We had 3 scoring chances yesterday.
1/ a low cross by Sagna on the right, Cahill cleared before Giroud arrived. Bendtner could have done a "better" job as he is quicker that Giroud, but no guarantee he would score that one. Poldi, not even a poacher in this kind of situation, might not be in the box at all if he played instead of Giroud.
2/ Gibbs low cross on the left this time, Giroud was able to make a shoot attempt, but Cech made the block in a brilliant way. Bendtner could not have done better, and again, Poldi might not be in the box at all (not his style) in this situation.
3/ a chip by Ramsey and half volley shot by Giroud. Probably the best chance for Giroud and Arsenal the whole night. Well.... he missed it. Could Bendtner do a better job as a right footer? We don't know. Poldi would love this kind of shooting chance, and I believe he could do a much better job than Giroud. However, the angle was a bit too narrow, and not like the chance he had his 2nd goal against Fulham. Maybe he could get a rocket straight to Cech and get a rebound.
To be fair, even if all our forwards were available yesterday, the outcome would pretty much the same as we only had 3 so and so "scoring" chances.
It was not about Giroud playing bad or missing chances, it was about the setup of the team, and sloppiness.
Giroud's strength is his aerial abilities, and Wenger bought him and tried to mold him to play our ground attack football. Giroud's fault? Besides his flicks, I don't see how Giroud is better than an in-form Bendtner.
We had a 9-day rest before this game, and why our players looked so sloppy and tired?
Why didn't we use one single (just one??) substitution yesterday? a 5-10 minutes session for Santi, Poldi would not hurt their stamina (or risk injury) against West Ham, right? If there is injury risk concern, why not took Özil out and put Santi in, took Giroud out and put Bendtner in since they were not really performing?
I would not say Özil's effect is gone, as he is still new to the league and the team. Instead, I think we were so lucky (Wenger actually) that Giroud and Ramsey were red hot and scored enough goals for us to lead the table despite having numerous injuries. Now Giroud and Ramsey's forms are gone and they are "just" a normal player as they used to. We don't have the "magic" to turn the games around.
I am happy that we have the same points with Liverpool to stay top of the league, and I am happy that we are in the 2nd round of the CL. NOW, is the time for Wenger to do some real work, to lead the club, and make us a true contender. Our injured players are starting to get back, and he needs to bring them back to the lineup gradually but not affecting the team chemistry on the field. January is coming and he needs to bring in reinforcement. I don't want to hear that rubbish "quality over quantity" comment anymore as we are so shorthanded since the first day of this season. Also he should think of our formation and setup and have a plan B, when Giroud/starting CF is not performing. Is 4-2-3-1 really our best formation that can have, as Wenger never plays the strengths of Giroud, Podolski, or even Santi (deployed as LW)?
The 2nd half of the season should determine if Wenger stays or not.
Make a fair accessment
posted on 24/12/13
Another thread about the statue. Give it a rest ffs.
posted on 24/12/13
You are joking, right? Willian would have had to produce an Henry-esque finish or hope for a keeper error. Giroud just had to strike it cleanly.
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No, I'm not joking - they were from comparable angles, Willian had more time and had a better angle to play it across the keeper. It would not have take a wonderous finish but his shot was poor. Giroud's attempt was worse, but first time on the bounce so probably a slightly more difficult chance.
I'm not saying Giroud shouldn't have got a shot on target - he should, and he should be scoring more and generally doing but let's just have a little perspective. We need another option, that at least we can agree on.
posted on 24/12/13
Always said Adebayor was better than Giroud and got called all sorts for it. I have always maintained Bendtner is the more talented striker and should be given a chance to prove it.
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Same, what;'s worse is I said Giroud wasn't good enough from the moment RVP left, he arrived about 2 days before RVP departed and I welcomed that buy as good back-up but when I learnt he'd be our main man I said it from early and I got scrutinised for it because I should give him a chance.... fast forward a year and a half and more realise but very few are still deluded enough to believe he's the answer
posted on 24/12/13
how many real scoring chance did Chelsea had besides hitting the crossbar?
posted on 24/12/13
Always said Adebayor was better than Giroud and got called all sorts for it. I have always maintained Bendtner is the more talented striker and should be given a chance to prove it.
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They may both be more talented than Giroud, but their attitude is just as, if not more likely to let you down than any lack of ability Giroud has.
posted on 24/12/13
Funny that this post turned out to be another "who's better than Giroud" discussion...
I thought we have quite a number of areas that need to be improved, than just bashing Giroud or single out a player or two.
posted on 24/12/13
Arsenal had 2 shots on target actually it was an even game. 1st half Chelsea were the better team but 2nd half it was Arsenal.
posted on 24/12/13
And as for 0% footballing knowledge, if you'd seen Lewandowski beyond simply the Champions league match then perhaps you would realise how wasteful he can be.
You mate can at least backup your argument. You must have watch him recently. You are right He gets a lot of critics these days.
posted on 24/12/13
Make a fair accessment
I do. This was an appalling football game to watch. Chelsea went for just a draw and we werent able to break their solid defense. We hadnt pace, creativity or urgency. Chelsea played like they always do at the Emirates and got away with it one more time.
I miss the critics for Theo Walcott yesterday. People on here believed that he would make some run ins and his pace would help OG to get in better scoring positions. Where was he. No one mention even that but dont forget to slate Giroud again.
posted on 25/12/13
I have not seen any articles on the board criticising anyone but Giroud after yesterday's game, which is strange since many of our players were average at best.