trouble if we dont fully rape them tomorrow.

[Injury Time]

Had to to put ticket exchange mine and mates tickets as both stuffed work wise:-( but his will guarantee a 3-1 win :scarf: (we will lose 2-0 away of course :doh:) we get £55 back each...

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Ox is back in training. :bow:

Timeshare rules dictate Theo is in need of injury.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

http://i61.tinypic.com/o9iru8.png

:cloud9:

[Letters]

:sick: I should ban you for that.

[Özim]

We should win this comfortably because Monaco don't really have too much about them, but we did make a right mess of it against a weak Dortmund side so who knows what will happen, expect us to win at home and ultimately go through, we're lucky to get such an easy draw after coming 2nd in our group.

[selassie]

Both games will be quite tight IMO. Whilst it's definitely a favourable draw for us Monaco are extremely well organised and will give nothing away, they are going to be a real bitch to break down.

I think we'll win tonight, but probably 1-0.

[Niall_Quinn]

Dortmund did quite well last night against a strong Juventus. CL presents different challenges to the domestic leagues. If you spread our luck out over several seasons then avoiding Barcelona or Bayern on this one occasion is the exception rather than the rule so can hardly be considered lucky.

[Özim]

They lost but Juve aren't all that, whenever they meet anyone decent they lose because the Italian league just isn't what it use to be.

As for the luck, well we always seem to end up 2nd in our group and 2nd place teams generally face better teams than 1st place teams, so in that sense we are lucky.

[Niall_Quinn]

Juventus have a solid team this year. No pushover. Solid defensively and they score plenty.

By your logic, if you roll a winning number one throw in 10 you are a lucky duck based on that isolated throw and ignoring all the rest.

[Özim]

They aren't much different to last year or the year before, something very unconvincing about them IMO.

Well not really, the table topping teams in the CL should all be of a top standard, the fact we got one that isn't it fortunate.

[Letters]

They lost but Juve aren't all that, whenever they meet anyone decent they lose because the Italian league just isn't what it use to be.

As for the luck, well we always seem to end up 2nd in our group and 2nd place teams generally face better teams than 1st place teams, so in that sense we are lucky.

That's like saying you threw a die 10 times and got a 6 one time, aren't you lucky?
Well no. Over time if you keep throwing a die you'll inevitably get a 6. If you keep finishing 2nd then most times you'll be facing one of the big teams but not always.

[Niall_Quinn]

They aren't much different to last year or the year before, something very unconvincing about them IMO.

Well not really, the table topping teams in the CL should all be of a top standard, the fact we got one that isn't it fortunate.

Do you really hope we win, or are you just saying that to maintain your popularity?

[Letters]

Do you really hope we win, or are you just saying that to maintain your popularity?

He's just laying the groundwork for later WUMming.
Now if we get a comfortable win he can say "meh, it was only Monaco", and if we don't he can moan his tits off.
Good tactics, tbf.

[Özim]

Do you really hope we win, or are you just saying that to maintain your popularity?

Pretty confident we'll win as we should, that should be it for the CL this year after that, but I guess it's one step better that the last 3-4 years.

[Özim]

He's just laying the groundwork for later WUMming.
Now if we get a comfortable win he can say "meh, it was only Monaco", and if we don't he can moan his tits off.
Good tactics, tbf.

It is "only Monaco" so that goes without saying, if we'd met anyone else (top teams) I'd expect us to get knocked out, but these chumps have sold their two best players so aren't much cop attacking wise and their 4th in ligue 1 so not exactly top notch.

[Letters]

It is "only Monaco" so that goes without saying, if we'd met anyone else (top teams) I'd expect us to get knocked out, but these chumps have sold their two best players so aren't much cop attacking wise and their 4th in ligue 1 so not exactly top notch.

They're 4th after a bad start but their results of late have been very good, P10 W7 D2 L1 in all competitions recently.
The French league isn't that strong so overall I'd say we are favourites but they're in the last 16 of the CL so they can't be that bad.

