UCL Final Preview

Tomorrow the most important game in Europe's football take place: the two best teams of the season play in the City of Light.

Full of history from primaeval ages the world's eyes will turn for ninety or more minutes to this clash of giants: FC Barcelona seeking their third European title whilst the Mancunians their fourth which could narrow the difference from Livepool, with five. Obviously we could all be more happy if the Gunners, among myself, were travelling to such beautiful city.


From comments on both sides of course prudency and humbleness have prevail. I still, disgracefully enough, that Utd have the edge, with both flanks of the Spanish side diminished due to the absences of Abidal and Alves. Rather strange have been the results of the campaign raided by different sites and media sources regarding CR7 and Lio Messi. I dare not to make a judgment over such gigantic pair of c*nts. Anyway you know that I hate both teams but with respect to football this is a match that cannot be missed.

Of course we will have the final review here as always and also in our Spanish site. I am thinking of making a post regarding ceratain European Awards, meaning sort-of-Arsenal regular Awards but for Europe's best goals, games and so but that will need feedback from the readers, which is rare.

Remember dear Platini, be careful with what you wish!

Again, dear reader, obviously I will post as soon as possible the last match of the season followed by Jav's Arsenal Awards. Again, as the previous summer, here at Deviations we will have a busy time covering the Gold Cup, Confedarations Cup, UEFA U-21 Championship and as always pre-season.

Sweet and tender cares from Joppie

Usually when Johan Cruyff speaks, he tends to deliver a direct-speech, without any difficult metaphors while performing with such intelligence in few words. One has to take his newest declarations with care: only when smashing against the British football style, English press hears and speaks of him.

In the note he makes a judgement regarding the famous 6+5 rule. I am afraid that in certain amtches he only featured three of four Spaniards, the same numebr he is arguing Utd has: "The English national team - missing out on the last European championships - and football in general suffers as a result of them signing so many foreign players.

Make no mistake, this does not have anything to do wuith the current series of attacks that UEFA and high football comissioners are making upon English football.

In other news, I am afraid that Adebayor has lost his remaining temper and with his recent declarations will not regain the hearts and minds of even the Gunners' most faithful. Now that we are on the subject of Joppie, remember dear reader, that "no one is above or greater than the club."

In this unbearable torment of gossip the intelligence of one of the best players this season for the Londoners was heard, and who else but Samir Nasri. The problem is that many supporters, and even Wenger himself, does not clearly see the end of his project or in any case a short-term project.

Regarding Arseblog request I do agree, because we have played that way in the past but avoid, please the horrid and wretched comparissons: "Would he be inclined to look at Barcelona's 4-3-3 and have a go at that? Alex Song as the Toure-like holding player, Cesc and Nasri as the Xavi and Iniesta, then any 3 from Arshavin, Eduardo , Bendtner, van Persie, Walcott, Vela as the forward players? It would make sense with the players we have, plus it allows us to sell Adebayor and reinvest his money in some players who can defend."

Man Utd v. Arsenal 0-0 16/May/09

TRIPLE UTD FEATURE: PART THREE





If the spotlight two weeks before yesterday was what could Arsenal achieve against Utd, this time it was if the Red Devils could lift the trophy against the hated rivals or at Hull next week. It was supposed to be the Gunners who at least could delay the crowning but a goaless draw proved it was worth of something. In anycase that did not happen and the eventual champions of England are Ferguson's men.
The prospect that Arsenal could spoil and delay Man Utd's dream party were faint enough as in the two previous weeks in the third part of the TRIPLE UTD FEATURE. Now that Gunners woes are solely put in transfer talk, rumours and the weight of criticism on Wenger's shoulders the match seemed just another torment to the already tormented Arsenal players and suporters. I do not have the need to repeat the horrid results and statistics past weeks and past times, that will just take a few clicks on the sidebar.







With all this tenures the match commenced if not radically different to the other two games, obviously with some degree of variation regarding the visitor's attitude. Both teams shared possesion and while Arsenal entertained themselves with the control of the ball it was the home side that put up at least three clear chances in front of Arsenal's goal. Nasri's efforts to made a built play were completely vanished by the workmanship of Fletcher. Against the best team of the world and virtual champions of England there was not too much that Wenger's side could manage to do.







The Gunners' efforts showed little impact. Again the referee showed his strong arm booking three players who tackled the same player, Evra. It was evident that spoiling the party for Utd will have to take place yet another time. Full-attack powers were unleashed by Nasri, such as Gibbs shot at 59th. The Red Devils waited, for there was no more for them to hold into after a rough season. As previous games, substitutions proved to be useless. The final minutes were a consolation for Arsenal's whole-match efforts. Again Utd won the league title equalling Liverpool's numbers.

Arsenal v. Chelsea 4-1 10/May/09

Indeed Tito, it is a disgrace but for us!


In the final stages of this torrid tournament Arsenal again felt the sledgehammer of an outstanding Chelsea raising the tally to eight goals received in three matches. That would seem really unimportant to certain aspect of the crowd at the Emirates today. If anyone considers a draw a positive result it would seem fair enough to face any opposition in that terms in the ending phase of the tournament but again getting beaten by Chelsea just after the massacre in the same venue against Manchester seems a fairly unfavourable prospect for Wenger's men, and even thougher when these same eleven players face Utd in the third part of the TRIPLE UTD FEATURE. I hope that all gets squared up and at least not another three or four goal batter take place since the morale of both players and supporters has reached its lowest point in years if not decades. The only thing expected from a Gooner is a two-goal gap advantage from the Mancunians, a draw or even a win seems unreachable and highly unlikely as the final parts of the season approaches.
I still cannot believe the fact that this team has lost two semifinals against Chelsea and Utd and will probably loose the other two matches, in the same horrid fashion against both teams in the laegue.







