The month of April could be a time for jubilation or the beginning of despair until August. For many Gooners, it has been the latter for the past five Aprils that we been through. It does not look like it is going to change this April too.
We have been dumped out from the Champions' League in the early part of the month. Then we lost a League 'derby' for the first time in a decade, which did not spell the end right away for the title challenge as other contenders suffered setbacks in the programme too.
Unfortunately, when we thought we have shown enough character to remain in the hunt, we also showed that we also have the other side to our character. Losing 3-2 after leading by two goals with just about ten minutes left at Wigan certainly ended our faint hopes of a silverware this season.
Wigan boss Roberto Martinez who in some quarters believed to be a younger clone of Arsene Wenger due to his belief in playing the passing game would be very glad to get one over the master himself. I would not be surprised if he is being earmarked to fill the hot seat at the Emirates if Wenger himself decides to leave for a new project.
Since his arrival I have been a keen supporter of Lukasz Fabianski and would not have any qualm in defending him for his so called 'blunders'. However, it seems the frequency of these blunders have been quite high and most of the time would be costly. Wenger may have his own opinion but right now I feel we need a more solid goalkeeper at the heart of our defence.
The review has been good about another Pole custodian, Wojciech Szczesny currently on loan at the lower league with Brentford. Like another young goalkeeper in the Gunners' book Vito Mannone, he seems to benefit from playing in the lower divisions where the game is more physical in addition to more playing time which for a goalkeeper is very important to keep him in match shape.
Hugo Lloris or Manuel Neuer would be most welcomed by many Gooners but the asking price would probably turn off Wenger. But with many Belgians currently plying their trade in the Premier League and the success of Thomas Vermaellen this season there could be a hint of possibility that Wenger would attempt to bring Belgium current #1, Logan Bailly from German club Borrusia Monchengladbach.
Many would say that Arsenal lack the strength in depth and this season's injury list seems to be giving the statement its credence. But with many youngsters going out on loan this season to gain the necessary experience they would add more strength to the squad next season. Thus I would think there would only just be two new signings, three at the most be made during the close season.
Right now Wenger would be focusing on this weekend clash Manchester City. A win would certainly cement their grip on third place which is essential in order not to rush players too soon after their World Cup campaign in order to play in the play-off matches before the group stage. As for me, a win is just perfect after the suffering that we have endured at the hand of City in the league and cup this season.
C'mon you Gooners!
...
Tuesday, 20 April 2010
Saturday, 10 April 2010
Messi-ed Out!
Watching how my beloved Gooners being destroyed single-handedly by Lionel Messi at the Nou Camp should have been a traumatic experience.
After coming back from two goal down to draw the first leg match at the Emirates one could be forgiven for thinking that Arsenal could get a result in Catalonia and progress to the last four of the Champions' League. But seeing the name Messi in the line-up certainly reduced the hopes of the optimistic Arsenal fan as the little Argentine has been in the form of his life.
Nicklas Bendtner's goal got our hopes a bit higher but the air of inevitability hung around and true to the belief, the lead only lasted for a mere three minutes before Messi blasted the ball past Manuel Almunia to level the score. And the way he completed his hat-trick before the break confirmed that I was watching 'The Lionel Messi Show' and despite Arsenal were at the risk of being totally humiliated I did not feel any animosity towards Barcelona.
For I knew that it was a rare occasion was unfolding right in front of my eyes and it was most unfortunate that Arsenal were at the receiving end of a beating by this exceptional player.
So what next for Arsenal and Arsene Wenger? I read that he feels the need to complement his home grown squad with a few more experienced players for next season campaign. It is a piece of news that I receive quite positively and I am sure many Gooners feel the same way.
But for the time being, Arsene has to make do with all the available players at his disposal for the short trip to play the other team in North London. Three points behind the leaders with just five matches to go do not leave much room for error thus Arsene must be hoping that his decisions on Saturday will enable Arsenal to maintain their challenge for the Premier League crown.
Come on Gooners!
