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Friday, December 10, 2010

Showdown or Showstopper


It’s early days yet concerning the fate of the league title this season, but Monday night’s showdown against Manchester United at Old Trafford will help point to the destination of the title. As Arsene Wenger has said so often in the past, you don’t win the league in December.
True indeed, but December nonetheless, neither Wenger nor Sir Alex Ferguson will want to concede ground on this one. The two old foxes may look war-weary, but they haven’t lost their battle-hardedness and are always up for such confrontations.
Already, there’s a spiky feeling about this one no thanks to big-mouth Patrice Evra trying to engineer an atmosphere of hate with his comments about Arsenal being a mere “training centre”. Consummate professionals don’t say such things about other teams, but we all know Evra has no tact or self-respect which was why he behaved to type at the World Cup and his international career ended disgracefully. A Nicholas Anelka clone with less brain cells than a termite.
Interestingly for the first time in recent memory, the Gunners go into this match ahead of Manchester United on the log. It’s not something that has happened in a long while. Since the 2007-2008 season, when Arsenal led the league for four months before giving it away at St. Andrews to Birmingham on the February afternoon Eduardo’s leg was snapped in two, we haven’t managed to edge ahead of Sir Alex’s empire.
For all manner of reasons, we’ve always remained in the shadow of the all-conquering Mancunians. Since then, Sir Alex has gone on to lift two league titles as well as a Champions League trophy. He was only denied a hattrick of league triumphs by Carlo Ancelotti’s resurgent Chelsea seven months ago.
This time around, with 16 games played in a 38-game season, we find ourselves one point in front of Sir Alex for the first time in a long, long while. This has happened despite our four league defeats already – three of them at home!
Titans of English soccer...Ferguson and Wenger
 Manchester meanwhile are unbeaten in the league but their campaign has been hampered by seven damaging draws. Despite playing one game less than us, they must still be kicking themselves that they cannot break away from the muddle at the top. Sir Alex, the old warhorse that he is, knows the value and importance of such big ties as Monday night’s clash and surely sees it as a must-win. December or not.
Already as seen so far this season, many teams have stepped up to the plate to take adavantage of the break up of the famous Big Four through the demise of Liverpool. This state of affairs has seen even promoted sides Blackpool, Newcastle and West Brom fancy their chances against the established sides and taken them with two hands.  Accordingly as we have all borne witnesses to so far, even Manchester United’s outstanding game against Blackpool can so easily leave them empty handed after 90 minutes. A look at the league standings this morning will show us that none of the promoted sides are currently in relegation zone.
The tables of fortune which favours the brave have turned full square in the premiership.
Gone is the fear of the mythical Big Four. Gone are the days of rolling over and allowing the likes of us and Man Utd to walkover the perceived small teams.
Which is why winning the league now may turn out to be harder and more gritty than it has ever been since it all started 18 years back.
Sir Alex knows it very well and therefore the bread-and-butter games with the lesser lights of the league are simply, no more what they used to be. It seems now that the days of winning the league despite not beating any of the big teams, may have gone with the past. There are simply no teams to walkover anymore. Arsene Wenger and his bunch had that lesson rammed down their throats painfully and decisively by first West Brom and later, Newcastle.
Monday’s showdown couldn’t have come at a better time for both teams as they seek to measure themselves against each other. As a parameter of how far they have progressed or regressed so far this season, Monday night is pivotal.
Yes it may be just December, but this showdown between first and second in the league will surely not produce a Real Madrid-Barcelona style annihilation. Because despite the game taking place at Old Trafford, the stadium has actually been a good hunting ground for Arsenal over the past few years. We only lost there last year thanks to a crazy Almunia penalty-giveaway and an even crazier Abou Diaby own goal after Andrei Arshavin had blasted us into the lead. The previous season, with the destiny of the league already settled, we held Man Utd to a goalless draw there. If we discount the Christiano Ronaldo-inspired Champions League 1-0 defeat there in April 2009, we have a decent record on the ground.
Added to all this, is the fact that Man Utd these days is more of a ship managing to stay above water, than a tank firing on all cylinders.  Up until three weeks ago, we had a better goals’ difference than them. Dimitar Berbatov’s five-goal salvo in that 7-1 crushing of Blackburn two weeks ago changed things for them but as mentioned earlier there won’t be any such scoreline on Monday night.
Manchester Utd are slowly putting the divisive effects of the Wayne Rooney saga behind them and getting everyone to singing from the same sheet. Nemanja Vidic now seems happier after casting admiring glances at Spain and Italy all through last season. Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes may finally be feeling their ages at last but in their places, the immature Anderson is finally finding his feet, while his younger compatriots Fabio and  Rafael are emerging as talented players, if still inexperienced. Another young tyro, the Mexican Javier Henandez  remains a dangerous arrowhead of their attack if needed.
Since Ronaldo’s departure, Man Utd have lost the thing that makes them tick. Rooney for one, being a huge victim of his departure.
Arsenal, like all other teams so far in the league, will seek to exploit that feeling of ‘emptiness’ at Old Trafford and in the likes of Samir Nasri, Jack Wilshire and Marouane Chamakh, they have the ammunition to make their presence count.
Arguably, Nasri has been the outstanding player of the season so far not only for Arsenal but in the entire league. He has suddenly become what Florent Malouda was to Chelsea last season. The most-improved player across all 20 teams, with Tottenham’s Gareth Bale definitely a close second.
He has scored against Man Utd in the past – when we beat them 2-1 at Emirates in October, 2008. So doing it again; at a time when he is in the form of his life, ought not to be too much to ask.
I’m really looking forward with a huge appetite to Monday night. Yet another opportunity to see how far Wenger’s bunch has come in their collective development. Because at Old Trafford there normally is no hiding place.

Thursday, December 9, 2010

Arsenal 3 Partizan Belgrade 1

For what may be the first time this season, we started with two strikers upfront as Arsene Wenger went for a basic 4-4-2. Robin Van Persie continued his rehabilitation as he partnered Marouane Chamakh in attack. All-the-world-and-its-mother knew this was a must-win game for us as we looked to tie up our progress into the knock-out stage of the Champions League for the eleventh consecutive season. Funnily though, things started on a low key as we passed the ball around with ease and penned the Yugoslavs in their area. As has been the case recently, Samir Nasri was seeing a lot of the ball as he spearheaded proceedings from the right side of midfield. His prolific form in front of goal was easily the reason behind his confidence as he ran at the Partizan defence at will.
We had to contend with an early change however when the unfortunate Kieran Gibbs turned his ankle in the 15th minute and had to go off.
In the 26th minute finally, we made a breakthrough when Partizan skipper, Mladen Kratsjic upended Van Persie in the box. The Dutchman rose to bury the penalty and record his first goal since May. Against the run of play, Cleo scored a surprise equalizer for the visitors in the 52nd minute and once again, we managed to make life difficult for ourselves.
It was a night when we were not to be denied however as Theo Walcott came on for the disinterested Andrei Arshavin, and scored his first goal in almost two months with a fine volley in the 73rd minute. Four minutes later, the irrepressible Nasri sealed the game with a fine shot from the edge of the box after being fed by Song.
Things turned sour one more time for us as Bacary Sagna was redcarded in the 85th minute for a last-ditch tackle on Alexander Laveski. We resisted with ten men though to see out the game and finally, finally book our passage to the knock-out stage, next February.
You always got the impression that we were playing with the brakes on last night. It was to be expected, considering our trip to Old Trafford on Monday night in a top-of-the-bill showdown with bitter rivals, Manchester United.
The goal we conceded notwithstanding, it was a fitting end to our European campaign for the year, while we await bigger fish to fry next year and in the meantime, focus on domestic matters.
For making it out of the group stages for the eleventh consecutive time, we can’t be that bad really. Not even the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea or even Real Madrid can boast such consistency.

Back among the goals..Walcott celebrates his sweet volley
Below are the ratings on the night.

• Fabianski (7/10) – Was reduced to dealing with only backpasses as a measure of the paucity of the visitors’ attack, until the 52nd minute when Cleo broke away to rifle a shot that deflected off Squillaci’s outstretched leg and sail over him. Nothing he could do about the goal, but he redeemed himself considerably when he stopped a fierce freekick from Kratsjic in the 86th minute consequent upon Sagna’s sending-off. With a cloud hanging over Manuel Almunia’s return to the team, Fabianski looks to have sewn up the number one shirt in the nearest future.
• Sagna (7/10) – Was his usual no-nonsense self and dealt with all that came down his flank in the form of Partizan attack. Roamed forward a lot though and linked well with Nasri and later Walcott. Unfortunate to be sent off in the 86th minute for a challenge on Laveski but will be back for the big game against Manchester United, Monday night.
• Squillaci (6/10) – He was the weak link in the defence. Was caught out severally by the duo of Cleo and Partizan’s West African, Medo. Gave Cleo the space he needed to shoot for their equalizer and looked out of his depth for most of the game. Methinks he’s exhausted from the unexpected amount of games he’s been forced to play since arriving in August. Looks like he’ll benefit from a breather.
• Koscielny (7/10) – Was surprised to see him return so soon after that head collision four days ago against Fulham. Did well though on the night and proved to be a tough customer. He is still our most-rugged defender after Thomas Vermaelen as he never shies away from knocks. Nipped a lot of balls that could have been a danger and covered lots of ground as well.
• Gibbs (5/10) – The young Englishman fell to the curse of injury – yet again. He lasted only 15minutes before a twisted ankle ended his night. Returned to the pitch to try to run it off, but eventually had to be substituted as he continually hobbled around.
• Denilson (6/10) – The Brazilian started in place of the rested Jack Wilshire and battled hard in the middle to assert himself. Guilty of misplaced passes on several occasions but he did his defensive duties well and snapped into tackles all night. Helped to screen the defence with his endless running and link-up play with those around him. Did better than in many of his erstwhile games for us.
• Song (6/10) – A rather quiet night for the Camerounian. He still threw himself around alot though and never allowed the Partizan midfield of Medo, Jovanovic and Laveski to settle. Had a sniff of goal in the second half when he collected a ball in the visitor’s box. After swivelling away from his markers, he attempted to curl the ball in off the far post, with options waiting around him.After three goals to his name this season already, he surely fancies his chances of getting more now. It was not to be on the night though but he still provided the assist for Nasri's goal.
• Arshavin (5/10) – Back to his bad habits. Didn’t inspire anything and though he tried to initiate some runs from his left flank, he ended up in cul-de-sacs. Didn’t look interested at all and after some fine performances over the past two games, he seemed to have fallen back to his old, lazy ways. Was the first to be substituted – not counting the injured Gibbs – not surprisingly.
• Nasri (8/10) – He is indeed a man transformed. Oozed confidence all night as he took on defenders at will and ran rings round them from all over the pitch. Gets in behind defenders easily now and last night was no different. He has emerged as a huge outlet of our attacks and has become very influential in the team, especially with the sporadic appearances of captain Cesc Fabregas. His goal in the second half was deserved after all the running and passing he was involved in on the night. For us to win anything this season, we need Nasri to remain in the blistering form he has found. Twelve goals so far this season makes him our highest goalscorer and for a midfielder, it is quite a statement.
• Van Persie (7/10) – After being out for so long, the Dutchman was due a full game and he got it last night. Completed his first 90 minutes in ages and was handed the captain’s band to lead the troops. Scored from the spot to send us on our way and did well for the rest of the game. He’s still finding his form and that will obviously take time. His presence on the pitch though encouraged Wenger to opt for a two-man attack and take some pressure off the hardworking Chamakh. Hoping Van Persie stays injury-free, as we head into a crucial time of the season.
• Chamakh (6/10) – Like Squillaci, he also looks jaded. Considering the frenetic start he’s had to both his Arsenal career and the season, his tired legs can be understood. Wasn’t at full pelt on the night and apart form a misdirect header in the first half, off a Bacary Sagna cross, he was largely anonymous. Wasn’t a surprise at all when he was eventually substituted.

Substitutes
• Eboue (7/10) – Came on very early in the 18th minute for the luckless Gibbs and as the only defender on the bench, had to improvise in the left full back position. Did well considering he was playing out of position and wasn’t disgraced at all. Resisted very well and stopped all that came his way. One of his better games for us in a while.
• Walcott (7/10) – Replaced the anonymous Arshavin and immediately put life into out attack. Took on the Partizan defence with his trademark pace and eventually scored a fine goal which restored our lead in the 73rd minute and brought belief back into the side. He needs games like Van Persie to rediscover his sharpness but may have to continue to contend with time on the bench.
• Bendtner (5/10) – Replaced Chamakh as Wenger clearly sought to rest the Moroccan ahead of the Manchester game. Was involved in the build up to the Nasri goal and helped trouble the Partizan defence.

Monday, December 6, 2010

Arsenal 2 Fulham 1

Man of the moment....Samir Nasri after doing the double

We went top of the log for the first time this season after a nervy but eventually, accomplished win over fellow Londoners, Fulham. It was also our first home win in the league in almost five weeks! Quite incredible ay?
The man who stole the show was very clearly, Samir Nasri, who not only score both goals for us but as well diplayed such high level of skill and awareness as to indicate that he has arrived as a mainstay. Some commentators during the game kept repeating that his emergence had now filled the gap left by Cesc Fabregas. Flattering it may sound, but it is a measure of how far he has developed within the team and how highly he is held now.
His goals were of the highest quality. Vintage collector's items.
We went ahead after the rejuvenated Andrei Arshavin intercepted a loose Fulham pass, and threaded it into Nasri's path. The light-footed Frenchman dummied past Brade Haageland first and then another defender, before blasting it from eight yards past Mark Schwarzer. Almost everyone in the Emirates rose to acknowledge such goal of exquisite quality.
Fulham pegged us back rather too easily after we failed to deal with a harmless-looking ball out of
their defence. Squillaci clashed heads with Koscielny, thus allowing an unmarked Diomansy Kamara to angle a fine shot past the stranded Fabianski.
Our tempo dipped as expected. Heads seemed to drop and tension spread through the crowd. Fulham threatened especially at setpieces and though Johann Djourou made his huge presence felt at the back, we were still sitting on tenterhooks.
The introduction of Van Persie and Theo Walcott signified our intention but it was Nasri again that seized the initiative. He latched onto a Van Persie pass and waltzed past three defenders including Schwarzer before he slotted the ball in a sweet, jaw-dropping move.
His goals marked the tenth and eleventh strikes this season and with almost two-thirds of the season yet to go, there are already great expectations that he is on the verge of greatness in his personal and Gunners career.

