Top Gun
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Togo
In February I wrote about Togo’s poor display against West Ham. His was a truly disappointing return in a match that we had to win in order to stay in the title race. He looked as bad as he has done since signing for us. I wondered about his value to the club. I wondered if he would regain the hunger and motivation he’d shown last season.
Last night at Villareal, he scored his third goal in the two matches played since returning from injury. It was as spectacular a goal as you’ll see. I saw Thierry Henry attempt the feat at Highbury once against Sunderland but it smashed off the post. Togo took the ball off his chest from a pass lofted by Cesc, and then with his back to goal he went airborne to finish a spectacular overhead volley. A special goal! Thank goodness the two are fit again.
In February I wrote that Togo’s contribution was unacceptable. He has answered me with style. Having scored a brace on Saturday to put pressure on Aston Villa for the last CL place, he’s come good with a crucial away goal in the CL ¼ final first leg.
When he’s fit and playing well, Adebayor is a top, top striker. He is one that no defender would want to face. It's only been two matches but let’s be clear about it, a hungry, fit, and motivated Togo is arguably our top gun.
In parting, I ask you to please consider this; when all our strikers are fit and in form, what team has a better, more well rounded strike force?
Of course Barcelona and Manchester United quickly come to mind but I would go to war with my troops.
Last night at Villareal, he scored his third goal in the two matches played since returning from injury. It was as spectacular a goal as you’ll see. I saw Thierry Henry attempt the feat at Highbury once against Sunderland but it smashed off the post. Togo took the ball off his chest from a pass lofted by Cesc, and then with his back to goal he went airborne to finish a spectacular overhead volley. A special goal! Thank goodness the two are fit again.
In February I wrote that Togo’s contribution was unacceptable. He has answered me with style. Having scored a brace on Saturday to put pressure on Aston Villa for the last CL place, he’s come good with a crucial away goal in the CL ¼ final first leg.
When he’s fit and playing well, Adebayor is a top, top striker. He is one that no defender would want to face. It's only been two matches but let’s be clear about it, a hungry, fit, and motivated Togo is arguably our top gun.
In parting, I ask you to please consider this; when all our strikers are fit and in form, what team has a better, more well rounded strike force?
Of course Barcelona and Manchester United quickly come to mind but I would go to war with my troops.
Monday, April 6, 2009
The Yellow Submarine
I have to admit that I admire Villarreal greatly.
It is a city that has roughly 42,000 residents, and their stadium seats 25,000. That means, the entire town has a passion for the football club, as they do sell out most of the time.
Their manager, the Chilean, Manuel Pellegrini, is a man to be respected. He builds football teams that are fluid, depend on movement, and precise passing to open up teams. He often finds the men to make his system work. Three years ago, he resurrected the career of Juan Roman Riquelme and a similar thing could be said about the career of one Robert Pires.
He inspires players to stick around and perform their best for him. He has persuaded Marcos Senna, a linchpin in the Spanish national side, to stay. He has convinced Santi Cazorla to reject Real Madrid's overtures. These are no small tasks.
In short summary, he is a man much like Arsene Wenger. That's also not to say that he'd be a huge success were he to manage a team in the English Premier League. I've often said that if Arsenal were in La Liga, we would be even more loved by others. Villarreal is a team that depends on controlling teams on their own terms. Once the tempo is pushed, they can be broken down, especially with their regular central defense partnership injured at the moment.
They have been credited for holding Manchester United to draws, but the key to the game is tempo. We are capable of pushing the ball down the opposition's throats, moreso in the comfort of the Emirates, but that is the key to the European fixtures.
If we enter the game without fear, without the handbrake, we can be devastating. With the team coming back into form, we've seen the ways in which teams can be pried open.
Villarreal's threats will come from Rossi, Ibagaza, Llorente, and Pires in that order. If you cut off the supply to the strikers, you're left with a not as mobile Pires and sneaky Ibagaza as the danger men. Senna will impose himself on our team, but that is why our players on the left and right side of the midfield will be key.
Pires is talking his talk. All his words are valid, but they ultimately don't really matter. It is Marcos Senna who issued the challenge to our team. This is what he said:
"It is true Cesc Fàbregas is an important player for them, but he is coming back from injury and still isn't a superstar player, as Thierry Henry was at that time."
Over to you, Cesc.