The way the team played in the initial parts of the first half gave the home spectators at least a feeble hope of getting an early lead. Just in the first minute Arsenal had produced one wide shot courtesy of Theo Walcott. Home support were at their best as the team performed excellent with Nasri's loose position. The Blues were overwhelmed by the touch and strange physical shape the London side put them in. Walls, overlappings and even shots on goal were among Arsenal's repertoire. The Gunners' features were enough to add a goal on the scorecard but it was the opposition, through Alex, that silenced the public at the Grove. Again Silvestre's rout defending gave the Brazilian defender a whole avenue to score. With moral untouched, Wenger's men rushed towards Cech's goal to find yet another goal against, now in the boots of Anelka ten minutes to go. Silvestre again left the French striker the liberty to shot. Arsenal superiority seemed frail entering the dressing room with two goals on their backs.







Five minutes past the beginning of the following half Toure's own goal dilapidated Arsenal's efforts, whatever they were. Substitutions and infinite chances proved to be a mortification rather than a one-way exit to equalize. Next fifteen minutes, reaching the 65th, proved to be a full effort from the Gunners to obtain a frail hope to equall the game. The pressure began to show cracks in both the team's patience and the supporrter's. Bendtner, with his trademark header, scored to give the Gunners the first mark in their scoresheet but too vage and dismal were the chances to equalize that even the most positive of supporters could not think of a comeback. With the full rampage of the Gunners on Cech's goal Adebayor wasted a precious opportunity diving inside the box. The final laugh of Chelsea supporters came when Malouda scored the fourth goal. Pure missery for the north Londoners, the final result was a thunderous four-one.

Arsenal v. Man Utd 1-3 5/May/09

TRIPLE UTD FEATURE: PART TWO


Despite Arsenal's bland win against Portsmouth on Saturday, the difficult and important match was the second leg of UEFA's Champions League Semi, in which again the Gunners were battered and beaten to death thanks to the brace od certain Portuguese striker. Utd gave a football lesson and while in the previous match there were some horrid moments, to say the least, this game looked promising, in the first minutes, for the home team. Now that Londoners dream of Champions League glory has ended, all that remains is to wait, as the past three seasons, for what could bring next year. Two semifinals in two weeks as well as last year's title defeat may prove to be too much for some Gunners. I am certain big name swill depart in the following transfer window.

Remember that when the boat's sinking, the rats jump.







I saw some similitudes betwen the match played on Saturday, El Clásico, and today's: When the home side intended to impose or outpass the visitors, immediately the latter gave a class of mastery and buried all hopes.
The Gunner community in the net, particularly on blogs has been presimistic. For example 1979gooner resumed the match as "United showed they are the far superior side at the moment.". On the other hand Arseblog stated that "And we need to look at United as the standard that we have to aspire to (from a footballing point of view, of course). Whatever about the number of utter cunts on their team, they play really nice football.". Again the press were ruthless and hailed CR7 instead of the whole team. For example Soccernet, Goal and Sky Sports.
David Young, with his subtle and lucid prose framed the missery in an excellent way.







The attitude from the team before the two stunners promised very much: the whole 60 000 seater was cheering and booing and this helped the home side to encurr several arrivals and apparently the match took the opposite of the previous clash until Ronaldo finished Gunners aspirations once and for all. At 8' the Portuguese striker crossed to find Park but Gibbs tripped and the Korean eventually found the net. The stadium went mute and it was obvious that three goals were a burden but the hope remained.
If there was any hope that the Gunners could embrace a heroic return it quickly vanished into thin air when another Ronnie Rocket put the lead two-nil to the visitors. Now that the match was over some Gooners in the stadium could not held frustration and the fact that the abuse will be coming from the so-hated rival was a hell of a dreadful prospect. With hoped buried six feeth under, little by little the game vanish into frail and dismal displays of offensive type, all of them repelled by Utd's solid defense while Nasri tried to began plays linking with van Persie it was certain that no-goal will enter van der Saar's mark. The overwhelming football machinery displayed by the visitors kept no place in doubt to make the path to full time more miserable.







Gibbs spared the abuse when Eboue came in. Again the Gunners rampaged towards goal after the halftime talk just to find the resilient wall led by Fletcher. The siege that Arsenal put against Utd's pitch wame apart after Ronaldo broke through in a counter to find Rooney and then, passing towards the number 7 again to score. Gooners could not stand the abuse and, as early as the 62nd minute began to retreat. I am certain that the suffering should be spared but exactly the supporters have to stand by the team when facing the most difficult challenges. After the last Utd goal Bendnter came and while showing quick feet he could do nothing about Arsenal's missery.
Ten minutes later Darren Fletcher thumbled Cesc, awarding a red card. Immediately discordance felt upon Rosetti's decision. The Scot indeed touched the ball but the Sppniard was in clear way to score. Robin van Persie gave a feeble hope to the Gunners but all cards were drewn and the goal was the least proof of decorum that any north Londoners would want. Still Arsenal held the match with the hope but none of it capitalized as the Red Devils booked their ticket to the Eternal City. Again no trophies nor glory in a any front.

On other anniversary

Although I did not make any special celebrations on Yeats's death, regarding the 70th anniversary of it I still remembered it and worked on it as well. I am making my project's dissertation regarding tradition and poetical identity in Yeats's elegies. I really had a difficult time deciding the theme but now that I have come around of I am facing some challenges.

For example, I finished the presentaton of Yeats and Propetius that I had previously talked baout. And today I found a strange but interesting article, related to Yeats's plays. Strangely enough I have never watched a Yeats' play, even though I have read a vast majority of them. Tha makes it even funnier. Anyway to elegize him a good old poem wil serve us good.



"But for him it was his last afternoon as himself,
An afternoon of nurses and rumours;
The provinces of his body revolted,
The squares of his mind were empty,
Silence invaded the suburbs,
The current of his feeling failed; he became his admirers."

