In the Aftermath: Arsenal v Olympiakos – Post Match Review

Catch me if you can

There was no slaughter of the oncoming hordes of attackers. Try as they may a group of Greeks, overwhelmed and backed up to defend against a superior force couldn’t sustain themselves long enough to escape. In the end Arsenal, looking better on the pitch then they did this past weekend, defeated Olymipakos in a 2-0 match that wasn’t much of a contest.

Intent on not seeing a woeful start like they had done a fortnight ago, Arsenal’s lineup had more of an attacking skew to it. Emmanuel Eboue replaced Bacary Sagna. Nicholas Bendtner, sidelined with brusies suffered in a car accident was replaced on the wing by Tomas Rosicky.  The result was immediately evident wwith Arsenal controlling play right out the outset and pretty much for the rest of the evening.

However, as with any Arsenal match, it wasn’t devoid of frustration. For 77 minutes the Gunners had their way with the Greeks. Be it possession, attacking the ball, passing or shots. The only place they did not have control was on the score board. For all their prowess for 2/3 of the match Arsenal seemed intent on shooting the ball directly at the 38 year old greek ‘keeper Nikopolidis. For sure Vito Mannone must’ve been thinking he was watching a performance similar to his against Fulham.

Olympiakos manager, Zico seemed to have his side trying to limit what damage Arsenal could do to them. Zico would’ve been happy to come out of the Emirates with a 0-0 draw which would have given his side 4 points and tied with Arsenal and still kept them on the path to move out of the group stage. To combat Arsenals pace and skill Olympiakos while not completely backing the bus up played, behind the line and only ventured forward when the threat of a counter-attack wasn’t evident. It almost paid off.

For all of the control Arsenal had it was Olympiakos who almost came away with the lead right after half. With their best possession of the match they moved down the field with a verve any Arsenal fan would’ve been proud of. The play around the box earned them a corner and a wonderfully placed header by Mellberg was stopped at the line by Don Mannone. From that point on Olympiakos would get scarce sniffs of the goal.

Not content to walk away with a draw Arsene substituted Eduardo for Tomas Rosicky and it was the clever Crozillian’s pass outside the box to Robin Van Persie that ended the Gunner’s evening frustration. The linking up play that led to the goal was classic Arsenal and Eduardo’s patience on the ball was key to delivering the perfect pass to Robin Van Persie. The win was secured in the 85th minute with a rather cheeky heel shot by Andrei Arshavin.  In review it looks like the Russian was offside but it was a call that was missed by the refs.

Arsenal for their part were clearly the better of the two sides. The grouping of Arshavin, Rosicky, Van Persie, Fabregas were as dynamic an attacking group as Arsenal had fielded in quite a while. Arshavin while not getting on to the board until the 85th minute was a threat every time he had the ball. He orchestrated one shot with a slight roll of the right foot shifting on his left and shooting for the near post. Only the late outstretched body of the Olympiakos ‘keeper kept it from going in. 

Cesc Fabregas who has been maligned of late for not seeming to be in games lately looks to be back in form orchestrating every moment last night. His presence and ability to see a play develop before it develops is uncanny.  Tomas Rosicky looks to show Arsenal fans why Arsene Wenger signed him. There were times last night when he juked or lost players simply by turning on a dime. Like Fabregas and Arshavin he has a low centre of gravity and it makes defending him diffcult. And also like his spanish captain, his ability to make plays from beautiful crosses and passes last night was clinical.

 Overall the play from the team was stellar.The constant tracking down of the ball by two or more players which was evident in this game as it was early on in the season. The defensive players are covering for each other on missed plays as when Gallas nearly gave away the ball in the box and Vermaelen was right there to push the ball out. That is a sight that is going to be repated over and over as this tandem build a stronger playing relationship. Players seem to be taking charge on the field more and being vocal with each other. Something not seen last season.

A lot has been made about the inexperience of this team and its youthfulness. Sports teams grow up as they play and as they learn. Some players still need to develop – like Diaby who still is not delivering. He gives the ball away too easily for a player of his size and his speed lacks in a team as quick as this. ON a few occassions last night there were through balls from either Arshavin or Fabregas that Diaby just did not show the pace or mindset to get. Conversely we are seeing the maturation of Alexander Song. While he still make some mistakes, like holding on the ball too long, overall his play this season is a marked difference from last.

There wasn’t much wrong with the team last night. And the results fell the way they should’ve. The team seems to be getting its stride and winning again. Only where we stand in May will tell us if this is indeed a better team. From the early looks of it though thre is much to like about this team.

Next up an EPL match again Blackburn

Player ratings:

1. Mannone – 7 – only had to make the one good save.
2. Gallas – 8 – played like a monster all night
3 Vermaelen – 8 – saved his CB partners backside on a beautfiul cover
4. Clichy – 7 – Focused and quick never once let a defender get behind him
5. Eboue – 7 – Added as an attacking threat in place Sagna. Showed more improvement
6. Rosicky – 7 – Its clear he is not 100% but 90% of Rosicky is better than others. Showed why when healthy he is a player to be reckoned with
7. Song – 7.5 – The kid is loudly trying to stake his claim to the holding midfielder role
8. Fabregas – 8.5 – He’s back!
9. Diaby – 5.5 – the worst of the starters
10. Van Persie – 8.5 – Pace, attitude and a killer goal
11. Arshavin – 9 – Was a threat every time he touched the ball

Subs:
1. Eduardo – 8 – Set up the go ahead goal with thoughtful play
2. Vela – 6 – non consequential
3. Ramsey – 7 – set up the Arshavin’s insurance goal

Popularity: 4% [?]

Match Preview: Arsenal v Olympiakos (UCL)

Beware of greeks bearing gifts

“I admire and I like the way his teams play, the offensive way he makes his teams play, the offensive mentality,” Zico said.

“I follow his career here at Arsenal and I like the way he always makes the most of the players he has.

“This is how he achieved the great success of his life.”

But Zico realizes that in order to have some success at the Emirates his players must,

“pay them the utmost attention, that we leave no space for them,” he said. “They are a very fast team, especially when they attack, especially in the follow-up and we have to concentrate.”

 The Greek side is not without players who know Arsenal. Former Villa player Olof Mellberg is the first player to score a competitive goal against Arsenal in the Emirates inagural season of 2006.  Not playing but also part of the team are former Blackburn striker, Matt Derbyshire.  Each player has stressed the need to stay focused ahead of the match.

Arsenal should not overlook this opponent.  Olympiakos have only lost their league once since 1996 – 2003/04- coincidentally, the last time Arsenal won the league trophy. The Greeks are an attack hungry team and won’t be content to just sit back and play route 1 ball with Arsenal. While the score to their opening match in the Group stages was a 1-0 victory over AZ Alkaemar, the controlled the game throughout. They will try and attack a midfield that has been described by some as soft.  And of course they will know that Vito Mannone was stunned into 2 quick goals within the first 2 minutes against Standard de Liege.

Arsenal come in to this match riding the success of a gritty win against Fulham, a side notorious for playing Arsenal hard. But on the right foot of Robin van Persie and the hands (and face) of “Don” Vito Mannone, Arsenal came away with 3 well deserved points.