[Dein-machine]

They're 4th after a bad start but their results of late have been very good, P10 W7 D2 L1 in all competitions recently.
The French league isn't that strong so overall I'd say we are favourites but they're in the last 16 of the CL so they can't be that bad.

Like Zim, are you also laying the ground ( by bigging Monaco up ) to defend your beloved should he fuck up tonight against a French pub team. 2-0 up & he takes of Sanchez & Theo to bring on Flamini & an extra defender & Monaco attack us religiously a get 2 late goals to draw. Don't be so silly, I hear you say, Le Prof is paid £8 mill a year & wouldn't possibly do anything like that -- er, Anderlecht.

[Marc Overmars]

Arsenal XI vs Monaco: Ospina, Bellerin, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Gibbs, Coquelin, Cazorla, Sanchez, Ozil, Welbeck, Giroud.

Was hoping Theo would start.

[Niall_Quinn]

Arsenal XI vs Monaco: Ospina, Bellerin, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Gibbs, Coquelin, Cazorla, Sanchez, Ozil, Welbeck, Giroud.

Was hoping Theo would start.

He must be going with Ozil and Cazorla in central midfield again? Hope we're not up against anything special in that area otherwise we won't see much of the ball.

[Master Splinter]

Arsenal XI: Ospina, Bellerin, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Gibbs, Coquelin, Cazorla, Sanchez, Ozil, Welbeck, Giroud
Subs: Szczesny, Gabriel, Monreal, Chambers, Rosicky, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Walcott

Monaco XI: Subašić, Fabinho, Abdennour, Wallace, Elderson, Tourè, João Moutinho, Dirar, Kondogbia, Martial, Berbatov
Subs: Stekelenburg, Kurzawa, Diallo Matheus, Carvalho, Bernardo Silva, Traoré, Ferreira-Carrasco

[The Emirates Gallactico]

Same. Play Theo in the home games where his goals are invaluable and Welbeck in the away games where you need his defensive work.

Though I do note he's decided to play the more attacking Gibbs instead of Monreal on the left.

Also poor Ches. :( Thought Wenger may give him the CL matches but alas no. Serves him right though.


Still, there's more than enough quality there to get a comfortable 3 - 0 win.

[The Emirates Gallactico]

He must be going with Ozil and Cazorla in central midfield again? Hope we're not up against anything special in that area otherwise we won't see much of the ball.

Nah considering Monaco are pretty much certain to park the bus it shouldn't be a problem.


Play Rosicky (or Ramsey if he's fit and on form) in the away leg though.

[Master Splinter]

He must be going with Ozil and Cazorla in central midfield again? Hope we're not up against anything special in that area otherwise we won't see much of the ball.

Kondogbia could be little bit beast if he's up for it. Moutinho can look superb on a good day. I still think they'll mostly try to stop us playing and having a proper central midfielder like Rosicky in there would be helpful. It's why Welbeck is playing; he compensates for the attacking natures of Cazorla and Ozil. If we do get on top though, having most of our best attacking players playing should be an advantage.

Theo :lol:. He's been relegated to super-sub.

[Power n Glory]

Theo's on his way out of the club. Welbeck will take his spot on the flanks.

[Niall_Quinn]

Theo's on his way out of the club. Welbeck will take his spot on the flanks.

Hope that's not true. If it is we've paid him 100K a week to be injured for a year.

[Niall_Quinn]

They're comparing our Kos to that fucking cunt Pique. Very harsh.

[Niall_Quinn]

Wenger confirms Bellerin and Gibbs play to handle the pace of the Monaco counter-attack.

[Niall_Quinn]

Here we go. COYG! Let's put them away tonight.

[Marc Overmars]

Come on you Gunners!

[Herbert_Chapman's_Zombie]

Been offered ticket twice for the game tonight, but done myself a mischief and don't fancy hobbling about London.

2-0 i think.

[Master Splinter]

Wenger confirms Bellerin and Gibbs play to handle the pace of the Monaco counter-attack.