It is a city that has roughly 42,000 residents, and their stadium seats 25,000. That means, the entire town has a passion for the football club, as they do sell out most of the time.
Their manager, the Chilean, Manuel Pellegrini, is a man to be respected. He builds football teams that are fluid, depend on movement, and precise passing to open up teams. He often finds the men to make his system work. Three years ago, he resurrected the career of Juan Roman Riquelme and a similar thing could be said about the career of one Robert Pires.
He inspires players to stick around and perform their best for him. He has persuaded Marcos Senna, a linchpin in the Spanish national side, to stay. He has convinced Santi Cazorla to reject Real Madrid's overtures. These are no small tasks.
In short summary, he is a man much like Arsene Wenger. That's also not to say that he'd be a huge success were he to manage a team in the English Premier League. I've often said that if Arsenal were in La Liga, we would be even more loved by others. Villarreal is a team that depends on controlling teams on their own terms. Once the tempo is pushed, they can be broken down, especially with their regular central defense partnership injured at the moment.
They have been credited for holding Manchester United to draws, but the key to the game is tempo. We are capable of pushing the ball down the opposition's throats, moreso in the comfort of the Emirates, but that is the key to the European fixtures.
If we enter the game without fear, without the handbrake, we can be devastating. With the team coming back into form, we've seen the ways in which teams can be pried open.
Villarreal's threats will come from Rossi, Ibagaza, Llorente, and Pires in that order. If you cut off the supply to the strikers, you're left with a not as mobile Pires and sneaky Ibagaza as the danger men. Senna will impose himself on our team, but that is why our players on the left and right side of the midfield will be key.
Pires is talking his talk. All his words are valid, but they ultimately don't really matter. It is Marcos Senna who issued the challenge to our team. This is what he said:
"It is true Cesc Fàbregas is an important player for them, but he is coming back from injury and still isn't a superstar player, as Thierry Henry was at that time."
Over to you, Cesc.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Never Forget
In the 1996-97 season, the following clubs all played in the EPL:
Nottingham Forest
Coventry City
Southampton
Derby County
Leeds United
Leicester City
Wimbledon
Sheffield Wednesday
Today, the two factions that make up the club once known as Wimbledon FC – MK Dons and AFC Wimbledon – are split between Coca-Cola League 1 and Conference South divisions respectively.
Leeds United and Leicester City compete in the Coca-Cola League 1 division as well while Forest, Coventry, Southampton, Derby, and Wednesday are all one step below the EPL in The Coca-Cola Championship.
Since the ’96-97 season, the aforementioned clubs have flirted with the EPL or have never returned after relegation. Leeds made it as far as the Champions League semi final in 2001 before financial disaster, and Southampton played an FA Cup final, losing to Arsenal in 2003. Meanwhile, Arsenal have had continued stability and success with Arsene Wenger. Under Wenger Arsenal have never finished outside a UEFA Champions League place, have won three league titles, and four FA Cups. Not bad!
Of course there have been years when the manager himself would tell you that we should have done better in any given competition but overall he can look at a fine body of work.
Yesterday’s victory over Manchester City was the first match in which the previously injured Adebayor and Cesc featured for some time. Both were keys to the victory that put us six points clear of Aston Villa. It’s notable that the latest round of internationals deprived us of Robin van Persie, Samir Nasri, and Abou Diaby – all players who’d been in good to outstanding form of late.
And they say we have no depth!
After a poor start to the season, we are now in control of finishing fourth at minimum. We can finish the season strongly and end up with not just qualification for next season’s Champions League but also winning two major trophies. A situation that many doubted we’d be anywhere near. Some even dared to suggest that we’d begun our own descent down the divisions. Folly!
Winning a cup double certainly won’t be a simple task but it’ll be a whole lot easier than Leeds finding their way back to Europe’s premier club competition. It’ll be far easier than ex European Cup winners Nottingham Forest finding their way back to prominence. It’ll even be easier to stomach not winning anything at all this season than being broken-hearted supporters of a club that goes the way of Wimbledon FC.
Regardless of what The Negatives try to convince you, we find ourselves with stability, depth, and ambition as we look forward to Villareal in the ¼ finals of the one competition that we all covet as Arsenal fans. We prepare for another stab at the elusive title that Mr. Wenger feels the club deserve and that purists feel would cement his legacy as a truly great manager.
With or without it, Arsene Wenger is great. We owe the man a huge debt of gratitude. We should never forget that.
