Arsenal v Cologne: The teams, the Jack talk, the growth of penalties in Europe.

By Bulldog Drummond

And moving on to the final episode of our Cologne previews, of course there is Jack who has now been working with Mr Wenger for ten years.  Mr W said…

“Jack is very hungry and very determined, He is also not completely at his best but he is getting there every week. I think he enjoys being back and enjoys competing for his place. What I see in training is positive.

“When he began his rehab I was on tour with the club but since I came back I have observed him more. I know Jack well enough; he analyses every training session to see how he has done. He has a football brain, you don’t need to tell him much on that front, but I speak to him of course about how I see his evolution.”

But of course with endless rumours being invented by the media about Jack’s departure to this or that Turkish club it has to be not that these stories are being made up but rather that “Wilshere’s future is one of those matters on which Wenger vacillates.”  There is of course no evidence for either the transfer or the vacillation, but that is what we get day after day.

Asked if Jack will now fully realise his potential after such a succession of injuries, Mr Wenger replied, “If you have seen the video of when he played against Barcelona, you know what his game is about. He needs this little burst to get away from people because he can turn the game forward. If you can turn the game forward you need your legs to get you out of the pressure. That will come back for him, I believe. It’s coming back in training.

“We are all different. Some just come back like nothing happened to them; some are traumatised for their whole life. It is like if you have a car accident. Some don’t want to drive any more. It depends on the personality. He knows his body well, he has become very professional and learnt how much time it takes to get back to his best so he is more patient.”

Back with the issue of the Europa League overall, Mr Wenger said, “Of course the disappointment from not finishing top four was there but we were one point short,. We won 75 points last year. Now we are humble enough to be happy enough to win every single competition we are in.”

So it has been a lot of Jack Jack Jack this week, but there is also the issue of Olivier Giroud who, as I am sure you will know is aiming to become only the 19th Arsenal player to score 100 club goals. In his interviews Giroud talked about why he was staying at Arsenal when Lacazette had been brought in.

“It was a private decision but it’s true I was close to leaving the club,” he replied. “After a big reflection with everybody around me, I wanted to stay. I thought the story was not finished at Arsenal.”

Another piece that has been doing the rounds is the increase in the number of penalties given in European games.   Last season it was 53, while in 2006/7 it was just 17.   The big jump came with the introduction of the two extra linesmen behind the goals, who are miked up to the referee.  Their advantage is that with a player heading for goal and the referee behind the player the extra official has a view of the player from the other side and can see fouls more readily.

Plus the gradual introduction of video usage in league matches (it is already being used in Germany for example) referees and their assistants know that in the near future they are going to be caught out even more if they make any false moves.  So they are getting more likely to give penalties.  In 2012/13 only 29 penalties were given, only just over half the number of last season. It has been quite a rise.

Arsenal possible lineup: 

Ospina,

Holding, Mertesacker, Mustafi,

Bellerin                                          Kolasinac

Elneny Wilshere

Walcott      Giroud        Alexis

Subs: Nelson, Cech, Maitland Niles, Debuchy,  Monreal, Owobi, Akpom and Joe Willock.

Squad in full: David Ospina, Petr Cech, Deyan Iliev, Matt Macey, Mathieu Debuchy, Per Mertesacker, Laurent Koscielny, Rob Holding, Nacho Monreal, Shkodran Mustafi, Calum Chambers, Hector Bellerin, Sead Kolasinac, Aaron Ramsey, Jack Wilshere, Mesut Ozil, Granit Xhaka, Francis Coquelin, Mohamed Elneny, Alexis Sanchez, Alexandre Lacazette, Olivier Giroud, Theo Walcott, Danny Welbeck, Chuba Akpom, Ryan Huddart, Hugo Keto, Tolaji Bola, Chiori Johnson, Tafari Moore, Alex Iwobi, Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Jeff Reine-Adelaide, Krystian Bielik, Charlie Gilmour, Marcus McGuane, Reiss Nelson, Ben Sheaf, Pelenda Da Silva, Aaron Eyoma, Edward Nketiah, Joseph Willock.

And with that I take my leave and will shortly be heading off to the game.  (Well, via the pub first, of course).

Walter is still away so there is no post match review, but we’ll be back tomorrow morning with.. well, whatever turns up.

 

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Today’s posts from the Arsenal History Society

 

93 Replies to “Arsenal v Cologne: The teams, the Jack talk, the growth of penalties in Europe.”

  1. We of the Gooners are not expecting anything less than a mauling of the Billy Goats from Cologne by the will be rotated Gunners team this night at the Emirates Stadium. Therefore, let the Gunners do the mauling of the Billy Goats comprehensively to our admirations this night to prove to the Blues ahead of them clashing with them on Sunday at the Bridge that they are not the only ones that can do a mauling at home in a European competition but Arsenal can as well do it.

  2. We of the Gooners are not expecting anything less than a mauling of the Billy Goats from Cologne by the will be rotated Gunners team this night at the Emirates Stadium. Therefore, let the Gunners do the mauling of the Billy Goats comprehensively to our admirations this night to prove to the Blues ahead of them clashing with them on Sunday at the Bridge that they are not the only ones that can do a mauling at home in a European competition but Arsenal can as well do it.