Will I use this eminently logical tactic the next time we are up against high-energy, pacy, direct Premier League players?

We do not comment on sensible gameplans.

But yes, Chambers has shown great resistance to tears when I have hung him out to dry.

[Niall_Quinn]

Slow start, no goals.

[Niall_Quinn]

Dat Guy :doh:

[Niall_Quinn]

All over them. Have to make it count.

[Herbert_Chapman's_Zombie]

is Berbatov NOT wearing gloves this evening?

[Niall_Quinn]

Santi doing a lot of square and back passing. Need to go the other way!

[Maestro]

Come on lads get it together! COYG

[Maestro]

Does the silence on here mean everyone is at the game??

[Niall_Quinn]

Does the silence on here mean everyone is at the game??

No, they have joined other forums where there are posters saying shit.

[Niall_Quinn]

Can't complain about the ref so far, he's given us everything.

[Maestro]

We have some GHEL pace on the bench.

Keep losing the ball needlessly, and just not finding a decent final ball after almost half an hour of toil.

[Maestro]

Can't complain about the ref so far, he's given us everything.


Definitely not English then.

[Niall_Quinn]

Really poor by Bif. He's had another slow start.

[Niall_Quinn]

Definitely not English then.

He's Martian.

[Herbert_Chapman's_Zombie]

playing too narrowly

[Niall_Quinn]

Kos monstering Berbatov on the edge of the Monaco box :haha:

[Niall_Quinn]

playing too narrowly

Playing too slowly. Passing to the wrong team. Playing in the wrong direction.

[Maestro]

Really poor by Bif. He's had another slow start.

Our Citroen diesel engine.

just over from Sanchez

[Niall_Quinn]

Ozil and Alexis get it together. Just over. Close, more of that needed.

[Herbert_Chapman's_Zombie]

not the best finish, but definitely the best attacking move of the game thus far

[Niall_Quinn]

Bellerin :doh:

[Niall_Quinn]

Final pass, final touch, all just out.

[Maestro]

better play,santi was key there

[Niall_Quinn]

Giroud has to do better there.

We've really let them off the hook this half.

[Thierrymon]

Fcuk

[Maestro]

There we go, fuckers

[Niall_Quinn]

Oh well. Typical us.

[Munchies]

fuck sake

[Niall_Quinn]

Yet again, taking our foot off the gas and doing that tippy tappy backwards shit has paid big dividends. For the other team.

[Maestro]

Giroud has to do better there.

We've really let them off the hook this half.

...and we got our just rewards for letting them feel at home

mi casa, es tu casa ...and they'll fuck your wife

[Niall_Quinn]

Nonsense effort from Giroud.

Come on! Wake up!

[Niall_Quinn]

...and we got our just rewards for letting them feel at home

mi casa, es tu casa ...and they'll fuck your wife

They're not that sort of John Terry.

But undoubtedly we are a very welcoming club.

[Niall_Quinn]

Coq picks up his booking.

[Maestro]

They're not that sort of John Terry.

But undoubtedly we are a very welcoming club.

yep, our mrs is too easy

[adzzzbatch]

Us :haha:

[Niall_Quinn]

Another fluke, a dive in the box, a slip and we're right up against it. Have to get the next goal and preferably in this half or Monaco will come out with bags of confidence.

[Niall_Quinn]

yep, our mrs is too easy

RvC could score here with permission.

[Xhaka Can’t]

Gibbs says the boys really want to win the CL for Wenger. Tbf to him, he didn't say where.

[Niall_Quinn]

Elderson booked. Run at him!

[Maestro]

this half is gone, looks like we have nothing to give right now

better luck next half .... luck that word of the day again

[Niall_Quinn]

A woeful end to a woeful half, bar the first 5 mins.

[Niall_Quinn]

So we come storming out, go close 3 times, and then drop the tempo and start passing sideways and backwards.

Is it fair to ask why? The fuck?

[AFC Leveller]

LOL.

