Last night, in the forever ongoing episode that is Manchester United vs Arsenal, the Red Devil's triumphed 1-0 victors over their London counterparts.
Park Ji-Sung, who scored his fourth career goal against Wenger's men, arched his back and found the net with a superb looping header.
But a game built up to be a classic encounter failed to lighten up those who watched it, and plenty of play was broken down with fouls and bookings.
Arsenal amassed four yellow cards during the game, showing the intent of stopping United hitting them on the break, but that's about all you saw of the visting side.
The opening moments weren't of the highest quality, and loose passes and poor clearances by the Gunners' back line led to United having a lot of the ball in the attacking third.
And just as it looked as if Arsenal were going to hold on in a half dominated by the Red Devils, Nani cut in from the right hand side, where he was given far too much space by a dissapointing Gael Clichy. The Portuguese's deflected cross sat up awkwardly just in front of Park, who improvised and headed superbly over Szczesny.
Referee Howard Webb, with help from his assistant, awarded a penalty to United too, after Arsenal's left back, Gael Clichy, was adjugded to have handled the ball, but Rooney, who had only scored twice this season, blazed his spot-kick over the bar.
But with this result, Manchester United now sit at the top of the Premier League with 34 points, two clear of the chasing pack, with their re-arranged match against Blackpool still to play.
They have hardly been at their best, with the likes of Rooney, Dimitar Berbatov, and Rio Ferdinand not completely on fire this season, yet the red side of Mnachester couldn't be happier.
They are also the only side in the 92 league sides, that remain unbeaten, having said that they face a stern test against a Chelsea side who looked back to their best in their game against Tottenham at the weekend.
Arsenal's defeat at Old Trafford means their record against Chelsea and United is now no wins in their last 11 games - hardly results you would expect from title challengers this year.
It may be time to re-assess things down at North London. Make sure they win the Carling Cup, so no one, not fans, media or rivals get on their back and ridicule them for the lack of a trophy, and then go from there.
With Chelsea to play in two weeks, it may time to play a different way against them. That record I mentioned is poor, so maybe it's time to counteract what system they play, rather than usuing our own methods and try and pass it round them.
This December, has to be one of the most crucial months in Premier League history. Christmas has always been a period where teams lose and gain dramatic points in a busy festive period, but this year the fixture computer pitched the big sides against each other during this time.
With United beating Arsenal last night, we still have plenty of more action and drama to unfold.
Either way, if Chelsea beat United next week, this title race can still be exciting for everyone, if United win, then they certainly have taken a big step towards their favoured destiny.
Tuesday 14 December 2010
Tuesday 11 May 2010
South Coast Fortunes
The two super powers of football in Hampshire have certainly had different fortunes this season.
Whilst one consistently climbed the table from being docked 10 points at the start of the season, the other ended up being demoted from the top division and were found out to be in the region of £130 million in debt.
Portsmouth's crippling debts starts with owing several clubs money from the transfers of players such as Jamie O'Hara and Kevin-Prince Boateng.
In the mean time, whilst Pompey struggle to bring any new players in with no money, Southampton have been splashing he cash in order to put a serious title challenge in next year's fight for the League One top spot.
Saints announced Rickie Lambert as their player of the year, and he has been the key to the clubs progress, and will no doubt prove to be the main man to propel Southampton to the title next year.
Lambert is the top goal-scorer this year with only this weekends fixtures to play, and has almost lived up to the £1 million that was paid for his acquisition from Bristol Rovers back in August.
The team in red and white also splashed the cash in the January with the addition of Jose Fonte from established Championship side Crystal Palace, as well as the purchase of Danny Seaborne and Lee Barnard from Exeter City and Southend United respectively.
Portsmouth on the other hand have had to bend the rules and look to sell their own players to raise the cash outside of the transfer window.
However, the only silver lining of a horrendous season for the blues was the 4-1 victory in the F.A Cup against their rivals in their ‘own backyard'.
Which proves, for now at least, that Portsmouth are still the top club in Hampshire.
Whilst one consistently climbed the table from being docked 10 points at the start of the season, the other ended up being demoted from the top division and were found out to be in the region of £130 million in debt.
Portsmouth's crippling debts starts with owing several clubs money from the transfers of players such as Jamie O'Hara and Kevin-Prince Boateng.
