So, we have finally ended the Nasri saga!
So, Hlebby has finally left for Barca and proclaiming his love for the club..
So, Ade doesn't seem to be wanted anymore and so do we..
And we all know the confirmed ins and outs:
Outs:
Mathieu Flamini (AC Milan)
Alex Hleb (Barcelona)
Gilberto Silva (Panathinakos)
Ins:
Aaron Ramsey (Cardiff)
Samir Nasri (Marseilles)
Carlos Vela (back from loan, Osasuna)
Hmm, looking at it isn't much at all. Many Gooners have been expressing how even thinner the squad looks and others have retorted back for more optimism. Whichever way we see the situation (half-empty or half-full), its true we can only judge come the quarter mark of the season. By that time, we would have amassed several BPL and UCL games so the real story can be seen by then.
Who else do we need? I don't know really. So many rumours going on with players saying how much they would love joining our team and then denying a move, eg. Falcao from River Plate and Obafemi Martins, etc..
Who I would love to see? No one really special. In spite of that, I would not have minded Huntelaar or Roque Santa Cruz to replace Ade, but of course we know Asking4more might not be leaving at all. Talking about that, I feel so saddened after believing in his love for the club but spewing forbidden words and sickening us fans..
In defence, we have no changes.. Yes, that's right.. I wish Le Profesore does something there as Almunia is named the first choice 'keeper. Sendy should go imo but Le Boss does rate him well, so in typing I'm not the boss and never will.. well, maybe for my FM game. Djourou to me is not proven at this level and he wanting a DM role worries me. Denilson or Diaby looks more suitable in that role so I doubt AW's going to add there.
I agree with most Gooners that midfield seems lacking but if the younger chaps like Denilson and Diaby can step up many gears, they can be used to back each other up if either one gets injured or suspended. Arshavin seems to be the latest to profess a love for the Gunners but the asking price from Zenit is so bloody high!
In ending, here is my choice of a first-team squad if the season starts this weekend:
(First 11, back-up(s))
Almunia, Fabianski
Gallas, Senderos
Toure, Djourou
Sagna, Eboue, Toure
Clichy, Traore, Gallas
Fabregas, Nasri, Rosicky
Nasri, Diaby, Denilson
Rosicky, Walcott, Ramsey
Vela, Ramsey, Rosicky
RVP, Eduardo, Vela, Walcott
Asking4more, Bendtner, Walcott
The team still looks good on paper but can we last the season?
Heads up, Gooners! Underhill here we come...
July 18, 2008
July 4, 2008
Spain Wins Euro 2008
Spain, never before have I ever thought that I would be rooting for them in a tournament. Not until our own ex-Barca wonderkid was playing regularly for us did I ever feel the need to support an European team outside of my own country. Never before since the days of Henry, have I strongly supported the French to dominate the field and impose themselves as masters of footie-ball. Where once the legendary talisman has left defenders in his wake and scoring ruthlessly, the now-Barca striker has been left wondering "...if only my fellow Frenchmen could support me like how Bergkamp and Vieira did at Highbury...", France might just lift another Euro trophy.
Nonetheless, like many Arsenal fans all over the world, Spain has become the preferred choice at the 2008 Euro Champs. Though Cesc became labelled as the terrifyingly-supersub, he looked really upset when he was replaced by Alonso in the 2nd-half of the Final against Germany. With the score already 1-0, Aragones wasn't going to risk any German atempts to score.
So we all know how it went - Spain topped their group, which included Russia (meeting them in the semis), Sweden and Greece. Cesc had the final spotkick against Italy in the q-finals, sending Buffon the wrong way and Spanish hearts the right way. Russia couldn't hold back the Spanish armada and Germany tried too late to salvage anything from the final game.
With that, the club season will be starting soon and the transfer dealings will start to hot up. Ade has become the next Flamoney, with reports & his agent stating that our beloved club should "pay him for what he is worth". Like I said (and many other Gooners), just go! Both Hleb and Ade should make way for EVEN better players who could score at a higher rate than them. With the Nasri saga still ding-donging and an unknown Portugese Under-21/Frenchman, Amaury Bischoff's arrival looking more imminent than Nasri's, we are still hanging on to speculations as to what Le Boss plans to do.
All of us look forward to the new season and we are hoping the draught ends in 2008/09.
Nonetheless, like many Arsenal fans all over the world, Spain has become the preferred choice at the 2008 Euro Champs. Though Cesc became labelled as the terrifyingly-supersub, he looked really upset when he was replaced by Alonso in the 2nd-half of the Final against Germany. With the score already 1-0, Aragones wasn't going to risk any German atempts to score.
So we all know how it went - Spain topped their group, which included Russia (meeting them in the semis), Sweden and Greece. Cesc had the final spotkick against Italy in the q-finals, sending Buffon the wrong way and Spanish hearts the right way. Russia couldn't hold back the Spanish armada and Germany tried too late to salvage anything from the final game.
With that, the club season will be starting soon and the transfer dealings will start to hot up. Ade has become the next Flamoney, with reports & his agent stating that our beloved club should "pay him for what he is worth". Like I said (and many other Gooners), just go! Both Hleb and Ade should make way for EVEN better players who could score at a higher rate than them. With the Nasri saga still ding-donging and an unknown Portugese Under-21/Frenchman, Amaury Bischoff's arrival looking more imminent than Nasri's, we are still hanging on to speculations as to what Le Boss plans to do.
All of us look forward to the new season and we are hoping the draught ends in 2008/09.
June 17, 2008
Signing: Aaron Ramsey
Ok, I know I'm kinda late for this but unless it's official, I'm not going to join the bandwagon and set ourselves with expectations of who's gona join us for next season. I'm still waiting for the Nasri deal to be sorted out but meantime, Ol' Profesore didn't waste time in recruiting a top British talent in versatile Aaron Ramsey.
Everyone's saying how good the feeling was that AW snatched Ramsey off under the noses of Sir Fergie and from the blue-half of Merseyside. Sending out a private jet to take him and his family to Switzerland (where Le Boss is acting as a spokesperson at the Euro Champs), AW convinced the talent to spurn Man U (who had asked Gary Neville to take him on a tour around OT and all and even publicize on their official website that they had agreed terms with Ramsey).
Quote Le Boss (courtesy of Arsenal Mania):
"We're delighted to have signed Aaron Ramsey. He is a young player who has shown huge potential with his performances for both Cardiff City and Wales at under-17 and under-21 levels.
He is still only 17, but has already shown that he is a very intelligent and mature player with great quality. Although he mainly plays in midfield, Aaron is a versatile player and can also play across the defence. We are all looking forward to welcoming Aaron to the club for our pre-season preparations."
Quote Steve Claridge (courtesy of Arsenal Mania):
"There are few teenage players in the country who come as highly rated as Aaron. Sometimes young lads with big reputations don't come up to scratch. With Ramsey, though, that is emphatically not the case.
"He refused to stand and admire anything he had done and, instead, was constantly alive to the next phase or the next option.
"His retention of the ball is good and we are not talking about a player who merely chose the easy option. He was equally adept at simple five-yard passes and marvellously weighted 60-yard diagonals in behind the centre-backs.
"He works opponents with the ball, creating little angles with his left or right foot and his quality simply shines through.
"He has a sixth sense telling him where opponents are. This was reflected in his first touch and placement of his body. Even when opponents doubled up on him he managed to escape unscathed from tight angles.
"Ramsey's team-mates were happy to pass the ball up to him, even when he was marked, because they knew that they were giving it to a better player, He had no problems defensively. He chased and was not afraid to put his foot or his head in where it hurt.
"He has a big future at the club."
And from the wonderkid himself:
“I recently met with Arsene Wenger and he was a big factor in my decision to join Arsenal. He talked to me for a long time about the club and the plans for the future, which really excites me.”
First significant signing for us, though he is just 17 but we all believe he is (another) one for the future first-team. Of course, not forgetting our other wonderkinds Vela, Merida, Randell, Wiltshire, Barazite ...
Good luck Aaron!
Everyone's saying how good the feeling was that AW snatched Ramsey off under the noses of Sir Fergie and from the blue-half of Merseyside. Sending out a private jet to take him and his family to Switzerland (where Le Boss is acting as a spokesperson at the Euro Champs), AW convinced the talent to spurn Man U (who had asked Gary Neville to take him on a tour around OT and all and even publicize on their official website that they had agreed terms with Ramsey).
Quote Le Boss (courtesy of Arsenal Mania):
"We're delighted to have signed Aaron Ramsey. He is a young player who has shown huge potential with his performances for both Cardiff City and Wales at under-17 and under-21 levels.
He is still only 17, but has already shown that he is a very intelligent and mature player with great quality. Although he mainly plays in midfield, Aaron is a versatile player and can also play across the defence. We are all looking forward to welcoming Aaron to the club for our pre-season preparations."
Quote Steve Claridge (courtesy of Arsenal Mania):
"There are few teenage players in the country who come as highly rated as Aaron. Sometimes young lads with big reputations don't come up to scratch. With Ramsey, though, that is emphatically not the case.
"He refused to stand and admire anything he had done and, instead, was constantly alive to the next phase or the next option.
"His retention of the ball is good and we are not talking about a player who merely chose the easy option. He was equally adept at simple five-yard passes and marvellously weighted 60-yard diagonals in behind the centre-backs.
"He works opponents with the ball, creating little angles with his left or right foot and his quality simply shines through.
"He has a sixth sense telling him where opponents are. This was reflected in his first touch and placement of his body. Even when opponents doubled up on him he managed to escape unscathed from tight angles.
"Ramsey's team-mates were happy to pass the ball up to him, even when he was marked, because they knew that they were giving it to a better player, He had no problems defensively. He chased and was not afraid to put his foot or his head in where it hurt.
"He has a big future at the club."
And from the wonderkid himself:
“I recently met with Arsene Wenger and he was a big factor in my decision to join Arsenal. He talked to me for a long time about the club and the plans for the future, which really excites me.”
First significant signing for us, though he is just 17 but we all believe he is (another) one for the future first-team. Of course, not forgetting our other wonderkinds Vela, Merida, Randell, Wiltshire, Barazite ...
Good luck Aaron!
May 27, 2008
End of Season 07/08
We ended the season exactly how I (and most, probably) predicted - trophyless. But despite all that fell around us, I believe the young ones have used this season as a learning curve.
Flamster has left for AC Milan and it seems Hleb won't be staying anytime soon. Man U won the League and CL with Chelski behind them for both. We have so many rumors, with Nasri being the most likely to join the Third Generation at the Emirates. Everyday I've been reading so many stories online on who might come and most of them seem exciting.
Ben Arfa might be raw but Wenger knows how to tame such talent and unleash it before our unfortunate opponents. Yaya Toure would give us much needed strength and size in front of the CBs, supporting his brother. More French and African wonderkids are being chased so there isn't much surprises there.
With the press chasing after any scraps of rumor, churning the mill for all and yonder, it does make a Gunner dreaming their own XI.
Started my new job on the 7 April, so once the new season starts I am hoping that I'm more stable. We all look forward to an improved season so all Gooners out there, let's get behind our team and push for glory!
Flamster has left for AC Milan and it seems Hleb won't be staying anytime soon. Man U won the League and CL with Chelski behind them for both. We have so many rumors, with Nasri being the most likely to join the Third Generation at the Emirates. Everyday I've been reading so many stories online on who might come and most of them seem exciting.
Ben Arfa might be raw but Wenger knows how to tame such talent and unleash it before our unfortunate opponents. Yaya Toure would give us much needed strength and size in front of the CBs, supporting his brother. More French and African wonderkids are being chased so there isn't much surprises there.
With the press chasing after any scraps of rumor, churning the mill for all and yonder, it does make a Gunner dreaming their own XI.
Started my new job on the 7 April, so once the new season starts I am hoping that I'm more stable. We all look forward to an improved season so all Gooners out there, let's get behind our team and push for glory!
March 30, 2008
Comeback Win to End Winless Run
Amazingly this time, we did not capitulate or draw after going behind. Bogey team Bolton had the match in their hands with a 2-0 half-time lead and the Gunner's down to 10-man after Diaby's late challenge (reminiscent of Taylor's tackle on Edu) on a Bolton player. Capitano pulled a goal back from a corner, coming in from the back to slot the ball past Al Habsi, after Campo's inability to head the ball further away. Ade backheeled a return pass to Flamini, who shot at Al Habsi. Hleb reached the rebound first but was brought down. RVP equalized from the penalty spot before Fabregas got the winner with a lucky deflection off Andy O'Brien.
The match had seemed lost and, frankly speaking, I wanted to turn off the tele at half-time. Seeing how the team was doing even before Diaby's red card, all my hopes dropped for an Arsenal comeback. But I stayed on the couch through half-time, pondering a "what-might-have-been" season we could have had. Seeing how the team has lost form so dramatically after San Siro, it has not been lost on me how tired our midfield looked and how impotent the attack was. Bendtner started in place of Ade, with RVP to give Wenger a look at how this would work out. It didn't and Ade replaced the young Dane in the middle of the second half with Walcott coming on for the luckless Senderos.
It's very worrying when the strikers do not score goals when it's their main job in any team. Ade is on a goal drought - RVP still lacks match sharpness (missing a few good chances to score from volleys) - Bendtner is good but not good enough for us yet - Walcott employed as right winger now and Edu is out for the season and next. Looking at the bench, we had Lehmann, Hoyte (who came on in injury time for RVP), Walcott, Ade and Eboue. Beyond them is just Rosicky, Denilson, Djourou and (sad to say) Gilberto Silva, who are BPL calibre..
