A Touch of Class

Back then with so much promise

Classy: adjective, class·i·er, class·i·est. Informal . of high class, rank, or grade; stylish; admirably smart; elegant

“Before I start a new chapter in my career with Shakhtar Donetsk, I just wanted to send a message to all my friends at Arsenal.
 
“The past few days have been very emotional for me. Although I am excited about the challenge ahead with my new club Shakhtar Donetsk, I am so sad to be leaving my home for the past three years – Arsenal Football Club.
 
“Arsenal is a very special football club and I will miss so many people – my team mates, all the staff and of course, the wonderful Arsenal supporters.
 
“I would just like to thank everyone for your support during my time at Arsenal. When I first came to England, I could not speak the language and knew nobody, but as soon as I arrived I was made to feel at home and part of this big family. Also, I want to say thank you to the Arsenal supporters  - you have been fantastic to me and always sung my name and I will never forget this.
 
“I had some very difficult times with my injury, but Arsenal was always there for me – the medical staff, the management, the players and the supporters. Thank you everybody.
 
“Although I have now left the Club, Arsenal will always be in my heart. I will always look for the Arsenal results and of course, I wish Arsène Wenger and the great players at the Club well for next season and the future.”

And so with that statement, the rather sad chapter of Eduardo’s time at Arsenal came to a close. For the striker who was signed from Dinamo Zagreb in 2007, the move to Shaktar Donetsk was the end of a tumultuous time that peaked with his horrifc injury at the hands of Martin Taylor. Heroically, the Crozillian came back from the leg injury but sadly, he would never regain the form he would delight Arsenal fans with prior to the injury.

However, Arsenal fans do not look at Eduardo’s departure as a “good-riddance” type of event. Unfortunately for the Daily Mail, Eduardo is not another striker failure as they would have us believe. No. Dudu’s departure is a chance for him to begin anew, regain some confidence and shine again. And frankly, Arsenal fans couldn’t be happier for him.

This isn’t the acrimonious departure of Adebayour of a year agao. A departure that his him on a hatred level equal to that of Ashley Cole (I never thought Arsenal fans would hate anyone as much as him). No, Arsenal fans saw the writing on the wall last season for Eduardo. Who only netted twice and as the season wore on, it was evident Wenger saw less and less of a role for him. Chances were given but not taken.

But can you blame the lad? Returning from that injury had to have some psychological effect. Pre-injury, it looked like Dudu was the prototypical poaching attacker. His strike rate of 23% was evidence of that. But a poacher needs to be confident in the box. To have some strength of presence and after the injury, Eduardo just didn’t have that.  As evidenced by a strike rate of 2.3%.

With his depature an outpoouring of well wishing was vocalized by Arsenal fans and capped off with Dudu’s farewell note above. Class. Absolute class. This is why while Eduardo may not be remembered on the likes of a Bergkamp or Henry, he will nonetheless be remembered well, for how carried himself, how he wore the badge with honour and tried to defy all expectations while on duty for Arsenal.

In an age of the prima dona millionaire players, to see such affection displayed and returned is reassuring. To know that this player played for our club is even better. And frankly for the most part, these are the type of players that play for Arsenal. Players of character (some are characters – think Lehman). Players that seem to above all else carry themselves in a way that is reflective of the club and the fans that support them.

Players like Henry, Bergkamp, Ljunberg, and others all talk fondly of what the club means to them. Henry recently saying when he is done playing wants to return to the club – even if it’s as “the waterboy.” Contrast all that to the likes of John Terry, Mr Chelsea who last season nearly switched to Man City for the allure of easy money. In my opinion only one other club has players that seem to emulate the same loyalty to the club and is United.

Look I know class doesn’t win anything and maybe there is something said for the egotistical, individually focused star players who win. But when the likes of Cesc Fabregas, who will not be bullied into submitting a transfer request because he doesn’t want to offend the club that made him, or when Eduardo, who gave everythying to try and come back to repay the club who had faith him, when these kinds of players are wearing our badge, I can’t help be proud to be an Arsenal fans.

Yes, the days of single devotion to a club are gone. The EPL has followed its American sporting cousins and now its all about the biggest pay day. Ya hear that Joe Cole? How about you Ya Ya Toure? There are still a few hold outs and god bless them.

