Arsenal v. Sunderland 0-0 21/Feb/08

Last match warming in the sideline.



Finally the much expected debut of Russian Andrey Arshavin arrived to the Grove, and in a rather murky fashion, when Arsenal left two points behind with a drawing goaless against the Black Cats. Certainly the lucky streak of the Gunners has showed some cracks, especially in Everton's game, but aside from that the immediate horizon suits to the European competition. Today as well, AS Roma one-nil aganist Siena in a strange but amusing match. In our continuous effort to bring you the latest football developments the spying business on the Capitaline side has ended and Tuesday's prospect is immediate. It is unlikely that Cesc can make an early return for the European home match but it could happen in two weeks time.

Obviously the amount of attention and expectation between the two sides has been overwhelming and such things happen when one side is "scared," to put it on simple terms. In a rather strange fashion, Arsene Wenger seems calmed enough with the tie against current Italian Cup holders. In my opinion, and even without key players like Cesc and Adebayor, I think Arsenal has the edge, but the current situation of the home club could not sound so satisfactory. In any case everything will be cleared next Tuesday.







And all the camera shots took over the Russian playmaker; a wide shot at 5' and a curled volley at 15'. The spark of Arshavin was impressive among the home fans when the game turned devious; Arsenal loosed possession too often and it appeared that the Londoners were unprecise at times. Several attempts comanded by Nasri led to nowhere, especially the one made by van Persie at 11'. With the minutes passing the pressure piled up for the Gunners and by the 30th minute Arsenal had produced a fair amount of chances that should have been in the back of the net. With Arsenal attacks, the Black Cats seemed hopeless but to hold the ferocious rampages of a team like Arsenal is something to respcet from the Northern tteam.







Arsenal attacks continued throughout the second half, more aggressive and in a way, more desperate. a free kick from the Dutchman van Persie and the substitution of an impressive Arshavin among the flaws of Vela and Gallas nearly in the end were the main highlights of a dismal and futile effort to contend against the limited Sunderland side. Bendtner shot and again Gallas wide attempts cemented the position of the long unbeaten run by the home side, the problem is that if this run is going to be full of draws, the aspirations for the Gunners are more than doomed.

Arsenal v. Cardiff City 4-0 16/Feb/09

The FA Cup fourth round match replay gave the Gunners a pass to the next round against Burnley in what will become the "Capital Punishment V." But far better was the performance by the team that outclassed the Bluebirds, but with a special delivery by Eduardo. This man may have had the worst moment of his life following Martin Taylor's horrific tackle, which kept him sidelined for nearly a year.

In February Arsenal faces one of the toughest months in the last years' calendar, among next April. Facing two FA Cup games, two Derbies, an International break and the famous match against AS Roma it appears that this month is by far the most crucial for Arsenal three-tile contending aspirations. If the Gunners manage to overcome in the three fronts certainly the future is brighter than it is now.

Regarding next week clash, AS Roma lost in a dissapointing match against Atalanta three-nil. After showing such resilience and prowess against Genoa with the same score reversed, the level of expectancy that the Italian side has raised is similar to Arsenal's . Even though I watch Italian football often, spying activities from Deviations on the Capitaline team have commenced. We will keep you informed.





The topic of the day was Eduardo's comeback. And with this setting Arsenal started to attack and by the 15th minute, the home side was confident enough, through a good Eduardo start and Vela's crossings, and five arrivals had been made to Heaton's goal. With the game flowing on one side of the pitch, the lead came through an incurssion of Mexican Vela in company with Eduardo, that headed for the lead. The emotion of the Croatian was such that his passion spilled up, and the whole stadium bent towards him. With this catharsis, the Bluebirds found themselves in the worst-case scenario, and even in 25', with the way Cardiff was playing, it was unlikely to show any signs of battle. Nasri shot at 26' was still another warning of the danger to come.
Eventually another goal arrived at 34', when Bendtner headed past the defenders, in a Nasri corner. The Welsh team did not have the grip to manage the situation, and being outnumbered and outclassed any arrivals by them would be nullified by Arsenal's solid defense. As if it where enough Bendnter missed a clear chance twice in the dying moments of the first half.





In the second period, Cardiff's futile attempts were constant, and by the 57', the visiting side second shot on goal arrived. Carlos Vela simply dazzled with his pace the Welsh defense, and in a dubious penalty kick awarded to Arsenal, Eduardo converted to give a three goal advantage to the North Londoners. Substitutions seemed evident with the game on the pocket. Quique Sacco, on ESPN's Latin Amercian broadcast, highlighted Heaton's actions, which saved Cardiff from having a broader scoreline. At 74' Amaury Bischoff entered to fortify the right side; he did enough work to be named in the squad. In the final minutes Robin van Persie widened the gap when Bendtner set him up, to finish with a thundering strike. The Dutchman could have added to his tally another number but the woodwork denied him, in the 93'.