Not much of a difference in player ratings from the previous games - Almunia should have saved the first goal and many others before this. Senderos still looks clumsy. Diaby still holds the ball too long and now has to serve a three-match ban. Cesc, Flattuso and Hleb are exhausted and playing with no form. Ade still runs offside countless times, has poor first touch and can't put the ball in the net. Clichy gave the ball away again but luckily wasn't punished. Toure can't play as right-winger and can't cross the ball even when at his CB position and Walcott is not getting enough playing time..
My rumblings go on and on and I feel how most Gooners feel on a season which looked so bright, has faded like the dawn. Yes, we might have got a comeback win against Bolton at the Reebok but it is just one win from another six we need to have a chance at winning the title.
Next up, the Liverpool trilogy...
The match had seemed lost and, frankly speaking, I wanted to turn off the tele at half-time. Seeing how the team was doing even before Diaby's red card, all my hopes dropped for an Arsenal comeback. But I stayed on the couch through half-time, pondering a "what-might-have-been" season we could have had. Seeing how the team has lost form so dramatically after San Siro, it has not been lost on me how tired our midfield looked and how impotent the attack was. Bendtner started in place of Ade, with RVP to give Wenger a look at how this would work out. It didn't and Ade replaced the young Dane in the middle of the second half with Walcott coming on for the luckless Senderos.
It's very worrying when the strikers do not score goals when it's their main job in any team. Ade is on a goal drought - RVP still lacks match sharpness (missing a few good chances to score from volleys) - Bendtner is good but not good enough for us yet - Walcott employed as right winger now and Edu is out for the season and next. Looking at the bench, we had Lehmann, Hoyte (who came on in injury time for RVP), Walcott, Ade and Eboue. Beyond them is just Rosicky, Denilson, Djourou and (sad to say) Gilberto Silva, who are BPL calibre..
Not much of a difference in player ratings from the previous games - Almunia should have saved the first goal and many others before this. Senderos still looks clumsy. Diaby still holds the ball too long and now has to serve a three-match ban. Cesc, Flattuso and Hleb are exhausted and playing with no form. Ade still runs offside countless times, has poor first touch and can't put the ball in the net. Clichy gave the ball away again but luckily wasn't punished. Toure can't play as right-winger and can't cross the ball even when at his CB position and Walcott is not getting enough playing time..
My rumblings go on and on and I feel how most Gooners feel on a season which looked so bright, has faded like the dawn. Yes, we might have got a comeback win against Bolton at the Reebok but it is just one win from another six we need to have a chance at winning the title.
Next up, the Liverpool trilogy...
March 24, 2008
End of the Season?
"Despite the fact they have set the pace for so much of the season, there has always been a fragility about Arsenal that has worried their admirers.
Something about them that has not seemed as robust or as durable as the character of United or Chelsea. It is hard to see United, for instance, ever submitting to the kind of run that has transformed Arsenal from runaway pace-setters to forlorn pursuers in one month."
Quoted from Oliver Holt in The Mirror
Two simple paragraphs with exact reflections of Arsenal's early promise but faltering season ending form. I've always felt what the invincibles gave were their abilities, potential, experience and aggression which got us through an unbeaten season and titles. What the current young crop has is the first two attributes but lacking the all-defining last two is just evident for all to see.
Let's not kid ourselves, AW needs to strengthen the squad alot more than he realizes. Looking at who can replace the first teamers in every department, the closest I can think of is Bendtner and Walcott (prove in that they are already regular subs) and coming in a distant third would be Denilson and Senderos. That means we have a better strikeforce than all other areas. Once Vela returns, RVP regains his match sharpness and Eduardo recovering, we don't really need strengthening there for the foreseeable future.
So who will deputise for Cesc? Flamini? Hleb? Rosicky? Gallas and Toure? Even the goalkeeping department needs address for next season as most of us feel Almunia is not a top 'keeper. Losing Diarra was inevitable so a solid backup for Flamini is essential. Many fans cited the wingers position as critical and I could not agree more.
Diaby is not comfortable on the wings and he professed to prefering a more central role. Djourou is more of a backup for Senderos than our first-choice CB pairing - maybe AW can consider giving him the DM role which he prefers too? We can all go on about the squad and how so many (even neutrals) realize we have too small of a strong squad to challenge on four fronts. Now after 31 games and the end of March approaches, we have just one front left for glory.
Summary of Team:
First Team (Back-up)
(GK) Almunia (solid No. 2, needs a new TOP No. 1 after Lehmann leaves. Fabianski still need more time)
(CB) Gallas (Senderos - lacks balance and pace, Djourou - lacks experience)
(CB) Toure (Senderos - lacks balance and pace, Djourou - lacks experience)
(LB) Clichy (Traore - Not good enough)
(RB) Sagna (Hoyte - Not good enough, Eboue better option in defence than attack)
(DM) Flamini (Denilson - lacks experience, steel and engine of Flamini)
(CM) Fabregas (erm... Diaby? Rosicky better option there)
(AM/Winger) Rosicky (no one good enough to replace him. Eboue should be made Sagna's backup)
(AM/Winger) Hleb (same as Rosicky - no one good enough to replace him. Diaby closest option)
(ST/AM) RVP (Eduardo, Bendtner, Walcott)
(ST) Adebayor (Eduardo, Bendtner, Walcott) and soon Vela...
We will still support you despite a season of so much promise ending with nothing...
Something about them that has not seemed as robust or as durable as the character of United or Chelsea. It is hard to see United, for instance, ever submitting to the kind of run that has transformed Arsenal from runaway pace-setters to forlorn pursuers in one month."
Quoted from Oliver Holt in The Mirror
Two simple paragraphs with exact reflections of Arsenal's early promise but faltering season ending form. I've always felt what the invincibles gave were their abilities, potential, experience and aggression which got us through an unbeaten season and titles. What the current young crop has is the first two attributes but lacking the all-defining last two is just evident for all to see.
Let's not kid ourselves, AW needs to strengthen the squad alot more than he realizes. Looking at who can replace the first teamers in every department, the closest I can think of is Bendtner and Walcott (prove in that they are already regular subs) and coming in a distant third would be Denilson and Senderos. That means we have a better strikeforce than all other areas. Once Vela returns, RVP regains his match sharpness and Eduardo recovering, we don't really need strengthening there for the foreseeable future.
So who will deputise for Cesc? Flamini? Hleb? Rosicky? Gallas and Toure? Even the goalkeeping department needs address for next season as most of us feel Almunia is not a top 'keeper. Losing Diarra was inevitable so a solid backup for Flamini is essential. Many fans cited the wingers position as critical and I could not agree more.
Diaby is not comfortable on the wings and he professed to prefering a more central role. Djourou is more of a backup for Senderos than our first-choice CB pairing - maybe AW can consider giving him the DM role which he prefers too? We can all go on about the squad and how so many (even neutrals) realize we have too small of a strong squad to challenge on four fronts. Now after 31 games and the end of March approaches, we have just one front left for glory.
Summary of Team:
First Team (Back-up)
(GK) Almunia (solid No. 2, needs a new TOP No. 1 after Lehmann leaves. Fabianski still need more time)
(CB) Gallas (Senderos - lacks balance and pace, Djourou - lacks experience)
(CB) Toure (Senderos - lacks balance and pace, Djourou - lacks experience)
(LB) Clichy (Traore - Not good enough)
(RB) Sagna (Hoyte - Not good enough, Eboue better option in defence than attack)
(DM) Flamini (Denilson - lacks experience, steel and engine of Flamini)
(CM) Fabregas (erm... Diaby? Rosicky better option there)
(AM/Winger) Rosicky (no one good enough to replace him. Eboue should be made Sagna's backup)
(AM/Winger) Hleb (same as Rosicky - no one good enough to replace him. Diaby closest option)
(ST/AM) RVP (Eduardo, Bendtner, Walcott)
(ST) Adebayor (Eduardo, Bendtner, Walcott) and soon Vela...
Go Arsenal!
We will still support you despite a season of so much promise ending with nothing...
Drogba 2 Arsenal 1
Just a four letter word to describe the desire shown by our players. The riches of Chelski and their established stars finished stronger in almost all departments and that's how Man U have won the 2007/08 title.
AW will look back and hopefully decides that the youth policy can only bring the team so far. Drawing 4 against lesser teams and losing against Drogba-sea proves how much the team needs real match-winners like Chelski's goalscorer. AW's stubborness to spend would most probably carry on and it would be a couple of seasons more before Arsenal can be on the same platform as AC Milan, Real Madrid (who we, incidentedly, beat away) and even Man U.
As I've said, without the riches of Abramovich, Chelsea would be battling more for fourth place than winning titles. I get disgusted how a team that is totally bought, only having "home-grown" players in Terry, Lampard and Cudicini (would have been Cech if he was fit) defeats a team of internatiional but "home-grown" players who have yet to established stardom. It's really a difficult pill to swallow!
Almunia (7/10) - Kept Arsenal in the game with some brilliant saves. Could not do much with Drogba's strikes though.
Gallas (6.5/10) - Almost scored from a corner kick at the far post but was marginally offside. Did reasonably well in defence.
Toure (6/10) - His mistake cost us the match. Did not deal with the cross that allowed Drogba to score the winner. Was solid overall but should have connected with the cross better.
Clichy (7/10) - One of the only few who showed urgency. Shackled Joe Cole and dealt with the attacks down the right flank well.
Sagna (Diaby) (7/10) - Unlikely scorer and one of the better player. Defended well and his commitment was rewarded with his first goal for the club. Got injured unfortunately after trying to clear. Diaby came on but had no impact on the game. He is starting to seem that he is just a flamboyant player with potential but lack a burning desire seen in great players.
Flamini (Bentner) (5.5/10) - Very disappointed he did not impose himself. Allowed opponent's midfield to attack relentlessly at times and, for the first time in months, needed others to do his job. Bendtner came on too late to have any impact.
Cesc (6/10) - Almost annonymous in the second-half. The defenders were quick to intercept many of Arsenal's passes and it disrupted our playmaker's rhythm. Once disrupted, Cesc always finds it difficult to get back and it showed. Disappointing..
Eboue (5.5/10) - Has joined GS and Lehmann on my list of players Wenger needs to offload. Got an early yellow card and was always prone for another as the match went on. Only contributions were needless fouls and woeful crossing. Wenger needs to know Eboue cannot attack or score as well as he believes. Oh how we miss Rosicky!
Hleb (6/10) - Defenders know him well and was shackled well by the defence. Didn't have chances to strut his stuff as he gets closed down really fast, as have been the rest of the team. Problem is that, like Cesc and Flamini, if he doesn't get his game going, Arsenal will have problems scoring and the only way to win matches is lost. Our first choice midfield make or break our chances of getting results and more teams know that as they continue to play us.
RVP (Walcott) (6/10) - His lack of matches told. Managed to put in some defensive work but was unable to link up well with Ade and fluffed a few good chances. Walcott hardly got much of the ball and became a wasted avenue for goals. His energy and pace would have given Arsenal more attacking potency.
Ade (5.5/10) - Disappointing! Did nothing in this match and didn't even have a shot at goal. His sudden lost of form is one of the reasons Arsenal faltered as he is the main goalscorer in the team when RVP is still coming back. Painful...
Overall (6/10) - The drive and desire was what won Chelsea the match and it showed most towards the end. Their team's expensive and highly-paid players make Avram Grant look good as I rate him only as high as Benitez.
Arsenal will look back at this season and know that this patch was where their title hopes were dashed. Manu U beat Liverpool to go six points clear and it remains firmly in thier hands now. Bolton, the hoodoo team, will be next and to lower my expectations for the rest of the season will be deemed the best decision in saving myself from a potential cardiac arrest. Yep, myself above Arsenal.
Maybe next time, Gunners...
AW will look back and hopefully decides that the youth policy can only bring the team so far. Drawing 4 against lesser teams and losing against Drogba-sea proves how much the team needs real match-winners like Chelski's goalscorer. AW's stubborness to spend would most probably carry on and it would be a couple of seasons more before Arsenal can be on the same platform as AC Milan, Real Madrid (who we, incidentedly, beat away) and even Man U.
As I've said, without the riches of Abramovich, Chelsea would be battling more for fourth place than winning titles. I get disgusted how a team that is totally bought, only having "home-grown" players in Terry, Lampard and Cudicini (would have been Cech if he was fit) defeats a team of internatiional but "home-grown" players who have yet to established stardom. It's really a difficult pill to swallow!
Almunia (7/10) - Kept Arsenal in the game with some brilliant saves. Could not do much with Drogba's strikes though.
Gallas (6.5/10) - Almost scored from a corner kick at the far post but was marginally offside. Did reasonably well in defence.
Toure (6/10) - His mistake cost us the match. Did not deal with the cross that allowed Drogba to score the winner. Was solid overall but should have connected with the cross better.
Clichy (7/10) - One of the only few who showed urgency. Shackled Joe Cole and dealt with the attacks down the right flank well.
Sagna (Diaby) (7/10) - Unlikely scorer and one of the better player. Defended well and his commitment was rewarded with his first goal for the club. Got injured unfortunately after trying to clear. Diaby came on but had no impact on the game. He is starting to seem that he is just a flamboyant player with potential but lack a burning desire seen in great players.
Flamini (Bentner) (5.5/10) - Very disappointed he did not impose himself. Allowed opponent's midfield to attack relentlessly at times and, for the first time in months, needed others to do his job. Bendtner came on too late to have any impact.
Cesc (6/10) - Almost annonymous in the second-half. The defenders were quick to intercept many of Arsenal's passes and it disrupted our playmaker's rhythm. Once disrupted, Cesc always finds it difficult to get back and it showed. Disappointing..
Eboue (5.5/10) - Has joined GS and Lehmann on my list of players Wenger needs to offload. Got an early yellow card and was always prone for another as the match went on. Only contributions were needless fouls and woeful crossing. Wenger needs to know Eboue cannot attack or score as well as he believes. Oh how we miss Rosicky!
