The complete November preview – everything an Arsenal fan could need
Pinch and punch for the first of the month, fellow Arsenal fans! The sun is coming out all the clearer after that glorious derby win over Spurs and now we face traditionally the most difficult month of the season for Arsenal.
So far, so very good this season. As you can see by even the hopelessly-optimistic Hype Meter©®™ has Arsenal at ‘100%’ – on track for a title-tilt. Our losses at Manchester United was followed by a seven-match winning streak in all competitions, two draws, and a win against Spurs. Disappointing those draws may have been, but in the bigger picture, they weren’t too damaging neither.
So what can we look forward to in November? Who are we playing? Can we win those matches? Who’s coming back from the injury table and what players we can’t afford to lose – read on!
Fixtures
We have AZ Alkmaar at home, followed by Wolves at Molineux four days later. A two week break follows as the World Cup qualifiers finish up, then it’s Sunderland away, Standard Liege at home, and finally Chelsea visit the Emirates at month’s end.
The good vibes from the Spurs match has to be built upon in those first two fixtures. Alkmaar should be put aside at home (similarly to the way Olympiakos were). Wolverhampton is a trickier one, though. Sure, they’re not glamorous opposition, but so far they’ve displayed a lot of fight and technical astuteness in their league campaign so far.
So while we should win against Wolves, it may require more grind and graft than artistry. On both games, we have to give it everything we can throw at the fixtures, as a fortnight of tiresome internationals follows.
Not every player will be away for those, so hopefully some fluidity can be kept, but one of the really tough away fixtures presents itself right after. Sunderland away will not be pretty. Winning this game will be a serious boost to our title credentials, but it truly is a difficult fixture. Don’t be surprised if we’re on the wrong end of the scoreline or it’s a score draw. If we win, however, there’s real cause for optimism heading into the glamour tie at the end of November.
Before that, there’s the not-too-small matter of Standard Liege at home, which should confirm our spot at the top of our Champions League group. Then it’s Chelsea, and while there’s no use predicting the result of that fixture, I would hope there’s enough momentum from the Black Cats and Liege to put us in good stead against this season’s bookies’ favourite.
And of course, come December, there’s the small matter of Manchester City, again. Robin van Persie is relishing the clash and is demanding he can play with the kids for that one. Yummy.
Injuries
While the injuries page on the official site is a bit hard to decipher at times, we should be getting Denilson back very soon. With any luck, we’ll be hearing some news about the Brazillian for him to get a cameo against Wolves just before the international break.
Meanwhile, Theo Walcott should be back after the international break, while Jack Wilshere should be back on the bench as soon as the Alkmaar game, though with the return of Nasri, that’s one less place in the squad for someone.
Lukasz Fabianski should also be back by month’s end, but Mannone can still expect to be on the bench by the time Chelsea roll into town. It’s Carlos Vela and Tomas Rosicky that remain utter mysteries as to when they will return. Both have knee-injuries which always have a vague prognosis, so while I am desperate to see Rosicky back in the squad, it might have to wait until December.
Who we can’t afford to lose
Gallas and Vermaelen are the obvious candidates. Their partnership has been nothing short of phenomenal and we need to keep them fit for as long as possible, what with Johann Djourou out for most of the season. So hopefully the relatively easier fixtures that start November off don’t stretch their limbs too much, and Gallas is kept sufficiently on ice despite France’s exertions in the qualifiers.
This may raise a few eyebrows, but Manuel Almunia is another player who will be essential to keep playing. At the start of the season we all wanted a central midfielder and central defender brought in, and while some fans demanded a goalie on the wishlist, most were happy with the first two positions. While we didn’t get that midfielder, we made our bed with Vermaelen and now we have to sleep in the situation we have.
So affirming Manuel as our Number One, at least for now, is essential for continuity and experience in the side. He’s not the best keeper, but, believe it or not, he’s not the worst either. So let’s show a little faith after that nice little save against Bentley in the derby.