In the mean time, whilst Pompey struggle to bring any new players in with no money, Southampton have been splashing he cash in order to put a serious title challenge in next year's fight for the League One top spot.
Saints announced Rickie Lambert as their player of the year, and he has been the key to the clubs progress, and will no doubt prove to be the main man to propel Southampton to the title next year.
Lambert is the top goal-scorer this year with only this weekends fixtures to play, and has almost lived up to the £1 million that was paid for his acquisition from Bristol Rovers back in August.
The team in red and white also splashed the cash in the January with the addition of Jose Fonte from established Championship side Crystal Palace, as well as the purchase of Danny Seaborne and Lee Barnard from Exeter City and Southend United respectively.
Portsmouth on the other hand have had to bend the rules and look to sell their own players to raise the cash outside of the transfer window.
However, the only silver lining of a horrendous season for the blues was the 4-1 victory in the F.A Cup against their rivals in their ‘own backyard'.
Which proves, for now at least, that Portsmouth are still the top club in Hampshire.
Thursday 1 April 2010
England's Number One, Captain Fantastic, Insert Any Fitting Headline Here...
Arsenal came back from the dead to survive what was almost torture from Barcelona last night.
The Emirates crowd were treated to another footballing showcase, though this time it was their team on the receiveing end.
I don't know about anyone else, but i gave up hope. 2-0 down at home to the European champions who were playing out of their skin, any kind of hope was far beyond the horizon.
Manuel Almunia proved to be the hero in the first half. He produced a string of great saves to keep the scores level at zero. A strong right hand from the majestic Sergio Busquets started the proceedings, and his saves seemed to get better as the half went on.
Xavi was allowed too much, Ibrahimovic was allowed to turn too often and Messi was given the freedom of the pitch.
Alex Song seemed clueless. The Cameroon international, arguably one of Arsenal's best players this season, was nowhere near his midfield opponents, and possibly produced the worse game of his season. He got rightfully booked, which seemed an inevitability, but his switch to centre half later in the game still didn't help preceedings.
Abou Diaby, another Arsenal midfielder who has had a brilliant season, again didn't seem to be in the game. He was slow in distributing the ball, hardly the Arsenal way eh?, and was sluggish in his movement. Again, maybe another player who had his worse performance of the season last night.
But while Almunia was stealing the show up one end, there were glimpses of what Arsenal could do. Samir Nasri, superb throughout, bent a shot just wide, whilst Bendtner should have scored in double opportunity albeit for an offside flag.
But with the possession stats at 70/30 in Barca's favour, we should have been two, three, maybe even four behind.
Half time was the break we needed, and obviousely 23 seconds into the second half, players were still on that break.
Ibrahimovic, who had never scored against English opposition before the game, was bought by Barca to introduce a 'Plan B' to Barcelona despite how good their Plan A - Their perfect passing game - is.
And their first goal was more Bolton than Barcelona. One long ball from centre half Gerard Pique put the Swede behind the Rsenal defence. And to be fair, he finished it well. Alex Song at fault, it what was becoming alomst a game to forget.
Ibrahimovic surely silenced all doubters with his seond of the game. In a build up not to dissimilar to the first, the striker gambled on the ball reaching him behind the Gunners defence, Thomas Vermaelen this time caught out of position, and the Barcelona player smashed it high into the net.
It was almost time to throw the gloves down, upto that point there was no real evidence that Arsenal were even capable of getting near the Barca goal, let alone scoring two.
But it was the genious of Wenger that changed the switch the play.
With Capello watching in the stands, Theo Walcott definetly chose the right time to perform.
Wenger changed his mind in substituting Samir Nasri, and opted to bring Bacary Sagna off.
And with Emmanuel Eboue reverting to right back, Walcott was given the license to attack the Barca left.
It gave Arsenal an outlet and he swallowed up any through ball put behind left back Maxwell.
A taste of what was to come was when the England international was played out wide behind Maxwell, only to see his cross come to nothing.
But with 21 minutes remaining. Nicklas Bendtner, who beforehand missed a sitter heading straight at Victor Valdes, played in Walcott, who cooly slotted the ball under Valdes to offer Arsenal hope. The Bacelona keeper will be dissapointed he didn't save it, but Arsenal fans started to believe.