Hleb (6/10) - Defenders know him well and was shackled well by the defence. Didn't have chances to strut his stuff as he gets closed down really fast, as have been the rest of the team. Problem is that, like Cesc and Flamini, if he doesn't get his game going, Arsenal will have problems scoring and the only way to win matches is lost. Our first choice midfield make or break our chances of getting results and more teams know that as they continue to play us.
RVP (Walcott) (6/10) - His lack of matches told. Managed to put in some defensive work but was unable to link up well with Ade and fluffed a few good chances. Walcott hardly got much of the ball and became a wasted avenue for goals. His energy and pace would have given Arsenal more attacking potency.
Ade (5.5/10) - Disappointing! Did nothing in this match and didn't even have a shot at goal. His sudden lost of form is one of the reasons Arsenal faltered as he is the main goalscorer in the team when RVP is still coming back. Painful...
Overall (6/10) - The drive and desire was what won Chelsea the match and it showed most towards the end. Their team's expensive and highly-paid players make Avram Grant look good as I rate him only as high as Benitez.
Arsenal will look back at this season and know that this patch was where their title hopes were dashed. Manu U beat Liverpool to go six points clear and it remains firmly in thier hands now. Bolton, the hoodoo team, will be next and to lower my expectations for the rest of the season will be deemed the best decision in saving myself from a potential cardiac arrest. Yep, myself above Arsenal.
Maybe next time, Gunners...
March 16, 2008
Fourth Draw in a Row, Chelski next!
Man U's win over Bolton at home in midweek would put the Gunners 3 points behind. Even Chelski will pull level with the Gunners in their next match if they win. All these has been the "rewards" for Arsenals inability to score goals and win those games that mattered most. Drawing for the FOURTH consecutive time has dented hopes and it does not help that our great rival has hit peak form going into the end of the season (again)!
Chelski had been the dark horse in this race but they have been winning ugly to keep pace. Despite their off-field problems, manager Avram Grant would be delighted to take back the Premiership crown to Stamford Bridge. Not many gave Chelski much chance after Mourinho left, even though their squad costs more than the rest outside the top four, combined! If they would win this again, it will only be because of their owner's financial influence and not because they had great, club-groomed players to show for. That to me was the start of the invasion of takeovers rapidly engulfing the BPL which, fortunately Arsenal has been resilient against.
Almunia (6/10) - Had one chance to cement his place and he fluffed it! Only shot on target and he was given no chance. Old-boy Aliadiere's close-range volley from a Tungay's left-hand cross left Almunia flapping thin air. I wondered if we had, say Artur Boruc instead, would the goal have been saved...
Gallas (7/10) - Joined in the attack for much of the 2nd half to try and help break down the 10-man Boro defence. Didn't have much to do defensively but was solid when called upon.
Toure (7.5/10) - Back from injury and was the scorer of the equalizer. Was perturbed seeing him celebrate when I wanted the team to get the game restarted asap, but at the same time glad that he scored. Like Gallas, he joined in the attack and helped to break down the stubborn defence a few times.
Clichy (Senderos) (7/10) - His runs down the left caused problems for Boro. Was unfortunately caught by Mido's raised studs late in the 2nd-half on his head and had to be replaced. Sendy came on but didn't have much to do defensively.
Sagna (Bendtner) (7/10) - Coming along nicely in his first full season. Showed more confidence in taking on defenders and could have scored a nice solo goal in the first half. Bendtner came on to add more attacking options up front but did not impress. Had a couple of headers that went high or wide.
Flamini (7.5/10) - Flattuso was everywhere and covering every blade of grass as usual. Solid performance in midfield, despite the slippery Emirates surface which caused problems for everyone.
Cesc (7.5/10) - Was one of those games where he played well but gained nothing from it. His trademark incisive passes and crosses were largely wasted by the forwards in this game. Could have scored with an open header but it clipped the post, out of reach of Schwarzer.
Eboue (7.5/10) - One of his better games. Caused problems on Boro's left flank with his dribbles and pace. Earned an unnecessary yellow after the final whistle for protesting too much to the referee after 4 mins of extra time was blowned before Arsenal could take a final and potentially critical cornerkick.
Hleb (7/10) - Realized how his trademark dribbles and passes could be handled if the opposition put men on him. Had moments of brilliance but was well shackled by the Boro defence. Showing more aggressiveness in his game now.
RVP (Walcott) (7/10) - Today's match showed what an almost match-fit and rust-free RVP can do. His presence gave Arsenal even more dimension in their attack and he is capable of bringing the ball up from midfield if required. Can't wait to see him back to his best and give us 20-odd goals! Walcott's pace and dribbles turned the Boro defenders inside-out but his crosses really need working on. If he is to be employed as a winger, he needs to put those chances across really well.
Ade (6.5/10) - A continued poor form coupled with being man-marked out of the game has left the big African wondering what hit him. Whenever the ball reached him, 2-3 Boro defenders would be on his neck. Ade really needs to understand that opponents know what he could do to them and change his play quickly during the game. Only real chance was a goal ruled offside, after Boateng had deflected RVP's pass to an already offside Ade. AW asked the referee how was it offside and all he was told was that as long as a player intended to pass to an offside teammate, a deflection would still rule him out. All the Professor replied was that he learnt something new today..
Overall (8/10) - One of those good performances with nothing gained. AW said that drawing would not guarantee the title and he asked his team to keep the spirit and focus. I felt we were unlucky not to get all three points, seeing how we overran Boro. Even Southgate said that Arsenal deserved more from the game but was unsurprisingly happy with taking four points from the ex-league leaders this season. I do not normally criticize referees in my blog but it was definitely inept and inconsistent refereeing in this match and it didn't help Arsenal's cause in their pursuit of the title. And couldn't he have allowed Arsenal to take that final cornerkick?!
With Chelski coming up next away and Man U away (not forgetting taking on Liverpool twice in the Champ League and once at home in the BPL), I can only hope Arsenal give a Milan performance in all these matches if they are to overcome our three great rivals because anything less and we would be ending the season with alot of promise but nothing to show for.. *sob*..
Chelski had been the dark horse in this race but they have been winning ugly to keep pace. Despite their off-field problems, manager Avram Grant would be delighted to take back the Premiership crown to Stamford Bridge. Not many gave Chelski much chance after Mourinho left, even though their squad costs more than the rest outside the top four, combined! If they would win this again, it will only be because of their owner's financial influence and not because they had great, club-groomed players to show for. That to me was the start of the invasion of takeovers rapidly engulfing the BPL which, fortunately Arsenal has been resilient against.
Almunia (6/10) - Had one chance to cement his place and he fluffed it! Only shot on target and he was given no chance. Old-boy Aliadiere's close-range volley from a Tungay's left-hand cross left Almunia flapping thin air. I wondered if we had, say Artur Boruc instead, would the goal have been saved...
Gallas (7/10) - Joined in the attack for much of the 2nd half to try and help break down the 10-man Boro defence. Didn't have much to do defensively but was solid when called upon.
Toure (7.5/10) - Back from injury and was the scorer of the equalizer. Was perturbed seeing him celebrate when I wanted the team to get the game restarted asap, but at the same time glad that he scored. Like Gallas, he joined in the attack and helped to break down the stubborn defence a few times.
Clichy (Senderos) (7/10) - His runs down the left caused problems for Boro. Was unfortunately caught by Mido's raised studs late in the 2nd-half on his head and had to be replaced. Sendy came on but didn't have much to do defensively.
Sagna (Bendtner) (7/10) - Coming along nicely in his first full season. Showed more confidence in taking on defenders and could have scored a nice solo goal in the first half. Bendtner came on to add more attacking options up front but did not impress. Had a couple of headers that went high or wide.
Flamini (7.5/10) - Flattuso was everywhere and covering every blade of grass as usual. Solid performance in midfield, despite the slippery Emirates surface which caused problems for everyone.
Cesc (7.5/10) - Was one of those games where he played well but gained nothing from it. His trademark incisive passes and crosses were largely wasted by the forwards in this game. Could have scored with an open header but it clipped the post, out of reach of Schwarzer.
Eboue (7.5/10) - One of his better games. Caused problems on Boro's left flank with his dribbles and pace. Earned an unnecessary yellow after the final whistle for protesting too much to the referee after 4 mins of extra time was blowned before Arsenal could take a final and potentially critical cornerkick.
Hleb (7/10) - Realized how his trademark dribbles and passes could be handled if the opposition put men on him. Had moments of brilliance but was well shackled by the Boro defence. Showing more aggressiveness in his game now.
RVP (Walcott) (7/10) - Today's match showed what an almost match-fit and rust-free RVP can do. His presence gave Arsenal even more dimension in their attack and he is capable of bringing the ball up from midfield if required. Can't wait to see him back to his best and give us 20-odd goals! Walcott's pace and dribbles turned the Boro defenders inside-out but his crosses really need working on. If he is to be employed as a winger, he needs to put those chances across really well.
Ade (6.5/10) - A continued poor form coupled with being man-marked out of the game has left the big African wondering what hit him. Whenever the ball reached him, 2-3 Boro defenders would be on his neck. Ade really needs to understand that opponents know what he could do to them and change his play quickly during the game. Only real chance was a goal ruled offside, after Boateng had deflected RVP's pass to an already offside Ade. AW asked the referee how was it offside and all he was told was that as long as a player intended to pass to an offside teammate, a deflection would still rule him out. All the Professor replied was that he learnt something new today..
Overall (8/10) - One of those good performances with nothing gained. AW said that drawing would not guarantee the title and he asked his team to keep the spirit and focus. I felt we were unlucky not to get all three points, seeing how we overran Boro. Even Southgate said that Arsenal deserved more from the game but was unsurprisingly happy with taking four points from the ex-league leaders this season. I do not normally criticize referees in my blog but it was definitely inept and inconsistent refereeing in this match and it didn't help Arsenal's cause in their pursuit of the title. And couldn't he have allowed Arsenal to take that final cornerkick?!
With Chelski coming up next away and Man U away (not forgetting taking on Liverpool twice in the Champ League and once at home in the BPL), I can only hope Arsenal give a Milan performance in all these matches if they are to overcome our three great rivals because anything less and we would be ending the season with alot of promise but nothing to show for.. *sob*..
March 10, 2008
Title Slipping Away
Birmingham, Aston Villa and now Wigan (0-0), has blown away Arsenal's chance of clinching back the Premier League title. Three consecutive, and lucky, draws puts Man U in the driving seat of reclaiming back the title.
So promising at the start but fading off in the 2nd half, has become the norm..
Expectations were low, even reaching an CL spot was deemed hard and near to impossible after Henry left. Now 29 games into the season, Arsenal has proved their critics wrong in the best manner. That's where our team has left me, expectations high in every game but this was their 3rd consecutive below-par performance and has left me frustrated... again.
To give a Milan-type performance might be too harsh for the lads but their minimum should have been enough to kill off Wigan, who are fighting for their survival. Don't blame the poor JJB pitch as Wigan gave a good collective performance on their part. They were quicker to the ball and showed more hunger. As is evident in modern day football, having the millions and talent doesn't guarantee results day in, day out. With shock results from the FA Cup (Man U 0 Portsmouth 1, Chelsea 0 Barnsley 1), I would say that whoever wants it more will most probably get it in the end (with Man U an exception as they were unlucky to have lost).
Almunia (6/10) - Made a great save from a A.Valencia shot but had not much to do.
Gallas (6/10) - Good defensively as always but didn't contribute much in attack.
Senderos (6/10) - Still clumsy. Strong defensively but still suspect in his pace. Luckily Wigan didn't have quick forwards to trouble him or I would have feared the outcome.
Clichy (6.5/10) - Was running up and down the flanks with Hleb. Made some useful moves through the middle and linked up with the forward line but no result to show for it. The pitch didn't help him in his crosses and passing though.
Sagna (6.5/10) - Solid defensively but manage to make only a couple of runs offensively. Need him to outpace defenders on the right and to put in good crosses but none today.
Flamini (7/10) - He is doing the captain's job, urging and pushing his team-mates but was in vain. Was difficult to command his area with the poor pitch but did enough to twart Wigan's attack.
Gilberto (Toure)(5/10) - The most puzzling inclusion. Did nothing at all except provide some defensive strength. Can't wait for him to leave this summer. Finally replaced by Toure in 2nd-half, who went into Eboue's position.
Cesc (6/10) - Poor performance from our playmaker. As I've always said, whenever Cesc doesn't turn up, the team suffers. Passing was poor even though he put in a few good crosses through the middle in the 1st-half. Was dangerously close to an own goal in final minutes, putting a cross over his crossbar.
Hleb (6/10) - Another poor performer. Unusually poor in passing, sending balls to opponents. Pitch affected his game and looked tired towards the end.
Bendtner (RVP) (6.5/10) - One of the better players with a more energetic approach. Guess not playing in Milan helped. Some good passing but ineffective in front of goal. Was good to see RVP playing again. Closest was a freekick which he blasted over the bar but there were some neat footwork from him.
Ade (6/10) - Poor in 1st-half and became invisible in the 2nd. Totally lost upfront and the defenders always seem to win the ball from him before he could control it. Definitely one of his poorer games.
Overall (5.5/10) - Forgettable...
Arsenal's chances are slipping fast and the last three matches will hurt, badly. With the focus AW has called on his team, they just did not deliver. With Man U having a game in hand and two points behind, the initiative has gone back to them and this time I don't see them relinquishing it back to us..
Whether it's a learning process towards being a great, winning team or not, Arsenal must know consistency is something they must start to find in themselves and it might not be this season. The prospect of not winning anything will start to get real as the season progresses and with games like these to come, the Gunners must dig deep to counter the slide if they want to win the BPL title.
