Stoke City 2 Fuller, Olofawhat?
Arsenal 1 Glichy
As an optimist Arsenal fan I would say the latest defeat at the Brittania Stadium came at a very good time, as it is still early in the season. But this was our third defeat and they all came against sides that were not really up there in 'our league', or so we thought.
But if we cannot beat teams that are from the lower league, then are we ready to compete in our own league then?
As it is, we are still just three points off the pace, a bit of gratitude to the boys in white tonight who clearly benefited from our generosity on Thursday morning (Malaysian time that is). Chelski's mauling of Roy Keane's Sunderland meant they went to the top on better goal difference than Liverpool.
Back to the match against Tony Pulis's Stoke City, we started without the injured (allegedly) William Gallas. Robin van Persie, Samir Nasri and Theo Walcott found themselves on the bench with Nicklas Bendtner, Abou Diaby and Alex Song replacing them in the first eleven.
But watching Arsenal play you could not believe that this is a team who has not won anything since 2005. They lacked the hunger and drive to play the match with a fast tempo, something which I really think was urgently needed in order to get past the ageing Stoke defence.
Then we fell behind when our defensive frailties were exposed again. For the goal I really think Manuel Almunia should have came for the ball as it was travelling right at him, or at least he would have squeezed a foul from the referee with Ricardo Fuller backing into him.
I would have expected that we would show more creativity and pace in search for the equaliser but there was none. Manu Adebayor's body language clearly showed that he did not wish to be there.
Come on! You are a six foot plus striker but did not strike any fear at all to the opposing defenders who are just happy to hassle you into making mistakes with your poor first touch and lately clumsy jumps. The less said about your finishing the better.
I do not think I have ever said this before but seeing Adebayor going off was perhaps my highlight of the match. Last season I was all out defending the Togolese poor finishing, that he would have to have quite a number of chances before finally finding the net. I was proud doing that because Adebayor seemed to give everything he got.
Unfortunately, his transfer episode during the summer has completely turned me against him and I would rather have the millions from Milan or Barcelona than having to see him giving half hearted performance such as the one at Stoke just now.
Credit must be given to Pulis as he maximised the strength that his side has and the home fans deserved to go home with all the three points. It was rather unfortunate that the hunger and drive which was lacking throughout the match from the Arsenal players only came during time added on.
Congratulations to Gael Clichy for scoring his first senior goal with a pinball effort which gave Thomas Sorensen no chance at all. But it came all too little too late.
Arsene Wenger must be counting his woes as Walcott and Sagna went off injured. I really must say that a straight red card for van Persie was rather extreme by Rob Styles and the most the Dutchman should have got was a yellow card.
But as an optimist Arsenal fan, I really believe that there is a silver lining somewhere in the clouds for us Gooners. So just be patient and hope we will see it soon.
Really soon.
...
Showing posts with label Adebayor. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Adebayor. Show all posts
Sunday, 2 November 2008
Sunday, 28 September 2008
Not A Happy Anniversary for Arsene.
Arsenal 1 McShane OG
Hull City 2 Geovanni Cousin
Many were expecting a cricket score when Hull City came a visiting but I did share that view. Not after a good start made by Phil Brown's men that saw them in the top half of the Premier League table rather than the bottom.
But then again, I did not expect us to lose either.
On the 12th anniversary of a certain Arsene Wenger officially joined Arsenal it should be a week of celebration. Results from previous matches against Bolton Wanderers and Sheffield United indicated the Gunners would be too much for the Tigers to handle.
However, Brown did not spend years under Sam Allardyce at the Reebok Stadium without picking up a thing or two from the big man when it comes to playing Arsenal.
There was a quote from Brown that to come away with anything from the Emirates is to catch Arsenal on an off day. It was certainly that day.
The first half was largely a forgetable affair with neither goalkeeper has to make any serious save at all. Then suddenly everything clicked into one fluid movement with Theo Walcott finally found his groove and a lucky deflection later Arsenal finally broke the deadlock.
A collective sigh of relief by many at the Emirates.
But it was not for long. A moment of magic by Geovanni brought things level again. The Brazillian was allowed too much time and space by the Arsenal players and there was nothing Manuel Almunia could do but grasping thin air as the ball whizzed past him.
A goal of the season candidate for sure.
Things got worse a bit later. Arsenal had conceded two goals from set-pieces this season and tonight they conceded another. The way Daniel Cousin scored his first goal for Hull indicated that we still need a big tall centre-half who could take charge from this kind of situation.
Neither William Gallas nor Kolo Toure could rectify the situation. Clearly, we are still looking for the next Tony Adams.
One thing about the match last night was that many Arsenal players looked like they were fasting. They were lacking the urgency required to match the pressing game that Brown instructed his men to carry out.
I am getting tired of seeing the two Manus, Eboue and Adebayor.