...
After coming back from two goal down to draw the first leg match at the Emirates one could be forgiven for thinking that Arsenal could get a result in Catalonia and progress to the last four of the Champions' League. But seeing the name Messi in the line-up certainly reduced the hopes of the optimistic Arsenal fan as the little Argentine has been in the form of his life.
Nicklas Bendtner's goal got our hopes a bit higher but the air of inevitability hung around and true to the belief, the lead only lasted for a mere three minutes before Messi blasted the ball past Manuel Almunia to level the score. And the way he completed his hat-trick before the break confirmed that I was watching 'The Lionel Messi Show' and despite Arsenal were at the risk of being totally humiliated I did not feel any animosity towards Barcelona.
For I knew that it was a rare occasion was unfolding right in front of my eyes and it was most unfortunate that Arsenal were at the receiving end of a beating by this exceptional player.
So what next for Arsenal and Arsene Wenger? I read that he feels the need to complement his home grown squad with a few more experienced players for next season campaign. It is a piece of news that I receive quite positively and I am sure many Gooners feel the same way.
But for the time being, Arsene has to make do with all the available players at his disposal for the short trip to play the other team in North London. Three points behind the leaders with just five matches to go do not leave much room for error thus Arsene must be hoping that his decisions on Saturday will enable Arsenal to maintain their challenge for the Premier League crown.
Come on Gooners!
...
Sunday, 4 April 2010
Back Again!
What more can you say about the inconsistent posting of this blog. As much as I would like to post my thoughts before and after every match, it seems the task is not possible... not at the moment at least. With the last post way back in November there are a number of important matches that do not see any comment from me (of course life goes on irrespective whether I comment or not).
During the period I missed the double despair when Arsenal failed to score a single goal against London rivals Chelsea, losing 3-0 and 2-0 at home and away respectively. Of course losing against both Manchester teams hurt badly but I did not feel like sharing the pain here.
Of course there are also joyous moments, especially when we did the double over the Red half of Merseyside and the breathtaking display during the 5-0 win over Porto to qualify to the last eight of the Champions' League. Of course I also miss the character defining display when we came back from two goal down against favourites Barcelona to snatch a 2-2 draw before the return leg this Wednesday morning.
So hopefully these pages will be updated more consistently, perhaps as consistent as we would like Arsenal to display their full potential and bring more success to the fans who have been waiting for a notable number of seasons now.
C'mon you Arsenal!
...
During the period I missed the double despair when Arsenal failed to score a single goal against London rivals Chelsea, losing 3-0 and 2-0 at home and away respectively. Of course losing against both Manchester teams hurt badly but I did not feel like sharing the pain here.
Of course there are also joyous moments, especially when we did the double over the Red half of Merseyside and the breathtaking display during the 5-0 win over Porto to qualify to the last eight of the Champions' League. Of course I also miss the character defining display when we came back from two goal down against favourites Barcelona to snatch a 2-2 draw before the return leg this Wednesday morning.
So hopefully these pages will be updated more consistently, perhaps as consistent as we would like Arsenal to display their full potential and bring more success to the fans who have been waiting for a notable number of seasons now.
C'mon you Arsenal!
...
Monday, 2 November 2009
November Rain
October has passed with Arsenal quietly making their way into the top four. Unbeaten during the month which started with a 6-2 demolishing of Blackburn, the 3-0 win over Sp*rs is certainly the best way to end it.
However, events in between the two results certainly raise doubts whether we can sustain a meaningful challenge for the Premier League title and also the Champions' League this season. The win over Blackburn is followed by a 3-1 win over Birmingham City while the young Gooners' victory over Liverpool in the Carling Cup precedes the win over the neighbours.
But it is the draws at AZ Alkmaar and West Ham that really put the question mark whether Arsenal could maintain their challenge this season. In both matches, Arsenal are cruising at 1-0 and 2-0 respectively when they fail to deliver the knock-out punch, a goal that would ultimately seal the match on both occasions.
