By 1970’s Gooner
We see a team that is stuffed with young kids, who have tremendous potential and who on their day can outplay anyone including the eventual Premiership champions.
We see a squad that has been shorn of its experienced players in the last four years which have not been replaced by anyone near their quality level.
We see a squad that when a few injuries fall upon first team players young kids are asked to do a man’s job.
We see the young kids surrender leads in the last few minutes of injury time because they do not possess the cunningness to run the clock down.
Yet we see phenomenal football, football the way it should be played, football that even Brazil would be proud of.
And we wonder in amazement that a team, our team, can pass the ball so well, weave so many pretty patterns and score so many beautiful goals that each and every one of them is a candidate for Goal of the Month or even of the year.
And we try and overcome our instinctive reactions to one defeat after another, to another victory snatched in the dying embers of an epic match, to another draw that should have been an easy win.
To another year of what should have been, if only…
If only we had a few more experienced players who don’t have to do the pretty football and yes who are over the age of 22.
If only we could buy ready made footballers in positions we are really weak rather than trying to blood in the promising youngsters and wait for them to reach adulthood.
If only we had the time and luxury to risk losing our world class players again as they grow impatient and disillusioned when they see their exceptional talents and aspirations disappearing down the sands of time with nothing to show for it at the end of their short professional football lives.
If only we had the time to wait for all of those talented youngsters that proliferate the whole squad, from the first teamers, those hugging the bench to those getting ready to come out of puberty and join the first team squad, to grow up together so that at least one day we really could say that
WE WON THE LEAGUE….
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Cesc’s absence may bring festive cheer
By 1970’s Gooner
You can’t deny that Cesc will be missed. Especialy now we are entering the business side of the Premier league season.
But where last season he was putting in wonderful match winning performances this season he has not been able to attain that level.
The reason is not easy to pinpoint but it is of course not only him that has been off form. The whole team has been performing inconsistently and the loss of Hleb and Flamini have not really been dealt with adequately yet.
So yes Cesc’s absence for up to four months will be missed but not by so much really. It can in fact bring with it some positives (in adversity if you like).
Just like when we were left with 10 players against Liverpool and he also had to go off injured the whole team pulled together and outplayed even outclassed a team supposedly gunning for the title.
The whole team will concentrate that much more now and play with the spirit of ten men.
I would expect that Wenger will keep Denilson in the central midfield creative role and play Song alongside him in the defensive role.
In my opinion this, strangely enough, will be a more balanced midfield than when Denilson had to carry out the defensive part of his duties alongside Cesc. A role he is not cut out to do and as such the balance of the whole team has been suffering.
Song I rate highly and he is getting better and better with each game. He will improve so much so that he will become irreplaceable in that position. I don’t think that Wenger will go into the transfer market for such a type of player now.
So Denilson will be able to concentrate on what he does best and Song will mop up alongside him.
Nicklas Bendtner has been awful recently but he will come into the team to lead the line against Villa just as he did against Manchester United. He was very good that day and I expect he can repeat that performance.
So the message is to stop worrying and get behind the team. We have the players to carry on without Cesc and win games against anyone.
There are positives out of almost all adversities. Don’t be surprised if we go on a long winning run from now..
And with this cheerful and hopeful message from everyone at Arsenal Analysis we wish you all a Merry Xmas and a Happy New Year!
You can’t deny that Cesc will be missed. Especialy now we are entering the business side of the Premier league season.
But where last season he was putting in wonderful match winning performances this season he has not been able to attain that level.
The reason is not easy to pinpoint but it is of course not only him that has been off form. The whole team has been performing inconsistently and the loss of Hleb and Flamini have not really been dealt with adequately yet.
So yes Cesc’s absence for up to four months will be missed but not by so much really. It can in fact bring with it some positives (in adversity if you like).
Just like when we were left with 10 players against Liverpool and he also had to go off injured the whole team pulled together and outplayed even outclassed a team supposedly gunning for the title.
The whole team will concentrate that much more now and play with the spirit of ten men.
I would expect that Wenger will keep Denilson in the central midfield creative role and play Song alongside him in the defensive role.
In my opinion this, strangely enough, will be a more balanced midfield than when Denilson had to carry out the defensive part of his duties alongside Cesc. A role he is not cut out to do and as such the balance of the whole team has been suffering.
Song I rate highly and he is getting better and better with each game. He will improve so much so that he will become irreplaceable in that position. I don’t think that Wenger will go into the transfer market for such a type of player now.
So Denilson will be able to concentrate on what he does best and Song will mop up alongside him.
Nicklas Bendtner has been awful recently but he will come into the team to lead the line against Villa just as he did against Manchester United. He was very good that day and I expect he can repeat that performance.
So the message is to stop worrying and get behind the team. We have the players to carry on without Cesc and win games against anyone.
There are positives out of almost all adversities. Don’t be surprised if we go on a long winning run from now..
And with this cheerful and hopeful message from everyone at Arsenal Analysis we wish you all a Merry Xmas and a Happy New Year!
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Arsenal’s lack of width Vs Boro’s makeshift defence
By 1970’s Gooner
When Walcott was fit Arsenal had at least one out and out traditional winger as opposed to what today is termed a wide midfielder.
This is very important as any team that wants to play expansive rather than defensive football needs at least an outlet on the wide areas of the pitch so as to stretch play and draw defensive formations out.
It is also very important for quick counterattacks.
For as the opponents commit players forward especially on those occasions they believe they have a chance of scoring (eg from set pieces) it is imperative that Arsenal have the outlet to counter attack at speed before the defenders get back.
The other side of the pitch this season has been patrolled by Nasri who is not a winger in the Walcott mould but tends to come infield and join in playmaking like Hleb used to.
The width on this side of the pitch is provided more by the left back Clichy rather than Diaby or Denilson or whoever has been chosen to play there when Nasri has not been fit.
The problem with today’s game is that with Nasri unavailable it leaves Arsene Wenger with a decision to make.
Does he go for the more seasoned players for these two positions, like Denilson and Diaby (I hope he does not start with Eboue- he still looked unfit at Porto) or does he go for players that can provide real width like Vela and Van Persie.
In the first case Diaby and Denilson are more likely to help out in the midfield areas and defensive situations something which Van Persie and Vela may not be that prone or used to do.
Added to this is the fact that Middlesborough have their absentees in defense.
David Wheater is suspended and this would force Huth back into action. It is how he deals with the threat of Adebayor that will go a long way in determining how well Arsenal will do in attack, especially as there is not a big chance that Wenger will go for real wingers on the wide areas for Arsenal.
News coming from The Riverside also suggests that Taylor and old boy Justin Hoyte will miss the game. This may force Southgate into pitching three fresh faces into the backline.
Pogatetz will probably move to left back and Riggott will form the central pairing with Huth. Tony McMahon will likely get the nod at right-back.
Southgate will also be missing Mido and O’Neil and the likely starters up font will be the dangerous Tuncay and Alves with old boy Jeremie Aliadiere (who scored at the Emirates last season) and Downing on the wings.
It is vital that the Arsenal players play this game with the right frame of mind unlike their counterparts at Porto.
The win at Chelsea and the three points against Wigan must be followed by another victory to settle the players in a winning frame of mind and create an environment of consistency.
The key ingredient that is obviously missing.
Likely Formations
Arsenal
Almunia
Sagna, Djourou, Gallas, Clichy
Diaby, Fabregas, Song, Denilson
Adebayor, Robin Van Persie
Boro
Turnbull
McMahon, Pogatetz, Huth, Riggott
Aliadiere, Digard, Arca, Downing
Tuncay, Alves
Prediction: Away win
When Walcott was fit Arsenal had at least one out and out traditional winger as opposed to what today is termed a wide midfielder.
This is very important as any team that wants to play expansive rather than defensive football needs at least an outlet on the wide areas of the pitch so as to stretch play and draw defensive formations out.
It is also very important for quick counterattacks.
For as the opponents commit players forward especially on those occasions they believe they have a chance of scoring (eg from set pieces) it is imperative that Arsenal have the outlet to counter attack at speed before the defenders get back.
The other side of the pitch this season has been patrolled by Nasri who is not a winger in the Walcott mould but tends to come infield and join in playmaking like Hleb used to.
The width on this side of the pitch is provided more by the left back Clichy rather than Diaby or Denilson or whoever has been chosen to play there when Nasri has not been fit.
The problem with today’s game is that with Nasri unavailable it leaves Arsene Wenger with a decision to make.
Does he go for the more seasoned players for these two positions, like Denilson and Diaby (I hope he does not start with Eboue- he still looked unfit at Porto) or does he go for players that can provide real width like Vela and Van Persie.
In the first case Diaby and Denilson are more likely to help out in the midfield areas and defensive situations something which Van Persie and Vela may not be that prone or used to do.
Added to this is the fact that Middlesborough have their absentees in defense.
David Wheater is suspended and this would force Huth back into action. It is how he deals with the threat of Adebayor that will go a long way in determining how well Arsenal will do in attack, especially as there is not a big chance that Wenger will go for real wingers on the wide areas for Arsenal.
News coming from The Riverside also suggests that Taylor and old boy Justin Hoyte will miss the game. This may force Southgate into pitching three fresh faces into the backline.
Pogatetz will probably move to left back and Riggott will form the central pairing with Huth. Tony McMahon will likely get the nod at right-back.
Southgate will also be missing Mido and O’Neil and the likely starters up font will be the dangerous Tuncay and Alves with old boy Jeremie Aliadiere (who scored at the Emirates last season) and Downing on the wings.
It is vital that the Arsenal players play this game with the right frame of mind unlike their counterparts at Porto.