USA v. Mexico 2-0 11/Feb/09

In the cold and snowy Columbus the clash of the year for Mexican media took place, as Mexico traveled to the northest venue to earn yet another painful and usual dafeat against the American team two-nil. Michael Bradley's brace ensured the U.S. the top place in the wretched CONCACAF final hexagonal. It seems that Mexico is destined to not win again on U.S. soil, since ten years have past from the latest defeat. This seems to be the same with Tottenham against Arsenal in Premier League matches.

On the other hand, this match brought so much attention from my country, that for my countryman seemed strange that the whole world did not matter a bit about it. But what is the common opinion outside my country? There were the fatalistic comments from Albert, the rather rigorous words of Pardo and several accounts that range from brilliancy (Paco Villa) to nonsense (Voodoo doll).

After all this is the match that really matered, rather than those against Sweden and so forth. So in one of the first steps and within a year's coming I inaugur the Qualifiers for Mexico in this entry. Each and every match of the qualification round shall be reviewed as well as the European and any match I encounter in the way.

Regarding the endless story of chosing Columbus as the venue I think that it was quite dull due to the fact that in the pitch that will affect all 22 players and not less.





My surprise was the inclussion of Giovani Dos Santos in the starting eleven, with only half a match played against United. In any case it was Giovani who took an early shot at Howard's goal at 3'. Mexico showed an incredible pace on the first fifteen minutes. The touching and the different attacks from both sides earned Mexico several arrivals, even in freekicks, such as Pardo's 6'. With a Mexican team rather focused, the U.S. midfield seemed a shadow from the latest encounters. The northern neighbors also attacked from the likes of Dempsey. Landon Donovan's freekick nearly enters goal as the Mexican players grew nervous due to the late-arrival of a goal. At 27' the most dangerous approach by the American team arrived when Donovan set Dempsey in a rare header, that was miraculously saved by Sánchez. The match was open and divided in terms. But it had to be the Uruguayan Castillo who limped of the field with a calf strain, forcing the entrance of Martínez at 34'.
Finally Giovani returned to the position that impressed me so much in the U-17 championship at Perú, as a central attacking midfielder. The match went rapid enough to become one of those unforgetable end-to-end matches until the late lead by Bradley came. In a strange set the corner came and after an unmarked Donovan set Bradley.





Exactly what the American team wanted, happened. The late lead could bring confussion to the Mexican side and the midfield did not worked as expected. Pardo was completely nullified from the map, and Leandro did a far better job than expected as well as Giovani. At least Leandro has won the name of Leandro and not Brazilian, from my point of view. Mexican players became so desperate that the long balls seemed the only option, and did this for at least ten minutes. Before the wretched 64' incident, Batres and friends had disallowed two legitimates onside positions, this could have changed the whole perspective of the match. After that hell came.
One can ask how come that th idiocy of certain players can burst suddenly from nowhere. We have the example of William Gallas, but here in my country the epithome is Rafael Márquez. He has a long-running record of sentoffs in the most important matches, such as 2002 against the Americans also. This time I think he will not be missed since next match, mid-March against Costa Rica at home, could have the overtalented and brilliant Jonny Magallón.
Aside from that the match turned completely on to the United States. There were many attempts to goal but it was again Bradley who secured the win with a rather weak shot that Oswaldo could not control.


If you want a first-hand US account, only US, go to this biassed article. At least Carlisle put up the difficulties that the US team had to face, but conveniently enough he did not mention Giovani's penalty in the sentoff play by Márquez. And ofcourse this will never happen: ""We look forward to that challenge," Bradley said of winning in Mexico. "That's on our list of things to do.""

Tottenham v. Arsenal 0-0 8/Feb/08

This time no ridiculous eight-goal match took place at the Lane today. Not with a stunning ninety-minutes perfomance. This time the Gunenrs saved themselves of what could have become an achievement in Spurs history. Even the famous and controversial new Arsenal Russian signing did not come in, and waited in the sideline for his chance due to the lack of match fitness. Even though with the strange 4-4 draw earlier this season the Gunners wanted to reivindicate after the loss of points that may relegate them to the Europa League next season. Derbies are always special and the common cliché comment that no matter how the team is in the season as-long-as-they-win is far from being a lie. And today's match proved it so with a scintillating performance by Tottenham and a depleted ten-men, injury-prone visiting side.

There were so many tuners for the game such as Keane comeback, Arshavin's arrival, Cardiff city match rescheduled and injury news that I will talk about in the course of the post.
At last I can say it to you dear reader, we can forget about European elite football next season unless something extraordinary happens.