But not all the news out of the Emirates is encouraging. On Mondayy it was disclosed that Nicholas Bendtner was in an auto accident that will leave him off the team for the match.  Worse still Brazilian mid-fielder Denilson will be out for the next two months with what has been described as a fracture in his back. All is not loss however, as Theo Walcott is back and has claimed his desire to play in this match and while the gaffer may not start him, he could figure in as a substitute.

Arsene Wenger has placed a lot of faith in his young side. He will be looking for further payoff this week as the club looks to continue its successive play in the elemination rounds. The come from behind win at Standard de Liege may have shown that the side is maturing and gaining a resolve that hasn’t been there. The players are certainly talking as a team that is trying to apply lessons learned from last season. It still remains to be seen if they can translate those lessons to silvware next May.

How it should go down?

Olympiakos has only recently improved their away form in Europe. However they have not played in an evnironment like the Emirates or any of the larger clubs. Arsenal on the other hand have only lost once in the last 24 outtings at home in the Champion’s League, last year’s embarrasing loss to Manchester United. While youth will be in abundance on the Arsenal side, they still feature more talent than their competition. Additionally, they will be sensitive enough to not let the match start in a manner similarly to the action in Belgium.

Key Players:

Arsenal:  Vitto Mannone. 2 weeks ago, Vito faced 2 shots in four minutes and each of them went in . Since then he has held on for two cleansheets. One was at the hands of an overwhelmed challenger who put up little in the way testing while another was a well fought battle to keep his side in the match. As in hockey, sometimes matches hinge on the play of the ‘keeper.  The young Don will be called on once again to back stop Arsenal as the their number one still recovers from a chest infection/cold/flu thingy.

Olympiakos: Physical fullback, Vasillis Torrasidis, is the target of a few big clubs because of his hard-tackling ability and while it looks like he could be sold as early as this January, he could try and prove his worth by being a thorn in the side of Arsenal.

Injury report:

Arsenal: Bendtner, Djourou, Denilson, Nasri

Olympiakos: Galleti, Derbyshire

Possible Starting XI:

Arsenal: Mannone, Sagna, Gallas, Vermaelen, Clichy, Song, Rosicky, Fabregas, Arshavin, van Persie, Eboue/Eduardo

Olympiakos: Nikopolidis, Zewlakow, Mellberg, Avraam Papadopoulos, Raul Bravo, Zairi, Dudu, Ledesma, Leonardo, Diogo, Torosidis

Final Score:

Arsenal : 2

Olympiakos:  1

Popularity: 3% [?]

In the Aftermath: Arsenal v Fulham post-match

Cesc Fabregas orchestrates Van Persie's winner

On an unusually warm September night along the river Thames, Arsene Wenger’s side proved that things this season may be different in how his club does business. Amidst a full crowd of Fulham supporters and the travelling faithful, Arsenal on the foot of Robin Van Persie and the hands of Vito Mannone, worked out a 1-0 victory over a very determined home side.

In recent memories a hard fought match like this, usually saw Arsenal finish on the wrong side. Usually an opponent like Fulham who played determined ball were destined to either win or equalize late in the match. Post match discussion always revolved around, Arsenal’s “soft under-belly” or ability to play a beautiful, flowing match without a positive result. However, none of that was prevalent during yesterday’s match.

Arsenal met on the pitch a side who in recent times has been one of the few lower/mid table teams who have performed well against the big four. Last season, Fulham had wins against Arsenal and United with a draw against Liverpool. Only Chelsea, who needed a last minute winner to escape managed to win all points at Craven Cottage. For Arsenal, last season saw them only manage one point off of Roy Hodgsen’s boys.

With all that in mind, plus two excruciatingly painful loses in Manchester, Arsenal had to come out with authority win this first London Derby of the season. Form the start it looked like the side would do just that. Arsenal quickly challenged with Eduardo’s header missing wide. But it was in the 14th minute when we were truly going to get a glimpse of what the match held.

Fulham were playing well early on and with American Clint Dempsey releasing Bobby Zamora, fill in ‘keeper Vito Mannone made a brilliant hand save only to use his head to save Dempsey’s immediate rebound shot. Throughout the day Mannone would be in good position to stop an onslaught of Fulham shots. Mannone it is clear from a review of the game is gaining confidence in front of the goal. He is doing an outstanding job of marshalling the defence in front of him. His play in the air is quality and his ability to distribute the ball to help force the counter-attack is uncanny for a 21 year old. If there is one flaw in Vito’s game, its that he still looks a little awakward and overwhelmed at times. There was less of that in this game and the italian was clearly in a zone. It was clear that no matter what Fulham threw at him he had the positioning and ultimately the answer.

And that is a good thing!

Arsenal lacked the verve throughout the match. They owned possession but only slightly. They were outshot 20-16 with Fulham getting a good 8 shots on goal. The threat of set pieces only once or twice seemed to threaten Fulham as both Robin Van Persie and Fabregas seemed off in their shots into the pieces. But it was this duo that showed their class in winning the game.  Fabregas intercepted a Fulham pass and was given the space he needed to send Van Persie into the box with a beautiful lob pass. Robin Van Persie had the positioning and speed on the defender. His first touch lowered the ball on his right foot and he fired a low volley into the left corner.

This blog and I as a writer have commented that Fabregas has seemed slow to regain the form he had before the recent international break. But yesterday there were at least 10 or 12 separate occasions that showed the Arsenal Captain is returning to form. Most of the match feautured passing not typical of an Arsenal side. It looked labored, forced and with out emphasis. However Fabregas, who seems to play matches a  move or two ahead of his oppposition made a series of through balls that threatened to open the match up earlier. Even after the goal, Fabregas semed to be picking his game up. On Bendtner’s miss, the exchanges that led up to it were all orchestrated by the Spanish Captain.

Even as pretty as they seemed at points though, Arsenal were not their normal dominant self. Again, this is a good thing. Teams that win championships, be in the EPL, NHL, NFL, etc, win even the games they have no business winning. It is a staple of Manchester United that they have won games where they have been sorely outplayed – cough cough – like against Arsenal a month ago.  Arsenal are too often criticized for not winning these types of matches. It has been basis for some pundits crying that Arsenal will never win anything unless they learn to win ugly.

After a come behind win at Standard Liege and a hard fought win at Fulham, it could safely be said that Arsenal are learning to win when wins don’t seem evitable.  It is a maturation of youth when that starts to click. And for all the crying that Arsenal lack the experience to do well, it could be argued that they are applying lessons from last year and even learning on the go this year. It still does not mean that Arsenal will win the EPL. What it does mean is that Arsenal are showing improvement and yesterday went a long way to showing that this team is growing up.

Player Ratings:

Vito Mannone – 10
William Gallas – 7
Thomas Vermaelen – 7
Bacary Sagna – 7
Gael Clichy – 6
Diaby – 4.5
Fabregas – 8
Song – 7.5
Arshavin – 6.5
Robin Van Persie – 8
Nicholas Bendtner – 7

Subs:
Eboue – 5.5
Tomas Rosicky – 7

Next Match: Tuesday 29 September Champions League versus Olympiakos at the Emirates Stadium

Popularity: 5% [?]

Match Preview: Arsenal v Fulham

Ravin' at the Craven!

Arenal are set to try and continue their winning ways tomorrow at the site of one last year’s most frustrating losses – Craven Cottage. The Gunners square off against Roy Hodgson’s Fulham side who at the start of this season, are a shadow of their selves from last season.