The win at Chelsea and the three points against Wigan must be followed by another victory to settle the players in a winning frame of mind and create an environment of consistency.
The key ingredient that is obviously missing.
Likely Formations
Arsenal
Almunia
Sagna, Djourou, Gallas, Clichy
Diaby, Fabregas, Song, Denilson
Adebayor, Robin Van Persie
Boro
Turnbull
McMahon, Pogatetz, Huth, Riggott
Aliadiere, Digard, Arca, Downing
Tuncay, Alves
Prediction: Away win
Friday, November 21, 2008
Who should be Arsenal’s captain?
By 1970’s Gooner
There are rumours surfacing that Gallas has quit the captaincy. Irrespective if they are true or not Arsene Wenger should strip him of the captaincy, drop him from the first team squad and off load him in the fast approaching transfer window.
What he has revealed about the tensions within the dressing room is something that goes on in any dressing room of any team up and down the country form the Premier League to the Sunday park league.
But there was no need to go public about it.
Johan Djourou and Kolo Toure should be the ones along Silvestre to play in the centre of the defence.
But who should be the new captain?
Almunia, Fabregas, Toure and Clichy are in my opinion the main candidates for the job. You can vote for your choice in the poll we have set up.
There are rumours surfacing that Gallas has quit the captaincy. Irrespective if they are true or not Arsene Wenger should strip him of the captaincy, drop him from the first team squad and off load him in the fast approaching transfer window.
What he has revealed about the tensions within the dressing room is something that goes on in any dressing room of any team up and down the country form the Premier League to the Sunday park league.
But there was no need to go public about it.
Johan Djourou and Kolo Toure should be the ones along Silvestre to play in the centre of the defence.
But who should be the new captain?
Almunia, Fabregas, Toure and Clichy are in my opinion the main candidates for the job. You can vote for your choice in the poll we have set up.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Gallas, can you shut up please?
By 1970’s Gooner
What is the point of being captain when you can’t keep your mouth shut?
I thought the captain should be vocal during the games not after. And especially not to the newspapers.
It’s obvious to me what Gallas is doing.
He has been heavily criticised on many occasions in the past for lack of leadership. This was especially so at the end of that fateful afternoon at Birmingham where Eduardo broke his foot and we conceded a last minute penalty.
The criticism carried on and reached a climax after the dreadful 4-4 draw against Spurs and the abysmal display during the defeat against Villa.
So Gallas goes public blaming everybody else but himself.
“There are teams who can do it well against us, and we have to be able to face up to these attacks. That is how they will forge their character, and how they will get experience. Even though they've played a certain number of matches, they're still young and still learning” he said of his team mates, to the papers.
In other words it’s the young players fault not mine…
He went on to blame one Arsenal, 25 year old, player for disrupting the dressing room harmony!
“When, as captain, some players come up to you and talk to you about a player ... complaining about him ... and then during the match you speak to this player and the player in question insults us, there comes a time where we can no longer comprehend how this can happen.
I'm 31, the player is six years younger than me."
“I am trying to defend myself a bit without giving names. Otherwise I'm taking it all [the blame]. It's very frustrating," he said.
So he is even admitting it himself. He is really saying “it’s unfair as it’s not my fault but this other player’s!
Come off it Mr Gallas. Stop spouting out to the press things that should be kept behind closed doors.
This is the job of a real captain. Someone who will try and resolve things quietly, liaise between the players and the manager and try and restore some harmony.
Not going public in an attempt that can only be interpreted as trying to absolve yourself of any blame for the team’s recent poor form.
This is the last thing we needed...
What is the point of being captain when you can’t keep your mouth shut?
I thought the captain should be vocal during the games not after. And especially not to the newspapers.
It’s obvious to me what Gallas is doing.
He has been heavily criticised on many occasions in the past for lack of leadership. This was especially so at the end of that fateful afternoon at Birmingham where Eduardo broke his foot and we conceded a last minute penalty.
The criticism carried on and reached a climax after the dreadful 4-4 draw against Spurs and the abysmal display during the defeat against Villa.
So Gallas goes public blaming everybody else but himself.
“There are teams who can do it well against us, and we have to be able to face up to these attacks. That is how they will forge their character, and how they will get experience. Even though they've played a certain number of matches, they're still young and still learning” he said of his team mates, to the papers.
In other words it’s the young players fault not mine…
He went on to blame one Arsenal, 25 year old, player for disrupting the dressing room harmony!
“When, as captain, some players come up to you and talk to you about a player ... complaining about him ... and then during the match you speak to this player and the player in question insults us, there comes a time where we can no longer comprehend how this can happen.
I'm 31, the player is six years younger than me."
“I am trying to defend myself a bit without giving names. Otherwise I'm taking it all [the blame]. It's very frustrating," he said.
So he is even admitting it himself. He is really saying “it’s unfair as it’s not my fault but this other player’s!
Come off it Mr Gallas. Stop spouting out to the press things that should be kept behind closed doors.
This is the job of a real captain. Someone who will try and resolve things quietly, liaise between the players and the manager and try and restore some harmony.
Not going public in an attempt that can only be interpreted as trying to absolve yourself of any blame for the team’s recent poor form.
This is the last thing we needed...
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Come on Mr Wenger this team is short of leaders, all eleven of them
By 1970’s Gooner
I half expected it. This game came after that fantastic display and victory against Manchester United and again it seems that one good display is followed by one bad one. This inconsistency is of course a very noticeable symptom that characterises youth.
This defeat also came right after the young guns thrashed Wigan in the League Cup. Our last defeat was again after the youngsters thrashed Sheffield United 6-0.
It seems that apart from being inconsistent the Arsenal players are also arrogant probably believing that “if the youngsters can thrash Premier League opposition then we will walk it against Aston Villa” as they thought they would walk it against Hull.
Come on Mr Wenger this team is short of leaders, all eleven of them, it lacks a proper defensive midfielder and has no depth.
Fabregas is a shadow of himself with almost all of his attempted through passes failing to find an Arsenal player. And if he fails to perform then the whole Arsenal machine grinds to a halt.
I was, during that first half, wondering if Fabregas was rested for this game; he was so much inconspicuous it was unbelievable and when he did get into the game he failed to make one single positive contribution.
He has been off his best in recent games and I don’t care what his dedicated followers feel he surely should be rested for the next game. 4
Bendtner was a pathetic nonentity. Everything he touched turned to coal. He should be demoted to Steve Bould’s youth team or loaned to a third division team where he could find his level. I am very disgusted with him. 2
Nasri tried but also returned to his below par performances prior to the Manchester United game. Credit should be given to Aston Villa’s tactics which ensured that Arsenal’s wide men always faced a crowd of opponents whenever they tried to hag the touchline. 5
Walcott with his pace was one of a very few Arsenal players that played reasonably well. He was dangerous on the wing but whenever he went past his marker and cut the ball in there was no one in the area to take advantage. 6
That idiot Bendtner masquerading as a forward was way off those dangerous positions. So was Fabregas and Diaby who should have been bursting their gut to get in there.
Denilson huffed and puffed and kept his position well but he is not a defensive midfielder is he? 5
Almunia made that penalty save but he should have been better positioned for Villa’s second goal. A good goalkeeper does not let in those type of goals. 5
Gallas plays better with Silvestre and looks more confident but again he was done for pace and power by Agbonlahor who scored Villa’s second. 5
Silvestre gets better and better with each game he plays and provides security and no nonsense defending which is what has been lacking from our defense. 6
Sagna again had a solid game until he was taken off. Needs to improve on his crosses though as do a lot of other Arsenal players. 6
Clichy is one of a few Arsenal players that put in consistently good performances. He got away with it last week against Manchester with a header inside the area that just fizzled out but didn’t this week. 5
Diaby had an average game but did not get into the area enough for me. He should have been providing the support to Bendtner in more forward positions. He was instead staying more in the midfield areas crowding Fabregas and Denilson out and thus disrupting Arsenal’s normal rhythm. 5
Forget it then. No title challenge for this year, again…
Worst Man of the Match: Niklas Bendtner
I half expected it. This game came after that fantastic display and victory against Manchester United and again it seems that one good display is followed by one bad one. This inconsistency is of course a very noticeable symptom that characterises youth.
This defeat also came right after the young guns thrashed Wigan in the League Cup. Our last defeat was again after the youngsters thrashed Sheffield United 6-0.
It seems that apart from being inconsistent the Arsenal players are also arrogant probably believing that “if the youngsters can thrash Premier League opposition then we will walk it against Aston Villa” as they thought they would walk it against Hull.
Come on Mr Wenger this team is short of leaders, all eleven of them, it lacks a proper defensive midfielder and has no depth.
Fabregas is a shadow of himself with almost all of his attempted through passes failing to find an Arsenal player. And if he fails to perform then the whole Arsenal machine grinds to a halt.
I was, during that first half, wondering if Fabregas was rested for this game; he was so much inconspicuous it was unbelievable and when he did get into the game he failed to make one single positive contribution.
He has been off his best in recent games and I don’t care what his dedicated followers feel he surely should be rested for the next game. 4
Bendtner was a pathetic nonentity. Everything he touched turned to coal. He should be demoted to Steve Bould’s youth team or loaned to a third division team where he could find his level. I am very disgusted with him. 2
Nasri tried but also returned to his below par performances prior to the Manchester United game. Credit should be given to Aston Villa’s tactics which ensured that Arsenal’s wide men always faced a crowd of opponents whenever they tried to hag the touchline. 5
Walcott with his pace was one of a very few Arsenal players that played reasonably well. He was dangerous on the wing but whenever he went past his marker and cut the ball in there was no one in the area to take advantage. 6
That idiot Bendtner masquerading as a forward was way off those dangerous positions. So was Fabregas and Diaby who should have been bursting their gut to get in there.
