Arsenal 1-1 Everton. 8th Dec @ 16.00.

[Skeleton Crew]

When we win...and we will win, the internet will break, the sky will fall and I will be raptured.

Limbs and Riots everywhere. Limbs, Riots and Fish Sandwiches.

 

[Dubbed The New Wenger]

Where Baines is?

I think that's wishful thinking but good luck mate.

Baines is better. But he ain't even that much better than him now imo. I know that you're happy he's your player and all but you need to relax a littl.

 

[SimonB]

Looking forward to seeing us go toe to toe with Arsenal, trying to outplay them in their own back yard rather than roughing them up like most other teams who go there hoping for a result.

 

[bicycleheader]

He's been the best CB in the league this season mate, his lack of pace hasn't been exposed at all. Some of the best CB's of all time have had no real pace, it's not what defines a great defender.

One of my favourite players, up there with Big Nev and Maradona, was Paul Mcgrath. He won the PFA Player Of The Year award in 93 despite dodgy knees, lack of pace and not being able to train fully due to the knee issues.

A perfect example of a CB being able to read the game and therefore not needing pace and last ditch tackles as much.

 

[efc.1878]

Baines would get into any team in the league. I don't think you'll ever be able to say about Gibbs now and or even in the future. Gibbs is very good don't get me wrong, but don't think he'll ever be top class ... like Baines.

 

[paulbefc]

Baines is better. But he ain't even that much better than him now imo. I know that you're happy he's your player and all but you need to relax a littl.

He was close to being the most creative player in Europe last year, his defensive game is excellent and he's been doing it pretty much since the age Gibbs is now. I've taken your opinion into account but can't think of a single feature of Gibbs' game, bar his pace, that I would consider as good as or superior to Baines'.

 

[bicycleheader]

As a Gooner I've always admired Everton. Like them even more now that Moyesy has gone as he was very negative.

We all know it's going to be a difficult game. But I feel that some Evertonians are massively underrating Arsenal and some of their players Mertesacker in particular.
He may turn like a tank, but you will rarely get a chance to get past him due to his intelligence and the lightening quick Koscielny sweeping up behind him.
And with all due respect we've faced and contained far superior strikers than Lukaku in Lewandowski, and Suarez.

The focus for you guys will be to man mark Ozil. But that's gonna be quite a feat seeing as the players all interchange. Liverpool tried something similar last time with Cazorla popping up. You can't forget about the Spaniard and even more importantly the speed of Walcott.

Looking forward to it. Going to be a great game.
Think it'll be 2-0 to Arsenal.

I think the interchanging and movement will be the biggest danger. We struggled with Spurs for the first half an hour when they were very fluid and quick. We were forced into holding a more solid two lines of four after that and it improved, but this meant it was hard to impose our game. I think Bobby will be prepared for this as obviously Arsenal are a step up.

 

[bicycleheader]

Also great read as always Chico. Can't wait for this game. We can win it, but I think it will be 1-1! And a Pienaar goal and tribute to the great Mandela would be fantastic.

 

[Jamo Martinez]

We win and this forum will never have been so joyous, and thats because the internet was not around the last time we had a set of results that would be comparable to this

Defo. The nearest was when we beat Chelsea and Utd in consecutive games a few years ago. But they were both at home.

 

[Vaughan]

2-2, gonna be a boss game

 

[Deleted member 28206]

I just dunno? Help?

 

[Librarian]

I don't think Arsenal have a weakness as such, but they're not a team of supermen either. They're much better than last year when teams could ruffle them a bit and they've added a bit more X-Factor. They are genuine title contenders now & I wouldn't mind seeing them do it, but ultimately I think City will win it.

No way Martinez will approach this differently, he'll set up roughly the same.

Arsenal could well underestimate Everton here though, a one off game like this will probably be decided by one goal. For me, the way to beat them is to run at them through the middle. we certainly have the players to do that.

1-2 Everton

 

[ianefc]

Simple for me the longer it stays goalless the better our chance, concede early we lose IMHO

 

[deipnosophist]

Three words ACE

I am supposing this is an acronym then. Arsenal chokes : EVERTON!!!

 

[deipnosophist]

PS...note the colon.