Yes, come end of the season, it might just be a case of "so close yet so far...".
So promising at the start but fading off in the 2nd half, has become the norm..
Expectations were low, even reaching an CL spot was deemed hard and near to impossible after Henry left. Now 29 games into the season, Arsenal has proved their critics wrong in the best manner. That's where our team has left me, expectations high in every game but this was their 3rd consecutive below-par performance and has left me frustrated... again.
To give a Milan-type performance might be too harsh for the lads but their minimum should have been enough to kill off Wigan, who are fighting for their survival. Don't blame the poor JJB pitch as Wigan gave a good collective performance on their part. They were quicker to the ball and showed more hunger. As is evident in modern day football, having the millions and talent doesn't guarantee results day in, day out. With shock results from the FA Cup (Man U 0 Portsmouth 1, Chelsea 0 Barnsley 1), I would say that whoever wants it more will most probably get it in the end (with Man U an exception as they were unlucky to have lost).
Almunia (6/10) - Made a great save from a A.Valencia shot but had not much to do.
Gallas (6/10) - Good defensively as always but didn't contribute much in attack.
Senderos (6/10) - Still clumsy. Strong defensively but still suspect in his pace. Luckily Wigan didn't have quick forwards to trouble him or I would have feared the outcome.
Clichy (6.5/10) - Was running up and down the flanks with Hleb. Made some useful moves through the middle and linked up with the forward line but no result to show for it. The pitch didn't help him in his crosses and passing though.
Sagna (6.5/10) - Solid defensively but manage to make only a couple of runs offensively. Need him to outpace defenders on the right and to put in good crosses but none today.
Flamini (7/10) - He is doing the captain's job, urging and pushing his team-mates but was in vain. Was difficult to command his area with the poor pitch but did enough to twart Wigan's attack.
Gilberto (Toure)(5/10) - The most puzzling inclusion. Did nothing at all except provide some defensive strength. Can't wait for him to leave this summer. Finally replaced by Toure in 2nd-half, who went into Eboue's position.
Cesc (6/10) - Poor performance from our playmaker. As I've always said, whenever Cesc doesn't turn up, the team suffers. Passing was poor even though he put in a few good crosses through the middle in the 1st-half. Was dangerously close to an own goal in final minutes, putting a cross over his crossbar.
Hleb (6/10) - Another poor performer. Unusually poor in passing, sending balls to opponents. Pitch affected his game and looked tired towards the end.
Bendtner (RVP) (6.5/10) - One of the better players with a more energetic approach. Guess not playing in Milan helped. Some good passing but ineffective in front of goal. Was good to see RVP playing again. Closest was a freekick which he blasted over the bar but there were some neat footwork from him.
Ade (6/10) - Poor in 1st-half and became invisible in the 2nd. Totally lost upfront and the defenders always seem to win the ball from him before he could control it. Definitely one of his poorer games.
Overall (5.5/10) - Forgettable...
Arsenal's chances are slipping fast and the last three matches will hurt, badly. With the focus AW has called on his team, they just did not deliver. With Man U having a game in hand and two points behind, the initiative has gone back to them and this time I don't see them relinquishing it back to us..
Whether it's a learning process towards being a great, winning team or not, Arsenal must know consistency is something they must start to find in themselves and it might not be this season. The prospect of not winning anything will start to get real as the season progresses and with games like these to come, the Gunners must dig deep to counter the slide if they want to win the BPL title.
Yes, come end of the season, it might just be a case of "so close yet so far...".
March 5, 2008
Gunners Make History!
Arsenal played one of their finest games of the season to eliminate holders AC Milan out of the last-16 and into the q-finals. Whoever we meet in the q-finals will pale in significance to this historic feat that the young Guns deserved over two legs. Even the players whom I've slammed for below-par displays, picked themselves up in a full-committed performance any manager or neutral fan would be proud of - and at San Siro against the top team in Europe. A win which was even sweeter than the Henry-led 5-1 rout of Inter at the same venue 5 years ago.
Arsenal controlled most part of the game, as was in the 1st leg, and looked most likely to score. Milan, to be frank, didn't play well in this game and was superbly stopped in midfield from doing their damage. I believed AW's comments on suffocating the supply to Kaka worked well and Arsenal were able to concentrate on doing what they do best - possession football. Milan had a few shots at goal but the nearest they came was early in the match from a corner, which was cleared off the line.
Fabregas had a good chance in the 1st-half but crashed his shot against the crossbar but he redeemed himself with a late, but fantastic, 25m strike just inside the post past the giant Kalac, brushing aside Gattuso along the way. Ade added the second near the end after sub Walcott evaded a tackle to cross from the right byline to send a low pass across the box and onto the lurking African's path at the other end.
Arsenal has officially become the first English team ever to beat AC Milan at San Siro..
Almunia (6/10) - Didn't have alot of saves to make but was confident in coming out and commanded his area well. If this match can bring him confidence, it will be the one that will prevent the Professor signing a top 'keeper to replace him as No. 1, in the summer.
Gallas (7.5/10) - Knew how important this match was and was at his best to maintain a solid back four throughout the match. Able to deal with the strikeforce of Kaka and Pato's trickey and speed well and came forward with a purpose when required.
Senderos (7/10) - Not my favourite performer in this match. Still losing his balance at critical times and making a few clumsy challenges. His best attribute is defending and attacking with his head so AW needs to make him better with his footwork. Still able to make some timely tackles in this match despite how I viewed him but Toure shouldn't be too worried about losing his place.
Clichy (7.5/10) - Formed a good left-side partnership with Diaby in this match. Committed to keep his left flank free of danger but to be frank, most of Milan's attack came through the middle and he was able to help out there. Solid display.
Sagna (7.5/10) - Had a big test today against the World Player of the Year, Kaka. Shadowed him well and kept pace with the Brazilian's trickery. Kaka did make his trickery tell with a sidestep and shot but it was luckily wide.
Flamini (8/10) - The Engine was all over the place as usual, defending every ball and was vital in keeping the Milan midfield quiet. Gattuso had a tough time against him in the 1st-leg and this time it was no different. Flamini has signalled to the Arsenal board (and to me) what an important asset he is so they jolly well listen.
Cesc (8.5/10) - Put in a man-of-the-match performace and with his dedication and commitment, it was no surprise Arsenal could do well. Besides his superb strike to open accounts, he was all over the midfield dictating the play and making his fellow players flow with him. Excellent and what you would expect from him.
Diaby (Gilberto) (7/10) - Was a changed player from his last match. Showed commitment and purpose and did not dwell on the ball too long. It's a concern somehow as against lesser players, he gets over-confident and prefers to trick his way past opponents than pass. But this time he was dedicated to the play AW set for the team and didn't overdo himself - well, maybe alittle with a backheel pass in a dangerous position. Gilberto came on late in the game but did not have much to do.
Eboue (Walcott) (7/10) - Back after some games out through suspension in the BPL, Eboue went back to forge a rightsided partnership with Sagna and did cause some problems for Maldini & Co. His ability to cut back into the middle and put the defenders on a backpedal was dangerous but a open shot at goal was wasted when he sliced it wide. Walcott came on for him latter in the 2nd-half and his speed did cause concern to Maldini, providing the cross for the 2nd goal. He used the flanks more than Eboue and surely this must be another confident boosting match for the young Englishman.
Hleb (8/10) - Was back to his usual skills and tricks that we love about him. Was so disappointed with his last performance against Villa but this time was back to torment markers and defenders. Played in a proven front two with Ade, which seems to be the more effective attacking route for AW, well at least until RVP returns.
Ade (7/10) - I would have to say I've seen Ade played better. Capped a decent peformance with the 2nd goal but didn't cause the Milan defence much trouble throughout the match. We all know how strong Milan's defence was but I was hopping after Kalac jokingly "challenged" him with a remark, he would come out to prove a point. His habit to relay the ball back once he received it gets on my nerves sometimes and I hope his first touch can improve more. His headers have not been on target lately and it didn't change in this match. But despite my rants, his dribbling and keep-ball abilities were great and it helped to cause problems to Milan.
Overall (9/10) - It was a team performance which felled giant Milan and its these kind of performance which will make or break the remainder of the Gunner's season. Man U are just relishing the day they overtake Arsenal and it will be cause for concern if the commitment level fades after this historic win. Fantastic performance and one of the best of the season!
It will be interesting who we will meet in the Q-Finals. It might be Barca (who beat Celtic 1-0 at the Nou Camp), where our legendary Henry would be facing us. Or it might be our great rivals, Man U who disposed of Lyon with a Ronaldo goal. Whoever we meet, it will get tougher and there will be no favourites after Milan went out... at the hands of The Arsenal!
Arsenal controlled most part of the game, as was in the 1st leg, and looked most likely to score. Milan, to be frank, didn't play well in this game and was superbly stopped in midfield from doing their damage. I believed AW's comments on suffocating the supply to Kaka worked well and Arsenal were able to concentrate on doing what they do best - possession football. Milan had a few shots at goal but the nearest they came was early in the match from a corner, which was cleared off the line.
Fabregas had a good chance in the 1st-half but crashed his shot against the crossbar but he redeemed himself with a late, but fantastic, 25m strike just inside the post past the giant Kalac, brushing aside Gattuso along the way. Ade added the second near the end after sub Walcott evaded a tackle to cross from the right byline to send a low pass across the box and onto the lurking African's path at the other end.
Arsenal has officially become the first English team ever to beat AC Milan at San Siro..
Almunia (6/10) - Didn't have alot of saves to make but was confident in coming out and commanded his area well. If this match can bring him confidence, it will be the one that will prevent the Professor signing a top 'keeper to replace him as No. 1, in the summer.
Gallas (7.5/10) - Knew how important this match was and was at his best to maintain a solid back four throughout the match. Able to deal with the strikeforce of Kaka and Pato's trickey and speed well and came forward with a purpose when required.
Senderos (7/10) - Not my favourite performer in this match. Still losing his balance at critical times and making a few clumsy challenges. His best attribute is defending and attacking with his head so AW needs to make him better with his footwork. Still able to make some timely tackles in this match despite how I viewed him but Toure shouldn't be too worried about losing his place.
Clichy (7.5/10) - Formed a good left-side partnership with Diaby in this match. Committed to keep his left flank free of danger but to be frank, most of Milan's attack came through the middle and he was able to help out there. Solid display.
Sagna (7.5/10) - Had a big test today against the World Player of the Year, Kaka. Shadowed him well and kept pace with the Brazilian's trickery. Kaka did make his trickery tell with a sidestep and shot but it was luckily wide.
Flamini (8/10) - The Engine was all over the place as usual, defending every ball and was vital in keeping the Milan midfield quiet. Gattuso had a tough time against him in the 1st-leg and this time it was no different. Flamini has signalled to the Arsenal board (and to me) what an important asset he is so they jolly well listen.
Cesc (8.5/10) - Put in a man-of-the-match performace and with his dedication and commitment, it was no surprise Arsenal could do well. Besides his superb strike to open accounts, he was all over the midfield dictating the play and making his fellow players flow with him. Excellent and what you would expect from him.
Diaby (Gilberto) (7/10) - Was a changed player from his last match. Showed commitment and purpose and did not dwell on the ball too long. It's a concern somehow as against lesser players, he gets over-confident and prefers to trick his way past opponents than pass. But this time he was dedicated to the play AW set for the team and didn't overdo himself - well, maybe alittle with a backheel pass in a dangerous position. Gilberto came on late in the game but did not have much to do.
Eboue (Walcott) (7/10) - Back after some games out through suspension in the BPL, Eboue went back to forge a rightsided partnership with Sagna and did cause some problems for Maldini & Co. His ability to cut back into the middle and put the defenders on a backpedal was dangerous but a open shot at goal was wasted when he sliced it wide. Walcott came on for him latter in the 2nd-half and his speed did cause concern to Maldini, providing the cross for the 2nd goal. He used the flanks more than Eboue and surely this must be another confident boosting match for the young Englishman.
Hleb (8/10) - Was back to his usual skills and tricks that we love about him. Was so disappointed with his last performance against Villa but this time was back to torment markers and defenders. Played in a proven front two with Ade, which seems to be the more effective attacking route for AW, well at least until RVP returns.
Ade (7/10) - I would have to say I've seen Ade played better. Capped a decent peformance with the 2nd goal but didn't cause the Milan defence much trouble throughout the match. We all know how strong Milan's defence was but I was hopping after Kalac jokingly "challenged" him with a remark, he would come out to prove a point. His habit to relay the ball back once he received it gets on my nerves sometimes and I hope his first touch can improve more. His headers have not been on target lately and it didn't change in this match. But despite my rants, his dribbling and keep-ball abilities were great and it helped to cause problems to Milan.
Overall (9/10) - It was a team performance which felled giant Milan and its these kind of performance which will make or break the remainder of the Gunner's season. Man U are just relishing the day they overtake Arsenal and it will be cause for concern if the commitment level fades after this historic win. Fantastic performance and one of the best of the season!
It will be interesting who we will meet in the Q-Finals. It might be Barca (who beat Celtic 1-0 at the Nou Camp), where our legendary Henry would be facing us. Or it might be our great rivals, Man U who disposed of Lyon with a Ronaldo goal. Whoever we meet, it will get tougher and there will be no favourites after Milan went out... at the hands of The Arsenal!
March 2, 2008
Lead Down To One
It's deja vu! This time it was in Arsenal's favor after Niklas Bendtner struck a 93-min injury time equalizer to cancel out Senderos's own goal in the first half.
Man U won 3-0 at Fulham, which means we are hanging on to a thread for the League title. Based on current form, many pundits and neutral fans are predicting Man U for the title. Our great rivals have shown in past seasons how to peak at the right time towards the end of the season and winning the title. This just leaves me with a wretched feeling that it might happen again this season.