We played quite a number of high balls into the box but with Robin Van Persie being not the best player with the head, it would make more sense if Nicklas Bendtner was given the slot to partner Adebayor up-front.
I would play Walcott on the left and Van Persie on the opposite flank so they could cut inside and the more damage with their right and left feet respectively. A bit predictable but there would be variety and physical presence up-front especially against a team which has this never say die attitude that we were sadly lacking during the match.
Carlos Vela should have been given the nod sooner, especially after we fell behind in order for him to make a meaningful contribution. He was quite unlucky when the ball fell too near to him from the Gallas header.
As always, the question of luck would always come in after a defeat and it is no different this time around.
We simply did not have much of it tonight.
...
Hull City 2 Geovanni Cousin
Many were expecting a cricket score when Hull City came a visiting but I did share that view. Not after a good start made by Phil Brown's men that saw them in the top half of the Premier League table rather than the bottom.
But then again, I did not expect us to lose either.
On the 12th anniversary of a certain Arsene Wenger officially joined Arsenal it should be a week of celebration. Results from previous matches against Bolton Wanderers and Sheffield United indicated the Gunners would be too much for the Tigers to handle.
However, Brown did not spend years under Sam Allardyce at the Reebok Stadium without picking up a thing or two from the big man when it comes to playing Arsenal.
There was a quote from Brown that to come away with anything from the Emirates is to catch Arsenal on an off day. It was certainly that day.
The first half was largely a forgetable affair with neither goalkeeper has to make any serious save at all. Then suddenly everything clicked into one fluid movement with Theo Walcott finally found his groove and a lucky deflection later Arsenal finally broke the deadlock.
A collective sigh of relief by many at the Emirates.
But it was not for long. A moment of magic by Geovanni brought things level again. The Brazillian was allowed too much time and space by the Arsenal players and there was nothing Manuel Almunia could do but grasping thin air as the ball whizzed past him.
A goal of the season candidate for sure.
Things got worse a bit later. Arsenal had conceded two goals from set-pieces this season and tonight they conceded another. The way Daniel Cousin scored his first goal for Hull indicated that we still need a big tall centre-half who could take charge from this kind of situation.
Neither William Gallas nor Kolo Toure could rectify the situation. Clearly, we are still looking for the next Tony Adams.
One thing about the match last night was that many Arsenal players looked like they were fasting. They were lacking the urgency required to match the pressing game that Brown instructed his men to carry out.
I am getting tired of seeing the two Manus, Eboue and Adebayor.
We played quite a number of high balls into the box but with Robin Van Persie being not the best player with the head, it would make more sense if Nicklas Bendtner was given the slot to partner Adebayor up-front.
I would play Walcott on the left and Van Persie on the opposite flank so they could cut inside and the more damage with their right and left feet respectively. A bit predictable but there would be variety and physical presence up-front especially against a team which has this never say die attitude that we were sadly lacking during the match.
Carlos Vela should have been given the nod sooner, especially after we fell behind in order for him to make a meaningful contribution. He was quite unlucky when the ball fell too near to him from the Gallas header.
As always, the question of luck would always come in after a defeat and it is no different this time around.
We simply did not have much of it tonight.
...
Sunday, 21 September 2008
Another Comeback at the Reebok
Bolton 1 Davies
Arsenal 3 Eboue Bendtner Denilson
Arsenal went to the top of the Premier League with this comeback victory at the Reebok Stadium against what used to be their bogey team, Bolton Wanderers. It was a delight to watch the slick passing of the Gunners overcoming direct football deployed by the home team who relied on dead ball situations to pose problems to the Arsenal defence.
Despite using the direct route for most of the time, there were some moments of flair from Gary Megson's side. Kevin Nolan's long range effort in the 3rd minute ensured Manuel Almunia was on his toes throughout the match.
The visitors created a host of chances but much to the delight of the majority in the crowd, Bolton went ahead in the 14th minute through Kevin Davies who capitalised on some loose marking in the Arsenal defence from a Joey O'Brien's corner. It was a typical Bolton goal against Arsenal.
Then Manu Adebayor and Alex Song hit the post as Arsenal pressed forward for the equaliser. Then Kolo Toure saw his effort went just wide after Nicklas Bendtner had chested down the ball for him.
The Danish striker played a huge part in the equaliser by threading the ball for Manu Eboue to shoot home past Jussi Jaaskelainen. Replays suggested that the Ivorian was offside when the pass was made but this time the decision went Arsenal's way.
Barely a minute later Bendtner got his name on the scoresheet when another sweeping move on the left saw Denilson sprinting clear before delivering a low ball into the box. The tall Dane attacked the near post and managed to connect with the ball and turned it past Jasskelainen.