"In Memory of W. B. Yeats" by W. H. Auden

Portsmouth v. Arsenal 0-3 2/May/09

"It's a pretty meaningless game really, avoiding injuries will be the main priority". And following 1979gooner the outcome of this match seemed quite uninteresting due to the second leg of UEFA's Champions League semifinal. Everything is set up and unless Arsene changes his tactics and puts up a decent team (van Persie and Djorou to begin with) the frail and dismal hope that the London side has to equalize or overcome Utd is really faint. To highlight, Carlos Vela, late in the season, scored his first Premiership goal while Arshavin's spark, today as captain, seems not to end. At least Wenger realized his mistake even though it may be too late to correct it.







With Arshavin captaining this patched and alternative squad hostilities began again at Pompey. The Gunners, worthy of Carling Cup line-up, began their attacks with several attemps: wide shots, headers, walls and corners. Although the team seemed to have the flow and quickness of their senior counterpart the home defense led by ex-Gunner Campbell coped well enough with all incoming threats. It was not until the 10th minute that a considerable row of attacks brought fear towards James's goal. An it was "Calamity", yet again as in the previous home game this season, who did not grab well enough the ball after a Bendtner's header. With Arsenal wasting many chances, Vela shot at 12', and the gap seemed, for the moment to be just one goal.
The southerns indeed approached several times towards Arsenal's goal but none of them had the power to overcome Fabianski. Arsenal's young midfield kept possession and balance providing both forwards and flanks with plenty of work. Reaching the final minutes Bendtner converted from the spot, due to a previous penalty awarded to Arshavin. With two goals in the pocket the Gunners went even more calmer for the following period.







One thing to note from the home side is that they kept faith in equalizing, bringing Kanu on while attempting several times in the earlier stages of the game. Reaching the 55th minute, at least in three occasions the home squad could have easily equalized. Nevertheless Gunners resilient and lucky defense held back. Portsmouth momentum easily faded when the Gunners regained possession. It was all sentenced for the Pompey side when, at 56' Vela made space in the box to shoot past James. Walcott's substitution, a sign that he will be used against Utd, brought a surprise to any viewer: Amaury Bischoff came in, at 65'. The match was managed well enough by the visiting side while many attempts from Portsmouth midfield were really not that alarming concerning the quality of them. Again, as if it were a Carling Cup match, Wenger decided to rest another possible sub for Tuesday bringing on Merida. With this alternative the Gunners cruised to victory in an outstanding performance by some of the youngsters. Not much can be said from Merida's entrance on due to the training excercise the young guns were now doing. Oh yes! Mark Randall came in.

Concluding, it seems that Bendnter washes away any pressure when Arsenal visits and scores. If it helps him, then he should be an away sub, which is by far one ofthe most difficult roles a striker can have, and a very rare too!

Man Utd v. Arsenal 1-0 29/Apr/09

TRIPLE UTD FEATURE: PART ONE




In the short history of Deviations there have been three posts (counting this one) of Arsenal facing Man Utd, away or at home. The balance following the numbers of this blog is positive for the Manchester side and this match resulted more of the same with Utd crushing their opposition. Arsene's men showed no decorum nor even an ammount of talent against the current World Champions. What is striking yet normal is the fact that this was the first encounter between both legendary sides in Europe's elite competition now that the spree of current match between English sides is nearly mandatory at least for the last four years.
Next week is decisive for Arsenal's season, all can be saved next match at the Emirates, despite the outcome in late May. Last away post (against Utd) did not occur, but if you remeber well, dear reader, it was Mr. Hargraves who buried the remaining title hopes for the Londoners. Of course now in a different context and with the Canadian-born in a long spell but the distraction of Arsenal's defense commanded by the ex-Red Devil, who paid a little hand to his partners, it was Almunia who saved the night.







As if it were not enough misery, the transmission in ESPN's Latin America stream tagged off English SAP option. So due to the 5-second delay in the American channel I recurred to Televisa's 5, where Paco Villa, head of Televisa's Sports Internet site, narrated the first forty five minutes. The horrid commentaries by his fellow partners, Hugo Salcedo and Pietrasanta, were stressed by statistics: Utd has now the impressive quantity of twenty four matches unbeaten in European competitions. With this as a burden the Gunners went on and the fears of many Gooners as well as 1979 gooner became true: again 4-5-1.
Obviously the incompetence to see the failure of this tactical build-up has by Arsene has been the burden of the team. It is obvious, from over a year ago, that this system does not work and stupidly enough the best example was not that far: Chelsea at Wembley last week. I join supporters belief that this tactic is idiotic and that its usual deploy has not proved anything more than absolute failure.







With these awful and apocalyptical previews the match started in the same fashion: Almunia saved Rooney header in the second minute of game. More woe fell under Wenger's men with the following ten minutes when Utd tormented Arsenal in each arrival. Gibbs did not receive any help to cope with Ronaldo or Tevez. This was reflected on the home lead. O'Shea, unmarked, shot past Almunia in the far post. Following the goal Arsenal's demise to equalize was reflected on the general possession that put the Gunners number to 36. When the London side appeared to recover the ball, childish plays like Cesc shot at 28', reminded the lack of order in Arsenal's mind. Amid Londoners lack of defensive prowess it was Gibbs who kept Ronaldo far from the wing. The futile attempts by Wenger's side were not a threat to the Mancunians. Villa's comment epithomized the game: "Atrás Arsenal es un desastre." ["In the back Arsenal's a mess."]







The following period was a continuation of the torture that Utd held. The following fifteen minutes saw one of the poorest and childish Arsenal sides of all times. Utd simply battered towards the goal, and each time seemed that the lead could have extended by two or even three. The match equalized in possession at 65' but again Ferguson made a move that showed his will to win the game, unlike his counterppart who brought Bendtner in. The change was obliged since he is the striker who is fitter in the bench and indeed he was a disaster, having the leveller in his head with five minutes to go. The final minutes, again, were full of futile attempts towards Utd's goal. To add to the terrible and awful match by the Gunners Hugo Salcedo mistook Dennis Bergkamp name for 'David' twice. Peláez in his sole, yet obvious and obliged comment of the evening stated that what was Wenger thinking, regarding bringing on Eduardo for Adebayor. Believe me Peláez, and you too dear reader, I still do not know it even after a year of competition.