Fabregas had a good chance with a free kick, whilst Barcelona were offering nothing in the latter stages of the game.
Then came the moment Arsenal fans couldn't quite believe was possible. Bendtner cushioned the ball for Fabregas, who would have no doubt smashed the ball home from only a couple of yards, yet it was Barcelona captain, Carles Puyol who caught Fabregas in the process of shooting which denied the certain goal.
The referee pointed to the spot, sent Puyol on his way, and Catalonian Cesc Fabregas despatched the penalty.
Subing the likes of Messi off and bringing on defender Gabriel Milito obviously signalled that even the Barca bench thought the tide turned.
Yet both teams almost wanted that winner in the last five or so minutes, but a draw just leaves this tie in the right way for us to tune in next Tuesday with much interest.
Arsenal are without tgheir influential captain. Fabregas picked up a very unfortunate booking in the game when it seemed he took the ball, but today's news reports feel that his season might be over anyways with a suspected broken leg picked up in the build up to Arsenal's second goal.
Barca will be missing their captain after his sending off, as well as Gerard Pique who picked up his 3rd booking of the competition.
But despite both sides skippers absent, as well as Barcelona also missing their other first choice centre half, this game could well be as close as the first game.
2-2 in theory is not a great result for Arsenal, but from the position they were in, I think they will be happy with that and will be looking to snatch it at the Nou Camp.
The Emirates crowd were treated to another footballing showcase, though this time it was their team on the receiveing end.
I don't know about anyone else, but i gave up hope. 2-0 down at home to the European champions who were playing out of their skin, any kind of hope was far beyond the horizon.
Manuel Almunia proved to be the hero in the first half. He produced a string of great saves to keep the scores level at zero. A strong right hand from the majestic Sergio Busquets started the proceedings, and his saves seemed to get better as the half went on.
Xavi was allowed too much, Ibrahimovic was allowed to turn too often and Messi was given the freedom of the pitch.
Alex Song seemed clueless. The Cameroon international, arguably one of Arsenal's best players this season, was nowhere near his midfield opponents, and possibly produced the worse game of his season. He got rightfully booked, which seemed an inevitability, but his switch to centre half later in the game still didn't help preceedings.
Abou Diaby, another Arsenal midfielder who has had a brilliant season, again didn't seem to be in the game. He was slow in distributing the ball, hardly the Arsenal way eh?, and was sluggish in his movement. Again, maybe another player who had his worse performance of the season last night.
But while Almunia was stealing the show up one end, there were glimpses of what Arsenal could do. Samir Nasri, superb throughout, bent a shot just wide, whilst Bendtner should have scored in double opportunity albeit for an offside flag.
But with the possession stats at 70/30 in Barca's favour, we should have been two, three, maybe even four behind.
Half time was the break we needed, and obviousely 23 seconds into the second half, players were still on that break.
Ibrahimovic, who had never scored against English opposition before the game, was bought by Barca to introduce a 'Plan B' to Barcelona despite how good their Plan A - Their perfect passing game - is.
And their first goal was more Bolton than Barcelona. One long ball from centre half Gerard Pique put the Swede behind the Rsenal defence. And to be fair, he finished it well. Alex Song at fault, it what was becoming alomst a game to forget.
Ibrahimovic surely silenced all doubters with his seond of the game. In a build up not to dissimilar to the first, the striker gambled on the ball reaching him behind the Gunners defence, Thomas Vermaelen this time caught out of position, and the Barcelona player smashed it high into the net.
It was almost time to throw the gloves down, upto that point there was no real evidence that Arsenal were even capable of getting near the Barca goal, let alone scoring two.
But it was the genious of Wenger that changed the switch the play.
With Capello watching in the stands, Theo Walcott definetly chose the right time to perform.
Wenger changed his mind in substituting Samir Nasri, and opted to bring Bacary Sagna off.
And with Emmanuel Eboue reverting to right back, Walcott was given the license to attack the Barca left.
It gave Arsenal an outlet and he swallowed up any through ball put behind left back Maxwell.
A taste of what was to come was when the England international was played out wide behind Maxwell, only to see his cross come to nothing.