Fulham, notorious for a strong back four have started the season wrought with frustration as they have only managed 6 points from a possible 15 (thanks in part to wins over Pompey and Everton). In all competitions Fulham have one win from their last seven ties.  One of those loses was a 120 minute well fought battle against a first team Manchester City squad. A revamped Fulham side played smart football and frustrated the likes of Carlos Tevez and crew until Kolo Toure knocked home the winner in the 111th minute.

Supporters of the West London side should be bouyed from their teams current form against the Gunners. Last season alone Fulham held Arsenal to just one point from six in their meetings. Only Aston Villa were able to match that feat. Additionally, the loss at Craven Cottage last season was Arsenal’s only derby defeat on the road last season. Overall, the Cottagers have beaten Arsenal at home in two out of the last three seasons.

In order to beat the Gunners this season, Hodgson will need all hands on deck. Simon Davies is out so the squad will need, Clint Dempsey, Bobbie Zamora, Andrew Johnson and Damien Duff to be in form against an improving Arsenal side. Brede Hangeland, rumored througout the summer to be an Arsenal target needs to replicate last season’s heroics if Fulham are to gain points from Arsenal.

The Gunners hope that they can keep the winning form they have shown lately going. In their last three matches they have come from behind against Standard Liege, displayed a solid thumping of Wigan and the young guns outpaced Championship leading West Brom. The league leading scorers have a total of 27 goals in all 9 matches played and have 17 of those in the EPL.  That scoring prowess however has to be tempered with the fact that Arsenal have given up 8 goals.

Even with their two losses this season the effectiveness of the new 4-3-3 cannot be understated. The attack even in those losses has been effective scoring in every match and nearly drawing even in both trips at Manchester. The weak point has been on the defence where the position of goal keeper has been  a particular pain. Prospective England Goalkeeper (I kid of course) Manual Almunia has only managed to save 53% of the shots he’s faced or better put he has let in half the shots he’s seen. Vito Mannone has featured in the UCL and EPL matches while the Polish wiz kid with the hard to pronounce name, Wojicech Szcznesy backstopped the defence in the recent Carling Cup tie. There is some speculation that the the pole will feature between the sticks since Vito has shown himself to be shaky.

One of the key components to the squads scoring sucess is Arsenal’s effectiveness on set-pieces. Last season their attempts were paltry and the were middle of the pack in scoring from them. This season, with the addition of Thomas Vermaelen and all of William Gallas’ body parts, Arsenal are leading the league in scoring from set pieces. This is important as squads back the bus up to block any Arsenal attack and take penalties or force corners.

However ashas been the case this season, the focus will be Arsenal’s attack options and they are only be bolstered by the return of Andrei Arshavin and Theo Walcott to the first team. Add them in with Fabregas, Rosicky and Eduardo  and the options for Arsene Wenger seem endless.  Finally, it is quite possible Arsenal fans will get to see the link up they have been craving for since last January - Rosicky to Arshavin. Rosicky and Arshavin are two creative players with the ball. Already in his return to the squad Rosicky is showing why he was signed. He has scored and his ability to feed the ball to players on the run is uncanny. Throw that in the Arshavin’s ability to make something out of nothing around the penalty box and this could be a very productive duo through the season.  

How it will play out?

All in all, the match is likely to be typical of a London Derby and hard fought on all sides. Look for Fulham to tighten up in the back and force Arsenal to unlock them. Also look for Fulham to try and toughen the match up especially testing the midfield and force Arsenal off their game. Arsenal’s attack will be fit for the task as the trainer’s room is finally clearing out and the bench will feature players who should be starters in any club. In the end Arsenal should prove to have too many weapons and too much creativity to finish with a result similar to last year. While Fulham will likely be happy to escape with a point, Arsenal shall not as they look to stay with the leading pack. And they should.

Players to watch:

Arsenal:  I am going to agree with everyone else and say Thomas Vermaelen. When fans clamored for a defender and a striker Arsene gave them the former Ajax captain. The Belgian has not disappointed leading the club with 4 goals in all competitions. Once chastised by the pundits for his lack of size, he has shown skill in positioning and an uncanny knack to get himself free on set pieces and win some very tasty headers.

Fulham: Brede Hangeland was an Arsenal killer scoring the lone goal last year during the tie.  Linked this summer with a move to Ashbourton Grove, and thoroughly denied by the player he could be tempted to prove a point during the match.

Probable Starting XI:

Arsenal:  Mannone/Szcznesy, Gallas, Vermaelen, Sagna, Clichy, Fabregas, Rosicky, Song, Eduardo, Arshavin, Van Persie

Fulham: Schwarzer, Hanglenad, Huges, Paintsil, Kelly, Murhpy, Etuhu, Duff, Dempsey, Johnson, Zamora

Final Score:

Arsenal: 3

Fulham: 0

Final Note: As always Game Day Chat will be open.

Popularity: 4% [?]

Match Preview: Arsenal v West Bromwich Albion (Carling Cup)

Let the quest for Silver begin

As is Carling Cup tradition, Arsene Wenger will blood a host  of young guns this week as the third round Carling Cup match up kicks off at the Emirates Stadium

Arsene has already confirmed that his lineup will feature Polish wunder keeper Wojicech Szcznesy, Jack Wilshere, Aaron Ramsey, Carlos Vela, Sanchez Watt, Fran Merida, KIeran Gibbs, as well, as Shea, Sunu, Bartley, Coquelin, Freeman, Frimpong, Murphy, Hoyte, Eastmond, Barazite. Finally, the squad will have a bit of senior squad feel to it in the back as Mikhail Silvestre and Philippe Senderos will be asked to add some experience to the side.

The importance of the game experience isn’t lost on the likes of Senderos or Watt who are both vieing for more first team time:

“I train with the first team a lot, but it was great to get the chance to play in pre-season,” said Watt, who can operate out wide or in attack.

“However, I don’t want to be a name who just played in the Emirates Cup – I want to be there in Arsene Wenger’s mind.”

Watt added: “Arsene Wenger watches you off the ball too, so you have to be switched on, tactically and mentally.

“You just have to work hard.

“I hope to be picked for the Carling Cup and am just going to keep on trying. If I get the shout, I will try my best.

“It is about whoever is hot at that precise moment, and whoever gets that chance to do well.”

Last year at this time, Arsene’s young guns destroyed Sheffield United in what seemed to be a pre-season match. The final score line – 6-0.

West Brom currently sit on top of the table of the Championship. Under the direction of 1st season manager, Roberto Di Matteo the Championship side are playing a free form attacking football. West Brom come in on good form having won their last match against Middlesborough 5-0. Overall, inclduing rounds 1 and 2 of the Carling Cup, the Baggies come in without a defeat in their last 10 matches.

Team Facts Courtesy the BBC:

• Arsenal have beaten West Brom 60 times in all competitions. The Baggies have beaten Arsenal on 38 occasions and the clubs have drawn 28 times.

• Arsenal have won their last four meetings, including a 2-0 away victory in the third round of the League Cup three years ago.

• Albion last beat Arsenal in a cup competition when they knocked them out of the League Cup in 1969.

• They have not won at Arsenal for 26 years.

• This is the third time these clubs have been drawn together in the League Cup, and Albion are yet to score against Arsenal.