Toure and Almunia then combined to prevent Bolton from going to the interval on level terms. The Ivorian defender clean tackle robbed the ball from Ricardo Gardner who was poised to pull the trigger inside the box. Then Almunia dived to his left to push away Nolan's effort after the midfielder was set-up by Joey O'Brien.
Then a hard tackle on Gael Clichy by Davies saw the France international being taken off during the interval and Johan Djourou came on for the second half at the right-back spot while Bacary Sagna moved to the left to take Clichy's place.
Song nearly made the contest over in the opening minutes of second half with a good shot from outside the box but Jasskelainen denied the Arsenal midfielder with a good save.
As expected, Bolton would always be a threat with a single goal lead and they came close in finding the equaliser a number of times in the second half. However, Arsenal defended stoutly and when substitute Theo Walcott's pace led to another quick counter-attack Bolton were exposed.
The youngster found Adebayor who ran to the right. The Togolese delivered a hard low ball across the face of the goal and Denilson who came in from the blind side side-footed the ball home to ensure the three points going Arsenal's way.
For the moment, Arsenal are on top and hopefully they would remain there.
...
Arsenal 3 Eboue Bendtner Denilson
Arsenal went to the top of the Premier League with this comeback victory at the Reebok Stadium against what used to be their bogey team, Bolton Wanderers. It was a delight to watch the slick passing of the Gunners overcoming direct football deployed by the home team who relied on dead ball situations to pose problems to the Arsenal defence.
Despite using the direct route for most of the time, there were some moments of flair from Gary Megson's side. Kevin Nolan's long range effort in the 3rd minute ensured Manuel Almunia was on his toes throughout the match.
The visitors created a host of chances but much to the delight of the majority in the crowd, Bolton went ahead in the 14th minute through Kevin Davies who capitalised on some loose marking in the Arsenal defence from a Joey O'Brien's corner. It was a typical Bolton goal against Arsenal.
Then Manu Adebayor and Alex Song hit the post as Arsenal pressed forward for the equaliser. Then Kolo Toure saw his effort went just wide after Nicklas Bendtner had chested down the ball for him.
The Danish striker played a huge part in the equaliser by threading the ball for Manu Eboue to shoot home past Jussi Jaaskelainen. Replays suggested that the Ivorian was offside when the pass was made but this time the decision went Arsenal's way.
Barely a minute later Bendtner got his name on the scoresheet when another sweeping move on the left saw Denilson sprinting clear before delivering a low ball into the box. The tall Dane attacked the near post and managed to connect with the ball and turned it past Jasskelainen.
Toure and Almunia then combined to prevent Bolton from going to the interval on level terms. The Ivorian defender clean tackle robbed the ball from Ricardo Gardner who was poised to pull the trigger inside the box. Then Almunia dived to his left to push away Nolan's effort after the midfielder was set-up by Joey O'Brien.
Then a hard tackle on Gael Clichy by Davies saw the France international being taken off during the interval and Johan Djourou came on for the second half at the right-back spot while Bacary Sagna moved to the left to take Clichy's place.
Song nearly made the contest over in the opening minutes of second half with a good shot from outside the box but Jasskelainen denied the Arsenal midfielder with a good save.
As expected, Bolton would always be a threat with a single goal lead and they came close in finding the equaliser a number of times in the second half. However, Arsenal defended stoutly and when substitute Theo Walcott's pace led to another quick counter-attack Bolton were exposed.
The youngster found Adebayor who ran to the right. The Togolese delivered a hard low ball across the face of the goal and Denilson who came in from the blind side side-footed the ball home to ensure the three points going Arsenal's way.
For the moment, Arsenal are on top and hopefully they would remain there.
...
Thursday, 18 September 2008
Back From the Dead
Dynamo Kiev 1 Bangoura
Arsenal 1 Gallas
Arsene Wenger expected a point from the trip to Kiev and a single point was what Arsenal got. The first half suggested that the trip back to London would be a jovial one as Arsenal stamped their authority all over their Ukrainian opponents.
Robin Van Persie came close but the biggest miss of the night surely had to be attributed to Manu Adebayor who shot high and wide with only the goalkeeper to beat after a mistake by the home defence.
Had Arsenal be more clinical in their finishing it would have been a different story altogether and continue Dynamo's run of defeats in the Champions League. Last season the Kiev side finished bottom of their group without a single point.
Perhaps the capital of Ukraine held a curse on Arsenal as the Gunners never get the right result there. But a point is definitely better than none though for a long time after going behind, Arsenal did not look like scoring at all.
Of course the penalty decision was very harsh and I thought the Dynamo player induced the penalty by pulling Bacary Sagna to fall with him. However it would not have come to that if William Gallas had not misjudged the flight of the ball which led to the break by Dynamo.