Despite the draws do not really bear any bearing at this stage, it could be detrimental to the Arsenal cause in the long run. Drawing too many matches certainly cost us dear last season and we must avoid the same thing happening again.
November will see us travelling to Moulineux and the Stadium of Lights to face Wolves and Sunderland respectively. On paper these two matches should be just a walk in the park but in football just about anything can happen. Champions League campaign will see AZ and Standard Liege coming to the Emirates and at the end of the month it will be another London 'derby' with Chelsea being the visitors.
Nine Premier League points in November could be a tall order but in order to cement their credentials as genuine title contenders this season, Arsene Wenger's boys and men have no choice but to push for it, and push very hard.
C'mon Arsenal!
...
However, events in between the two results certainly raise doubts whether we can sustain a meaningful challenge for the Premier League title and also the Champions' League this season. The win over Blackburn is followed by a 3-1 win over Birmingham City while the young Gooners' victory over Liverpool in the Carling Cup precedes the win over the neighbours.
But it is the draws at AZ Alkmaar and West Ham that really put the question mark whether Arsenal could maintain their challenge this season. In both matches, Arsenal are cruising at 1-0 and 2-0 respectively when they fail to deliver the knock-out punch, a goal that would ultimately seal the match on both occasions.
Despite the draws do not really bear any bearing at this stage, it could be detrimental to the Arsenal cause in the long run. Drawing too many matches certainly cost us dear last season and we must avoid the same thing happening again.
November will see us travelling to Moulineux and the Stadium of Lights to face Wolves and Sunderland respectively. On paper these two matches should be just a walk in the park but in football just about anything can happen. Champions League campaign will see AZ and Standard Liege coming to the Emirates and at the end of the month it will be another London 'derby' with Chelsea being the visitors.
Nine Premier League points in November could be a tall order but in order to cement their credentials as genuine title contenders this season, Arsene Wenger's boys and men have no choice but to push for it, and push very hard.
C'mon Arsenal!
...
Monday, 5 October 2009
Half Dozen of Delights.
Arsenal showed their patience and persistence during their Champions League match against Olympiakos by constantly bombarding the Greeks' goal which was well kept by the greying Nikopolidis (A reminder of the state of mad redo1's hair). He was finally beaten by Robin van Persie's goal created by substitute Eduardo. There was a big hint of offside with the second goal scored by Andrei Arshavin but at the moment mad redo1 will take it any which way they come.
Then the visit of Blackburn Rovers on Sunday. It is never easy against Rovers, and Arsenal struggled most of the time when they came up against Sam Allardyces' Bolton Wanderers in the past.
Going a goal down inside four minutes was not what many Gooners had on their mind. Vito Manonne conceded his first Premier League goal as Steven Nzonzi looped over him from a long punt by Paul Robinson. The equaliser which came nearly quarter an hour later was the prelude of how Arsenal will score goals for the rest of the match.
The unlikely topscorer, Thomas Vermaelen tackle gave Arsenal possession and when it fell to skipper Cesc Fabregas, the ball back to the central defender was like serving it on a plate. His left foot drive saw Robinson grasping air and mad redo1 hi-fiving Nina at home.
It was completely opposite the way Blackburn regained the lead though credit must be given to David Dunn who made the extra man as they hit Arsenal on the break. Manonne seemed to have the shot covered but William Gallas's thigh got in the way. The deflection was enough to wrong foot the Italian custodian and mad redo1 found himself not laughing.
This could turn bad for the home side.
Fortunately, Fabregas decided to seize the day. After setting up Vermaelen for the first equaliser, his pass opened up the Blackburn defence for van Persie to equalise for the second time. In a similar move, the Spaniard found Arshavin whose shot gave Arsenal the lead for the first time during the match.
Blackburn had a good case for a penalty when Vermaelen seemed to have brought down Dunn but the referee waved it away and Arsenal just romped away. Fabregas continued trying to create chances for others but he had a go himself just under the hour when the ball fell kindly to him. His half volley left Robinson rooted as the ball went in the top corner.
