Happy New Year

Here, at Deviations, we wish all a very happy New Year and the best luck for you, your families and the team you support. Good luck, the rest of the season will be provided shortly,
Cheers.

Cristiano Ronaldo's Freekick update

Since the last time I described the Portuguese's particular free-kick style there has been much more to draw upon. Statistically speaking, this blog obtains a third part of its visits via Google, leaving to another third of that same third to Cristiano's matters. So I decided to update this particularly popular entry due to the fact that more input has arrived. This video is relatively new (23 December) so ignore the spam and enjoy:





The UEFA Training Ground is an amusing site in which one can actually see keepie-uppie expert Paul 'Woody' Wood making some concise explanations on different tricks made by world class players. Among them is our dear trick of the day, the so-called "Ronnie Rocket". There is no actual link to embed the video but I can give you this one - which will serve more than enough for our didactic purposes - (if the link is broken you can easily find it under the title at Training Ground then UEFA Champions League Skills, the Ronaldo Rocket).

One of the new aspects that Wood takes into consideration is the aspect of the valve. Being the hardest part of any ball, the little sealed hole must be stricken with much more force than a 'normal' freekick. The knee, as well as the heel must have a "short backlift" apart from the great recoil that the force of the strike can have. However, within my experience trying the kick in many attempts, it must be highlighted that not just accuracy is important but beyond that strength. We take for granted that whoever is shooting has already some experience in freekicks or at least, with basic knowledge of football practice.

Another new addition is the fact that the striker must face where he intends to put the ball, since the particular effect the kick has i not due to any type of swerve, but thanks to the air and the material of the football. Following inspections made me believe that there could be some type of injury in the standing knee but it all remains doubtless. The only question that beyond Wood explanations and my own practice on the subject I can actually make is the one of the moment of striking: it has to be sudden but with the contact enough to make the ball move in its own way.

At the end it appears that Tina Wulf masters the technique. Again the two major points in this close look are the technique of the hit through the laces and the lightness of the ball, along with the current of air streams and external factors that make the ball move unpredictably.

Arsenal v. Birmingham 3-1 18/Oct/09

[Photo: Phil Cole/Getty Images through Guardian]


After what appeared to be another endless, yet interesting, international break the Gunners took some kind of revenge in the form a win against the Blues. The confident win was earned by another scintillating, yet awkward display by Wenger's man. Arsenal's schedule seems to reach another one trademark congested records when the Londoners visit Alkmaar and West Ham following Liverpool in the Carling Cup context to finally receive in home soil Tottenham Hotspur in the north London derby.
If a swift succession of wins are to be assured by Wenger's men, the response against rivals and alike would be of a nominal threat since many pundits (and 'pundits') wrote off Arsenal well before any football would roll. The precision of this machinery need to be adjusted to perform alike in every match if they were enough for contending for a title. Perseverance and talent is the key, in this long season that lies ahead.




[Photo: The Sun]



Despite Arsenal's solid start, the panorama was not bright enough as Walcott limped after a fair, but aggressive challenge by Ridgwell. The Gunners created at least five clear chances, just before the seventeenth minute when they doubled their lead, firstly taken through Robin van Persie. The Dutchman deftly controlled the ball to dribble past Carr and finish far post. In a matter of two minutes the passing went from dominance to sharp-shooting as Diaby found a lone cross from Rosicky. The expected result was coming rather rapid for the home side.
Without having the time nor the opportunity to recover, Andrey Arshavin replaced Theo Walcott reaching the 33th minute mark. The worst-case scenario appeared handy for the visitors as Lee Bowyer took advantage of the poor defending of Arsenal, and especially, Mannone's rookieness. Twenty minutes before, this picture would have not been dreamt by the far more adventurous of Birmingham's supporters. After the gap was closed the Gunners assured themselves of seeking another goal that could extend the advantage.




[Photo: News of the World]



If the second half started divided enough, Arshavin had a chance wasted wide left to the bar, as well as Cesc, who nearly scored due to a mistake by Hart. Fabregas appeared to return into his masterful ways in which all the game seemed to surround him. In this streak of chances Seb Larsson returned the ball to the U-21 keeper and the Blues took the punishment with an indirect freekick; a violent deliver by van Persie hit the bar afterwards.
Whilst some great runs by Eboue provided van Persie with several one-to-one chances, there was no added value to the scoresheet. With fifteen minutes to end the Gunners weaved more attempts through their midfield Spanish star. Where the Londoners had at least three clear chances, the visitors provided likewise, making a good show for neutrals.
In one of those corners, Cesc hurried his pace to deliver Arshavin in a three-versus-three situation, which the Russian finished without a flaw. With five minutes on, there was not much to do by the visitors: Jack Wilshere came in to play some valuable four minutes of injury time.

Arsenal v. Blackburn 6-2 4/Oct/09

[Photo: Tony Marshall/Empics Sport through Guardian]



After a midweek of celebrations - beginning with the decent win against Olympiakos at the Grove, the opening event of the Highbury square and the 13th year of reign of Arsenal's greatest manager - Cesc Fábregas oozed genius in each and every ball he touched from the game into pure world class geniality. Outclassing in every department the Rovers torrid style, the Arsenal midfielder created havoc in such a manner that, as in his best days, managed to produce four goals a cracker finish.
Outpassing each and every other manager in the history of the club, Wenger has gone through ups and downs, glories and downfalls as well as periods of mediocrity and of the highest sublime in football's history. Daunting statistics offered a secure win on the paper as the Gunners strolled, with certain difficulties, Allardyce's men.
After Arsenal found the pace the international break comes unhandy for Wenger. Many players will either return with injuries or fatigues after what promises to be a deadly and difficult journey to the World Cup for some. Afterwards it is time for the Gunners to visit in the third game of the group stage Holland's current champions, AZ Alkmaar, to receive later Birmingham.