Eduardo, you are gone but not forgotten – absolute class mate.

Popularity: 40% [?]

What Arsene Did This Summer or Arsenal at a Glance

And Ahbooooehhhh Shall Lead Them to the Promised Land

Written by: CaribKid

UHMMMMMMM!

Let’s see what we have going on at Arsenal this pre-season.

Out: Senderos (free), Eduardo (£6M), Gallas (free), Silvestre (free), Luke Ayling  (free) Francis Merida (free)

In:  Chamakh (free), Koz (£8.5M)

Maybe Returning: Campbell

Current Injuries: Ramsey, Bendtner, Denilson

Returning Wounded: Djourou

If we lose Campbell along with Gallas and Silvestre we will have lost over 100 years of playing experience. Throw in Dudu and Almunia to that list and we would be in the 170 year range of losses. This would probably make us the youngest ever EPL squad with no players over 30.

 The only player who has ever won anything major then would be Cesc, who played a minor role in the WC, albeit probably securing the Oscar for “Best Supporting Soccer Actor”. Our squad will also include 3 players who are union activists and may agitate work stoppages if Arsene doesn’t deploy them in their desired roles.

Up front we will be led by Mr. Fragile (RvP), EPL debutante (Chamakh), who apparently was forced to use Amunia’s hairdresser as a rites of rookie passage, and  the father to be of a son ensconced in Danish royalty ( the mother being an old Danish baroness), none other than Real Madrid bound Nicolas Bendtner (a legend in his own mind). This will also be bolstered by Mr. Chip, Carlos Vela, a handsome young Mexican lad brimming with unfulfilled potential but very little to show for it at club level.

Our midfield will boast a slew of young and not so young, technically gifted, non aerial  midgets, bolstered by the peaceful gargantuan, Ras Song and the Viera lookalike but not playalike, Abou Diaby.  The £12M pre-pubescent signing (Messeur Walcott, Esq.) will attempt to not break any more shoulders and not run into blind alleys and ultimately becoming the next British media darling  so he can screw his teammates’ wives and girlfriends and be elected national captain.

At the back, Arsenal will field their smallest and shortest ever line up with union activist and nominee for “Worst Hair Style Of The Century, Bacary Sagna and Calamity Clichey , both being 5’ 8” or less, as the bookends to the 5’ 11” Terminator (TV) and our other EPL debutante, the wiry, Franco/Polish Terminatee (Koscielny), who will hopefully add some weight and strength on his new diet of fish and chips.

In goal? Who gives a shit if they keep the metro sexual oaf, Almunia or the infinitely gifted but nervous Pole, Flapping Fabianski out of there.  Here’s to Arsene getting drunk one evening on non-alcoholic beer and getting a vision to either start our other young Polish GK (he who does not have a vowel in his name)  or actually buying a true, tried and tested option for once.

At the helm we are led by a 23 year old with Barca DNA who may well be off to the sunny climes of Catalonia next season, where he will not only represent the colors of their club, but also the nation of Catalonia when they secede from Spain. Leadership will also be inspired by our unparalleled cast of veterans, including the male model and fashion designer (AA), union activist Bacary Sagna, the esteemed Verminator  (TV), and the oft injured Maestros, (TS and RvP). Such exceptional leaders can only serve to place us in line for a slew of wins this season so we can add something besides the Emirates Cup to our new trophy case.

I would absolutely love to hear your sane and rational opinions in response to this highly thought out and reasoned labor of love.

BTW       DID I SAY TONGUE IN CHEEK?

Popularity: 16% [?]

Form or Formation

You Go Here. You Go There. We Score (Hopefully)

Last season a lot was made of Arsene Wenger’s decision to change the squad from using the 4-4-2 as its primary formation and go to the more attack minded 4-3-3. In some way it was cleare that Wenger was trying to emulate the success that Barcelona had with the 4-3-3. Wenger while he does not have one for one comparable talent to the Catalan club, has players that are better suited for a fluid attacking style than the grind of the EPL. Which is his validation for the change.