Liverpool v. Arsenal 4-4 21/Apr/09

If Gooners had not enough astonishing results this season, the score Tottenham ealier in the year at the Emirates repeated. Arshavin gave the Londoners another terrific appearance netting four, being the last time an Arsenal player did this was, curiously enough, against Livepool away courtesy of Julio Baptista in 2007 Carling Cup's edition.
After a taste of glory against Villareal and a disaster against Chelsea the Gunners made another thunderous performance against Liverpool at Anfield. Bad news for the Gunners were Adebayor and van Persie muscular injuries and if there is something that Arsenal could have in favour next season should not be luck or anyhting like that but an injury-free squad. Many of the problems that Arsneal faced this season, as many previous, is the injury-spree in which some players, if not the entire team, has brought up. Long time absentees Eduardo and Silvestre could have made an impact in the season if it were not for the common groin and harmstring tormentors. Cesc and Theo's injuries were enough to sideline them a full round of the tournament but their impact was lesser than, lets say, Adebayor. I will not talk about Bischoff nor Rosicky for they are directly headed into the Jav's Arsenal injured players awards.

To me the prospect of facing current title contenders was enough to hope that at least the Londoners could have been beaten by a wide mark but the visitors stood ferociously and by far gave us the best match in the season. If there were any contenders this time the winner seems to be one, if, in any case we are not surprised in late May.







Liverpool began the match in the most outrageous of ways: a Torres shot at 3', while numerous attempts from Reina to find the Spaniard in front. Toure did enough to keep twice or thirce the goal of Arsenal. Cesc remained now in the loosest position in front of the midfield that has ever be seen on an Arsenal game. Still the Torres threat was wandering the box while Arsenal's centerbacks were confused by his deceiving movements. The Liverpudlians recurred several times to the long balls and while their possession increased the visitors showed some actions worth of a lead. Late in the first half the lead came from the Russian Arshavin at the 36th minute. Nasri talented pass and dribbling set Fabregas on side who put Arshavin and netted past Reina. In one of the most beatiful plays of the season and due to the mistake by Mascherano Liverpool gave the lead far too easily. The half ended with tempestuous attempts by Livepool, all safe by Fabiasnki.







With seven goals in forty five minutes another spree of mistakes and talented sparks came from both sides of the pitch. The early equalizer by 'Niño' Torres came by yet another defensive distraction by Arsenal defense. Sagna and Toure gave away the second goal, by Benayoun at 52', while Fabiasnki looked defeated in front of the goal. It was obvious that with the defensive wreckage that home squad was about to get the lead in any minute. Walcott came in for Denilson whose dismal and fainted appearance brought Cesc again to the midfield position. But exactly the opposite happened when in two minutes Arshavin completed his hattrick: the first after another defensive mishap and with a thunderous volley added the second mark to his toll at 67'; the third came by yet another defensive mistake that was endorsed by the miscare of Aurelio this one at 70'. The best of the match was yet to come. Torres, added to his personl account the second, when he gave a class of an inbox definition. The match, equalized at three, was certainly becoming one of the best matches of the year if not the season.
The last ten minutes of the match were a taste of the best football in the world. Gibbs saved Arsenal's goal while Liverpool's push was too much for certain players, as Silvestre, to handle. The animated Gunners reached as well as Liverpool the final goal that put any of them ahead. But both teams negate themselves. Arshavin's dramatic and unbelievable fourth goal came on 90' when Theo set him after a counter. Benayoun, at 93' equalized again. In one of the most dramatic and epic matches Liverpool lost the title, but in what way! As Juan Manuel Pons stated Liverpool lost the title against Arsenal in the same way that the Gunners lost their chance over a year ago.
The final part can lead us to certain conclusion about the current state of world football, not just the way it is played, one-touch with agile forwards but with the strikers themselves. The best players for each team were Arshavin and Torres. This gives us a hint that the best footballers in the pitch were strikers and that the fact that these point takes us is that there are two options; that both are extremely talented or that the defenses are all over the place. Well, dialectically enough are both. I will explain it later in a post about the current state of world football, a qualitative study.







Reactions among media were not exaggerated since as I do, many people would find an eight goal thriller far more than just amusing. Arsenal's official page put many links although the best was a recount of the scorers to reach an away 4-goal or 5-goal mark. In the blog and internet community things resulted calmer. For example Arseblogger referred to the match as "an extraordinary game of football" . While at Another Arsenal Blog, though not 1979 Gooner, mentioned "incredibly entertaining, yet somehow not very fulfilling".
And my main reference to Gunner criticism, David Young at Soccernet's Blogs, described the match as "kamikaze football." Strangely enough he ignored the match, and maybe this new format of blog post is decreasing both quantity and quality of one of the most asserted football critics in the net. If there was one time when he managed to deploy endless columns with criticsm now he is reduced to a post-like theme, with a word limitation.

Arsenal v. Chelsea 1-2 18/Apr/09

Exactly when the Gunners had a fairly decent run of no-defeats and that certain form of game play had been cementing regarding new players, injuries and rotation, Chelsea destroyed them, apparently in an easy and very hurtful way for Wenger's men and Arsenal supporters.
Even though that in the last match Arsenal overcame the Blues with a superb show by van Persie this time it was "Tito" Drogba who neglected the young Gunners in a dismal and dreadful performance by each and everyone of the north London players, except Gibbs whose performance was not that troubled as the previous ones. Now the Gunners' hopes rely on Champions League glory only if the best of the best performance could arise from the young Guns feet.
Next match is against title contenders Liverpool in the context of the 20th anniversary of the tittle as well as the Hillsborough tragedy.
We can remember five years ago, in February 2004, Reyes show as well as a clear dominance from Arsenal to Chelsea in 170 games played. Again it were the amusing and intelligent comments of Quique Wolff and Miguel Simón that animated ESPN's broadcast.