I was mouthing all kind of bad words to both Gallas and Adebayor when the two of them played quite a significant role in bringing the score to par. First the Togolese found the unmarked Theo Walcott wide on the right. Good for him.
Then Gallas popped up at the end of Walcott's low hard ball across the Dynamo's goalmouth to divert it into the net though there was a hint of offside (I think...) when he connected with the ball.
We continued to push forward but a point from Kiev could be regarded as a success considering previous heartbreaks that we suffered there.
Now, the Reebok awaits and hopefully we could snatch another three points there like we did last season.
...
Arsenal 1 Gallas
Arsene Wenger expected a point from the trip to Kiev and a single point was what Arsenal got. The first half suggested that the trip back to London would be a jovial one as Arsenal stamped their authority all over their Ukrainian opponents.
Robin Van Persie came close but the biggest miss of the night surely had to be attributed to Manu Adebayor who shot high and wide with only the goalkeeper to beat after a mistake by the home defence.
Had Arsenal be more clinical in their finishing it would have been a different story altogether and continue Dynamo's run of defeats in the Champions League. Last season the Kiev side finished bottom of their group without a single point.
Perhaps the capital of Ukraine held a curse on Arsenal as the Gunners never get the right result there. But a point is definitely better than none though for a long time after going behind, Arsenal did not look like scoring at all.
Of course the penalty decision was very harsh and I thought the Dynamo player induced the penalty by pulling Bacary Sagna to fall with him. However it would not have come to that if William Gallas had not misjudged the flight of the ball which led to the break by Dynamo.
I was mouthing all kind of bad words to both Gallas and Adebayor when the two of them played quite a significant role in bringing the score to par. First the Togolese found the unmarked Theo Walcott wide on the right. Good for him.
Then Gallas popped up at the end of Walcott's low hard ball across the Dynamo's goalmouth to divert it into the net though there was a hint of offside (I think...) when he connected with the ball.
We continued to push forward but a point from Kiev could be regarded as a success considering previous heartbreaks that we suffered there.
Now, the Reebok awaits and hopefully we could snatch another three points there like we did last season.
...
Sunday, 14 September 2008
E-Wow Park: Four on the Road
Blackburn 0
Arsenal 4 Van Persie, Adebayor 3
Last season the visit to Ewood Park spelt the end of Jens Lehmann's time with Arsenal after he let slip a long range effort by David Dunn as Arsenal were forced to share the points that afternoon. This time around it was completely the opposite as the Gunners ran out easy winners and by a scoreline which was quite unexpected.
Theo Walcott continued from where he left at the Maksimir Stadium in Zagreb on Wednesday with another display of confidence and maturity. Despite not getting on the scoresheet himself, the run that he made which opened the path for Robin Van Persie to score was certainly crucial.
The lead gave Arsenal confidence and despite not increasing the lead until late into time added on at the end of the half, Arsene Wenger's men were never in any real danger as they seized control of the proceedings.
The three goals scored by Manu Adebayor did take a few chunks of my 'dislike' for him. I do not know when it will be completely gone, perhaps it never will but as long as he is doing the job for Arsenal then it is fine by me.
So it is the long trip to Kiev now and hopefully the result there would be great for us Gooners.
...
Arsenal 4 Van Persie, Adebayor 3
Last season the visit to Ewood Park spelt the end of Jens Lehmann's time with Arsenal after he let slip a long range effort by David Dunn as Arsenal were forced to share the points that afternoon. This time around it was completely the opposite as the Gunners ran out easy winners and by a scoreline which was quite unexpected.
Theo Walcott continued from where he left at the Maksimir Stadium in Zagreb on Wednesday with another display of confidence and maturity. Despite not getting on the scoresheet himself, the run that he made which opened the path for Robin Van Persie to score was certainly crucial.
The lead gave Arsenal confidence and despite not increasing the lead until late into time added on at the end of the half, Arsene Wenger's men were never in any real danger as they seized control of the proceedings.
The three goals scored by Manu Adebayor did take a few chunks of my 'dislike' for him. I do not know when it will be completely gone, perhaps it never will but as long as he is doing the job for Arsenal then it is fine by me.
So it is the long trip to Kiev now and hopefully the result there would be great for us Gooners.
...
Tuesday, 12 August 2008
Now For the Real Thing!
It is indeed a hectic by all means. The Malaysia Cup has reached the semi-finals with my local team, Terengganu had to endure a penalty shoot-out against Perlis before coming out on top.
The football season is coming to its end in Malaysia, many are relishing the coming of the Barclays Premier League new season. Arsenal has completed its pre-season programme with fans looking forward to an improved results from last season. But before that, there is the short trip to Eschende to meet Steve McClaren's FC Twente in order to qualify to the lucrative Champions' League.