Just as if it were not enough for the Gunners, Aaron Lennon began the match with a shot at 8'. Along the other side was Nasri's inclussions from the left. Reaching the fifteen minute mark the game was moved with both sides attempting twice on both goals; to me it should have been a 1-1 after a disallowed goal and a disallowed penalty. More and more pressure was coming from the home side reaching a 77% possession in the five-minute statistic.

Now as you know that it is a tradition from the blog, dear reader, it is time for the digression on the TV transmission. I really ignore the names of the commentator and the analyst, this is that they were not provided in the two-and-a-half hour transmission. I assume, since one was calling the other several times. The commentator could have the name of José Luis Ciro and the analyst, that I am sure, Carlos López. In any case I will do my research and correct this if I am wrong. What brought my attention was, obviously, their commentaries:

"Toure, unos de los tres Cameruneses que tiene el Arsenal junto con Song y Eboue." [Toure, one of the three Arsenal players from Cameroon, among Song and Eboue.]
"El jugador más inteligente [Nasri] después de Zidane, quien solo está detrás de Platini." [The most intelligent player [Nasri] after Zidane, whose just behind Platini.]





Now, I ignore where these two amusing pricks got out of, but these utterances, among others I did not write, were among the funniest things I have ever heard in a football broadcast. First because they are completely mistaken in both observations, and second, because many of these "journalists" do not have a real formation. Even though stupid narrators such as Mendoza and Gabriel have such a disquieting talent for spoiling a match, these two rookies [the oness of the current match] were amusing enough not to choke the viewer.

In any case the match went on fast and moving, with all the attacks coming from the Spurs. The centerback was great and I admit that William Gallas performances have at least showed a vast improvement over his overall condition. And then a typical idiocy had to arise, this time by the boots, or rather by the mind of Emmanuel Eboue. He was sent off after two stupid bookings. Then a minute later Adebayor limped out from hte pitch due to a muscular injury. Now the Gunners seemed lost. Ten-men, dispossessed and with no midfield. Palacios' shot, at 48' warmed thing up too late.





The half time talk by Wenger had an immediate impact on the young Gunners as they began to do their best; one-touch plays. Even with Pavlyuchenko's attempts and a Keane header, Arsenal looked sharp, especially with Nasri in the middle of the park. With approaches from van Persie and Song, the only hope for the Gunners, after an outstanding display by the Spurs, was that the newly acquired Russian could jump in to bring something on. Eventually he did not, and everybody knew that this would have to wait at least fot another two weeks. And disgracefully enough for the Spurs the Arsenal equalled them in possession and play. The final minutes of the match were dramatic as any of the previous last derbies, each side had the chance to score; one through a Modric and the other trhough Bendtner. After all Tottenham has not been able to win at the Grove in Premier League, that is something that many Gooners can be, at least, thankful of.

Ghosts of Abu Ghraib

Dear reader, I will be reviewing some movies and documentaries about the war in Iraq. I have found this to do so due to the fact that several persons have asked me about this and that regarding the Iraqi conflict and mainly its development in American and worldwide media.
I will begin with Ghosts of Abu Ghraib and then continue to many of the films that have been made about this conflict. Enjoy.

Ghosts of Abu Ghraib. Dir. Rory Kennedy. 2004. USA. 82 mins. English.





Ghosts of Abu Ghraib is an HBO produced documentary about the prision of Abu Ghraib in Iraq. Since the different leaks of information broke into public strand the tortures of one of the most dangerous and inhuman prisons in the world were revealed by several journalists around the world, bu the first hand accounts were kept aside. The different approaches made by media towards this incident have been null or even ignored, mainly with the streaming of photos of soldiers sodomizing or playing with Iraqi detainees. The film was made in 2004 an aired in Mexico for the first time in late 2007.

The film begins with the an unreleased video of some testings with electric-shock controlled mock torture. This breve piece sets the context for the whole documentary and in the end reveals a shocking conclusion. The footage provided by the movie has not been released, along with documents, first hand accounts from the soldiers that were operating hte prison, analysts and authors and detainees.

Since the Geneva convention treaty had not been signed by the Iraqis the US Governemnt sneakly evaded laws to prove the extent of torture, that in some cases will reach death. The accounts made by the soldiers in charge sustained for at least a half hour of the film.

To me the tone of the film is that of an apology to US soliders with the accomodation of questions and speeches rather redundant and leading to a rhetoric that is far from being denouncing. But indeed the documentary denounces the abusess but rather it is an account of how the soldiers torture under strict superior orders Iraqi detainees and how they feel sorry.