Almunia (6.5/10) - Made a couple of good saves, including the one from Agbonlahor which he tipped against the crossbar. I still feel his reflexes are not quick enough for a 1st choice 'keeper and I don't feel completely safe with him in goal. Average performances mostly with occasional brilliance IMO.
Gallas (6.5/10) - His pairing with Sendy has been cause for concern lately. I get jittery with the defence even with Cpt. Gallas around. Last week's traumatic match has left the players jaded and Gallas's on-field protest after the injury-time penalty for Birmingham has come under criticism from his own players. He did not impose himself enough in this game to lift spirits and his forays up field did not do much either. Hope he gets his act together fast as the remainder of the season gets heated up.
Senderos (5.5/10) - Poor performance capped with an own goal, which almost gave Villa their win. Was completely outplayed and bullied by the fast Agbonlahor and Young. Lack of good balance saw him tumble over his own feet, trying to keep them in check. Still feel he is not consistent enough to hold down a first team spot, much less steal it from Toure.
Clichy (6/10) - Not as effective as before. Crosses were mostly poor until the injury-time equalizer. Covering for Senderos wasn't helpful and it left him in a comical state whenever Villa attacked down their right-flank. I guess he might still be feeling the effects of conceding last week's penalty. Move on, Clichy, we need you!
Sagna (6.5/10) - Average performance. Did not have much of an impact and was most probably still feeling last week's effect. Decent runs down the right but without the usual overlapping runs and crosses in the box we have come to see of him. But was densively sound as usual.
Flamini (Gilberto) (6/10) - His dominance in midfield was not effective in this match. Was able to put in a decent level of performance but nowhere near the performance against Milan. Had a good volley at goal but was just over. Was substituted by Gilberto, who took over Senderos's place in CB but did not see much action as Arsenal went in frantic search for the equalizer. Most probably AW wanted to rest him with the away game at the San Siro in mind.
Cesc (6/10) - As I've mentioned, whenever Cesc can't get going the team will suffer. His passes and crosses were stray or overhit but his tackling has been effective. I just feel he needs to stay attack minded and leave the cleaning up to Flamini as we really need him as our playmaker. If his provision is missing, the team can suffer. Didn't see alot of him today.
Diaby (Bendtner) (4.5/10) - Worst performer. Did not cover his left flank well and always left gaps for Villa to exploit. Flamini had to shout at Diaby to wake-up and remind him that football is not just about dribbling and attacking. He still has the habit of holding on to the ball for too long and tries too hard to get past defenders instead of passing to his mates. I had wished for Bendtner to replace Diaby at half-time but it only happened mid-way through the 2nd-half. Bendtner was more effective and committed and deserved to score the equalizer.
Hleb (Denilson) (6/10) - Not his usual self. His passing was horrendous, based on his own standard, and he had problems getting past the Villa defenders who had a great game. Was replaced by Denilson, who slotted into Flamini's position. It was nice to see Denilson back and hopefully he will be able to challenge Flamini for the DM slot.
Walcott (6.5/10) - Did not manage to add to his two goals from last week but was committed and could have scored in the 7-min had it not been for Carson's reflex save. As usual he caused the defence panic with his quick turns and pace but still lacks the clinical finish of an accomplished forward and the killer crosses from the byline. This is when I always felt Henry's tutelage would have been beneficial to his development but I hope AW knows enough in bringing the best out of Walcott.
Ade (6/10) - Had several headers to end the game off but everyone of them went skywards and over the crossbar. Disappointing to see his form has dipped since the Milan game but there is no one else who can take over his place upfront with effect at the moment. A fully fit RVP gets sorely missed everytime Ade can't score. It got worst after Bendtner came on as we have seen in previous matches how their playing style were similar, going after the same crosses and passes. But, ironically, it was their pairing that got Arsenal's fortunate equalizer. After a deep cross from the left from Clichy and nodded down by Ade into Bendtner's path, the young Dane applied the finish into the bottom corner past a host of Villa defenders defending for their first win over the Gunners in several years. Phewww!
I felt the Professor understood that pairing Ade and Bendtner together would be risky as they both play the same way. So I was not surprised seeing Walcott upfront with Ade but Walcott's impact faded as the game went on. Bendtner came on and Walcott was switched back to the right wing and gave us nothing with wayward crosses. With Edu out and RVP yet back to full fitness, the upcoming Milan game would be a big worry as there will be alot of dependence on Ade to get goals if Cesc and the rest of the midfield do not play like they did in the 1st-leg.
Here's wishing the Gunners ALL THE BEST! at the San Siro...
*fingers-crossed*
Post-Match Quote from Martin O'Neil...
Man U won 3-0 at Fulham, which means we are hanging on to a thread for the League title. Based on current form, many pundits and neutral fans are predicting Man U for the title. Our great rivals have shown in past seasons how to peak at the right time towards the end of the season and winning the title. This just leaves me with a wretched feeling that it might happen again this season.
Almunia (6.5/10) - Made a couple of good saves, including the one from Agbonlahor which he tipped against the crossbar. I still feel his reflexes are not quick enough for a 1st choice 'keeper and I don't feel completely safe with him in goal. Average performances mostly with occasional brilliance IMO.
Gallas (6.5/10) - His pairing with Sendy has been cause for concern lately. I get jittery with the defence even with Cpt. Gallas around. Last week's traumatic match has left the players jaded and Gallas's on-field protest after the injury-time penalty for Birmingham has come under criticism from his own players. He did not impose himself enough in this game to lift spirits and his forays up field did not do much either. Hope he gets his act together fast as the remainder of the season gets heated up.
Senderos (5.5/10) - Poor performance capped with an own goal, which almost gave Villa their win. Was completely outplayed and bullied by the fast Agbonlahor and Young. Lack of good balance saw him tumble over his own feet, trying to keep them in check. Still feel he is not consistent enough to hold down a first team spot, much less steal it from Toure.
Clichy (6/10) - Not as effective as before. Crosses were mostly poor until the injury-time equalizer. Covering for Senderos wasn't helpful and it left him in a comical state whenever Villa attacked down their right-flank. I guess he might still be feeling the effects of conceding last week's penalty. Move on, Clichy, we need you!
Sagna (6.5/10) - Average performance. Did not have much of an impact and was most probably still feeling last week's effect. Decent runs down the right but without the usual overlapping runs and crosses in the box we have come to see of him. But was densively sound as usual.
Flamini (Gilberto) (6/10) - His dominance in midfield was not effective in this match. Was able to put in a decent level of performance but nowhere near the performance against Milan. Had a good volley at goal but was just over. Was substituted by Gilberto, who took over Senderos's place in CB but did not see much action as Arsenal went in frantic search for the equalizer. Most probably AW wanted to rest him with the away game at the San Siro in mind.
Cesc (6/10) - As I've mentioned, whenever Cesc can't get going the team will suffer. His passes and crosses were stray or overhit but his tackling has been effective. I just feel he needs to stay attack minded and leave the cleaning up to Flamini as we really need him as our playmaker. If his provision is missing, the team can suffer. Didn't see alot of him today.
Diaby (Bendtner) (4.5/10) - Worst performer. Did not cover his left flank well and always left gaps for Villa to exploit. Flamini had to shout at Diaby to wake-up and remind him that football is not just about dribbling and attacking. He still has the habit of holding on to the ball for too long and tries too hard to get past defenders instead of passing to his mates. I had wished for Bendtner to replace Diaby at half-time but it only happened mid-way through the 2nd-half. Bendtner was more effective and committed and deserved to score the equalizer.
Hleb (Denilson) (6/10) - Not his usual self. His passing was horrendous, based on his own standard, and he had problems getting past the Villa defenders who had a great game. Was replaced by Denilson, who slotted into Flamini's position. It was nice to see Denilson back and hopefully he will be able to challenge Flamini for the DM slot.
Walcott (6.5/10) - Did not manage to add to his two goals from last week but was committed and could have scored in the 7-min had it not been for Carson's reflex save. As usual he caused the defence panic with his quick turns and pace but still lacks the clinical finish of an accomplished forward and the killer crosses from the byline. This is when I always felt Henry's tutelage would have been beneficial to his development but I hope AW knows enough in bringing the best out of Walcott.
Ade (6/10) - Had several headers to end the game off but everyone of them went skywards and over the crossbar. Disappointing to see his form has dipped since the Milan game but there is no one else who can take over his place upfront with effect at the moment. A fully fit RVP gets sorely missed everytime Ade can't score. It got worst after Bendtner came on as we have seen in previous matches how their playing style were similar, going after the same crosses and passes. But, ironically, it was their pairing that got Arsenal's fortunate equalizer. After a deep cross from the left from Clichy and nodded down by Ade into Bendtner's path, the young Dane applied the finish into the bottom corner past a host of Villa defenders defending for their first win over the Gunners in several years. Phewww!
I felt the Professor understood that pairing Ade and Bendtner together would be risky as they both play the same way. So I was not surprised seeing Walcott upfront with Ade but Walcott's impact faded as the game went on. Bendtner came on and Walcott was switched back to the right wing and gave us nothing with wayward crosses. With Edu out and RVP yet back to full fitness, the upcoming Milan game would be a big worry as there will be alot of dependence on Ade to get goals if Cesc and the rest of the midfield do not play like they did in the 1st-leg.
Here's wishing the Gunners ALL THE BEST! at the San Siro...
*fingers-crossed*
Post-Match Quote from Martin O'Neil...
"I'm thinking that there will not have been many sides, including the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea, that have come here and given Arsenal the problems that we did. That's how good our performance was. Had we won we would have deserved it."
February 23, 2008
We Shot Ourselves!
First of all, I wish Eduardo a good recovery. It was sad seeing him gone for the rest of the season and also his participation in the European C'ships.
But... What the *#@&! I really empathized with Gallas, kicking the signboard!
Clichy was at his usual self, defending well but not his crosses tonight. But, what was he thinking letting the ball roam in the penalty box, IN THE 92nd FREAKIN MIN! Because of that, it allowed Parnaby to take advantage and Clichy's best effort to clip the ball away, felled the player. 10-man Birmingham's 2nd attempt on target was also their 2nd goal, McFadden not missing from the spot..
Yep, we shot ourselves in the foot!
Creating so many chances, all gone to waste. Ade and sub, Bendtner, were wasteful in their chances - especially our star striker who was not at his best in this game. Hleb did his usual tricks on the ball but failed to shoot when it mattered. As usual, it was Arsenal in defence and midfield and sadly, it was Arsenal too infront of goal. At moments like this, how I long for RVP's return to turn those chances into goals.. Oh how we miss him, especially now with Eduardo gone for the season.
The only good thing to take away from the game is Walcott's first goals of his Premier League debut season. It should hopefully help his confidence and bring him to the next level. Birmingham fans must be screaming "What luck!" and Arsenal handed the tie to them, literally..
I don't know what Wenger will do but I hope he gets his attackers together and practice those shots-on-goal more often. Nothing wrong with how they get the ball up-field but everything wrong when making the best of them..
Almunia (5/10) - 1st goal should have been saved. This amplifies the fact he cannot be our No. 1, period!
Gallas (7/10) - Assured at the back but I felt his heartbreak at the end. No signboard for me to kick though..
Senderos (7/10) - Won alot of headers and did very well in this game.
Clichy (6.5/10) - Only mistake was giving away the injury-heartbreaking-time penalty. For that he gets a -0.5 on my ratings.
Sagna (6/10) - Good overlapping runs and decent crosses into the box. Not much impact.
Flamini (7/10) - Wasn't as good as he was in the Milan game. Gave an average performance.
Cesc (7.5/10) - Some dangerous and accurate passes which was wasted by our strikers. Had a good shot on goal which was saved by Maik Taylor.
Hleb (Gilberto) (8/10) - Hardworking and industrious, coupled with his skills makes him my man-of-the-match. Only downside was a great chance he had which he spurned by not shooting at goal.
Walcott (Denilson) (7.5/10) - Glimpses of his skills was on show and two great goals - the equalizer deflected into goal off Ade's header and the 2nd a brilliant side-step and left footed shot past Taylor.
(Eduardo) Bendtner (6/10) - Was poor tonight. Had chances to score but didn't take full use of it. Pairing with Ade still needs work.
Ade (6/10) - Not his usual self. Too many times competing for headers with Bendtner. If this is going to be our starting strikers, it might be disastrous.
Overall: Godsmacked disappointed! What can I say...
I am sadly starting to feel Man U will overtake us and win the title and I can only say that this match might be THE match that turned the tables and favor our great rivals.
Go Arsenal, you can't give up yet!
But... What the *#@&! I really empathized with Gallas, kicking the signboard!
Clichy was at his usual self, defending well but not his crosses tonight. But, what was he thinking letting the ball roam in the penalty box, IN THE 92nd FREAKIN MIN! Because of that, it allowed Parnaby to take advantage and Clichy's best effort to clip the ball away, felled the player. 10-man Birmingham's 2nd attempt on target was also their 2nd goal, McFadden not missing from the spot..
Yep, we shot ourselves in the foot!
Creating so many chances, all gone to waste. Ade and sub, Bendtner, were wasteful in their chances - especially our star striker who was not at his best in this game. Hleb did his usual tricks on the ball but failed to shoot when it mattered. As usual, it was Arsenal in defence and midfield and sadly, it was Arsenal too infront of goal. At moments like this, how I long for RVP's return to turn those chances into goals.. Oh how we miss him, especially now with Eduardo gone for the season.
The only good thing to take away from the game is Walcott's first goals of his Premier League debut season. It should hopefully help his confidence and bring him to the next level. Birmingham fans must be screaming "What luck!" and Arsenal handed the tie to them, literally..
