I recently found myself named in a game which is very original and persuaded me into making my own. This one is of course, less in music quality and less brilliant like the ones I have seen, but it keeps the essence, which I think is the most important thing. The main point is to put a person a song which 'evokes', either with a remembrance or anything like it. So here it is:
-Eslaifer, 'In the Back Seat' Arcade Fire
-Dr. Herdez, 'Dancing with Myself' Billy Idol
-Dad, 'Get Back' The Beatles
-Lupecas, 'Let's Dance' David Bowie
-Memelas, 'Heart of Glass' Blondie
-Moy, 'Free as a Bird' The Beatles
-George, 'Insight' Joy Division
-Cuñis, 'City Girl' Kevin Shields
-Yeo, 'Roll with It' Oasis
-Erick, 'Killing an Arab' The Cure
-Jon, 'A Time to be Small' Interpol
-Pepao 2035, 'Ich Roque' Sportfreunde Stiller
-Alva Longa, 'Voyage 24 (phase one)' Porcupine Tree
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Cristiano Ronaldo's Free kick style
Regarding Cristiano's goal there has been a very interesting topic which has attracted me in previous season. If you may remember the semifinal against France in the Germany, he did made the same type of free kick, and whenever possible he always do it. In a strange hype, he looks at the ball and searches for the point that has a leak of air. After finding it he puts it carefully on the ground and locate it exactly where he id going to hit. He steps four steps from the ball, parallel to the posts. The runs toward the ball and kick it with the part of the foot that contains the beginning of the metatarsal bones. Not with the tip of the boot. He raises his foot and immediately draw it back from the ball, making a very different move when a 'normal free kick' is taken. This achieves that the ball travels at a continuous speed but... it remains without any effect due to the foot was removed in the exact moment the ball is supposed to be given the 'normal sideway effect'. So the wind or any other air current moves the ball in any direction making it even more difficult to the keeper to save. It is the second most difficult type of shot I ever tried, only doing it twice a t a practice. It consist in a very delicate balance of striking the ball in the right place. Position of both the body and ball are required to do this so its very difficult. Her an example on why Coupet was mocking Barthez by mimicking of a 'swaying ball':
Arsenal v. Newcastle Utd 3-0 29/Jan/08
I really have not heard a lot about copycats in football. Maybe from players (an analogy in fact); Zidane-Nasri, Muller-Klose, Fachetti-Zambrotta, Cesc-Guardiola, etc. But from games is not that usual and I do not remember a true game that completely resembles another, in score, starting eleven, and even gameplay. Thus The Barclays EPL game for Tuesday's was a 'FA Cup Replay' to me. 3-0, the score, and overwhelming superiority and an away side that literally took its hands out of the game. In this replay the feedback that was supposed to be used by Mr. Keegan did not exist. He did not even modified in any extent his team, something that is called: 'lack of variants' and 'lack of talent'. Anyway, Arsenal managed to shred the team, again, by a minimum effort obtaining the lead for at least twelve hours, concerning the Man Utd game against Portsmouth (which eventually they won 2-0, with an astonishing goal by Cristiano, which I will explain later in this post).
Mr. Wenger managed to find the right Rotation. This term which was employed by years in the Total Football by Rinus Michels, has become dissolved and diminished with Frank Rikjaard as the main man 'recovering it' . Media is always hailing his work. And Rotation involve resting, recovery and re-engament through absorption. It is not as José Mourinho style, putting bench players in the starting and recycle them, and again doing it backwards. It is a very difficult and special method that worked for the Netherlands long before that it can be applied by Major teams. It involves a special fitness program and above all good players. Diaby, whose place in both National side and Club, are at the edge of the thin rope made his appearance again, like cemented player. He is not being used as a 'replacement of Patrick Vieria'. He is used in a different position with a changed profile to exploit one of his great characteristics which is the control of the ball. Certainly the people at the Grove did not like the way he was rolling in the turf after been hit in the ankle, which was an immediate analepsys to his fracture and ligament damaged that nearly ended his career.
As the game developed it turned a little harsh, and even to the extent of throwing some cards. The game seemed to the point of no-returning which is the one that the viewer gets distracted by everything that is happening outside the game (i.e. Nike publicity, advertisement of Fly Emirates etc) and even the commentators were in the mood of making a little contest; Which player in both teams was the elder in the institution? I answered Shay Given and Cesc Fábregas, but I forgot Harper, the keeper of the away side, and youth Justin Hoyte. Until the arrival of the goal the game had taken the boring attitude, but after that Mr. Wenger created at interesting changes, that would kept anyone stuck in on the tv. Manu Adebayor has been the revelation this season and his swaying attitude towards the rest of the field is very rewarded by team mates, crowd and manager. His goal was work of the three players that have shone this season. The elongation of the pass by Cesc to Flamini, in a strange switch of positions, ended in a beautiful cross with a good header by the number 25. The tandem of Cesc-Flamini can be found briefly in the last post . I understand now the fact that Falmini and Cesc have not raised or diminished as I said previously, is a matter of complementation in different situations and when one covers the other gives and vice versa.