Iraqi men interviews just corroborate American soldiers version rather that denouncing it, but of course the job of the documentary can have both or neither of these objectives; one is to report and the other to denounce. If we take for example Moore's Farenheit 9/11 the latter takes place and with happens otherwise. Iraq in Fragments is more aesthetical type of film, more like an essay that is emphazis is placed on the plasticity of the images that the conflictcan provide, rather than in anything else.
When Major Geoffrey Miller (later General) was in charge for the prison the abusses growed, according to the statistics provided, nearly 300%. Regarding burocratic appointments the US Army states that every means necessary to get information would be allowed and this lead to several dozens of deaths.

Just as if it were enough the scapegoat (if it can be called in that way, to say the least) of the documentary appears to be Cpl. Charles Graner, whose power growed unlimited in the way he treated the detainees.
Reaching the final twenty minutes the facts became harsher and harsher to the extent that the death of a "ghost detainee" spawned a CIA cover of the murder, later charging Graner with homicide. Any common viewer would be heavily moved by the footage provided by the soldiers and the movie production.

What is relly interesting and mainly the highlight of the documentary is the way the US Government alongside with the Army managed to cover everything, until the pictures were released. US soldiers indeed seem to be moved and regret the horrible orders they did at the prison, but still there is a sense of apology for them, instead from them.
But in the end it is not about the privates and corporals, but about the generals, secretaries and even executives who gave the thumbs-up for this masacre, and if ther is something that the movie actually achieves is that; denouncing this attrocity that could have never been known.

*Regarding the title I would change "notorious" for "dangerous" I think.

Jav Best Football Games/Sims Awards

This is my list of the best Football games/simulators I have ever played. Take in consideration that the consoles I own are by Nintendo (I know, I should have got a man's console like PS3 and not a shitty box that can throw bowling balls) or PC, so be aware. Suggestions are always open. Believe it or not I have not played FM 2009. Another list will be provided with the Worst Games. Enjoy!



5-International Superstar Soccer Deluxe (SNES/Konami, 1995)



If there is a game that can be tagged as classic this is the ultimate example. With a gameplay that was amicable to all, the graphics displayed at the time were awesome and the curious fact of the names (due to rights issues) made this game one of the most enjoyable, either playing alone or in a tournament with the lads. The cheats and strange arrays of bloopers gave it a touch of humour that has not been matched by any game, so far.

FINAL: 8.5



4-Pro Evolution Soccer 2008 (Wii/Konami, 2008)



After the immense failure of the FIFA 08 for Wii, Konami exploited the incredible capability of Wii Remote with the "point and play" feature that expanded the game with unlimited abilities. The fact that almost three players could be managed with the Remote offered very good and clever resolutions to many plays. Aside from that the dribbling was awesome and the career mode was unbelievably amusing. The online mode was a thing that SEGA lacked developing. Another thing, the Dutch squad was oficially registered with the real names of the players.

FINAL: 8.7



3-Football Manager 2008 (PC/SEGA, 2007)



The previous deliveries of this unique simulator still had some clumsy bugs that even with the online patches would not vanish, but SEGA team were intelligent enough to correct and add a complete and newly developed database of leagues around the globe. This concept was so succesful that even actual managers began to use the databases in order to track young talents. With over sixteen leagues and a 2D match engine the focus of your team could be placed in the development of young promises, the marketing or even the match itslef. But the power of this simulator was so overwhelming that even outnumbered the most skilled player, with such details that every week between matchdays could take for real weeks.

FINAL: 9.0



2-2006 FIFA World Cup (NGC/EA Sports, 2006)



With the inertia of the World Cup coming at door's step, EA developed a fast, agile and manoeuvrable engine to upgrade the previous FIFA 2006. With all FIFA affiliated teams on the record the classic take-your-country-to-Berlin road was included. The wide range of details suc as player creation (with brand boots and everything), the many records and special classic players features, bonus venues and balls and even history facts in the beginning of each match made this game a fair competitor with any FIFA regular season game. And it was the speed and game difficulty that overpower, as the previous game in the list, the most experienced player. Bugs and hold-ups were among the differnt heaps of dirt this excellent game had.