[Photo: Mirror Football]



With the distinguished visit of Arsenal legend Thierry Henry and AZ coach Ronald Koeman as well as a fully booked Emirates, the match started in a not so-glamorous hype with Nzonzi heading past Mannone in the 4th minute. There was not much to do for the young Italian as the visitors grabbed the early lead. Arsenal scrapped three clear chances, especially Cesc who headed just to be palmed away by Robinson.
Patience was rewarded and in the seventeenth minute Vermaelen, Arsenal's top scorer, shot a powerful drive just at the end of the box. The equaliser came in such precious time, but Wenger's men tried to keep pursuing the second. Unfortunately Dunn found the net first, after striking between Gallas legs. Capello watched in the stands how the Gunners were down for the second and last time in the game.
Immediately after the lead Robin van Persie equalised again, just after Cesc released him. A powerful shot across the ex-Spurs keeper and four goals in 35 minutes. The impressive run of goals of the Dutchman was enhanced with Arshavin's goal, giving Arsenal their first lead of the match. Rosicky, the other force behind midfield creation, was delivering passes at will.




[Photo: PA through Telegraph]



At the current goal rate, the Gunners were hoping to mimic the savage party of the 07/08 campaign. Robinson made a save at point blank from a van Persie shot. Immediately afterwards a beautiful volley by Cesc came. After some loose control outside Rover's box, Cesc retained it with the chest and put it top-corner. His demonstration of love and the applause of the 60-000 seater were a mere greeting for the vast talent he delivered.
After the substitution of Rosicky, a couple of wide shots came, all wide. While in the beginning of the second half there was an alleged penalty against Dunn, Blackburn did not have any argument against what was coming after. Cesc created another counter attack, which through Arshavin, and laid by Cesc, saw Theo score in his return. Next substitute Bendtner, at 89th, finished the match, which could have gone three or four more goals on Arsenal's sheet.

Arsenal v. Olympiakos 2-0 29/Sep/09

Nikopolidis, the man of the match.
[Photo: Getty Images through UEFA]



Arsenal took another step in a rather peculiar manner in their first European group stage home game this season against the Greek team Olympiakos. Even without notable absences such as Bendtner, Denilson and Almunia, the Gunners offered yet another late display to reach the six points mark, leading group. The match, was dull at times, with the Londoners cornering the Greeks as early as the first minutes. This match served its purpose: a good step forward previous to the match of clients Blackburn next Sunday in the same venue.




[Photo: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images through Guardian]



Hostilities began at the Grove in a pure offensive manner: Arsenal had three blocked chances before the 10th minute mark and the tincture of the game was already seen at the 13th; Arsenal dominating with an overwhelming power against a greekish Greek team ('greekish' meaning their display in the EURO 2004). Nikopolidis denied Arshavin in the 13th, woodwork from Cesc at 15th and as Ricardo Ortiz stated "It was a miracle that the match [was] goal-less".
Reaching the 25th minute, and with already four corners for Arsenal, there was that awkward familiar sense to the Gooners that at any time around the sixtieth minute span could easily have scored twice or thrice but still, they managed to avoid it in such a nonsensical way that even the most neutral of viewers could have felt threatened by the waste of chances.
Cesc, with two on target, was returning to his old magnificence midfield-maestro ways. Although the Greek side showed some signs of life, each and everyone of the attempts that came towards Mannone's goal was repelled by the resilience of Clichy and Vermaelen. Just before halftime whistle chances by Rosicky, van Persie and Cesc were all out. 13 shots, seven on target, as well as 7 corners and 50% of possession were the outcome of the first period.




[Photo: Mirror Football]



Unlike the beginning of the first half, Olympiakos showed some attempts which obviously decreased. Mannone's reflexes were proven again and he responded. After a little booking incident which requires no further examination, the Gunners began again the siege, which seemed now more troubled as Zico's men appeared tired.
Due to the fact that all the gaps were closed by the Greek defence a replacement was needed. Eduardo came in, in the 66th, for Rosicky. After the substitution the Gunners began the siege of the last twenty minutes as it was rather obvious that the lead will come in any minute of the following. Just before the European season debut for Vela, three clear chances were palmed away by the brilliant Nikopolidis.
As desperation grew among Arsenal fans the late lead arrived in the 78th minute. Finally the first goal came on the left wing as Fabregas coupled with Eduardo, who found van Persie in the centre. Arshavin summed up very well with Cesc and Ramsey to give Arsenal the second of the night. It was an apparent offside but the lacklustre performance of the Greek defence went down as Nikopolidis stretch was effortless. The final attempts of Olympiakos on Mannone's goal were futile: again Arsenal atoned their mistakes of their lack of finishing to win a fairly decent clash.

Fulham v. Arsenal 0-1 26/Sep/09

Mannone, the hero of the day, congratulated by friends and foes.
[Photo: Getty Images through Soccernet]



After the last episode at Craven Cottage and the midweek success of the Carling Cup, the Gunners mend the wounds in Fulham's house with the minimum difference. The visitors had the addition of Andrey Arshavin, who was not particularly deft. Next match in Arsenal's schedule is at home against Olympiakos in the Champions league, while in the Premier League is against home and away clients Blackburn. In other news Arsenal have been drawn with Liverpool in the the Carling Cup.
The surprise of the day, rather than the tight win and the struggling display by the north Londoners, was Mannone's performance. He was perfect and earned an outstanding rate among managers concerning performance. The resilience and fitness he showed has given him at least another week or two in contention for the number-one spot. It is very good to a young keeper pushing Almunia since he has been extremely tranquil in comparison with the season in which Lehmann was behind him, as Arseblogger puts it.




[Photo: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images through Guardian]



Arsenal's shaky start, coupled with Fulham's efforts and the mistakes that followed on each side, was strange and hesitant. In twenty minutes each keeper had been troubled at least thrice: Schwarzer denied Bendnter denied in three occasions and Arshavin, while Mannone saved Arsenal at from two clear chances. At any give moment during the first period, the Gunners were unable to beat the physical tempo that players such as Zamora or Demspey put in. In any case van Persie's freekick, in the thirtieth minute, were again outclassed by the accurate saves from Vito in the other end of the pitch.
One of the difficulties that Arsenal has had over the previous matches (with the implementation of the 4-3-3) has been the great disadvantage that the defenders are facing, as Gunnerblog notes. The industrious undertaking that both Clichy and Sagna are facing in their respective lines is a result of the liberty that midfielders enjoy in the system. Obviously in that left side, crosses poured all over the evening.