But with 21 minutes remaining. Nicklas Bendtner, who beforehand missed a sitter heading straight at Victor Valdes, played in Walcott, who cooly slotted the ball under Valdes to offer Arsenal hope. The Bacelona keeper will be dissapointed he didn't save it, but Arsenal fans started to believe.
Fabregas had a good chance with a free kick, whilst Barcelona were offering nothing in the latter stages of the game.
Then came the moment Arsenal fans couldn't quite believe was possible. Bendtner cushioned the ball for Fabregas, who would have no doubt smashed the ball home from only a couple of yards, yet it was Barcelona captain, Carles Puyol who caught Fabregas in the process of shooting which denied the certain goal.
The referee pointed to the spot, sent Puyol on his way, and Catalonian Cesc Fabregas despatched the penalty.
Subing the likes of Messi off and bringing on defender Gabriel Milito obviously signalled that even the Barca bench thought the tide turned.
Yet both teams almost wanted that winner in the last five or so minutes, but a draw just leaves this tie in the right way for us to tune in next Tuesday with much interest.
Arsenal are without tgheir influential captain. Fabregas picked up a very unfortunate booking in the game when it seemed he took the ball, but today's news reports feel that his season might be over anyways with a suspected broken leg picked up in the build up to Arsenal's second goal.
Barca will be missing their captain after his sending off, as well as Gerard Pique who picked up his 3rd booking of the competition.
But despite both sides skippers absent, as well as Barcelona also missing their other first choice centre half, this game could well be as close as the first game.
2-2 in theory is not a great result for Arsenal, but from the position they were in, I think they will be happy with that and will be looking to snatch it at the Nou Camp.
Monday 29 March 2010
Hamilton Hampered by Button's Brilliance
Wakey wakey!!! Just as critics were on the brink of classing watching paint dry and grass grow as a sport, the world of Formula One got exciting again.
Current world champion, Jenson Button, returned to winning ways but triumphing in Melbourne for a second time in a row, but this time with his new team Mclaren.
Team principle, Martin Whitmarsh, looked close to tears as he praised Button for calling the shots and silencing the critics and said his victory was down almost solely down to him.
Button made the call of switching tyres before anyone else, and despite him sliding off the track on his outlap, he still provided enough information for all the teams to realise they need to copy this guy. So despite the heavy traffic of teams pitting both their cars to gain advantage of the new conditions, Button avoided all the clalamity and found himself in second place. One Red Bull reliability issue late, Button was leading, and there was no catching him.
Whilst most of the Mclaren camp were ecstatic their new boy came good, one person not in the mood for a party was Lewis Hamilton. The former World Champion slated his team on air and obviousely seemed unhappy that Button went on to win in a team built around him.
As former driver, David Coulthard said in the build up to the race, we are starting to see a vulnerability in this young talent. One bit of Australia road rage, and now a team bust-up on air, oh dear Mr Hamilton.
But this Formula One season is proving to be close. Whilst the Red Bull team continue to dominate the qualifying, the Ferrari's and Mclaren's have gone to win the races. Damn those reliability issues Red Bull continue to have. At the end of the season, we might all be wondering, What if....?
In football, we saw after Luton's wonderful cup win last year, this season's winners of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy were Southampton.
It's amazing to think back to how the club were almost 12 moonths ago to think they've come back and won the JPT at the first time of asking and have consolidated a very respectable place in League 1, with 10 points deducted.
No doubt the man with the money has brought a lot of that stability to the club, but the team are forming the basis of what will no doubt be a force to be reckoned with in the near future. Fair play to them...
Whilst all this glamour and triumph have occured in the recent news of sport, it has been dampened by the news and shocking truth of boxer, Joe Calzaghe.
It's been found out that the Welshman 'sometimes' takes Cocaine after he hung he gloves up just last year.
The boxer remained Britains only undefeated boxer winning all 46 bouts he fought in, and he was always a guy everyone took inspiratin from inside and outside of the ring.
His plaudits were recognised when he won BBC's Sports Personality of the Year back in 2007, but since then he has split with his partner after appearing on BBC's Strictly Come Dancing, and now this.
A statement on his personal website quoted;
"I very much regret my occasional use of cocaine in what have sometimes been the long days since my retirement from the ring.