Nottingham Forest
Coventry City
Southampton
Derby County
Leeds United
Leicester City
Wimbledon
Sheffield Wednesday
Today, the two factions that make up the club once known as Wimbledon FC – MK Dons and AFC Wimbledon – are split between Coca-Cola League 1 and Conference South divisions respectively.
Leeds United and Leicester City compete in the Coca-Cola League 1 division as well while Forest, Coventry, Southampton, Derby, and Wednesday are all one step below the EPL in The Coca-Cola Championship.
Since the ’96-97 season, the aforementioned clubs have flirted with the EPL or have never returned after relegation. Leeds made it as far as the Champions League semi final in 2001 before financial disaster, and Southampton played an FA Cup final, losing to Arsenal in 2003. Meanwhile, Arsenal have had continued stability and success with Arsene Wenger. Under Wenger Arsenal have never finished outside a UEFA Champions League place, have won three league titles, and four FA Cups. Not bad!
Of course there have been years when the manager himself would tell you that we should have done better in any given competition but overall he can look at a fine body of work.
Yesterday’s victory over Manchester City was the first match in which the previously injured Adebayor and Cesc featured for some time. Both were keys to the victory that put us six points clear of Aston Villa. It’s notable that the latest round of internationals deprived us of Robin van Persie, Samir Nasri, and Abou Diaby – all players who’d been in good to outstanding form of late.
And they say we have no depth!
After a poor start to the season, we are now in control of finishing fourth at minimum. We can finish the season strongly and end up with not just qualification for next season’s Champions League but also winning two major trophies. A situation that many doubted we’d be anywhere near. Some even dared to suggest that we’d begun our own descent down the divisions. Folly!
Winning a cup double certainly won’t be a simple task but it’ll be a whole lot easier than Leeds finding their way back to Europe’s premier club competition. It’ll be far easier than ex European Cup winners Nottingham Forest finding their way back to prominence. It’ll even be easier to stomach not winning anything at all this season than being broken-hearted supporters of a club that goes the way of Wimbledon FC.
Regardless of what The Negatives try to convince you, we find ourselves with stability, depth, and ambition as we look forward to Villareal in the ¼ finals of the one competition that we all covet as Arsenal fans. We prepare for another stab at the elusive title that Mr. Wenger feels the club deserve and that purists feel would cement his legacy as a truly great manager.
With or without it, Arsene Wenger is great. We owe the man a huge debt of gratitude. We should never forget that.
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Manchester City
The last time we played against Manchester City in the League, I found myself largely indifferent. That's actually saying something, considering how much I live and breathe for The Arsenal.
I was convinced that the media's crucifixion of William Gallas had been completed, and that his days as an Arsenal player were numbered.
On that day, I saw zero leadership on the pitch. Manuel Almunia hadn't yet shed his timidness, and Gavin Hoyte actually played for us in defense.
We were comprehensively outplayed, with one superb moment from Robson de Souza. The result could have been worse, but psychologically, that had to be one of the lowest moments for Arsenal in the past few years.
Tomorrow, we have indeed come full circle.
Gallas has stuck around and delivered world class performances. Cesc has returned from his injury spell as the captain of the club. We are finally in a decent run of form, and Manchester City aren't a very good team away from home.
Manchester City's best player this year has been Stephen Ireland. A few days ago, it was expected that Robinho would miss the game and Ireland would start. Now, the situation has been reversed, and that can only help our cause.
The only real problem being Shay Given's propensity towards playing out of his skin when facing us. He can singlehandedly earn a point for Manchester City, but methinks Cesc's first appearance in nearly three months will rejuvenate the squad.
We need to carry the consistent form we've shown in the league. Due to our difficult finish to the season, the race for fourth isn't finished yet by any means. But each point we gain on Villa is multiplied ten-fold for them.
We'll see just what Adebayor and Cesc can provide for our team tomorrow.
PS I am salivating at the idea of Cesc and Arshavin playing together.
I was convinced that the media's crucifixion of William Gallas had been completed, and that his days as an Arsenal player were numbered.
On that day, I saw zero leadership on the pitch. Manuel Almunia hadn't yet shed his timidness, and Gavin Hoyte actually played for us in defense.
We were comprehensively outplayed, with one superb moment from Robson de Souza. The result could have been worse, but psychologically, that had to be one of the lowest moments for Arsenal in the past few years.