[Photo: The Sun]



With the promise of more football in the second half, the visitors grabbed the lead. It was through the genius of Cesc that the Gunners had the chance to score. Van Persie received after the chip and stroke past Schwarzer. Before the replacements came in, the match was vivid and lively. Arsenal's number 52 proved Schwarzer twice as the Fulham strikers did likewise with Mannone. The lack of accuracy in both teams left the viewer with a strange taste: were Fulham able to withstand and outclass Mannone's providential saves the match could have been at least two goals up.
The introduction of Tomas Rosicky sparked a reaction in Wenger's men since Diaby could have been trusted with a better role than the important centre-midfielder. He lost possession too quickly and his challenges were poor rather than timed. Again Nicklas Bendnter tried to get into the scoresheet but Schwarzer was ruthless. The match ended with a hypocritical added time of five minutes, exactly in a week when Arsene made public his critics towards the system of injury time.

Arsenal v. West Brom 2-0 22/Sep/09

Jack Wilshere suffering from the abuse by the opposition.
[Photo: Tony Marshall/EMPICS Sport through Guardian]



The young Arsenal squad began its latest endeavour with a home win against West Bromwich Albion in the context of the Carling Cup. While previous encounters with the Baggies proved favourable and light-hearted for the London team this ones was one of those games of 'two halves'. Although the young Gunners battled through the first fifty minutes to score, the sent-off of Thomas and West Brom's forwards misses gave the home side an extra edge to finish their aspirations.
One of the delightful events of the evening was the inclusion of several players of the last FA Youth Cup Final. The progress these youngsters have had over the last few months could be evaluated by the Gunners' faithful.




[Photo: Mirror Football]



Two headers from Senderos in the first five minutes gave tone of the encounter. As the Gunners dominated throughout the first fifteen minutes, there was a sense that there was no real threat by the Baggies. The latter argument was proven by the number of times Ramsey and Wilshere touched the ball. Where Wilshere nearly opened the score, Cox curled the ball just to Szczesny's hands. Silvestre's defence confirmed the previous argument wrong, and in the next two minutes the threat seemed more live than ever.
Wilshere provided some dribbles that broke the visitors defence. The dexterity of his technique allowed the Gunners to attack thoroughly between the 25th and the 35th minutes. The controversy began when Jerome Thomas was sent off and Cox booked. Strangely, the incident was aggravated by the fact that apparently Wilshere did not wanted to greet Thomas, who lost his head and baffled the Gunner. With two minutes added in stoppage time - and Ramsey's dreadful free kick - the first half ended.




Aaron Ramsey's effort over the bar.
[Photo: Getty Images through Soccernet]



Despite West Brom efforts throughout the first fifteen minutes, the Gunners found the back of the net some time after the substitutions. Vela and Randall came for Coquelin and Sunu: the entrance of the Mexican international provided more weight to the Gunners' offence. Probably another cameo of Arsenal's first team antics was the anxiety in which these reserve players were falling into.
Reaching the 68th minute the dominance that the visitors held for extended periods started to take its toll on the youngsters physical fitness. Fortunately for the home side - who had the running clock above - Watt scored after a rebound from a Vela shot. From the goal on, the Baggies completely surrendered: Vela finished a delicious chip from Randall in the 75th minute. The goal was a demo of the determination that a striker can have.
All in all, the confidence the first goal brought let the Gunners open the game against a quite decent and combative team such as West Brom.

Arsenal v. Wigan 4-0 19/Sep/09

Vermaelen's headers proved to be a valuable asset in the Gunner's Arsenal.
[Photo: Getty Images through Soccernet]



After a couple of torrid games, the Gunners were back on track as the won by the large gap of four goals against the Latics in the second home game of the current Premier League Season. The rollercoster has started and Wenger's team can go from solid displays to terrible shows in a matter of days, if not hours. This time a sublime timing and two goals by the Belgian defender Vermaelen made the Gunners' evening pleasant and enjoyable.
It seems that Eboue's nightmare has ended if we consider the last home encounter of the visitors at the Emirates; the outcome being the man booed by many of the 60000-seater and later substituted. It appears that Eboue has not yet matured, being booked by a diving incident in the last match, as well as a handball.
There is a slight controversy on whether the third goal is given to Eduardo or Eboue. I personally think that it was the Crozilian rather than the Ivorian: we should see the special board's decision.




[Photo: The Sun]



Robin van Persie had, at least, three chances before the twentieth minute: each one more dangerous than the previous. The Gunners took the advantage by forwarding lines and assembling an early attack against an opposition that did not showed much will. Kirkland saved Eboue's handball and a wide effort just before the lead came, in yet another set piece, when Vermaelen headed against all the opposition, in the 25th minute.
While it appeared that the match was coming into a dull period, reaching the 35th minute, it was fairly obvious that the home team will not get finish the night with only one goal. Clichy showed brilliant runs as well as a difficult and rather reluctant defending.
Kirkland denied three times the Londoners' efforts before the break, while the Gunners looked for more attacks. 65% of possession in the first half- as well as the absence of Wigan travelling supporters- flooded my mind as the second phase started.




[Photo: Nick Potts/PA through Guardian]



The ambushes by the Latics were denied by the solid prowess of the defence led by Vermaelen. It was the same Belgian who grabbed a brace by beautifully delivering a shot that went over Kirkland's head. With two goals of advantage the Gunners seemed relaxed and gave certain favourable advantages to the travelling teams. All of these were denied as Eduardo's strike crossed Wigan's goal and put the scoreline up to three.
Strangely enough there were several advances towards Mannone's goal, which luckily in all fairness, went out. With some substitutions made, and the fear that Cesc Fabregas picked up an injury, the manager re-accommodated his pieces. The last goal came from a play that was finished by the Spanish captain. It is an apparently easy goal, but to tell you the truth, this sort of finishes are the ones that are practised day and night.