It was Arsenal's dominance that brought them the lead, with an overwhelming pressure and talented gameplay, at 18' when Gibbs crossed tp Theo who after a deflection on Cole's hand, scored. In the follwoing miuntes the pressure piled up for the north London side and even though the defense faced a solid opposition Hiddink's men easily overcame the Gunners and meanwhile, at 25', all seemed to pass through Lampard's boots. The equalizer came after the ex-Hammer made a long and apparently offsided-pass. Malouda took the advantage of the defense distraction and scored on Fabiasnki's goal, who could have done a better job in both goals. Of the first minutes were completely sided to the Gunners the next forty five were of the Blues.







Again Chelsea's momentum seemed not to disappear and Adeabayor's attemtps wide off the mark only highlighted the job from the defense. The match went quite the same as the first half with not many arrivals to mention until the alleged penalty kick on Walcott. From then on the Gunners mental state grew tired and after several arrivals from Chelsea three substitutions came, thinking in the following thirty minutes. But 'Tito' Drogba made it certain, that the Gunners were not going to contend in Wembley next month. Again Lampard, with a fine long ball, set Drogba who only waited for the right moment to joggle past Silvestre and to wait for the premeditated exit by Fabiasnki. Obviously the goal was a punch that the gunners could hardly recover. One thing to mention was Silvestre's performance: "Silvestre se ha resignado." prayed Simón. I completely agree with him. Later repetitions shown that he seemed reluctant to the fact that Drogba would lead. That, dear reader, is not the attitude of a professional. Again English silverware will have to wait another year for the Gunners.

Arsenal v. Villareal 3-0 15/Apr/09

And if all ways lead to Rome certainly after this performance Arsenal could walk down the path to the City of Light. But before any dreams by every Gooner around, the toughest battle against Arsenal's other arch-rival is nearer that expected. In the span of eighteen days Arsenal will face Man Utd three times with a possible encounter in FA Cup final raising the number of four in one month. If you, dear reader, had not had enough of Man Utd be ready for the FOUR UTD FEATURE, an event that is similar to last year's TRIPLE MERSEY FEATURE, an event in a life time. In these moments the toughest battles and the determinacy of the young guns will be proved to the utmost, hopefully with the fair result to Wenger's men.



Of course Robert,


Even with the difficult task to score in London Pellegrini's men fought with decency, while they could. Hostilities began with the warm receiving of Robert Pires to the old house (new actually). The Gunners began in a quite stormful manner the first half with the well-known possession and dominance. Early in the match the lead was brought by Theo Walcott, at 10', after a pass by Eboue slightly deflected by Cesc. Theo's talent was evident after a joyful chip. Again the sparky presence of van Perise with Nasri an Theo up increased the worry on Villareal's wretched defense. An alleged goal was properly disallaowed when at the 25th minute, Robin van Persie stroke a thuderous shot on Lopez goal. For the most part of the half Cesc pulled the strings of the team showing the discrepance and terrible performance by Rodríguez, the defender had a difficult evening. The half ended with Arsenal's attempts towards the visitors goal, all futile but near.







The second half proved to be more fruitful for the north Londoners due to the attacking aspect of the team. Arsenal held a fairly decent advantage in possesion while the visitors stood several times in front of goal, all denied by the safe Fabiasnki hands. The second goal came when van Persie found Adebayor on the wing and the Togolese scored past Lopez after a defensive breakdown. It was a matter of time before the third and definite came: Theo was dragged in the box and the penalty awarded was converted by van Persie. In the lapse of ten minutes the match was done. Eventually after the 70th minute it was a training ground and the crowd was more enthusiast on Nasri's technical subtleties than the threat of Villareal.





Regarding the transmission of the match I decided this time to give an opportunity to the pondered and wretched Televisa crew which consisted in Hugo Salcedo, Pietrasanta and Alberto Lati (the name of the other narrator escapes me). Even though Salcedo was by far the most intelligent man in the table, he made certain comments about Nasri that annoyed me. Obiously he has not seen the entire season to make a judgment of that type. And Pietrasanta has not read the post regarding such an important topic in football. Sorry Pietra, he does dissapears but you have to know why!

This post is dedicated to the memory of the people that left us twenty years ago in the Hillsborough incident, and all of their families.

Wigan v. Arsenal 1-4 11/Apr/09

Well deep into April, Arsenal travelled to the Latics home to earn yet another suffered win. With all sights put on wednesday's and next sunday's game, fairly little could be made from this match apart from the thrid place chase. Villareal at home and Chelsea in FA Cup's semifinal are one of the toughest encounters and immediately Arsenal face Liverpool home. The toughest battles are yet to come with next Legue match against Liverpool away in the reenactment of twenty years since 1989 league championship.







Cesc effort wide at 10' and Bendtner crossing in the previous minute set the context for the match: Arsenal's dominion over a resilient home defense. With Wenger saving his best offensive cards in the bench, Arsenal's young boys seemed to have a fairly enough opposition. Again with Bendtner as a sole striker Cesc release was supposed to help him and thus the game's as wide was secured. At 18' in a defensive distraction such as the one at El Madrgial Arsenal conceaded the lead through Mido.
Bendtner's chances grew by the minute but still Arsenal faced a tremendous opposition made by Valencia's commanding abilities in midfield. Wigan held the combative spirit through good amount of pressure on Gunners' midfield, all these at 29'. Still with Wigan pressure increasing, problems pilled up for the Gunners with Silvestre's entrance for Djorou. Arsenal's efforts gre with the final minutes of the first period. Not enough for a strong home side, even though Gibbs could have been sent off.