The current immediate concern of many Arsenal fans is the thin layer of midfielders at our disposal with the departure of Matt Flamini, Alex Hleb and Gilberto Silva. Abou Diaby who was touted as the next Patrick Vieira due to the physical similarities seems to be spending more time on the treatment table and when given the chance on the pitch, failed to grab the opportunity to really establish himself.
Thus, the match in the Netherlands would probably see Cesc Fabregas and Denilson being partnered together. Theo Walcott and Samir Nasri (if he overcomes his injury) would probably provide the thrust from the wings. If the Frenchman does not make it we would probably see Manu Eboue operating on the right though I think Carlos Vela, Jack Wilshere or Armand Traore could be deployed there.
One good thing coming from the Armsterdam Tournament was the performance of Lukasz Fabianski between the sticks. He commanded the box well against Sevilla with several good takes when dealing with crosses. He also reacted well on one to one situations and showed good agility when required. A stiff competition to Manuel Almunia is foreseen here.
With Arsene Wenger prefers to do his dealings behind closed doors it is a bit difficult to guess who are joining the ranks though the addition of Xabi Alonso certainly would see my optimism rises a bit. Hopefully Arsene will find the time soon.
Astro has been a good satellite TV provider with the match at Huddersfield being telecast 'live' here in Malaysia. It is always good to see a good comeback after falling behind. The youngsters certainly showed plenty of character with the winner by Nacer Barazite indicated that the boy is progressing well.
Another good comeback was at the Amsterdam ArenA against host Ajax. Who would have predicted the two Manus would combine so well to score the first one with Eboue finding the head of Adebayor. The Togolese is trying his best to win back the heart of Arsenal supporters and his determination opened the chance for Nicklas Bendtner to equalise.
Then a good one-two with Denilson led to the winner by Adebayor though he would have to improve his rate of conversion in order to climb the charts of legends that have donned the red and white of Arsenal in the past. During the match alone he had me tearing my hair on numerous occassions for failing to do things that are expected of an Arsenal player.
I am hoping that Fabianski will start the match on Wednesday but I believe it will be Almunia and William Gallas to partner Kolo Toure in defence. Bacary Sagna and Gael Clichy will provide the support for Walcott and Nasri respectively. Fabregas and Denilson will provide the openings for Adebayor and Robin Van Persie and hopefully we will come back with one foot already in the pot.
Go Gooners!
...
The football season is coming to its end in Malaysia, many are relishing the coming of the Barclays Premier League new season. Arsenal has completed its pre-season programme with fans looking forward to an improved results from last season. But before that, there is the short trip to Eschende to meet Steve McClaren's FC Twente in order to qualify to the lucrative Champions' League.
The current immediate concern of many Arsenal fans is the thin layer of midfielders at our disposal with the departure of Matt Flamini, Alex Hleb and Gilberto Silva. Abou Diaby who was touted as the next Patrick Vieira due to the physical similarities seems to be spending more time on the treatment table and when given the chance on the pitch, failed to grab the opportunity to really establish himself.
Thus, the match in the Netherlands would probably see Cesc Fabregas and Denilson being partnered together. Theo Walcott and Samir Nasri (if he overcomes his injury) would probably provide the thrust from the wings. If the Frenchman does not make it we would probably see Manu Eboue operating on the right though I think Carlos Vela, Jack Wilshere or Armand Traore could be deployed there.
One good thing coming from the Armsterdam Tournament was the performance of Lukasz Fabianski between the sticks. He commanded the box well against Sevilla with several good takes when dealing with crosses. He also reacted well on one to one situations and showed good agility when required. A stiff competition to Manuel Almunia is foreseen here.
With Arsene Wenger prefers to do his dealings behind closed doors it is a bit difficult to guess who are joining the ranks though the addition of Xabi Alonso certainly would see my optimism rises a bit. Hopefully Arsene will find the time soon.
Astro has been a good satellite TV provider with the match at Huddersfield being telecast 'live' here in Malaysia. It is always good to see a good comeback after falling behind. The youngsters certainly showed plenty of character with the winner by Nacer Barazite indicated that the boy is progressing well.
Another good comeback was at the Amsterdam ArenA against host Ajax. Who would have predicted the two Manus would combine so well to score the first one with Eboue finding the head of Adebayor. The Togolese is trying his best to win back the heart of Arsenal supporters and his determination opened the chance for Nicklas Bendtner to equalise.
Then a good one-two with Denilson led to the winner by Adebayor though he would have to improve his rate of conversion in order to climb the charts of legends that have donned the red and white of Arsenal in the past. During the match alone he had me tearing my hair on numerous occassions for failing to do things that are expected of an Arsenal player.
I am hoping that Fabianski will start the match on Wednesday but I believe it will be Almunia and William Gallas to partner Kolo Toure in defence. Bacary Sagna and Gael Clichy will provide the support for Walcott and Nasri respectively. Fabregas and Denilson will provide the openings for Adebayor and Robin Van Persie and hopefully we will come back with one foot already in the pot.