Standard Liege v. Arsenal 2-3 16/Sep/09

[Photo: Mirror Football]



Arsenal's European title race began today with a difficult and nonsensical win at Belgium at Stade de Sclessin. The first match after the dreadful incident at the Eastlands last Saturday, was a tough visit considering the length of the long calendar in the following month. The competition is yet to start and in the most juvenile phases of the tournament picking a result or a favourite is dangerous, to say the least.




[Photo: Getty Images via Soccernet]



The first half was a virtual nightmare: the young Italian keeper was beaten twice in the space of five minutes; one due to a mistake led by Eduardo that Mangala finished and a penalty kick taken by Jovanovic. Ten minutes and the panorama looked as a unsurmountable task.
From the thirteenth minute the siege commenced as the Belgian team attempted to regain possession. Arsenal tried through most of the match to break the deadlock imposed by the home side but many of the attempts were wide of the mark, and in some cases not even reaching the opposite goal. Statistics were shocking: 65% of possession for the London team in the first 30 minutes of game.
From crosses to passes the Gunners attempted in many forms to earn a goal to at least be able to challenge in the following forty five minutes. As the first half wore off, the attacks from the Londoners were fiercer and came as thick as two or three by the minute. Still the resilient defence led held off pretty fair.
In one of those attempts, Arsenal scored their first, in the final minute: Abou Diaby delivered Bendtner on the wing, who beat Bolat with a powerful shot. At least the hope of the Gunners to equalise and win in the following half was promising.




[Photo: AP through Telegraph]



Bolat denied Bendtner just a minute in the second half to score, when the Dane was already putting his body to score. Reaching the sixtieth minute the Gunners still led the attack fully, as the home side simply took the defensive role. While the Gunners charged with all their fire, the Belgian side - in the 65th minute - held an impressive amount of pressure. The first substitution was kind of strange; Ramsey in for Rosicky.
Instead, every supporter would have opted for the young Wilshere, due to the fact that the Englishman has more of an attacking approach than the Welsh. In any case the match went on and in the 75th minute, the home team seemed no more than a reminiscence of the strong side that pushed Arsenal over the edge in the first five minutes. The equaliser finally came in the 78th when a strange set piece gave the Vermaelen the opportunity to score past Bolat.
Immediately after the Gunners made a couple of substitutions with Sagna in the following minutes, the Gunners came in with everything they had, Vermaelen header was cleared inches from the post. The first lead for the Gunners came in the 81st minute when Eduardo kneed the ball just in front of the opposite keeper. With the introduction of Wilshere in the final five minutes the Gunners held and cleared off each and every ball that came into their box.

Man City v. Arsenal 4-2 12/Sep/09

Taunting travelling fans is not the best way of celebrating.
[Photo: Daily Mail]



After what the International break offered, and the two storms of Eduardo and Man Utd fan chants, things settled as the Gunners lost today in a cameo of the visit at Old Trafford, this time at the Stadium of Manchester City. The visit to the Midlands could not have got any more painful, as Adebayor scored the third goal of the evening. As if it were not enough, the Togo striker should have been sent off in two occasions. His celebration, a stroll of ninety meters towards the visiting stands, was shameful to say the least.
Aside from his reactions towards Cesc and van Persie, as well as his attitude to his former team mates, this is one of the most disgraceful acts of disloyal hatred performed by a player against another club. In any case his actions seem to reinforce the low class in which he exactly fits. With England qualified, as well as a bunch of other nations already on the plane to Africa, the peculiar calendar offered to the Gunners just starts.




[Photo: Guardian]



The Mancunians tried, for an awful lot of the first fifteen minutes, to guard and secure the ball. Through stagnant tactics Hughes' men delivered a couple of chances and exchanged possession with the visiting team until the lead arrived. Twenty minutes and the Gunners were loosing through a header by Micah Richards, which apparently, was offside. Almunia's poor judging towards the ball and the terrific stroke by the City centre-back were enough to get the visitors into troubles.
The efforts of Emmanuel Adebayor were tremendous; he looked sharp and industrious, two features that at Arsenal, in his latter stage, seemed to disgust the man. The Londoners were not accurate enough as in previous encounters, taking into consideration the different ways in which they were letting the Citizens finish the job. Clichy marking three meters away the opposite strikers, Cesc wandering to get a good grip of the ball, Diaby playing as a striker, all these seemed to be actions motivated by Wenger to see the Gunners fail.
Arsenal's midfield were completely overpowered and if it was not for Song's effort, the players could have got complacent in the middle of the park. Not a single shot was made by the Londoners and that showed the panorama for the rest of the next half. Something must have to be done in order to change the mental sharpness of the team.




[Photo: Guardian]



With some luck the Citizens got through the first ten minutes of the second half quite well with Vermaelen' header wide over the bar. The big news was that Tomas Rosicky was making preparations for entering, and indeed in the 53th minute the Czech player played his first official match with Arsenal since January 2008. I was surprised and still think that, the Doomsday will come at any moment. That and Hargreaves' recovery will be the most striking news and it was more likely, for some period of time, that the man could walk on the moon again before Rosicky played again.
Despite the frail hope the Gunners had, one of the most positive outcomes of the match (if there is ONE to pick among a plethora of mistakes and misjudgments) is the fact that Tomas looked lively, free and strong enough to challenge at top level. An assistance an a late goal were among his achievements today.
Gallas was denied, at the height of Arsenal's momentum, by Given in the 58th minute. The other centre-back delivered a powerful shot, again deviated by Given. It was through Robin van Persie that the equaliser came. After a pass from the Czech, van Persie turned and shook off the fierce marking, to shoot later. In the following minutes Arsenal had at least two to three chances for a clear lead but mediocre definitions did not help the team to get back in the score sheet.




