End of a vision and more about Fabregas October 31, 2007
Posted by freekicker in Argentina, Arsenal, Arsene Wenger, Fabregas, Hugo Tocalli, Paul Scholes.add a comment
Who is Hugo Tocalli? Many people including myself did not know him, till Tim Vickery, BBC’s South American reporter wrote about him.
He retired as co-ordinator of Argentina’s Youth side. And in his 13 years Argentina won 5 out of 7 World Youth Cups. That is some youth side. Most of the current squad players have come through the youth ranks, whose credit must go to this man. I am sure Messi, Riquelme, Mascherano etc might owe this man a lot for the way they play now.
So would the sun be setting on a wonderful youth system that brings about a classic style of play and some wonderful players? I guess not else Football will be the loser.
In other news, after Fabregas’ wonderful performance in the last match and the previous matches, he has come in for a lot of praise.
Comparison with Paul Scholes is reported in the Telegraph.
And in a seperate article in Telegraph again, ex Arsenal Goalie Bob Wilson talks about Fabregas and where he stands in the Arsenal all time stars list.
One memorable quote from that article:
It reminded me of what Arsene Wenger said three years ago when I was just finishing my time as goalkeeping coach with Arsenal. He told me: “I have seen the best 17-year-old player I’ve ever seen.” Well, it was an extraordinary statement for Arsene to make. I remember saying: “But wasn’t Pele the best 17-year-old?” “I am telling you about a player who plays in a different role to Pele; Pele was a striker, not a creator.”
Arsenal play ball at Anfield October 29, 2007
Posted by freekicker in Arsenal, Arsene Wenger, EPL, Fabregas, Hleb, Liverpool.3 comments
Not many teams go to Anfield and dominate possession and let the Reds chase the ball. Arsenal did just that despite being a goal down from the 10th minute. A late winner was all that was missing from a wonderful performance from a young team, in a match which was considered the true test for the Gunners.
Wenger said later
I feel we have come out of this first big test stronger. We played without any handbrake, without any restrictions. We played the game we wanted to play, based on our technical qualities and our movement.
I was always very confident, but I hope we convinced a few more people. In my opinion, we have the talent to fight up there for the title.
Arsenal have one more match to prove their title aspirations and a victory at home would put a lot of theories to rest on how this team will have to prove against worthy opponents etc. This team is not looking at the fixtures in Dec and January now. They are probably looking at how to win the next one against Sheffield United. That I think is what this team under Arsene is done well, taking one match at a time.
Hleb is in some form this season. I hope he gets to continue on this purple patch for some more time and his link up play with both Fabregas and Rosicky is very sublime. The slick passing between them is worth many a highlights reel. And the way in which he did not pass to Adebayor or Bendtner and sneaked it past 2 or 3 Liverpool defenders to the advancing Fabregas is a class act.
Chances were lets say even and Liverpool made their earlier one count and Gerrard in a moment of brilliance bamboozled one past Almunia. Crouch came up with some classic hits on target but most of the red fans were trying to win back possession for most part of the match. Arsenal move came in waves and the substitutions of Gilberto, Bendtner and Walcott did not slow pedal the attacks one bit, in fact the goal came after their substitution.
Toure and Gallas had a wonderful match and Eboue was again getting into his antics. I wonder when he will grow up and play like a man. He can take a leaf out of Sagna’s book. Adebayor is going goalless for some matches now and I think it is all going to come back as a hat-trick or something very soon.
With Man U working on the Tevez-Rooney magic and Chelsea putting six past Man City, the league has come alive and the saturday clash between Arsenal and Man Utd will be some match.
Can we beat the Red Buggers? October 26, 2007
Posted by freekicker in Arsenal, EPL, Liverpool.4 comments
Yes we can. If we cannot then I will be disappointed.
As far as I am concerned, there is nothing in this Liverpool team as the media and ESPN commentators make it out to be. Torres works hard and has a lot to prove for the millions dished out to Athletico & Gerrard has been in terrible form both for club and country. Now who else has impressed you this season. None to be precise. If you dig deep maybe Mascherano followed by Kuyt. Thats it.
So if Arsenal get only one point from the match in Anfield, it would be 2 points lost than one point gained. And by any chance if Arsenal lose, it should be called an upset. But I think one point from this match would be a good return for Arsenal compared to Liverpool who cannot afford to lose anymore points to any team outside the top four.
Torres and Agger are believed to be fit by Sunday for this important clash. Arsenal are without Van Persie but I think they should be able to manage this match without him and most probably Eduardo will start with Adebayor for this match. With Fabregas and Hleb in such good form, lets hope there will be some exciting soccer for us to watch. Clichy and Sagna will have a lot of work as Pennant and Risse will be troubling in both the flanks. We will have to see whether Gerrard will be able to go forward as much as he does with other teams when he plays the Gunners.
My expected line up for the match would be:
Almunia
Sagna Toure Gallas Clichy
Hleb Fabregas Flamini Rosicky
Adebayor Eduardo
So Walcott one of the stars of the last match might start from bench and he can definitely come as a sub and do the damage against he aging Hypia. This will be a good learning for Arsenal who have taken care of their problem from last year (beating teams in the middle and bottom of the league). Now this young team needs to prove that they can do it against the biggies.
I am sure Wenger will take only one match at a time and hence we will discuss Man Utd’s trip to the Emirates after this match.
Go get them Gunners.
Seven Star Performance from the Gunners October 24, 2007
Posted by freekicker in Arsenal, Bendtner, Champions League, Fabregas, Hleb, Slavia Praha, Walcott.1 comment so far
On one of the best European nights in England, Arsenal demolislished Slavia Prague at the Emirates Stadium. In front of 60,000 fans, the Gunners put seven past the hapless Czech team. Theo Walcott matured in 90 minutes as Fabregas once again lived upto his reputation and Hleb put in a wonderful showcase of his talent.
The first goal from Fabregas was a beauty, curling from the edge of the box, after Hleb did his dancing around 2 defenders and passed it to Fabregas. The 5th minute goal set the tone for the match and it did not turnout to be one of those “it cud have been a 7-0 match”, but it indeed was a 7-0 match. Infact if Adebayor had taken his chances, the scoreline could have been 10-0! Hleb got involved again, striking a shot of a rebound from the corner towards the crowded goal line. It got a lucky deflection and that was goal no.2 for Arsenal. Hleb was all over the park and Slavia Prague did try to pass around themselves and take a shot at goal. If I remember correctly, Almunia made couple of saves and one of them was a tough one.
Walcott had a his first Champions League goal gifted to him by the Praha goalie who failed to clear the ball and presented Walcott with the ball. He still had work to do. He beat the keeper and hit it clear of the diving defenders. That gave him some confidence and his runs and twists and turns around the field was quite a sight. Arsenal went into half time 3-0 up.
Second half started in similar fashion, and a brief period of 10-15 minutes was absolutely stunning football from Arsenal which resulted in 3 goals for the gunners. Hleb had his goal first, a neatly stuck shot sending the defenders and the goalie the wrong way. I have a feeling that Hleb is looking set to take the role of Bergkamp in this Arsenal team. His dribbling and ball holding skill is exceptional. Walcott hit his Henry-like goal next and it was definitely a classy goal from the youngster. This performance will definitely boost his confidence and he is set for a brilliant career in this team. The next one was a classy counter attack following a corner at the other end. Hleb to Adebayor, who did his part in holding the ball and passing it to Walcott who cushioned the ball for Fabregas to slot it in.
S ubstitutions followed and the tempo slowed down a bit. But Rosicky, Gilberto and Bendtner were worthy replacements. But I thought all the forward efforts were orchestrated for Walcott to hit his hat-trick which never happened. But Bendtner got his first Champions League goal in style, keeping the defender at bay and pushing it in.
It was a great nite and for fans all around the globe this must have come as a great curtain-raiser for the weekend biggie against Liverpool. I can only hope that Arsenal build from here and have a wonderful 2 weeks ahead.
Slavia Praha Preview October 23, 2007
Posted by freekicker in Arsenal, Champions League, Slavia Praha.add a comment
SK Slavia Praha arrive in London as the toppers of the Czech domestic league. With 25 points from 10 matches they sit pretty at top and in the weekend they won their home match 3-0. So they sure are full of confidence when they play away at Emirates.
With respect to Champions League, Group H is unique in two ways
- This group is the only group made entirely of qualifiers
- Sevilla and Slavia Praha are debutants to the Champions League
A victory here would ensure qualification for Arsenal and this would mean a settled side takes on Liverpool and Man Utd in the premier league. But nothing is easy in Europe and hence Wenger will be cautious of this Czech team.
The likely team should be
Almunia
Sagan Toure Gallas Clichy
Walcott Fabregas Flamini Rosicky
Adebayor Eduardo
I think Hleb who had a great match on the weekend might also come in instead of Rosicky. I will definetely be watching this one. So here is to a good match and an Arsenal victory.
Toure scores as Walcott impresses October 23, 2007
Posted by freekicker in Arsenal, Bolton Wanderers, EPL, Toure, Walcott.1 comment so far
I did not get to watch the match, but was following it online. Caught the match highlights and it was nice to see Toure and Rosicky score. Rosicky and Walcott were the impact substitutions made by Wenger in a night when we badly needed to win against Bolton. With Liverpool getting luckier by the day and Man Utd winning another match by scoring 4 goals, we had to win and that we did.
Toure has been trying to score from a long ranger for some time now. I think the closest has been the crossbar-rattler against Sunderland. That was some hit. But this freekick was nicely placed low into the right side of the goalie. The movement of the ball(initially I thought it was deflected) must have taken it past the goalie. Nevertheless, Toure has had his first goal this season and I hope he has many more this season.
Walcott who has been criticised for his performance whenever he has played has been showing consistent improvement in the last two occasions he has come into play. Wenger has hinted that Walcott has a big chance of starting from the next game. Eboue has not performed as expected on the right. Theo’s assist and Rosicky’s cool flick on meant we can rest easy with another 3 points.
The real tough test comes from now on when we play Liverpool & Man Utd in the next couple of weeks. May the force be with the Gunners.
Injuries and Bolton Preview October 19, 2007
Posted by freekicker in Arsenal, EPL, Van Persie.add a comment
The Internationals week saw a lot of activity for the Gunners. Eduardo was on target on Saturday against Israel, Gallas had a good outing for France. Bad news was that Van Persie got injured in what looks like a knee injury that can keep him out for more than 4 weeks. Senderos picked up a back injury in a friendly played in the week.
In defence Toure stands like a rock and Gallas coming back would be good news to the team. Senderos should be fine in a fortnight. But what is really bad is the injury to Persie.
In the next 4-5 weeks, Arsenal plays:
20 Oct Bolton (H)
23 Oct Slavia Prague (H)
28 Oct Liverpool (A)
31 Oct Sheffield Utd (A)
03 Nov Man Utd (H)
07 NOv Slavia Prague (A)
12 Nov Reading (A)
24 Nov Wigan (H)
The double biggies at the end of the month would be a very crucial period for Arsenal’s campaign. Especially the trip to Anfield where we were humiliated 4-1 last time. I distinctly remember this match as it was on my Bday and I was in Singapore, for the official inauguration of the Arsenal Supporters club. It was a very bad start for all the Gooners in that pub.
But having said that in Adebayor, Eduardo and Bendtner we have quality that should see us atleast hold on to draws in these two matches atleast. With Togo not qualifying for the African Nations Cup, Adebayor will be available throughout January.
The Bolton game might be seen as an easy 3 points to many, but I think teams like Bolton and Blackburn play a very physical game everytime they play Arsenal for the last so many years. They are our Bogey team. Away at the Reebok last time, Anelka scored a goal from outside the box to seal victory. And he likes scoring against his old club. This time they are visiting the Emirates without a manager and there is a lot of uneasiness in the team. This could act both ways if you ask me.
Lets hope Adebayor scores in this match because whenever Adebayor has scored Arsenal has never lost a match. And just for those who like Trivia, Toure and Clichy are the only two Arsenal players who have played every minute of this current Arsenal premier league campaign.
South American Flavour October 16, 2007
Posted by freekicker in Argentina, Riquelme, South America, World Cup.add a comment
As Europe sizzles in the Euro 2008 qualifiers, the South American continent woke up to the World Cup qualifiers. And what a start it was for Argentina. It was as if they were continuing on the wonderful display of what purists will call football from the Copa America. Except for the finals which was one bad day at office for Riquelme & Co. the rest of the tournament was like a fantasy for the whole team.Riquelme’s return to Spain has not been good at all. A spat with the Villareal coach, meant he has not played for the last 3 months and the last match that he had played was the 3-0 loss to the Brazilians in the Copa America finals. And what a return to football the great player has made. He is definitely a class apart. Two beautifully taken free-kicks resulted in 2 goals and a great win.