FINAL: 9.3



1-FIFA 07 Soccer (NGC/EA Sports, 2006)



Even though it will raise controversy, for me is the best game ever. And it is difficult to make a review of it since it had such a complete gameplay that almost reached perfection, if it were not for the hold-ups on screen. EA did an outstanding job improving the 06 version. It exploited the somewhat limited capabilities of the Gamecube. The flow of the players' technique was marvelous, the detail in faces, boots and speed was strangely good for a Gamecube game. Practice and quick matches among full profile statistics ensured the player that nearly every detail was covered.
The manager mode was an entirely different thing and it was the enhacements over the previous version that made it outstand others, and inderectly helped the development of Football Manager. Among the control of the club with a tight grip from incoming younsters to club's economy, ranging through tactics and complete detailed yearly statistics the game had an unprecedent fifteen-year career mode, choosing over twelve leagues around the world. You could watch academy younsgters literally develop into 30 million behemoths in the course of five or six years. Maybe the outcome that had was that from year to year the mode became predictable and easy, but nonetheless the different perspectives thi game had have make it unvalubale to its utmost level.
Imagine, it has been three years and I still play it, as my first option.

FINAL: 9.8



*-FIFA Street 2 (NGC/EA Big, )Honor Mention.



Incredibly cheesy, fun and with whole range of details, this mode that was uncommon to the audience and returned more heavier with a different game perspective from the goal, end to end type. The unlimited quantity of tricks and the details added to the "career mode" made it a challenging effort to overcome. The volume of detail assembles among the level of difficult made it a fine pick to gather a bunch of friends and play for a whole afternoon before a match or a party. It is fun, but the actual fun of a nutmeg is as far as it gets.
The soundtrack has been by far one of the best the best issued on a football game, ranging from regional music from the differnt venues to Drum & bass and alternative rock.

Arsenal v. West Ham 0-0 31/Jan/08

Rival Hammers visit to the Grove was by far one of the most boring matches this season, different than the one made on October with a two-nil advantage to the North Londoners; the game can be resumed as an increasing effort made by the Gunners in ninety minutes, with a visiting side that was expectant. I ignore if I can get out something positive from this match and it seems pretty odd that Arsenal are still in some way of to the title race. With matches like these surely there must be another teams to watch. The deployment was dismal, ghastly and effortless. I think that if the Gunners are to secure an elite European spot for next season that must be as far as the team could get this period, and the prospect of UEFA Cup seems more likely with each tie.

Next match is the expectant Cardiff clash, whether the Gunners can officiallly pass the test the will ensure another Championship clash most likely against Burnley in what would become the "Capital Punishmnet V." Still nothing new on the Arshavin case. The utmost certainty of news is transfer deadline. Until then we shall hear from Zenit and Arshavin.





I have already said that I was annoyed with today's match. Even though the awful performance by both sides Diaby managed to hit the woodwork at 4' showing the prowess and overwhelming presence of Arsenal in the whole match. In any case one of the things that caught my attention was that Denilson was taking freekicks, but who told him that he does it in a good form? Nasri's runs provided some of the important features of the match, finding Bendtner twice. With most of the first half ensuring Arsenal's possession it was not much fight for the Hammers. Eboue, again, picked an injury and Vela came off the bench. Wide Arsenal attemtps ended in mediocre crosses. In the final stages of the first half the match began to gain more speed and at 43' the Hammers nearly got the lead in a header that Clichy saved.





Diaby managed to pull the strings of Arsenal's troubled midfield, as well as providing the so-much desired defensive facet. For much of the second half it turned out to be that Arsenal attacked, United held and eventually counteattack, and then the Gunners regained possession in order to attack again. Fans moanings finally ceased when van Persie entered in the 64'. Adebayor wide header at 72' and subsequent Green saves ensured the scoreline remained intact. The Gunners scarcely ended the match with the dismay for any viewer in a strange fashion.

"Those fucking Spurs"

Who else but Hitler can cheer up the lads for tomorrow's match. Anyway sensitive videos, you know all that crap about parental advisory and sensitive viewers, so you are warned. Come on you Gunners!

Everton v. Arsenal 1-1 28/Jan/08

After two ties and what will become a "Triple Mersey Feature," the Toffies earned another draw and struggled against Arsenal. The Gunners encountered such a fierce opposition as in the early days that Rooney scored his first goal. The difficult trip to the North could not had get more difficult due to the recent form of Everton in the League and the fact that Scottish Moyes has been seen on away matches of the Gunners (Bolton and Hull). Robin van Persie keeps his pace, and by this moment has not only become Arsenal's top scorer but Arsenal's best player, in absence of Skipper Cesc.





Hostilities began in a difficult tone for the Liverpudlians with a depleted striker force, leading Moyes to choose Cahill as striker and Fellaini as link. In the foggy North pier the match started with a Robin van Persie freekick at 3', deflected. Toffees attacking opportunities ranged from 8' to 17' making several shots, but nothing to worry in the case of Almunia. Although Everton looked for possession it was a match for the two, while the visiting side was speculating and not quite concentrated. The match moved from side to side and at 27' Diaby was booked after a late challenge. While Everton diminished the attack Nasri found in the left alley a one-way stand and as 34' four crosses had been made from that side by the French midfielder. Even while Mikel Arteta managed to produce the gameplay for the Liverpudlians his physical state due to his previous injury relieved him from his common duties. First half ended particularly calmed, regarding the tempo showed in the first forty five minutes.