The Fabregas show did not end there and Arsenal could have blew away Blackburn for double figures. But Robinson performed credibly and the visitors were also let off by some poor finishing by Arsene Wenger's charges. But there was nothing poor about Theo Walcott's finishing as he finished off a breath-taking Arsenal counter attack started by Fabregas in his own penalty area.
His introduction in the 69th minute was Walcott's first competitive appearance this season. Another substitute, Nicklas Bendtner got his name on the scoresheet as well with ten minutes to go when he cut across the field from the left after receiving a long pass from the right. His right foot shot sizzled past Robinson before going in off the post as The Gunners completed the half dozen.
With the kind of momentum they are on now, the international break is certainly not a welcome disturbance. However, it is hoped that it will continue for the visit of Birmingham City in a fortnight.
...
Then the visit of Blackburn Rovers on Sunday. It is never easy against Rovers, and Arsenal struggled most of the time when they came up against Sam Allardyces' Bolton Wanderers in the past.
Going a goal down inside four minutes was not what many Gooners had on their mind. Vito Manonne conceded his first Premier League goal as Steven Nzonzi looped over him from a long punt by Paul Robinson. The equaliser which came nearly quarter an hour later was the prelude of how Arsenal will score goals for the rest of the match.
The unlikely topscorer, Thomas Vermaelen tackle gave Arsenal possession and when it fell to skipper Cesc Fabregas, the ball back to the central defender was like serving it on a plate. His left foot drive saw Robinson grasping air and mad redo1 hi-fiving Nina at home.
It was completely opposite the way Blackburn regained the lead though credit must be given to David Dunn who made the extra man as they hit Arsenal on the break. Manonne seemed to have the shot covered but William Gallas's thigh got in the way. The deflection was enough to wrong foot the Italian custodian and mad redo1 found himself not laughing.
This could turn bad for the home side.
Fortunately, Fabregas decided to seize the day. After setting up Vermaelen for the first equaliser, his pass opened up the Blackburn defence for van Persie to equalise for the second time. In a similar move, the Spaniard found Arshavin whose shot gave Arsenal the lead for the first time during the match.
Blackburn had a good case for a penalty when Vermaelen seemed to have brought down Dunn but the referee waved it away and Arsenal just romped away. Fabregas continued trying to create chances for others but he had a go himself just under the hour when the ball fell kindly to him. His half volley left Robinson rooted as the ball went in the top corner.
The Fabregas show did not end there and Arsenal could have blew away Blackburn for double figures. But Robinson performed credibly and the visitors were also let off by some poor finishing by Arsene Wenger's charges. But there was nothing poor about Theo Walcott's finishing as he finished off a breath-taking Arsenal counter attack started by Fabregas in his own penalty area.
His introduction in the 69th minute was Walcott's first competitive appearance this season. Another substitute, Nicklas Bendtner got his name on the scoresheet as well with ten minutes to go when he cut across the field from the left after receiving a long pass from the right. His right foot shot sizzled past Robinson before going in off the post as The Gunners completed the half dozen.
With the kind of momentum they are on now, the international break is certainly not a welcome disturbance. However, it is hoped that it will continue for the visit of Birmingham City in a fortnight.
...
Sunday, 27 September 2009
Viva Mannone!
Craven Cottage is not an easy place to visit, especially for Arsenal for the past few seasons. Despite getting the required results most of the time from there, it also witnesses heartbreaks when Arsenal fail to reach their level of football. Even though a rarity but Arsenal are also known to grind out results despite not reaching that level.
Last night was one such cases. Fulham 'in-your-face' attitude did not allow Arsenal to really settle down and the trip to South London could have been a disastrous one if not for the heroics of an Italian young goalkeeper, Vito Mannone.