A completely different (and desperate as well) attitude was shown by the Londoners the next period; with the Latics following their first-half momentum until their game showed some defensive cracks due to Arsenal's rapid display of passes. By the sixtieth minute the Gunners recovered the ball nearly each time Wigan tried to attack. Facing potential counters the Gunners closed the lines well enough. Walcott, in that same minute, scored past Kirkland, who did have a fairly decent match, on a troubled pass by the Russian Arshavin. The following minute van Persie, one that had been saved last match due to an injury on international duty, entered for Denilson, then the match opened. Wenger's ambitions finally arose when he introduced Adebayor for Walcott, showing an old but effective 4-2-4 and not a 4-4-2 with wide wingers, as ussully it is incorrectly named in my country. Obviously it produced a handful of goals, starting with Silvestre's on a combination with Cesc and Arshavin at 71'. Wigan prowess, studied by Bruce in the past encounters, slowly fainted and their last attempts was De Ridder's entrance at the 78th minute. Last gasp Wigan chance was held due to a fault by van Persie on Valencia, the free-kcik safe in the hands of Fabianski. The final finutes of the match sealed Latics' fate: Arshavin's definition on Koumas mistake at 90' and Song's striker-rampage at 92'.

Villareal v. Arsenal 1-1 7/Apr/09

Finally the date has arrived as Arsenal visited El Madrigal to earn a draw against Villareal in the quarterfinals of the UCL. As if it were enough the unbeaten run of seventeen matches without defeat extended with an particularly overwhelming display in the second half by the London team. With one game played of the possible eight in April this introduction seems passed but it is constancy that makes teams winnners and apparently the Gunners may be heading to that direction, only if injuries refuse to prowl the team.
It was time for the Gunner legend Robert Pires to face some of his old team mates and next week to retun to the city that raise him as an iconic player that earned an EURO trophy back in 2002. One statistic that is alarming is that in the last five quarterfinals arsenal has just win one game; against Juventus. The match was suppossed to be tough, with Villareal featuring EURO star Nihat, Rossi and EURO winners Cazorla (now injured) Capdevila and Senna. And one final thing: Riquelme did not miss, Lehmann saved.

And it is time for some revenge, as my dream could come true; anihilate the Catalonians once and for all, including that pair of Rats and hurting the pride of the c*nts. Sorry Joppie!







In the same fashion that earned the Gunners a final three years ago, Wenger lined up a one striker behind a five-men midfield. In the ninth minute, just as te game began to settle, Marcos Senna volleyed past Almunia. Then the London defense broke apart, especially with Clichy failing to mark anybody near him. While Arsenal efforts increasing, such as Nasri's shot at 18', still the Yellow Submarine defense held solid. Gunners' problem arose when Almunia had to be substituted for Fabiasnki. Denilson work in the midfield was outstanding covering many spaces that Song left. Even though Arsenal grew by the minute again the shroud of the injuries fell upon Wenger's men, this time Gallas. Still with Arsenal's arrivals the first half ended quite difficult for the visiting team.







The following ten minutes, beginning with 47th, were a total siege on Villareal's goal. Arsenal's time to score was close with different approaches to Diego Lopez's box. The defensive machinery displayed by the visitors was perfect with Denilson recovering every ball; the siege appeared to stop with Adebayor's tremendous goal at 66'. It was a terrific definition while some argue that he did not intend it and some that he did the point remains doubtless; it was a tremendous goal that put the Gunners back in the game. Obviously the Spanish response for this was another leap of attacks but the Londoners repelled it, without too much conviction another goal that would lapidate the series. Pires entrance as one of the most worrying things but nothing came from old Robbie. The lethal attacks nearing the completion of the match were efficiently repelled by Arsenal's lucky and solid defence.

Arsenal v. Man City 2-0 4/Apr/09

April has started and as last year's pandemonium of matches the toughest challenge of the year in one of the most fixture-congested months in the season has begun. We will ses if the Gunners are able to earn some silverware in the two fronts left as they climb positions with now a 17-match without-loosing streak. Regarding World Cup Qualifications round nothing new came to surface except the ban of Barry Ferguson from Scotland's squad due to a drinking desobedience issue before, during and after the match.







After a delightful international break the Gunners received Man City: Cesc Fabregas finally made his return after the knee injury he suffered against Liverpool nearly four months ago. The horrid exhibition at City's ground earlier this season seemed a thing of the past and certainly this was a different match. The international break functioned quite well for the Gunners as nearly all the players returned without constrains. After this match Villareal away is what expects for the North London side, next Tuesday. Of course, almost every fan and even players are excited about this match. Yet in the plethora of idiotic declarations that surge in Gunners' news this intelligent man finally makes a far more intelligent remark.
In our ever silent watch at Gunners' enemies, Villareal lost 3-0 against Mr. Sánchez's Almeria. In other news the late show by Utd over Villa ensured Arsenal even a broader advantage in the race for the fourth place, that now seems far enogh to worry fans contradicting the position of a few months ago.







With all this information the game seemed odd enough but the immedite response to this environmet was Adebayor header in the 9th minute. A perfect Cesc freekick-setup and a reluctant and distracted defense gave the Gunners the early lead. Arsenal had the game dominated through the first half, mostly due to the absence of response by the Northern opposition. By the 25' Arsenal had arrived at least in four occasions showing the strange talent of the whole squad. Even defendesrs like Touré approched more and more towards Given's goal. The Citizens tried well enough several times to overcome the Gunners with possession but the lack of quality and resilience was enough to show their futile attempts brought to an end rapidly. Arshavin's shot at 44' was among the highlights of the first half.