Players to Watch:

Its hard to say for Arsenal. There are so many budding stars on this team that each one will be trying to impress the boss. I figure it will be a 3 way tie between, Wilshere, Ramsey and Watt. These are a core of stud players in the making and they all possess some uncanny talents for players their age. Wilshere especially should shine as he is not only looking for more 1st team play but he is hoping to catch the eye of Fabio Capello and get a call up to the National Side.

West Brom goalkeeper Scott Carson is going to get tested often in this match. He will need an “A” game performance to move his side through.

Possible Starting XI:

Arsenal: Szcznesy, Senderos, Silvestre, Gibbs, Traore, Wilshere, Ramsey, Merida, Vela, Watt, Barazite

West Brom: Carson, Mattock, Olsson, Zuiverloon, Martis, Brunt, Thomas, Dorrans, Mulunbu, Bednar, Moore

How it will go down?

Attack, Attack, Attack. If this is the side Arsenal put on the field. I really like its make up. Its young, its quick and very talented. These are the future stars of Arsenal. If a period of success is coming on the backs of these guys it starts today. I figure the Baggies will be up for the challenge, however, the talent difference will be too great.  Figure the boys will play a typical Arsenal game which will be too much for WBA Scott Carson.

Final score: 2-0

As usual Game Day Chat will be on so that it the match can be discussed as it happens.

Popularity: 2% [?]

Wenger’s New Tactics Represent a Revolution

So tell us how it is Arsene!

Reprtinted by permission of Untold Arsenal

By Tony Atwood

I think I might be getting too old for this football commentary lark, because it is only now that the magnitude of the Lord Wenger’s achievement is starting to hit me in the face.  I should have had faith in what I saw at the Celtic game – but I got no further than, “I wonder if…”

Now after watching three home games in person I’m sure.  This is one hell of a revolution that is going on.

4-3-3 is what it is all about.  But 4-3-3 of the type Wenger is playing is in fact 4-3-3 Variation, ( which I shall call 4-3-3 V, first because it is shorter and second because I am pompous and the opportunity to name something myself is never one I throw away lightly).

But it is not just a simple change of format from the old 4-4-2: it is much more than that.

What I saw at the Ems yesterday was a three man forward line of Eboué on the right, Van Persie in the middle, and Eduardo on the left.  I am not sure the rest of the world saw it that way – certainly the BBC commentators had Eboué playing midfield, but as I watched the game it just didn’t look like that at all.

What we had was the two wingers (Eboué and Eduardo) sticking to their channels like wingers from 50 years ago, and Van Persie holding the centre.   Now when I first saw Van Persie put out to play the old “number 9″ position I thought it was just an oddity – like Rosicky playing centre forward at Barnet, pre-season.

This is the man who the Lord Wenger described as Bergkamp II and we know where Dennis scored from – about half way up the pitch.

But in fact what happens is that Van Persie slips back as the “wingers” move in from the sides to take up the more established centre forward positions.  It sounds obvious when described (although not so obvious when one of the wingers is Eboué, in that you just don’t expect him to be there).  Yet it is not that obvious to play against.

You go out onto the pitch as a defender to mark Bendtner and you find him playing on the wing – so you start tracking him back and forth, only to find the bugger has moved into the centre and Van Persie has dropped back.  Most confusing.

Meanwhile all sorts of rotations are happening in the middle. The classic midfield  that we have is, for me: Denilson, Cesc, Song.

That trio is something else again.  Cesc can do everything, Song can tackle, track back, tackle, recover, and Denilson is the utter master of knowing how and where the ball will be as it bounces off a tackle into space.

So you have those three rotating as play moves, and the front three rotating as play moves.

Meanwhile the back four are now playing a different game.  I’ve read all the stuff about Clichy being off form this season, and I was starting to get suckered into it, but I am not sure this is true.  What the full backs are doing is far less of the overlap, tearing down the wings stuff, more of the traditional left and right back defending behind that rotating midfield of three.

Of course it is not like this all the time, and you can see examples of moments when the players slip back into their old systems – which is even more confusing for the opposition (and unfortunately occasionally difficult for us).

But what is so utterly remarkable is how fast the players have got the hang of this and are making it work, despite huge numbers of injuries.   Yesterday (if you accept my analysis rather than the BBC’s) Eboué was a forward, and we had our 3rd choice keeper, no Denilson, no Theo, no Arshavin, no Vela, and only 50% Rosicky.

I am not saying they would all have played if fit, but there would have been some presence from that lot, and an even more exciting bench.  As a defender if you are 3-0 down and Rosicky comes on, you probably don’t think too much about it, because you don’t remember too much about him.

But if Theo comes on, fresh and ready to tear into you, or Arshavin comes on… you’ll probably start looking at the clock.

So, if this is all so wonderful, and 4-3-3 V is such a staggering innovation, how come we lost twice in Manchester and had a dodgy start in Belgium?  Especially when the system  was working so well from the off?

I am going to stick out my neck a long way and say it was three things

1. Freakishness - Diaby’s own goal against Manchester U was one of those bizarre things, like Dixon’s own goal against Coventry City where he beat Seaman from 40 yards out.  It happens.
2. Bad refereeing - even the most rabid anti-Arsenal hack agrees now that the tall geezer who used to play for us and wander around the pitch a bit, should have been sent off both for this attack on Cesc and his violent assault on Van Persie.  If either decision had gone our way the result would have been different.
3. Injuries - we are in our third year of continual injuries to key players, and I think the Lord Wenger is now planning for this with an ever maturing back up team.  The reason must be the speed of the game – the faster you go, the harder it is on your body when you do a dead stop.  But we are having to get the hang of this situation.

The answer to this is that you can excuse anything – and the fact is that as I write this two clubs have 100% records and are not suffering freakish events and dodgy refereeing (or if they are the refereeing is in their favour).  That’s true.

Those two clubs also have huge amounts of money.  But that does not mean that where they are today is where they will be tomorrow.

Manchester Arab are proclaiming that their future is to be built on a youth development system and the players they have got.  Exactly as the KGB in Fulham have repeatedly said that their system is to be built on youth… and then look what happens.  Suddenly even the corrupt and meandering UEFA and FIFA catch up with them.

Making changes takes time. The rich who steal the wealth of the poor are used to ordering change and seeing it happen – but it doesn’t happen in football.  (Remember the kid who stayed at Charlton and refused to go to Chelsea because “no youth player at Chelsea ever makes it into the first team.”)

Three weeks ago the Guardian called the Chelsea youth development programme “as productive as a one-armed paperhanger in recent years”.  Actually that article on 5th September about a Chelsea reserve game really is worth reading

There will be fits and starts but what we have with 4-3-3 V is a stunning development in football, not just because it confuses the opposition, but also because it is a decent way of overcoming rotational fouling (Wigan committed over 20 fouls to Arsenal’s six yesterday) and the “team bus” approach which we saw in Belgium after the fifth minute, and which Wigan looked to achieve before the first goal went in.

And this is what it has all been about.  The four years of waiting have been waiting for the evolution  of the new system, and the players to make it work.

I don’t think you get the full picture watching it on TV – although of course if I am right then in the coming weeks all journalists will be saying “as I have been predicting for some time…” as they ask for wider shots and chalkboards to show the rotation of the two groups of three players.

But believe me, sitting in the ground, it smashes you in the face.  This is something utterly different.  And I think it is going to work.

Tony Attwood is editor of Untold Arsenal

Popularity: 2% [?]

Match Preview: Arsenal v Wigan Athletic

There's No Place Like Home!