  3. Sorry, the data connection was slow and as I clicked twice thinking it hadn’t connected, that resulted in my comment posting again.

  4. On the Telegraph website this afternoon

    European qualification was secure by a fifth-placed finish in the Bundesliga, pipping Hertha Berlin on goal difference. However, they were closer to Wolfsburg in 16th than Hoffenheim in fourth, who finished 13 points clear of them to claim a spot in the Champions League play-offs.

    Does that ring any bells with anyone?

  5. Off topic but I noticed that Tottenham’s domestic immunity from red cards doesn’t extend to Europe, both they and Liverpool! Had players sent off last night.

  6. Early reports are at there up to 30,000 Cologne supporters in London prior to our game this evening. They have 2,900 allocated seats so the atmosphere in and around the ground could be quite lively. Be aware and safe fellow gooners.

  7. We must have seen Le Prof’s 3-4-3 starts and bench for this Klon match as below:
    Ospina
    Holding Mertesacker Monreal
    Bellerin Maitland-Niles
    Iwobi Elneny
    Walcott Alexis
    Giroud.

    Bench:
    Ospina Mustafi Kolasinac Adelaide Nelson Wilshere Akpom.

    Both Mr Drummond and I did not get the guess Le Prof starts 100% correct. But save Adelaide who I didn’t know is now okay, the Gunners who I’ve not started like Alexis & Monreal who Le Prof has started I have them on my bench. And Kolasinac, Nelson and Wilshere who Le Prof has benched I started them. I only missed out on Adelaide in my 18 man Gunners team prediction for this match.

  8. Jammy J

    BT Reporter said the problem was the amount of Cologne fans gathered outside the ground without tickets.

    Although reports of some fighting it was more about getting in to the ground due to the intimidating nature of the crowd.

    Why the police allowed them to march all the way to the ground without tickets I do not know.

  9. Sounds like it’s pretty hectic in there. Last I read on Sky Sports, there were fans trying to run from the home-end to the away-end.

  10. I guess the 30,000 Cologne supporters in London for this match is partly responsible for the 1 hour delay.

    I hope everyone in and around the Ems are safe.

    6 – 0 to the Arsenal. A hatrick to one of Giroud, Alexis or Walcott.

    COYG

  11. Yep

    Report said cologne fans had brought tickets from touts for sections throughout the ground including the family enclosure.

    They have then been trying to make there way to there section of the Stadium.

    Personally I cant see this going ahead.

    Cant allow Cologne fans in amongst Arsenal. Trouble.

    Cant throw them out. Potentially big trouble, either inside or perhaps outside the ground.

    Cant allow them all to go to there allocated section. Overcrowding.

    As I say, I think it will be called off. Hope I’m wrong.

  12. 4-1-4-1 always gives Arsenal trouble, so i hope they are aware and ready and not over confident.

    Come on Arsenal

  13. Just got in.

    LiveScore has almost nothing as far as commentary on this game. Four entries so far: start of game, the goal, and now a substitution. UEFA.com has commentary, you need javascript turned on to see any of it.

    COYG!

  14. Business as usual, loads of possession, no shots on target and losing the game. Something’s gotta change!

  15. We really need to learn how to play against a 4-1-4-1 and learn to play it ourselves. How many times have i said this i do not know.

  16. everybody knows how to play THIS arsenal.
    what was the plan? “Maitland-Niles against worst german team”?

  17. Nelson is on fire right now. Give the boy a game! Couldn’t be worse than what we’ve been witnessing!

  18. Strangely quiet on here tonight? Are we such fair-weather supporters or just prefer to keep our heads down when the inexcusable stuff hits the fan?

  19. When things are not going to plan Untold always lifts my spirits but it seems tonight we’ve thrown the towel in? COYG! Get behind our team FFS!

  20. 5th Gen Gooner
    When the team lacks direction and show as much lack of interest as they are doing, no wonder.

    As i said we always have problems against 4-1-4-1, every time.

    Need some changes in mentality 2nd half for sure.

  21. LiveScore has some statistics.
    Shots on target 2:1
    _off target 3:2
    possession 62%
    Corners 2:2
    Offsides 3:1
    fouls 5:3

    In terms of shots, some would say that Arsenal has a slight lead. However, that lead is not statistically valid. One could look at offsides as an indicator of attacking, and in that situation Arsenal shows a slight edge in attacking over Koln.

    So, one would hope that Arsenal would start attacking more.

    In terms of fouls, this looks like the same situation of Arsenal getting called for fouls more easily than the opposition. Or, Arsenal really could be fouling more often. I don’t see enough comments here on Untold to make a guess as to which might be correct.

    And just finishing up this blurb, I see that Kolasinac has event he score!

    COYG!

  22. I don’t think much of this Daniel Thacker at UEFA.com who is supposedly acting as an Arsenal reporter. Looks like the same media crap as BBC, Sky, ESPN, ….

    COYG!