"I am fully aware of the bad example it sets to other people and particularly to youngsters and I apologise to my family, friends and fans.
"It is not a major problem in my life but it is something which I am actively addressing."
Well so you should Joe, we all thought you were the good guy, the 'Italian dragon', the 'Pride of Wales', because I'm not to sure if Wales would want their pride put into a cocaine addict...
Current world champion, Jenson Button, returned to winning ways but triumphing in Melbourne for a second time in a row, but this time with his new team Mclaren.
Team principle, Martin Whitmarsh, looked close to tears as he praised Button for calling the shots and silencing the critics and said his victory was down almost solely down to him.
Button made the call of switching tyres before anyone else, and despite him sliding off the track on his outlap, he still provided enough information for all the teams to realise they need to copy this guy. So despite the heavy traffic of teams pitting both their cars to gain advantage of the new conditions, Button avoided all the clalamity and found himself in second place. One Red Bull reliability issue late, Button was leading, and there was no catching him.
Whilst most of the Mclaren camp were ecstatic their new boy came good, one person not in the mood for a party was Lewis Hamilton. The former World Champion slated his team on air and obviousely seemed unhappy that Button went on to win in a team built around him.
As former driver, David Coulthard said in the build up to the race, we are starting to see a vulnerability in this young talent. One bit of Australia road rage, and now a team bust-up on air, oh dear Mr Hamilton.
But this Formula One season is proving to be close. Whilst the Red Bull team continue to dominate the qualifying, the Ferrari's and Mclaren's have gone to win the races. Damn those reliability issues Red Bull continue to have. At the end of the season, we might all be wondering, What if....?
In football, we saw after Luton's wonderful cup win last year, this season's winners of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy were Southampton.
It's amazing to think back to how the club were almost 12 moonths ago to think they've come back and won the JPT at the first time of asking and have consolidated a very respectable place in League 1, with 10 points deducted.
No doubt the man with the money has brought a lot of that stability to the club, but the team are forming the basis of what will no doubt be a force to be reckoned with in the near future. Fair play to them...
Whilst all this glamour and triumph have occured in the recent news of sport, it has been dampened by the news and shocking truth of boxer, Joe Calzaghe.
It's been found out that the Welshman 'sometimes' takes Cocaine after he hung he gloves up just last year.
The boxer remained Britains only undefeated boxer winning all 46 bouts he fought in, and he was always a guy everyone took inspiratin from inside and outside of the ring.
His plaudits were recognised when he won BBC's Sports Personality of the Year back in 2007, but since then he has split with his partner after appearing on BBC's Strictly Come Dancing, and now this.
A statement on his personal website quoted;
"I very much regret my occasional use of cocaine in what have sometimes been the long days since my retirement from the ring.
"I am fully aware of the bad example it sets to other people and particularly to youngsters and I apologise to my family, friends and fans.
"It is not a major problem in my life but it is something which I am actively addressing."
Well so you should Joe, we all thought you were the good guy, the 'Italian dragon', the 'Pride of Wales', because I'm not to sure if Wales would want their pride put into a cocaine addict...
Wednesday 24 March 2010
Arsenal's latest revival
Sooo, Everyone is saying it's a 3 horse title race again...
To be fair, that was always the case as i'm sure it was with most Arsenal supporters. Just because (The Mighty) Chelsea dropped points suddenly everyone's in the mood to talk about the Prem trophy taking a trip to the Emirates this year. What did people expect, that Chelsea and United were going to go the rest of the season without dropping points!?
Of course United are in Pole position. Not only do they sit top of the table 2 points ahead of Arsenal, but they've been in that position before, and thy do have the experience in their team that could see them retain the title. But, like Chelsea on Sunday, i see them dropping points in this run-in. Where i don't know. Man City? Tottenham? It's a mystery, but the Premier League is becoming a division where almost anyone can steal 3 points or snatch a point from anyone if luck (& to some extent the referee) are on their side.
The return to full fitness of captain Cesc Fabregas obviously helps things enormously. The spaniard is Arsenal through and through and thats shown in his passion for the club, his determination to end the 5 year run of no trophy coming to north london. His 28 minute cameo against Villa earlier on in the season showed how much he cares.
