Is this a possibility?

[Guest popzeus]

We're 2-0 down at half time, and Rafa realistically must be thinking the best we're gonna get from the game is a draw. The last thing we need is another fixture, and so the question is, did the reluctance to force a replay have any influence on the second half substitution decisions (or lack of). If that was a Prem match would we not have thrown Bellamy and Gonzalez on at some point?

 

Just a thought.

[Falconhoof]

No

[fyds]

Somehow, I think that's a wee bit daft...

[Guest popzeus]

No

 

Then why was only Aurelio brought on in a game we're desperate to claw back?

Edited January 8, 2007 by popzeus

[Rory Fitzgerald]

The extra fixture from the possible replay was always gonna be the 'side-salad' to the big steak !

 

Yes I am in a daft mood this morning !!

[Mondavi]

Then why was only Aurelio brought on in a game we're desperate to claw back?

 

maybe because rafa could see what we could see. we were all over them, they were sitting deep, adding pacey players at that time wouldn't really have improved our chances. there would be no chance for us to get in behind them as they were almost on row 1 of the kop defending. aurelio came on to add a bit more cultured delivery than riise from the left. it worked to a degree, we just didnt score. Had bellamy/gonzo started, with crouch/garcia on the bench, changes would have been made.

[Guest popzeus]

maybe because rafa could see what we could see. we were all over them, they were sitting deep, adding pacey players at that time wouldn't really have improved our chances. there would be no chance for us to get in behind them as they were almost on row 1 of the kop defending. aurelio came on to add a bit more cultured delivery than riise from the left. it worked to a degree, we just didnt score. Had bellamy/gonzo started, with crouch/garcia on the bench, changes would have been made.

 

That's fair enough, but despite the pressure we put on them we weren't creating much in terms of clear cut chances. At some point more substitutions should have been made and if we'd have been chasing a Premiership point rather than a cup replay at Arsenal I believe those changes would have been made.

[fyds]

That's fair enough, but despite the pressure we put on them we weren't creating much in terms of clear cut chances. At some point more substitutions should have been made and if we'd have been chasing a Premiership point rather than a cup replay at Arsenal I believe those changes would have been made.

Then you're in a minority. Bellamy would have added little in the second half as they dropped further and further back, defending in large numbers. We needed quality crossing from both sides as there was no way of playing straight through the middle. Bellamy's main weapon, his pace and dribbling would have got nowhere with no where to run or dribble through. They got lucky, we didn't despite having the majority of the game...sometimes sh*t happens.

[flash]

i also felt we were very unlucky in this game, s*** doth indeed happen.

[Rimbeux]

i also felt we were very unlucky in this game, s*** doth indeed happen.

 

 

We got what we deserved for the all round quality of our play

[Mike]

all their goals came from our mistakes.

first riise gives the ball away deep in their half.

second no one challenges the ball and dudek goes down like a falling tree.

third alonso gave the ball away deep in their half, pass up to henry, carra does his usual 'OHMYf***INGGODITSTERRYHENRYIMUSTCRUMBLE' act, dudek proves that gravity can be defied falling even slower than previously.

Edited January 8, 2007 by Mike

[Mondavi]

That's fair enough, but despite the pressure we put on them we weren't creating much in terms of clear cut chances. At some point more substitutions should have been made and if we'd have been chasing a Premiership point rather than a cup replay at Arsenal I believe those changes would have been made.

 

 

had Fowler been on the bench, I could have seen him coming on but that's about it. I suppose it shows that Rafa had no intention of us having to chase the game ? The subs we had were best used if Arsenal were having to press further forward, chasing the game. I don't really think anyone could have predicted Arsenal playing so deep, even when leading away from home you'd expect them to try and get on the ball and pass it around - but they had no intention of doing that, I guess it shows how much they rely on Fabregas for the passing game ?

[fyds]

all their goals came from our mistakes.

first riise gives the ball away deep in their half.

second no one challenges the ball and dudek goes down like a falling tree.

third alonso gave the ball away deep in their half, pass up to henry, carra does his usual 'OHMYf***INGGODITSTERRYHENRYIMUSTCRUMBLE' act, dudek proves that gravity can be defied falling even slower than previously.

Exactly so - despite bossing much of the game, we gifted them the goals (with a little help from Mr. Bennett)

[Skillz]

had Fowler been on the bench, I could have seen him coming on but that's about it. I suppose it shows that Rafa had no intention of us having to chase the game ? The subs we had were best used if Arsenal were having to press further forward, chasing the game. I don't really think anyone could have predicted Arsenal playing so deep, even when leading away from home you'd expect them to try and get on the ball and pass it around - but they had no intention of doing that, I guess it shows how much they rely on Fabregas for the passing game ?

 

Except Rafa.

 

We had the best team out there to come back IMO. If we took the lead we would of seen Bellamy, for sure. To counter attack. Personally i believe Crouch was effective, or more to the point more effective than Bellamy would of been with the a*** sitting back so far. It is why we bought Crouch. He also played a part in our goal.

 

Crouch and Garcia are our most effective players when a team sits back so far IMO so i credit Rafa for predicting the style he was up against, it is unfortunate our defense let him down so badly.