Next half grew more ambitious with City's attempts growing by the miute although they were killed immediately by a brilliant goal, again with the association of the midfield maestro Fabregas. A flick, that seemed strangely familiar to the one scored by Güiza against Turkey in the last EURO 2208, from the captain to Adebayor was enoguh to see the latter net easily past Given. From then on the match was a pure soliloquy by the London team, that managed the pace at their will and allowing themeselves to fail event the most obvious of opportunities.
Regarding the job of Arshavin, Latorre commented that the Russian is a player that moves with the ball instead of touching it as his fellow teammates. The dissapearance of the miniature Russian was due to one reason only: the forward aspect of Cesc in the field. This enhacement made by Wenger gives Cesc energy and less physical display but a free way to wander on the pitch. Strangely enough, as it has been with many of these repositionings, he did not appeared much. One can obviously argue that it was due to an injury problem after nealy four months sidelined, but the Russian player was shadowed when Cesc was too near to him. In any case this problem will be solved with the addition of van Persie in the squad; a more wide place for Arshavin.
Theo Walcott, beaten to death by City defenders, wasted several chances in front of goal but with certain key players off-pitch Wenger tried in to some young guns such as the criticised Bendtner and the Welshman Ramsey. With a few glimpses from the latter and an awful shot from the former the match ended quite calmed, with a clean sheet for the Gunners and a satisfaction to face Villareal next Saturday.

And finally to some of my countrymen Javier Aguirre has taken the role of manager, succeding Sven Goran Eriksson. More of that will be treated later.

Honduras v. Mexico 3-1 1/Apr/09

The Mexican side accummulated yet another missery defeat from CONCACAF's World Cup Qualification round. Yet again the visiting team failed to prove that they are a competitive side and some motives, as if there were not enough reasons to include them; Salcido got sent-off, Vela joined the Mexican Diving Olympic team and López was stretched-out due to an injury. Despite the fact that the home side played a decent match, to say the least, the referee was involved in the scoresheet. I do not know what will happen next but certainly it is not a delightful prospect such as the one that Spaniards are enjoying.
Will Mexico be out of World Cup finals? I do not think so but the way to it will come will not be an easy one, of that we are sure. Costly, the Mexican undertaker, stated after the match on his goal, that: "No sí. La meto [la mano], es intencionalmete." ["Well yes. I played it [the hand], is with intention"] Well... fuck me!

Does anyone knows the Genitive for Honduras?







The atmosphere could not get any better: the crowd filled the stadium with such an eagerness to overcome the "Giants," that the hostile enviroment took a hit on Mexican players and certainly it did with three chances in the first ten minutes. Guardado was exposed during these attemtps due to the lack of communication between him and Pinto, the left back. Vela was facing a completely different task that the one performed weekly at the Grove; a front center forward far from the wing. And then the disgrace came: in the 17th minute Costly, through a gap in the right back and with a clear hand ball, passed the defender and netted the first.
The injury-prone Mexican team was diminshed by the referee's decisions as well as the distribution of the midfielders. Several attempts arrived to the home goal, but none of them capitalized such as Pardo's freekick at 29'. With Mexican defenders all over the place and Leandro moving without any sense from end to end, the team was destined to failure. In the final minutes of the first period Pavon sealed the deal with yet another murky definition. Leandro again looked dismal and physically unfit has he lost his marker who set Pavón.







As Vuoso substituted Perez the tactic was changed to a 4-3-3; this meant a more dangeroulsy open match for Mexico. With dreadful demostrations of football, staring with Vela's technique at 51st, Honduras supported fairly enough the siege that was impossed by the visitors. Valladares denied two shots, while the dreadful Castillo began to warm up; in the 70th miute he came in for Bravo. Immediately he fell in disgrace after making a horrid tackle on Palacios as well as swearing nearly all the home team. The tricky games and phantom tactics were enough to sideline Mexico from the game and another goal came from the home team: Costly edged Mexican centerbacks and finished the game. In the next minute Mexico were awarded a penalty that Castillo took. With a two goal gap the match seemed interestingly enough for the visitng side to equalize but the efforts were not enough as the Mexican side sank until the final whistle.


After the match, ESPN's Futbol Picante show commenced and the ferocious critics by Jose Ramón Fernández came when Jesus Martínez called to the show. His commentaries were completely biased and although "Joserra" sometimes do have that visceral approach he now had the reason. And as always "Ruso" Brailowsky shut his mouth in an effort to not gain any more enemies. Héctor Huerta stated that the intentions of the great corporatives behind football in Mexico are: "Atacar a los periodistas críticos" [To attack critical journalists] something that we evade at all costs here at Deviatoins.


Like my high school computer teacher told me once, siempre hay alguien peor [There's always someone worst]. On the other side Spain beat Turkey, in a difficult match and since 15 of November 2006 they have not lost a single match with eighteen points in their qualification group, 31 matches without loosing and beautiful football: is it enough to all to be perfect?

Mexico v. Costa Rica 2-0 28/Mar/09

So were are you now Hernan Medford?



Finally the drama that Mexican media devised through nearly two months came to an end when the national side unconvincingly won with a two-goal gap lead against Costa Rica yesternight. In a match that went from dismal to horrid in certain moment the Mexicans managed to overcome the visiting side and earned three points, pursuing even more when they face Honduras next Wednesday.







With Nery Castillo on the bench the spotlight turned out to the Costa Rican squad: in the first fifteen minutes they played terrific, with several arrivals at goal, controlling the midfield and so forth. The match equalled in possession the siege commenced, as the Costa Rican defense performed solidly until the lead by Omar Bravo, in a rebound on the keeper came. With the following minutes the exchange in possession favoured Costa Rica but Mexico mantained a fairly decent 45% of it also. Attempts by Arce and Guardado proved to be futile and the quick match ended with a superb display by both teams.







The atmosphere helped the home side and by the 53rd minute the second goal arrived after Pardo was taken down in the box. With Márquez and Sánchez mising, the sqaud seemed to work well, but I think that is due to the local environment as well as geographic condition aka altitude. The futile attempts made by Costa Rica fell into disgrace, when Guardado on the left side was driving mad all away opposition. At 76', with all under control, the Mexican team had time to enjoy themselves despite the threat of counters. Arellano entered in the last minutes of the match to prove nothing at all, even with his quality the time was set for yet another home victory for the Mexican side.