Two other players that i think have had tremendous seasons are Alex Song and Thomas Vermaelen. The midfielder has almost become an unsung hero this season, allowing Fabregas, Diaby, Denilson, whoever it is, the freedom to cut open the opposition defence. Vermaelen is up there with the top buys this season. A young Belgian centre back that no-one has heard of has done more than just step into Kolo Toure's shoes. He's made that number 5 shirt his own. Wenger has done it again in the market and it's not just his defending that has caught the eye of everyone. Up the other end, he's scored the joint-third amount of goals in the league this season. Impressive for a centre half eh? And whose he tied with.....
Robin Van Persie, the forgotten man at Arsenal football club. Had he been fit all season, i'm sure we would be sitting pretty at the top of the league. Injured when he was in top form and one of the top scorers in the league, almost nothing could have stopped him, except for ankle ligament damage in an international friendly in November. Apparantly he's 'looking sharp' in training as he nears a return, and the run in might need a cameo appearance or two to help Arsenal's title push, the story's almost set itself up for a fairy tale ending...
One thing i also want to comment on is the Champions League draw. Waking up Friday morning hanging out of my arse after a night out and hearing that wasn't the best thing thats happened to me in my life i must admit. But why dwell in the negatives? Barcelona are a side great going forward, fair play, and it will be two very stern tests for the defence, they'll have to be disciplined and punctual and make sure our bank of four are a unit. But we do have the players to be able to be that. But going forward is where i see our success. Barcelona have never been a side known for their defending. Therefore this will allow us to play football. We will probably end up having more space than what they give you at the Brittania or the Reebok. Therefore let Alex Song sit, and let Cesc and Abou run the show. Let's just hope the right Nicklas Bendtner turns up to put them in. 2-1 at our place, then bring on the Nou Camp.
Either way, people should understand that Arsenal are more than a one-man team. Cesc Fabregas is, yes, the most influential player in the team, but with the likes of Vermaelen, Song, Diaby, Nasri, Rosicky, Arshavin all capable of something different, people should understand how much of a team we really are. Most of the goals we score are team goals.
Therefore of course a successfull season is still on, whether it be success in Europe or domestically. Or how about an unlikely double, that would shut people up...
To be fair, that was always the case as i'm sure it was with most Arsenal supporters. Just because (The Mighty) Chelsea dropped points suddenly everyone's in the mood to talk about the Prem trophy taking a trip to the Emirates this year. What did people expect, that Chelsea and United were going to go the rest of the season without dropping points!?
Of course United are in Pole position. Not only do they sit top of the table 2 points ahead of Arsenal, but they've been in that position before, and thy do have the experience in their team that could see them retain the title. But, like Chelsea on Sunday, i see them dropping points in this run-in. Where i don't know. Man City? Tottenham? It's a mystery, but the Premier League is becoming a division where almost anyone can steal 3 points or snatch a point from anyone if luck (& to some extent the referee) are on their side.
The return to full fitness of captain Cesc Fabregas obviously helps things enormously. The spaniard is Arsenal through and through and thats shown in his passion for the club, his determination to end the 5 year run of no trophy coming to north london. His 28 minute cameo against Villa earlier on in the season showed how much he cares.
Two other players that i think have had tremendous seasons are Alex Song and Thomas Vermaelen. The midfielder has almost become an unsung hero this season, allowing Fabregas, Diaby, Denilson, whoever it is, the freedom to cut open the opposition defence. Vermaelen is up there with the top buys this season. A young Belgian centre back that no-one has heard of has done more than just step into Kolo Toure's shoes. He's made that number 5 shirt his own. Wenger has done it again in the market and it's not just his defending that has caught the eye of everyone. Up the other end, he's scored the joint-third amount of goals in the league this season. Impressive for a centre half eh? And whose he tied with.....
Robin Van Persie, the forgotten man at Arsenal football club. Had he been fit all season, i'm sure we would be sitting pretty at the top of the league. Injured when he was in top form and one of the top scorers in the league, almost nothing could have stopped him, except for ankle ligament damage in an international friendly in November. Apparantly he's 'looking sharp' in training as he nears a return, and the run in might need a cameo appearance or two to help Arsenal's title push, the story's almost set itself up for a fairy tale ending...