Furthermore, Arshavin and van Persie are essential to keep fit. While he hasn’t been playing well lately, Arshavin doesn’t exactly need to to still win a game. Furthermore, van Persie has been on absolute fire and his adaptation to lone striker has been incredible. Certainly one of the best strikers in Europe at the moment, keeping him fit and firing will mean everything to our season.
Who we need back
Nasri and Rosicky, simply speaking. Both bring such mobility to our play that we can even afford to rest Cesc Fabregas occasionally. Furthermore, with the collection of injuries we have, the two add such vital competition for places, especially in the area of the much-maligned Abou Diaby.
But credit must go to the side who have got most of the results they wanted without players of this class. The ingredients for a trophy-winning season are all there if we can mix the graft with the craft, but if we’re all honest, we’d like a lot more craft with Samir and Tomas back.
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So with the fixture list ahead of us, what are your thoughts of the month of November? Can we sweep all before us, or will we start to struggle? Thoughts and opinions all in the comments section below. Until tomorrow, bye!
Filed under: Arsenal, Champions League, English Premier League
We also need to keep cesc and song fit. Facing Chelsea without Song to help deal with Drogba, for example, is a horrible thought. I completely agree with the others, TV, Gallas, RVP and Arsh are the rest of the spine that we need for every big game.
So I think we should play a v strong team against AZ to make sure we beat them, rest some players in the SL game and keep with the CC approach of mixing first and fringe/youth team players. I don’t even care whether we top the CL group or not, even when you do some of the second placed teams are just as bad a draw as a top placed one. Its nice but its not as important right now as qualifying for the next stage, which we have almost done already, and beating Wolves, Sunderland, Chelsea and Stoke. If we can do that we have a serious title challenge up and running. We also have to worry about the international break we usually lose a player ot two in those games.
I can live with a CC exit too, I know it would be nice to get revenge etc but I would prefer to have the spine players all fit and rested for Chelsea and then available for the Stoke game after. We can play any first teamer who isn’t in that spine in the City CC game, that still gives us a lot of options to supplement the youths.
It is, certainly, going to be a defining one, this month of November, for the title winning credentials of the Gunners. For me, I say the team goes for broke, in all the games as any dropped point could prove crucial.
There are no less important games, this month; a victory against AZ is important to book a next round CL place; Wolves is crucial for the 3 points boost even if it will prove a tough game (I predict Arsenal will walk through this game in Flying colours); now, Sunderland, coming after the Int’l break is a tricky tie. It is good to come away with at leats, a point from this one; all 3 points will be better. Std Liege is a no brainer; Arsenal should take all 3 points here and be in the right frame for the Derby with Chelski. With a full squad, I do expect Arsenal to win this one, everyone working hard. Chelsea will always find our quick passing game and goal threat too much to cope with. The result will set the marker for the pundits.
As for the CC against Man City, we are a notch above City, despite the best efforts of pundits. With our usual mix of experiance and youth (please, take the thought of “revenge” out of the players), City cannot knock out Arsenal, even at home. Overall, it is important that the boys take the games, one at a time.
Rayman and GoonerEris, you couldn’t be more spot on. I didn’t mention Alex Song as it almost seems patently obvious and not worth mentioning that he is so essential to this side. I think the value of Denilson might also shine through as a squad player when we need someone who can slot right in and keep our rhythm ticking over sweetly.
Top notch comments. Thank you for contributing.
Gr8 write-up.Beware the ides of November? Agree with the above comment – we need to go all guns blazing nxt month and hope that we pickup no injuries in the intnl break. SUNDERLAND are not an easy side to beat…..however Cattermole is out,him and Cana gave ManU’s midfield a rough ride so we need to be aware of that.DENILSON’s return is gr8 news because he can deputise for SONG in the easier matches.WE MUST BEAT CHELSEA if we want to win the title.
I’m really excited at the prospect of having Nasri, Rosicky and Theo back in the squad. With a fully fit squad to choose from, we really can compete on all fronts. It will be interesting to see how Song’s imminent absence will be dealt with, I’d like see to Eastmond played in the CC, and depending on how he fair’s, perhaps he could slot in there, if not, buying in Jan, might be a little late, when you consider settling in time.