The villain of the night performed one of his "malicious" deeds that nearly left the Dutchman blind.
[Photo: Telegraph]



Minutes before City's second goal, which came through Bellamy in the 75th, Adebayor stamped on Robin van Persie's face. It is obvious that the sheer violence and the aggression from the Togo striker show how inhumane he is, showing a complete disrespect for the game and making shame of his club as well as showing what we already now about his 'education' and 'class'.
After a couple of substitutions the third goal came in, ironically, from the Togolese. The problem was not the goal itself but the way in which he, for third or fourth time in the game, reassured the WHOLE world the kind in which he belongs: an insane, moronic, nonsensical and stupid reminiscence of player, with the ninety-meter long run he made to taunt Arsenal travelling supporters. His unproffesional behaviour sparked a riot in which more that a dozen of stewards were needed to calm the hauling crowd from north London.
After this particular tantrum what followed was as impressive as beyond belief: two goals by each side and at least a handful of chances in which the Gunners could have easily, if not for the endurance of Shay Given, levelled or outclass the Citizens. The previously commented goal came from Rosicky while the Mancunians got one up through Wright-Phillips. Two shots, one by Bendtner and a volley from van Persie were the clearest of the later chances.

Man Utd v. Arsenal 1-2 29/Aug/09

From the stands, receiving the abuse from Manchester supporters.
[Photo: Soccernet]



Without Arsenal's talismanic captain Cesc Fabregas, the Gunners lost today at Old Trafford due to a set of defensive mistakes, to call it in the best and less harmful way. Obviously the uncalled penalty kick and the moronic amount of bookings among many flaws by the three referees were among the points in which the Gunners were completely edged out . If by some means this match could be considered as a revenge for last year's events, certainly this episode leaves bitter taste in the mouths of many Gooners. After this fall, many question the validity of the visitors title credentials, after such a difficult proof it seems likeliest that with the following matches could prove this point wrong.




[Photo: Soccernet]



After the ludicrous and hopeful midweek win at the Grove and the strange, yet restful draw, the waters seem relatively calm for today's clash. Even though midweek chat was vigorous with Champions League previews, reviews and Group draw, the United match still had the expectation required of such a high stature game. The problem is that the previous encounters, all three left but a horrible deficit for the north Londoners. In pursuit of the League among many other pieces of silverware it appears that this clash has come when both teams are still accommodating in the beginnings of the league.




[Photo: Soccernet]

Unfortunately for many people (or at least one single soul in a 120 million country) Sky Sports Mexico decided to broadcast the live match, and English commentaries of Liverpool's match instead of Arsenal's. That meant, that I had again to sallow the dismal comments of Juan Carlos Gabriel de Anda.
Moving to fairly more important topics the Gunners shared a fair amount of possession with the Devils, as the ten-minute mark passed. A couple of shots were exchanged form each side while Arsenal played yet again a sharp display without the ball. With the pressure piling on the Devils' shoulders, Arshavin nearly scored as a series of rebounds went in to the box.
The performance from the Ivory Coast international Eboue was far from being outstanding as previous matches. The one that standed out was Abou Diaby: his physical presence as well as his tackles and the display shown, practically from box-to-box, were among the best in Arsenal's game.
After a great deal of struggle and battle, the lead came from another stunner by the Russian wizard. A thunderous half-volley reached Foster, who without a chance, saved to put the ball in the back of the net. Aside from the fact that Mike Dean skipped the hideous decision to grant Arsenal an obvious penalty the final minutes were yet again a medieval siege form the home team.




Wicked?
[Photo: Reuters through Straits Times]



Certainly for neutrals, the match could not have gone better and before the horrid decision of Dean in the 54th minute, Arsenal showed a great deal of outstanding plays and Foster became a hero, saving twice clear chances. In the afore mentioned minute Dean committed the hideous error and gave Utd a penalty. Whether it was a dive or not, the kick from the spot was converted and Rooney levelled things.
Still Arsenal led the way by the time that Ferguson's men got their second goal after the in-form Diaby headed in the opposite side of the pitch. If the morale was low at the time of Man Utd's lead, now it seemed an unsurmountable task. Even though the Gunners made fiercest attempts to regain the lead the match was already defined.
The final moments saw a few introductions and Ramsey could have not made an impact as any other of the substitutes that were brought in. The circus began when an offside goal was disallowed and then, Dean's show began as he sent off Wenger, who was receiving all kinds of flak from the stands. Maybe the two-week break could settle things down, as we all hope for.

Arsenal v. Celtic 3-1 26/Aug/09

Today the Gunners cruised past the Bhoys on a clear and windy night at the Grove with an aggregate score of 5-1. Certainly the two-nil score was a fair advantage and, with so much talk from the media, already attributing to the Londoners the previous clash in Parkhead as well as against Porstmouth to pure luck, it was Arsenal's possession, and the new tactical disposition that made the gap even wider.
Eduardo dived. There is no doubt about it. The problem with the incident, is not even the extent of the dive, since the Scottish team was pretty much disassembled when it happened but what actually surround it. We shall expect a fierce bombardment from the media throughout the week, if not the entire season.




[Photo: AS]



Hostilities began with both teams firing blanks at each other, with the most important one of Eduardo, who missed a deviation by Boruc just after the Polish saved a great effort by Bendtner. The Gunners saw the panorama more bright as they reached Boruc's goal easily. Even though the Bhoys were making considerable efforts to get their game on, minute by minute the hope was dissolving into thin air. The wild pace from the visitors began to wore as Eboue shot of the mark.
Then Eduardo unleashed hell. The Crozilian fooled the referee after clearly diving on what appeared to be one of the most bizarre cheatings in football. The mischievous act was easily detected in the repetitions and the controversial refereeing saw the visiting fans, as well as some pundits on tv, enrage. Obviously the kick was converted by the striker. The frenzy media that will follow after this incident will not take precedents in the history of refereeing.
With three strange goals in their backs, Mowbray's men tried to recuperate from the devastating blow. Fox wide freekick was a summary of the effort of the entire qualifier: massive energy and raw talent wasted by some pervading bad luck. A disallowed McDonald goal was all that came from the Scottish offence.