One thing i also want to comment on is the Champions League draw. Waking up Friday morning hanging out of my arse after a night out and hearing that wasn't the best thing thats happened to me in my life i must admit. But why dwell in the negatives? Barcelona are a side great going forward, fair play, and it will be two very stern tests for the defence, they'll have to be disciplined and punctual and make sure our bank of four are a unit. But we do have the players to be able to be that. But going forward is where i see our success. Barcelona have never been a side known for their defending. Therefore this will allow us to play football. We will probably end up having more space than what they give you at the Brittania or the Reebok. Therefore let Alex Song sit, and let Cesc and Abou run the show. Let's just hope the right Nicklas Bendtner turns up to put them in. 2-1 at our place, then bring on the Nou Camp.
Either way, people should understand that Arsenal are more than a one-man team. Cesc Fabregas is, yes, the most influential player in the team, but with the likes of Vermaelen, Song, Diaby, Nasri, Rosicky, Arshavin all capable of something different, people should understand how much of a team we really are. Most of the goals we score are team goals.
Therefore of course a successfull season is still on, whether it be success in Europe or domestically. Or how about an unlikely double, that would shut people up...
Friday 26 February 2010
Weekend Preview
Sooo
This weekend promises to be as exciting as previous crucial weekends in the world of sport.
First up the six nations returns to our television screens and the small matter of england versus ireland. This weekend will prove to all whether england are a force to be reckoned with or not. But for me, this weekends fixture is a fight for second place. France look to be romping over every side so will this england side, who havent been playing that well, come up trumps against an irish side always capable of almost beating anyone. Just look at the Autumn internationals!!!
Football again conjures up a great round of fixtures. Chelsea face Man City, and although Chelsea will be favourites, you know with the likes of tevez, adebayor and gareth barry, this man city side wont just turn up and roll over. Anything less than three points and Man Utd and Arsenal will be sniffing an opportunity to snatch in ahead of them.
But whilst chelsea play in the prem, United play in the first domestic cup final of the season, but i don't think it will be as easy as some predict. Ok, vidic is back, but him paired with evans at the back, isn't the most reassuring. Especially on recent performances. Gabby will have a field day! 1-1 for me at 90 mins, then anything can happen afterwards!
The first one day international is also coming up. Selection policy has been another talking point but these players playing well at county level deserve their run in the side. But Alistair Cook as skipper. In my opinion, he is captain material, but i think it's a bit early for him in his career. Giving players that pressure only disrupts their performances. Just look at Pietersen, Flintoff, Collingwood.
Either way, it's another big weekend for english sport. How it will pan out, no one knows.
Let's just hope it works out well for me.
DB10 x
This weekend promises to be as exciting as previous crucial weekends in the world of sport.
First up the six nations returns to our television screens and the small matter of england versus ireland. This weekend will prove to all whether england are a force to be reckoned with or not. But for me, this weekends fixture is a fight for second place. France look to be romping over every side so will this england side, who havent been playing that well, come up trumps against an irish side always capable of almost beating anyone. Just look at the Autumn internationals!!!
Football again conjures up a great round of fixtures. Chelsea face Man City, and although Chelsea will be favourites, you know with the likes of tevez, adebayor and gareth barry, this man city side wont just turn up and roll over. Anything less than three points and Man Utd and Arsenal will be sniffing an opportunity to snatch in ahead of them.
But whilst chelsea play in the prem, United play in the first domestic cup final of the season, but i don't think it will be as easy as some predict. Ok, vidic is back, but him paired with evans at the back, isn't the most reassuring. Especially on recent performances. Gabby will have a field day! 1-1 for me at 90 mins, then anything can happen afterwards!
The first one day international is also coming up. Selection policy has been another talking point but these players playing well at county level deserve their run in the side. But Alistair Cook as skipper. In my opinion, he is captain material, but i think it's a bit early for him in his career. Giving players that pressure only disrupts their performances. Just look at Pietersen, Flintoff, Collingwood.
Either way, it's another big weekend for english sport. How it will pan out, no one knows.
Let's just hope it works out well for me.
DB10 x
Sunday 14 February 2010
Valentines Weekend
Well, well, well
On a weekend where all of us are meant to be loved up and exchanging gifts with partners, sport again took place with some eye opening performances.