At last, one minute past the second half's beginning, Cahill managed to build a play alongside Fellaini. Denilson wide shot at 50' was a warning but the response was Everton's possession through a Cahill shot at 54'. As if it were enough for the game, Tim Cahill scored his 100th EPL goal, at 61' heading a cross from Baines. The lead gave Everton renewed brews and the attack kept coming from all the sides. During the following minutes Everton managed to keep Arsenal off the ball. I was not until 72' that Arsenal seemed to react with a double substitution. But even with several intents to touch the ball Arsenal were confused. With the match turning harsher by the minute, at 80', the north Londoners were not plausible enough to produce an opportunity until Robin van Persie scored the late equalizer, 92', that gave the Gunners a deserved point.


As usual Mexico lost one-nil against Sweden in its last match before the beginning of the final qualification round for the World Cup. I will bring you dear reader two matches, besides Mexico's, in the FIFA matchday; Spain v. England and Italy v. Brazil.

Cardiff City v. Arsenal 0-0 25/Jan/09

An Emirates rematch will take place on February 16th due to the tie that today the Gunners sustained against Cardiff City at Ninian Park. In the welcome to modern football for Aarom Ramsey the Bluebirds ensured the recap in a tough and congestionated travel to London. In other results Man Utd edged Spurs in a nother dismal appearance of Giovani dos Santos. The Gunners were relentless for times, and miserable in others. Even though the result is tricky any team who could have got the lead would certainly deserved the match. Cardiff proved to be a worthy challenger with all the fuss going around last year's FA against Portsmouth.





Before any formal comments on the match I would like to digress on the beautiful ground that Ninian Park is. It reminded me of the good old Highbury. But in the match by the first fifteen minutes Cardiff had arrived four times, all equally dangerous, through Burke, McCormack and Bothroyd twice, respectively. As the minutes went by and possession changed opportunities by both sides were continuosly leaping forward and backwards. Ramsey seemed quite nervous and although he received many flak from the stands and pundits for this match, I think he made a good appearance considering his state. The game swooped for the Gunners and by the 35' Arsenal choked Cardiff and it had at least 75% of possession and all Cardiff in their box. With this tempo the match ended in a high pitch radical speed with both teams going for the lead.





And for the sake of the good game another thundering half was delivered by Arsenal, this time with a full push to get the lead; two shots by van Persie secured this. Unfortunately enough Ramsey went off, earning applauses as well as boos from the stands. The Gunners went tempestively to the front and Cardfif took advantage of this position with several counterattacks. With the introduction of Adebayor in the 66' the attack of the Gunners acquired depth, something that Bendtner did not seem to do. While minutes piled up, reaching the final ten, the Gunners relentlessly pursued the lead with a 90% possesion in the last five. By the finals seconds a rematch seemed likely but fortunately enough for the visiting squad McCormack failed to put the ball in the back of hte net when a freeekick was conceded in the 89'


Arshavin's tale has really taking its toll on me. It is as uncertain as the global economy status; bids rejected by a monstruosly rich Russian club on a late talented (and at times overrated) player. Although Gunners transfer sagas had all been full of rocks and cliffs, with certain players I got the feeling that they will eventually be landing their boots at the Grove, such as Samir's case. Just to wait is what appears to be desperating but patience is the friends of transfers.

Dissapoiting was the result fo Burnley, as well as Osasuna, got their deserved heads-up when facing heroically a stronger opposition. Certainly the Carling Cup is a tournament to respect, but for the Spurs. If that is the only silverware the North Londoners can get, let them have it!
What will appear to be the next "Capital Punsihment V" could take place in the Fifth Round of the Cup due to the draw that took place today; Arsenal/Cardiff City v. Burnley/West Brom.

Hull City v. Arsenal 1-3 16/Jan/08

Another late show ensured Arsenal three points in the title persecution at the Tigers ground yesterday. Next match appears to be a comfortable one as the Gunners travel to Cardiff in the FA Cup fourth round. At least a deep breath from Wenger's men was won, for the lost of more points could rule out the Gunners from a Champions league spot. Three objectives are in the horizon for the Londoners as the tournament reaches its half; assure a Champions League place, fight for silverware in non-Premier League competitions and win against rivals away (Man Utd, Chelsea, Liverpool and Tottenham).