[Photo: Daily Mail]



McGeady worried Almunia when a soaring strike went past the post just right, in the very beginning of the second half. In the next minute a dazzling play resulted in a fluke by Eduardo. The match resulted in a come-and-go until Eboué stroke the final blow. After a beautiful play by Diaby and Bendtner, the Ivorian broke Danny Fox's cover and shot to far post. The match was resolved, only if Celtic could have scored four goals without conceiving.
With nearly a half an hour to go, Mowbray replaced McGeady. This kind of movements are not expected when ten minutes before, and throughout the knock-out phase, your best man created the best chances.
With twenty minutes remaining Wenger made a couple of substitutions; midgets Arshavin and Wilshere came in for Eduardo and Eboue respectively. It was the Russian international, who made his first appearance, a golden one. Denilson stole the ball and Ramsey set Arshavin, who turned and finished again into the far post.
The dominance was ousted by the home squad. Celtic, in all fairness tried to counter the tight grip at times but certainly it was the Bhoys effort which was completely shadowed by the advancing and overwhelming force of Arsenal. The consolation goal, mainly for the travelling fans' joy, was Donati, who perfectly volleyed a long ball in the final seconds of the match.

Arsenal v. Portsmouth 4-1 22/Aug/09

A positive difference in terms of goals for Wenger's men: ten goals scored, two received in two matches.
[Poto: Telegraph]



The Gunners kept with the high start today at the Grove, after vanishing Portsmouth four goals against one. The visitors looked as sharp as an elephant on ice-skates for long periods of the match. Whilst the Gunners tried to achieve the level of expectation of last week's Everton the resilience of their midifield soared above level with Abou Diaby scoring twice.
It was obvious that the luck was on Wenger's side and whilst the north Londoners dominance was apparent at times, so the fortuitous chances were evident. The home team were lucky enough to have not more than one goal since Gallas's tantrums and Almunia's defensive misattentions rose.

Kevin Palmer's veredict sums the Almunia situation very clear: "Portsmouth's sense of injustice covers up the reality that they were comprehensively outclassed by Arsenal. Wenger must ensure the old defensive lapses that hurt his side last season are not allowed to damage his hopes once again."

A massive week relies ahead; the "won" match against Celtic at home and then, another battle at Old Trafford next Saturday. The matches between Arsenal and United over the past two seasons have proved to be cardiac to say the least and this time it is up for the Gunners to prove their title credentials against the best team in England (so far!).







Arsenal's game did not start until the 18th minute when, after a great team play, Diaby finished top corner. In all fairness, it was more of a Cesc-Eduardo goal than the Frenchman's but goals like that, prove the value and hierarchy of the team as a whole. If there was a doubt about Arsenal's level and commitment to the beautiful style of football, four minutes later Diaby again scored after yet another perfect counter-attack. The home side easily and without trouble outclassed Pompey.
It was clear, with thirty minutes on the clock, that there was practically no opposition on the pitch, and that the Gunners' dominance was completely based on the treatment of clinically well-executed plays. James began to appear as a key factor of Portsmouth's intentions. And the trace of that ambitions came late in the first half; Kaboul headed past Almunia to hold a narrow and dim hope of equalising for Portsmouth.
In the extended repetition, the play looked rather dubious; Almunia apparently being knocked before Gallas, who was also tackled by the scorer. It was in this same fashion that Wenger's men easily conceaded against Everton last week, a defensive distraction that should be completely avoided.




[Photo: Daily Mail]



The gret news was the introduction of Ramsey in the second half. Far from being happy for the Welshman (well deserved by the way!) it was on an injury suspicion on Cesc. Aside that, the Gunners dominance did not drop, instead another goal from a set piece was scored by with the famous Gallas style: with some part of the body except the head or the foot. The options for attack were, again, overwhelming the opposition. Ramsey proved to be influential while the massive force of the fit Diaby was key for winning the match.
To note, there was a lack of attacking options provided by Gibbs; he could not (or did not) went as much as to cross in the other end as in previous matches. All in all, Portsmouth flashes and glimpses were diminished by Arsenal's defence and in one occasion it was obvious that William Gallas should have been sent off.
To finish on a high, Ramsey scored his first Premier League goal. Van Persie set him and, with the calm of a veteran, the Welshman finished at the near post of James. Some substitutions were made, and the absence of Wilshere was strange for many of the supporters as well as the commentators. It may have to do with the next U-20 tournament next September. In any case, Portsmouth substituted their best man (Jesus, the world is coming to an end! Since when is David James the best man of a match!) due to an injury problem. To add more woe Bedntner could have raised the tally to five but that was for another day.

Two Yeats

THANKS AGAIN!



Again, I would like to thank each visitor that has had the time to stop by and check the blog. Whether a casual visit, an enemy, another Google arrival or a loyal reader I'd like to thank the time and patience for visiting our blog. Today Deviations (well 23 days ago actually) has accomplished two years since its creation back in 2007. Times have been tough for the blog since I have not the required time to update the page, as I'd like, due to school issues. Still, I will upload each and every game played by Arsenal this season, as well as some criticism regarding the 70th anniversary of the death of William Butler Yeats, some reviews of books, records, films and more.







A full preview of the World Cup as well as a full coverage of the tournament, and the draw in one week's time, will be reviewed promptly. I'd like to thank many readers and I hope that with a little feedback we can achieve a better site for all of you. To this day, Shinystat has counted 10,577 page views and 8,274 visits.
Again I have made some upgrades in the way I write, especially in the appearance of the site. Yet again THANK YOU for the support and keeping my dream; to write about the things I love.