Tomorrow, we have indeed come full circle.
Gallas has stuck around and delivered world class performances. Cesc has returned from his injury spell as the captain of the club. We are finally in a decent run of form, and Manchester City aren't a very good team away from home.
Manchester City's best player this year has been Stephen Ireland. A few days ago, it was expected that Robinho would miss the game and Ireland would start. Now, the situation has been reversed, and that can only help our cause.
The only real problem being Shay Given's propensity towards playing out of his skin when facing us. He can singlehandedly earn a point for Manchester City, but methinks Cesc's first appearance in nearly three months will rejuvenate the squad.
We need to carry the consistent form we've shown in the league. Due to our difficult finish to the season, the race for fourth isn't finished yet by any means. But each point we gain on Villa is multiplied ten-fold for them.
We'll see just what Adebayor and Cesc can provide for our team tomorrow.
PS I am salivating at the idea of Cesc and Arshavin playing together.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Richard Dunne
Richard Dunne is a recovering alcoholic and the captain of Manchester City - Arsenal's opponents on Saturday. Originally a right-back, Dunne now plays at center-back for both City and Ireland.
Dunne lacks pace, which was exposed by Arsenal when they thrashed City 5-1 at Maine Road in February 2003. However, he has compensated for this by having fantastic vision and timing. After that disastrous game the Irishman was switched to center back.
Micah Richards said last season that Dunne is one of the best players he has played with.
"I've played with John Terry and Rio Ferdinand and Dunne is right up there with them," Richards told The Guardian.
His style of play has been compared to that of ex-Manchester United, Aston Villa and Irish center-back Paul McGrath. They both have the ability to be in the right place at the right time - and they both have the ability to drink a lot of alcohol.
In September, 2002, Dunne turned up to training drunk, which resulted in him being fined two weeks wages and suspended. His behavior was deemed so serious that an emergency meeting was held involving Dunne, the then City manager Kevin Keegan, the board of directors, and the Professional Footballers Association chief Gordon Taylor. City considered terminating Dunne's contract but instead offered him support. The Irishman had already been disciplined by City for binge drinking and was ordered to move from Liverpool to Manchester.
Dunne started his Premiership career with Everton, making his debut aged 17, but was released by current Rangers boss Walter Smith after similar problems.
The PFA (Professional Footballers Association) and City agreed a counseling and fitness regime with Dunne. It ended Dunne's days of drinking. Dunne has not looked back. He was voted City's Player of the Year for four years running 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008. In 2006, Dunne was appointed City captain and on July 4, 2008, he signed a new four year contract.
Dunne is an underrated player. He is a victim of his past, where he was deemed talented, but an overweight, alcoholic. He is just as good as Liverpool's Jamie Carragher (both players share the record for most own goals scored in the Premiership). However, Dunne has not received the recognition he probably deserves because he's never played for a top four team.
That may change.
City now have money. But Arsenal are deemed to be the club that stands in City's way of Champions League football.
That's because Arsenal don't have the financial muscle of Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United. Arsenal have never paid over 20 million pounds for a player.
Kroenke or Usmanov may change that. Or is that wishful thinking on my part.
Will Dunne stand in Arsenal's way on Saturday? I hope that's wishful thinking on City's part.
After all we owe them for our last Premiership defeat - 3-0 November 22, 2008 - the week that Gallas was stripped of the captaincy.
Strange then that Arsenal's new captain makes his return on Saturday. His first competitive match of 2009.
It's a different Arsenal you will be seeing compared to the one last November - and that's not wishful thinking.
Dunne lacks pace, which was exposed by Arsenal when they thrashed City 5-1 at Maine Road in February 2003. However, he has compensated for this by having fantastic vision and timing. After that disastrous game the Irishman was switched to center back.
Micah Richards said last season that Dunne is one of the best players he has played with.
"I've played with John Terry and Rio Ferdinand and Dunne is right up there with them," Richards told The Guardian.
His style of play has been compared to that of ex-Manchester United, Aston Villa and Irish center-back Paul McGrath. They both have the ability to be in the right place at the right time - and they both have the ability to drink a lot of alcohol.
In September, 2002, Dunne turned up to training drunk, which resulted in him being fined two weeks wages and suspended. His behavior was deemed so serious that an emergency meeting was held involving Dunne, the then City manager Kevin Keegan, the board of directors, and the Professional Footballers Association chief Gordon Taylor. City considered terminating Dunne's contract but instead offered him support. The Irishman had already been disciplined by City for binge drinking and was ordered to move from Liverpool to Manchester.