In my opinion Riquelme has played better football compared to Kaka. But in all probability Kaka might win the FIFA footballer of the year. The way Riquelme played for Argentina and then for Boca Juniors last year was noteworthy. There are not many who play like him, moving around mid-field passing the ball around and looking for the killing pass. Argentinian football should thank their coach Alfio Basile for bringing back King Riquelme to the football field.
Catch both his freekicks here and here.
Tom Vickery, BBC’s South American correspondent has written a good article on Riquelme here. He says
Riquelme’s performance on Saturday was like a large billboard announcing the fact that football starts in the brain
Long time no post October 12, 2007
Posted by freekicker in Arsenal, Henry, Liverpool, Man U, Sunderland.add a comment
Sorry regular readers, I was kind of held up with work. But I do have some interesting stories to tell you all.
First up is my trip to Thailand. Well I got my Arsenal Home Jersey finally from Bangkok. In Malaysia all the Gooners have lapped up everything that was on sale in the Nike shop. So now I wear my sexy red and white home jersey to watch every match. Also got a nice Arsenal tee which has also been sold out in Malaysia. This is also where I realised how big the Liverpool and Man U fan base is compared to Arsenal. We do have a long way to go.
So in Bangkok I went to the Night bazaar (market) in Lumpini, where they show the weekend matches in giant screens. Its a nice place with some 300 odd tables full of football fans choking on beer and meat from the stall around it. There are two giant screens and when a goal is scored they have this live commentary in Thai. The matches are not shown in ESPN/Star Sports and hence very few ads and the discussion etc is in Thai (I mean ya I am ok with it,after all they are catering to those viewers primarily). So it was the weekend Arsenal played West Ham away and at the same time the Liverpool match was going on and they were screening the Liverpool match. I managed to find out who was controlling the LCD projectors and asked them if they can show the Arsenal match in one screen and the Liverpool match in the other. I should admit that it was a very very difficult job making them understand in the first place. So they asked me to check with the owner of that place. I went to see him and guess what the dude is a fan of Liverpool, dressed in the Reds jersey. He told me there is no chance that he can heed my request, all the people there come to see the Liverpool match and he was right. There were hundreds of fans.
Next incident was inside the Siam Paragon, the biggest mall in Bangkok. I had gone there to buy my Arsenal jerseys and in the department store inside that mall where the sports section is located, near the Nike section, there is a separate section which sells Man U merchandise. Its a few square feet area dedicated to the red devils stuff…Well that is seriously something. I am sure the way the Gunners have started the season, a lot more fans would have been added to the existing base and it can only get better with trophies and fan base and the money 
And to make it worse, the hotel in which I was staying was not showing the channel it which the Arsenal match was coming, so missed the West ham match as well as the Steau Bucharest match. But in the end these 2 matches were not completely entertaining affairs so I did not miss much.
Saw the Sunderland match with the Arsenal Supporters in Rick’s cafe in KL( Whenever I am in KL and there is a match, I try to be there). Oh and did we have fun that nite. It was a close match but if the Diaby goal was given it would have been a different match altogether. Credit should be given to Keane and his team for fighting for every ball and attack from the word go. This probably was the toughest match Arsenal faced all season. With Man U winning in style, this win was quite an important one. I think the pressure will start from the next week and how we deal Liverpool at Anfield will make or break our season. Or maybe I am dealing with that topic sooner than later. But couple of points from the Sunderland match
- Walcott made a lovely pass for the last goal and he was really running around the defence and wings of Sunderland
- But he also messed up an easy chance by getting all tangled up when a clear cut pass came his way
- And why was Jones winning all the headers coming from the Sunderland midfield. He beat Senderos, Clichy and I dont remember who else. But something needs to be done to address this
- And it was great to see Persie have his day under the sun
In other news, it was nice to see Henry praise the Gunners and expect them to do the Double. Not easy but realistically possible on current form. It needs to be seen how long the team can maintain this tempo.
Also a nice article from Guardian which says Rafa’s tinkering is not the problem, but Gerrard in the centre is the problem, worth a read.
Also saw a news clip where Arsenal reserves won against Chelsea reserves and the guy who scored the all important goal was Kieran Gibbs. Trust me, you will hear more of this dude if what I saw in the pre-season match is anything to go by.