Celtic v. Arsenal 0-2 18/Aug/09

[Photo: Daily Mail]



The Gunners made history in a lucky visit to Parkhead, facing Celtic in the first leg of the Qualification Round of the UEFA Champions League Groups Stage draw. Soccernet match report outlines the importance of tonight's match: "Only Barcelona and Dinamo Moscow, in the previous round, had beaten Celtic in the previous 36 European matches at Parkhead."
The next fixture, before hosting Celtic at the Emirates, is against Portsmouth. During the week so much was discussed regarding the atmosphere at Celtic Park and obviously the local fans did not disappoint. The pressure on the Gunners was even greater due to the fact that the underdogs, the Bhoys, would look to outstand the Gunners.

Mowbray's men looked sharp for the first minutes but it was the resilient English side that through possession and without it, managed to dominate the game in its entirety. While many attempts were made from the Scottish team, it was the sole effort of Ireland international Aiden McGeady who came close to any real threat to Almunia's goal. Next fixture at the Grove seems more of a 90-minute procedure, and while the prospect of the half-ticket to Europe's elite congregation is nearer, the lead is dangerous: two away goals could put Wenger's men in the sharp edge of the knife.





[Photo: Guardian]



Whilst Celtic begun with a very active and energetic display, the visitors restored the possession. It was not until the 19th minute that the game moved on quickly enough. Vermaelen saved the day by clearing a ball in what appeared to be a goal-scoring opportunity chance led by McGeady.
And it was the Irish winger who put into troubles Arsenal's defence throughout the final fifteen minutes. It was a tough and difficult match that needed a mistake to break the deadlock.
With five minutes to half time, the Gunners made themselves way into Boruc's goal. Although the possession they had during the last minutes, Mowbray's men managed to challenge their opposite: Maloney set Brown who took a weak shot into Almunia's. As the first half ended with a share hold of possession and practically zero chances for each side, the stalemate was about to be broken in the following minutes when a deflection of a Cesc shot bounced Gallas, who "scored" two minutes from break. Whether it was Gallas who "backed" it, or Cesc goal remains as a doubt to me.





[Photo: Daily Mail]



The threat level continued for Mowbray's men as the Gunners produced a fair amount of chances in the first ten minutes of the second half. Whereas there was not much to offer from Mowbray's ammunition stockpile, the Bhoys attacked throughly, mainly with the efforts of McGeady. Apparently two substitutions were the solution for the home side.
The only way that the Scottish team was heading towards Almunia's goal was through counterattacks. In the 65th minute they had already produced at least five runs, mainly relying in the speed of McGeady again. Exactly in the height of Celtic's momentum, the 70th minute, the key apparition of Diaby settled things a bit more. Two minutes later, Gary Caldwell stuck the ball in his own net, after a cross from Clichy.
Even though the attacks from Celtic were continuous, their attempts diluted against a better defence. This time, as the match wore off, it was the day of the Gunners and the advantage of two away-goals seem conclusive. It could be argued that the luck was on the English side, but with matches of this importance, and the decisive performance by Arsenal, everything counts for and against.

Henry's antics

[Photo: OFF/AFP/Getty Images through Guardian]


My opinions on Henry are varied, dissimilar and different. Probably this time the will sway to the realms of the negative, if they were not even at the top of that category already. Trying to justify what he did is an offence to football. But it is of the utmost importance to see the event calmly, due to the fact that we can reach judgements of the likes of Sarkozy, or the absolute frenzy of the media around the globe. I think Henry, as an Arsenal legend, is untouchable, but some of his tantrums especially in his last year at North London, were different from what an actual legend will behave, something that differs my opinion from the common Goonners (which may or may not be fair). When one player thinks he is above the club, then the position of the player himself is no longer of a team, but of a centred self.


Twitter, for example, became an immediate source for all kinds of responses


Whether some say that it is disproportioned the aspect of this has takes, other ignore it thoroughly and even treat it as a normal happening in the world of football. I agree that these action can take epic proportions, different from what they actually "are". It was obvious that a complain was coming from the FAI.



[Photo: Daily Mail]


The responses from both sides of the canal were immediate, usually giving the Irish some credit. Accounts from L'equipe, Le Monde and Le Figaro. Obviously I had to take Irish sites into consideration, since my French is completely inexistent.
In Mexico, a blog in Record, portrayed a wide variety of handball goals. In blogs the most avid response, which particularly blame media as usual, was Arseblog's.


Obviously, the FIFA has remained silent and in their match report does not even mention a chronology as it is used to happen at all competitions in all levels. The Spanish site did not have any report or review whereas the English one had a discreet and brief reports of the actions.




[Photo: Sky Sports through Telegraph]



The replay, requested by the Irish FA, is unlikely to happen. If that was to happen, it will open a half-way open Pandora box - that has been ajar through the course of football history. As well as dives, technology and referees will be discussed and the whole bunch of idiocy with it.
Whether the FIFA takes actions or not, this generation of French players will be regarded as nothing but a failure, resorting into cheats to qualify to the World Cup. Certainly even the most critical of the French has reached a conclusion which is not favourable at all for their current side.


I think, whether Robbie Keane is involved in this or not, still the actions of Henry are not justifiable by any means, and that makes the thing more impressive. That the undertakings of France's no. 14 are more f*cked up than the ones outside the match- ie. press, declarations etc. is no secret to any of us.
In the end, we should not crucify Henry, but the hideous referee and the decisions of Mr Platini will all be on the same plate. The fact that this situation could have happened to Anelka would have made a world of difference for Arsenal fans, let alone the Irish.

Everton v. Arsenal 1-6 14/Aug/09

[Photo: Soccer by Ives]
Tim Howard: 8 goals, 4 days, 2 matches.



Finally and after a long summer of erratic gossip transfer, the Gunner annihilated the Tofees in their visit to Liverpool at Goodison Park earlier this Saturday. After a rather successful preseason the Gunners had what appeared to be a difficult starting game whilst Moyes' men gave a class of pressure and possession. After strange results, the Londoners threw a magnificent performance and it was the Gunners' midfield who started the damage, with Denilson on the scoresheet as well as Cesc with a double.
The most important part of this encounter was for Arsenal to find the path to follow, and in any case that will lead, if top form is sustained, to silverware next May. Many papers agree on the way Arsenal crushed into shreds their current opposition.

