Arsenal came through an FA Cup replay that will bear no resemblance to the quarter-final, even though Leyton Orient attacked when feasible and might have scored. The encounter with Manchester United on 12 March will have the air of an entirely different tournament. Even so, this encounter had its uses. Nicklas Bendtner scored a hat-trick as goals flowed for a club that will have welcomed a soothing return to action.
The contribution by the Dane will stoke his already burning sense of self-worth but the outsized confidence should be met with appreciation as well as amusement. With Robin van Persie ruled out for at least four weeks Bendtner is a man of consequence. The efficiency of the whole side was reassuring. The visitors can take some satisfaction in the outcome. Orient may be members of League One but they had demonstrated their merit when drawing the first encounter.
For all the brittleness, there is still a gleam to Arsenal's football even on an occasion that became humdrum because of their early effectiveness. The loss to Birmingham City in the Carling Cup final confirmed that the one indestructible aspect of Arsène Wenger's Arsenal is their well-deserved reputation for fragility. That debacle provided a backdrop of sorts to this replay but there were to be no associations with the woe of Wembley and the first of Bendtner's goals was the 100th of the season in all competitions for an Arsenal side whose style deserves to be celebrated.
Even if he had not been affected by a string of injuries, the manager would have made radical alterations with confidence. While the FA Cup matters, Wenger was still able to think more of Saturday's Premier League game at home to Sunderland and, particularly, next Tuesday's return at Barcelona in the Champions League. Orient were breached here with just seven minutes gone.
Tomas Rosicky, who was later replaced after a blow that Wenger termed "slight concussion," got past the left of the visitors' defence and the cut-back was converted by Marouane Chamakh for his first goal since 27 November.
The ease should not have been so very surprising since Orient have won a mere three of their away games in League One. They did have purpose on the attack nonetheless and a low ball from the left by Charlie Daniels was sent wide of the near post by Alex Revell in the 13th minute.
Arsenal were not distracted and they struck once more after half an hour. Kieran Gibbs crossed from the left and Bendtner took the first of his goals by climbing to send a header into the top corner.
He next scored two minutes from the interval as he move along the edge of the penalty area, eluding the full-back Ben Chorley to put a precise shot low past the left hand of the goalkeeper Jamie Jones. With Van Persie injured, this was an excellent time for Bendtner to make the case for his continuing inclusion.
Impact was to be anticipated from Arsenal since Wenger had the means to field a largely recognisable line-up, even if it included players such as Denílson, who have drifted to the margins of his thinking. The eye-catching aspect lay in the inclusion of two teenagers. The Spanish defender Ignasi Miquel, who captains the reserve side, had made his first appearance for the club in the earlier game with Orient while the English midfielder Conor Henderson was given his debut.
Arsenal were not sated by the early goals and five minutes into the second half Abou Diaby played a one-two with Chamakh before putting a low drive narrowly wide. Even so, the concentration levels could not be maintained by Wenger's players and there was a period in which Orient, with their fate sealed, began to enjoy themselves.
From Arsenal's perspective, the value of the contest lay in allowing players who have been on the margins to hone their form. Bendtner was a natural selection to take the penalty after 62 minutes with which he completed the second hat-trick of his Arsenal career, the first having come against Porto last season.
The spot-kick opportunity came after Revell had brought down Gibbs. The Dane was soon to be replaced, his mission accomplished.
An element of surprise was introduced when the substitute Gaël Clichy scored just the second goal of his Arsenal career, putting a low drive across Jones 15 minutes from the end. He was also to receive a booking but this had still been a therapeutic fixture for Arsenal.
Source: Kevin McCarra, The Guardian on 2 Mar 11
Showing posts with label Leyton Orient. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Leyton Orient. Show all posts
Friday, March 4, 2011
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Bendtner stars as Gunners progress
Nicklas Bendtner fired a hat-trick as Arsenal shook off their Carling Cup final disappointment to set up a clash against Manchester United in the last eight of the FA Cup with a 5-0 thrashing of Leyton Orient.
The Gunners showed no sign of a hangover from the shock of losing to Birmingham at Wembley on Sunday as the npower League One side were brushed aside in clinical fashion.
Marouane Chamakh set Arsene Wenger's men on their way in the seventh minute with his first goal since the end of November, before Bendtner's well-taken double put the result beyond doubt ahead of the interval.
The Denmark striker completed his treble to boost his hopes of playing against Barcelona in the Nou Camp this time next week from the penalty spot, with full-back Gael Clichy netting a rare effort with 15 minutes left.
Only Tomas Rosicky, who would later become another untimely Arsenal injury casualty as he limped off, remained from the starting XI left crestfallen at Wembley. Teenage defender Ignasi Miquel made his first home appearance and 19-year-old winger Connor Henderson a senior debut.
Centre-back Laurent Koscielny was, officially at least, rested because of a minor hamstring problem, while keeper Wojciech Szczesny - the other guilty party in Sunday's dramatic and costly mix-up which gifted the Blues a last-gasp winner - warmed the bench to give him a break from the spotlight.
Samir Nasri, Jack Wilshere and Andrey Arshavin were also among the substitutes should they be needed to help get the job done at the second time of asking.
Wednesday's replay - earned after Orient forced a last-minute equaliser at Brisbane Road 10 days ago - was expected to bring in around £700,000 for the League One side, who are set for a trip to Las Vegas on chairman Barry Hearn at the end of a season which could yet finish with promotion via the play-offs.
The Os were cheered on by some 9,000 fans, most having travelled more in hope than genuine expectation of a cup shock which would be off the scale compared to Sunday's result at Wembley.
Chamakh was deployed in Robin van Persie's role at the spearhead of the attack, with the Dutchman set to be out for around a month with a knee injury picked up in scoring the equaliser against Birmingham.
The Moroccan settled any early nerves when he put Arsenal ahead from close range.
Rosicky darted into the right side of the Orient box before cutting the ball back to the penalty spot, where Chamakh guided a shot into the bottom left corner to take his tally to 12.
Orient almost produced a response when Ben Chorley, a former Arsenal trainee, sent an angled volley goalwards from a corner which was deflected over.
The away fans behind the far Clock End thought Alex Revell had steered in an equaliser from Charlie Daniels' cross, but the ball only rippled the side-netting.
Arsenal were soon back on the offensive and doubled their lead on the half-hour when Bendtner sent Kieran Gibbs' cross back into the top-left corner with a looping header from 12 yards.
It was 3-0 in the 43rd minute when Bendtner cut in from the left and curled a low strike into the far corner, for his sixth goal of the season.
Abou Diaby should have made it four at the start of the second half when he waltzed through the Orient defence, but dragged his low shot wide.
Orient refused to lay down and caused more than one moment of panic in the hosts' six-yard box.
However, Arsenal were then awarded a penalty on 61 minutes when Gibbs was tripped by Revell.
During the break in play, Rosicky, who had picked up an injury, was replaced by Nasri. Bendtner smashed the spot-kick into the bottom-left corner to complete his hat-trick, a second for Arsenal.
Wilshere and Clichy were given run-outs for the final 24 minutes, replacing Bendtner and Diaby.
The French full-back drilled number five into the bottom corner for his first goal since November 2008 as Arsene Wenger's men booked a mouth-watering clash against their Barclays Premier League title rivals at Old Trafford on March 12.
Source: ESPN Soccernet on 2 Mar 11
The Gunners showed no sign of a hangover from the shock of losing to Birmingham at Wembley on Sunday as the npower League One side were brushed aside in clinical fashion.
Marouane Chamakh set Arsene Wenger's men on their way in the seventh minute with his first goal since the end of November, before Bendtner's well-taken double put the result beyond doubt ahead of the interval.
The Denmark striker completed his treble to boost his hopes of playing against Barcelona in the Nou Camp this time next week from the penalty spot, with full-back Gael Clichy netting a rare effort with 15 minutes left.
Only Tomas Rosicky, who would later become another untimely Arsenal injury casualty as he limped off, remained from the starting XI left crestfallen at Wembley. Teenage defender Ignasi Miquel made his first home appearance and 19-year-old winger Connor Henderson a senior debut.
Centre-back Laurent Koscielny was, officially at least, rested because of a minor hamstring problem, while keeper Wojciech Szczesny - the other guilty party in Sunday's dramatic and costly mix-up which gifted the Blues a last-gasp winner - warmed the bench to give him a break from the spotlight.
Samir Nasri, Jack Wilshere and Andrey Arshavin were also among the substitutes should they be needed to help get the job done at the second time of asking.
Wednesday's replay - earned after Orient forced a last-minute equaliser at Brisbane Road 10 days ago - was expected to bring in around £700,000 for the League One side, who are set for a trip to Las Vegas on chairman Barry Hearn at the end of a season which could yet finish with promotion via the play-offs.
The Os were cheered on by some 9,000 fans, most having travelled more in hope than genuine expectation of a cup shock which would be off the scale compared to Sunday's result at Wembley.
Chamakh was deployed in Robin van Persie's role at the spearhead of the attack, with the Dutchman set to be out for around a month with a knee injury picked up in scoring the equaliser against Birmingham.
The Moroccan settled any early nerves when he put Arsenal ahead from close range.
Rosicky darted into the right side of the Orient box before cutting the ball back to the penalty spot, where Chamakh guided a shot into the bottom left corner to take his tally to 12.
Orient almost produced a response when Ben Chorley, a former Arsenal trainee, sent an angled volley goalwards from a corner which was deflected over.
The away fans behind the far Clock End thought Alex Revell had steered in an equaliser from Charlie Daniels' cross, but the ball only rippled the side-netting.
Arsenal were soon back on the offensive and doubled their lead on the half-hour when Bendtner sent Kieran Gibbs' cross back into the top-left corner with a looping header from 12 yards.
It was 3-0 in the 43rd minute when Bendtner cut in from the left and curled a low strike into the far corner, for his sixth goal of the season.
Abou Diaby should have made it four at the start of the second half when he waltzed through the Orient defence, but dragged his low shot wide.
Orient refused to lay down and caused more than one moment of panic in the hosts' six-yard box.
However, Arsenal were then awarded a penalty on 61 minutes when Gibbs was tripped by Revell.
During the break in play, Rosicky, who had picked up an injury, was replaced by Nasri. Bendtner smashed the spot-kick into the bottom-left corner to complete his hat-trick, a second for Arsenal.
Wilshere and Clichy were given run-outs for the final 24 minutes, replacing Bendtner and Diaby.
The French full-back drilled number five into the bottom corner for his first goal since November 2008 as Arsene Wenger's men booked a mouth-watering clash against their Barclays Premier League title rivals at Old Trafford on March 12.