I don't know what Wenger will do but I hope he gets his attackers together and practice those shots-on-goal more often. Nothing wrong with how they get the ball up-field but everything wrong when making the best of them..
Almunia (5/10) - 1st goal should have been saved. This amplifies the fact he cannot be our No. 1, period!
Gallas (7/10) - Assured at the back but I felt his heartbreak at the end. No signboard for me to kick though..
Senderos (7/10) - Won alot of headers and did very well in this game.
Clichy (6.5/10) - Only mistake was giving away the injury-heartbreaking-time penalty. For that he gets a -0.5 on my ratings.
Sagna (6/10) - Good overlapping runs and decent crosses into the box. Not much impact.
Flamini (7/10) - Wasn't as good as he was in the Milan game. Gave an average performance.
Cesc (7.5/10) - Some dangerous and accurate passes which was wasted by our strikers. Had a good shot on goal which was saved by Maik Taylor.
Hleb (Gilberto) (8/10) - Hardworking and industrious, coupled with his skills makes him my man-of-the-match. Only downside was a great chance he had which he spurned by not shooting at goal.
Walcott (Denilson) (7.5/10) - Glimpses of his skills was on show and two great goals - the equalizer deflected into goal off Ade's header and the 2nd a brilliant side-step and left footed shot past Taylor.
(Eduardo) Bendtner (6/10) - Was poor tonight. Had chances to score but didn't take full use of it. Pairing with Ade still needs work.
Ade (6/10) - Not his usual self. Too many times competing for headers with Bendtner. If this is going to be our starting strikers, it might be disastrous.
Overall: Godsmacked disappointed! What can I say...
I am sadly starting to feel Man U will overtake us and win the title and I can only say that this match might be THE match that turned the tables and favor our great rivals.
Go Arsenal, you can't give up yet!
February 21, 2008
UCL: Arsenal 0 AC Milan 0
77.71 mins! That's about as much as I got from my hubstation recording...
Damn SCV schedules really pisses me off at crucial times like these!
Nevertheless, the Gunners did bring the best out of themselves in this match. Even the "much-hated" Eboue had a good game. All it needed was a goal and the home side really looked good for it. Milan's expected world-class defensive display was the only highlight of their meek performance in this match but I expect them to be different at San Siro. Kalac was the busier of the two 'keepers and the 6-7" giant was equally strong in the air and ground to twart all that Arsenal threw at him. I missed the last quarter of the match but based on reports, Ade had a header against the bar? Well, here's my 3/4 player review:
Lehmann (7/10) - Had one of his better games this season and never made a mistake. Solid all-round performance, that's what we need from him 'till the end of the season!
Gallas (7/10) - Drove the team on well from the back and occasionally went forward with confidence, though didn't have much of an impact in the final third. Defensively solid but his lack of pace against wonderkid Pato is sought of a concern..
Senderos (Toure) (8/10) - Sendy played one of his best games. Replacing injured Toure very early in the game, he will be proud of his performance against the attacking team led by Kaka. Won numerous headers and broke up crucial passes with timely slides. Thank goodness!
Clichy (8/10) - His crosses and passes has been magnificent in this match, proving that he has definitely worked on this for awhile. Some tricks down the flanks was a delight to watch and his defensive duties was done superbly. Nothing less from our 1st choice LB.
Sagna (7/10) - Didn't perform as brilliant as Clichy but did enough to twart the Milan forwards with his positioning and pace. We have seen how effective his runs down the right and into boxes could hurt oppositions but didn't see much of that here. Well, it's his 1st season after all yeah?!
Flamini (8/10) - The Rock of Arsenal's midfield has done it again. Popping up everywhere and giving Gattuso his own medicine, Flamini certainly proves that he belongs in this team. In the past seasons, I never could quite imagine him being the Vieira for us but he certainly has done it with displays like this. Whenever Cesc loses the ball, Flamini would be behind sweeping up the loose balls or putting in Gattuso-like tackles. If there was ever an award for Top Miles Covered, he would get it. A great chance for a goal when he turned a defender inside out and layed off a short mid-cross from the touchline but Kalac did enough to punch it away. Brilliant performance!
Cesc (8/10) - As I've mentioned before, whenever Cesc gets pumped up for a game you would most probably see a great Arsenal performance. Milan did not try to play him off the park so Cesc had the space to play his game. Great crosses and passing put Milan on the backfoot for much of the game. Tackled hard when he needed to and was behind most of the moves. Brilliant!
Eboue (7.5/10) - He has finally shown why Wenger still keeps faith in him. One of his better performance and his dribbbling skills managed to get him past Milan's defenders a few times. Missed a great chance to score in the 2nd half but has done enough to pleased us fans for this match.
Hleb (7/10) - I felt he didn't really contribute alot in making chances but he certainly did perform well. His quickness of feet had left some Milan players confused and his passing had been on target. An important player for Arsenal nonetheless!
Eduardo (Bendtner) (6/10) - Didn't have a great game, not good even. Fluffed chances and a miserable shot to the corner flag before being replaced by Bendtner (whom I didn't have enough time to watch in action) in the 2nd half. Should be a good learning experience for him.
Ade (7/10) - Missed alot of chances which could have killed Milan off and bring great confidence for the return at San Siro. But it was not to be and the youthful Gunners know they have to do even better come the 2nd-leg. His headers and runs were carefully dealt with by the world-class Milan defence (marshalled by the great Maldini and Nesta) and on any given day, Ade would have scored against lesser opposition. Good learning curve for him too.
Overall: Arsenal did us proud despite not scoring and IF we were to bow out in the 2nd-leg, I would not be too upset about this as it will bring hordes of experience to Cesc & Gang. Right now, and hopefully, the Gunners can bring this performance for the remainder of the Premiership season and we would be home & dry..
What do you think? Are my player reviews accurate?
Photo courtesy of arsenal.com
Damn SCV schedules really pisses me off at crucial times like these!
Nevertheless, the Gunners did bring the best out of themselves in this match. Even the "much-hated" Eboue had a good game. All it needed was a goal and the home side really looked good for it. Milan's expected world-class defensive display was the only highlight of their meek performance in this match but I expect them to be different at San Siro. Kalac was the busier of the two 'keepers and the 6-7" giant was equally strong in the air and ground to twart all that Arsenal threw at him. I missed the last quarter of the match but based on reports, Ade had a header against the bar? Well, here's my 3/4 player review:
Lehmann (7/10) - Had one of his better games this season and never made a mistake. Solid all-round performance, that's what we need from him 'till the end of the season!
Gallas (7/10) - Drove the team on well from the back and occasionally went forward with confidence, though didn't have much of an impact in the final third. Defensively solid but his lack of pace against wonderkid Pato is sought of a concern..
Senderos (Toure) (8/10) - Sendy played one of his best games. Replacing injured Toure very early in the game, he will be proud of his performance against the attacking team led by Kaka. Won numerous headers and broke up crucial passes with timely slides. Thank goodness!
Clichy (8/10) - His crosses and passes has been magnificent in this match, proving that he has definitely worked on this for awhile. Some tricks down the flanks was a delight to watch and his defensive duties was done superbly. Nothing less from our 1st choice LB.
Sagna (7/10) - Didn't perform as brilliant as Clichy but did enough to twart the Milan forwards with his positioning and pace. We have seen how effective his runs down the right and into boxes could hurt oppositions but didn't see much of that here. Well, it's his 1st season after all yeah?!
Flamini (8/10) - The Rock of Arsenal's midfield has done it again. Popping up everywhere and giving Gattuso his own medicine, Flamini certainly proves that he belongs in this team. In the past seasons, I never could quite imagine him being the Vieira for us but he certainly has done it with displays like this. Whenever Cesc loses the ball, Flamini would be behind sweeping up the loose balls or putting in Gattuso-like tackles. If there was ever an award for Top Miles Covered, he would get it. A great chance for a goal when he turned a defender inside out and layed off a short mid-cross from the touchline but Kalac did enough to punch it away. Brilliant performance!
Cesc (8/10) - As I've mentioned before, whenever Cesc gets pumped up for a game you would most probably see a great Arsenal performance. Milan did not try to play him off the park so Cesc had the space to play his game. Great crosses and passing put Milan on the backfoot for much of the game. Tackled hard when he needed to and was behind most of the moves. Brilliant!
Eboue (7.5/10) - He has finally shown why Wenger still keeps faith in him. One of his better performance and his dribbbling skills managed to get him past Milan's defenders a few times. Missed a great chance to score in the 2nd half but has done enough to pleased us fans for this match.
Hleb (7/10) - I felt he didn't really contribute alot in making chances but he certainly did perform well. His quickness of feet had left some Milan players confused and his passing had been on target. An important player for Arsenal nonetheless!
Eduardo (Bendtner) (6/10) - Didn't have a great game, not good even. Fluffed chances and a miserable shot to the corner flag before being replaced by Bendtner (whom I didn't have enough time to watch in action) in the 2nd half. Should be a good learning experience for him.
Ade (7/10) - Missed alot of chances which could have killed Milan off and bring great confidence for the return at San Siro. But it was not to be and the youthful Gunners know they have to do even better come the 2nd-leg. His headers and runs were carefully dealt with by the world-class Milan defence (marshalled by the great Maldini and Nesta) and on any given day, Ade would have scored against lesser opposition. Good learning curve for him too.
Overall: Arsenal did us proud despite not scoring and IF we were to bow out in the 2nd-leg, I would not be too upset about this as it will bring hordes of experience to Cesc & Gang. Right now, and hopefully, the Gunners can bring this performance for the remainder of the Premiership season and we would be home & dry..
What do you think? Are my player reviews accurate?
Photo courtesy of arsenal.com
February 20, 2008
Cesc the Key?
Alright, I know I am late with this match being played over the weekend and you don't need to read another blog with another critique. But man! was I numbed!
Previously, I had problems logging on to my blog because I forgot my email had a letter "h" in it - idiot! And I was so hopping to vent it all on my blog on how the Gunners disappointed so many of her fans around the world with an inept display against our old great rivals.
We all know the scores and the suspects in this best-forgotten play. We all know that come later today against AC Milan, we might be kicked out of our 3rd competition if we ever played like we did on Saturday.
The BPL is our most assured chance of winning something. 5 points is not really alot to be confident about at the moment and neither is the tie with Milan.
Whenever Cesc has failed to perform, the team has always suffered. Remembering the two trashings in our cup competitions, Cesc had MIA-ed! The opposition knows what he can do and they all came out with a gameplan - stifle the provider and we will have a chance to beat them! I had been left with a NATO (No Action Talk Only) feeling whenever he says how important it is to be this or that and then gave a mediocre midfield display.
I know how important he is to us now and the future, no doubts about that! And I haven't forgotten he is yet 21 and still learning. But we must remember, other than Cesc, we do not have someone who can take over from him. Rosicky comes to mind but he is going to enter into his late 20s soon. Denilson is talented but it will take a longer time for him to fill the playmaker's shoes perfectly. Gilberto is too defensive minded and should be leaving us end of this season and Diaby dribbles too much!
I've watched our wonderkid in all the matches he had played in and even if he had produced half of what he could, the team could still win. Half as in like, incomplete passes and stray shots - which he did produce quite alot lately. But when he doesn't turn up or his soul has left his body on the pitch, it did make a difference. The team do lose focus when they can't get their A-game going and B (aka direct play) gets us desperate.. Well, even though it did help us draw against Man U and win a couple matches.
Reviewing the team and at the same time not trying to be the Professor, everyone do feel we need a new No. 1 and an established backup centreback for Gallas. Artur Boruc from Celtic comes to mind but I have no idea which star CB is willing to wait behind Gallas. An established youth international with great prospect, ala Nordveit with a recent writeup on Young Gunners blog - being the likeliest of filling that position. True that both Swiss internationals (Sendy & Djourou) are capable to fill in at this time but the former is too slow on the turn against today's Walcott-type strikers and the latter seemingly wanting to do a Diarra..
Whatever the Great Professor decides in the summer, we all know that he will never be willing to spend huge EVER! So Cesc's idol, Samuel Eto'o, should not make the grade.
So is Cesc the key to our success on matchdays?
Previously, I had problems logging on to my blog because I forgot my email had a letter "h" in it - idiot! And I was so hopping to vent it all on my blog on how the Gunners disappointed so many of her fans around the world with an inept display against our old great rivals.
We all know the scores and the suspects in this best-forgotten play. We all know that come later today against AC Milan, we might be kicked out of our 3rd competition if we ever played like we did on Saturday.
The BPL is our most assured chance of winning something. 5 points is not really alot to be confident about at the moment and neither is the tie with Milan.
Whenever Cesc has failed to perform, the team has always suffered. Remembering the two trashings in our cup competitions, Cesc had MIA-ed! The opposition knows what he can do and they all came out with a gameplan - stifle the provider and we will have a chance to beat them! I had been left with a NATO (No Action Talk Only) feeling whenever he says how important it is to be this or that and then gave a mediocre midfield display.
I know how important he is to us now and the future, no doubts about that! And I haven't forgotten he is yet 21 and still learning. But we must remember, other than Cesc, we do not have someone who can take over from him. Rosicky comes to mind but he is going to enter into his late 20s soon. Denilson is talented but it will take a longer time for him to fill the playmaker's shoes perfectly. Gilberto is too defensive minded and should be leaving us end of this season and Diaby dribbles too much!
I've watched our wonderkid in all the matches he had played in and even if he had produced half of what he could, the team could still win. Half as in like, incomplete passes and stray shots - which he did produce quite alot lately. But when he doesn't turn up or his soul has left his body on the pitch, it did make a difference. The team do lose focus when they can't get their A-game going and B (aka direct play) gets us desperate.. Well, even though it did help us draw against Man U and win a couple matches.
