Apologies (to all 2 of you) for having posted for so long.
We've had good wins against Norwich, Wigan and Everton, which was the first game I went to since Newcastle last season, with only a blip against Fulham. Anyway, we are currently 5th, due to Chelsea's win over Man ¢ity, but otherwise, I feel that we have made a full recovery.
So Man ¢ity at the weekend. Just been shaken up by a team we can beat. And I also forgot to mention the Carling Cup game against them. Top performance by all the players out there. Even Chamakh and Squillaci gave a decent account of themselves. Game we should have won, but at least there's a few less games, and a few less chances for injuries. And credit to the Arsenal fans who showed Nasri how passionate we really are.... ("Nananananananana, Samir you're a ____, Nanana, Samir you're a ____ !").
So, as you know, we will have no full backs until the Wolves match, where Gibbs will come back, and hopefully Sagna soon after. That's still a Man ¢ity and a Villa game to negotiate before that. Against Everton, I noticed the defence held apart, but possibly due to the fact that Everton posed little attacking threat. 4 centre backs against the likes of wingers such as Adam Johnson and co. (unfortunately, Ca$hmir Nasri's not going to play after another dismal performance) will not end well.
So I thought, let's go old school. 3-4-3/5-4-1 with Wing backs? Walcott and Gervinho did some solid defensive work last week. And counter attacking with wing backs is quite effective, as they can use their pace to rip through the midfield. Of course, they may need to be replaced by Oxo or Benayoun after an hour or so, as they have to be giving their all.
Our in form three CB's will all get a chance to show their worth, with Koscielny in the centre as TV5 and BFG naturally play on the left and right of the centre anyway. It will also give Kosicelny a chance to go forward.
Of course, Frimpong has to be included after his performance a couple of weeks ago. Him and Song would stay just in front of the back four, so, when defending, we instantly have 7 men behind the ball. This will laso free up Arteta and Ramsey to 'do their thang'.
And Van Persie. You know what he's meant to do.
Anyway, I predict an open match, with Arsenal nicking a 3-2, with VP scoring two and Walcott another.. Player ratings should be uploaded after the game...