Go Gooners!
...
Monday, 4 August 2008
Emirates Cup Round Up
Thanks to astro, the premier (the only one in fact) satellite TV provider in Malaysia, I was able to watch Arsenal matches in the Emirates Cup Tournament which was won by another Emirates sponsored team, Hamburg SV.
It has been typically frustrating at times watching Arsenal when they are unable to finish the many chances created during a match, and this weekend is no exception. Against Juventus they could and should have at least achieved parity and they should have scored more against Real Madrid.
Of course result wise, these are not really important anyway but the way we keep on wasting chances perhaps is a matter of grave concern.
In Samir Nasri I believe we have a very exciting player that could contribute to our goals for tally a-la Robert Pires. I did not recall any shooting chances for the French international during the tournament, but of course against quality opponents such as Juventus and Real Madrid chances are bound to be at premium.
I am not really sure about Abou Diaby though. His tendency to be robbed off the ball has not yet been rectified though the performance of Denilson left me a bit warm inside with the hope that he could be the player to partner Cesc Fabregas in the middle.
Despite him trying very hard I just could not watch Manu Adebayor without some sort of negative feelings burning up inside me. He can say anything that he wants but it is very hard to just think of all the stories surfacing during the summer were mere miscommunications or the work of someone who has some bad intentions to the Togolese.
Just seeing him typically missing his chances during the matches against Juventus and Real Madrid really made me having some bad intentions towards him.
Anyway, other Arsenal players that took the pitch on Saturday and Sunday really made feel good and strengthened my belief that our position is not really that bad personnel wise. Aaron Ramsey, Carlos Vela and Jack Wilshere really impressed me and I would not be surprised if they would appear more frequently rather than just the odd cup matches.
Tonight was a good night for me, winning a bowling competition organised by our local football team Terengganu which just qualified for the last eight of the Malaysia Cup. Supporting Arsenal is one thing but this is where I get my 'live' football fix. Maybe more about this later.
...
It has been typically frustrating at times watching Arsenal when they are unable to finish the many chances created during a match, and this weekend is no exception. Against Juventus they could and should have at least achieved parity and they should have scored more against Real Madrid.
Of course result wise, these are not really important anyway but the way we keep on wasting chances perhaps is a matter of grave concern.
In Samir Nasri I believe we have a very exciting player that could contribute to our goals for tally a-la Robert Pires. I did not recall any shooting chances for the French international during the tournament, but of course against quality opponents such as Juventus and Real Madrid chances are bound to be at premium.
I am not really sure about Abou Diaby though. His tendency to be robbed off the ball has not yet been rectified though the performance of Denilson left me a bit warm inside with the hope that he could be the player to partner Cesc Fabregas in the middle.
Despite him trying very hard I just could not watch Manu Adebayor without some sort of negative feelings burning up inside me. He can say anything that he wants but it is very hard to just think of all the stories surfacing during the summer were mere miscommunications or the work of someone who has some bad intentions to the Togolese.
Just seeing him typically missing his chances during the matches against Juventus and Real Madrid really made me having some bad intentions towards him.
Anyway, other Arsenal players that took the pitch on Saturday and Sunday really made feel good and strengthened my belief that our position is not really that bad personnel wise. Aaron Ramsey, Carlos Vela and Jack Wilshere really impressed me and I would not be surprised if they would appear more frequently rather than just the odd cup matches.
Tonight was a good night for me, winning a bowling competition organised by our local football team Terengganu which just qualified for the last eight of the Malaysia Cup. Supporting Arsenal is one thing but this is where I get my 'live' football fix. Maybe more about this later.
...
Saturday, 2 August 2008
Short Trip Across the Channel
So the draw has been made and we are going to Enschede to face FC Twente in order to qualify for the group stages of the European Champions League this season. As highlighted by Arsene Wenger, the tie requires full concentration because the Dutch side now under the guidance from former England manager Steve McLaren could spring a few surprises as they did last season by finishing a credible fourth in the Dutch League.
The short trip should work to our advantage as it would mean that the travelling would be short and simple unlike last two seasons when we had to travel to the Balkans before qualifying to the group stage proper.
There were also comments from Manu Adebayor about him never has any intention to leave the Emirates and that he did not know the source that triggered all the quotes and speculations. Furthermore he stressed that 'his heart is with Arsenal'. At the moment. For me, it is more of a damage limitation exercise on the Togolese part rather to win back support from the fans.
He would completely win me over by scoring 43 goals this season.
Then there was this news about how Arsenal youth set-up is working well, especially if we manage to get something from the transfer proceed of David Bentley move from Blackburn to the Sp*ds next door. Nice piece of business there. Perhaps, if he had more patient he could have made the Pires/Ljungberg positions his own after the duo have left Arsenal. But we will never know.
