Thursday, August 27, 2009
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
A tale of an unfortunate dive
Arsenal beat Celtic by 3 - 1 and finished the contest 5-1 on aggregate. The first goal of the game was scored by Eduardo from the penalty spot. The penalty was awarded for an embarrassing dive by Eduardo and sadly that has become the story of the game.
The second goal was a brilliant goal that included an audacious back hill and an Eboue finish. The 3rd goal was scored by second half substitute Arshavin while Celtic had a late consolation goal with what was basically the last kick of the game.
The game itself wasn’t particularly brilliant; Celtic battled hard, closed Arsenal down and tried to stop Arsenal from playing without particularly threatening Arsenal at the other end. Arsenal on the other hand didn’t have to push too hard for a goal considering the advantage they brought back from Celtic park.
It is rather unfortunate that the story of this tie has become about Eduardo’s dive. He was booed during the game and it was good to see that Arsenal fans did not condone that type of behavior. Hopefully Wenger would have a quiet word with him. On a side note, the penalty didn’t decide this tie; it was over after the first leg.
Arsenal-Celtic Preview
The big one is this weekend but first order of business, dispatch Celtic. Unfortunately Cesc Fabregas would not be available for this game. The young Arsenal captain has been inspirational this season and he has returned to the form he showed at the start of the 2007/2008 season.
Wenger is considering playing Aaron Ramsey in his place and it would be a big opportunity for him if he is picked for this game. Aaron Ramsey is quite different from Cesc Fabregas, the way he plays reminds me of Steven Gerrard. He is very mobile, a decent passer and he isn't afraid to take a punt from distance. A few other young players should also get their chance in this game and hopefully they would not disappoint.
The game should still be more of a formality considering the result Arsenal picked up at Celtic park. However Celtic have not given up all hope in this game (or at least that is what the players say to the media). Celtic defender Gary Cadwell thinks if they can nick one goal, it would change the whole complexion of the game. He also says they would be physical and try and bully Arsenal, hopefully the boys would be ready for whatever Celtic trow at them.
The defenders have to be very professional in this game unlike last weekend when their sloppiness gave portsmouth a few opportunities and a glimmer of hope. Although the defence has visibly improved from last season, Arsenal have only kept one clean sheet this season and ironically it was against Celtic. On the other end, Arsenal have been scoring goals for fun with 12 goals in the first 3 games of the season. If Arsenal can score against Celtic, the tie would be over anyway because Celtic would have a mountain to climb. I am really looking forward to this game especially as some of the youngsters would have a chance to shine in this one.
Wenger is considering playing Aaron Ramsey in his place and it would be a big opportunity for him if he is picked for this game. Aaron Ramsey is quite different from Cesc Fabregas, the way he plays reminds me of Steven Gerrard. He is very mobile, a decent passer and he isn't afraid to take a punt from distance. A few other young players should also get their chance in this game and hopefully they would not disappoint.
The game should still be more of a formality considering the result Arsenal picked up at Celtic park. However Celtic have not given up all hope in this game (or at least that is what the players say to the media). Celtic defender Gary Cadwell thinks if they can nick one goal, it would change the whole complexion of the game. He also says they would be physical and try and bully Arsenal, hopefully the boys would be ready for whatever Celtic trow at them.
The defenders have to be very professional in this game unlike last weekend when their sloppiness gave portsmouth a few opportunities and a glimmer of hope. Although the defence has visibly improved from last season, Arsenal have only kept one clean sheet this season and ironically it was against Celtic. On the other end, Arsenal have been scoring goals for fun with 12 goals in the first 3 games of the season. If Arsenal can score against Celtic, the tie would be over anyway because Celtic would have a mountain to climb. I am really looking forward to this game especially as some of the youngsters would have a chance to shine in this one.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
The complexity of Diaby
Abou Diaby scored a couple of good goals in his last game for Arsenal in the game against Portsmouth. In the wake of that victory, Arsene Wenger had this to say about Diaby.On Abou Diaby’s similarities to Patrick Vieira..."Abou is a more offensive player but if he decides to play defensively he is exactly like Vieira. At some stage when Gallas moved out I put Denilson centre back and put Diaby central midfield in a defensive role. And he looks completely similar to Patrick to win the ball back. But he is a guy who has a quick transition from defence to offence, from box to box, that is his fantastic strength, to change quickly. Nobody can go with him when he has that, when we are on the counter-attack. He is fantastic."
On the frustrating time Diaby has had..."He has been out for nine months. He has been here three years and I have seen that today he played his 100th game so that means he has been out for a long, long time. He has had little problems and he worked very hard this summer. This could be Abou’s year, it could be his season because he prepared well, he looks very sharp, very strong, he has all you dream to have to play in the Premier League."
Emmanuel Petit also compared Abou Diaby to Patrick Vieira in a new article in the mirror following the game. Considering what a massive player Vieira was, I think it is a very flattering that Diaby is being compared to Vieira.
When Abou Diaby was signed, it looked like he was naturally going to fill the Vieira role, everything seemed to be going according to plan until he got a nasty injury against Sunderland that completely halted his development. Since he returned back from injury, he hasn't exactly gone on to fulfill the initial promise he showed when he signed for Arsenal.