Early on in the season before we became crocked central, the formation change looked to be genius. The attack was solid and the goals went in. Of course there were hiccups, Chelsea for instance has had some success against the 4-3-3. They did quiet well against Barca but in the end lost. Since Arsenal do not have the wealth of talent a Barca does, when  pressed by the physical Chelsea the deficencies in the formation came to light.

So what is the best formation for Arsenal in 2010? Is it the 4-3-3, the 4-3-1-2. 4-5-1 or back to the old 4-4-2. Or does the formation really matter and does it really come down to the forma and fitness of our squad?

Let’s discuss.

First let’s consider two conditions that could dictate which formation we use. Should we go narrow (4-1-2-1-2, 4-3-2-1 for example). These types of formations allow the team to use up to four or five central midfielders. However the skill of the fullbacks comes into play and provide the width and advance upfield to supplement the attack. The other consideration is obviously do we have the talent to play wide. Teams with the talent in midfield and on the wing may adopt these formations (4-4-2, 3-5-2 or 4-3-3) .

4-4-2

Perhaps the most commonly used and recognized formation in football today. Typically this formation uses its midfielders to do a lot of extra work supporting the attack and defence.  Usually you will see an attack minded midfielder go up front to support the two strikers while the another will act as a shield to the defence (the holding midfielder). The two remaining midfielders are used to move up the flanks in the attack but move back to protect the fullbacks out playing wide.

The two clubs who have had a lot of success with this formation are the United and Arsenal squads of the late 90′s and early 2000s. United, to deadly effect used Backham and Neville to bring crosses into the center of the box, where Arsenal relied on the contributions of Freddie on the right and Pires ont he left. The difference was in the two remaining midfielders. United used Scholes and Keane as gritty and prolific a holding and attacking duo as there were. Arsenal (unlike today) relied on size and power in using Viera and the strict holding nature of Gilberto Silva.

Other clubs that have had a hge success with the 4-4-2 are Sacchi and Capello’s Milan unit which won 3 European Cups, two intercontinental cups and 3 UEFA Super Cups between 1988 and 1995.

However, the 4-4-2 could be a thing of the past and be replaced by the 4-2-3-1. In 2010 none of the winners of the Spanish, English, and Italian (as well as Champion’s League) relied on the 4-4-2.

A variation on the 4-4-2 is the diamond 4-4-2 or now known as the 4-1-2-1. addresses the weakness in the gaps of the 4-4-2 and staggers the midfield. In this variation, the defencive midfielder is sometimes used as a deep lying playmaker. Ancelotti used this very well at Milan.

4-3-3

The 4-3-3 was an adaption of the original 4-2-4 and was first used by the Brazillian national team in ’62 World Cup.  In the original 4-2-4 the midfield is horribly exposed. The extra midfielder in the 4-3-3 allowed for the midfield to be staggered for different effects.  In terms of club football it became famous in the 70′s when Ajax began to use it winning 3 European Cups with Johan Cruyff.

In the 4-3-3, the attack is a lone striker and two wingers and it the formation focuses in on attack rather than defence.  The 4-3-3 has been used quite well recently with Barcelona as we all know. But it wasn’t Pep Guardiola who used it first. Franck Rijkaard, trying to accomodate a squad of Ronaldinho, Eto’o and Messi as well as a plethora of midfieldersm forced Rijkaard to adopt this style.  The attack worked in a triangle  was supported by a creative backbone of Xavi, the defencive mind of Edmilson, and either Iniesta or Motta as a an all-around midfielder.

4-5-1

Sometimes the 4-3-3 can also be morphed into a 4-5-1. Based on its midfield size it can be more defencive. But it takes on the characteristics of the 4-3-3 if the two midfield wingers take on more of an attacking role. This a formation that many lesser teams used with success against Arsenal and what Arsenal should’ve used against Barca in last season’s Champion’s League. By congesting the midfield with players, a technically strong passing side should become unstuck and provide opportunities for counter-attacking football.

The best example? Jose Mourhino’s sides. The special one built his sides with a strong defencive mindset. His personality were strong in the back four and the holding midfield roles.  Chelsea relied on Terry in the back, Makelele in the midfield with Lampard providing the goals. The counter was supported by Joe Cole and Robben on the wings and the Arsenal killer Didier Drogba up front.

We all know how well that worked.