Denilson huffed and puffed and kept his position well but he is not a defensive midfielder is he? 5
Almunia made that penalty save but he should have been better positioned for Villa’s second goal. A good goalkeeper does not let in those type of goals. 5
Gallas plays better with Silvestre and looks more confident but again he was done for pace and power by Agbonlahor who scored Villa’s second. 5
Silvestre gets better and better with each game he plays and provides security and no nonsense defending which is what has been lacking from our defense. 6
Sagna again had a solid game until he was taken off. Needs to improve on his crosses though as do a lot of other Arsenal players. 6
Clichy is one of a few Arsenal players that put in consistently good performances. He got away with it last week against Manchester with a header inside the area that just fizzled out but didn’t this week. 5
Diaby had an average game but did not get into the area enough for me. He should have been providing the support to Bendtner in more forward positions. He was instead staying more in the midfield areas crowding Fabregas and Denilson out and thus disrupting Arsenal’s normal rhythm. 5
Forget it then. No title challenge for this year, again…
Worst Man of the Match: Niklas Bendtner
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Almunia, Clichy and Fabregas at fault
By 1970’s Gooner
When I saw Song ambling on as a substitute in the 85th or so minute with 4-2 up smiling and shaking hands with his team mates it reminded me of the Liverpool players in that historic game in 1989.
They also, with a minute or so to go, were congratulating themselves, prematurely. And then they paid for it of course.
We also paid for it because in all their naivety the Arsenal players thought the game was over. Well it aint over until the fat lady sings…
It was a pathetic defensive performance when with only injury time to go we let in two goals.
First at fault was Fabregas who on two occasions opted not to keep the ball and play the passing game in the last few minutes.
The first was when Sagna was asking him to play the ball from a corner near the corner flag so that they could waste some valuable time.
Fabregas, who had a quiet game throughout, decided to swing the ball in the area giving possession away.
The second and fatal occasion was in the last minute of injury time when in possession of the ball again he decided to play it forward to Adebayor rather than keep possession.
They won it back lifted it forward and…they equalized! In the 94th minute!
Almunia had a terrible game. There I was praising him last week for his safe hands but he was definitely anything but that tonight. Whatever you say when a goalkeeper is beaten from that distance (for their first goal) he is horribly at fault.
And as for their second, well it was a schoolboy error. You cannot spill a shot like that. You just don’t do it.
And lastly Clichy lost concentration again and got caught in two minds. Jenas was then allowed to run through and shoot from outside the box to score their third and give them hope.
I say Clichy lost concentration again because he did it last season too; in the last minute at Birmingham to gift them their equaliser.
I feel like pulling my hair out. There we were last Sunday making up some of the lost ground on the leaders only to throw it away again tonight.
When I saw Song ambling on as a substitute in the 85th or so minute with 4-2 up smiling and shaking hands with his team mates it reminded me of the Liverpool players in that historic game in 1989.
They also, with a minute or so to go, were congratulating themselves, prematurely. And then they paid for it of course.
We also paid for it because in all their naivety the Arsenal players thought the game was over. Well it aint over until the fat lady sings…
It was a pathetic defensive performance when with only injury time to go we let in two goals.
First at fault was Fabregas who on two occasions opted not to keep the ball and play the passing game in the last few minutes.
The first was when Sagna was asking him to play the ball from a corner near the corner flag so that they could waste some valuable time.
Fabregas, who had a quiet game throughout, decided to swing the ball in the area giving possession away.
The second and fatal occasion was in the last minute of injury time when in possession of the ball again he decided to play it forward to Adebayor rather than keep possession.
They won it back lifted it forward and…they equalized! In the 94th minute!
Almunia had a terrible game. There I was praising him last week for his safe hands but he was definitely anything but that tonight. Whatever you say when a goalkeeper is beaten from that distance (for their first goal) he is horribly at fault.
And as for their second, well it was a schoolboy error. You cannot spill a shot like that. You just don’t do it.
And lastly Clichy lost concentration again and got caught in two minds. Jenas was then allowed to run through and shoot from outside the box to score their third and give them hope.
I say Clichy lost concentration again because he did it last season too; in the last minute at Birmingham to gift them their equaliser.
I feel like pulling my hair out. There we were last Sunday making up some of the lost ground on the leaders only to throw it away again tonight.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
More injuries reduce Wenger’s options for Everton
By 1970’s Gooner
It’s just as well that Arsene Wenger managed to recruit Silvestre from Manchester United in the last throws of the transfer window.
After allowing young Senderos to go out on loan to AC Milan (with a view to a permanent deal) he was left with Djourou as the only direct replacement for his preferred central defensive pairing of Gallas and Toure.
But lo and behold Gallas, who has been going through a period of self reflection lately, managed to pick up a thigh injury and after missing the France Vs Romania game has now withdrawn from the France squad to face Tunisia in Paris on Tuesday.
This must cast doubts whether he can make the game against Everton next Saturday at the Emirates.
Even if he does manage to shake the injury off account has to be taken of the fact that he has been out of action and training during the last 10 days or so. This would probably render him unfit to start against Everton.
The player that a lot of Arsenal fans would like to see feature in the first team is Johan Djourou.
He has after all the height that some fans and experts have been highlighting as being one of Arsenal’s major defensive weakness; especially from set pieces.
But lo and behold he too manages to get injured. This was during Switzerland’s laboured victory against Latvia on Saturday.
He got hit on the cheekbone suffering concussion and his inclusion in the team to play against Greece next Wednesday in Athens is in doubt.
"I do not think Djourou will be able to play in Greece", said Ottmar Hitzfeld the German in charge of the Swiss national team.
So the only fit central defender left for Arsene Wenger to pick in the case Djourou still remains unavailable will be Silvestre.
He managed to get a full game under his belt last week for the reserves against Stoke and he showed that after being out for so long he still possessed the knack of defending.
But will he be ready to face the tougher test of a Premier League game?
The other worry for next Saturday’s game against Everton is Bacary Sagna who picked up a knee problem during France’s game against Romania.
He spent today, Sunday, in the company of another injury victim, Patrick Vieira undergoing examinations on his right knee.
Sagna has been diagnosed with a tendon problem in the right calf and he also misses the friendly against Tunisia.
Again we would have to wait to see if he makes it against Everton next Saturday. The only possible replacement could be Eboue who would be switched back to his original position. Nasri and Walcott would be the ones to play in wide midfield.
There are no news about Robin Van Persie’s injury but if he also does not make it Bendtner more probably than Vela would partner Adebayor in attack.
So we could end up with a lot of changes for Saturday. Let’s hope they are for the good.
It’s just as well that Arsene Wenger managed to recruit Silvestre from Manchester United in the last throws of the transfer window.
After allowing young Senderos to go out on loan to AC Milan (with a view to a permanent deal) he was left with Djourou as the only direct replacement for his preferred central defensive pairing of Gallas and Toure.
But lo and behold Gallas, who has been going through a period of self reflection lately, managed to pick up a thigh injury and after missing the France Vs Romania game has now withdrawn from the France squad to face Tunisia in Paris on Tuesday.
This must cast doubts whether he can make the game against Everton next Saturday at the Emirates.
Even if he does manage to shake the injury off account has to be taken of the fact that he has been out of action and training during the last 10 days or so. This would probably render him unfit to start against Everton.
The player that a lot of Arsenal fans would like to see feature in the first team is Johan Djourou.
He has after all the height that some fans and experts have been highlighting as being one of Arsenal’s major defensive weakness; especially from set pieces.
But lo and behold he too manages to get injured. This was during Switzerland’s laboured victory against Latvia on Saturday.
He got hit on the cheekbone suffering concussion and his inclusion in the team to play against Greece next Wednesday in Athens is in doubt.
"I do not think Djourou will be able to play in Greece", said Ottmar Hitzfeld the German in charge of the Swiss national team.
So the only fit central defender left for Arsene Wenger to pick in the case Djourou still remains unavailable will be Silvestre.
He managed to get a full game under his belt last week for the reserves against Stoke and he showed that after being out for so long he still possessed the knack of defending.
But will he be ready to face the tougher test of a Premier League game?
The other worry for next Saturday’s game against Everton is Bacary Sagna who picked up a knee problem during France’s game against Romania.
He spent today, Sunday, in the company of another injury victim, Patrick Vieira undergoing examinations on his right knee.
Sagna has been diagnosed with a tendon problem in the right calf and he also misses the friendly against Tunisia.
Again we would have to wait to see if he makes it against Everton next Saturday. The only possible replacement could be Eboue who would be switched back to his original position. Nasri and Walcott would be the ones to play in wide midfield.
There are no news about Robin Van Persie’s injury but if he also does not make it Bendtner more probably than Vela would partner Adebayor in attack.
So we could end up with a lot of changes for Saturday. Let’s hope they are for the good.
Saturday, October 04, 2008
Wenger gets the tactics wrong, again
By 1970’s Gooner
I know that a lot of you will not like this nor necessarily agree with it but I have to call it as I see it.
I was, during the Dinamo Kiev game, very frustrated and bewildered with the amount of respect shown for an average in terms of quality opposition and the deployment of Fabregas away from where he is best suited (in the middle of the field dictating play).
The result was the same as against Sunderland today. More importantly the way the game panned out was very similar, with Fabregas wasted in no man’s land between Adebayor and the packed midfield and Arsenal getting a last gasp equaliser to salvage a draw.
For God’s sake Mr Wenger don’t you see that Arsenal’s heart is Fabregas? He is the one that that makes the team tick. He is the one that creates all the positive moves and clever passes that unlock packed defences.
Yet this creative part of Arsenal’s play is left to Denilson and Song to produce. Not that this was the intention, but hell, what do you expect when it is they that will invariably have most of the ball in a game that Arsenal, as everyone knows, will dominate in terms of possession.
The formation of 4 3 3 come 4 5 1 was wrong and the positioning of Fabregas was wrong. What was also wrong was van Persie on the wing as he had to play there because this formation demanded.
But again he is not suited to playing there nor does he hit it off with Clichy. So another Arsenal weapon, Clichy’s forays on the left hand side were not so numerous nor were they as effective.
So in the end after all three of Arsenal’s most effective players were almost rendered non existent we end up scrapping for a draw.
Arsenal are too good a team to play such a formation and show so much respect to such an opposition.
I know that a lot of you will not like this nor necessarily agree with it but I have to call it as I see it.
I was, during the Dinamo Kiev game, very frustrated and bewildered with the amount of respect shown for an average in terms of quality opposition and the deployment of Fabregas away from where he is best suited (in the middle of the field dictating play).
The result was the same as against Sunderland today. More importantly the way the game panned out was very similar, with Fabregas wasted in no man’s land between Adebayor and the packed midfield and Arsenal getting a last gasp equaliser to salvage a draw.
For God’s sake Mr Wenger don’t you see that Arsenal’s heart is Fabregas? He is the one that that makes the team tick. He is the one that creates all the positive moves and clever passes that unlock packed defences.
Yet this creative part of Arsenal’s play is left to Denilson and Song to produce. Not that this was the intention, but hell, what do you expect when it is they that will invariably have most of the ball in a game that Arsenal, as everyone knows, will dominate in terms of possession.
The formation of 4 3 3 come 4 5 1 was wrong and the positioning of Fabregas was wrong. What was also wrong was van Persie on the wing as he had to play there because this formation demanded.
But again he is not suited to playing there nor does he hit it off with Clichy. So another Arsenal weapon, Clichy’s forays on the left hand side were not so numerous nor were they as effective.
So in the end after all three of Arsenal’s most effective players were almost rendered non existent we end up scrapping for a draw.
Arsenal are too good a team to play such a formation and show so much respect to such an opposition.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Arsenal are too dependent on Cesc Fabregas
By 1970’s Gooner
Midfield inspiration is what was clearly lacking against Fulham and midfield inspiration is what we got against Twente in the Champions League in the form of Cesc Fabregas.
The question is what will Arsenal do if and when Cesc is injured or unavailable in some other way. There is simply no one ready to replace his trickery, vision and creativity.
This is typical of Arsene Wenger’s teams that he builds. He creates a monster of a player who then goes on to dominate the way the team performs but becomes irreplaceable, at least in the short to medium term.
Prime examples of course are Patrick Vieira and Thierry Henry when they were in their prime.
If Arsenal does not win anything this season will Cesc begin to question his future at Arsenal just like Vieira and Henry did before him?
And will someone have been developed by then to be ready to take up the mantle in time so that we do not have to wait a couple of seasons before he matures enough?
I doubt it.
In the meantime enjoy the goals we scored against a very weak Twente team.
Midfield inspiration is what was clearly lacking against Fulham and midfield inspiration is what we got against Twente in the Champions League in the form of Cesc Fabregas.
The question is what will Arsenal do if and when Cesc is injured or unavailable in some other way. There is simply no one ready to replace his trickery, vision and creativity.
This is typical of Arsene Wenger’s teams that he builds. He creates a monster of a player who then goes on to dominate the way the team performs but becomes irreplaceable, at least in the short to medium term.
Prime examples of course are Patrick Vieira and Thierry Henry when they were in their prime.
If Arsenal does not win anything this season will Cesc begin to question his future at Arsenal just like Vieira and Henry did before him?
And will someone have been developed by then to be ready to take up the mantle in time so that we do not have to wait a couple of seasons before he matures enough?
I doubt it.
In the meantime enjoy the goals we scored against a very weak Twente team.
Tuesday, July 08, 2008
Eduardo in Nike pre-season training. Video
By Aries
We broke to you the news a long time ago that Eduardo will come back early and stronger.
We also brought to your attention the evidence for it in that “famous” video showing Eduardo in the gym kicking a ball (which you can still watch on the video bar on the right hand side page).
Now true to form we bring you Eduardo in an amazing video produced by Nike called “Summer just got shorter” showing him going through his paces in pre-season training at Arsenal.
The video is produced by Nike in their brand new “Bootcamp” series of clips.
Eduardo is shown running up a flight of steps on the terraces, running and skipping over short distances, pulling the weights in the gym and also dragging a weight which is attached to his waist.
Makes me tired watching it!
We broke to you the news a long time ago that Eduardo will come back early and stronger.
We also brought to your attention the evidence for it in that “famous” video showing Eduardo in the gym kicking a ball (which you can still watch on the video bar on the right hand side page).
Now true to form we bring you Eduardo in an amazing video produced by Nike called “Summer just got shorter” showing him going through his paces in pre-season training at Arsenal.
The video is produced by Nike in their brand new “Bootcamp” series of clips.
Eduardo is shown running up a flight of steps on the terraces, running and skipping over short distances, pulling the weights in the gym and also dragging a weight which is attached to his waist.
Makes me tired watching it!
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Eduardo:”Taylor never apologised to me”
By Aries
While we were breaking the news, on this side of the globe, that Eduardo was way ahead of his recovery plan and showing the amazing video of him kicking a ball, the tabloids are only now beginning to catch up!
Eduardo surprised with speed of recovery” Plus amazing video in physiotherapy kicking a ball!
In fact we reported on this site ages ago, as far back as March, that Eduardo’s come back was looking very promising and was likely to be much earlier than expected.
Eduardo starts training in June. Arsenal permit recuperation in Brazil
We also reported that Eduardo has said that Taylor did not apologise to him!
In fact Eduardo has repeated this complaint yesterday in the interview given to SporTV News which is shown on the video above.
He reiterates that Taylor never apologised to him and that he is still waiting for an apology! Maybe Taylor did visit at hospital but Eduardo was “out’.
A commenter on this site who speaks Portuguese has translated what Eduardo said on this issue:
"He said that Taylor and his club told all the press in England that he personally apologized to Eduardo and that Eduardo had forgiven him. Eduardo CLEARLY STATES THAT THIS IS A LIE. There is no doubt in what he says. He also says that Taylor could've been more human and apologize to him personally".
I think a real apology is called for, really.
While we were breaking the news, on this side of the globe, that Eduardo was way ahead of his recovery plan and showing the amazing video of him kicking a ball, the tabloids are only now beginning to catch up!
Eduardo surprised with speed of recovery” Plus amazing video in physiotherapy kicking a ball!
In fact we reported on this site ages ago, as far back as March, that Eduardo’s come back was looking very promising and was likely to be much earlier than expected.
Eduardo starts training in June. Arsenal permit recuperation in Brazil
We also reported that Eduardo has said that Taylor did not apologise to him!
In fact Eduardo has repeated this complaint yesterday in the interview given to SporTV News which is shown on the video above.
He reiterates that Taylor never apologised to him and that he is still waiting for an apology! Maybe Taylor did visit at hospital but Eduardo was “out’.
A commenter on this site who speaks Portuguese has translated what Eduardo said on this issue:
"He said that Taylor and his club told all the press in England that he personally apologized to Eduardo and that Eduardo had forgiven him. Eduardo CLEARLY STATES THAT THIS IS A LIE. There is no doubt in what he says. He also says that Taylor could've been more human and apologize to him personally".
I think a real apology is called for, really.
Friday, May 30, 2008
Eduardo surprised with speed of recovery” Plus amazing video in physiotherapy kicking a ball!
By Aries
Eduardo has been speaking to the Brazilian press recently.
And along with his interviews given to the Croatian press a few days before, implies that he is feeling very well and confident about his progress so far.
He has now disposed himself of the crutches, is doing light running and is working with ball!
In this amazing video shot in Brazil, Eduardo looks really in fine nick.
He is walking as per normal and more importantly he is kicking a ball in specialized training exercises balancing on a kind of trampoline!
This is done during the physiotherapy sessions in Rio de Janeiro under the guidance of physiotherapist Odir de Souza, who also serves on the Brazilian team staff.
Eduardo is now feeling so confident about his recovery that he has been hinting of an earlier return to football than the time horizon that Arsenal have laid out.
“I am surprised with my recovery. Arsenal had the principle laid down for me to come back in December. I believe that may be well before” Eduardo said
Although he did not say when his return is expected this may well be in September.
Eduardo has been speaking to the Brazilian press recently.
And along with his interviews given to the Croatian press a few days before, implies that he is feeling very well and confident about his progress so far.
He has now disposed himself of the crutches, is doing light running and is working with ball!
In this amazing video shot in Brazil, Eduardo looks really in fine nick.
He is walking as per normal and more importantly he is kicking a ball in specialized training exercises balancing on a kind of trampoline!
This is done during the physiotherapy sessions in Rio de Janeiro under the guidance of physiotherapist Odir de Souza, who also serves on the Brazilian team staff.
Eduardo is now feeling so confident about his recovery that he has been hinting of an earlier return to football than the time horizon that Arsenal have laid out.
“I am surprised with my recovery. Arsenal had the principle laid down for me to come back in December. I believe that may be well before” Eduardo said
Although he did not say when his return is expected this may well be in September.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Vela close to passport and Rosicky who suffered pain up the ...fitted with titanium!
By Aries
Carlos Vela is close to overcoming the most important obstacle in his quest to finally play for his club, Arsenal.
Apparently the documents supporting his application for a Spanish passport were submitted two years ago, in June 2006.
Passport regulations in Spain require a two year presence in the country and it seems that Carlos will be issued with a passport quite soon.
This will enable him to join up with his new Arsenal team mates for pre season training in early July.
Before that however he will be involved in a heavy schedule of games for Mexico which will include a series of friendlies against Argentina and Peru before facing Belize in two legged World Cup qualifier beginning on 15th June.
Pain up the ass!
Another Arsenal player is expected to return to the fold for next season! Tomas Rosicky unlike Carlos has kicked a ball for Arsenal but that was five months back in January of this year.
The good news is that his operation went quite well and according to his Czech doctor, Vladislav Hospodar who assisted in the operation he should have no more problems.
“Now it is properly fixed to restore all the functions. After the rehabilitation, the problems should be gone” he said.
According Hospodár the procedure lasted 40 minutes and confirmed his original diagnosis as a problem where the ligament adjoins to the knee. During the surgery, the ligament has been stabilised by two small titanium anchors.
"There was a release of tendons, which are also the consequences of a blood hematoma which created pain and was transmitted through the thigh muscle towards the ass(!)," said Hospodár.
I wonder whether Tomas will assume “titanic” powers now!
Carlos Vela is close to overcoming the most important obstacle in his quest to finally play for his club, Arsenal.
Apparently the documents supporting his application for a Spanish passport were submitted two years ago, in June 2006.
Passport regulations in Spain require a two year presence in the country and it seems that Carlos will be issued with a passport quite soon.
This will enable him to join up with his new Arsenal team mates for pre season training in early July.
Before that however he will be involved in a heavy schedule of games for Mexico which will include a series of friendlies against Argentina and Peru before facing Belize in two legged World Cup qualifier beginning on 15th June.
Pain up the ass!
Another Arsenal player is expected to return to the fold for next season! Tomas Rosicky unlike Carlos has kicked a ball for Arsenal but that was five months back in January of this year.
The good news is that his operation went quite well and according to his Czech doctor, Vladislav Hospodar who assisted in the operation he should have no more problems.
“Now it is properly fixed to restore all the functions. After the rehabilitation, the problems should be gone” he said.
According Hospodár the procedure lasted 40 minutes and confirmed his original diagnosis as a problem where the ligament adjoins to the knee. During the surgery, the ligament has been stabilised by two small titanium anchors.
"There was a release of tendons, which are also the consequences of a blood hematoma which created pain and was transmitted through the thigh muscle towards the ass(!)," said Hospodár.
I wonder whether Tomas will assume “titanic” powers now!
Thursday, May 01, 2008
Levski comment on Dimitrov transfer to Arsenal
By Aries
Well we told you that if there was to be any movement on the on going saga of Dimitrov’s transfer to Arsenal we would get a sniff of it.
And yesterday in our post titled “Dimitrov’s transfer to Arsenal hit a snag” we reported that Arsenal had to get round work permit regulations if Dimitrov was to play for Arsenal before 2009.
Now Levski have issued a denial that Dimitrov is Arsenal bound rubbishing recent rumours that have been spread by some blogs and even the Epping Forest Guardian!
When contacted by The Sofia Echo (a Bulgarian newspaper) about a transfer deal involving Dimitrov and Arsenal, a spokesperson for Levski Sofia said "there is no such thing".
The Sofia Echo mentions that the rumours had started when the Arsenal-Gunz blog posted a fabricated entry on April 28 quoting local Bulgarian press about the transfer. The blog has since been taken off-line, but its Google cache is still available.
The Echo goes on to say that the blog entry was subsequently picked up by other bloggers and even appeared in the East London and West Essex Guardian series newspaper, which headlined Gunners believed to have landed talented Bulgarian winger.
Dimitrov scored Levski’s only goal yesterday in their 2-1 defeat against Chernomore.
“Dimitrov’s transfer to Arsenal hit a snag”
Well we told you that if there was to be any movement on the on going saga of Dimitrov’s transfer to Arsenal we would get a sniff of it.
And yesterday in our post titled “Dimitrov’s transfer to Arsenal hit a snag” we reported that Arsenal had to get round work permit regulations if Dimitrov was to play for Arsenal before 2009.
Now Levski have issued a denial that Dimitrov is Arsenal bound rubbishing recent rumours that have been spread by some blogs and even the Epping Forest Guardian!
When contacted by The Sofia Echo (a Bulgarian newspaper) about a transfer deal involving Dimitrov and Arsenal, a spokesperson for Levski Sofia said "there is no such thing".
The Sofia Echo mentions that the rumours had started when the Arsenal-Gunz blog posted a fabricated entry on April 28 quoting local Bulgarian press about the transfer. The blog has since been taken off-line, but its Google cache is still available.
The Echo goes on to say that the blog entry was subsequently picked up by other bloggers and even appeared in the East London and West Essex Guardian series newspaper, which headlined Gunners believed to have landed talented Bulgarian winger.
Dimitrov scored Levski’s only goal yesterday in their 2-1 defeat against Chernomore.
“Dimitrov’s transfer to Arsenal hit a snag”
Thursday, April 24, 2008
The Jack Wilshere Show on video
By Aries
We have recently written on this site about the exciting young prospect called Jack Wilshere.
This was right after 1970’s Gooner got all excited having watched the 16 year old outclass West Ham’s (much older) reserves.
He had a hand in both goals scored. The first by cutting inside and sliding a ball on the floor right through the West ham defence for Rui Fonte to run onto and toe poke into the net via the near post.
But it was Wilshere’s goal that impressed everyone. He again picked the ball form the right hand side came infield and as the defenders backed off shot a delightful curler of a shot.
It evaded the goalkeeper’s desperately outstretched hand to glide in off the post and into the net!
No wonder Arsene Wenger had a very satisfying smile when he scored.
A lot of our readers (especially those living abroad) were asking to see this boy in action.
We have now managed to find the video of these two goals. You can watch them by clicking on the video bar which is on the right hand page.
The Jack Wilshere show. Reserves outplay West Ham as a new star is born
We have recently written on this site about the exciting young prospect called Jack Wilshere.
This was right after 1970’s Gooner got all excited having watched the 16 year old outclass West Ham’s (much older) reserves.
He had a hand in both goals scored. The first by cutting inside and sliding a ball on the floor right through the West ham defence for Rui Fonte to run onto and toe poke into the net via the near post.
But it was Wilshere’s goal that impressed everyone. He again picked the ball form the right hand side came infield and as the defenders backed off shot a delightful curler of a shot.
It evaded the goalkeeper’s desperately outstretched hand to glide in off the post and into the net!
No wonder Arsene Wenger had a very satisfying smile when he scored.
A lot of our readers (especially those living abroad) were asking to see this boy in action.
We have now managed to find the video of these two goals. You can watch them by clicking on the video bar which is on the right hand page.
The Jack Wilshere show. Reserves outplay West Ham as a new star is born
Monday, April 21, 2008
The Jack Wilshere show. Reserves outplay West Ham as a new star is born
By 1970’s Gooner
West Ham apparently are lying second in the Reserves League but on this showing they are a team of plonkers.
Arsenal who outplayed them and outclassed them were a team full of quality throughout all positions (with about half of the players being foreign) whereas West Ham were full of hard working but mostly average (English) footballers.
But it was one English player playing for Arsenal who caught the eye. Stuart Storey commenting on the game likened him to Alexander Hleb and one can see why. He is left footed, full of trickery, the ball stuck to his feet like glue and he had that knack of gliding past his marker in an effortless way.
Yet he reminded me more of an Arsenal legend from the 1970’s, Irishman Liam Brady, the present Youth Development director. Liam was a favourite player of mine and of a lot of other Gooners of that generation.
He too was able to make the ball stick to his left boot and glided past players with ease. He was a quality player among a lot of average plonkers that were in abundance in the First Division at that time. No wonder he felt he had to ply his trade abroad (he moved to Italy’s Juventus and won two Scudettos with them).
Jack Wilshere is only 16 and most probably the youngest player on the pitch against West Ham but he certainly outshone the rest of the players. He started on the right hand side of midfield and it was from there he created the first goal.
He cut inside, passed his man and slid a ball on the floor right through the West ham defence for Rui Fonte to run onto and toe poke into the net via the near post.
But it was Wilshere’s goal that impressed everyone. He again picked the ball form the right hand side came infield and as the defenders backed off shot a delightful curler of a shot.
It almost bend near 180 degrees to evade the goalkeeper’s desperately outstretched hand to glide in off the post and into the net! No wonder Arsene Wenger had a very satisfying smile when he scored.
What was equally pleasing was that later on as Diaby was taken off with what may have been a hip problem Wilshere was moved into that central midfield role. He was just as good there too.
Despite his young age and small built he was able to actually dictate play shielding the ball well and spraying accurate passes around him and to the forwards.
He is really another exciting prospect in Liam Brady’s Academy conveyor belt.
Two other Arsenal youngsters keep impressing me every time I watch the reserves. Nacer Barazite, who is 17, plays with a lot of confidence and ease on the ball. He is very effective in that compatriot’s of his (Bergkamp) role just behind the front striker.
He is able to create space and time for himself spraying the passes that put other players in advantageous positions. He was very effective in that role.
The other youngster is another 17 year old Norwegian Havard Nordtveit. He is the one that Wenger went all the way to Norway to convince his club owner and his father to allow him to be transferred to Arsenal.
I can see why. He is a very confident and strong defender who plays with his brain.
His positioning is sound which is vital for a defender and his distribution is excellent with his long diagonal passes to either wing more often than not resulting with the Arsenal player being free of his marker and through into the opponents area.
There’s a lot of quality in the reserves coming through.
West Ham apparently are lying second in the Reserves League but on this showing they are a team of plonkers.
Arsenal who outplayed them and outclassed them were a team full of quality throughout all positions (with about half of the players being foreign) whereas West Ham were full of hard working but mostly average (English) footballers.
But it was one English player playing for Arsenal who caught the eye. Stuart Storey commenting on the game likened him to Alexander Hleb and one can see why. He is left footed, full of trickery, the ball stuck to his feet like glue and he had that knack of gliding past his marker in an effortless way.
Yet he reminded me more of an Arsenal legend from the 1970’s, Irishman Liam Brady, the present Youth Development director. Liam was a favourite player of mine and of a lot of other Gooners of that generation.
He too was able to make the ball stick to his left boot and glided past players with ease. He was a quality player among a lot of average plonkers that were in abundance in the First Division at that time. No wonder he felt he had to ply his trade abroad (he moved to Italy’s Juventus and won two Scudettos with them).
Jack Wilshere is only 16 and most probably the youngest player on the pitch against West Ham but he certainly outshone the rest of the players. He started on the right hand side of midfield and it was from there he created the first goal.
He cut inside, passed his man and slid a ball on the floor right through the West ham defence for Rui Fonte to run onto and toe poke into the net via the near post.
But it was Wilshere’s goal that impressed everyone. He again picked the ball form the right hand side came infield and as the defenders backed off shot a delightful curler of a shot.
It almost bend near 180 degrees to evade the goalkeeper’s desperately outstretched hand to glide in off the post and into the net! No wonder Arsene Wenger had a very satisfying smile when he scored.
What was equally pleasing was that later on as Diaby was taken off with what may have been a hip problem Wilshere was moved into that central midfield role. He was just as good there too.
Despite his young age and small built he was able to actually dictate play shielding the ball well and spraying accurate passes around him and to the forwards.
He is really another exciting prospect in Liam Brady’s Academy conveyor belt.
Two other Arsenal youngsters keep impressing me every time I watch the reserves. Nacer Barazite, who is 17, plays with a lot of confidence and ease on the ball. He is very effective in that compatriot’s of his (Bergkamp) role just behind the front striker.
He is able to create space and time for himself spraying the passes that put other players in advantageous positions. He was very effective in that role.
The other youngster is another 17 year old Norwegian Havard Nordtveit. He is the one that Wenger went all the way to Norway to convince his club owner and his father to allow him to be transferred to Arsenal.
I can see why. He is a very confident and strong defender who plays with his brain.
His positioning is sound which is vital for a defender and his distribution is excellent with his long diagonal passes to either wing more often than not resulting with the Arsenal player being free of his marker and through into the opponents area.
There’s a lot of quality in the reserves coming through.
Saturday, March 01, 2008
Most of the English press is racist and xenophobic with an agenda against Arsenal
Ed: This is a rant by a commenter on this site which I think expresses well the sentiments and comments of a lot fans, inclusive of those who are not necessarily from these shores. See what you think about it.
By Anonymous
The media reaction on the Eduardo story has been a farce and it is sheer jealousy that drives them.
Wenger is one of the top three managers in Europe and all English managers are shite.
Arsenal play a brand of football England couldn't even achieve on the PS3.
Wenger has knocked back the England job so many times.
Eduardo embarrassed England and knocked them out of the Euros.
Nothing but jealousy I say.
Had it been Rooney we'd never hear the end of it. With an ethos like this no wonder England's national side is the biggest joke in world football.
The way Taylor has been made the victim is just more proof that virtually every member of the British press is just a racist xenophobic idiot with an agenda. It is sad and pathetic.
No wonder England players keep getting sent off in international tournaments. I also love the way they try to make out all the red cards under AW make Arsenal a dirty side. Ha ha says the national team with John Terry as captain and Gary Neville at right-back.
Arsenal play some of the best football n Europe and have the 2nd best disciplinary record in the league over the past 5 years. FACT. But since when did facts matter to the media idiots?
Don't get angered by the media. Just kick back, relax and laugh at them as the national team exit and get humiliated in yet another penalty shoot-out.
Laugh at all the sad xenophobe fans who paint their faces and reckon they'll win every game 3-0 and end up getting embarrassed.
Laugh at a team that has won NOTHING in over 40 years. Laugh at a media that told the world it had a 'Golden generation' for the 2006 World Cup. Laugh at Steve McClaren.
And then compare and contrast with all the wonderful players Arsene Wenger has produced, the Invincibles, the two doubles, the FA Cups, the Champions league final, the players nominated for World and European player awards.
And also laugh at the Spuds not winning a league title in over 47 years!
It's good to be a Gooner. It’s miserable to be a jealous bitter England fan.
This country loves underdog losers like Taylor and Birmingham. There is a general mistrust of winners, which is why Gallas gets so much stick for showing how much he cares but, when Terry pisses in a nightclub or fights with his manager it is 'PASSION'.
Ha ha ha.
The more bile they spew the more I love it. It just shows how desperate they are. Imagine that. The fate of a country of 50 million people apparently, lies within the hands of one Frenchman. Can you believe that?
I love the way Arsene is single-handedly responsible for the demise of Engish football. Question: who was to blame for the 30 years before that?!
Here's another poser...Do you reckon that if Arsenal were as rubbish as say...Birmingham or Derby or if they were mid-table like the Spuds and not won a thing of note in 10 years. Do you reckon the media would be so obsessed with Wenger and Arsenal and trying to slam them at every chance?
So why the obsession with Arsene's Arsenal then? Why not pick on Allardyce who bought foreigners all the time at Bolton and Newcastle?
Or why not rant at McTwat at Birmingham for signing McFadden and playing with a team of mostly foreigners?
Why not have a go at Ferguson for not developing any English players at all (in the last 10 years) and only spending stupid cash (that not everyone can afford) on Rooney, Rio and Hargreaves?
In Fergie's case it is because the media are pussies and don't want to upset all the glory-hunting Mancs around the world. In the case of everyone else? Because they are shit.
And it is a compliment to Wenger this poisonous jealous envy. His team play sumptuous football and only serves to highlight the gulf in class between foreign players and English ones. How they must hate it...
And why do people keep going on about that Gallas kick at Nani? Is Nani and ManYoo such a bunch of big pussies that they think that was horrible? Does anybody remember Roy Keane? Right then.
That gallas 'kick' wouldn’t have knocked out a 7 year-old. Although that poor little Nani must have a graze somewhere I am sure...
And finally, funny how this FA Cup win for ManYoo seems to make them so excited. Did Arsenal care? Nope. Are Arsenal 3 points clear of ManYoo despite Mancs spending £50 million more on players?
LOL
For Eduardo read Rooney but don’t read the Daily Mail or listen to the BBC
By Anonymous
The media reaction on the Eduardo story has been a farce and it is sheer jealousy that drives them.
Wenger is one of the top three managers in Europe and all English managers are shite.
Arsenal play a brand of football England couldn't even achieve on the PS3.
Wenger has knocked back the England job so many times.
Eduardo embarrassed England and knocked them out of the Euros.
Nothing but jealousy I say.
Had it been Rooney we'd never hear the end of it. With an ethos like this no wonder England's national side is the biggest joke in world football.
The way Taylor has been made the victim is just more proof that virtually every member of the British press is just a racist xenophobic idiot with an agenda. It is sad and pathetic.
No wonder England players keep getting sent off in international tournaments. I also love the way they try to make out all the red cards under AW make Arsenal a dirty side. Ha ha says the national team with John Terry as captain and Gary Neville at right-back.
Arsenal play some of the best football n Europe and have the 2nd best disciplinary record in the league over the past 5 years. FACT. But since when did facts matter to the media idiots?
Don't get angered by the media. Just kick back, relax and laugh at them as the national team exit and get humiliated in yet another penalty shoot-out.
Laugh at all the sad xenophobe fans who paint their faces and reckon they'll win every game 3-0 and end up getting embarrassed.
Laugh at a team that has won NOTHING in over 40 years. Laugh at a media that told the world it had a 'Golden generation' for the 2006 World Cup. Laugh at Steve McClaren.
And then compare and contrast with all the wonderful players Arsene Wenger has produced, the Invincibles, the two doubles, the FA Cups, the Champions league final, the players nominated for World and European player awards.
And also laugh at the Spuds not winning a league title in over 47 years!
It's good to be a Gooner. It’s miserable to be a jealous bitter England fan.
This country loves underdog losers like Taylor and Birmingham. There is a general mistrust of winners, which is why Gallas gets so much stick for showing how much he cares but, when Terry pisses in a nightclub or fights with his manager it is 'PASSION'.
Ha ha ha.
The more bile they spew the more I love it. It just shows how desperate they are. Imagine that. The fate of a country of 50 million people apparently, lies within the hands of one Frenchman. Can you believe that?
I love the way Arsene is single-handedly responsible for the demise of Engish football. Question: who was to blame for the 30 years before that?!
Here's another poser...Do you reckon that if Arsenal were as rubbish as say...Birmingham or Derby or if they were mid-table like the Spuds and not won a thing of note in 10 years. Do you reckon the media would be so obsessed with Wenger and Arsenal and trying to slam them at every chance?
So why the obsession with Arsene's Arsenal then? Why not pick on Allardyce who bought foreigners all the time at Bolton and Newcastle?
Or why not rant at McTwat at Birmingham for signing McFadden and playing with a team of mostly foreigners?
Why not have a go at Ferguson for not developing any English players at all (in the last 10 years) and only spending stupid cash (that not everyone can afford) on Rooney, Rio and Hargreaves?
In Fergie's case it is because the media are pussies and don't want to upset all the glory-hunting Mancs around the world. In the case of everyone else? Because they are shit.
And it is a compliment to Wenger this poisonous jealous envy. His team play sumptuous football and only serves to highlight the gulf in class between foreign players and English ones. How they must hate it...
And why do people keep going on about that Gallas kick at Nani? Is Nani and ManYoo such a bunch of big pussies that they think that was horrible? Does anybody remember Roy Keane? Right then.
That gallas 'kick' wouldn’t have knocked out a 7 year-old. Although that poor little Nani must have a graze somewhere I am sure...
And finally, funny how this FA Cup win for ManYoo seems to make them so excited. Did Arsenal care? Nope. Are Arsenal 3 points clear of ManYoo despite Mancs spending £50 million more on players?
LOL
For Eduardo read Rooney but don’t read the Daily Mail or listen to the BBC
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Toure injury fears reported to be easing
By 1970’s Gooner
Kolo Toure, moments after teeing up his brother,Yaya to score the Ivory Coast’s second goal on the 44th minute was stretchered off holding his groin.
The injury looked bad but the player himself has been reported to have said after the game that he expected to recover in time for the next match against Mali in Accra on Tuesday!
This now is confirmed by a team official who said he expected Kolo to be available for the next game.
“His injury is not important. When he first came off it looked bad but now he is okay and recovering. We think he will be fit for the next game on Tuesday" said Ouattara Hego, general secretary of the Federation Ivoirienne de Football.
This assessment looks rushed to me as it comes even before the player has had a chance to have a scan that would have determined the extent of the injury.
If a player comes off a football pitch holding his groin unable to walk then it looks pretty serious to me. Usually with a mild groin strain a player will probably be out for two to three weeks. If it is more serious then the recovery may take 6 weeks or longer.
If he makes the mistake of playing with the injury then he runs the risk of aggravating it even further and may be causing long term damage.
I am sure Arsene Wenger will have something to say about this.
Kolo Toure, moments after teeing up his brother,Yaya to score the Ivory Coast’s second goal on the 44th minute was stretchered off holding his groin.
The injury looked bad but the player himself has been reported to have said after the game that he expected to recover in time for the next match against Mali in Accra on Tuesday!
This now is confirmed by a team official who said he expected Kolo to be available for the next game.
“His injury is not important. When he first came off it looked bad but now he is okay and recovering. We think he will be fit for the next game on Tuesday" said Ouattara Hego, general secretary of the Federation Ivoirienne de Football.
This assessment looks rushed to me as it comes even before the player has had a chance to have a scan that would have determined the extent of the injury.
If a player comes off a football pitch holding his groin unable to walk then it looks pretty serious to me. Usually with a mild groin strain a player will probably be out for two to three weeks. If it is more serious then the recovery may take 6 weeks or longer.
If he makes the mistake of playing with the injury then he runs the risk of aggravating it even further and may be causing long term damage.
I am sure Arsene Wenger will have something to say about this.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Spurs look to Wembley in Mickey Mouse Cup, Arsenal to the title and beyond
By 1970’s Gooner
It shows how big a gulf there is between Spurs and Arsenal when Wenger fields his B team throughout a competition which has been jokingly named the Mickey Mouse Cup while Spurs played their first eleven throughout.
They even rested their key players for this semi final second leg so that they could be ready to battle it out against a bunch of kids!
Arsenal’s B team reached the final last year losing narrowly against another first eleven, those of Chelsea! This year they steamrolled teams like Newcastle and Blackburn and battled hard to get a draw in the first leg of this semifinal.
Yet Spurs celebrated like kids last night as though they had won the Champions League, the Premier League and FA Cup. They seem to forget that it was mostly kids they were playing against.
Granted they played very well but as I said in my preview of this game, on many occasions in football you play as well as the other team let you. And Arsenal’s kids were not at their best last night.
Shocking performances from Walcott and Diaby coupled with goalkeeping errors at crucial points in the game proved too much for the young guns. Still this is why Wenger bloods them in at the deep end.
This experience will stand them in good stead for years to come as they take up the mantle of keeping Arsenal at the top of English and European football which is where Arsenal are destined to arrive.
The same cannot be said of Tottenham however who may have to make do with fourth rate Mickey Mouse Cups.
It shows how big a gulf there is between Spurs and Arsenal when Wenger fields his B team throughout a competition which has been jokingly named the Mickey Mouse Cup while Spurs played their first eleven throughout.
They even rested their key players for this semi final second leg so that they could be ready to battle it out against a bunch of kids!
Arsenal’s B team reached the final last year losing narrowly against another first eleven, those of Chelsea! This year they steamrolled teams like Newcastle and Blackburn and battled hard to get a draw in the first leg of this semifinal.
Yet Spurs celebrated like kids last night as though they had won the Champions League, the Premier League and FA Cup. They seem to forget that it was mostly kids they were playing against.
Granted they played very well but as I said in my preview of this game, on many occasions in football you play as well as the other team let you. And Arsenal’s kids were not at their best last night.
Shocking performances from Walcott and Diaby coupled with goalkeeping errors at crucial points in the game proved too much for the young guns. Still this is why Wenger bloods them in at the deep end.
This experience will stand them in good stead for years to come as they take up the mantle of keeping Arsenal at the top of English and European football which is where Arsenal are destined to arrive.
The same cannot be said of Tottenham however who may have to make do with fourth rate Mickey Mouse Cups.
Friday, January 11, 2008
Diarra is arrogant, but Hoyte and underated Senderos can beat Spurs at the Lane
Arsenal Analysis resident ticket holder at the Emirates was there on Wednesday night for the Carling Cup tie against Spurs. These are his “touchline” impressions of the game.
By Eros
I have been reading a lot of reports about Wednesday’s game on the net and since I disagree with a lot of them I thought of putting down some thoughts about the game which are the result of watching the game from inside the stadium rather than from the TV.
Diarra
Firstly let me start with Diarra who reports say that he excluded himself from the squad, apparently he did not feel mentally up to it with all the transfer speculation!!!
I hate to say that we missed him badly on Wednesday; we had no one to control the tempo of the game as Gilberto was not able to play such a role.
All Diarras’ rumblings in the press make him look silly and arrogant as he has only been with us for 5 minutes and is already demanding first team football.
Flamini proved beyond any doubt that if the coach thinks you deserve a chance then when he gives you the opportunity it’s up to you to make the most of it from there. Under different circumstances I’d be very happy to make a quick profit and sell him to the highest bidder!
However injuries and the ANC makes that extremely dangerous as he may have to fill in either the middle or as a right back. This is one occasion that I hope Wenger for once puts his foot down and keeps him in the team at least until the summer.
Hoyte
I was very impressed with the second half performance of Justin Hoyte when moved next to Big Phil to play as a centre back.
He was composed and his speed allowed us to hold a higher line and start controlling the ball better than we did in the first half. Also he did not get caught out of position and he could prove a useful solution during the next month.
I was very disappointed however with Diaby and Djourou. We all know that Diaby is not a left winger, but I think the reason that Wenger persists to employ him there is so that he can improve and work around his biggest weakness which is his left foot.
However against Spurs he persistently tried to dribble himself out of trouble rather than pass the ball, did not help Traore enough by being reluctant to track back and he consistently drifted infield and made life difficult for Denilson.
I’m lost for words for Djourou, he was simply abysmal. Let’s hope that it was just nerves of the first game back and he will improve over the next few weeks.
Senderos
However a lot of unfair criticism has been laid on Senderos. Yes he started the game shakily but he improved as the game went on.
He was partly at fault for the nightmare spell 30’- 40’ where Spurs scored and should have had a couple more, but he improved as the game went on made a few good blocks and won a few headers.
I’m confident that next to an experienced and extremely quick defender like Gallas he will excel given some games to get in to rhythm.
Good substitutions by Wenger – even though enforced – we steadily improved in the second half and it was all Arsenal in the last Quarter.
For all the above comments however I am acutely aware that we were awful on Wednesday night. We could not keep the ball and resorted to uncharacteristic long balls and sloppy passing.
Berbatov created a lot of problems especially in the first half pulling defenders out of position, and feeding cute little through balls to any runners from midfield.
For all his class however his team-mates did not have the necessary composure to convert their chances and with that they squandered the best chance they had in a long time to beat the old enemy.
Wenger said he will keep the same team more or less for the return leg but I expect more options on the bench at WHL.
We certainly cannot be as bad again and even though they should be considered favourites now, I fully expect us to go to there and either win or get a score draw to take us through on away goals after extra time.
By Eros
I have been reading a lot of reports about Wednesday’s game on the net and since I disagree with a lot of them I thought of putting down some thoughts about the game which are the result of watching the game from inside the stadium rather than from the TV.
Diarra
Firstly let me start with Diarra who reports say that he excluded himself from the squad, apparently he did not feel mentally up to it with all the transfer speculation!!!
I hate to say that we missed him badly on Wednesday; we had no one to control the tempo of the game as Gilberto was not able to play such a role.
All Diarras’ rumblings in the press make him look silly and arrogant as he has only been with us for 5 minutes and is already demanding first team football.
Flamini proved beyond any doubt that if the coach thinks you deserve a chance then when he gives you the opportunity it’s up to you to make the most of it from there. Under different circumstances I’d be very happy to make a quick profit and sell him to the highest bidder!
However injuries and the ANC makes that extremely dangerous as he may have to fill in either the middle or as a right back. This is one occasion that I hope Wenger for once puts his foot down and keeps him in the team at least until the summer.
Hoyte
I was very impressed with the second half performance of Justin Hoyte when moved next to Big Phil to play as a centre back.
