Sunday, November 29, 2009

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





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




[Photo: AS]



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




[Photo: Daily Mail]



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

Friday, November 27, 2009

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


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



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

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

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







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




[Photo: Daily Mail]



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

Two Yeats





THANKS AGAIN!



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







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

Monday, November 23, 2009

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


[Photo: Daily Mail]



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

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





[Photo: Guardian]



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





[Photo: Daily Mail]



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

Friday, November 20, 2009

Henry's antics


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


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


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


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



[Photo: Daily Mail]


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


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




[Photo: Sky Sports through Telegraph]



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


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

Thursday, November 12, 2009

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


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



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

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







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




[Photo: Guardian]



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

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

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

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


[Photo: Nuevo Estadio]



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




[Photo: Sport.es]



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








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

Monday, November 9, 2009

Arsenal v. Rangers 3-0 2/Aug/09


[Photo: PA through Telegraph]



Again the brilliant feet and intelligent mind of young U-21 Jack Wilshere made their way into the match to give Arsenal the Emirates Cup, previously won by Hamburg SV. The main question that shows from the performances of Jack, as in the previous FA Cup final, is his permanence in the bench or in the starting XI. Jack was given the start due to his display the previous day and he did not disappoint with two impressive goals.
With the final match between Paris Saint-Germain and Atlético drawn in a one-goal share, the Gunners secured the symbolic title previous to the clash against Valencia away. That match shall be competitive enough against a team that survived from last year's onslaught. David Villa will prove a handy threat to Arsenal's new defence.




[Photo: CalcioIta]



And it was the same magical youngster who took advantage the chance of a loose ball in the edge of the box. A shot to the near post and the Gunners enjoyed an advantage that lasted the whole match. With this calm Eduardo sealed the fate of the Scottish team, with the second goal of the evening seven minutes after Wilshere's goal. It came after a long ball was headed back to Merida, who with a precision of a surgeon delivered Eduardo in the box, who finished neatly.
Already ten minutes and the Gunners were in the way of another six-goal salvo; this was not confirmed due to the lack of accuracy in Arsenal's finishing: six or seven scrapped chances from Clichy, Eduardo and so many others. Although the ardent and loyal Rangers supporters demanded a bit of decorum from their team, it was clearly that the match was pretty much one-way lane.
Even though in the final minutes the visitors made decent attempts to narrow the distance, there was a feeling that reaching the half time whistle there was no way in which the scoresheet could have gone in favour of Rangers. Wilshere's dexterity with the ball, as well as an astonishing play in the 43th minute, kept both Rangers' centre-halves really busy.




[Photo: Yahoo Sports Spain]



With a pair of substitutions at break, Denilson and Traore for Gallas and Clichy, the Gers renewed their attempts as they attacked with more clarity than in the previous minutes. McCulloch provided the deadliest opportunity for the Glasgow team but their momentum faded into thin air when Arsenal regained possession. Almunia starred as a dangerous counterattack from the Scots broke in the 63th minute.
With twenty minutes on the clock, the match turned into a sombre and languid display of football. Bendtner and Sánchez-Watt came in for Arshavin and Eduardo. Rangers apparently wanted nothing aside from counter-attacks and the Gunners piled up a lot of possession and chances. As if the performance of young Wilshere was not outstanding enough, he scored an impressive volley after Watt saved the ball from the line. The third goal was suitable to ease the final gasps of effort that the visitors had.
As the match wore off there was no particular highlight in which the match could have turned upside down. Everything was set for the Gunners to watch the following match and see who was going to win the tournament.

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Arsenal v. Atlético Madrid 2-1 1/Aug/09


[Photo: Telegraph]



Again, the encounter at the Emirates Cup between a Madrid-based club and the home side resulted in a win for the Londoners, in a pretty even match. After several rehearsals finally the Gunners faced a difficult opposition, even though the match against Hannover was considered "a two-halves match."
Arshavin's brace gave the Gunners the edge while the youngster Wilshere again had the time to show of what he is made of. A young genius, he should be treated with the finest tweezers not to become another Owen or Walcott. Still I own a long and delayed post regarding young talent. He, sorry for that. The question of the Champions League playoff was looming as well as the first home appearance of Tomas Rosicky and the new 4-3-3 formation.




[Photo: Daily Mail]



With the moving tribute to Sir Bobby Robson the match initiated. Many Gunners' faithful were still not convinced by the newest signing- or the lack of. The beloved Reyes set Agüero, who headed wide, just in the sixth minute. Throughout the first twenty minutes there was not really a lot to talk about: maybe a little of action created by Rosicky and a couple of arrivals on Mannone's goal.
As the game progressed it was certain that the command that Arsenal had over Atlético was clearly outstaging the latter in every department. Reaching the thirtieth minute possession was again shared in equal numbers. Although it appeared to be a pretty even and an entertaining tie on the paper, the match I have to say, was pretty dull and ineffective.
The proof that Rosicky is back was in the 34th minute, when after a swift movement from a Madrid fullback he strolled into the box and shot, unfortunately, wide. The final minutes of the first period were by far more amusing, with both teams trying to get in the scoresheet. Eventually, all fired blank as we entered the second half.




[Photo: Sport Spain]



Finally, for the sake of entertainment, Jack Wilshere was introduced, as well as Fran Merida and Gael Clichy; Emmanuel Eboue, Tomas Rosicky and Armand Traore came off respectively. Not even with a minute gone, the newest English Under 21 player scrapped off two players to cross towards Bendtner. Asenjo saved a van Perise flick, Bendtner shot above the bar and Merida popped a ball before offside: all theses efforts provided by the magical left foot of Jack Wilshere.
Even with a shot from Maxi and a couple of substitutions by Atlético, the visitors did not make any approaches as dangerous as the previously mentioned shot. Reaching the 65th, Arsene made various substitutions: Cesc, Arshavin and Eduardo for Ramsey, Bendtner and van Persie. And as well as in the first half, the exciting moments came in the last part of the second, beginning in the 81st. It was Borja's attempt which tricked Mannone at first and the late lead was around the corner for the Madrid team.
Strangely it was Arshavin who put the ball past Asenjo, just after Cesc crossed to the far post. In the following minute Pacheco took advantage of the frail offside trap by the Arsenal defenders and poked it into the the bottom corner of Mannone's goal. Then, Arsenal took again the lead with another astonishing finishing by the Russian international in the 90th minute. After a long pass, Arshavin controlled the ball, and with another Blackburn-esque finish, gave Arsenal the first five points of the preseason competition.