  23. Something i notice is, our players stand still, and it takes them time to get moving when the ball is coming to them.
    Koln are constantly moving, even jogging on the spot and take of when needed.

  24. @Gord – If common sense is all that is needed to manage then what the F@c# is Arsene’s excuse? Get real mate! COYG!!!!!

  25. 5th Gen Gooner
    If common sense is “bad is bad & good is good” then yeah, your are a genius

  26. Final statistics, as it were.
    Shots on target 7:4
    _off target 4:3
    Possession 65%
    Corners 4:3
    Offsides 6:4
    Fouls 7:11

    I would say the extrapolation of half time statistics to full time is about what one might expect, except the foul situation seems reversed.

    How to go Gunners!

  27. 5th Gen Gooner – Arsenal score a great goal and the very first thing you do, is come on here and complain about Wenger. Absolutely pathetic.

  28. Poor first half. Much better in the second with the change in formation. Good win in the end. Difficult getting around the ground at first but ok after they started letting people in. Köln supporters in most parts of the ground, mostly loud but not causing any problems. Had some behind me, shook hands at the end of the game and wished them all the best for the rest of the season.

  29. In the midst of the post game writeups, I see that Merson has published again. The snippet I seen (not the entire article) seems to be a prediction of more bad to come.

    Just wonderful.

  30. Whatever may or may not have happened before the match, waiting for the doors to open, in the food area, and in the ground itself the Cologne fans were peaceful, friendly and very noisy which actually added to the atmosphere. There were Cologne fans all over the area where I was sitting and there was no trouble at all. I wish every match could be like that!

  31. 5thGG

    I have no doubt that you are the only person on Earth, who has common sense. And hence every observation of any kind of phenomenon on Earth you make is instantly recognized for the totality of it meaning.

  32. OT: Fake News

    Merson took time out to watch the Everton-Atalanta game. He was supremely impressed with Everton’s play (in the 3-0 loss) and said afterwards that he has no doubt that Everton will win the EPL League title by at least 15 points (on second place Leicester). And he suggested that Arsenal would struggle to avoid relegation.

  33. WOO HOO , HOO ! Yet to watch the game or the highlights , so no comments from me . Did read all the comments in order , and do feel that maybe some need to take a chill pill or two !
    The game is played over 90 minutes (or maybe less !), the trick is to enjoy it.
    And not to be too preoccupied with tactical nous and system changes . I think that AW is being paid 8 Million Pounds to take care of that aspect !

    Up the Gunners !

  34. Brickfields Gunners
    It’s fun to use our brain to analyse and talk about the things we enjoy, even when we are not enjoying it and especially when we are enjoying it.

    We would all be no more than robots otherwise, showing no emotion and clapping when the officials put up the sign to “clap now”, “do not think”, “show no emotion”.

    Its all part of being alive, the winning the losing the enjoyment the complaining. 🙂

  35. It sucks to be an Arsenal supporter right now. Well, at least partly. Everywhere negative opinions.
    I did successfully give up on the French national team – one of my three favourite football teams at that time – many years ago, when I felt that they had let me down. I found peace and since then have been concentrating on supporting the other two ones wholeheartedly. No matter how long you’ve loved them, when the hearts doesn’t connect anymore, it’s time to stop and you should stop. You can do it, totally. Please.

    It was interesting and fun when two clubs exchanged lively, friendly words with each other before one game thanks to one former player. It was even better when they kept that attitude until the end. So, the game for me was a success. Enjoy it and look forward to the next one.

  36. Leany – Lukas Podolski! Sung many times before the match by both sets of fans together! It was great.

  37. Worth looking up if you are interested in mascots – Cologne’s is a live goat called Hennes. Sadly he doesn’t travel!

  38. British media message:-

    “The match was completely overshadowed by the events which led to the delay in kick-off”

    That must be because Arsenal won. At half-time the message was that this game was yet another chapter in Arsenal’s continuing disintegration.

    Great insight by the respected commentator and judge, Mr. Merson. His best combined Arsenal-Chelsea team consists of Alexis and 10 Chelsea players. What a total gob-shite!

  39. @Pat: Yes, it was beautiful. Partly because of this match, I had the opportunity to read words about Arsenal that came straight from the heart of Podolski. I know he loves our club but the feeling when he left was too much, that’s why hearing those things from him helped greatly.

  40. @Pat

    *politic-incorrect joke on* Maybe Hennes was afraid he would get lost among Chelsea fans on his way to Emirates and forced into a relationship with one of them? *politic-incorrect joke off*

  41. John L – Literally every word about Arsenal out of that fat alcoholic morons mouth is always so negative. I’m being serious, I genuinely cannot remember the last time he said anything positive about Arsenal (or even just not negative). It’s hilarious, because he so clearly has nothing but disdain for Wenger, after he saw Merson for the beer-bellied fool that he was and dropped him out of the squad. His comments just stink of bitterness and after he admitted to being a Chelsea fan, the words “Arsenal” and “legend” shouldn’t be anywhere near his name.

    I wish I could say that I have no idea how someone like that gets hired as an “expert” pundit, but it’s fairly obvious. He is probably one of the most biased and stupid pundits on modern television.

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