Normally bad things happen in threes, for Arsenal FC they happen in twos. Two losses in Manchester and being in the middle of two administrative maelstroms – Adebayor fiasco and Eduardo’s UEFA ban. Throw in a shaky start to the Champion’s League group stages that saw two goals go in and you get the picture.

In order to put that all behind them and begin moving forward for the season – again – Arsenal must return to their winning ways this game.  While the claw back at Standard de Liege showed some unusual grit for the Gunners, a win this Saturday rights the ship that seems to have hit the rocky shoals in Manchester.

In fairness the two losses in Manchester are gut wrenching because by all indications they should’ve been two wins. For the better part of the United match the Gunners held the play and outclassed Sir Alex Ferguson’s side. In their return to Manchester a fortnight later, the Arsenal let the emotions get the better of them and the defense withered and allowed three quick goals in succession.

Also disconcerting was the way the Standard Liege match got started for the better part of 10 minutes it seemed as Arsenal had forgotten how to pass. Most passes were errant, off the mark and light. Standard capitalized this and within 4 minutes had all Arsenal fans in nightmare mode. Had it not been for their desire to sit back and an absolute quality goal by Nicholas Bendtner, Arsenal could have very well lost that match as well.

But now that they return to the Emirates and once again face a very friendly crowd, they must come out and return to the form that started off the season with emphatic wins at Everton, Celtic and Pompey. They must continue to attack both with the ball and without. One of the early eye catching marks of the season was how at least three players swarmed anyone on the opposition with the ball. That same verve was something seriously missing from the City match.

Additionally, the defense will need to tighten up again and lock down the back third. Vito Mannone needs confidence. The horrendous start to the CL tie in Belgium could not have done much for the young Italian’s psyche. Sagna, Clichy, Vermaelen and Gallas must return to the steadfastness that was prevalent in the start of the season.  As the Times of London quipped, “in the days of famous five at the back (Seaman, Dixon, Keown or Bould, Adams and Winterburn) the need to maintain defensive discipline and shape was banged into the players at every training session. Individual errors were rare” Now they seem to be the rule.

Robin Van Persie who was out with a knee knock for the Champion’s League match returns in time to face the Latics. Andrei Arshavin has a 10% likelihood that he will play. This means the on field creativity has to come from Cesc Fabregas. And if that is to happen, the Arsenal Captain must collect his bags from the airport and firmly return from his away duty in Spain. In all the matches before the international break – even the loss to United – Cesc dictated the midfield. His passing tore apart the opposition and his ability to make plays come out nowhere was a thing of magic. Mark that in contrast to his play since the return from the Spanish National team. His play seems lethargic and lacking the creativity he had prior to the break.  If Arsenal are going to succeed this season, they will need Cesc to raise the level of his play on a more consistent basis.

In the midfield one of the other younglings – namely Song is going to have to step up and show that they can be the midfield screen the team hasn’t really had since Silva and Flamini left. However, as was also highlighted by the Times, Alex has tendency to succumb to positional wondering that pulls him out of the center of the leaving the defense exposed.

In meeting the Latics under the managerial stewardship of Roberto Martinez, they are meeting a team that while still vulnerable is playing with a lot more ability that they did under Steven Bruce. Even in losing to Manchester United, Wigan never backed off the attack; they did not park the bus and try to play for a draw. Until the half against United they looked sharp enough to actually walk away with 3 points.

The team shows ability to learn match from match. After losing to United the Latics were able to turn it around and beat a very promising West Ham United side. Over time, this attractive football is going to develop and the squad should fulfill their potential on the field. Martinez is excited about the budding partnership that is coming up by way of Mohamed Diame and Hugo Rodallega.

The match is promising for an Arsenal side that hasn’t lost to Wigan at home in the last 6 meetings.  In all the Gunners have only lost once to Wigan in 11 ties. Additionally, Wigan have not fared well against any of the big four with no wins in 33 attempts.

The Arsenal training room attendees are well known and Wigan comes in fully fit. All in all with the new attractive form of play the Latics are aspiring to, the game should be open and free flowing – even without the likes of Arshavin or Walcott on the field.

How it will develop?

The fragility and awkwardness of Arsenal’s back four has to be known by Martinez and we should suspect that he will attempt to attack it early. Again, the Latics are playing a style of play that suits Arsene’s boys and as they have shown when a game is open and flowing, they are more than up for the task.  The Gunners will be looking to get some love from the faithful as they haven’t played on Emirates soil except for twice out 6 matches in all competitions. The fans will be more than happy to oblige.

Additionally, look for the Gunners to quickly try and put a line through the whole Adebayor affair that seemed to consume them and the EPL this week.

Injuries:

Arsenal:  Almunia, Fabianski, Walcott, Vela, Denilson, Djourou, Nasri, and Arshavin

Wigan: Oliver Kapo

Probable Starting XI:

Arsenal: Mannone, Sagna, Gallas, Vermaelen, Clichy, Rosicky, Fabregas, Song, Diaby, Van Persie, Bendtner

Wigan: Kirkland, Boyce, Bramble, Figueroa, Melchiot, N’Zogbia, Gomez, Diame, Koumas, Thomas, Rodallega

 Score line:

Arsenal – 4
Wigan – 1

Popularity: 3% [?]

Match Preview: Arsenal v Standard de Liege (UCL)

Is this the year?

Now removed from two gut wrenching losses, Arsenal look to bounce back to their winning ways, by taking on Belgian champions, Standard de Liege for their first match in Champion’s League group stages.

Arsenal started off the season brightly with emphatic wins against Everton, Portsmouth and Celtic. But the last two matches haven’t gone to plan. Unfortunate goals against United and a game that fell apart on all ends against Manchester City sees the Gunners back on their heels as they travel to Maurice Dufrasne stadium.

Scoring goals for the Gunners hasn’t been an issue. In the EPL, the club is the top goal scoring side with 13 and in the Champion’s league  they’ve already netted 5. What is an issue is what happens if Standard score an early goal. Given the way the two loses went down, can Arsenal refocus and come back if they go down one goal early.

As if Arsenal didn’t need more issues injuries are affecting the side Arsene Wenger can field today. Goal keeper Manuel Almunia is out with a “chest cold”. Robin Van Persie is out with a knee knock. And the usual cast of characters will be out – Nasri, Walcott, Arshavin and Fabianski. Dennilson is also out with a back injury which could mean a CL debut of Welsh starlet Aaron Ramsey.

Debutizing for the injured Almunia will be Vito Mannone. Mannone with one senior team  start to his credit will be called on to add some solid work behind the back four of Gallas, Vermaelen, Sagna, and Clichy.

On the bright side, UEFA have rethought their ban of Croat/Brazilian Eduardo and he will likely start in place of van Persie. Look for him to provide a little more speed and creativity to the front and try and cause fits for the Standard defense.

Standard will look to do what Manchester City did this past weekend and play with a ruthless edge in the middle.  The Belgian league leaders are currently on a 15 game unbeaten streak in their league and will use that confidence to fulfill their game plan. However, last year’s league champions have drawn 5 of their first six matches only managing their first win of the young season this past weekend.

The Belgians are not without their own woes, heartbeat of the club, Captain  Steven Defour is out for up to 3 months with a broken foot. Additionally starters Wilifred Dalmat and Igor De Camargo could be out after picking up knocks in their last league match.