Source: ESPN Soccernet on 2 Mar 11
Accidents Happen
You would be forgiven for thinking that some pundits (and some Arsenal supporters) assumed that it would just be a case of the Gunners simply showing up at Wembley, coasting through 90 minutes and it would be more or less a foregone conclusion that Birmingham would roll over and we would pick up a cup at the end of the afternoon.
That was never going to be how it was. This was one of the biggest days in the Blues’ history and it was inevitable that they would be up for the game and be a far tougher prospect than they may be on a week-by-week basis. Credit and congratulations to them, they played well and with a lot of heart. However, the game was lost by Arsenal because of an accident and not because they were overwhelmed by their opponents.
Admittedly, the Gunners’ overall performance was frustratingly below par and certain players did not rise to the occasion. However, in the last twenty minutes, as Arsene Wenger’s men laid siege to the Birmingham goal, it seemed that there would only be one winner if the match went to extra time. It was no coincidence that Ben Foster, the Brummie’s goalkeeper, was named as man of the match. Football can be a cruel game though and it was the freak mix-up between Koscielny and Szczesny that settled the tie. It was a dreadful mistake and, sadly, it happened so late in the game that there was no time for a reply.
This incident and, indeed, the defeat gave ammunition to certain sections of the media and the Arsenal fanbase to start hysterically moaning, criticising and complaining that Wenger should have bought in the window, that we need a new defender and that we need a new goalkeeper. Players have always only ever been “as good as their last game” but, these days, because of the saturation coverage that football gets in the press and on the internet, reaction is so much more extreme. One week you are a god, the following week you are an amoeba and the next match coming up is always the biggest and most season-defining game of the year.
Two weeks ago, Laurent Koscielny’s performance against Barcelona was rightly praised. That night, he was lauded the answer to Arsenal’s central defensive conundrums in the absence of Thomas Vermaelen. Following the Birmingham match though, we apparently need a new central defender again. He was culpable for the mix-up that gifted Obafemi Martins with the winner but he doesn’t become a bad player just because he makes one error. It was a gutting way to lose but let’s not lose sight of the fact that it was down to a freak mistake.
The Carling Cup Final actually reminded me a lot of the 1995 Cup Winners Cup Final when Arsenal faced Real Zaragoza in Paris. That evening, Arsenal were warm favourites to retain the trophy they had won the year before. However, they were out of sorts on the night and fell behind. John Hartson equalised reasonably quickly and, like Sunday, it was a case of “next goal wins it”. 1-1 at full-time, the match went into half-an-hour’s extra time. As the minutes ticked away a penalty shoot-out looked increasingly likely - and if it came to that, we had David Seaman who had won the penalty-shootout for Arsenal against Sampdoria in the semi-final.
But it didn’t come to that. Seaman, the man we had all assumed would be the hero of the hour, got caught off his line in the last minute of extra-time by a speculative 40-yard effort from Nayim. Again, it was a freak mishap. Again, there was no time to reply. Again, it was a gutting way to lose. However, as a fan, you just have to swallow it and move on. No one thought Arsenal needed a new goalkeeper just because Seaman had made one mistake. He got us to the final that year - just as Koscielny helped get us to the Carling Cup Final this year with his headed goal against Ipswich in the semi-final.
Arsenal were largely on a hiding to nothing on Sunday. Had they won, they would only have been doing what was expected and, after all, “it’s only the Carling Cup”. However, them losing is suddenly a big story. Whatever. It was an upsetting way to lose but players and fans alike have just got to take it on the chin, move on and focus on the other things that can still be achieved this season.
And there is plenty to still achieve this season. Last night saw the Gunners ruthlessly dispense with Orient in the FA Cup replay which now sets up a quarter-final tie with Manchester United. The victory came courtesy fine hat-trick from Nicklas Bendtner and further goals from Marouane Chamakh and Gael Clichy. In the post-Carling Cup fallout, it was positive that Bendtner and Chamakh both found the net as their confidence in front of goal will need to be on the up whilst they deputise for the injured Robin Van Persie in the coming weeks.
Saturday sees the visit of Sunderland to Ashburton Grove and, with United dropping points at Stamford Bridge in the week, this will be an opportunity for the Gunners to close the gap at the top of the table. Injuries to Van Persie, Walcott and Fabregas won’t make matters easier but it’s a squad game and it’s time for some of the second-string players to step up to the plate and show their worth.
Source: David Young, ESPN Soccernet on 3 Mar 11
Nicklas Bendtner upstages Marouane Chamakh in Camp Nou audition
The Danish striker's hat-trick against Leyton Orient puts him in pole position to fill the void caused by Robin van Persie's injury
When Arsène Wenger relates "bad news" about an Arsenal injury and suggests that he will be out for "the next three weeks, for sure", seasoned watchers of the manager tend to double the estimate. Especially when the player is Robin van Persie.
Whenever Arsenal lose the injury-prone Dutchman, it hurts but the pain is compounded this time around. Van Persie had been in supreme touch and the fixtures keep getting tastier.
The Champions League return against Barcelona at Camp Nou looms next Tuesday and the club now have an FA Cup quarter-final at Manchester United on Saturday week.
This fifth-round replay against League One Leyton Orient had a low-key feel, although not for the 9,000 travelling fans, who watched their team flicker briefly in the early running. But for Arsenal's stand-in strikers, it represented an audition. Marouane Chamakh and Nicklas Bendtner had claims to press.
It might have irked Bendtner that Chamakh, left, got the nod as the central striker, with him being asked to forage from the right. Bendtner has said on many occasions that he is not comfortable on the flank. He would hate for his greater versatility to count against him. Yet the Dane was undeterred as he went about upstaging Chamakh.
His hat-trick performance featured some of the usual foibles that can, on other days, infuriate the crowd. But his goals were of the highest order, particularly the second, which he curled with dead-eyed precision from 20 yards, having popped up on the left. He embraced his licence to roam. His 30th-minute leap and headed finish were ripped from the pages of the old-fashioned No 9's manual.
Bendtner scored at Camp Nou last season, as Arsenal threatened to pull off a famous upset before they were taken apart and he is the favourite to start ahead of Chamakh.
The Moroccan, who arrived last summer from Bordeaux, began his Arsenal career in encouraging style. He had 11 goals in all competitions by the end of November but, until this game, he had not scored since.
He admitted a few weeks ago that "by the start of January, I had completely lost my edge" and he added that he was benefiting from being taken out of the firing line.
Bendtner might never lack confidence but Chamakh looked tentative here, too measured in his passing, as though fearful of making a mistake.
There was a period in the first-half when all of his lay-offs went awry and this was after he had enjoyed the tonic of steering home the opening goal to end his three-month long scoring drought. He was hustled off the ball all too readily by Orient's centre-halves and the cobwebs remain.
Despite the comfort of the evening, the crowd expressed their frustration at his sloppiness. It felt significant that Wenger withdrew Bendtner but kept Chamakh on for the full 90 minutes. Wenger sorely needs his supporting cast to step up as the matches come thick and fast and the injuries mount, particularly the muscle strains. Tomas Rosicky became the latest casualty when he was helped off after 62 minutes with mild concussion.
Wenger had missed seven players at the outset due to various ailments. One of them, Cesc Fábregas, who has a hamstring problem, said that he was "running, getting better and not sensing any pain at the moment". Wenger said the midfielder would not feature against Sunderland on Saturday but, to Fábregas's mind, there is no doubt about Barcelona.
Wenger, though, painted a less than optimistic picture about the defender Thomas Vermaelen, the long-term achilles absentee. "We have to be patient," he said. "I don't want to put him under any pressure and anyway, we are in March now and he has not played since September so it will take him a while to get back to a competitive level."
Bendtner is at his level. Chamakh labours.
Source: David Hytner, The Guardian on 2 Mar 11
When Arsène Wenger relates "bad news" about an Arsenal injury and suggests that he will be out for "the next three weeks, for sure", seasoned watchers of the manager tend to double the estimate. Especially when the player is Robin van Persie.
Whenever Arsenal lose the injury-prone Dutchman, it hurts but the pain is compounded this time around. Van Persie had been in supreme touch and the fixtures keep getting tastier.
The Champions League return against Barcelona at Camp Nou looms next Tuesday and the club now have an FA Cup quarter-final at Manchester United on Saturday week.
This fifth-round replay against League One Leyton Orient had a low-key feel, although not for the 9,000 travelling fans, who watched their team flicker briefly in the early running. But for Arsenal's stand-in strikers, it represented an audition. Marouane Chamakh and Nicklas Bendtner had claims to press.
It might have irked Bendtner that Chamakh, left, got the nod as the central striker, with him being asked to forage from the right. Bendtner has said on many occasions that he is not comfortable on the flank. He would hate for his greater versatility to count against him. Yet the Dane was undeterred as he went about upstaging Chamakh.
His hat-trick performance featured some of the usual foibles that can, on other days, infuriate the crowd. But his goals were of the highest order, particularly the second, which he curled with dead-eyed precision from 20 yards, having popped up on the left. He embraced his licence to roam. His 30th-minute leap and headed finish were ripped from the pages of the old-fashioned No 9's manual.
Bendtner scored at Camp Nou last season, as Arsenal threatened to pull off a famous upset before they were taken apart and he is the favourite to start ahead of Chamakh.
The Moroccan, who arrived last summer from Bordeaux, began his Arsenal career in encouraging style. He had 11 goals in all competitions by the end of November but, until this game, he had not scored since.
He admitted a few weeks ago that "by the start of January, I had completely lost my edge" and he added that he was benefiting from being taken out of the firing line.
Bendtner might never lack confidence but Chamakh looked tentative here, too measured in his passing, as though fearful of making a mistake.
There was a period in the first-half when all of his lay-offs went awry and this was after he had enjoyed the tonic of steering home the opening goal to end his three-month long scoring drought. He was hustled off the ball all too readily by Orient's centre-halves and the cobwebs remain.
Despite the comfort of the evening, the crowd expressed their frustration at his sloppiness. It felt significant that Wenger withdrew Bendtner but kept Chamakh on for the full 90 minutes. Wenger sorely needs his supporting cast to step up as the matches come thick and fast and the injuries mount, particularly the muscle strains. Tomas Rosicky became the latest casualty when he was helped off after 62 minutes with mild concussion.
Wenger had missed seven players at the outset due to various ailments. One of them, Cesc Fábregas, who has a hamstring problem, said that he was "running, getting better and not sensing any pain at the moment". Wenger said the midfielder would not feature against Sunderland on Saturday but, to Fábregas's mind, there is no doubt about Barcelona.
Wenger, though, painted a less than optimistic picture about the defender Thomas Vermaelen, the long-term achilles absentee. "We have to be patient," he said. "I don't want to put him under any pressure and anyway, we are in March now and he has not played since September so it will take him a while to get back to a competitive level."
Bendtner is at his level. Chamakh labours.
Source: David Hytner, The Guardian on 2 Mar 11
Wenger's reaction to the Arsenal 5-0 Leyton Orient match
It was important that we had a response tonight after what happened over the weekend. We did it in a professional way, we were always focused. We didn't give them any chances and overall it was a normal victory. If you look back we have a long run of positive results but it was important that we didn't let ourselves down tonight. We gave ourselves a good chance to focus on the coming weeks because we have now Sunderland on Saturday and Barcelona on Tuesday, then the Quarter-Final of the FA Cup. This keeps us focused.
on the significance of Bendtner and Chamakh scoring...
We have lost Van Persie so for Bendtner and Chamakh to score is very important, they now have a level of confidence that we need to be successful in the big games. You need your strikers to take any chance and tonight Bendtner did that very well.
on the 1-1 draw at Orient...
It can happen. They defended better there, the pitch was not exactly of the same quality so you lose always a fraction of seconds. I found them a bit sharper in the first game, they felt really they had a chance at home. We scored early as well today and never gave them a chance.
on Chelsea's win over Man United...
For us it keeps us even better in the race. I felt that anyway no matter what happened last night, if it was a draw, it would have been good as well. But it just depends on us, it is down to our results and I have said that for a long, long time. It depends how consistent we will be with our results, that will decide the championship. No [I don't look at the fixtures], I know we play Man United at home and we will see where we stand when we play against them. What is important now is for us to be strong at home, I have said that since December. We dropped points at home at the start of the season and since November we have been consistent at home. That will be vital for us.
on why the League so important...
Because you win the League after 38 games and the Carling Cup after five or six games.
on whether it is a two-horse race...
It is a tight, exciting run-in now. I don't rule Chelsea out, I don't rule Man City out, because everybody can drop points everywhere. It looks like recently we have been on a really good run - if you look back at our last ten games - and if we maintain our consistency we have a very good chance.
on scoring 103 goals in 45 games…
We are very proud of that because that means people don’t get too bored when they come here and watch games, they get enjoyment.
on the “traditional rivalry” with Manchester United…
Not just because it’s Manchester United, because that means we are in the race. I enjoy that. It’s difficult to say how we approach this game, how they approach this game. For us, it will be after Barcelona and for them it will be before the Champions League. Of course, the result at Barcelona will have an influence on that as well.
on the importance of Marouane Chamakh…
We need Chamakh with the games we have in front of us. He had a great start to the season until the end of November and after he had a little bit of burn-out. Now he looks, even in training, to be coming back. For a while he looked very tired but now it is good for him he has scored.
on Tomas Rosicky’s injury…
He is good, he had an elbow on his head. He was a bit dizzy so we took him off.
on Conor Henderson’s debut…
If you look at all the English players that come out now, it’s amazing. He has done well, and shown that he is technically at the level that we request here. He has a nice, smooth left foot and good build. He would have been involved a long time ago but he was injured.
on Abou Diaby’s form…
He has played four or five games in the Premier League since the start of the season, that’s why I took him off after 60 minutes. For me he looked sharp on the ball, had good acceleration and power. Still, on his positional play sometimes in midfield he was a little bit not completely sharp.
on Bendtner’s hat-trick…
It puts him in contention to play against Sunderland. That for us, is a vital game. We have to make our decisions game by game, if we beat Sunderland we are in a great position so all our focus is on that game.
on his performance at the Nou Camp last year…
He played well at Barcelona last year. What is important now is that if he plays, he plays well against Sunderland.
on the prospect of playing a strong side at Old Trafford...
Let's first see how the next two games go and see who is available. We will play the team that has the best possible chance to qualify, that is for sure.
on Leyton Orient...
I give them credit for always trying to play, I said that to their manager. They tried to play football and they did that in a very positive way. They are on a long unbeaten run in League One as well, so overall they have done very well.
Source: Arsenal.com on 2 Mar 11
2 March 2011: Arsenal 5-0 Leyton Orient, The Emirates
Nicklas Bendtner fired a hat-trick as Arsenal brushed aside Leyton Orient to set up a mouthwatering FA Cup Quarter-Final tie with Manchester United.
Arsène Wenger’s challenge for the Carling Cup may have ended in disappointing fashion but they are alive and kicking in England’s other knockout competition.
A Bendtner brace and Marouane Chamakh’s first goal since November put the home side in control in the first half. The Dane completed the second treble of his Arsenal career from the penalty spot on the hour. Then, 15 minutes from time, Gael Clichy fired home only his second goal in 255 games for the Club.
It was nothing more than we expected but, all the same, it was welcome catharsis after Sunday.
Arsenal have massive games with Sunderland and Barcelona in the next seven days. Games which, like last Sunday, could shape their season.
After tonight, they are clearly on the way back.
Having debuted Ignasi Miguel in the game at Brisbane Road, Wenger chose to give Conor Henderson a bow in the return game this evening.
The 19-year-old is a former Irish youth international and a current Reserve team regular. He took his place on the left of midfield.
In fact there were only three changes from the game at Brisbane Road. Henderson for Andrey Arshavin and Emmanuel Eboue for Bacary Sagna. Meanwhile Alex Song dropped out and Abou Diaby returned after a month out through suspension and a calf injury.
Ignasi reprised his role alongside Sebastien Squillaci at centre back. Tomas Rosicky was the only survivor from Wembley at the weekend.
In the first game, Leyton Orient, like Birmingham, had caught Arsenal late.
But in the circumstances this replay was welcome. After Sunday, Wenger’s men needed to get themselves going again as soon as possible. Manchester United’s defeat at Chelsea the previous night had put them back in control of their title bid once more. And, of course, Sir Alex Ferguson’s side also lay in wait in the last eight.
It was a bitterly cold North London night but Arsenal’s start was sparky and they quickly put themselves in front. Diaby’s early drive was charged down then, in the seventh minute, Rosicky raced to the byline and cut the ball back for Chamakh to sweep home a shot.
It was the Moroccan’s first goal since the Premier League trip to Aston Villa on November 27.
Orient responded with all the valour we had seen in the first game. Ben Chorley’s shot hit team-mate Scott McGleish in a crowded area and deflected over the bar. Then Alex Revell steered a shot wide at the near post.
Russell Slade’s side had lost only one game in four months - and you could tell why. Committed and organised, they made it hard for Arsenal, who seemed happy to soak up the visitors’ energy and make their quality tell when they could.
And, on the half-hour, they did.
Kieran Gibbs whipped in a cross to the far side of the six-yard box where Bendtner looped a header back across goal and beyond the outstretched hands of Orient keeper Jamie Jones.
Arsenal were in control. Now they just had to keep it that way in order to reach the last eight.
Meanwhile that second goal seemed to deflate Orient and a little slackness would gift the home side a third on the stroke of half-time. The visitors took a throw to Thomas Carroll on the right but he was robbed by Rosicky. The midfielder’s prod fell to Bendtner, who cut inside and blasted his cross-shot beyond Jones.
It appeared that game was now beyond his team as well.
Within five minutes of the restart, Denilson had thumped a long shot into the chest of Jones then Diaby played a one-two with Chamakh but dragged his shot just beyond the far post.
Orient tried to respond but, on the hour, it was 4-0. Gibbs weaved inside Andrew Whing but was hauled down by Revell. Bendtner fired home his hat-trick goal from the spot.
The goal allowed Wenger to make a change. Rosicky had been brought down before the penalty incident. After it, he walked gingerly round the pitch and down the tunnel. Samir Nasri came on.
Shortly afterwards, the manager replaced Diaby and Bendtner with Jack Wilshere and Clichy.
Sixteen minutes from time, the latter would plunder a fifth. Eboue's cross was dummied by Chamakh and Clichy rifled home. It was his first goal since November 2008.
From there, Arsenal hit the button marked ‘cruise control’. Orient went close in injury time when Dean Cox thundered a shot just wide but Wilshere and Nasri spurned similar efforts in the dying minutes.
This was just what Arsenal needed. A safe, controlled victory in which the goals will have bred confidence as much as the clean-sheet at the back.
Now they must build again on this foundation.
Source: Richard Clarke, Arsenal.com on 2 Mar 11
Arsène Wenger’s challenge for the Carling Cup may have ended in disappointing fashion but they are alive and kicking in England’s other knockout competition.
A Bendtner brace and Marouane Chamakh’s first goal since November put the home side in control in the first half. The Dane completed the second treble of his Arsenal career from the penalty spot on the hour. Then, 15 minutes from time, Gael Clichy fired home only his second goal in 255 games for the Club.
It was nothing more than we expected but, all the same, it was welcome catharsis after Sunday.
Arsenal have massive games with Sunderland and Barcelona in the next seven days. Games which, like last Sunday, could shape their season.
After tonight, they are clearly on the way back.
Having debuted Ignasi Miguel in the game at Brisbane Road, Wenger chose to give Conor Henderson a bow in the return game this evening.
The 19-year-old is a former Irish youth international and a current Reserve team regular. He took his place on the left of midfield.
In fact there were only three changes from the game at Brisbane Road. Henderson for Andrey Arshavin and Emmanuel Eboue for Bacary Sagna. Meanwhile Alex Song dropped out and Abou Diaby returned after a month out through suspension and a calf injury.
Ignasi reprised his role alongside Sebastien Squillaci at centre back. Tomas Rosicky was the only survivor from Wembley at the weekend.
In the first game, Leyton Orient, like Birmingham, had caught Arsenal late.
But in the circumstances this replay was welcome. After Sunday, Wenger’s men needed to get themselves going again as soon as possible. Manchester United’s defeat at Chelsea the previous night had put them back in control of their title bid once more. And, of course, Sir Alex Ferguson’s side also lay in wait in the last eight.
It was a bitterly cold North London night but Arsenal’s start was sparky and they quickly put themselves in front. Diaby’s early drive was charged down then, in the seventh minute, Rosicky raced to the byline and cut the ball back for Chamakh to sweep home a shot.
It was the Moroccan’s first goal since the Premier League trip to Aston Villa on November 27.
Orient responded with all the valour we had seen in the first game. Ben Chorley’s shot hit team-mate Scott McGleish in a crowded area and deflected over the bar. Then Alex Revell steered a shot wide at the near post.
Russell Slade’s side had lost only one game in four months - and you could tell why. Committed and organised, they made it hard for Arsenal, who seemed happy to soak up the visitors’ energy and make their quality tell when they could.
And, on the half-hour, they did.
Kieran Gibbs whipped in a cross to the far side of the six-yard box where Bendtner looped a header back across goal and beyond the outstretched hands of Orient keeper Jamie Jones.
Arsenal were in control. Now they just had to keep it that way in order to reach the last eight.
Meanwhile that second goal seemed to deflate Orient and a little slackness would gift the home side a third on the stroke of half-time. The visitors took a throw to Thomas Carroll on the right but he was robbed by Rosicky. The midfielder’s prod fell to Bendtner, who cut inside and blasted his cross-shot beyond Jones.
It appeared that game was now beyond his team as well.
Within five minutes of the restart, Denilson had thumped a long shot into the chest of Jones then Diaby played a one-two with Chamakh but dragged his shot just beyond the far post.
Orient tried to respond but, on the hour, it was 4-0. Gibbs weaved inside Andrew Whing but was hauled down by Revell. Bendtner fired home his hat-trick goal from the spot.
The goal allowed Wenger to make a change. Rosicky had been brought down before the penalty incident. After it, he walked gingerly round the pitch and down the tunnel. Samir Nasri came on.
Shortly afterwards, the manager replaced Diaby and Bendtner with Jack Wilshere and Clichy.
Sixteen minutes from time, the latter would plunder a fifth. Eboue's cross was dummied by Chamakh and Clichy rifled home. It was his first goal since November 2008.
From there, Arsenal hit the button marked ‘cruise control’. Orient went close in injury time when Dean Cox thundered a shot just wide but Wilshere and Nasri spurned similar efforts in the dying minutes.
This was just what Arsenal needed. A safe, controlled victory in which the goals will have bred confidence as much as the clean-sheet at the back.
Now they must build again on this foundation.
Source: Richard Clarke, Arsenal.com on 2 Mar 11
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Emirates state of mind
With Sunday's gut-wrenching Carling Cup final defeat still fresh in their minds Arsene Wenger's side will be determined to avoid a further embarrassing slip up as they head into another cup clash as heavy favourites, this time against Leyton Orient.
The League One side sprung one of the surprises of the fifth round when they battled to a 1-1 draw at Brisbane Road to force a replay. Despite Arsenal's dominance, they failed to add to Tomas Rosicky's second-half strike and French forward Jonathan Tehoue came off the bench to score an 89th minute equaliser.
Orient's colourful chairman Barry Hearn will take his entire squad to Las Vegas as a reward, but on Wednesday night the O's will be hoping to hit the jackpot at the Emirates Stadium, with the winner heading to Old Trafford to face Manchester United in the quarter-finals.
Luckily for the underdogs they won't face a full-strength opponent as Arsenal have three games in seven days, the last of which is a decisive Champions League tie in Barcelona, and Wenger will almost certainly rotate his squad and turn to his fringe players.
Denmark striker Nicklas Bendtner is likely to start up front alongside out-of-sorts Maroune Chamakh with Rosicky, Denilson and Abou Diaby drafted into midfield. In normal circumstances Wenger would have a selection of stars on the bench as an insurance policy if things go wrong, but with Robin van Persie, Cesc Fabregas and Theo Walcott all out injured the reinforcements could be a little threadbare.
Orient go into the match on the back of a 13 game unbeaten run after fighting back from two goals down to earn a 2-2 draw at Huddersfield at the weekend. However, captain Stephen Dawson picked up a knee injury at the Galpharm Stadium, young forward Harry Kane is suspended after being sent off in a league game and first-leg hero Tehoue is a doubt after being sent home from training due to illness.
For too long Wenger's team have buckled in pressure situations and at Wembley on Sunday, when they were on the cusp of ending a six year trophy drought, they did so again. Following such a setback this match will certainly provide a test of their mental resolve. The Gunners are odds on favourites to pass with flying colours and, if they fail, it could be the moment their entire season crumbles.
Arsenal player to watch - Tomas Rosicky
With Samir Nasri almost certain to be rested and Walcott out injured, Rosicky has a great chance to make his mark. The Czech midfielder excels with the ball at his feet and his passing game will be key to unlocking the Orient defence. He was brought to Arsenal from Borussia Dortmund to replace Robert Pires but has never really hit the same heights as his forbear, yet on his day he can still be hugely effective. He takes on added responsibility in the cup competitions and responded with a goal in at Brisbane Road.
Leyton Orient player to watch - Alex Revell
This hard-working 6' 3" striker could well be licking his lips after seeing how Arsenal's first-choice defence struggled to cope with Birmingham's aerial attack on Sunday. The former Cambridge United youngster was something of a journeyman in his early career but the 27-year-old struck real form at the end of last season during a loan spell at Wycombe, scoring six goals in 15 games. Orient boss Russell Slade snapped him up in the summer and he is now the club's leading scorer, with 14 goals in all competitions.
Key battle - Nicklas Bendtner v Ben Chorley
Arsenal striker Bendtner is a supremely confident character and is never slow when it comes to self promotion, but the Denmark international has hardly starred this season and has only been used from the start in the domestic cup competitions of late. However, with Van Persie set to miss next week's glamour tie against Barcelona and a place in the Arsenal attack up for grabs, now would be a good time to add to his tally of five goals this season. Facing up to Bendtner is a man who will also be supremely motivated, but for different reasons. Orient centre-back Chorley returns to Arsenal for the first time since being released by the club in 2003. The 28-year-old won the FA Youth Cup with the Gunners in 2001 and will be hoping to get one over on his former employers.
Trivia
Leyton Orient and Arsenal have met in the FA Cup in four previous seasons, with the north London club beating their east London rivals on every occasion.
Source: Dominic Raynor, ESPN Soccernet on 2 Mar 11
The League One side sprung one of the surprises of the fifth round when they battled to a 1-1 draw at Brisbane Road to force a replay. Despite Arsenal's dominance, they failed to add to Tomas Rosicky's second-half strike and French forward Jonathan Tehoue came off the bench to score an 89th minute equaliser.
Orient's colourful chairman Barry Hearn will take his entire squad to Las Vegas as a reward, but on Wednesday night the O's will be hoping to hit the jackpot at the Emirates Stadium, with the winner heading to Old Trafford to face Manchester United in the quarter-finals.
Luckily for the underdogs they won't face a full-strength opponent as Arsenal have three games in seven days, the last of which is a decisive Champions League tie in Barcelona, and Wenger will almost certainly rotate his squad and turn to his fringe players.
Denmark striker Nicklas Bendtner is likely to start up front alongside out-of-sorts Maroune Chamakh with Rosicky, Denilson and Abou Diaby drafted into midfield. In normal circumstances Wenger would have a selection of stars on the bench as an insurance policy if things go wrong, but with Robin van Persie, Cesc Fabregas and Theo Walcott all out injured the reinforcements could be a little threadbare.
Orient go into the match on the back of a 13 game unbeaten run after fighting back from two goals down to earn a 2-2 draw at Huddersfield at the weekend. However, captain Stephen Dawson picked up a knee injury at the Galpharm Stadium, young forward Harry Kane is suspended after being sent off in a league game and first-leg hero Tehoue is a doubt after being sent home from training due to illness.
For too long Wenger's team have buckled in pressure situations and at Wembley on Sunday, when they were on the cusp of ending a six year trophy drought, they did so again. Following such a setback this match will certainly provide a test of their mental resolve. The Gunners are odds on favourites to pass with flying colours and, if they fail, it could be the moment their entire season crumbles.
Arsenal player to watch - Tomas Rosicky
With Samir Nasri almost certain to be rested and Walcott out injured, Rosicky has a great chance to make his mark. The Czech midfielder excels with the ball at his feet and his passing game will be key to unlocking the Orient defence. He was brought to Arsenal from Borussia Dortmund to replace Robert Pires but has never really hit the same heights as his forbear, yet on his day he can still be hugely effective. He takes on added responsibility in the cup competitions and responded with a goal in at Brisbane Road.
Leyton Orient player to watch - Alex Revell
This hard-working 6' 3" striker could well be licking his lips after seeing how Arsenal's first-choice defence struggled to cope with Birmingham's aerial attack on Sunday. The former Cambridge United youngster was something of a journeyman in his early career but the 27-year-old struck real form at the end of last season during a loan spell at Wycombe, scoring six goals in 15 games. Orient boss Russell Slade snapped him up in the summer and he is now the club's leading scorer, with 14 goals in all competitions.
Key battle - Nicklas Bendtner v Ben Chorley
Arsenal striker Bendtner is a supremely confident character and is never slow when it comes to self promotion, but the Denmark international has hardly starred this season and has only been used from the start in the domestic cup competitions of late. However, with Van Persie set to miss next week's glamour tie against Barcelona and a place in the Arsenal attack up for grabs, now would be a good time to add to his tally of five goals this season. Facing up to Bendtner is a man who will also be supremely motivated, but for different reasons. Orient centre-back Chorley returns to Arsenal for the first time since being released by the club in 2003. The 28-year-old won the FA Youth Cup with the Gunners in 2001 and will be hoping to get one over on his former employers.
Trivia
Leyton Orient and Arsenal have met in the FA Cup in four previous seasons, with the north London club beating their east London rivals on every occasion.
Source: Dominic Raynor, ESPN Soccernet on 2 Mar 11
Match Preview: Arsenal vs Leyton Orient
“Still, you have to deal with them and I feel the team can learn a lot from Sunday because nerves, especially defensively, played a big part. Many players were at Wembley for the first time.
“But I have been a manager for many years and it's a long time since I have seen a team with such a strong desire to do well.
“I know their talent and I must say that Sunday has not diminished the belief I have in this team at all. In fact it's the opposite.
“When I saw them respond today and yesterday, after how disappointed they were, I am quite impressed I must say. They are focused already.”
It appears that Arsenal are all-set to go again.
There is no other solution to a bad case of the Blues. Just re-focus, re-invigorate and return.
Unlike the Premier League or the Champions League, the Carling Cup was never capable of making Arsenal’s season. Therefore it must not be allowed to break it.
This is not revisionism. Sunday was still gut-wrenching. The Carling Cup was the most straightforward silverware available and highly-prized given that much-discussed six-year wait for a trophy.
But Wenger is well aware that Arsenal have three further bites of the cherry. And they can sink their teeth into the FA Cup on Wednesday when Leyton Orient arrive at Emirates Stadium for unfinished Fifth Round business.
“We want to bounce back and we have a good opportunity to show our strengths straight away, “ said Wenger. “We want to give a good response on Wednesday.
“I have always said that we will go for all the trophies and I would have done that win-or-lose against Birmingham.”
Arsenal hurt more than just their pride at Wembley on Sunday. Robin van Persie damaged his knee in the process of scoring the equaliser and is sidelined for three weeks at least – a period that includes that mega-tie in Barcelona next Tuesday. Alex Song (knee) and Laurent Koscielny (hamstring) are out for Orient but their absence will be more short-term.
Abou Diaby (suspension/calf) is back and should start. Meanwhile, as at Brisbane Road, Manuel Almunia will displace first-choice keeper Wojciech Szczesny, who drops to the bench. With Sunderland on Saturday and then the Nou Camp, Wenger was unsure of his side when he spoke to Arsenal.com. But Reserve team captain Ignasi Miquel may well reprise his role alongside Sebastien Squillaci at centre half and other youngsters could be involved.
“All the players available are in the squad,” said Wenger. “We will rotate a little bit again because we cannot do it the other way around. We play Saturday, Tuesday again and we have to use our squad in the most balanced and intelligent way. I have to try to find a way to sort the problem out.”
Leyton Orient had a clearly-defined game-plan ten days ago – defend deeply while the scores were level then gamble when they concede or in the final stages, whichever came first.
Striker Jonathan Tehoue came off the bench late on to lead the charge. His direct, powerful style caused Arsenal major problems and he barged through to blast home the equaliser two minutes from time.
The Frenchman has shaken off a migraine and may figure at Emirates Stadium. However Stephen Dawson (knee) will be a big loss; he was excellent in the first game.
Orient are unbeaten in 13 games, lying 12th and starting to think about the Play-Offs. The fighting spirit shown in the first game is no one-off. In the games surrounding that tie they grabbed four massive League One points by staging two-goal comebacks at top-six sides. On Saturday at Huddersfield they were even down to ten men when Jimmy Smith fired an equaliser two minutes from time.
“In the first game I was impressed by their organisation and their defensive quality,” said Wenger. “They reduced us to very few chances and that's what we want to change on Wednesday. Our quality in the final third has to be much better and we have to put them under much more pressure.”
Arsenal have struggled against lower League opposition in cup competitions this season. But, in fairness, poor performances in the first games against Leeds and Ipswich were put right second times around.
“They were and that's what we want to achieve again,” said Wenger. “We play at home so we want to bounce back quickly, respond quickly from our disappointment and put in a good performance.”
Emirates Stadium can lick the wounds of their team over the next few days. By Saturday night they could be in the FA Cup Quarter-Finals and one point off the top of the Premier League.
Manchester United block Arsenal’s passage in both competitions. But Sir Alex Ferguson’s side suffered their own bout of the Blues this week. A run of their troublesome away fixtures was always going to be the greatest hope for Arsène Wenger. And so it has proved.
This Sunday, they travel to Liverpool with notable absences and, hopefully, Arsenal breathing down their neck.
Two straight wins will not make Koscielny or Szczesny swipe that late, lamentable ball from the path of Obafemi Martins. But it will prove the Nigerian’s strike has not dealt a lethal blow to Arsenal’s season, though it might have felt that way at the time.
The goal did leave a gaping wound that has little time to heal. With only 11 weeks left in the season, Arsenal must patch themselves up and soldier on – starting with Leyton Orient on Wednesday.
The Carling Cup run ended on Sunday, the season did not.
Source: Richard Clarke, Arsenal.com on 2 Mar 11
Monday, February 21, 2011
Jonathan Téhoué earns Leyton Orient a deserved replay with Arsenal
Right from the outset here it was apparent that Arsenal would not be allowed to canter to victory. Their League One hosts passed crisply, tackled neatly and proved themselves to be as organised as they were tenacious. Arsenal, then, would have to produce at least some of the ingenuity that befits their status as Champions League contenders. However, with 10 of the players who started against Barcelona on Wednesday omitted, they struggled to do so. They circulated the ball nicely and Andrey Arshavin and Nicklas Bendtner offered intermittent evidence of rarefied skill but in general Wenger's team were predictable and one-paced. Orient did not suffer as much as they might have feared they would.
It was Orient who forged the first shot on target, their dynamic captain, Stephen Dawson, surging from midfield to test Manuel Almunia with a fierce low effort from 20 yards. The goalkeeper, making his first appearance since his outing in the last round, needed two tries to hold it.
Marouane Chamakh, who was also returning to the Arsenal team after a spell on the sidelines, was presented with a chance to put Arsenal in front moments later but headed tamely at Jamie Jones from eight yards. The Moroccan continued in that vein for the rest of the first period, his display doing nothing to suggest that he is close to recovering from the fatigue that he says has beset him in his first season in English football. He was not the only player who lacked vim, as Denílson, Alex Song and Tomas Rosicky also struggled to distinguish themselves, especially in the first half. Arshavin, however, was lively and at the hub of most of what Arsenal did well. Twice in the first period he deftly brought the overlapping Kieran Gibbs into play but the left-back's enterprise was not equalled.
The Russian forced an awkward save from Jones in the 20th minute with a swirling shot from the edge of the box following neat interplay with Bendtner. Both Arshavin and Bendtner had several more shots from similar distances in the first half but persistently failed to find the target.
Russell Slade's team did not get many opportunities to trouble an Arsenal defence in which the 18-year-old Spaniard Ignasi Miquel was making his debut, though, following a 13th-minute corner, Charlie Daniels cracked a ferocious shot just over the bar from 25 yards. Arsenal did improve in the second period, the embarrassing prospect of having to call substitutes such as Cesc Fábregas, Samir Nasri and Jack Wilshere to the rescue perhaps spurring the starters.
In the 53rd minute Bendtner and Rosicky combined finally to assert the visitors' superiority. After good work by the Dane and an inviting cross from the right, Rosicky darted from deep to nod into the net from nine yards.
Arsenal's dominance of possession increased after that but Orient did not surrender. Two minutes after going behind Daniels raided down the left and chipped a good cross to Alex Revell, who sent a looping header just over. "When they got the goal we actually came out of our shell a little and started to make one or two more passes and got a little bit of momentum," said the Orient manager.
In the 82nd minute Orient strung together their best move of the match, building intricately down the right before releasing Jonathan Téhoué, who showed composure to play a precise low ball towards Revell, the striker arriving at pace to unleash a thunderous shot from 16 yards. Almunia would have struggled to save it, so was no doubt grateful that Miquel blocked the shot with his face.
His fellow Frenchman, Wenger, admitted afterwards that he had never heard of Téhoué, who had entered the fray as a 63rd-minute substitute. One minute from time he gave the Arsenal manager something to remember him by, beating two players outside the area and rifling the ball under Almunia.
"All eight goals he has scored this season have come in the 85th-minute or later, so in terms of super-sub he's the boy!" said Slade before highlighting the feats of all his players this season. "We've only lost one of our last 21 matches, so something must be going right down at the Orient."
Source: Paul Doyle, The Guardian on 20 Feb 11
Gunners handed reality check
The Gunners made 10 changes from the side which had beaten Barcelona in midweek, but lacked a cutting edge in attack before they eventually made the breakthrough when Tomas Rosicky headed in on 53 minutes.
However, Orient produced a late rally and substitute Tehoue drilled home with a minute left to earn a money-spinning replay which keeps alive the dream of a quarter-final at Manchester United.
Arsene Wenger made the expected sweeping changes from the starting XI against Barcelona, with midfielder Alex Song the only survivor while 18-year-old centre-half Ignasi Miquel made his first-team debut and Manuel Almunia returned in goal.
However, captain Cesc Fabregas, Samir Nasri and Jack Wilshere were all on the bench if needed.
It was a bright start by the home side, who had knocked out Championship promotion hopefuls Norwich and then Swansea in the last rounds, as skipper Stephen Dawson tested Almunia with a low drive from 20 yards.
Arsenal, though, soon settled and Marouane Chamakh glanced a header goalwards after good work down the left from Kieran Gibbs and Andrey Arshavin, who came off the bench to net the winner against Barcelona.
Orient, cheered on by a capacity 9,000 crowd, were not overawed and tried to take the game to their illustrious opponents.
On 14 minutes, Gibbs fed Chamakh at the edge of the penalty area, but the Moroccan - whose last of his 11 goals came in November - could only hit a tame sidefoot effort which Jamie Jones saved comfortably, At the other end, Charlie Daniels sent a 25-yard effort just over following a corner.
Arsenal, though, were soon back on the offensive, as Jones kept out Arshavin's low drive.
Andrew Whing pushed Rosicky over to concede a free-kick just outside the Orient box on the left flank. Arshavin's delivery, though, was headed clear.
Bendtner was the next Arsenal player off target, scuffing his half-volley wide from 18 yards.
Orient continued to close down Arsenal as the visitors struggled to open up the home side in the final third.
As the break approached, Chamakh stabbed wide as he stretched to get on the end of Gibbs' low centre across the six-yard box.
Arshavin weaved into the right side of the Orient penalty area, but could only find the side-netting.
Orient made a change for the second half as injured defender Jason Crowe was replaced by Thomas Carroll.
With an already congested fixture list, which includes next Sunday's Carling Cup final against Birmingham at Wembley, the last thing Wenger will have wanted was a replay, and Arsenal started with more urgency.
However, once more Orient defended in numbers, denying the Gunners any time on the ball.
Arsenal finally took the lead on 53 minutes.
Bendtner's persistence in the right side of the penalty area paid off when his cutback was glanced into the far corner by Rosicky - his first goal since January 2010.
Orient could have let their heads drop, but immediately went on the offensive as Alex Revell looped a header goalwards.
Arsenal, though, continued to look threatening on the break, with Arshavin's turn and run almost playing in Rosicky.
On 68 minutes, the Czech midfielder was denied a second goal by a brilliant reaction save at the near post from Jones, who also blocked the rebound.
Tehoue injected some pace into the Orient attack and the French forward broke quickly down the right, as Revell swept a first-time effort wide from the edge of the Arsenal box.
Orient knew time was running out so pressed forwards, but in doing so left themselves open on the counter-attack.
Tehoue broke down the right again and crossed to the centre where Revell fired in his shot - only for the much-maligned Sebastien Squillaci to somehow make a saving block as the hosts shouted for handball. A subsequent glance at the Frenchman's buffeted face revealed the truth.
Arshavin almost made the tie safe when he dashed clear down the left, but his shot flew across goal and clipped the far post.
Orient, though, were not to be denied a famous result as Tehoue drilled in an equaliser with just a minute left as Brisbane Road erupted.
Arsene Wenger admitted a sense of frustration that Arsenal failed to kill off Leyton Orient.
"We have played the game with the right attitude and could not fault our fighting spirit, but you also have to give credit to Leyton Orient because they never gave up and fought very hard," Wenger said.
"As long as you do not score the second goal, that can happen. Overall it is a disappointment, but we are still in the competition and will now play at home. The most important thing is to go through."
"You had a match against a team which is technically superior, but fighting spirit has a chance."
Wenger, though, continued: "The most negative side of our result today is one more fixture and in fairness that is not what we needed."
"We have had problems in the cups against teams from the lower divisions to finish them off, but also we have given a lot."
"Sometimes, mentally, a breather would not be bad."
"What people forget is that since the beginning of December, we have played every three days, so sometimes to have a week where we could give the players a little breather would not be bad."
Yet Wenger did not begrudge Orient their big night at the Emirates.
He said: "It will make their budget for the season, if not more, and to scrap that off would be a blow to all the smaller clubs in England.
"They suffer already, so you would not have a lot of supporters to do that (scrap replays)."
Source: ESPN Soccernet on 20 Feb 11
Wenger's reaction to the Leyton Orient 1-1 Arsenal match
On being in control before the late equaliser…
That’s what football is about. I believe we have played the game with the right attitude and I cannot fault our fighting spirit. You have to give credit to Leyton Orient. They never gave up and, as long as you don’t score the second goal, these kind of things can happen. It is a disappointment of course but we are still in the competition and the most important thing is that we go through, that’s what the Cup is all about. Today you had fighting spirit against a team who were technically superior, but in a Cup game fighting spirit has a chance.
On Andrey Arshavin’s performance…
He is coming back into form. What is missing is a goal to get completely back to full confidence. But he is lively and dangerous.
On having a large squad to cope with a replay…
We [even] left a few players at home [today]. It’s just sometimes, mentally, a breather would not be bad. Since the beginning of December we have played every three days. Sometimes, to give a week where we can give a breather to the players would not be bad. You have to give credit to Leyton Orient today. You could feel that it was about scoring the second goal or not making a defensive mistake and they took advantage of it.
On knowing about drawing Manchester United before the game…
Somebody told me just before the game started. It’s an exciting and an interesting draw. Today we have [had] a good warning that against Leyton Orient at home it will be a difficult game. They didn’t drop physically, they kept their shape, fought very hard and it was a difficult game for us.
On playing after the Sixth Round draw was made…
It’s the television who dictates the rules. That would not be an excuse for us to draw today, I just think Leyton Orient played a great game. We had quite a good game but we couldn’t finish them off.
On Jonathan Tehoue…
No, I don’t know him. I saw him when he came on, I have never heard of him before! If they did not start him maybe they had a plan to defend up front with Revell. But when he came on they went to a more 4-4-2 shape. Of course they had the chance before when Squillaci was hit on the head and they looked dangerous whenever we lost the ball in the final 20 minutes.
Source: Arsenal.com on 20 Feb 11
That’s what football is about. I believe we have played the game with the right attitude and I cannot fault our fighting spirit. You have to give credit to Leyton Orient. They never gave up and, as long as you don’t score the second goal, these kind of things can happen. It is a disappointment of course but we are still in the competition and the most important thing is that we go through, that’s what the Cup is all about. Today you had fighting spirit against a team who were technically superior, but in a Cup game fighting spirit has a chance.
On Andrey Arshavin’s performance…
He is coming back into form. What is missing is a goal to get completely back to full confidence. But he is lively and dangerous.
On having a large squad to cope with a replay…
We [even] left a few players at home [today]. It’s just sometimes, mentally, a breather would not be bad. Since the beginning of December we have played every three days. Sometimes, to give a week where we can give a breather to the players would not be bad. You have to give credit to Leyton Orient today. You could feel that it was about scoring the second goal or not making a defensive mistake and they took advantage of it.
On knowing about drawing Manchester United before the game…
Somebody told me just before the game started. It’s an exciting and an interesting draw. Today we have [had] a good warning that against Leyton Orient at home it will be a difficult game. They didn’t drop physically, they kept their shape, fought very hard and it was a difficult game for us.
On playing after the Sixth Round draw was made…
It’s the television who dictates the rules. That would not be an excuse for us to draw today, I just think Leyton Orient played a great game. We had quite a good game but we couldn’t finish them off.
On Jonathan Tehoue…
No, I don’t know him. I saw him when he came on, I have never heard of him before! If they did not start him maybe they had a plan to defend up front with Revell. But when he came on they went to a more 4-4-2 shape. Of course they had the chance before when Squillaci was hit on the head and they looked dangerous whenever we lost the ball in the final 20 minutes.
Source: Arsenal.com on 20 Feb 11
20 February 2011: Leyton Orient 1-1 Arsenal, Matchroom Stadium
An 88th-minute equaliser from substitute Jonathan Tehoue means they must replay Leyton Orient at Emirates Stadium next month for the right to take on Manchester United in the Sixth Round.
The goal provided a stirring end to a game that, in truth, struggled to catch fire.
Arsène Wenger’s much-changed side dominated the first half but had to wait until the 53rd minute to break the deadlock when Tomas Rosicky scored with a well-placed header from Nicklas Bendtner’s cross.
Before that, Arsenal had enjoyed massive advantages in terms of territory and possession but had struggled to break down a resolute Orient defence.
The goal forced the home side to attack, with Tehoue coming off the bench to add a crucial cutting edge.
Arsenal should have killed this game yet now they must do it all again.
But they are still in the FA Cup.
Wenger made 10 changes from the side that had come from behind to beat Barcelona in midweek. Alex Song was the only constant. However, the entire bench had been on parade against the Spanish champions.
Ignasi Miquel came in for his debut at centre back alongside Sebastien Squillaci. They were flanked by Bacary Sagna, who was returning from suspension, and Kieran Gibbs. Denilson and Rosicky joined Song in central midfield, Bendtner and Andrey Arshavin were on the wings while Marouane Chamakh was the spearhead striker.
Orient had three ex-Arsenal players in their line-up. Ben Chorley at centre back, Jason Crowe in central midfield and keeper Lee Butcher on the bench.
Just before kick-off, news of the Sixth Round draw filtered through. The prospect of Manchester United was one mighty carrot of course but this tie still had all the ingredients of a shock.
The vast majority of the talent was in the Arsenal team but the crowd, the pitch and weather would be against them this Sunday.
It would be a test.
Despite that, the visitors settled well. In the opening minutes, Arshavin crossed for Chamakh to arc a header into the hands of Orient keeper Jamie Jones. Then Bendtner slashed a shot wide from range.
In the 16th minute, Stephen Dawson rifled a shot inches over the bar. It was a chance out of nothing really and would turn out to be the home side's best opportunity of the opening period. Arsenal were on top and it would stay that way.
However, while they had an advantage in terms of possession and territory, there were precious few chances. Chamakh’s shot was easily saved by Jones and then the keeper spilled a snapshot from Arshavin but his defence managed to mop up the danger.
As the half went on, Arsenal only dominated more and more. Nine minutes from the break, a lengthy spell of possession ended with Arshavin finding Gibbs on the left on the area. His cross was prodded wide by Chamakh six yards out.
It was difficult to know how to feel at the break. Arsenal had bossed the game but had not tested Jones anywhere near enough. Depending your viewpoint it was professional or wasteful.
A goal would change everything. It arrived eight minutes after the restart. As he had so often in this game, Bendtner tried to dribble through the massed ranks of the Orient defence and was repelled.
This time, the Dane was pushed to the right of the area. He crossed towards Rosicky 12 yards out. The Czech international guided a header into the far corner. It was his first strike for Arsenal since January 2010.
The goal forced Orient to alter their tactics. At 0-0 they had been happy to stay in their defensive shell. Having gone behind, they had to come out.
Orient manager Russell Slade made his intentions clear by swapping strikers. The tiring Scott McGleish came off, Tehoue came on.
However just after the change, Arsenal should have killed the game. Arshavin’s tenacity took him to the byline. The Russian cut the ball back for Rosicky, whose first-time volley was turned aside brilliantly by Jones at the near post.
Tehoue roared down the right and Revell swept a shot just wide by way of response.
The introduction of the Frenchman had injected a cutting edge into Orient for the first time and, eight minutes from time, he broke down the right once more and cut back an inviting ball for Revell once again. The striker’s contact was forceful and goal-bound but hit Squillaci square in the face – not on the hand as the home crowd had insisted.
Tehoue had changed the tie so if Orient were to score then he was going to either create or convert. In the end he did both.
In the 87th minute, the Frenchman darted between two Arsenal defenders and sent a thunderous shot under the body of Almunia.
The Matchroom Stadium erupted.
Arshavin and Rosicky tried to rescue the victory for the visitors.
But it would not come.
This was a missed opportunity for Wenger’s team.
Source: Richard Clarke, Arsenal.com on 20 Feb 11
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Arsène Wenger: Beating Barcelona can inspire Arsenal on all fronts
He insists Arsenal will treat their FA Cup opponents, the League One side Leyton Orient, just as seriously as the Spanish champions, with Wenger set to field a virtually full-strength team for the fifth-round tie.
"We want to go for every single competition," said Wenger. "How far will we go? I personally believe we can go in every competition to the end. But we can as well stop very quickly."
"It's just down to how much we believe and how much commitment we show. What I am convinced of is that we have the hunger and we have some talent and we are committed to going as far as we can."
Arsenal are already in the final of the Carling Cup later this month against Birmingham. They lie second in the Premier League, four points behind Manchester United and their home win against Barcelona gives them an opportunity of progressing to the quarter-finals of the Champions League next month.
"Our destiny will be made by how we focus every time, how much we can mobilise our resources in every single game," said Wenger. "The intelligent attitude will be to just worry about the next game and the next game is Leyton Orient. We had tough games against Leeds, tough games against Ipswich, a tough game against Huddersfield. We have been warned how difficult it is."
"We can gain more respect from everybody if we turn up on Sunday with absolutely full commitment, then people will say this team is ready to have a real go and not choose the competition or the games. When you are a top-level competitive man or team you go absolutely 100% committed into every game."
Theo Walcott is likely to have recovered from a slight hamstring strain and Johan Djourou is responding well to treatment on a back injury. Wenger is likely to rest the centre-back Laurent Koscielny who felt "very tired" after the Barcelona match.
But a full house at Orient will be treated to most of the stars who just a few days earlier defeated the team touted as the best in the world. Almost certainly that will include Jack Wilshere in midfield, after the 19-year-old's supremely mature performance against the likes of Xavi Hernández and Andrés Iniesta on Wednesday.
The Arsenal captain, Cesc Fábregas, described Wilshere as having an "English heart with Spanish quality" and Wenger said: "Spanish technique certainly. He has an English heart because he is an English boy. He just loves to win like all the other players in my team.
"He takes everything at the moment with a cool head and that's what I like. When you are at his age, you want to play and to play again and show how good you are. What I like, he is not fazed by the occasion, he is not inhibited and just plays free. That is what is fantastic about him."
Wenger does not believe the FA Cup needs an overhaul and is against scrapping replays, despite Arsenal having a hectic fixture schedule.
"There is an historic love story between people and the FA Cup and people are scared every time that this history goes out of the game," he said. "I don't believe [it will] because I believe that everybody likes to go to Wembley and the final of the FA Cup."
On replays, he added: "They sometimes give you a chance to get yourself out of a tricky game. Against Leeds we had to go to Leeds and we still qualified. It is fair financially for the smaller clubs to get something."
Source: Press Association, The Guardian on 18 Feb 11
Leyton Orient captain: Arsenal are in for a bumpy ride in FA Cup
Leyton Orient's captain, Stephen Dawson, says the Arsenal players will not 'fancy the 50-50s' at the Matchroom Stadium
Arsenal beware: on Leyton Orient's challenging pitch, Stephen Dawson and his crew plan to rough up the Premier League aristocrats when they walk out at the Matchroom Stadium for the FA Cup fifth-round tie this afternoon.
"I don't think it will be like the Emirates, it's not the flattest you'll ever see," says Dawson, the Orient captain, of a surface that had to be completely relaid in 2008. "It will help us. They've got the Carling Cup final next week and Barcelona at the Camp Nou [in the Champions League next month], they don't want to be doing a 50-50 challenge at Brisbane Road.
"We're not just going to stand around and admire how they play. Whoever I mark, be it Cesc Fábregas or Alexandre Song or Jack Wilshere, whoever they put out, you want to put one over on them and beat them. That's the main thing. Whether it involves a tackle or not, that's part of football isn't it?
"Against Ipswich [in the Carling Cup] and Huddersfield and Leeds [in the FA Cup] Arsenal got put under pressure and I don't think they really liked it. It's not about kicking them around, it's about getting in their faces – we're going to be right on top of them."
Arsène Wenger's team travel across London with extra zip after Wednesday evening's memorable 2-1 Champions League comeback win over Barcelona. Yet Irishman Dawson, 25, only sees the potential advantage in taking on a team who are also second in the Premier League and still chasing an unlikely quadruple.
Two years ago, the midfielder was relegated to the Conference with Mansfield Town before being released, so his rosy view of life now is understandable. He says: "I know they are professionals [but] there are an awful lot of internationals who might have the mentality, 'OK, let's just get through the game'."
Helping Dawson and his colleagues in their quest to pull off one of the great FA Cup shocks will be 70 or so of his family and friends, plus a factory full of Cadbury employees in his native Dublin, where his father, Brendan, works.
"He worked 15 hours a day for the last 20-odd years and brought us up very well. I shouldn't say this, but my Mum would have one or two drinks in the pub and my dad would have to look after us, so he would give us a football.
"To say he's proud about this game is an understatement. He'd been a window fitter, but he's working for Cadbury now and has probably got around 3,000 workers there all watching the game as well. More Cadbury people will be Leyton Orient fans on Sunday. More than the usual Tuesday night crowd in the stadium."
Orient pull in around 4,500 for home games and, this season, they have seen their club, owned by Barry Hearn, go on a run that has featured the attractive football favoured by Russell Slade, the manager. They have lost only once in 20 games and have moved up the League One table to be within three points of the play‑off positions.
This sequence featured an FA Cup second-round replay against Droylsden that the club website correctly described as "one of the most bizarre [games] you'll ever see". Dawson says: "There was about eight minutes left, with us 2-0 down – and with 10 men as well. But we managed to get two goals and it ended 8-2 [in extra time, with both teams reduced to nine men by the finish]. They were thinking: 'What's going on here?' It was one of those games."
Dagenham, Norwich and Swansea are the three other scalps taken by Orient in their FA Cup run, but making Arsenal number five appears particularly unlikely. Even if Wenger rests one or all of Fábregas, Samir Nasri, Robin van Persie, Theo Walcott and Wilshere, a stellar queue of reserves, headed by Andrey Arshavin, Tomas Rosicky and Nicklas Bendtner, can step in.
Dawson's hero when he was growing up in Dublin was Roy Keane and he recalls the Manchester United captain's tussle with Patrick Vieira at Highbury in February 2005. "Vieira picked on [Gary] Neville and Keane, who was a foot shorter than Vieira, had a go at him. That's what I grew up on," he says. "Roy Keane is an absolute idol. I managed to train with the Irish team and I wasn't scared of that, I was scared of meeting Roy. He shook my hand, but if you gave away the ball he'd go mad at you."
Whatever the result, those travelling friends and family face a short trip to Dawson's post-game party. "I live in the corner flat that overlooks the ground, you can see the pitch up to the penalty spot," he says of the property owned by Hearn. "There'll be a few drinks."
There could be more in Nevada. Leyton Orient's best FA Cup run was in 1978, when they reached the semi-finals, at which point Sunday's opponents beat them 3-0 at Stamford Bridge. But if they manage even a draw against Arsenal, Hearn has promised to take Dawson and his team‑mates to Las Vegas for a celebration to remember.
Source: Jamie Jackson, The Guardian on 19 Feb 11
Arsenal beware: on Leyton Orient's challenging pitch, Stephen Dawson and his crew plan to rough up the Premier League aristocrats when they walk out at the Matchroom Stadium for the FA Cup fifth-round tie this afternoon.
"I don't think it will be like the Emirates, it's not the flattest you'll ever see," says Dawson, the Orient captain, of a surface that had to be completely relaid in 2008. "It will help us. They've got the Carling Cup final next week and Barcelona at the Camp Nou [in the Champions League next month], they don't want to be doing a 50-50 challenge at Brisbane Road.
"We're not just going to stand around and admire how they play. Whoever I mark, be it Cesc Fábregas or Alexandre Song or Jack Wilshere, whoever they put out, you want to put one over on them and beat them. That's the main thing. Whether it involves a tackle or not, that's part of football isn't it?
"Against Ipswich [in the Carling Cup] and Huddersfield and Leeds [in the FA Cup] Arsenal got put under pressure and I don't think they really liked it. It's not about kicking them around, it's about getting in their faces – we're going to be right on top of them."
Arsène Wenger's team travel across London with extra zip after Wednesday evening's memorable 2-1 Champions League comeback win over Barcelona. Yet Irishman Dawson, 25, only sees the potential advantage in taking on a team who are also second in the Premier League and still chasing an unlikely quadruple.
Two years ago, the midfielder was relegated to the Conference with Mansfield Town before being released, so his rosy view of life now is understandable. He says: "I know they are professionals [but] there are an awful lot of internationals who might have the mentality, 'OK, let's just get through the game'."
Helping Dawson and his colleagues in their quest to pull off one of the great FA Cup shocks will be 70 or so of his family and friends, plus a factory full of Cadbury employees in his native Dublin, where his father, Brendan, works.
"He worked 15 hours a day for the last 20-odd years and brought us up very well. I shouldn't say this, but my Mum would have one or two drinks in the pub and my dad would have to look after us, so he would give us a football.
"To say he's proud about this game is an understatement. He'd been a window fitter, but he's working for Cadbury now and has probably got around 3,000 workers there all watching the game as well. More Cadbury people will be Leyton Orient fans on Sunday. More than the usual Tuesday night crowd in the stadium."
Orient pull in around 4,500 for home games and, this season, they have seen their club, owned by Barry Hearn, go on a run that has featured the attractive football favoured by Russell Slade, the manager. They have lost only once in 20 games and have moved up the League One table to be within three points of the play‑off positions.
This sequence featured an FA Cup second-round replay against Droylsden that the club website correctly described as "one of the most bizarre [games] you'll ever see". Dawson says: "There was about eight minutes left, with us 2-0 down – and with 10 men as well. But we managed to get two goals and it ended 8-2 [in extra time, with both teams reduced to nine men by the finish]. They were thinking: 'What's going on here?' It was one of those games."
Dagenham, Norwich and Swansea are the three other scalps taken by Orient in their FA Cup run, but making Arsenal number five appears particularly unlikely. Even if Wenger rests one or all of Fábregas, Samir Nasri, Robin van Persie, Theo Walcott and Wilshere, a stellar queue of reserves, headed by Andrey Arshavin, Tomas Rosicky and Nicklas Bendtner, can step in.
Dawson's hero when he was growing up in Dublin was Roy Keane and he recalls the Manchester United captain's tussle with Patrick Vieira at Highbury in February 2005. "Vieira picked on [Gary] Neville and Keane, who was a foot shorter than Vieira, had a go at him. That's what I grew up on," he says. "Roy Keane is an absolute idol. I managed to train with the Irish team and I wasn't scared of that, I was scared of meeting Roy. He shook my hand, but if you gave away the ball he'd go mad at you."
Whatever the result, those travelling friends and family face a short trip to Dawson's post-game party. "I live in the corner flat that overlooks the ground, you can see the pitch up to the penalty spot," he says of the property owned by Hearn. "There'll be a few drinks."
There could be more in Nevada. Leyton Orient's best FA Cup run was in 1978, when they reached the semi-finals, at which point Sunday's opponents beat them 3-0 at Stamford Bridge. But if they manage even a draw against Arsenal, Hearn has promised to take Dawson and his team‑mates to Las Vegas for a celebration to remember.
Source: Jamie Jackson, The Guardian on 19 Feb 11
Match Preview: Leyton Orient vs Arsenal
Arsenal have to travel precisely 5.7 miles across London on Sunday for this feisty-looking FA Cup Fifth Round tie. If their minds are still full of Xavi, Iniesta and Messi rather than McGleish, Revell and Dawson then much of that good work in midweek will be left tainted.
Cup shocks are a two-headed coin – complacency on one side, commitment on the other - and certainly the ingredients are all there this weekend.
Arsène Wenger has never lost to lower League opposition in 25 ties over 15 years at Arsenal. Part of the secret is respect for and research on your opponent. He was knee-deep in the latter when he spoke to the media on Friday lunchtime.
"We always try to prepare properly,” he said. “That gives you a guarantee to be at a certain level but, of course, it does not guarantee that you qualify.
"This is the charm of the game. To be successful in the end, you need to go through in these kinds of matches. It is a mental test of how much we want to win. If you want to win, you have to play well at Orient.
“We have had reports of their games and we watched them a little bit against MK Dons. They have a good left back and they have a striker who looks dangerous, Alex Revell. So you see we always look after our opponent.
“To be fair I have had no time [since Barcelona to find out about Orient]. We watched 30 minutes of the first half against MK Dons and I will watch the rest this afternoon.”
Incredibly, Johan Djourou was ruled out on Thursday but will now start if fit. Sebastien Squillaci will certainly return, Bacary Sagna is back from his ban but Abou Diaby’s suspension continues.
"Djourou has a test on Saturday,” said Wenger. “I will play Squillaci and then will see about whether to play Laurent Koscielny or Johan Djourou. Koscielny finished quite exhausted so if I have the choice I will choose Djourou."
With a crucial Premier League game on Wednesday and the Carling Cup Final next Sunday, the manager added that he would certainly shuffle his side. The question is, to what extent.
Arsenal have just started a spell of five games inside 17 crucial days. If they draw against Orient the replay will make it six.
By the end of that period, they could have won their first trophy in six years and pulled off arguably their greatest ever European victory. There are also a couple of Premier League games too – drop anything significant in those and Manchester United may be out of reach.
It is the most significant phase of the season since… well… the last really significant one. That is not to be flippant about the next fortnight or so but, in reality, we hope it is merely a gateway to greater things.
On Friday, Wenger too rallied against the hyperbola.
“It is an important period but, no matter what happens in the next two weeks, we can only think about the next game,” he said. “That is the best way to approach it because we want to win all four games.
“I am never looking backwards and never too far forward. The result of the next game can influence things. If you have a big disappointment, it will affect all the other games. You gain confidence slowly but lose it quickly. So to keep it high it is important to take care of the next game."
Leyton Orient have hovered just above the dropzone in League One for most of this season but their 2011 form has lifted them within sight of the Play-Offs. Russell Slade’s side are unbeaten in their last 11 games and have not lost at Brisbane Road since September. They won at Norwich in the Third Round and at Swansea in the Fourth Round to reach the last 16 for the first time in 29 years.
Though near neighbours, the teams have met just ten times. Orient’s last victories came in 1913 and 1915, the last meeting came in the FA Cup Semi-Final of 1978 when a brace from Malcolm MacDonald helped secure a 3-0 win for Terry Neill’s team.
“I have been to Orient,” recalled Wenger. “We played a friendly with Arsenal there in a pre-season game. Currently they have Ben Chorley, a former Arsenal player and Jason Crowe who played here when I arrived first.
“They have a side on a good run at the moment so they are dangerous for us. Believe me, I have no doubt they will be up for it.
"There is history in England no matter where you go. No matter what happened before we will want to go there and win the game. We are on a very strong run and everybody will watch the game with a lot of interest. We will see how much Leyton Orient can do against us.”
Surely that depends on what Arsenal do themselves.
Source: Richard Clarke, Arsenal.com on 20 Feb 11
Friday, February 18, 2011
Gunners set for taste of the Orient
For the third successive round, Arsenal face lower league opposition in the FA Cup, but they visit Leyton Orient determined to avoid a repeat of their previous bruising encounters, which saw Arsene Wenger's side taken to a replay by Leeds United in the third round and pushed all the way by Huddersfield Town in a narrow 2-1 fourth-round victory.
The Gunners go into the game on the crest of a wave after their impressive midweek Champions League defeat of Barcelona, but despite still being in the running for the Quadruple, the Carling Cup finalists should not underestimate an Orient outfit who are unbeaten in 11 games and have scored ten goals in their last three, a run that has seen them ascend towards the League One play-off places.
Meetings between Orient and Arsenal have been unsurprisingly rare, as the O's have only spent one season in the English top flight in their history. The most famous clash came in 1978 when the Gunners romped to 3-0 FA Cup semi-final victory thanks to goals from Malcolm MacDonald and Graham Rix, though Terry Neill's side were subsequently beaten by Ipswich in the final.
Wenger will ring the changes for the visit to Brisbane Road, with Theo Walcott, Cesc Fabregas, Samir Nasri and Robin van Persie almost certain to be rested. Andrei Arshavin, Tomas Rosicky, Marouane Chamakh and Nicklas Bendtner are likely to replace the Gunners' star quartet.
Arsenal's second string still boasts considerably more quality than Russell Slade's Orient, though the former Brighton boss has built a disciplined side with plenty of heart since taking over at the back end of last season and steering the O's clear of relegation. They produced a remarkably resilient display to come from two goals down to beat Droylsden 8-2 in the third round, while Championship high-fliers Norwich and Swansea were put to the sword in rounds three and four respectively, proof that Orient do have ability as well as fight. And in Scott McGleish, they have the FA Cup's current top scorer - he bagged six goals across three games against Dagenham and Redbridge and Droylsden.
Orient chairman Barry Hearn this week took advantage of the exposure afforded to the club by the FA Cup spotlight, airing his displeasure at the decision to award West Ham preferred bidding status for the Olympic Stadium, which is located deep in the O's catchment area. Hearn expressed his fear that the Hammers' arrival in Leyton Orient territory could force the League One side into extinction, but an Olympic effort from Slade's charges against Arsenal will bring the club some precious positive publicity.
Leyton Orient player to watch: Jimmy Smith
A former Chelsea youth star, Smith was top scorer for the Blues' reserves in the 2005-06 season, playing in his preferred position as an attacking midfielder. He made one senior appearance under Jose Mourinho but struggled to assert himself on the first team and left Stamford Bridge for Orient in 2009, where he has flourished since. As either an attacking midfielder or winger, Smith is the O's creator-in-chief and has showed he has an eye for a crucial goal having claimed the opener against Swansea and winner against Norwich in the past two rounds. Russell Slade will need the former England Under-16s, -17s and -19s international to be at his sparkling best if his side are to have any chance of causing an upset.
Arsenal player to watch: Denilson
The Brazilian midfielder played 37 of the Gunners' 38 Premier League games in 2008-09 but has seen his role gradually reduced since then. The impressive partnership of Abou Diaby and Alex Song restricted him to 19 starts last season and he has just four so far this time around, with Jack Wilshere now Arsene Wenger's preferred man in midfield. Denilson may not be able to match Wilshere's flair and vision, but he is still a dogged player whose work rate and ability to build up attacks with simple passes will be valuable on a difficult playing surface.
Key battle: Ben Chorley v Nicklas Bendtner
Sunday will be an emotional occasion for Leyton Orient club captain Chorley as the former Arsenal trainee lines up against his old club with plenty to prove having never made a first-team appearance for the Gunners before his release in 2003. He won the 2001 Youth Cup alongside the likes of Jerome Thomas, Steve Sidwell and Jermaine Pennant and will be up against another Arsenal youth product in Nicklas Bendtner, who has been with the club since he was 17. At 6ft 3in, Chorley is an imposing figure and dominant in the air, but ultra-confident Bendtner will fancy his chances of adding to his three goals in seven domestic cup games for the Gunners this season.
Source: Mark Lomas, ESPN Soccernet on 18 Feb 11
The Gunners go into the game on the crest of a wave after their impressive midweek Champions League defeat of Barcelona, but despite still being in the running for the Quadruple, the Carling Cup finalists should not underestimate an Orient outfit who are unbeaten in 11 games and have scored ten goals in their last three, a run that has seen them ascend towards the League One play-off places.
Meetings between Orient and Arsenal have been unsurprisingly rare, as the O's have only spent one season in the English top flight in their history. The most famous clash came in 1978 when the Gunners romped to 3-0 FA Cup semi-final victory thanks to goals from Malcolm MacDonald and Graham Rix, though Terry Neill's side were subsequently beaten by Ipswich in the final.
Wenger will ring the changes for the visit to Brisbane Road, with Theo Walcott, Cesc Fabregas, Samir Nasri and Robin van Persie almost certain to be rested. Andrei Arshavin, Tomas Rosicky, Marouane Chamakh and Nicklas Bendtner are likely to replace the Gunners' star quartet.
Arsenal's second string still boasts considerably more quality than Russell Slade's Orient, though the former Brighton boss has built a disciplined side with plenty of heart since taking over at the back end of last season and steering the O's clear of relegation. They produced a remarkably resilient display to come from two goals down to beat Droylsden 8-2 in the third round, while Championship high-fliers Norwich and Swansea were put to the sword in rounds three and four respectively, proof that Orient do have ability as well as fight. And in Scott McGleish, they have the FA Cup's current top scorer - he bagged six goals across three games against Dagenham and Redbridge and Droylsden.
Orient chairman Barry Hearn this week took advantage of the exposure afforded to the club by the FA Cup spotlight, airing his displeasure at the decision to award West Ham preferred bidding status for the Olympic Stadium, which is located deep in the O's catchment area. Hearn expressed his fear that the Hammers' arrival in Leyton Orient territory could force the League One side into extinction, but an Olympic effort from Slade's charges against Arsenal will bring the club some precious positive publicity.
Leyton Orient player to watch: Jimmy Smith
A former Chelsea youth star, Smith was top scorer for the Blues' reserves in the 2005-06 season, playing in his preferred position as an attacking midfielder. He made one senior appearance under Jose Mourinho but struggled to assert himself on the first team and left Stamford Bridge for Orient in 2009, where he has flourished since. As either an attacking midfielder or winger, Smith is the O's creator-in-chief and has showed he has an eye for a crucial goal having claimed the opener against Swansea and winner against Norwich in the past two rounds. Russell Slade will need the former England Under-16s, -17s and -19s international to be at his sparkling best if his side are to have any chance of causing an upset.
Arsenal player to watch: Denilson
The Brazilian midfielder played 37 of the Gunners' 38 Premier League games in 2008-09 but has seen his role gradually reduced since then. The impressive partnership of Abou Diaby and Alex Song restricted him to 19 starts last season and he has just four so far this time around, with Jack Wilshere now Arsene Wenger's preferred man in midfield. Denilson may not be able to match Wilshere's flair and vision, but he is still a dogged player whose work rate and ability to build up attacks with simple passes will be valuable on a difficult playing surface.
Key battle: Ben Chorley v Nicklas Bendtner
Sunday will be an emotional occasion for Leyton Orient club captain Chorley as the former Arsenal trainee lines up against his old club with plenty to prove having never made a first-team appearance for the Gunners before his release in 2003. He won the 2001 Youth Cup alongside the likes of Jerome Thomas, Steve Sidwell and Jermaine Pennant and will be up against another Arsenal youth product in Nicklas Bendtner, who has been with the club since he was 17. At 6ft 3in, Chorley is an imposing figure and dominant in the air, but ultra-confident Bendtner will fancy his chances of adding to his three goals in seven domestic cup games for the Gunners this season.
Source: Mark Lomas, ESPN Soccernet on 18 Feb 11
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