Twitter transfer tittle tattle

For anyone who didn't see it, the Guardian's Ian Prior told his followers on twitter that there was going to be an announcement of an exclusive bit of transfer gossip at 5.30 this evening. Immediately twitter was full to bursting point with speculation about what was to be announced. Top rumours included Howard Webb making a move away from Old Trafford and speculation about Nick Clegg's little known achievements.

By the time 5.30 came around thousands were waiting with bated breath for the announcement.
And then it arrived.

This

The big announcement was a small piece of transfer speculation from a supposed 'insider' amounting to nothing more than the usual tittle tattle that is found every day in far less reputable publications than the Guardian.

This really is a sad reflection of the way the media treats excitable fans during the transfer window. The article contains no quotes, no official statements and a denial of the story came from both clubs just 20 minutes later. The backlash on twitter was predictably harsh and the credibility of the Guardian is understandably dented.

Surely the low to which media outlets now stoop in order to get attention during the transfer window is reason enough to get rid of it all together? Maybe then football fans would feel less cheated and the stories that did get published would be respected far more.

Gunners break gritty resistance

A comfortable-looking win in the end for Arsenal but the game was in the balance for an hour. From the kick-off Leadbitter had an audacious effort but in truth that was the height of Ipswich's ambition. The away side did as predicted and 'parked the tractor', defending deep with their back four very deep and narrow. The midfield 5 operated not very far in front of the defence and closed Arsenal down quickly and aggressively. This condensed the space between the lines and Arsenal were unable to get their normal fluid passing play. Fabregas was being well marshalled by Kennedy.

Ipswich's approach was working but they were unable to keep possession and they were not creating anything offensively. Obviously they were trying to protect their first-leg lead but I can't help but think that had Ipswich committed a few more men to counter-attacking earlier in the game they could have taken advantage of the tense atmosphere in the stadium. Ipswich's main threat was from set pieces with Leadbitter's delivery causing some problems (and causing the Sagna injury).

The first clear opportunity came when Van Persie headed Bendtner's cross onto the bar (how/why does he hit the woodwork so regularly?). Arsenal were unable to put any concerted pressure on Ipswich's goal (as they had done to Wigan) and Ipswich went into the break with their clean sheet intact. Arsenal were missing a better link between the midfield and attack with Arshavin out of form and Bendtner lacking the mobility to drag the defence out of shape.

The second half began much the same way the first half had ended with Arsenal pushing for a breakthrough and Ipswich unable to take advantage of Arsenal's high defensive line with long, direct balls. When Arsenal did get the breakthrough it was a top quality goal. Ipswich's defence got sucked across the pitch and Wilshere picked out Bendtner in acres of space with a great 40 yard pass. Bendtner took a great touch, cut inside and struck the ball sweetly into the far corner. 

The relief amongst the fans and players was palpable and the Ipswich players looked deflated and tired. The second goal followed quickly as Koscielny seized on Fulop's error to head just inside the near post. After that goal Paul Jewell changed to a 4-4-2 as Ipswich looked to get back in the game but this left the midfield open and Arsenal duly took advantage. It was a good counter-attacking move with Arshavin collecting the ball just outside the area, moving inside cleverly and playing a good pass to Fabregas who slotted the ball through the keeper's legs. Arshavin had been poor in the majority of the game but this was a top assist and he finished the game with 2 assists despite his average display.

Sometimes statistics don't tell the whole story and the Russian looks bereft of confidence but worked hard and must surely find some form soon. The quality of Arsenal shone through in the end but Fabregas and Bendtner rightly praised Ipswich for their valiant effort.

Arsenal vs. Ipswich

I will be writing a match report after the game this evening. Hopefully Ipswich will be unsuccessful in their attempts to 'park the tractor'. Expect Arsenal to dominate the ball and Ipswich to defend deep in their half and very narrowly but I would not be surprised (especially given their success in the last game) to see Ipswich use long, direct balls to try and exploit Arsenal's high defensive line.

The key for Arsenal is to remain patient and not become too fixated on getting an early goal as conceding an away goal could potentially see a very frustrating evening for the Emirates' faithful. Another key issue, should they get in front, is to remain focused and not become complacent. A repeat of the equivalent fixture this time four years ago (when Wigan scored a crucial away goal in the last minute of extra time) would be unacceptable to fans who have waited too long for a trophy.

Sky sexism row

Richard Keys and Andy Gray were suspended by Sky and so did not present last night's Monday Night Football between Bolton and Chelsea. The general consensus was that they were not missed and David Jones and Sam Allardyce did a sterling job in their absence. If, and this is a big if, the two dinosaurs (as Rio Ferdinand agreed http://bit.ly/hTZmHF) were to be sacked it could well be the shake-up that Sky's football coverage needs. Gray's ineptitude with his Minority Report-style technology doesn't improve the basic level of analysis that they provide alongside the familiar set of hackneyed clichés.


And for anyone who thinks they were joking when they were caught making their remarks please note the following:
http://bit.ly/hiRb9b

http://bit.ly/ghzIUU (via @barneyronay)

http://bit.ly/gGlq5c
http://bit.ly/hE1h7Z (via 101greatgoals.com)


They have history, there is precedent for this (http://bit.ly/9BSkTn) and they should be sacked. There's not a lot more to be said on the matter.

Welcome to Lacking Match Fitness

This is a blog dedicated to the world of football. Hopefully someone will eventually find this interesting or informative in some way but in the mean time I'll keep updating about the fascinating world of football.