The good news for us in Malaysia is that the Arsenal versus Juventus match in the Emirates Cup will be shown 'live' by the satellite TV provider.
At two in the morning.
But I am not complaning. Now. Hopefully I would not be complaning after the match too.
...
The short trip should work to our advantage as it would mean that the travelling would be short and simple unlike last two seasons when we had to travel to the Balkans before qualifying to the group stage proper.
There were also comments from Manu Adebayor about him never has any intention to leave the Emirates and that he did not know the source that triggered all the quotes and speculations. Furthermore he stressed that 'his heart is with Arsenal'. At the moment. For me, it is more of a damage limitation exercise on the Togolese part rather to win back support from the fans.
He would completely win me over by scoring 43 goals this season.
Then there was this news about how Arsenal youth set-up is working well, especially if we manage to get something from the transfer proceed of David Bentley move from Blackburn to the Sp*ds next door. Nice piece of business there. Perhaps, if he had more patient he could have made the Pires/Ljungberg positions his own after the duo have left Arsenal. But we will never know.
The good news for us in Malaysia is that the Arsenal versus Juventus match in the Emirates Cup will be shown 'live' by the satellite TV provider.
At two in the morning.
But I am not complaning. Now. Hopefully I would not be complaning after the match too.
...
Thursday, 31 July 2008
All Class at the Mercedez
Finally I got the chance to watch a 'live' Arsenal performance during this pre-season when they registered a 3-1 win at the Mercedez Benz Arena against a VfB Stuttgart side fielding former Gunner goalkeeper, Jens Lehmann in their starting line-up.
A few 'big' names made their return to the Arsenal line-up though I have mixed feelings seeing Manu 'Add-No-Buyer' in the new away kit. Though the feeling was the complete opposite when it comes to Robin Van Persie who I really hope to be able to stay injury free and realise his tremendous potential.
Despite having seen him play before for France, this was the first time I saw Samir Nasri playing in the colours of Arsenal and despite not setting the stadium alight, he showed enough for me to keep looking for more when the real business starts in earnest.
Lehmann certainly did not show any generousity towards his former colleagues, pulling several saves which any goalkeeper would be proud off. However he could do nothing when Arsenal stepped up a gear after falling behind to a Yildiray Basturk goal just six minutes into the second half.
Carlos Vela could be another gem discovered by Arsenal Wenger and his cool finish after shaking off the burly Khaled Boulahrouj and beating Lehmann certainly showed big potential of the young Mexican.
With Nicklas Bendtner continued his fine scoring form with another efficient performance and a sharp finish to put Arsenal into the lead, I really hope Arsene will give the Danish youngster the opportunity to cement his place in the line-up.
A crisp finish by 16 years old Jack Wilshere underlined what Wenger has seen in the youngster, who by being included in this pre-season tour indicated that he could see competitive first team action sooner than his peers. Hopefully he would keep his head firmly on the ground and would not go looking for grandmas in the future.
For the time being there is no indication that the Emirates Cup will be shown on the satellite TV provider here in Malaysia. Last year they did and it was the same for the Armsterdam Tournament. Hopefully this year they will too.
By the way, Chelski dropped by to play against the Malaysian National team and they won 2-0. The goals were scored by two former Gunners in Abdul Bilal Salam a.k.a Nicolas Anelka and by the left-back before Gael Glichy.
It was the second goal scored by the Frenchman, who notched his first during Arsenal visit to Malaysia on 19 May, 1999. The only time that I ever saw the Gunners in action right in front of my own eyes.
...
A few 'big' names made their return to the Arsenal line-up though I have mixed feelings seeing Manu 'Add-No-Buyer' in the new away kit. Though the feeling was the complete opposite when it comes to Robin Van Persie who I really hope to be able to stay injury free and realise his tremendous potential.
Despite having seen him play before for France, this was the first time I saw Samir Nasri playing in the colours of Arsenal and despite not setting the stadium alight, he showed enough for me to keep looking for more when the real business starts in earnest.
Lehmann certainly did not show any generousity towards his former colleagues, pulling several saves which any goalkeeper would be proud off. However he could do nothing when Arsenal stepped up a gear after falling behind to a Yildiray Basturk goal just six minutes into the second half.
Carlos Vela could be another gem discovered by Arsenal Wenger and his cool finish after shaking off the burly Khaled Boulahrouj and beating Lehmann certainly showed big potential of the young Mexican.
With Nicklas Bendtner continued his fine scoring form with another efficient performance and a sharp finish to put Arsenal into the lead, I really hope Arsene will give the Danish youngster the opportunity to cement his place in the line-up.