The saves he pulled from the likes of Andy Johnson and Bobby Zamora were first class and it kept the hopes up for Arsenal who scored the winner when Robin van Persie's deft first touch enabled him to deliver a quick finish just before Mark Schwarzer could deny the Dutchman. It was skipper Cesc Fabregas's vision and delivery that opened up the stout home defence.
It is still very early to judge Mannone even though the signs are good. I am sure Arsene Wenger will revert to Manuel Almunia once the Spaniard recovers from his illness. But one thing for sure, the competition for the place between the sticks will heat up, though I hope it would not escalate to a 'Lehmanesque' proportion.
Andrei Arshavin had a quiet match though there were a few moments that could have turned the match in his favour. But it was good to see him coming back especially with the Champions League match against Olympiakos coming up on Wednesday morning.
The three points from Craven Cottage are sure sweet but Mannone certainly provided the icing on the cake for me.
Go Gooners!
...
Last night was one such cases. Fulham 'in-your-face' attitude did not allow Arsenal to really settle down and the trip to South London could have been a disastrous one if not for the heroics of an Italian young goalkeeper, Vito Mannone.
The saves he pulled from the likes of Andy Johnson and Bobby Zamora were first class and it kept the hopes up for Arsenal who scored the winner when Robin van Persie's deft first touch enabled him to deliver a quick finish just before Mark Schwarzer could deny the Dutchman. It was skipper Cesc Fabregas's vision and delivery that opened up the stout home defence.
It is still very early to judge Mannone even though the signs are good. I am sure Arsene Wenger will revert to Manuel Almunia once the Spaniard recovers from his illness. But one thing for sure, the competition for the place between the sticks will heat up, though I hope it would not escalate to a 'Lehmanesque' proportion.
Andrei Arshavin had a quiet match though there were a few moments that could have turned the match in his favour. But it was good to see him coming back especially with the Champions League match against Olympiakos coming up on Wednesday morning.
The three points from Craven Cottage are sure sweet but Mannone certainly provided the icing on the cake for me.
Go Gooners!
...
Saturday, 19 September 2009
2009-10 So Far...
Seven matches into the new season mad redo1 feels that it is time to write again.
The new season for me does not really look that promising with the lack of major signing by Arsene Wenger. However, there is this quiet confidence that the Gooners would be able to mount serious challenges in every competition they enter.
The departure of the Togolese mercenary is most welcomed though the decision by Kolo Toure to seek better pay up north is not really what I want to see. However the arrival of Belgium international Thomas Vermaelen gives me some re-assurance of an adequate defensive unit to last throughout the season.
15-08-2009 Everton 1 Arsenal 6
It was a dream start. Getting six goals on the road on the first day of the season certainly gave you the shot of confidence that you need. It was a dream start too for Vermaelen who scored with a good header thirty seven minutes into the match.
18-08-2009 Celtic 0 Arsenal 2
It was not an easy trip to Glasgow but in the end lady luck favoured us with a goal scored via William Gallas' bums and another through an own goal by Steve Cladwell. The two goal lead certainly put us in the driving seat for the return.
22-08-2009 Arsenal 4 Portsmouth 1
Gallas continued to score freak goals with another one against Pompey. This time it was his face that did the business. Abou Diaby scored twice and a cool finish by Aaron Ramsey saw Arsenal finding the net for the twelve times in three matches this season.
26-08-2009 Arsenal 3 Celtic 1
The match would be remembered by the Eduardo alleged 'dive' that brought post match action by the UEFA. In the end it was an efficient performance by the Gooners capped by a wonderful goal by Andrei Arshavin though the strike by Italian Massimo Donatti for the Scots was equally impressive.
29-08-2009 Manchester United 2 Arsenal 1
The 'Master Diver' did his stuff again for the Red Devils to earn the penalty that equalised the score after Arshavin's wonderful shot had put the Gooners in the lead at half time. Inept refereeing saw Arsenal were denied a clear penalty when Darren Fletcher brought down the Russian in the box. But it was an Arsenal player who did the most damage. Diaby under no pressure nodded the ball past the stranded Manuel Almunia from a free kick.