Although the previous clash against Hull at home was fatal, the match ensured the winning streak in which the Gunners are trying to cement. It was no less obvious that the home team will execute an overwhelming pressure in the first fifteen minutes. So many of the attacking ideas for the Gunners in the first fifteen minutes were from the counter-attacks. Again ill-fated Eboue assured himself more booes from the visiting fans due to his lack of passing as well as Denilson. In the next minutes following the 25' the match was appearing to be another tough away match such as the one faced at Birmingham against Villa or at Manchester. The curious position that Adebayor was displaying will be explained later but in this case many of the criticism he has sustained throughout the season resulted positively in the development for the team.
And in that way the lead came through a header by the Togolese striker, on a corner by van Persie. This strange but effective position of Adebayor proved to be, alongside the liberty in which Nasri is currently faced, the top choices of Wenger last evening. Ade set Eboue in a wide shot at the final stages of the first period.





The midfield of the visiting team had an uncertain time, specially with Denilson and his unlucky passing. Even with this unfortunate asset, Arsenal quickly entered in the match with the typical touching from side to side. Again with this typical possession Arsenal dominated 3/4 of the pitch. The frail defense put things in hold when Djorou knocked Manucho in a desconsiderate way. It was a clear penalty but the "divine justice" rested in the shoulders of Cousin who headed an impossible header in the goal of Manuel Almunia. With the level on, Diego Latorre noted the difficulty and liberties that Gaël Clichy gave while defending. It was clear that the match had turn the other way round to the Gunners, and the obvious response was the introduction of the criticised Bendtner. If there is one attribute that the Dane explodes is the duty of the "late-striker position." He can be in the exact moment and the exact place in the required late minutes, and that was seen in previous matches. One point in disadvantage to him is his "wandering," which may appear to the common eye as careless.
Samir Nasri proved again his value when facing three defenders, and with a handful of tricks, alluding them. It was in a strike by the young Frenchman that the second goal arrived. Immediately, three minutes later, Bendtner magnified the gap with a fine definition. That goal should have been ruled out but the truth is that the Arsenal deserved even another goal by the Dane Bedntner.
For fuck's sake Cesc, you already sound like a manager.

Arsenal v. Bolton 1-0 10/Jan/08

We can remember Bolton's struggle with the Gunners last year for a place in the UCL, with that marvelous 3-2, and the tough away matches held at the Reebook Stadium. And as far as I am concerned (and if somebody can correct me I will be pleased) the FA Cup match against Plymouth would be the second match I haven't reviewed in this season. This due to transmission issues. I think that it was not even broadcasted in the UK. Being the other match the visit to Twente's ground due to ESPN's lack of broadcast it was this time that I had no chance to secure a review. I know that the delay of the reviews can often be irritating or even ignored but they are posted. Here the highlights along with some pictures for those of you who could not watch them.





Regarding the Bolton match Arsenal kept the tradition of no-home loss against the Wanderers. With a late show by Bendtner, Arsenal kept their fifth place and will face a visit to Hull next week.

Ofcourse it was not the thrilling five-goal match as the one of last season, but it had several good plays, starting with a wide van Persie shot at 13'. Up to the 15' Bolton had 30% of possession but even the statistic lied since the Wanderers could recover the ball immediately. Samir Nasri curiosly enough played more in the middle and with the creation of attack plays even with the zonal physical Bolton defense. This type of scenario would have been perfect for the Welshman Ramsey since the spaces were fair enough to create something interesting.
Not much was offered in this part of the match but Nasri's dribbling talent. Clichy wide shot at 30' and Arsenal box pressure were not enough to scare a strong visiting side. The period ended with nothing more interesting than Elmander's injury and a dull Arsenal that tried make an impression on a heavily defended Bolton.





Uninteresting resulted the next half, with Bolton gaining more possession by the minute but not really doing anything special. Nasri, at 59', played were he pleased and the ball began moving in several directions aside from the common side crosses. Nothing new for the home team reaching the 65', just the entrance of the favorite "Lanchero" Vela. Arsenal grew ambitious by the minute while the different passses from Samir ended in a wide Ade shot. Arsenal exasperation was evident and a brilliant play inside the box by van Persie hit the post, at 70'. Possession was a joke, with 77% for the home side. The rampages made by the defense and even a Toure shot were effortless. The inclussion of Ramsey promised good, when the late goal arrived at 84'. The so-much criticized 'Robosaur' Bendtner put the ball in the back of the net when van Persie crossed into the far right post. Bolton tried to use the last minutes to make a terrific return but the whistle blew first.