The last time these two sides met in 1993 Arsenal thrashed them for a 7-0 defeat. Arsenal will find that Standard has improved greatly since that meeting and find a win to be difficult. However, given the experience of Arsenal in the Champion’s League and the overall team quality it is expected that the Gunners should win this match.  If not – than more questions about the Arsenal resolve will be raised.

 Players to watch:
Arsenal: Eduardo. Simply put the man is going to be on a mission to prove his quality to the nay sayers.

Standard de Liege: Milan Jovanovic. The striker already has a hat trick this season. Like CR9 a free kick specialist.

Injuries:
 Arsenal: Robin van Persie (kneecap), Denilson (sore back) and Manuel Almunia (chest infection), Andrei Arshavin (groin and knee), Theo Walcott (back), Samir Nasri (broken leg), Johan Djourou (knee surgery), Carlos Vela (ankle, foot), and Lukasz Fabianski (knee) are all on the sidelines

Standard de Liege: Cedric Collet, Steven Defour (broken foot) , Wilfried Dalmat (ankle), and Igor De Camargo (ankle)

Probable Starting XI:
Arsenal: Mannone, Sagna, Gallas, Vermaelen, Clichy, Diaby, Fabregas, Rosicky, Song, Bendtner, Eduardo.

Standard de Liege: Bolat, Camozzato, Sarr, Mangala, Rocha, Dufer, Nicaise, De Camargo, Carcela-Gonzalez, Jovanovic, Mbokani.

Final tally:Standard 1
Arsenal 2

Popularity: 5% [?]

In the Aftermath of Manchester

Show me some Love will Ya?

Two trips to Manchester. Two heart wrenching defeats. Both with very different feelings about each but with the same outcome.

The trip a fort night ago that resulted in a loss to last year’s champions, Manchester United, has been dissected and discussed. It was a a head wracking loss in so much that for pretty much the entire match, the Gunners controlled all aspects of play.  They took the lead on an absolute corker from Andrei Arshavin and nearly took the lead on a beautiful shot by Robin Van Persie.

However, a poor decision by Manuel Almunia led to a penalty that was converted by Wayne Rooney and Abu Diaby’s own goal header sealed the fate and broke the hearts of the Arsenal faithful.

Two weeks later, the Gunners travelled up to the northeast again, this time to face everyone’s new darling Manchester City. City have been in outstanding form lately. From their first 3 matches they allowed not a single goal. The tie against Arsene Wenger’s side was their first true test of the season.

As has been discussed ad nauseum, the Gunners lost. 4-2. Another defeat and this one to the supposed usurper of our spot in the big four. It also hurts more because it comes at the hands of a team that contains to very well known players to Gunners fans. Emmanuel Adebayor and Kolo Toure. Each leaving a very different mark on Arsenal but both now playing for the Light Blues.

In the aftermath a lot of discussion has occurred more about the behavior of one Togo striker rather than the result of the match. As of this writing Adebayor has been notified by the FA that he has been charged with both improper and violent conduct. The violent conduct charge has been fast tracked and likely is to result in a minimum of three match ban.  The improper conduct charge is being reviewed by a completely different panel.

But again, this has been talked about and what needs to be done is ask ourselves what do these two losses mean? Are we in for another season like last or worse out of the Champion’s League for the first time in 12 years? Or maybe there is a positive direction? Still we have to ask, is this team capable of winning silverware – any silverware?

So what was it in the Manchester City match that is causing so much concern amongst the nay sayers? The Manchester United game it was clear where the issues where as other than the two blatant errors, the rest of the match was well played and the lads in red and white where always a threat against the champions.

Right from the start the Citeh tie seemed flat. The legs on most of our players were lethargic. Citeh came out with the verve necessary of a team trying to make a statement, but in reality they were little threat. Arsenal had control of the ball for most of the half and if not for another error by Manuel Almunia, the match would’ve likely gone into the dressing room as a nil nil draw.

City’s plan was clear from the start – back the whole team into the box and take away any passing lanes for Arsenal to create anything in front of Shay Given. While Arsenal weren’t given any clear chances with the exception of the Almunia OG, City’s threats were conveniently tied up too.  

What was clear in the match besides Almunia’s continual faltering, is that Diaby and Song were slow to respond to City’s pushes. Whether that was due to tired legs, inexperience or lack of skill is anyone’s opinion. Either way, they did not create as much of a presence in the center of the field as did Nigel De Jong or Gareth Barry. Their contribution to snuffing out the Arsenal attack cannot be understated.

In addition to lack of control in the midfield, the Arsenal side proved yet again that they do not have a presence in the midfield to make opposition players think twice about harsh tackles on the Gunners. Mark Hughes went right from the Manchester United playbook and was intent on showing the steel of his side. The problem was that the steel – took over the focus of the match.

Down 2-1 after a brilliant goal by Craig Bellamy the Arsenal side became unnerved by the recklessness of Adebayor’s stamp on Robin Van Persie’s face. Within a scant few minutes after a whithered Arsenal attack, players began to throw themselves at Adebayor in retaliation. They were now clearly out of the game and focused on exacting some revenge against a player they loathe and for one they respect. However noble this was, it certainly caused lack of focus on the game and within no time we were down 4-1.

Until Arsenal learn to be ugly in the middle with a solid holding presence then all the beautiful football in the world will not amount to much. There needs to be a presence to cause the opposition some consternation and taking their attack of their game.

Bendtner still misses long portions of the game (even though he is on the pitch), Eduardo is only just back, Rosicky is slowly coming back and Walcott could be back too.  But none of them are a holding midfielder, until that is need is filled or identified we could continue to be in trouble.

All that being said, it is 4 games into the season. In all of the games, the new formation is bearing fruit. The team are creating more chances. One of things I noticed is we are shooting more around the box then looking for the most beautiful goal. Last season it was infuriating to see the penetration in the box give way because the shot had to be perfect. Again, ugly football is good, even ugly goals.

Additionally, while Gael Clichy seems to be slipping, overall the middle of our defense and Sagna are playing amazingly well. Prior to all hell breaking loose on Saturday, Gallas and Vermaelen did an outstanding job of keeping the middle clear. Again, like against United, Celtic, Everton and Pompey, the lads had good control of key players on the field. 

The Arsenal attack is solid and while I think a switching of RvP and Bendtner is needed to play to the Dane’s size, we have more options on the attack (when healthy) then most teams.  We’ve created more solid chances even in the loss then I thought we could muster in our loses last season. Even on Saturday with the game down to 4-2 Arsenal had a chance to draw it on 6 separate occasions.

The EPL may be out of reach, Chelsea look far superior to everyone right now (ACoN pending of course) but all the domestic cups and the big European prize are there for the taking. Arsenal are very much in the run for them and in the end, I still believe it will be Liverpool to struggle for a CL spot not Arsenal.

Popularity: 2% [?]

Match Preview: Arsenal v Manchester City

OVERVIEW:

This weekend’s match featuring Arsenal and Citizens of Manchester City are as much a clash of philiosphies as it is players on the pitch. On one hand we have the neuveau  riche of Manchester City who have spent enormously over the last two transfer windows in an attempt to change their fortunes. On the other, Arsene Wenger’s method of relying on the talent he has grown and nurtured rather than spend big. Which philosophy wins out only time will tell, but this Saturday goes a long way to see if either of these two teams is what they say they are.