Regarding other results, England trashed Slovakia four goals to nil; Scotland lost after a tough match by three goals against the Oranje, France past through Lithuania with the minimum difference as Spain with Turkey. Strangely enough the US team equalized on two, in a miserious and horrid match against the infinite prowess, resilience and workmanship of the Salvatorian squad. That leaves the Americans with four points and as leaders in the final hexagonal of CONCACAF.


What about if you, Pep fucking Guardiola, stop messing with our boy? Fuck off and get some PS3 games to entertain yourself.

Newcastle v. Arsenal 3-1 21/Mar/09

Remember Villareal?



First of all, Champions League Draw:

Tuesday, April 7
Villarreal v Arsenal
Manchester United v FC Porto

Wednesday, April 8
Liverpool v Chelsea
Barcelona v Bayern Munich

Tuesday, April 14
Chelsea v Liverpool
Bayern Munich v Barcelona

Wednesday, April 15
Arsenal v Villarreal
FC Porto v Manchester United






Regarding Arsenal's opponent, you might remember, dear reader, the semifinal in UCL's 2006 season, prior to the World Cup. Then the London team prevailed, although with an extreme degree of luck and reached the final in which eventually they became the runners-up.
In the hypothetical universe of confrontations, next opponent will be no more than Man Utd. Yes Man Utd. As several pundits have stated Arsenal could (an only could) face Utd in the semifinal, and later if (and just if)winning against Chelsea, face the Mancunians four times in a period of fifteen days.


Regarding Robert's declarations I completely agree with him. What could have happened if he would have stayed at Arsenal? Well, first he might have been the current captain and with all his experience neither such a shameful episodes in Gunner's dressing room or with the lack of leadership could have happened. Dear Robert, where art thou?


Regarding the current match the Magpies suffered yet again another miserable home loss when Arsenal travelled to the Toon to find one of the hardest oppositions in months. The match could be qualified as one of the bests of the season; this due to the quality of the game played by both sides, and the amount of speed and tension brought into it. Although the Magpies resisted heroically the pressure piled up and the goals finally arrived.







And it seemed difficult that Gustavo Cima could make another narration of Arsenal this season but the eager Gunner supporter made it. The match also, seemed calmed with a near shot by the Bendtner at 14'. The match became equalled with several responses by the home team, and with the Toon on the prowl for the lead Arsenal seeked through Nasri yet ahother opportunity. Manuel Almunia tripped on a Toon player to award a penalty to the Northern side; he saved it in order to restore the so-called "Divine Justice." With the tough physical battles, Arsenal managed to overcome the opposition several times but the home defense was resilient enough. Arshavin's shot went above the bar, at 35'. In the last minutes Arsenal enjoyed certain dominance which could open the game at least in three occasions, two by van Persie and the former by the Russian.







With the tension growing between the teams, the nullification of forces seemed obvious and when the lead came by the visiting squad the immediate response, within a minute was the equalizer; the first by an extremely difficult to execute header by Bendtner and the second by Obafemi Martins. Certainly this come and going was the result of an extremely different match, one that should be seen each weekend in every league. The Magpies did not stand too long and in a brilliant physical display by Diaby, on a wall with van Persie, he extended his tally. As I said it in earlier posts, when Diaby performs well he tends to score. Again it was the Dutchamn who set up Nasri, who relentlessly shot past the keeper to give the Gunnners a two goal advantage. Even with the inclussion of Michael Owen the Newcastle boss did not offer much opposition in the last minutes, although Harper's perfomance saved them from a shocking scoresheet.

MAN OF THE MATCH (Newcastle): Steven Taylor
MAN OF THE MATCH (Arsenal): Robin van Persie


Next week WC Qualifications take place when Mexico hosts Costa Rica in order to find the so-promised three points, reviews will be given.

Arsenal v. Hull City 2-1 17/Mar/09

With an apparent offside goal by William Gallas, the Gunners will face next month in FA's Semifinal rivals Chelsea. In any case the match became difficult enough and it was the Dutchman van Persie who equalized things to give the Gunners a late hope. In the outcome of nexts travel to the Tyneside the Gunners fiercely need three points in order to secure the fourth place. In other news Friday's draw will have the attention of more than one Gooner in what could be another elite clash against one of Europe's best. Nevertheless the worst part of the year is coming and a ban from the alleged spit on Hull's asistant by Cesc appears as an awufl prospect. Well, then come on you stupid Spaniard!







Arsenal started quite lively the first half; the Tigers with solid defending and the Gunners arriving without many effective opportunities. The deadlock was broken by Nick Barmby powered by the deflection in Djoruou's leg in the 11th minute when he volleyed past Almunia to grab the early lead. Even though the London side attempted more and in the next fifteen minutes nothing with substance enough came the game stood still. With Arsenal approaches growing in number but decreasing in quality the half ended with yet more complains from Wenger to the fourth officer and many corners, all cleared by Hull's solid defence. In the last seven minutes, with injury time, Arsenal pondered heavily on Hull's goal, but nothing alarming to fear the Tiger's keeper.







Throughout the second half Arsenal dominated possession and thus the siege began. In the first fifteen minutes 60% of the balls were for Arsenal as the home side kept and continued several times and through several forms the attack. With the huge gaps left by Arsenal's midfielders the visiting team began to attack. Two players came in for Arsenal in the 65th minute, Nasri and Bendtner, the first to give depth and creativity and the latter to basically score. Arsenal's attempts grew in quality with van Persie's freekick nearly entering Hull's goal at 69' and a header from the same striker at 73'. It was not until the following minute that the Dutchman equalized, due to the lack of prowess and pressure by Hull's defense. Now that the Gunners had the upperhand they looked sharper. The late lead came in the 84th minute through an alleged offside header by Gallas. It is not clear if Hull's keeper touched the ball after or before Djorou but if the latter did, it was suppossed to be disallowed. Obviously the northern team attacked the Gunners through the final minutes but nothing really came to bother Fabianski. With the final whistle Arsenal are going to face Chelsea at Wembley.