Arsenal didn't deliver the gutsy performance I'd hoped for.
What Arsenal Need: To banish the ghosts of this match last season and to stand up to the Everton-like rough tactics that are on the cards.
Bolton seemed to put the fut in wherever possible, as evidenced by the kick to the head Walcott suffered when the ball was already out of play.
I hope Wenger gets them fired up before kick-off so they come out and set the tone of the match rather than get it dictated to them by Bolton.
Arsenal didn't set the tone. In fact Bolton did, by hoofing the ball up field into Arsenal's penalty area after only 30 seconds.
Arsenal need to score first and then match will be there for the taking. I don't see them coming back to snatch three points from a goal behind.
Bolton scored first and Arsenal never looked like getting their noses in front.
Things To Watch Out For: I think Walcott will start the game on the bench despite recently excelling against Hamburg.
Walcott did start and showed glimpses of brilliance but I actualy agree with Wenger in that he's more potent coming off the bench.
My opinion is that Wenger will play Baptista in the middle and Ljungberg on the left wing. The Brazilian offers a more powerful option in a game where it is desperately required. I've been waiting a long time to see Baptista start a Premiership match and I think today could be just the sort of game he'll excel in.
Baptista got half an hour at the end of the game and didn't get too much done.
Keep an eye on how much width Arsenal play with. My concern is that Hleb comes inside too often, therefore, reducing the width he is supposed to be producing. As a result, especially when Rosicky is playing on the left, Arsenal play far too narrow, which is easy to defend.
There was width at times but the all too familiar narrow Arsenal attacks were prominent throughout.
Hopes For The Match: I hope Ljungberg plays well as I really like him as a winger. Arsenal need the width he provides and I hope he makes some of those central runs too.
Ljungberg ran around and got some crosses in from the byline but I think he looks a yard or two slower than his prime years.
Equally, I hope Walcott comes on to replace Hleb on the right wing. If Wenger keeps giving him 20 minutes a game and he continues to play like he has been doing, then he'll be pushing for a starting spot by the end of the season.
See above.
| My team selection for this game: Adebayor Ljungberg, Gilberto, Baptista, Fabregas, Hleb Clichy, Senderos, Toure, Eboue Lehmann Subs: Almunia, Walcott, Djourou, Flamini, Song |
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Flamini got the nod ahead of Baptista. I understand that Wenger went with the defensive midfielder ahead of the attacking midfielder, but if anything, attacking creativity is what Arsenal require now that Bergkamp and Pires have gone.
Unavailable:
Henry - Injured his neck in training but Wenger assures us that he'll be back for the midweek game.
Gallas - Injured his quadriceps taking free kicks in training and will be out for a few weeks.
Rosicky - Still out with a hamstring injury.
Diaby - On course to return in January after suffering a fracture-dislocated ankle last season.
Lauren - Still rehabilitating from a knee injury that has kept him out since January 21st.
Long-term issues: Competition in the squad. I think this is a long-term issue, but I believe it is a positive issue. You need every player looking over his shoulder at a team-mate who wants his starting spot.
When you take a minute to decide who you'd sit on the bench, things get difficult. Firstly, Almunia and Djourou take the goalkeeper and defender positions, so you're left with three spare seats on the bench.
You could argue that Walcott deserves one spot. Equally you could argue that Adebayor has to take one spot as the only other recognised striker in the first team squad.
So who takes the last spot? Baptista, Flamini and Rosicky if fit could all contribute, so I'm not sure.
Prediction: Bolton 1 Arsenal 2
Score:Bolton 3 Arsenal 1
