Arsenal 3-1 Stoke City | Premier League 22/09/13

[Callum]

Szczesny
Sagna - Mertesacker - Koscielny - Gibbs
Flamini - Ramsey
Walcott - Ozil - Wilshere
Giroud

Viviano
Jenkinson
Vermaelen
Monreal
Arteta
Miyaichi
Bendtner

The bench looks much stronger with Arteta (and perhaps even Bendtner) in there. Here's hoping we're winning comfortably after an hour so we can give the pair of them a run out to get some match fitness.

[Goonerfromafrica]

Has anyone seen bendtners new beard and hair? Oh my word

[Callum]

Has anyone seen bendtners new beard and hair? Oh my word

Jesus Mk. II

[DiamondGooner]

Yeah I don't know what to make of Bendtner.

On one hand he's bloody useless but on the other he could be a half ok striker.

It is difficult being a striker at Arsenal because of our much lauded past players in that position but we'll see what he brings, he's better outside the box than Giroud anyway and faster.

[DiamondGooner]

Szczesny
Sagna - Mertesacker - Koscielny - Gibbs
Flamini - Ramsey
Walcott - Ozil - Wilshere
Giroud

Viviano
Jenkinson
Vermaelen
Monreal
Arteta
Miyaichi
Bendtner

The bench looks much stronger with Arteta (and perhaps even Bendtner) in there. Here's hoping we're winning comfortably after an hour so we can give the pair of them a run out to get some match fitness.

Yeah looks good.

Wilshere needs to take this opportunity while Cazorla's out and use playing in attacking midfield to get back to his roots and get his form back, I've honestly felt he's suffered trying to stake a claim in the CM position, he's been getting knocked around from pillar to post and having to do defensive duties which isn't a big part of his skill set unlike Ramsey and Flamini.

Now he can focus on drifting in, dribbling past players and making those driving runs, showing a bit of skill and pinging balls off with 1-2's around the box which is what he's best at.

[Apollo]

Yeah I don't know what to make of Bendtner.

On one hand he's bloody useless but on the other he could be a half ok striker.

It is difficult being a striker at Arsenal because of our much lauded past players in that position but we'll see what he brings, he's better outside the box than Giroud anyway and faster.

Honest question, what does outside the box mean to you?

Does it factor in Aerial dominance, link up play, chances created for other layers, key passes, workrate, hold up play, offensive awareness?

Or is it as simple as being able to beat an opposition (skill wise).

Id really appreciate an answer because the top line Oli G does like a champ.

[Trequartista]

Yeah I don't know what to make of Bendtner.

On one hand he's bloody useless but on the other he could be a half ok striker.

It is difficult being a striker at Arsenal because of our much lauded past players in that position but we'll see what he brings, he's better outside the box than Giroud anyway and faster.

Honest question, what does outside the box mean to you?

Does it factor in Aerial dominance, link up play, chances created for other layers, key passes, workrate, hold up play, offensive awareness?

Or is it as simple as being able to beat an opposition (skill wise).

Id really appreciate an answer because the top line Oli G does like a champ.

The only thing Bendtner has on Ollie is pace, and that going by his form a few seasons ago, he may have lost a yard now due to injuries and lack of match fitness.

[Massa]

I reckon Arteta will start

[Arsenal Tone]

I reckon Arteta will start

I reckon AW'll rest Ramsey cos of all the hype over the shawcross thing. Arteta and Flamini in CM.

[Trequartista]

Ramsey is undroppable right now. Arteta's been out for a while, will start on the bench and probably start the COC match.

[Callum]

I doubt Arteta will come straight back in. Ramsey and Flamini in the centre I think.

[Zenith]

Yeah in normal circumstances, meaning if none of our midfielders pick up an injury to today he will (most likely) play his first game of the season against WBA on Wednesday.

[ivan itchybum]

Arsenal starting XI to face Stoke: Szczesny; Sagna, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Gibbs; Flamini, Ramsey, Wilshere; Ozil, Walcott; Giroud. #AFC

Subs: Viviano, Jenkinson, Vermaelen Arteta, Monreal, Bendtner, Gnabry

[ivan itchybum]

Same team, I'm expecting an injury today

Also... ARTETA

[Trequartista]

Arsenal starting XI to face Stoke: Szczesny; Sagna, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Gibbs; Flamini, Ramsey, Wilshere; Ozil, Walcott; Giroud. #AFC

Subs: Viviano, Jenkinson, Vermaelen Arteta, Monreal, Bendtner, Gnabry

half decent bench for the first time this season.