He was composed and his speed allowed us to hold a higher line and start controlling the ball better than we did in the first half. Also he did not get caught out of position and he could prove a useful solution during the next month.
I was very disappointed however with Diaby and Djourou. We all know that Diaby is not a left winger, but I think the reason that Wenger persists to employ him there is so that he can improve and work around his biggest weakness which is his left foot.
However against Spurs he persistently tried to dribble himself out of trouble rather than pass the ball, did not help Traore enough by being reluctant to track back and he consistently drifted infield and made life difficult for Denilson.
I’m lost for words for Djourou, he was simply abysmal. Let’s hope that it was just nerves of the first game back and he will improve over the next few weeks.
Senderos
However a lot of unfair criticism has been laid on Senderos. Yes he started the game shakily but he improved as the game went on.
He was partly at fault for the nightmare spell 30’- 40’ where Spurs scored and should have had a couple more, but he improved as the game went on made a few good blocks and won a few headers.
I’m confident that next to an experienced and extremely quick defender like Gallas he will excel given some games to get in to rhythm.
Good substitutions by Wenger – even though enforced – we steadily improved in the second half and it was all Arsenal in the last Quarter.
For all the above comments however I am acutely aware that we were awful on Wednesday night. We could not keep the ball and resorted to uncharacteristic long balls and sloppy passing.
Berbatov created a lot of problems especially in the first half pulling defenders out of position, and feeding cute little through balls to any runners from midfield.
For all his class however his team-mates did not have the necessary composure to convert their chances and with that they squandered the best chance they had in a long time to beat the old enemy.
Wenger said he will keep the same team more or less for the return leg but I expect more options on the bench at WHL.
We certainly cannot be as bad again and even though they should be considered favourites now, I fully expect us to go to there and either win or get a score draw to take us through on away goals after extra time.
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
Arsenal’s weaknesses Vs Spurs thirst for revenge
By 1970’s Gooner
There are three things that are worrying me for tonight.
The first is to do with what will not take place at the Emirates. And that is the fact that Diarra has not been included in the squad which implies that something is anon.
Usually when a player has been in the news about impending transfers and is subsequently omitted from a game that he is supposed to participate in, as you would expect for Diarra tonight, then I fear the worst.
I rate Diarra very much. He is only 22, a full France international, a really strong and tenacious central midfielder who can also play equally well at right back with fantastic potential.
Financially speaking his value will no doubt multiply in a few years. If Wenger will allow him to move on he should indeed factor in this aspect and demand a price more near his potential value.
The next thing that worries me concerns what might happen on the pitch tonight. And that is a weakness in our central defenders.
They are both young players without a wise head around to guide them. Usually Wenger would pair one young defender with a more experienced hand next to them. He can't do it this time as he needs to rest and protect Gallas.
Also one of them, Senderos, looked rusty to me last time out against Burnley. And they will have to face one of the most potent strike forces in the Premiership: Berbatov and Keane.
The other weakness that worries me also originates in our defence.
Traore also looked out of sorts at Turf Moor last Sunday; so much that Wenger had to substitute him midway through he second half with Justin Hoyte.
Only this time Traore will have to face a more agile and penetrative winger in Aaron Lennon. If he puts in a performance like last Sunday’s then we are in trouble.
On the other hand Spurs will be out to get revenge for their last defeat at the Emirates which they would consider as unlucky having missed a penalty and the chance to go ahead at a crucial time during that game.
They are also under new management and they will be fired up even more.
I think the whole game will hinge not so much on how Spurs perform tonight but on how well Arsenal’s defence cope with what Spurs throw at them.
Prediction: It will be a game of two defences. Which will let in the least goals? Home win 3-2
Arsenal squad to face Tottenham:
2 Abou DIABY
3 Bacary SAGNA
6 Philippe SENDEROS
9 EDUARDO
11 Robin VAN PERSIE
15 DENILSON
19 GILBERTO
20 Johan DJOUROU
21 Lukasz FABIANSKI (GK)
26 Nicklas BENDTNER
30 Armand TRAORE
31 Justin HOYTE
32 Theo WALCOTT
36 Mark RANDALL
40 Vito MANNONE (GK)
41 Gavin HOYTE
BREAKING NEWS
Sam Allardyce and Newcastle have parted company!
There are three things that are worrying me for tonight.
The first is to do with what will not take place at the Emirates. And that is the fact that Diarra has not been included in the squad which implies that something is anon.
Usually when a player has been in the news about impending transfers and is subsequently omitted from a game that he is supposed to participate in, as you would expect for Diarra tonight, then I fear the worst.
I rate Diarra very much. He is only 22, a full France international, a really strong and tenacious central midfielder who can also play equally well at right back with fantastic potential.
Financially speaking his value will no doubt multiply in a few years. If Wenger will allow him to move on he should indeed factor in this aspect and demand a price more near his potential value.
The next thing that worries me concerns what might happen on the pitch tonight. And that is a weakness in our central defenders.
They are both young players without a wise head around to guide them. Usually Wenger would pair one young defender with a more experienced hand next to them. He can't do it this time as he needs to rest and protect Gallas.
Also one of them, Senderos, looked rusty to me last time out against Burnley. And they will have to face one of the most potent strike forces in the Premiership: Berbatov and Keane.
The other weakness that worries me also originates in our defence.
Traore also looked out of sorts at Turf Moor last Sunday; so much that Wenger had to substitute him midway through he second half with Justin Hoyte.
Only this time Traore will have to face a more agile and penetrative winger in Aaron Lennon. If he puts in a performance like last Sunday’s then we are in trouble.
On the other hand Spurs will be out to get revenge for their last defeat at the Emirates which they would consider as unlucky having missed a penalty and the chance to go ahead at a crucial time during that game.
They are also under new management and they will be fired up even more.
I think the whole game will hinge not so much on how Spurs perform tonight but on how well Arsenal’s defence cope with what Spurs throw at them.
Prediction: It will be a game of two defences. Which will let in the least goals? Home win 3-2
Arsenal squad to face Tottenham:
2 Abou DIABY
3 Bacary SAGNA
6 Philippe SENDEROS
9 EDUARDO
11 Robin VAN PERSIE
15 DENILSON
19 GILBERTO
20 Johan DJOUROU
21 Lukasz FABIANSKI (GK)
26 Nicklas BENDTNER
30 Armand TRAORE
31 Justin HOYTE
32 Theo WALCOTT
36 Mark RANDALL
40 Vito MANNONE (GK)
41 Gavin HOYTE
BREAKING NEWS
Sam Allardyce and Newcastle have parted company!
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
Carlos Vela shines again for Osasuna (plus video)
By 1970’s Gooner
Osasuna wrapped up 2007 with their first home victory in five games, after deservedly beating Mallorca 3-1. They led by two goals, the second scored two minutes in the second half before Mallorca reduced the deficit two minutes later.
Osasuna for all their superiority found themselves under some pressure as the game opened up with Mallorca pushing for the equaliser. Arsenal’s Mexican wonder kid Carlos Vela came on in the 64th minute and immediately started to have an impact on the left wing with his dribbling and lightning pace troubling the Mallorca defenders.
Portuguese midfielder Hugo Viana finally secured the win for Osasuna adding the third and his first of the season four minutes into injury time, when he finished a brilliant play from the left by Mexican winger Carlos Vela.
Vela picked up the ball on the half way line on the wing and went on a fantastic run leaving the defenders helpless behind him before laying it on a plate for Viana to have enough time to roll it into the net from close range.
Watch the video of all the goals as they are worth viewing.
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
Fabregas and Gallas in the world's best eleven players of the year
By Aries
Journalists of the prestigious French newspaper “L'Equipe” have chosen their best eleven for 2007 and the Premier League has seven representatives. Among them Arsenal’s Fabregas, for the first time and also Gallas who was also in the team last year.
Cesc Fabregas has been in fantastic form this season adding goals and steel to his marvelous displays which have been instrumental in pushing Arsenal to the top of the Premier League and through to the last 16 of the Champion’s League.
The other Premier League players are Nemanja Vidic, Patrice Evra and Cristiano Ronaldo of Manchester United, Steven Gerrard of Liverpool and Didier Drogba of Chelsea.
There were two players from the Spanish League, Daniel Alves of Seville and Real Madrid’s Ruud Van Nistelrooy. Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus) and the midfielder Kaká (Milán) were the representatives of the Italian League.
Gallas and the goalkeeper Buffon are the only ones who were chosen for the best eleven last year.
Team of the Year:
Buffon
Alves Gallas Vidic Evra
Ronaldo Fabregas Gerrard kaka
Drogba Van Nistelroy
Journalists of the prestigious French newspaper “L'Equipe” have chosen their best eleven for 2007 and the Premier League has seven representatives. Among them Arsenal’s Fabregas, for the first time and also Gallas who was also in the team last year.
Cesc Fabregas has been in fantastic form this season adding goals and steel to his marvelous displays which have been instrumental in pushing Arsenal to the top of the Premier League and through to the last 16 of the Champion’s League.
The other Premier League players are Nemanja Vidic, Patrice Evra and Cristiano Ronaldo of Manchester United, Steven Gerrard of Liverpool and Didier Drogba of Chelsea.
There were two players from the Spanish League, Daniel Alves of Seville and Real Madrid’s Ruud Van Nistelrooy. Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus) and the midfielder Kaká (Milán) were the representatives of the Italian League.
Gallas and the goalkeeper Buffon are the only ones who were chosen for the best eleven last year.
Team of the Year:
Buffon
Alves Gallas Vidic Evra
Ronaldo Fabregas Gerrard kaka
Drogba Van Nistelroy
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