12-09-2009 Manchester City 4 Arsenal 2
An additional edge to the match was the first encounter with the Mercenary since he changed his colours to the light blue of Manchester City. It was a see-saw match with the home side opened scoring through a lucky goal when Almunia's back deflected the ball into the net after it has came back off the post.
A wonderful shot by Robin van Persie brought the teams level again but Mercenary decided to do the damage physically on the Dutch striker. Then after bringing the score to 3-1 to his side, he ran the full length of the pitch to celebrate it in front of the travelling Gooners who of course would not let the baiting went unpunished.
16-09-2009 Standard Liege 2 Arsenal 3
Going two goals down inside the first five minutes could be a traumatising experience for anybody. But a strong fightback saw Arsenal winning by the odd goal when Eduardo scored through his knee. It was elation all the way.
Tonight's match against Wigan at the Emirates should be used to regain the momentum which has been lost after the two consecutive defeats in Manchester. Even though Roberto Martinez's side should never be underestimated.
Not at your peril.
...
The new season for me does not really look that promising with the lack of major signing by Arsene Wenger. However, there is this quiet confidence that the Gooners would be able to mount serious challenges in every competition they enter.
The departure of the Togolese mercenary is most welcomed though the decision by Kolo Toure to seek better pay up north is not really what I want to see. However the arrival of Belgium international Thomas Vermaelen gives me some re-assurance of an adequate defensive unit to last throughout the season.
15-08-2009 Everton 1 Arsenal 6
It was a dream start. Getting six goals on the road on the first day of the season certainly gave you the shot of confidence that you need. It was a dream start too for Vermaelen who scored with a good header thirty seven minutes into the match.
18-08-2009 Celtic 0 Arsenal 2
It was not an easy trip to Glasgow but in the end lady luck favoured us with a goal scored via William Gallas' bums and another through an own goal by Steve Cladwell. The two goal lead certainly put us in the driving seat for the return.
22-08-2009 Arsenal 4 Portsmouth 1
Gallas continued to score freak goals with another one against Pompey. This time it was his face that did the business. Abou Diaby scored twice and a cool finish by Aaron Ramsey saw Arsenal finding the net for the twelve times in three matches this season.
26-08-2009 Arsenal 3 Celtic 1
The match would be remembered by the Eduardo alleged 'dive' that brought post match action by the UEFA. In the end it was an efficient performance by the Gooners capped by a wonderful goal by Andrei Arshavin though the strike by Italian Massimo Donatti for the Scots was equally impressive.
29-08-2009 Manchester United 2 Arsenal 1
The 'Master Diver' did his stuff again for the Red Devils to earn the penalty that equalised the score after Arshavin's wonderful shot had put the Gooners in the lead at half time. Inept refereeing saw Arsenal were denied a clear penalty when Darren Fletcher brought down the Russian in the box. But it was an Arsenal player who did the most damage. Diaby under no pressure nodded the ball past the stranded Manuel Almunia from a free kick.
12-09-2009 Manchester City 4 Arsenal 2
An additional edge to the match was the first encounter with the Mercenary since he changed his colours to the light blue of Manchester City. It was a see-saw match with the home side opened scoring through a lucky goal when Almunia's back deflected the ball into the net after it has came back off the post.
A wonderful shot by Robin van Persie brought the teams level again but Mercenary decided to do the damage physically on the Dutch striker. Then after bringing the score to 3-1 to his side, he ran the full length of the pitch to celebrate it in front of the travelling Gooners who of course would not let the baiting went unpunished.
16-09-2009 Standard Liege 2 Arsenal 3
Going two goals down inside the first five minutes could be a traumatising experience for anybody. But a strong fightback saw Arsenal winning by the odd goal when Eduardo scored through his knee. It was elation all the way.
Tonight's match against Wigan at the Emirates should be used to regain the momentum which has been lost after the two consecutive defeats in Manchester. Even though Roberto Martinez's side should never be underestimated.
Not at your peril.
...
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