Monaco score their first first half goal in ten years

Kondogbia (who has been the best player on the pitch) scores his first ever CL game.

Monaco dont concede too many, only one so far in the CL and one in their last 10 in France.

we have been dog shite, poor all over. we look like we dont know what to do whether to go at them or wait and its playing right into monaco's hands.

[Master Splinter]

Not good at all. Ozil and Sanchez have been particularly poor in giving it away and passing it to distant shadows.

Rosicky to provide thrust and a platform in the centre and Oxlade to give us some width and directness would seem sensible.

But we must not use our subs before the computer dictates.

[Marc Overmars]

Same old negative and one dimensional rubbish that defines this team.

Monaco have defended well but we've really shown no imagination at all.

Pathetic.

[Xhaka Can’t]

If at first hour tactics don't work, keep on doing the same thing over and over and over.

[AFC Leveller]

Same old negative and one dimensional rubbish that defines this team.

Monaco have defended well but we've really shown no imagination at all.

Pathetic.

one ting ice notice dis that ozil and cazorla dont operate well in a CM, esp against a decent CL oppo. everytime we lose the ball, monaco have so much space in the middle to counter attack and thats what thei did for their goal.

we are playing too narow, not enough width.

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

Losing the ball too often. If he persists with Welbeck playing because of his defensive stability, what's the point in him drifting in field getting in the way of others then losing the ball.

A little too much tippy tappy in the goal area too. Their keeper may as well get a cigar on.

[fakeyank]

Clueless half. No idea what they are trying to do to score. Welbeck is not suited for the wings.. rather bring on Ox or Walcott there.

The only player who can leave the pitch with some dignity is Santi.

[Xhaka Can’t]

The only player who can leave the pitch with some dignity is Santi.

Tough on Kondogbia.

[Marc Overmars]

Come on you fucking cunts. Sort your lives out.

[Maestro]

At least we can reminisce after the game, watching The Invincibles

[Master Splinter]

Bif's chocolate foot :doh:.

[Niall_Quinn]

If at first hour tactics don't work, keep on doing the same thing over and over and over.

This is just knee jerk. As you well know, we can bring Flamini and Chambers on for Santi and Welbeck.

And we will.

[Master Splinter]

FFS Bif.

[Marc Overmars]

Fuck sake Bif, that's your bread and butter.

[Niall_Quinn]

So, so poor from Bif.

His chocolate head :doh:

[Marc Overmars]

What an embarrasment.

[fakeyank]

:haha:

CL :rose:

[adzzzbatch]

FUCK OFF ARSENAL

[Maestro]

Just sack Wenger, this is humiliating

[Niall_Quinn]

Absolute sucker punch.

FIVE players taken out by that ball.

Merts one of them, literally charging forward and leaving the whole field open behind him. That's schoolboy.

[Marc Overmars]

Seriously guys, what is the point of us being in this competition?

[Master Splinter]

WUMger has re-invented the Low Point.

[selassie]

We can never win this competition anyway, should concentrate on top 4 & fa cup.

[Niall_Quinn]

Wenger MUST act right now. If he doesn't then he should just leave the stadium because what use is he? We still have a chance to rescue this if we act right now.

[fakeyank]

We can never win this competition anyway, should concentrate on top 4 & fa cup.

:gp:

[Maestro]

there are a few players stinking it up out there, and not for the first time. having no manager doesn't help but jeez some common sense please

what will be wenger and the players' excuse tonight

utter bullshit when it matters

[Ralpheroo72]

Arsene, its time to quit. Same shit every season with or without money to spend. I do not want him to have another transfer window

[Marc Overmars]

Ah that's the Giroud we know. :haha:

What a miss.

[Niall_Quinn]

Bif should have 2 goals. Aguero sure as hell would given those chances. So would Sturridge. Only Rooney wouldn't have bagged a goal from those chances.

Theo warming up.

BIF :doh:

WHAT THE FUCK. Has he been paid?

[fakeyank]

Giroud, fuck off and then fuck off again... and then die!