Indeed the first stages of this season are difficult with trips to Parkhead next Tuesday and to the Eastlands against rivals Manchester at the end of the month. And also a very important season has begun since, now, each team is focusing solely to stay fit, and by January all eyes will turn to the maximum competition in the planet, the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Full coverage of the event will be provided to you, dear reader, and also, as last season, each game played by Arsenal will be reviewed.
Obviously, and as time progresses we will see the development of the youngsters and the solidification of the experienced. The perfect season could arrive to Ashburton, just as we are in the verge of the World Cup. The point should be travelling to the maximum tournament with at least some silverware (rather than the Emirates Cup).







For the first twenty minutes the Liverpudlians relied on a physical battle, which was complemented by a fairly good amount of pressure. The Gunners found a relatively easy path to Howard's goal: shots from Bendtner and van Persie came for the visitors. It was not until Denilson, whose appearance failed to shine missing several passes, in the 26th minute, stroke a driver to finish Howard's effort after a fine display of passes by the Dane and the captain.
One of the advantages of the new formation was the solid display of Arsenal's defence: Clichy and Vermaelen seem to complement themselves very well and Gallas gave a strange class of defending that we are not accustomed to. Whilst some defending uproar began to show cracks, the time for Arsenal's centre-backs to score came; the debutante Vermaelen in the 37th headed thanks to a defensive breakdown as well as Gallas, at the 41st, in a similar fashion. The question remained rather for Arsenal to increase the lead rather than Everton making a heroic effort to level the game.




[Photo: Guardian]



The immediate and most obvious answer to that question came three minutes past half time when Cesc Fabregas stroke the first of his two goals, in counter attack lead by Denilson and the Dutchman van Persie. The match went on with a typical training ground session of walls and first touches by the visiting team: the strong opposition showed in the fist twenty minutes was brushed aside in a matter of minutes and the gap was about to extend into two more goals.
The fifth from a solid hand-throw by Almunia landed into Cesc, who nearly conducted for fifty meters before scoring at Howard's nearest post. The celebration was heart-breaking with Cesc dedicating the fifth to Dani Jarque, the late Espanyol's captain.
Alexandre Song's appearance was by far the most impressive. If he performs as today, there Will be no doubt, and Wenger will prove himself right yet again, that the correct men for the midfield problems is within the squad rather than in some far and unknown club of France or Africa. It was a matter of minutes before Eduardo scored the sixth after a thunderous play by Arshavin right in the centre of the box.
It could have been a terrific display to have kept the scoresheet to a minimum of zero, but the effort made by Saha is to note. His ward work earned him a late consolation. A perfectly avoidable mistake that should have not happen.

The thumbs-up of the week is for Sky Sports Mexico, who in a tremendous fit of brilliance, let the transmission of the match in the original language from Sky Sports in England. Cheers for them! The half time special and the extended repetitions provided Mexican viewers a quality that Fox Sports could only dream of in the best of cases.

Valencia v. Arsenal 2-0 9/Aug/09

[Photo: Nuevo Estadio]



In one of those games in which each halve seems radically different, the Gunners lost today in Valencia against Los Che, in the final match of their animated preseason. Taking into account the match resulted quite interesting for the visitors in the first half - due to the change of lineups and men, as well as the form of the team. It is obvious that the starting eleven is what will resemble the one against the Everton but this performance raises more questions instead of bringing answers to the table.
Are really Arsenal strong enough to challenge physically the likes of Aston Villa, Bolton or Everton, let alone the remaining teams of the "Top Four"? Is there any way in which the Gunners could raise such higher expectations as the ones from last season? Apparently, and with this match, there is no way to think about that since the performance of the team was below par against a fit and sharp Spanish squad. Evidently we should never judge the current form of the team concerning ONE PRESEASON GAME AS VISITORS.
This type of games are the ones that really count in a pre-tournament level. Rather than getting physically able to compete- as with the daft and almost burocratical matches as Barnets and Hannovers, the Gunners deserved the loss and from that, against a 'top' Spanish side (whence Valencia fell from grace last season due to a clear bad management), Arsene can ponder the situation to face English teams in the league, and Europe.




[Photo: Sport.es]



Quite lively were the first options Arsenal had with Robin van Persie's shot just wide, at 6th. The game went on with Valencia forwarding each of their lines. The Londoners looked frail and weak in a pretty packed midfield, in which the line of three player converts to a five, when Bendtner and Arshavin helped in defence. The sole fact that the Spanish side could create opportunities at will was not encouraging enough as the Gunners approached again on goal. Diaby had the best of chances in the 21st minute, in which he approached the goal with ball in play just to be outclassed by the Che keeper.
With shots from Cesc and the previously mentioned Dutchman, the Gunners relied in the counterattack possibility against a home team that based their game in one-touch passes. Half whistle nearly on, the match turned quite rispid and the manager looked forward in making as many replacements as allowed.








Eight players came in, Wilshere and Ramsey as the hot prospects as well as Eduardo. The Croatian headed a poor ball in the 49th minute while Cesc provided chances for Theo Walcott and Ramsey. It was clear that the stamina and speed the newly comers posed, impressed them as the English side looked more sharp and accurate to head towards goal. A few crosses by Traore, particularly the one at 68th, were among the main weapons of the Londoners and a defensive mistake by who else but Silvestre gave Valencia a kick from the spot.
Villa failed as Fabianski saved, the Gunners were all square. From then on the performance of the Gunners plummeted when following attempts came from Fabianski's goal. Wilshere, quiet for the moment, did not had the opportunities as the last match at the Emirates - mainly because of the lack of possession by the Gunners.
It was not until the final ten minutes that the Englishman had several opportunities creating at least some danger to scare the home defence. The pathetic display was rounded when David Villa scored after Joaquin set him after a dazzling move that paralysed the defence. Again Silvestre's mistake gave the forward the chance to extend the lead and finish the game for today.