A crisp finish by 16 years old Jack Wilshere underlined what Wenger has seen in the youngster, who by being included in this pre-season tour indicated that he could see competitive first team action sooner than his peers. Hopefully he would keep his head firmly on the ground and would not go looking for grandmas in the future.
For the time being there is no indication that the Emirates Cup will be shown on the satellite TV provider here in Malaysia. Last year they did and it was the same for the Armsterdam Tournament. Hopefully this year they will too.
By the way, Chelski dropped by to play against the Malaysian National team and they won 2-0. The goals were scored by two former Gunners in Abdul Bilal Salam a.k.a Nicolas Anelka and by the left-back before Gael Glichy.
It was the second goal scored by the Frenchman, who notched his first during Arsenal visit to Malaysia on 19 May, 1999. The only time that I ever saw the Gunners in action right in front of my own eyes.
...
Sunday, 27 July 2008
Three Gooners in the News
Arsenal continue with their training in Austria with a match against a Burgenland Selection on Monday. Interestingly, from the photos taken by the club photographer Manu Adebayor has joined his team-mates in training and presumably already had handed down his 'ultimatum' to Arsene Wenger (note the word presumably).
Obviously Arsene still rate him though he could take a chance on Nicklas Bendtner who stated that he really would like to improve on three fronts - goals, games and silverware. I could not see no harm in agreeing with the big Dane since I already penned him in my fantasy football first eleven.
I really believe that Bendtner would improve more if he is given the chance to start in more matches this season. A decent return of 9 goals from 17 start and 23 substitute appearances last season certainly had me thinking that he would be better this season if given the chance. For me there are not a lot to choose between him and the Togolese though I believe Bendtner possess better first touch and a bit pacier than his team-mate.
Another player who I believe would be an asset to Arsenal is Samir Nasri who is ready to play across the middle for Arsene. With his ability to play on either flanks and also the middle, Arsene will have the choice to tinker with his formation even though the French youngster stated that who would be deployed on the wings with the license to come in a-la Thierry Henry. Hopefully he will find the net frequently a-la Thierry too.
Now, that would be the talk of the season, wouldn't it?
...
Obviously Arsene still rate him though he could take a chance on Nicklas Bendtner who stated that he really would like to improve on three fronts - goals, games and silverware. I could not see no harm in agreeing with the big Dane since I already penned him in my fantasy football first eleven.
I really believe that Bendtner would improve more if he is given the chance to start in more matches this season. A decent return of 9 goals from 17 start and 23 substitute appearances last season certainly had me thinking that he would be better this season if given the chance. For me there are not a lot to choose between him and the Togolese though I believe Bendtner possess better first touch and a bit pacier than his team-mate.
Another player who I believe would be an asset to Arsenal is Samir Nasri who is ready to play across the middle for Arsene. With his ability to play on either flanks and also the middle, Arsene will have the choice to tinker with his formation even though the French youngster stated that who would be deployed on the wings with the license to come in a-la Thierry Henry. Hopefully he will find the net frequently a-la Thierry too.
Now, that would be the talk of the season, wouldn't it?
...
Saturday, 5 July 2008
Of Euro 2008 and the Togonator
It has been a while.
The EURO2008 has concluded with Spain emerging from their nearly-men tag to become champions for the first time since 1964. If interested, you could go here to find my views in regards of the competition.
It is most unfortunate that the main news these days are about how Manu Adebayor demanded his salary to match what Thierry Henry earned during his time with the Gunners. I am sure many would have agreed with me that Adebayor is no Henry, unless he could emulate his achievement last season and find the net thirty times or more in 2008-09.
But as someone commented on an Arsenal fansite, with the number of chances created by the Arsenal midfield, Adebayor should have kept pace with manures' Cristiano Ronalfoo all the way for the Golden Boot Award.
For me, he is not a finished article that entitles him to demand a hundred thousand plus pounds weekly wages. Thus, if another club like Barcelona or AC Milan would be able to cough up the dough for the Togolese, then by all means; take it.
...
The EURO2008 has concluded with Spain emerging from their nearly-men tag to become champions for the first time since 1964. If interested, you could go here to find my views in regards of the competition.
It is most unfortunate that the main news these days are about how Manu Adebayor demanded his salary to match what Thierry Henry earned during his time with the Gunners. I am sure many would have agreed with me that Adebayor is no Henry, unless he could emulate his achievement last season and find the net thirty times or more in 2008-09.
But as someone commented on an Arsenal fansite, with the number of chances created by the Arsenal midfield, Adebayor should have kept pace with manures' Cristiano Ronalfoo all the way for the Golden Boot Award.
For me, he is not a finished article that entitles him to demand a hundred thousand plus pounds weekly wages. Thus, if another club like Barcelona or AC Milan would be able to cough up the dough for the Togolese, then by all means; take it.
...
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