[Maestro]

that's exactly what i think of bif ...not good enough for us

[fakeyank]

Hope Theo is coming on for Giroud..

[Master Splinter]

Giroud is the reincarnation of Lukaku.

He should have three now.

[Niall_Quinn]

Theo on for Ospina.

[-Xs-]

that's exactly what i think of bif ...not good enough for us

We are losing 0-2 at home to Monaco. Bif is exactly where he should be

[Globalgunner]

Welcome back Arsenal

[fakeyank]

Best substitution by AW in the last couple of years

[Niall_Quinn]

Why are our fullbacks playing more advanced than Alexis and Welbz?

That's bad news for Giroud. Subbed. Good on the night because he;s having a stinker, but possibly bad for the rest of the season.

Ozil left, Welbz and Alexis up top, Theo right

[Niall_Quinn]

Why are our fullbacks not defending?

Ospina keeps us in the tie.

[Marc Overmars]

We are getting schooled.

[Munchies]

Terrible

[Niall_Quinn]

Monaco really fancy it now and we're doing nothing to discourage them.

EVERY FUCKING TIME WE TAKE OUR FOOT OFF THE GAS IN A MATCH WE STRUGGLE!

Tippy tappy should be a shot dead, buried, dug up, skull fucked and burned.

[Globalgunner]

We are being schooled at home by Monaco. Purgatory does not come worse than this. Should be 0-3 down really

[Niall_Quinn]

No way, we aren't scoring tonight. Walcott misses and then clears Welbeck's follow up effort.

We should have 5 tonight.

[Munchies]

hits walcott :haha:

[Marc Overmars]

Walcott gets in the way of a certain goal from Welbz. FFS.

[selassie]

This will happen against United in the Cup. This team is a disgrace in the big games.

[Niall_Quinn]

Merts is finished. He's stumbling around the pitch being turned inside out by anyone who fancies it.

[Munchies]

fuck sake, losing the ball there

[Niall_Quinn]

Ox on, Coq off. You can only wonder who will be holding the fort in the middle now. Santi?

[adzzzbatch]

I got my step dad his ticket for this shit tonight :haha:

[Niall_Quinn]

Wenger has changed the whole team around. There's no middle groundsanity with this guy.

[Master Splinter]

Ox the MOTM already.

[Marc Overmars]

Wtf are we doing?

[Globalgunner]

Suicide is also on the agenda apparently

[Niall_Quinn]

We need 3 goals here to give ourselves a chance in the return. 2 conceded at home against Monaco, who but an Arsenal fan could ever have expected this?

[Munchies]

:lol:

[Munchies]

if we had harry kane we'd win this

[Niall_Quinn]

Should be a £10K fine for every back pass.

[Maestro]

Lose, fine ...but why do we always have to get humiliated when it matters?

[Niall_Quinn]

Bellerin with an inevitable booking.

[Niall_Quinn]

Lose, fine ...but why do we always have to get humiliated when it matters?

It's our USP

[Power n Glory]

Just following the score on Sky Sports News. No surprises. No point in being in the competition if we can't win it. Don't shed too many tears tonight GW'ers.

[fakeyank]

What position is Sanchez playing? He should be out wide on the left or right.. not in CM!

[adzzzbatch]

Fuck CL we have no place here. We're done.

[Niall_Quinn]

Santi rolling around, needs to get up and score tbf.

[Niall_Quinn]

Seen it all before. This is the only club where humiliation is dull.

[fakeyank]

Remove Ozil!! FFS!! :banghead:

[Master Splinter]

Ozil must never be replaced.

[KSE Comedy Club]

Laughable tbh.

It would seem that the very successful 'player power' that happened when we bossed Citeh was short lived and the bumbling idiot is back in charge.

[Marc Overmars]

Ozil again lasts the 90 despite doing fuck all.

[Niall_Quinn]

Rosicky on for Santi. That's how it should have been at kick off, either that or Rosicky for Ozil. Wenger watched the Ozil/ Santi combination misfire against Palace. So I guess he thought by stepping up a level in the CL it would work a lot better.