Manchester City spent a record amount of money in bringing in a boatload of players, with former Arsenal stars, Emmanuel Adebayor and Kolo Toure featured among them. While Carlos Tevez was the signing to signal the club’s intent, Adebayor’s has been the one to show ready dividends. In three EPL clashes, the former Arsenal man has netted three times, and with the exception of a late goal by Steven Ireland, Adebayor has been the only Citizen to net in league matches.

City will be looking to extend their unbeaten run, having yet to concede a goal in three first three league  matches. However such a good run is a little overstated as they have been anything but lights out against lesser opposition. If not for some goal stopping heroics of Shay Givens and timely placing of some woodwork both the Wolves and Pompey matches could’ve been draws as the City back four looked a little wobbly. The team showed when pressed they were susceptible to giving up quality shots. Against Wolves Kolo Toure nearly gifted the tie when an errant pass in the middle was intercepted. Had the pass been intercepted by a marksman like Arshavin, Rooney  or Drogba, the result, I suspect would’ve likely been different. 

Also disconcerting for the Citizens is the lack of effectiveness from the wing position. For instance in the match against Pompey ,  Mark Hughes’ side only managed 4 crosses from the wing. This play up the middle works to the strength of Emmanuel Adebayor but if Roque Santa Cruz were playing he thrives on outside in feeds. Keeping the field of play in the middle will surely play to the strengths of teams with stronger center backs.

Mark Hughes has clearly set sites on a big 4 position this year. And Arsenal are often the team associated with being the one usurped. While it is early and nothing really will be told as of yet, a win by the boys in blue will go a long way to silencing some critics. A loss and everyone will begin to chirp that City are not yet quite ready for Prime Time.

As for Arsenal, the London side will be returning to Manchester after their last visit a fort night ago. The result that time was the much suprising loss against top four rivals, Manchester United. In that match, the Gunners new formation thoroughly confounded the ManCs. If not for a poor played challenge by Almunia and a bad header by Diaby the game is Arsenal’s.  For most of the 90 minutes the Champions did not have an answer to the Gunners new formation.

Even with the result at Old Trafford, the Gunners have been in excellent form controlling the play all of their previous matches.  The defense has a new resolve and the pairing of Gallas and new boy Vermaelen has choked up the middle of the back quite nicely. The emergence of Song has impressed many and Cesc Fabregas while out for the tie at OT has been a man clearly on a mission.

A stat that is both reassuring and of a little concern to Gooners everywhere is that the bulk of the scoring this season HAS NOT come from the strikers. While effective at pressing the opposition and creative in creating scoring chances, only Arshavin and Eduardo have netted for the Gunners’ strikers. If Arsenal are going to make a sustained run for silverware, Bendtner and RvP will need to become goal producers – soon. Both players return to Ashbourton Grove after successful international trips that saw each of them score for their national sides. Arsene, and Arsenal fans are hoping that trend extends to the club.

In addition to improved form from the strikers, Manuel Almunia needs to bounce back from his poor decision at Old Trafford that led to Wayne “I don’t dive” Rooney’s  equalizer. The Spanish keeper went largely untested against Everton, Pompey and Celtic (a testament to Arsenal’s new found defensive  composure). However, against Old Trafford his decision to challenge Rooney for a ball that was clearly not playable on net, reinforced in some fans minds that he still has not shown himself to be a number one back stopper. While his skills on the line are solid, he at times tends to lose the script and shows a lack of sound judgment when playing certain balls in the air or off the line.

Overall, Arsenal need to bounce back over the disappointment from the Man United match. They need to get back to their form and forget the loss. A win goes a long way to showing everyone that the mighty Arsenal – that of fluid, goal scoring prowess – has returned and is to be feared. A loss and we will all wonder yet again, if this is another season without silverware.

THE PRODIGAL SONS RETURN

The most interesting subplot to this match is Kolo Toure and Emmanuel Adebayor versus their old club.  We can fully expect that the away fans will shower Kolo Toure with the respect he deserves for his faithful service to the club. Kolo was a class act and loyal to the Gunners.  However, the reception his City teammate Emmanuel Adebayor receives is likely to be different.

Emmanuel Adebayor treated Arsenal as a pawn. A means to getting what he wanted. When playing well he or is people played up links to clubs like AC Milan, Inter or Barcelona. And then when given a raise to keep him here, he played poorly often times not showing the same effort he did in previous seasons. Emmanuel Adebayor is a talented striker, his goal against Valencia will down in Arsenal lore but his attitude towards the club and fans was at best disrespectful.

It is something that he cannot let go of. While Arsenal seemingly have moved on, there are recurring stories of how Man City fans are showing him love by singing his name and cheering for him. So now he is more relaxed and ready to play.

“These sort of things stay in your heart and I will stay with me, not just for the rest of my career but the rest of my life,” he says in reference to Arsenal fan neglect. “It was strange, I was such a happy boy and always gave my best for the team.”

“I even remember a game two years ago, when the boss asked me to play even though I had a hamstring injury. So I played for the team, worked hard and scored, but afterwards people were only interested in my being linked with Barcelona.”

To validate his claim that Arsenal fans did not like him, he constantly points out that when Fabregas is linked to Real, Barcelona, etc, there is no uproar. That only when he was linked with moving away was there a general outcry.  In fairness to Cesc Fabregas though, anytime there has been a link with him moving away, he has come out denied it and profess his love for the club. Something that never came from Adebayor. All the fans wanted was a stout acclimation of loyalty to the club. They never got it.

MATCH OUTLOOK:

If Arsenal can dictate the flow of the game and Vermaelen and Gallas control Adebayor,, then the game easily favors the Gunners. Let Adebayor into the box 1 v 1 on Almunia and I am taking Adebayor – though he will go offsides a lot. This is likely to be a cracker of a game with the Gunners looking to exert their mentality early.  The City fans will be up for the match based on the Adebayor subplot and the current form of the team.

Overall I think the scoring ability of Arsenal as well as their ability to hold the ball will be to the detriment of City’s game plan. They Blues have let too many shots in on Shay Givens and against better teams many of those shots likely go in. This will be City’s first real test.  I see it being a 2-1 Arsenal win.

INJURY REPORT:

Arsenal: Djourou, Nasri, Arshavin, and Fabianski are definitely out. Vela and Walcott are questionable.

Manchester City: Tevez, Santa Cruz, and Johnson are definitely out. Kompany and Robinho are questionable.

PROBABLE STARTING XI:

Arsenal: Almunia, Sagna, Gallas, Vermaelen, Clichy, Denilson, Song, Bendtner, Diaby, Eboue, Van Persie

Manchester City: Given, Richards, Toure, Lescott, Bridge, Wright Phillips, Ireland, Barry, Bellamy, Adebayor, Benjani

Popularity: 11% [?]

UEFA and FIFA take on the EPL

If you fall in a match and UEFA isn't there - is it a dive?

In the current environment of the 24 hour news cycle there has not been a shortage of articles either supporting or criticizing the recent actions of both FIFA and UEFA with regard to the Eduardo ban for diving and Chelsea’s 2-year ban on conducting business in the transfer window.

