Goodbye to Gilberto, Hleb & Flamini July 22, 2008
Posted by freekicker in 2008-09 season, AC Milan, Arsenal, Barcelona, EPL, Flamini, Gilberto, Hleb, Panathinakos.add a comment
It has been a month of goodbyes from the Emirates camp with the once very densely populated Arsenal midfield getting thinner and thinner as we near the season. Two first teamers Hleb and Flamini left the club to join Barcelona and AC Milan. One very loyal player who I thought might stay to lend some experience to the midfield, Gilberto also left few days back to the Greek club,Panathinakos.
Wenger would not have sold all these players if he did not have a plan. He sure is hardpressed for money, though that is never declared in public, he would have thought about suitable replacements who would come in before the season starts. One heartening matter is that Rosicky would be ready by September and if he and Van Persie can stay fit for atleast 3/4ths of the season, the team would look strong to challenge a lot of top teams for the league. With Eduardo most likely to return by the end of the year, the team would only get stronger.
Gilberto, a world cup winner with Brazil, played in the Copa America just before the 2007-08 season started and was tired to join the squad for the season starting. This meant that Flamini took his place and put in his best season for the club only to go out on a free transfer. Flamini also was responsible to some extent for Diarra feeling demotivated sitting in the bench. He also left for Portsmouth. So Gilberto who had one of his best seasons in 2006-07, leading the side for most of the season due to Henry’s injury, found himself to be the second in line for the holding midfielder role. Well, he did a great job for the team and I wish him all the best for his future.
Thanks also to Flamini the fighter and Hleb the dribbler for their contributions.
Of EPL wages & finance and Samir Nasri May 29, 2008
Posted by freekicker in Arsenal, Chelsea, Deloitte, Diarra, EPL, Flamini, Hleb, Samir Nasri, Telegraph.2 comments
Deloitte published it’s much publicised Annual Review of Football Finance today which covers all the European leagues. It is not any secret anymore that EPL pays its players the highest wages and also bring in the most money by the TV deals as well as the other marketing activities. Chelsea and Manchester United top the list of clubs running on debts and poorly managed as a Footballing club when you look at the Finance part of it.
Arsenal though are third on the list but they have been well planned with respect to the move to Emirates stadium. The assets owned by the club are the highest in England. The stadium utilisation has been the highest in the league at 99.5% and this goes on to show the fans flocking the stadium to see the beautiful passing game of Arsenal.
Telegraph gives a club by club analysis.
Various news websites have reported the signing of Samir Nasri but it is better to be confirmed once the official statement is made on this. The French team for Euro has seen Diarra and Nasri making the grade and Flamini not making it. Probably Diarra got the nod ahead of Flamini because Diarra might be a more flexibile asset to the team as he can play right back as well.
Nasri can play both on the left as well as the centre and would straightaway replace Hleb if he leaves the club. More as and when something concrete is reported.
AC Milan 0-2 Arsenal March 5, 2008
Posted by freekicker in AC Milan, Adebayor, Arsenal, Arsene Wenger, Champions League, Europe, Fabregas, Flamini, Hleb, Kaka, Milan, Walcott.1 comment so far
It is not often that the World Player of the year/European Player of the year feels frustrated and throws the ball in disgust and gets a yellow card. Even more when the player we are discussing is Kaka, one of the coolest footballing dudes. It showed how much Arsenal has got into their skin of this aging AC Milan side, how much they had tackled and won the ball from these silky footballers like Kaka and Pirlo, how much they had played their passing game and ran around the Milan team. Arsenal qualified to the quarterfinal stage beating Milan by two late goals that set the tone for a new era of youth and exuberance in Europe. This is the end of the Maldini era and the begining of the Fabregas era.
Midfield control has been grasped by the trio of Flamini, Fabregas and Hleb. They played like men possessed to show Europe the hunger and vitality of youth in this young Wenger side. Hleb was here, there, turning, beating 3-4 opponents,stealing possession, Flamini was biting into Gattuso and Kaka and Pirlo and giving them irritating times, Fabregas had all the time in the world to look around play some through balls and also be present in scoring positions from time to time. It was a match dominated by Arsenal and though Milan had their chances, Arsenal were the team that the crowd in San Siro watched.
For all the domination of possession which looked as if Arsenal were playing in the Emirates and not San Siro, it looked for a long time in the match like the same old story of lost chances and defeat at the end. But this team has been scoring late goals after late goals and last nite again was the same. Hleb won the ball from Pirlo I think, and passed it to an advancing Fabregas, who ran with the ball, cut in into the centre and slammed a low shot from almost 30 yards!
It dipped, pitched in front of the really tall goalie, who did not expect Fabregas to take strike and squeezed in between him and the goalpost. I was feeling restless seeing the chances being missed and was shuttling between my bed and the sofa, 5.45 in the morning. I never expected Fabregas to shoot from such long distance and even if he did I did not think that it will go in in anycase. But it did and the joy on Fabregas’s face said it all. he announced his arrival and he has been the main man for Arsenal yet again in a high profile encounter.
Adebayor was a thorn in the Milan defence and he kept troubling them and he was also rewarded with his first European goal, courtesy Walcott. He beat the Milan defender in a race to win the ball, went past him and passed aquare of the goal in front of the goalie for a simple tap in for Adebayor. He deserved his goal as he worked tirelessly, from attack to defence in the whole match. Senderos starting with Gallas again had a tremendous game and Almunia was efficient at the back with a few good saves. Clichy and Sagna were impeccable and Clichy did create some problems to the Milanese players. Eboue and Diaby also played their part. the unfortunate part was the wrongful booking of Hleb by the ref. It was a clear cut unlawful tackle by Nesta and should have been a free-kick or for that matter a penalty.
Hopefully this win should act as a morale booster to the team in their pursuit of the League crown. With Persie also back in the side, it should be a good month for Arsenal. For all those who support Arsenal I am sure this victory at San Siro will go as one of the best nights in Europe.
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.
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.
A job well done August 16, 2007
Posted by freekicker in Arsenal, Arsene Wenger, Champions League, Cristiano Ronaldo, EPL, Fabregas, Gael Clichy, Hleb, Lehmann, Man U, Sagna, Sparta Prague, Tevez.12 comments
Arsenal won the 1st leg of the Champions League qualifying beating Sparta Prague 2-0. Both the goals coming in the last quarter of play and the last goal was the last piece of action in the match. Goals came from Fabregas who says 95% of that goal belongs to Clichy, which is quite true and from Hleb which was the culmination of a good long throw from Lehmann to Sagna and this was Sagna’s first assist for an Arsenal goal.
It was a very scrappy match with respect to the tackles thrown in and the physical approach to the whole game. Fabergas was involved in all the three key incidents. He was involved in the tackle with Sparta’s captain, Tomas Repka, who was substituted shortly. He did give his piece if mind to Fabregas before he left, but he cannot complain, it was a good sliding tackle from both players and it was just that Repka was in the receiving end of it. With all the booing from the crowd following that Fabregas scored the first goal. Later he was involved in the other end where he made a very strong tackle inside the box following a corner.
Hleb scored his second Arsenal goal in consecutive matches which should do his confidence a lot of good. This was courtesy a very typical Arsenal counter-attack which caught Sparta by surprise. Both the goals were assists from the full backs and Wenger must be happy.
Post Match Wenger has been talking about the resilience in the team and the fighting spirit in the team. I would like to see how they play against the big-three in the league. If they go a goal down against Chelsea would they fight back? Well lets hope such a scenario doesnt happen 
In other matches in the EPL, Man U drew again. Tevez made his debut in Man U jersey and was instrumental in the Man U goal. He controlled, put down the challenges from the defender and presented the ball to Scholes to slam it in.
Ronaldogot sent-off for head butting, which means the Champions of last year are in for a tough time with Rooney also unavailable. The 3 matches that Ronaldo will miss are the Manchester Derby away, Tottenham and Sunderland at home. The season is taking some really interesting turns in the begining, wonder how it will end!!!
Why Arsenal, why? August 13, 2007
Posted by freekicker in Arsenal, Arsene Wenger, Chelsea, EPL, Eboue, Essien, Hleb, Lehmann, Man U, Rosicky, Sagna.add a comment
- Why do you have to make your supporters go through matches like this?
- Why do we always have to come from behind to win matches?
- Why is Lehmann still the first choice Goalkeeper?
- Why do we pass the ball around the box and not take a shot at goal?
- Why do we have so may shots at goal but only so few goals?
- Why do we have 20 goal attempts, 14 on target topped with 14 corners but just 2 goals to show for that?
- Why do we not play the likes of Fulham, Sunderland etc the same way we play the Chelseas and MUs?
But having said all that I think my previous post about this team having a fighting spirit has been proved beyond doubt. They did this comeback play some 15 times last season and I hope for once against these lower sides we would be able to score 2 goals in the first half and the Arsenal fans can sit and relax for a while, instead of sitting at the edge and panic.