Alexis trying for the goal now. Maybe he can grab us a lifeline.

[Munchies]

:doh:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Us. :lol:

[Niall_Quinn]

I think all we can do now is prepare a dossier of some sort.

[selassie]

Remove Ozil!! FFS!! :banghead:

I'd sell him, he's fuckin shite, 42 million and he routinely bottles big games.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Corner, let's pub one in.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Or let's get counter-attacked, whatever you wish.

[fakeyank]

I'd sell him, he's fuckin shite, 42 million and he routinely bottles big games.

:gp:

It'd be as good as getting rid of Diaby tbf..

[Niall_Quinn]

So I suppose a 2-1 in Monaco and a glorious failure headline? How do we manage to maintain this level of consistency?

[Niall_Quinn]

Somebody order an ambulance for Claude.

[Japan Shaking All Over]

This has been fuckin crap.......no doubt there will the Wenger haters blaming him for this shit but the players should shoulder this totally

[McNamara That Ghost...]

OXLADE-CHAMBERLAIN!!!!

:bow:

[Japan Shaking All Over]

One goal pleae

[Marc Overmars]

What a goal!

[Master Splinter]

Ox definitely MOTM.

[Japan Shaking All Over]

Fuck yes

[Niall_Quinn]

OX!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Welcome back and thank fuck.

Neville gutted too, bonus.

[Niall_Quinn]

COME ON! 3 mins - get it in the box.

Oh and don't concede.

[Maestro]

our MOTM scores, to save wenget's blushes. happy for ox, hadn't scored for ages even though he had been playing well this season

[Japan Shaking All Over]

Ozil almost didn't even want to make that run for Sanchezs pass

[Niall_Quinn]

That was a fucking horrible ball to Ox, whoever made that shit attempt. Fucking lazy. Fucking careless.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Ospina the WUM.

[Niall_Quinn]

Sheeeeet - thought Ospina dropped that in the net :doh:

[Japan Shaking All Over]

our MOTM scores, to save wenget's blushes. happy for ox, hadn't scored for ages even though he had been playing well this season

It's the players who should be blushing.....especially the starting 11

[McNamara That Ghost...]

1-3. That was horrible from Ox.

[Marc Overmars]

1-3 :haha:

[Niall_Quinn]

Yep - like I said, don't concede.

3 away goals.

All done.

[fakeyank]

Defending as bad as it gets.

AW :bow:

[selassie]

It's over now.

[Marc Overmars]

Boooooooooooooo.

Just go away Wenger.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

1-3 FT. Oh dear.

[Master Splinter]

In truth, Ox has been as dreadful as anyone. He's given the ball away with almost every touch.

[Niall_Quinn]

Merts is of no use in a situation like that. Not enough pace to even get in the vicinity.

FT

Wenger really is clueless.

[Japan Shaking All Over]

Suppose Wenger should be blushing for that cluster fuck huh?

[Maestro]

we're fucking unbelievable, they should call this team The Unbelievables ...so cruel on Ox

[Munchies]

Bollocks

[Maestro]

Suppose Wenger should be blushing for that cluster fuck huh?

we're shite, end of

[Niall_Quinn]

In truth, Ox has been as dreadful as anyone. He's given the ball away with almost every touch.

Trying to do too much.

You have to wonder how quality players can put in performances like that. Either they don't give a fuck or else they have no clue what they are supposed to be doing.

Le Bumbling Idiot's fingerprints are all over this.

[Niall_Quinn]

Monaco can't believe they've won, and won so easily.

We helped Liverpool, we helped Utd, we help so many teams who come here. We welcome them in, give them hope and then hand them a confidence boosting win. Generous to a fault.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Time for fried chicken tbf.

[adzzzbatch]

We're a fucking joke of a club.

[Gooner23]

What a bunch of fucking chumps. Wenger included.

[adzzzbatch]

What a bunch of fucking chumps. Wenger included.

:gp: