Bit of a downer tonight with the result, inexperience and changes, the main reason for this. We knew it would happen so to be fair to Rafa, why not.
Anyway onto the point of my post today. This was our first real look at our Alonso replacement and I don’t know about the rest of you, but I was happy with what I saw. Aquilani looked composed on the ball, and has the football brain we need in the middle to create from one touch football. That point is where my comparison with Lucas starts, when we have Lucas in there, we lack that creative touch. His touch is suspect in tight areas, it seems to me he cannot read what his teamates are going to do, and therefore not thread the ball forward and keep the attack moving, the pass backwards is his comfort zone.
However, Aquilani did seem unwilling or not confident enough to get stuck in when not in possession, Lucas though is very productive when not on the ball, chasing down the opposition and forcing mistakes, giving us the chance of counter attacks into lots of space. This is an important attribute in tight games, especially when the opposition defense look like they are struggling, pressure nomally pays!
The one part of game that makes Aquilani my choice is attack. With a first choice back four and Masc in the starting line up, we have a perfectly capable defensive unit. It was good to see a midfield player, other than Gerrard, or A FORWARD DROPPING BACK, receiving the ball, playing it forward and getting into the box and LOOKING COMFORTABLE WHILE DOING SO!
So my conclusion is, I would pick Aquilani over Lucas, when we have a full strength, fully fit side. This would result in the following starting lineup for the Gooners on Sunday.
Riena
Johnson, Carra, Agger, Insua
Masc,
Kuyt, Aquilani, Aurileo
Gerrard,
Torres.
You would leave Yossi out? He has been the creative force particularly without Torres around.
Fair points on Aquilani but there’s no way in the World he should start against Arsenal. They historically run rings around us and hes’ lack of fitness would tell.
Of subject, im disappointed that you are happy with playing Insua at left back. Terrible defender and reasonable going forward. I’m not saying he’ll never make it but alot of our goals conceded this season has arisen because of his slackness. For the winning goal today Darby made a gaff but where (AGAIN!) was Insua on the cover. His fat little body trudges when it should Gallop.
I look forward to the day when we realise the young lad isn’t physically or mentally ready although technically he is gifted.
Would have to leave aqua out for arsenal. Put Fabio with macherano, and put yossi out of the left.
theycallmeburt.
Who would you play instead of Insua?
Having Fabio in front of Insua, is one of our best partnerships, they compliment each other very well!
I think this is a far more likely starting 11.
Riena
Johnson, Carra, Skrtel, Insua
Masc, Lucas
Kuyt, benayoun
Gerrard,
Torres.
james I think Aurelio proved last season that he gives us that Denis Irwin like stability. Whereas Insua is Julian Dicks revived.