Arsenal’s Formation

Last season, like was mentioned earlier the squad used to some effect the 4-3-3. Goals were plenty and for a while we looked really strong with the new formation. It freed Cesc up to be more creative, Alex Song blossomed in the midfield role and more times than not, and Diaby actually did the hybrid midfielder role quite well. Even Robin Van Persie (after a slow start to the season) was benefitting from the service on the wings from Arshavin and Nicky B (and Cesc). Fabregas and RvP were the clear benefactors of this formation as they were on course for career best years.

Then injuries added up and while we didn’t really do poorly. The talent didn’t seem capable to work in the 4-3-3. Denilson who began to see more time, is not a holding midfielder or even a hybrid between holding and defence. He was victimized repeatedly and lost ball too many times. Nasri tried to fit into the Cesc role for a while but wasn’t consistent. I think he might be better on the wing or even in the hybrid midfield role.

Our wingers were in and out and even with Theo on the field we couldn’t take advantage of the speed we had because the crossing ability of the team was suspect. It should be noted that even when we had good crosses there were very few “big” men to take advantage of it. Hopefully with the addition of Marouane Chamakh and some taller defenders our crosses and set-pieces may actually find the back of the net. But that’s a different story.

Looking at our talent we are blessed with a ton of midfielders. Our strikers/forwards are good but only two or three are real threats. Picking out the right formation is difficult for this squad. Sure a 4-3-3 that has a midfield of Song, Cesc, Rosicky/Diaby/Nasri and an attack of Arshavin, Van Persie and Chamakh/Theo would be solid. But a 4-4-2 that had a midfield of Song, Cesc, Arshvin, Rosicky/Diaby/Nasri and an attack of Van Persie and Chamakh would also likely be successful.

Either way, whatever formation we have what’s more important this season, is our form and health. If those aren’t sustained and the big injuries can’t be minimized then formation will matter not one iota. And frankly, I am beginning to think that formation matters less and less, its more about fluidity and understanding what to do with the ball when you have it and what to do when you don’t have the ball. Call it on the field awareness. The more you can adapt to the situation and correctly address it the formation shouldn’t matter just that you can bring the ball in attack and get the ball back in defence. 

Sometimes I think we over complicate the game. It’s kind of like the great line from Bull Durham – “This. . . is a simple game. You throw the ball. You hit the ball. You catch the ball.” Well football is a simple game, you pass the ball, you get the ball, you kick the ball (scoring is involved in all of this of course).  We figure that out we’ll be fine.

Popularity: 18% [?]

The Curious Case of Nicklas Bendtner

Yes, Nick, we're crying too.

In my continuing review of players with promise, I give you the curious case of Nicklas Bendtner. Nicky B to his fans (or detractors).

Nicky B burst onto the football scene in 1998 playing for the your orgainzation of Danish football club B.93. He also featured for FC Copenahgen’s feeder club Kjøbenhavns Boldklub (KB). During his time at KB he also played for the Danish national youth side – scoring four goals in six matches.

Finally in 2004 he was signed by Arsenal and formed a prolofic strike duo on the reserves with Arturo Lupoli.  Then in 2005 he made his first team debut, coming on in the League Cup for 3 matches.

His Arsenal career has been one of promise and frustration, much like our earlier subject Theo Walcott. In 81 appearances for Arsenal from 2005 to now, the dane has 20 goals. At the start of last season, I, one of his biggest critics, was impressed that he seemed to be taking on a new direction. He attacked defenders well and when aggressive set up himself and his teammates well.

As a sub he was good. But when Robin Van Persie went down and he was called on to be an everyday striker – well - that’s the problem. He’s not an everday striker. At least not yet. He doesn’t really have a first touch and he is more prone to missing the net then hitting it.

The lad then came out and boasted he could be one of the best strikers in the globe. The key problem there was his lack lustre performances failed to convince anyone that it was nothing more than bravado of the young.

Like Theo, Nicky B, has tremendous potential. He is tall, plays big and is physically strong player. There are times when he gets on a ball in the air and completely understands how to use that to his advantage. He’s not quick but if he learns to use his size to his advantage he could be a powerful presence in the box.

Right now, though Nicklas fails to deliver on a consistent basis. He doesn’t command the box and when it looks like he does, he either holds the ball too long or his shots are mostly off target. 