Reviewing the team and at the same time not trying to be the Professor, everyone do feel we need a new No. 1 and an established backup centreback for Gallas. Artur Boruc from Celtic comes to mind but I have no idea which star CB is willing to wait behind Gallas. An established youth international with great prospect, ala Nordveit with a recent writeup on Young Gunners blog - being the likeliest of filling that position. True that both Swiss internationals (Sendy & Djourou) are capable to fill in at this time but the former is too slow on the turn against today's Walcott-type strikers and the latter seemingly wanting to do a Diarra..
Whatever the Great Professor decides in the summer, we all know that he will never be willing to spend huge EVER! So Cesc's idol, Samuel Eto'o, should not make the grade.
So is Cesc the key to our success on matchdays?
February 3, 2008
Player Ratings : Man City 1 Arsenal 3
Alright, I know that there are TONs of Arsenal blogs out there and many of them real quality ones. You must be asking yourself "Right... nothing much here, i'll just move along then..".
As difficult as the task maybe to make my blog different, I might just start by doing this: Instead of just touching on matches, transfers and the current Gunner news - Why don't I give my own rating to the players too?
Let's start with the last match:
Jens Lehmann (6/10) - Put in a couple of critical saves. Other than that, nothing much for him to do. Conceded that single on-target Man City goal after Clichy's error. Almunia got himself injured so old Lehmann gets to take the gloves back. Its a blessing in disguise he did not leave us recently. Let's hope we see more of the best of him in the next few games.
William Gallas (7/10) - Cpt Gallas, assured as usual. Didn't do much wrong in the game but couldn't do much about Man City's goal after Clichy was caught out by Corluka at the bye line. Gelson Fernandes drilled a shot past Lehmann and him.
Phillipe Senderos (7/10) - Has been an able stand-in for irreplaceable Toure so far. Very solid display at the back with Gallas but I still feel he needs to work on his balance. More confident in his passing instead of hacking balls away every time.
Bacary Sagna (7/10) - Haven't been seeing the best of him in recent matches and Hoyte has come in recently to challenge his place. Didn't do much wrong in this match and AW would still trust him with the RB spot. Put in a couple of fantastic crosses for Manu and his runs into the box was critical.
Gael Clichy (6/10) - Expectations of him is high, especially his midweek call-up to the French A team. Was unusually sloppy in the build up to City's only goal in the 1st-half. Is still my favourite and Arsenal's best LB. Irreplaceable!
Mathieu Flamini (8/10) - After that brilliant midweek man-of-the-match performance, he justified it again in this game. Was covering back and forth throughout the match and plug gaps in defence, eg. whenever Gallas gallops forward to attack. His passing and decisions has improved so much. High workrate and intensity. Provides the engine for Arsenal. I really have to take back my pre-season rating on him being a Gunner misfit and wanted him to be sold. Guess I'm no Arsene Wenger eh!
Cesc Fabregas (7/10) - Wonderkid Cesc hasn't been producing his early season form and his passes hasn't been the usual defence splitting kind but his average performance was enough to direct Arsenal to another victory and climb back above Man U.
Abou Diaby (6/10) - He is such a silky player. Too silky, I feel, for the English game but Arsenal do need him. He's still young and learning and if he can get his aggression up a few notches and be quicker in making decisions, he will be a big asset. Lost the ball too many times again!
Alex Hleb (6/10) - Trademark dribbles were on show again, helping Arsenal to get past the City defence time and again. Not much influence on the right-hand side, ala Eboue, as he loves to cut back into the middle. Would love to see him score goals again. Replaced by Hoyte late in the game.
Eduardo (7/10) - Brilliant second goal for Arsenal! His true form is appearing and AW has rewarded him by naming him in the starting 11 for the last several games. But once RVP is fit again, he would most probably warm the bench. Well, unless he starts scoring hat-tricks! XD
Manu (8/10) - What can we say? Scoring 2 more goals to inch closer to Ronaldo on the top scorer's chart, he assured Arsenal of another league win. He has improved alot this season and has shown what he can do. A deflected shot off a Sagna's pass opened accounts and his 2nd late in the game was good enough to end City's unbeaten home record.
Overall: Arsenal dominated the game and Eriksson was getting his players to play with more intensity and to get forward more. Not much they can do as the visitor's showed why they lost just once in the league so far. I was kind of nervous before the game as City has been tremendous at home and we need to win to keep pace with their rivals, United. I hope the Gunners keep this form 'till the end of the season and not lose focus, as we have seen they can this season.
Photo courtesy of espnsoccernet.com
January 31, 2008
Arsenal 3 Newcastle Utd 0
Didn't know why the tele (or SCV for that matter) not show the match(es), I had to be contented catching it on livefooty on me PC @ 4am in the morning!
Well, deja vu isn't it? Didn't expect a similar scoreline to Saturday and I wanted Newcastle to give us more of a fight than last time round. But no matter, Arsenal were at their best again and it sure was a joy to watch!
Eduardo was paired again with Ade (seems like they are now the confirmed front two). Bendtner came on for Eduardo and linked up with Ade for the first time since the infamous bust-up at WHL. The team showed a great sense of focus this time and as I've missed the 1st half trying to make sense of the in availability of a live telecast on Ch27, the 2nd half was all Arsenal. The visitors tried real hard to break us down and came closest from a Butt freekick which skimmed off the bar. But there was no denying the goals from Ade, Flamini (great 25m shot!) and Cesc.
+Points: The team was more focused and deserved to leapfrog Man U. Well, we did for 24hrs.
-Points: Not much really.
Well, deja vu isn't it? Didn't expect a similar scoreline to Saturday and I wanted Newcastle to give us more of a fight than last time round. But no matter, Arsenal were at their best again and it sure was a joy to watch!
Eduardo was paired again with Ade (seems like they are now the confirmed front two). Bendtner came on for Eduardo and linked up with Ade for the first time since the infamous bust-up at WHL. The team showed a great sense of focus this time and as I've missed the 1st half trying to make sense of the in availability of a live telecast on Ch27, the 2nd half was all Arsenal. The visitors tried real hard to break us down and came closest from a Butt freekick which skimmed off the bar. But there was no denying the goals from Ade, Flamini (great 25m shot!) and Cesc.
+Points: The team was more focused and deserved to leapfrog Man U. Well, we did for 24hrs.
-Points: Not much really.
January 28, 2008
Transfer Rumors
Bosnian starlet Edin Dzeko is reported by Boro Primorac to be a definite target, well at least come June. Click here 4 more!
The ever present rumor of French youngster Yoann Gouffran coming to Arsenal doesn't seem to be fading. Maybe it's true after all? Click here 4 more!
Joleon Lescott coming from Everton? Click here 4 more!
The ever present rumor of French youngster Yoann Gouffran coming to Arsenal doesn't seem to be fading. Maybe it's true after all? Click here 4 more!
Joleon Lescott coming from Everton? Click here 4 more!
January 27, 2008
FA Cup 4th Rd: Arsenal 3 Newcastle Utd 0
Eagerly anticipating an Arsenal onslaught from the kickoff, I was pretty disappointed yet again with the 1st-half. A distinctive lack of aggression was, to me, the highlight of the half. Was it going to be another one of those games that we have seen too often this season? Was this tie going to go for a replay, which I feel would be a waste of players' energy?
After that humiliating trashing mid-week, I really did want to see Arsenal bouncing back with more vigor and purposeness. Newcastle, under the rejuvenation of Kevin Keegan again, showed more aggression and hunger to want to win the game. In contrast, Diaby was losing the ball more often than once and even though Walcott showed improvements, was still going nowhere really. I was sad to see Rosicky leave early in the 8th min but Eduardo came on and made up his absence well. I was glad Hoyte was moved back to RB where he should be and Senderos coming back into the side. Senderos did have a pretty good game and hopefully he will do well alongside Gallas 'till Toure returns. Newcastle were winning most of the half-chances and getting their tackles in effectively. The Gunners were made to look second-best, with their problems predominantly in the final-third..
The half-time ended at 0-0 and I kept my fingers crossed it would be better in the 2nd-half. It did! Ade stepped up his game, and along with the effective Eduardo, conjured two fantastic goals to make the scoreline presentable. Nicky Butt headed in past his own 'keeper to make it 3-0 for us later on in the game.
+ Points: Eduardo is coming along very nicely. From the TV angles, he looked sharper in his dribbles and could have gotten the 1st goal had it not hit the post and come off for Ade to score. Walcott is getting some confidence back and AW mentioned that it was important to give him games. Ade is scoring again and I hope to see him play with Bendtner and put the past behind them.
- Points: Gilberto came on as a sub, and as usual gave away a couple of aimless passes. 1st-half was forgetful and I can only hope the team gives more focus to their already excellent talent.
January 24, 2008
Is everything fine at Ashburton Grove?
Alas, after being inspired by fellow Goon bloggers and starting this inaugural personal blog - ironically at a time when its mid-season - I would have had enough time to ponder on the 3rd-generation of Arsene & the Boys..
It was a fine pre-season in Austria and the Amsterdam Tournament where we saw glimpses of the new-look Arsenal 07/08. Eduardo had done pretty well, of course playing against continental oppositions its hard to know then how he'll cope in the BPL. All aside, Arsenal were proving the critics wrong with fine displays to win both tournaments. The UCL is considered successful so far but not beating Slavia away costs us and now we have to get past the Milan giants.
Well, enough of past matches and on to how the team is right now. Deflated is one word I would use after that heavy Spud defeat and rumors of infighting will boil over as long as they know who is in charge. Ade made an apology on the official site and I believe the team will be more focus going into the game against Newcastle (more on that in awhile).
Players come and go at the Grove and we have seen the Invincibles reduced to just vice-captain Toure (and a few past reserves) after Ljungberg left. Gilberto Silva is a name I hope I will not see in Arsenal's squad next season, brilliant servant as he is for us for so long, his sell-by-date has become so obvious! A fine example would be his non-existent role infront of the back 4 (he's fav position btw and grumbled when he had to play at CB). Diarra would have been a better replacement for Flamini but, alas, I was sad the talent left us for less greener pastures.
I haven't been a fan of Flamini, even hoping he would be transfered, cause I just didn't see how he featured in the Arsenal way on the pitch. His first few matches were frustrating when he gave away needless FKs and even tackled his own player once! But so far he has proven me wrong and I can understand why the Professor wants to extend his contract. His workrate has been fantastic and he has been showing he is a better DM than Gilberto.
Defensively, the team has been solid at the back with Toure and Gallas becoming the 1st choice pairing. Clichy is irreplaceable and newboy Sagna did himself proud early in the season (somehow faded after the winless streak ended at Boro). Senderos and the back from loan Djourou, hasn't quite convinced me they are top class yet. Hoyte fits nicely at right-back but he has been suspect at CB (ala Spurs game). Traore has been lauded by Cpt. Gallas of his talent but I have yet been impressed with him. His unsureness in the Burnley game almost costs the team on a couple of occasions. As long as Clichy stays away from injuries and suspensions, I don't see how the LB slot would be given to Traore in big matches. One thing is for sure, the defence lacks height!
Hmm, that brings us to Almunia.. He definitely has taken his chance with Lehmann benched (after two horrific blunders in the first couple of matches). Almunia is not a world-class 'keeper and I don't see him ever becoming one but there's really no one else. Lehmann is low in confidence and unsettled at the moment (with a couple of Bundesliga clubs wanting him) as is shown in the win over Burnley in the FA Cup recently. He was just flying all over the place and I felt he looked jittery. Fabianski is definitely a great stopper and one for the future but the team really needs one now and next season!
Midfield is where there are problems. Wingers Rosicky (my favourite player) and Hleb (fantastic so far) are a must in the team, along with wonderkid Cesc and Flamini, we have a very stable midfield. Problem is, when either one of them are out there isn't much of a direct replacement for them. Denilson is talented but still lacks the killer pass and physique. Diaby has just too much flair in his game and loses the ball at crucial times (ala Spurs game). But I like him as he is a fantastic, skilful player when he is focused and in his rythm can score some goals for us. Gilberto? Well we all know that one..
In the striking department lies the least of our problems...
Well, almost...
If RVP is completely fit, this team will be getting a hell lot more goals. Ade blows hot and cold, and his first touch has let him down for quite a number of matches. Other than that, he has been scoring pretty regularly AND stunningly. But as long as RVP stays injured, he is our No. 1 striker. Eduardo would be 3rd on my list and I think he will reach his peak towards the end of the season. His goal-to-matches ratio has been improving nicely so far. Bendtner is also a fine talent, and at 19, already making his mark in the league (just like his winner against Spurs). Walcott is having a bad run of form at the moment and critics are already saying he is a boy in a man's land crap. It might be true that ever since his mentor, The Great Henry, took on a new apprentice at Barca, Walcott has had no one to look up to in his development. I hope our great Professor deals with this issue fast as I would hate to see his talent fade and ultimately leave us..
First of all, IMHO, I feel the players that should go is Lehmann and Gilberto. Diarra left us with a hole in the subs department, which would have been he's once Gilberto leaves. Instead, AW should now look for adequate cover for Flamini or even look into getting a top-class DM if Flamini decides its farewell Emirates. I don't mind losing either Senderos or Djourou if we are able to get a solid CB in the summer. Someone in the mold of Nesta or Cannavaro would be nice! =P Getting a top-class 'keeper would also add steel at the back and push Almunia back to his old place. Rumors abound earlier that AW considered bringing Juuskalainen or Boruc to the Emirates but we all know it couldn't be true..