Dunne started his Premiership career with Everton, making his debut aged 17, but was released by current Rangers boss Walter Smith after similar problems.
The PFA (Professional Footballers Association) and City agreed a counseling and fitness regime with Dunne. It ended Dunne's days of drinking. Dunne has not looked back. He was voted City's Player of the Year for four years running 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008. In 2006, Dunne was appointed City captain and on July 4, 2008, he signed a new four year contract.
Dunne is an underrated player. He is a victim of his past, where he was deemed talented, but an overweight, alcoholic. He is just as good as Liverpool's Jamie Carragher (both players share the record for most own goals scored in the Premiership). However, Dunne has not received the recognition he probably deserves because he's never played for a top four team.
That may change.
City now have money. But Arsenal are deemed to be the club that stands in City's way of Champions League football.
That's because Arsenal don't have the financial muscle of Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United. Arsenal have never paid over 20 million pounds for a player.
Kroenke or Usmanov may change that. Or is that wishful thinking on my part.
Will Dunne stand in Arsenal's way on Saturday? I hope that's wishful thinking on City's part.
After all we owe them for our last Premiership defeat - 3-0 November 22, 2008 - the week that Gallas was stripped of the captaincy.
Strange then that Arsenal's new captain makes his return on Saturday. His first competitive match of 2009.
It's a different Arsenal you will be seeing compared to the one last November - and that's not wishful thinking.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Cesc and the Media
A great man and colleague of mine recently wrote that Cesc Fabregas is not an Arsenal legend. I agree.
Cesc is an amazing player with a glorious future. I witnessed his first ever Champions League goal in a 5-1 thrashing of Rosenborg in December, 2004. I remember thinking as the North bank celebrated wildly, that I had just witnessed the first of many Champions League goals to come for a sure bet future Arsenal legend.
The potential is clearly still there but he could well leave this summer or the one after. Who knows?!?! To my mind, Cesc Fabregas will not go the same route as the ex Gunner who scored the first goal of that match, Jose Antonio Reyes. He could instead become an icon in the mold of the man who grabbed Arsenal’s second goal that night, Thierry Henry. Again, who knows!?!?
Recent reports have yet again hinted that our captain/player maker is contemplating a return to his homeland. Just as when Patrick Vieira was captain Cesc is continually talked about as a potential target of Real Madrid. Despite being raised a Barcelona fan by Barcelona fans, in Barcelona, it is repeatedly stated in the media that Cesc will/might/could leave Arsenal for Real Madrid.
ENOUGH!
If and when the time comes for Cesc Fabregas or Arsene Wenger or Manoue Eboue or the kit man or FN Goonersaurus to leave, they will leave. There will be a club left for us to continue supporting after they’ve gone. That much we all do know.
The more people buy into the media speculation/attempts to destabilize our club the more they will do it. Unfortunately, it is the nature of the beast.
Cesc is an amazing player with a glorious future. I witnessed his first ever Champions League goal in a 5-1 thrashing of Rosenborg in December, 2004. I remember thinking as the North bank celebrated wildly, that I had just witnessed the first of many Champions League goals to come for a sure bet future Arsenal legend.
The potential is clearly still there but he could well leave this summer or the one after. Who knows?!?! To my mind, Cesc Fabregas will not go the same route as the ex Gunner who scored the first goal of that match, Jose Antonio Reyes. He could instead become an icon in the mold of the man who grabbed Arsenal’s second goal that night, Thierry Henry. Again, who knows!?!?
Recent reports have yet again hinted that our captain/player maker is contemplating a return to his homeland. Just as when Patrick Vieira was captain Cesc is continually talked about as a potential target of Real Madrid. Despite being raised a Barcelona fan by Barcelona fans, in Barcelona, it is repeatedly stated in the media that Cesc will/might/could leave Arsenal for Real Madrid.
ENOUGH!
If and when the time comes for Cesc Fabregas or Arsene Wenger or Manoue Eboue or the kit man or FN Goonersaurus to leave, they will leave. There will be a club left for us to continue supporting after they’ve gone. That much we all do know.
The more people buy into the media speculation/attempts to destabilize our club the more they will do it. Unfortunately, it is the nature of the beast.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)