Abou Diaby is a very interesting player, he has good physique, excellent close ball technique and good with the ball on his feet. Unfortunately, football is about the bigger picture and that is the aspect lacking in Diaby's game. He holds unto the ball a bit too long, tries to dribble too much, he isn't really much of a passer and he really doesn't see his teammates on the pitch. In my opinion Abou Diaby would be an excellent player in 5 aside football game but on a bigger pitch, the flaws in his game get exposed.
The bigger problem facing Abou Diaby at Arsenal is figuring what his best position is on the pitch. He isn't really defensive enough to play as a defensive midfielder yet he isn't dynamic enough to play in a more offensive role in the midfield. Arsene Wenger has played him in central midfield, in the defensive midfield, as a supporting striker and even on the left wing. He really hasn't found his niche in any of this positions and that has somewhat down his development. However the new 4-3-3 formation presents an opportunity for Diaby to finally establish himself.
Watching Abou Diaby score those 2 goals against Portsmouth reminded me of what a talented player he is but he has to be consistent and establish himself this season because he is not a kid anymore. He also needs to shake off these niggling injuries that have kept him in and out of the team for the last couple of years.
When Abou Diaby was signed, it looked like he was naturally going to fill the Vieira role, everything seemed to be going according to plan until he got a nasty injury against Sunderland that completely halted his development. Since he returned back from injury, he hasn't exactly gone on to fulfill the initial promise he showed when he signed for Arsenal.
Abou Diaby is a very interesting player, he has good physique, excellent close ball technique and good with the ball on his feet. Unfortunately, football is about the bigger picture and that is the aspect lacking in Diaby's game. He holds unto the ball a bit too long, tries to dribble too much, he isn't really much of a passer and he really doesn't see his teammates on the pitch. In my opinion Abou Diaby would be an excellent player in 5 aside football game but on a bigger pitch, the flaws in his game get exposed.
The bigger problem facing Abou Diaby at Arsenal is figuring what his best position is on the pitch. He isn't really defensive enough to play as a defensive midfielder yet he isn't dynamic enough to play in a more offensive role in the midfield. Arsene Wenger has played him in central midfield, in the defensive midfield, as a supporting striker and even on the left wing. He really hasn't found his niche in any of this positions and that has somewhat down his development. However the new 4-3-3 formation presents an opportunity for Diaby to finally establish himself.
Watching Abou Diaby score those 2 goals against Portsmouth reminded me of what a talented player he is but he has to be consistent and establish himself this season because he is not a kid anymore. He also needs to shake off these niggling injuries that have kept him in and out of the team for the last couple of years.
Friday, August 21, 2009
Arsenal seek consistency
Arsenal have had a brilliant start to the season but now the hard part, maintaining the consistency needed to win the title. In the past the team has gotten excellent results in difficult games but lost focus in the easy games and dropped unnecessary points. I attribute that to the lack of maturity and experience of the team. A title winning team has to pick up points from the smaller sides in the league with relative ease. Manchester United picked up 58 points out of 60 against the bottom half of the premier league table last season. That was the secret to their success, crushing the little guys. The last time Arsenal won the title, the team made winning the games against the minnows of the league like clock work, in fact they went through the entire season without losing a game.
Those were the daysIn a few hours Arsenal face a team that has been regarded as early candidates for relegation. Portsmouth are in a mess financially, they are facing a take over by an Arab businessman that apparently is the first Arab businessman without money and the confidence of the squad is at an all time low. Arsenal have to go into the Portsmouth game with the right focus, attitude and mentality and come out with the maximum 3 points. Anything short of that would be a huge set back in Arsenal's premier league aspiration this season.
Arsene Wenger in his pre-game press conference suggested that the premier league starts to that shape after 10 games. The fixture list to start the season hasn't been particularly favorable to Arsenal but the first two results have put Arsenal on the right track to have a brilliant start to the season. Speaking of injuries, Carlos Vela is out for the next month with ankle injury while he blamed Theo Walcott's dual role for his injury. On signings, he says he is not looking to sign Hangeland but that should come as no surprise after watching Vermaelen in the first two games of the season. However he says we are a bit short defensively and he might add a defensive player. I am assuming it should be a midfield reinforcement although Arsenal also lack a bit of depth at the back. It is 11pm in Miami, I think I need to end my ramblings about Arsenal and catch some sleep.
Arsene Wenger in his pre-game press conference suggested that the premier league starts to that shape after 10 games. The fixture list to start the season hasn't been particularly favorable to Arsenal but the first two results have put Arsenal on the right track to have a brilliant start to the season. Speaking of injuries, Carlos Vela is out for the next month with ankle injury while he blamed Theo Walcott's dual role for his injury. On signings, he says he is not looking to sign Hangeland but that should come as no surprise after watching Vermaelen in the first two games of the season. However he says we are a bit short defensively and he might add a defensive player. I am assuming it should be a midfield reinforcement although Arsenal also lack a bit of depth at the back. It is 11pm in Miami, I think I need to end my ramblings about Arsenal and catch some sleep.
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