Jon Carter's latest column on ESPN was as boring and predicatbale that he is failing to impress even the less updated fan. In his latest list of the young prospects to watch, feature nearly a half of what an 'expert' would have predicted, but last year. Gourcuff and Rafael are not any more interesting regarding his list, they have proved to be excellent prospects. And that is the point of the "prospect", to look into the future, but the mistake with several picks in Carter's list is that it is yet another common place list. It is full of facts instead of the reasons to watch them. In any case Mr. Carter a little more effort could do us good. To me the only interesting and new picks are Chung-Yong and Annan. Mainly all of the players in the list feauttue in their respective awards young players list so a little more research and effort would be thanked.

"And it's in!"

I am thrilled and honoured to welcome you to my brother's new blog. Although he has not made a post yet, the first step in doing so has taken place. Here at Deviations salute him, wish him the best of lucks and support him in his new enterprise. Good luck!





In other news today's matches were good. Torino held Inter while the late Torres show took place. I really think he is one of the best strikers in the world, if not the best. His talent is overwhelming.


Good job Lionel, you have thrown more than one hundred years of football tradition to the dump due to your incredible ignorance. How come the "best player in the world" can not be aware of such an extraordinary event? Well there is his love for the colours. The note highlights that he does not care for personal records, but I think as the selfish cunt he is, that he does not care at all in the team he has been playing his entire career.





You know dear reader that I am not a fan of any sport rather than football (maybe Boxing, and I respect Baseball). And today's "famous event" held many Mexicans stuck on their teles for five hours watching the Super Bowl. In any case I just watched the dull and boring planes (F-16, that you can actually watch in the evening news) and went to the park to play footie. By the way that video has a lot of red-neck propaganda: watch Generation Kill (soon I will be posting in that).


Now, dance with James Murphy and Pat Mahoney!!! It is a pitty that they have not showed here in Mexico. Looking forward to it.

Arsenal v. Portsmouth 1-0 28/Dec/08

Today Arsenal grasped a home victory thanks to the ineptitude of David "Calamity" James. Not by William Gallas header but by the ineptitude of England's goalie. Although the resistance that Portsmouth offered in the first forty five minutes was to respect, the home side earned three points after three consecutive draws. Cesc's injury has taken all the dogs out and the team is comandless and lacks depth, possession and control, attribute in which the philosophy that Arsenal exercises, are corenerstones. It was the time for Tony Adams first visit to Emirates, and he was well received by the crowd.





First Half saw the inclussions of Nasri, several offsides by Nicklas Bendtner and an impressive failure of an inbox shot by Adebayor. Even though with Arsenal possession in the first fifteen minutes the match went quite passive and the visiting side showed no real attemtps towards goal. Arsenal were reluctant to counter and the only movements included the attacking positions were the ones made by the talented ex-Marseille playmaker. I know that this type of resumes that I make are more wide and at least over thirty lines long but in this cases there is rather nothing to commnet since the "big actions" took place in the following forty five minutes.


Second half was not so either impressive nor attractive. The interesting thing in the fifteen minute pause was the distribution graphics, that showed a 64% of attacks by the Arsenal held throguh the middle. This ofcourse has to do with Nasri's repositioning. There, in the middle, is where he is dangerous. As early as the 47' the stupidity of James's exits in set-pieces set the destiny for the Pompey sidethey were expecting a move for Arsenal, who seemed reluctant also to make one. Silvestres' defensive confussions and the uneffective counters by Portsmouth were not efficient enough to make a different progress in the match.






Nasri's incurssions were the only way out of Arsenal, in some times he was marked by four opposites. Incredibly Adebayor failed for the third time of the night in a rampage in the small box, after a bad exit from James. Gustavo Mendoza, the hatred Mexican commentator, seemed to have an orgasm when Carlos Vela entered. The young and fresh Mexican had a couple of chances, merely all crosses. In the time when the Arsenal was beginning to exasperate the lead came. It was a lead that was as comical as David James himself. In one of his unique attacks he rampaged to the ball while Gallas headed. It was a lucky header due to Gallas' closing and the fact that his eyes were closed all the time. To me, David James got Arsenal three points, while they deserved one. Gallas was just an expectator in the header, not even a "real scorer."
The final moments of hte match were spent between injuries, changes and Arsenal waiting. Not a single move by Adams' side was made. Pity for him, he deserved the point.


Finally Phil Ball departed. In his last column he made a retrospective of the past eight years. Despite the departure I still have several footy readings, amongst them Cruyff's, Medio Tiempo books, Forastieri columns anf my favorite Uli Hesse-Lichteberger.


You know, dear reader, that I do not like to make reviews in the end of the year, but in the end of the season and in particluar cases, such as Awards. Anyway I would like to wish a happy new year to each person that visited the blog throughout the year, our first year. Happy New Year from Deviations, and that all your wishes come true, I will continue with my duty even when it is delayed.