Additionally, he hasn’t shown himself to be able to get out of a jam when pressed by more than one defender. Finally, I don;t think we need to discuss that poor first touch do we? It is what infuriates me the most about him.

I have less patience for Nicky B then I do Theo. Maybe its because Nicky does a lot more talking about himself then Arsenal. Theo at least defers to the team and focuses on the team and what he can do to improve. Nicky well, he’s just Nicky the Danish wunderkind.

Bendtner needs to decide which player he is going to be, the player he was when on the reserves and showed so much promise. Or the flash in the pan who only delivers on an irregular basis.  Either way, Arsenal need him to either step up and show he deserves to be part of the attack that features Chamakh and Robin Van Persie or he should be sold.

Popularity: 32% [?]

What’s Up With Theo?

Yeah, I wish I knew what was wrong too

I have to admit to having a fascination with Theo Walcott. Why? Well, it’s clearly evident that Theo has something. What that is and whether or not it will be fully realized is another thing.

Theo has both his detractors and supporters. I think I come in somewhere between the two. When he plays like he did against Barca and the goal he scored in the first leg of the Champion’s League or his hat-trick against Croatia, he is absolutelydeserving of the praise.

On the other hand when he continues to not show football knowledge on the pitch and and keeps shooting his dribblers wide of the net – especially when he has the run of the pitch and can burn the defenders it is frustratingly annoying.

In fairness to the lad he has been laden with injuries.  His 2009/2010 campaign was more a fit of stops and starts and he got no chance at consistent play. That hurt his club form and it eventually caught up to him and stopped him from featuring on the national side for the World Cup. (Frankly watching the performance of the England team – he is probably happier for it.)

In an interview with Arsenal TV Online Theo had this to say about his injuries:

“Last season was a disappointment, personally, with the amount of injuries I have had,” Walcott said.
 
“I will just be trying to concentrate on having a better season than last year, because it was a disappointment not to play as much as I wanted to,” he added later.

Personally, I think one of the biggest reasons Theo has so many detractors is he is a vicitim of the hype machine that built him up. The worst thing that could happen to Theo is that he was selected for the 2006 Cup team by Sven Goran Ericsson. That was a huge mistake. Sure, prior to signing with Arsenal, Theo was tearing up the ppitch when he played for Southampton.

In 2005, Theo made his full first team debut against Leeds United scoring in the same game. 4 days later against Millwall he scored yet again. Then on his home debut against Stoke City, he would score again. He did so well that first season for Southampton he was named as one of three finalist for BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year for 2005.

Theo was such a highly touted prospect that no less than Arsenal, Manchester United, Chelse and Spurs wanted to sign him.  Besides Wenger there are two other great managers who touted Theo’s talents – Sir Alex and Jose. Wenger was no fool in bringing the lad in.  But when it came to it, Southampton took the deal from Arsenal.

The signing and his past success are probably what drove Sven to pick Theo over the likes of Darren Bent. And even though Theo did play in some pre-tournament friendlies he did not play in the tournament. Sven says he kept on the bench so the experience would benefit him in future tournaments. Personally I think Sven thought as talented as the boy is he wasn’t ready for this.

Still the table was set – from 2006 on, high expectations were set for Theo. But 4 years on has he siffered because of the expectations – unfair or not. Theo is at the age where he should be realising his talent. Coming into his own. But because of the expectations, I wonder if Arsene, his coacing staff and the player have done him a disservice.  Arsene and his coacing staff may have played the boy too soon in some games. The player, may have tried to do too much to live up to his expecations. Who knows. either way, Theo has failed to impress – consistently.

We head into the 2010/2011 season with a lot of questions still unanswered about our team this year. Will Cesc be here or not is the biggest. Who will our keeper be? How better will our denfence be?  Theo is definitely a question mark as well. Will he stay healthy enough to develop some consistent form? Will he understand how to use his speed and score rather than just using his speed. There are many more.

Without the hassle of the World Cup or event he U21 tournaments Theo has had a quiet off-season. He should be well rested for the season and hopefully can come through the pre-season without any scratches. I really want Theo to do well. It benefits so many – none more than Arsenal and Theo himself.

Popularity: 24% [?]