Midfield can be further strengthened if the younger youngsters don't make the grade. I'll say bring cover to the wingers at least. The forward line is just right so far but as AW said, having RVP back and fully fit is like having signed a new star player. Eduardo is doing really fine so far and hopefully will hit the 20-odd mark by season's end. And then we might just see him repeating his remarkable scoring feat just as he did in the Croatian league.
By far, the star and legendary player Arsenal can't lose in ANY circumstances is Arsene Wenger himself. The professor is Simply Irreplaceable!!
If Arsene goes, Arsenal goes!! GO ARSENE-NAL!!!
It was a fine pre-season in Austria and the Amsterdam Tournament where we saw glimpses of the new-look Arsenal 07/08. Eduardo had done pretty well, of course playing against continental oppositions its hard to know then how he'll cope in the BPL. All aside, Arsenal were proving the critics wrong with fine displays to win both tournaments. The UCL is considered successful so far but not beating Slavia away costs us and now we have to get past the Milan giants.
Well, enough of past matches and on to how the team is right now. Deflated is one word I would use after that heavy Spud defeat and rumors of infighting will boil over as long as they know who is in charge. Ade made an apology on the official site and I believe the team will be more focus going into the game against Newcastle (more on that in awhile).
Players come and go at the Grove and we have seen the Invincibles reduced to just vice-captain Toure (and a few past reserves) after Ljungberg left. Gilberto Silva is a name I hope I will not see in Arsenal's squad next season, brilliant servant as he is for us for so long, his sell-by-date has become so obvious! A fine example would be his non-existent role infront of the back 4 (he's fav position btw and grumbled when he had to play at CB). Diarra would have been a better replacement for Flamini but, alas, I was sad the talent left us for less greener pastures.
I haven't been a fan of Flamini, even hoping he would be transfered, cause I just didn't see how he featured in the Arsenal way on the pitch. His first few matches were frustrating when he gave away needless FKs and even tackled his own player once! But so far he has proven me wrong and I can understand why the Professor wants to extend his contract. His workrate has been fantastic and he has been showing he is a better DM than Gilberto.
Defensively, the team has been solid at the back with Toure and Gallas becoming the 1st choice pairing. Clichy is irreplaceable and newboy Sagna did himself proud early in the season (somehow faded after the winless streak ended at Boro). Senderos and the back from loan Djourou, hasn't quite convinced me they are top class yet. Hoyte fits nicely at right-back but he has been suspect at CB (ala Spurs game). Traore has been lauded by Cpt. Gallas of his talent but I have yet been impressed with him. His unsureness in the Burnley game almost costs the team on a couple of occasions. As long as Clichy stays away from injuries and suspensions, I don't see how the LB slot would be given to Traore in big matches. One thing is for sure, the defence lacks height!
Hmm, that brings us to Almunia.. He definitely has taken his chance with Lehmann benched (after two horrific blunders in the first couple of matches). Almunia is not a world-class 'keeper and I don't see him ever becoming one but there's really no one else. Lehmann is low in confidence and unsettled at the moment (with a couple of Bundesliga clubs wanting him) as is shown in the win over Burnley in the FA Cup recently. He was just flying all over the place and I felt he looked jittery. Fabianski is definitely a great stopper and one for the future but the team really needs one now and next season!
Midfield is where there are problems. Wingers Rosicky (my favourite player) and Hleb (fantastic so far) are a must in the team, along with wonderkid Cesc and Flamini, we have a very stable midfield. Problem is, when either one of them are out there isn't much of a direct replacement for them. Denilson is talented but still lacks the killer pass and physique. Diaby has just too much flair in his game and loses the ball at crucial times (ala Spurs game). But I like him as he is a fantastic, skilful player when he is focused and in his rythm can score some goals for us. Gilberto? Well we all know that one..
In the striking department lies the least of our problems...
Well, almost...
If RVP is completely fit, this team will be getting a hell lot more goals. Ade blows hot and cold, and his first touch has let him down for quite a number of matches. Other than that, he has been scoring pretty regularly AND stunningly. But as long as RVP stays injured, he is our No. 1 striker. Eduardo would be 3rd on my list and I think he will reach his peak towards the end of the season. His goal-to-matches ratio has been improving nicely so far. Bendtner is also a fine talent, and at 19, already making his mark in the league (just like his winner against Spurs). Walcott is having a bad run of form at the moment and critics are already saying he is a boy in a man's land crap. It might be true that ever since his mentor, The Great Henry, took on a new apprentice at Barca, Walcott has had no one to look up to in his development. I hope our great Professor deals with this issue fast as I would hate to see his talent fade and ultimately leave us..
First of all, IMHO, I feel the players that should go is Lehmann and Gilberto. Diarra left us with a hole in the subs department, which would have been he's once Gilberto leaves. Instead, AW should now look for adequate cover for Flamini or even look into getting a top-class DM if Flamini decides its farewell Emirates. I don't mind losing either Senderos or Djourou if we are able to get a solid CB in the summer. Someone in the mold of Nesta or Cannavaro would be nice! =P Getting a top-class 'keeper would also add steel at the back and push Almunia back to his old place. Rumors abound earlier that AW considered bringing Juuskalainen or Boruc to the Emirates but we all know it couldn't be true..
Midfield can be further strengthened if the younger youngsters don't make the grade. I'll say bring cover to the wingers at least. The forward line is just right so far but as AW said, having RVP back and fully fit is like having signed a new star player. Eduardo is doing really fine so far and hopefully will hit the 20-odd mark by season's end. And then we might just see him repeating his remarkable scoring feat just as he did in the Croatian league.
By far, the star and legendary player Arsenal can't lose in ANY circumstances is Arsene Wenger himself. The professor is Simply Irreplaceable!!
If Arsene goes, Arsenal goes!! GO ARSENE-NAL!!!
January 23, 2008
The Post Match
"Of course it is disappointing because we lost. I feel that everything went against us. We were always in the situation where we were chasing the score. We were open to counterattacking and we were not mature enough to stop the counterattacking."
"The score is very high and very brutal but I think it does not reflect what happened on the pitch. The first shot on goal was a goal, the second goal was an own goal, the third was straight after half time. After that, the game was over. It had no real meaning after that. They could concentrate on defending and catching us on the break. I don't give a big meaning to the importance of the score. It can be explained by the way the game went."
"My only regret is playing [some of] the players who played. We go into the season with many targets and every season we go in with that priority in this competition. It is good to see that some players have potential and some are not completely ready yet."
"It is part of the learning process. When you are a footballer you have to deal with disappointments. That is part of it all. You have to take that on board. When you a footballer you lose games, it is how you respond and deal with that."
"We live in a world where the last game is always a definitive conclusion. But it is not as simple as that. To educate young players great patience is needed aswell as a comprehensive attitude and tolerance. That is my problem not yours."
The Professor
"I don't know exactly what happened. I think everyone was disappointed about the game. It was very difficult to accept. They were nervous. They know they made a mistake and maybe they will have to speak to the boss and explain why they did that. They are young and have to understand, but we lost our calm."
Captain Gallas
"Yes, it's been a big change. But without the collaboration of the footballers themselves, this would have been impossible. The huge effort the players have made to come out of a bad situation means we have been improving.
"We're involved in everything at the moment. I want to publicly recognise that they are the architects of this change."
"Even I am surprised by the progress we have made since I came and that was undoubtedly our most complete game,"
"In order to beat a team like Arsenal you have to play well and we played well, made no mistakes and were perfect in all areas. But the effort the players have put in means they are the architects of the win."
Juande Ramos
"We deserved it with all the double sessions and the running we have done in training. A lot of people talked about winning to set the record straight and we have done that."
Jermaine Jenas
At half-time..
"You know what? I am confident we can turn this around, I will say this though. You can get away with one sloppy midfielder, but not two. Gilberto has been atrocious and if he’d been playing for the Spuds he’d be getting his 100% passing accuracy bonus because he found a Spud every time. Diaby was at his shocking best. I like him, he shows glimpses of huge talent, but tonight he is woeful. We can’t cope with their combined poorness. Traore is letting the defence down with his poor positioning and passing. Fair enough, he’ll be great, but he has struggled this year in the Carling Cup. Gallas is terrible. Every time I’ve shouted at Hoyte, I realised it was Gallas fucking up. He has been turned inside out about 4 times by the Spuds."
Le Grove
Nice one, grove!
Photo courtesy of arsenal.com
CC Semis 2nd-Leg : Spurs 5 Arsenal 1 (6-2)
Dubbed the Mickey Mouse Cup by many pundits and bloggers, Arsenal's young guns went a bridge too far. Last year's thrilling loss to Chelsea in the Final was enough motivation for AW to believe in using the CC as a training compy to blood the second stringers of really fine talents.
The match started at 0355 hours (GMT +8) and feeling not too confident of this match, I had it recorded on the SCV box to view it later when I woke up. Boy, was I right to do it or else it would have kept me awake and cursing! I knew my wife would not have liked me waking her up with those manly words so I had to be smart enough not to agitate her then.
Right the moment before I switched the telly on and pressed the correct buttons, I just had this gut wrenching feeling I'm not going to like the match at all! The first leg ended in a fortunate 1-all draw for us and Spurs had deserved to get more out of it. This time I knew they were more than prepared to take Arsenal's (almost) reserved team apart but never in my mind would the scoreline read 5-1 in Spurs' favor.I accidentally pressed the NEXT button on the remote and, at the corner of my eye, I could make out Arsenal scored a single goal. Would it be that they won the tie 1-0?? Well, the answer was answered in three minutes when JJ was given time and space by the makeshift defence to @%#&^** score!? Then I knew, "..ok, we had it this time.. don't think it will be 1-1..".
Spurs' intensity and playing like it would be the last game ever for them meant that the young and inexperienced players like Hoyte (taking over the injured Senderos/Djourou's CB position), Traore, Fabianski, Walcott, Denilson and to some extent Diaby and Bendtner, would have to be at their best. AW did have Captain Gallas, Hleb, Sagna and the fast-fading Gilberto Silva in the team but Spurs played the "complete game" to give the Young Guns a good lesson..
I have read many other supporter's blogs (including some comments from Spurs fans) and they have given many first-hand commentaries of the match and the aftermaths - including a punch-up between Ade and Bendtner which left the latter with a cut on the nose.
A few that I liked :
AFC4Life
Goodplaya
ArsenalAnalysis
I had my finger on FF on the remote so I just skipped through the match, didn't see the incident between Ade and Bendtner (hope things get sorted out fast) and the recording ended at 4-1..
Well, it was a real good 9 years and hopefully another 9 years for them!
Photo courtesy of arsenal.com
First Loss In 9 Years
Of all the times that I get the urge to start a Gunner blog, it comes after their massive 1-5 loss to NL arch-rivals Spurs! The unbeaten streak was due to end one day but never have I dreamt such a scoreline would be inflicted on AW's emerging young guns!? (more of this later)
Supporting Arsenal since the days of John Lukic, Tony Adams, Ian Wright etc, I would have to say my most memorable days as a Singaporean Gunner (all 10,869 km or 6,753 miles of it) is the unbeaten streak of Season 03/04. Watching how the class of 03/04 - Henry, Bergkamp, Vieira, Pires, Ljungberg, Campbell - took apart teams with such aplomb that the streak was never taken as a fluke. Alas, a controversial RVN penalty from a Rooney dive and Rooney's goal ended the streak at 49 games - a streak that no team has come close to matching.
The days of old has all, literally, long departed from Arsenal. The latest being Ljungberg's switch across London to The Irons and Lauren joining Campbell, Kanu and the younger lads Muamba and Larsson at Portsmouth. Oh yeah, not forgetting Lassana Diarra joining the Arsenal retiree club recently. What a waste when a youngster of such talent but of such impatience to play, leaves Arsenal..
Portsmouth manager, Harry Redknapp, is sure a fan of Arsenal (or is he really one?). I read that he asked AW for advice on Benjani, who was available from Auxerre. AW just simply said: "Whatcha waiting for? Hop on a plane and go get the lad!".
Such highly regarded is Wenger in the eyes of rival managers, he is and definitely will be the legend of legends at Arsenal Football Club. The Gooners worldwide now waits to see whether the class of 07/08 (the third generation) can emulate and better past glories. Cesc, Hleb, Rosicky, Flamini, Ade, RVP, Captain Gallas, Toure, Clichy etc
WE ARE COUNTING ON YOU!
Supporting Arsenal since the days of John Lukic, Tony Adams, Ian Wright etc, I would have to say my most memorable days as a Singaporean Gunner (all 10,869 km or 6,753 miles of it) is the unbeaten streak of Season 03/04. Watching how the class of 03/04 - Henry, Bergkamp, Vieira, Pires, Ljungberg, Campbell - took apart teams with such aplomb that the streak was never taken as a fluke. Alas, a controversial RVN penalty from a Rooney dive and Rooney's goal ended the streak at 49 games - a streak that no team has come close to matching.
The days of old has all, literally, long departed from Arsenal. The latest being Ljungberg's switch across London to The Irons and Lauren joining Campbell, Kanu and the younger lads Muamba and Larsson at Portsmouth. Oh yeah, not forgetting Lassana Diarra joining the Arsenal retiree club recently. What a waste when a youngster of such talent but of such impatience to play, leaves Arsenal..
Portsmouth manager, Harry Redknapp, is sure a fan of Arsenal (or is he really one?). I read that he asked AW for advice on Benjani, who was available from Auxerre. AW just simply said: "Whatcha waiting for? Hop on a plane and go get the lad!".
Such highly regarded is Wenger in the eyes of rival managers, he is and definitely will be the legend of legends at Arsenal Football Club. The Gooners worldwide now waits to see whether the class of 07/08 (the third generation) can emulate and better past glories. Cesc, Hleb, Rosicky, Flamini, Ade, RVP, Captain Gallas, Toure, Clichy etc
WE ARE COUNTING ON YOU!
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