Now those lucky enough to glance away from their partner's physical features and watch abit of footy this weekend would have enjoyed the F.A Cup ties.
First there was the small matter of Southampton against Portsmouth. Which turned out to be a cracker of a game. All credit must go to the Saints as they were terrific and played better than their League 1 status suggests. The first half was pretty much all them and to be honest, they shouldve scored.
But back came Portsmouth, and, with a switch of system, they went and scored 4 at their bitter rivals. Turns out Portsmouth aren't a bad side after all.
Then the cup served us up two premiership teams gunning for a place in the next round draw. Turns out Rory Delap has become as effective as Wayne Rooney for Man United. Get him on the in that London 2012 Olympic football team for jokes! Who knows, when Brazil concede a 90th minute winner in the final from Peter Crouch's head after Delap's long throw, the South American's won't know whats hit them!
Then the two games on the Sunday were crackers, proper cup ties. All played in good spirit and i'm eagerly waiting for the replays. But Darren Ambrose's goal, turns out that potential he had 5 years ago might just have come true.
Then there was the Rugby. Scotland played immense. It's a shame they don't have the brain to go with it. Stupid enough to get reduced to 13 men, then, when Wales drew level, the ref clearly said 'one more play'. Why didn't they kick the ball straight out? Thats your one play!
On a different note, France were impeccable. I really thought Ireland would win the Grand Slam again this year, but i've been told. 20 point victors over last year champs really states how good that French team are. And without the forgotten man, whats he called, Sebastian Chabal?
England, i admit, wern't the greatest, but Brian Moore really gets on my nerves. In the end i'm just happy we won, but the first half wasn't THAT bad. We were constantly in the Italian 22, but we just couldn't finish the chances. Second half, fair play to Italy, they were good, but you kinow every year, every team stturggles with that mitre ball when it comes to kicks, and if Jonny were playing with a Gilbert, im sure the score wouldve been much different.
Either way, i think the tele served up this weekend was brilliant. And probably a better date than what your going on tonight.
Anyways enjoy your date, and remember don't eat garlic!
DB10 x
On a weekend where all of us are meant to be loved up and exchanging gifts with partners, sport again took place with some eye opening performances.
Now those lucky enough to glance away from their partner's physical features and watch abit of footy this weekend would have enjoyed the F.A Cup ties.
First there was the small matter of Southampton against Portsmouth. Which turned out to be a cracker of a game. All credit must go to the Saints as they were terrific and played better than their League 1 status suggests. The first half was pretty much all them and to be honest, they shouldve scored.
But back came Portsmouth, and, with a switch of system, they went and scored 4 at their bitter rivals. Turns out Portsmouth aren't a bad side after all.
Then the cup served us up two premiership teams gunning for a place in the next round draw. Turns out Rory Delap has become as effective as Wayne Rooney for Man United. Get him on the in that London 2012 Olympic football team for jokes! Who knows, when Brazil concede a 90th minute winner in the final from Peter Crouch's head after Delap's long throw, the South American's won't know whats hit them!
Then the two games on the Sunday were crackers, proper cup ties. All played in good spirit and i'm eagerly waiting for the replays. But Darren Ambrose's goal, turns out that potential he had 5 years ago might just have come true.
Then there was the Rugby. Scotland played immense. It's a shame they don't have the brain to go with it. Stupid enough to get reduced to 13 men, then, when Wales drew level, the ref clearly said 'one more play'. Why didn't they kick the ball straight out? Thats your one play!
On a different note, France were impeccable. I really thought Ireland would win the Grand Slam again this year, but i've been told. 20 point victors over last year champs really states how good that French team are. And without the forgotten man, whats he called, Sebastian Chabal?
England, i admit, wern't the greatest, but Brian Moore really gets on my nerves. In the end i'm just happy we won, but the first half wasn't THAT bad. We were constantly in the Italian 22, but we just couldn't finish the chances. Second half, fair play to Italy, they were good, but you kinow every year, every team stturggles with that mitre ball when it comes to kicks, and if Jonny were playing with a Gilbert, im sure the score wouldve been much different.
Either way, i think the tele served up this weekend was brilliant. And probably a better date than what your going on tonight.
Anyways enjoy your date, and remember don't eat garlic!
DB10 x
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