Below are the ratings
  • Fabianski (6/10) – He was not to blame for the goal we conceeded, especially as he was left exposed by the collision between Koscielny and Squillaci. Did extremely well to save a certain goal from Kamara again before the end of the first half. Was a bit swamped by the Fulham forwards as they attempted to bombard our area with aerial balls from corner kicks and setpieces. In the continued absence of Almunia, he still remains our best bet between the sticks.
  • Squillaci (5/10) – Was shaky on the night. Was troubled by the pace of Kamara and Zoltan Gera, the two Fulham forwards. Stumbled into Koscielny and clashed heads with him unfortunately. The injury forced Koscielny off the field and ended his night. Squillaci looked vulnerable inexplicably and was targetted by the Fulham frontmen.
  • Koscielny (5/10) – Was his usual quick-footed self and was standing up to the feeble Fulham attempts at launching attacks, until the 36th minute when a clash of heads ended his night. He came off worse in the unfortunate incident with Squillaci and after initial fears that he may have suffered a broken nose, he was eventually stretchered off to wide applause from all corners of the stadium.
  • Clichy (6/10) – Did his usual best on the left flank. Due to Fulham's two-pronged attack, he had the latitude and freedom to roam forward. He bombed forward at will and the few times when Fulham attacked down his flank, he stood up well to their efforts.
  • Sagna (6/10) – Also found lots of room on the right. Initially, when Fulham's Gera and Kamara took turns to launch sporadic attacks, he was up to the task. Did well on several occasions as he supported Nasri and got up the field several occasions to send in inviting crosses. He remains a very useful outlet on the right hand flank for crosses.
  • Song (6/10) – Did a yeoman's job in the middle and was full of running and hard graft. Did well to snuff our the veteran Fulham midfielder, Danny Murphy and even found time and energy to take on the opponents' defence. A particular move in the 60th minute saw him outwit John Paintsil on the edge of the box but suddenly when left with the goalie one-on-one, he skied the ball aimlessly into the crowd.
  • Wilshire (7/10) – Was his usual industrious and busy self. Worked well with Song in the middle and was always finding space and the men ahead of him. His presence has gone a long way to nullify the absence of Fabregas as the young Englishman has grown both in stature and ability. His eye for the pass and positional play, despite his lack of inches, has all the hallmark of an accomplished veteran.
  • Nasri (9/10) – Clearly, the man of the match. Full of trickery, running and guile. His two goals were masterpieces and his confidence levels are surely now sky high. He has definitely stepped up to the plate and has now emerged as one of the starts of not just this team, but also the league. He looks a man transformed after two years of unfulfilled expectations with the Gunners. Despite being a midfielder, he has now emerged our leading goalscorer and from what we've seen so far, there is much more to come from the former Marseille man.
  • Arshavin (8/10) – Another player who looks transformed. Whatever might be the reason
    behind his renewed form, it may or not have anything to do with Russia's successful bid to host the World Cup 2018. He was involved in all the good stuff that we put on Saturday and provided the assist that led to Nasri's first goal. Was also a handful for the Fulham defence as he never gave them breathing space. He seems to have rediscovered his knack for goals after netting against Aston Villa last week and heading into a crucial time of the season, it is a welcome development.
  • Chamakh (6/10) – Didn't play up to his usual deadly standards. Was too lackadaisical and guilty of over elaboration. A particular through ball over the top from Arshavin in the first half found him face to face with Schwarzer and instead of shooting, he passed the ball back to Wilshire.
  • Rosicky (7/10) – Did very well. He wore the armband and was up for the game as against his hitherto displays. Linked very well with the frontmen of Chamakh and Nasri. Ran out of gas eventually in the second half and was unsurprisingly substituted.



Substitutes
  • Djourou (6/10) – Did well in the circumstances after coming on for the injured Koscielny. Was inspirational at the back after he came on and did quite well.
  • Van Persie (5/10) – Was not at his mercurial self. His abilities on the ball are well-known but due to the long absence on account of injury, he seems to have lost some of his touch. Was sluggish and slow to the ball in most instances but was involved in the build-up that led to Nasri's second goal.
  • Walcott (5/10) – Came on for Wilshire in the second half and tried his best on the right wings as always. Didn't set the wings on fire and he seems to have lost a lot of spark. Seems to need games to bring back the consistency to his game.