I had to leave a friend of mine at the airport and hence saw only the first half. But I think it is a good omen and maybe this season will be a lucky one for us. Last year I sat and watched Arsenal draw at home if I am not mistaken. But this time we won and what a comeback win.
In terms of player performance, Lehmann was pathetic and needs to be dropped for the next match. Hleb was in his favourite position and thank god he didnt pass the ball and slammed it home for the second goal. Rosicky had a few shots on goal which is encouraging. Toure got us the penalty and once again he shows his aggressiveness in going forward and trying to do something to get a goal. I like his attitude like that. But if there is something I dont like about him, it is the long balls forward which he is not good at. Most of the time it is nowhere near an Arsenal player and is easy pick for the opposing defence or goalie. It is best if he can pass it around and take it forward. Eboue-Sagna combination is the best right side combination I can think of presently.
In other matches, Chelsea seems to be leaking at the back. But how many times have we seen Essien coming up with a wonder strike to make that bit of difference. I still remember his equaliser at Stamford Bridge against Arsenal. That saved Chelsea from losing for the first time in 2 years at home. And the Man U match proves that even with 60 million pounds you cannot get a goal against a very solid defence of 10 men, forget 11 men. I was surprised that Fergie chose such a weak team. His options were so bad that Evra played midfield, OShea played forward and he had Silvestre, Fletcher etc in the sub bench. Cmon when you spend so much money why are you hiding your players. And Sunday was a Goalie day I guess, first it was the Fulham goalie and then it was Hahnemann (hope I spelt it right), the Reading goalie. They could get nothing wrong whereas Lehmann was clumsy. It was so funny that if it was not Arsenal I would have been rolling on the floor with laughter.
Wenger if you are listening, please change the goalie for the next match. Almunia was in good form in pre-season and will be not clumsy like Lehmann.
Gunners are back with a bang July 30, 2007
Posted by freekicker in Arsenal, Arsene Wenger, Bayern Munich, Bundesliga, EPL, Emirates Cup, Hleb, Inter Milan, Kieran Gibbs, Van Persie.2 comments
Arsenal won the inaugural Emirates Cup beating Inter 2-1. The tournament format was such that you get an additional point for every goal scored. So Arsenal ended up clear winners with 10 point – 6 points for 2 victories and 4 for the 4 goals. The youngsters in the team showed their composure while still maintaining their passing game. They ran around the Italians weaving passes all over the field. This was a high class performance from the Gunners and definitely a notch above their previous match.
Hleb playing just behind the striker, Persie is a wonderful move by Wenger with Eboue playing ahead of Sagna and newcomer Kieran Gibbs playing in the left flank with Fabregas and Flamini in the middle of the park. Hoyte played on the left flank with Toure and Gallas the captain in the centre of defence. Lehmann was on duty under the crossbar. Playing in his first match for the senior team the 17 year old Gibbs showed that he was no kid when it comes to playing for the senior team. He showed his class and was given a standing ovation by the crowd when he was substituted. I am sure we will see more of him as the season progresses. Wenger has found the right positions for Hleb (one of the most under-rated footballers in EPL) and Eboue. Eboue’s combination with Sagna is something to be savoured for the future. I can see that partnership building slowly and steadily. Eboue’s forward play is gonna earn some penalties too.
Arsenal had all the chances in the first half and there were quite a few positives like the shot from outside the box which none of the players hit last season were all back. Persie had a freekick being saved by the goalie and another clipping the back pole. It was an eventful first half. As usual we concede the goal, which came out of nowhere. A precise header which beats Lehmann. And then the familiar story of having all the chances but taking none and the opposition taking it was coming to mind. And then Hleb takes the ball from Arsenal half, combines with Eboue and Sagna before getting it back scores a nice team goal. Scored were level. The commentator said “now somebody should step to the next level and win the match for Arsenal”. Persie heard it I guess because he comes up with a nice twist and turn and blasts it with his weaker foot to put it beyond the Italians. It was a fitting goal that could win any tournament.
Now there is hope. I think with this team we can look at a Top 3 finish which was looking difficult with all the transfers out of the club. Wenger may buy one or two more players according to him. But he knows whats best for the club.
In other news, Bayern Munich beat Schalke 2-0 on Saturday to claim the curtain-raising League Cup for the sixth time in their history. Watch out all you Bundesliga teams…
