Swansea: our biggest game with no financial implications

How’re you my Gooner Family?


The weekend has finally begun to set in, which means that the wonderful and terrible thing that is football returns to the front of things. Our squad looks much stronger than it did just a few weeks ago, and from my vantage point, it’s like the season has started fresh. It’s going to be massive fixture, while Swansea presents no amazing level of skill pressure is still palpable. The main reason being the debacle at Old Trafford a few weekends back. One of the darkest days in the club’s long history, the bad taste left in everyone’s mouth will hopefully be washed away by the sweet taste of victory. In the marathon that is the Premiere League season three points matters very much, and it’s important that the home form is approved upon from last year.

Frimpong is back from suspension.

From reports that have been circling this morning, Arteta, Benayoun and Per Mertesacker look to make their debuts and with J.Y. Park possibly making a late cameo appearance. The local hero Emmanuel Frimpong returns from suspension which all add the much needed physical edge to our midfield. From the few games of this still very new season, our midfield has lacked creativity but more importantly fluidity. Our Ramsey, Song, Frimpong, Rosicky and Arshavin cannot seem to form partnerships that allow for the passing game Arsenal requires of its players. Arteta and Benayoun will provide add technical quality as well as experience. Ramsey has a better motor than most midfielders, but he can get frustrated when he isn’t supplied with meaningful possession that he can use to supply goal-scoring chances.

Arteta will no doubt be inserted into the very middle of the park, providing the link between the defense and our more attacking minded players. I think Arteta represents a player that can help our lost boy Chamakh find his form again. The reason being that Arteta is player that does well to keep the ball, with smart passing and a confident dribble that allows him to penetrate defenses. Here’s what I think the formation will look like tomorrow:

Szcznesy

Gibbs------Mertesacker------Kos------Sagna

Arteta------Frimpong------Ramsey

Arshavin------RVP------Theo

If Park does make his full debut I would wager that there could be a change in formation. Something like a 4-5-1 with Park at the head and RVP in the position of a truer #10. I don’t think that’s very likely though, and I trust Wenger to put the most competitive side on display tomorrow.

Counting on a big performance
from the likes of van Persie.

As long as we play Arsenal football, we should walk out tomorrow with a win and break this season wide open. Count on big performances from RVP and Arteta, two of our more experience players who will help keep things together during the opening moments tomorrow. I think a quick opening goal will be just as vital as it was during the Udinese tie, the confidence that would come because of that would reassure players like Ramsey, Kos and Gibbs. I think we have yet to see the best from our young Welshman, who was tipped to fill the Fabregas role this year, and tomorrow could be a time to see what he is truly capable of. I expect the win.


That’s all from me today, come on you gunners!

By Thaddeus Torrez

Follow him on Twitter - thad4dified

Scout Report - Andre Santos

Arsenals new left back is a 28 year old that can play at left back, wing back and left mid. He is a extremely versatile player that is full of attacking intent and loves to stride down the by line and whip a smooth cross in the 6 yard area. The left footer has huge experience playing in major competitions for club and country. Personally I rate Santos highly simply because he has achieved a lot and is a motivated and dedicated in every game. Arsenal will be a big step for him but his physical attributes will help him get used to the intense pace of the English League. The Brazilian will add less pressure on the left winger because he will always be looking to support on the outside, he is the modern day full back who loves to get forward and deliver the match winning cross. His partnership with Gervinho could be fantastic because Gervinho likes to link up and Andre Santos can pick a pass. 

The only concern with Santos could be his defense, it will be interesting to see how he copes with the different style of wingers the Prem possesses. Santos will bring a sweet left foot, attacking intent and experience to the club. Not only does Santos represent a modern day full back, he also scores a lot of goals something that Clichy did not have while being at Arsenal. 

In my opinion Andre is a similar player to Jose Enrique if not even better. Both players have the right state of mind but Santos has that extra edge personally and for the price that Arsenal have signed this top class left back I'm sure the price will prove to be a bargain this time next year. We all know Wenger brings out the potential of his players and makes his players into world class superstars and I think Santos could turn out to be one of the best left backs in the Prem. Kieran Gibbs will also learn from Andre Santos's shadow and take on board his skills and put them into place. 

Arsenal's style of play will fit perfectly for the Brazilian, he plays on one touch and plays with swagger and flair. Andre Santos could make his debut against Swansea.

By Mohseen Chowdhury.

Follow him on Twitter - @Mohseen14Honda

Arsenal's Full CL and PL Squad List

Premier League

1 Almunia
2 Arshavin
3 Arteta
4 Benayoun
5 Chamakh
6 Diaby
7 Djourou
8 Fabianski
9 Gervinho
10 Gibbs
11 Koscielny
12 Mannone
13 Mertesacker
14 Park
15 Rosicky
16 Sagna
17 Santos
18 Song Bilong
19 Squillaci
20 Van Persie
21 Vermaelen
22 Walcott