What is crystal clear from these actions is that English Football and specifically its larger, more successful clubs seem to be a target for harsh judgments from both governing bodies. Whether it’s Arsenal’s Eduardo getting a 2 game ban from UEFA for diving during the Gunners match versus Celtic or Chelsea FC’s 2 year ban from FIFA for supposedly inducing Lens starlet, Gael Kakuta to break his contract with the French club, the actions seem to take direct aim at some of England’s biggest clubs.  Finally, lost in the news due to the ban on Chelsea is a move by UEFA (ironically being driven by Roman Abramovich) to have all clubs balance their books or risk being removed from the chance to play in any European competitions – a direct challenge to high-spending Manchester City.

In any case all of these moves are groundbreaking and unprecedented in their nature. Readily apparent is that these moves directly involve English Premier League (EPL) clubs. And while FC Sion did receive a similar ban to Chelsea’s, the ferocity and apparent pile on the rabbit mentality of foreign clubs on EPL clubs is astounding. This environment of jealously and brinksmanship comes primarily from the fact that  both FIFA’s Sepp Blatter and UEFA’s Michel Platini have an inherent dislike for the success of the EPL and by extension its more successful clubs.

“I have my concerns because the Premier League is the strongest in the world, definitely,” Blatter told BBC 5 Live. “It is taking over in such a manner that others have difficulties matching it.”

Both Blatter and Platini have had well documented, high profile rants against the EPL. From, foreign ownership, club debt levels, influx of foreign players and beyond the duo has been on an almost quixotic quest against the influence of the world’s highest profile football league.

Year over year, the EPL success is measured by its growing television revenues and overseas trips. To add to its growing popularity, ESPN is finally jumping on board picking up the slack that was left behind from Setanta Sports going into administration. With this kind of exposure of the EPL will grow exponentially, especially in the United States. Something sure to draw the additional ire of Messieurs Blatter and Platini.

It’s not that the issues that they take on are without merit. There isn’t a Liverpool supporter alive that isn’t concerned about the constant debt worries caused by the ownership of the team by Gillett and Hicks. Additionally, I am sure English fans would like to see more English players in their teams.  How many fans out there wouldn’t like to see the game played more fairly without players purposely trying to manipulate the outcome? It’s not the issues per se, but the arbitrary way in which FIFA and UEFA have chosen to enforce the rules.

Based on the evidence at hand to the average reader and fan, the penalties are harshest and most visible against EPL teams. You would have had to look hard to find anything on FC Sion’s judgment for the same issue as Chelsea. And while FIFA say they have 100s of cases to review, there is little to lead one to think that the next one enforced will also be against an English club.

Looking specifically at UEFA’s recent attempt to protect the integrity of the game and stamp out diving, it is I am sure well intentioned if not a tad bit late.  Over the years there have been countless “divers” – Didier Drogba, Christiano Ronaldo, Rivaldo – to name a few. In fact the obscure 2006 rule that was used to judge Eduardo was made as a result of Rivaldo going down one too many times. The problem is that based on the wording of that rule, Eduardo would have to been shown to deceive the ref with malicious intent. How UEFA came to that determination is unknown. Eduardo does not call for the penalty and it is quickly awarded by the ref, who reasserted during the post-match that he did not feel the player had deceived him.

Finally, UEFA’s judgment of this one event as an attempt to fight cheating is wonky in light of this comment some days following Eduardo’s ruling:

UEFA “has no plans to institute a regular programme of video referrals for matches under its jurisdiction or issue an anti-diving directive.”

Messieurs Platini plans on crusading against diving then video referrals and an anti-diving directive is EXACTLY what is needed. Not some far off- handed attempt to make a point. But UEFA argues that using video technology for instance would affect the integrity of their refs. A simple call to the NFL commissioner’s office would likely help him to see the error of his ways.

In addition to Platini’s anti-diving campaign, we are also presented with Sepp Blatter’s campaign to protect the children. On its surface, no one can fault a need to protect young players who may or may not have the benefit of wise counsel in matters that will shape their careers. Even Gordon Taylor, President of the Professional Footballers Association (PFA) wants to see a band on the transfers of players under 18.

Again like Platini’s arbitrary ruling against Arsenal, Blatter’s attempt to make a statement by harshly dealing with Chelsea in the Kakuta matter is another case of taking a sledge hammer to crack an egg. It is furthermore complicated in that the ruling was handed down on 27 August 2009 but not provided to the club until 2 days AFTER the transfer window had closed. Had the notice been received before, Chelsea certainly would’ve been able to buy players to offset the inability to do so.

The repercussions are already starting to be seen. Now every minor club that feels it was aggrieved in losing a young player is coming out of the wood work wanting to request that FIFA or their association look into. Since Chelsea’s ban – La Havre is asking for an investigation of Manchester United, League Two side Crewe Alexandra have filed a complaint with the FA regarding an unnamed Premier League club, and it goes on and on.

Rather than having a frank discussion about how to fix the problem Sepp Blatter’s actions have basically created a witch hunt looking to exact an ounce of revenge because larger clubs found loops holes in which to sign young promising players. That doesn’t negate the fact that some clubs may have worked deals against existing laws or in bad faith but overall since nothing exists to prohibit the practice of signing younger players clubs are well within their right to do so.

Simply crucifying Chelsea (as much of a delight as it is to Arsenal fans) adds to the theory the FIFA much like UEFA are trying to bring the EPL down. Bring a down an association that on its own, has raised the profile on a global level. Yes, some of the Serie A sides and La Liga sides have as well but not on the level of the EPL. When an Everton travelled to compete in the MLS all-star game it was an event. I would argue you would not get the same response if Almeria were to do the same.

What Sepp and Michel are worried about is that the influence of the EPL eclipses their own power. When the EPL does something people take notice. When UEFA and FIFA do, people merely shrug their shoulders. Additionally, when each organization talks of preserving the game, its heritage, etc, they seem slightly silly because in the next breathe their validation is for pure business reasons.

So when we talk of anti-English bias by UEFA and FIFA it’s not so much a xenophobic kind of reaction to the league, It is more about an attempt by both organizations to limit the prestige and influence of the league. If they want to really talk protecting the game integrity and the young players – bravo. But no one will take it seriously until they expand their myopic view from the tiny island in the North Atlantic to the rest of the globe.

Popularity: 3% [?]

Transfer Deadline is Here!!

It's Here!

Well good readers its here. The last day of the 2009 Summer Transfer Window. Many questions are swirling who if anyone Arsene Wenger will decide to bring in. Will it be the necessary components a strong, solid holding midfielder, a real number 1 goalie, or a strike partner for Robin Van Persie. Or will we wind up with pieces that remain with Arsene’s policy of buy youth on the cheap and develop them for use later. Either way, the internet is abuzz with rumours around activity in the Arsenal boardroom.

Right now possible signings could be:

The twitterverse and a few publications are saying that there has been a renewed interest today in both Subotic and Chamakh.  Though some are speculating that Arsene could launch a surprise bid for Hull’s Steven Taylor.  Whichever way he goes, Arsene has long been skillful at using the last few hours of the transfer window to his advantage – eg Arshavin and Gallas. And while the squad has performed very well there are still some glaring issues coming up – namely lack of depth overall, lack of muscle (say what you well we’ve hung tough but Steven Fletcher wouldn’t have done what he did this past weekend if Viera was in our midfield) and injuries.

Finally, on outgoing  possibilities, word is that Arsenal have turned down a £10 million bid Emmanuel Eboue and that wantaway defender Phillipe Senderos could be on his way to Hull (even if Taylor does not come here).

Popularity: 5% [?]