The Newcastle Utd were demolished and miserable, with the replacements nearly worthless and an agonic free kick by Nicky Butt, which was fairly executed but the luck was not with the Magpies. The awwy side did start the second half in the right way but did not manage to keep the pace. The discreet appearance of Edoardo and the perfect performance of Gaël Clichy were visible, in a team that shines by itself. Arsenal seemed satisfied until the arrival of the controversial Dane forward. Nicklas "Dinosaur" Bendtner appeared to give the Arsenal an even more clear access to the goal. His contribution to the goal of Cesc was infinitely a gesture of pure technique. lowing a ball from a 70 meter cross is a difficult task and more with a mark. He was definitely in offside, although by a very thin margin of error. The second goal was a piece of art, and a reward to Mathieu's great effort throughout the season. The astonishing volley was widen and widen so that Shay Given could just be the best spectator. He has tried all the season this shots and the Tuesday's night volley was the culmination of the hard practice. He sure has to be in the plans of Domenech to the next European Championship (one which I will be commenting on this blog). The 2nd change released Cesc and has referred in previous post worked as a link between the midfield and attacking. The great amount of tactical changes is a difference this season and I hope this will keep going.
Mr. Wenger managed to find the right Rotation. This term which was employed by years in the Total Football by Rinus Michels, has become dissolved and diminished with Frank Rikjaard as the main man 'recovering it' . Media is always hailing his work. And Rotation involve resting, recovery and re-engament through absorption. It is not as José Mourinho style, putting bench players in the starting and recycle them, and again doing it backwards. It is a very difficult and special method that worked for the Netherlands long before that it can be applied by Major teams. It involves a special fitness program and above all good players. Diaby, whose place in both National side and Club, are at the edge of the thin rope made his appearance again, like cemented player. He is not being used as a 'replacement of Patrick Vieria'. He is used in a different position with a changed profile to exploit one of his great characteristics which is the control of the ball. Certainly the people at the Grove did not like the way he was rolling in the turf after been hit in the ankle, which was an immediate analepsys to his fracture and ligament damaged that nearly ended his career.
As the game developed it turned a little harsh, and even to the extent of throwing some cards. The game seemed to the point of no-returning which is the one that the viewer gets distracted by everything that is happening outside the game (i.e. Nike publicity, advertisement of Fly Emirates etc) and even the commentators were in the mood of making a little contest; Which player in both teams was the elder in the institution? I answered Shay Given and Cesc Fábregas, but I forgot Harper, the keeper of the away side, and youth Justin Hoyte. Until the arrival of the goal the game had taken the boring attitude, but after that Mr. Wenger created at interesting changes, that would kept anyone stuck in on the tv. Manu Adebayor has been the revelation this season and his swaying attitude towards the rest of the field is very rewarded by team mates, crowd and manager. His goal was work of the three players that have shone this season. The elongation of the pass by Cesc to Flamini, in a strange switch of positions, ended in a beautiful cross with a good header by the number 25. The tandem of Cesc-Flamini can be found briefly in the last post . I understand now the fact that Falmini and Cesc have not raised or diminished as I said previously, is a matter of complementation in different situations and when one covers the other gives and vice versa.
The Newcastle Utd were demolished and miserable, with the replacements nearly worthless and an agonic free kick by Nicky Butt, which was fairly executed but the luck was not with the Magpies. The awwy side did start the second half in the right way but did not manage to keep the pace. The discreet appearance of Edoardo and the perfect performance of Gaël Clichy were visible, in a team that shines by itself. Arsenal seemed satisfied until the arrival of the controversial Dane forward. Nicklas "Dinosaur" Bendtner appeared to give the Arsenal an even more clear access to the goal. His contribution to the goal of Cesc was infinitely a gesture of pure technique. lowing a ball from a 70 meter cross is a difficult task and more with a mark. He was definitely in offside, although by a very thin margin of error. The second goal was a piece of art, and a reward to Mathieu's great effort throughout the season. The astonishing volley was widen and widen so that Shay Given could just be the best spectator. He has tried all the season this shots and the Tuesday's night volley was the culmination of the hard practice. He sure has to be in the plans of Domenech to the next European Championship (one which I will be commenting on this blog). The 2nd change released Cesc and has referred in previous post worked as a link between the midfield and attacking. The great amount of tactical changes is a difference this season and I hope this will keep going.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Arsenal v. Newcastle 3-0 26/Jan/08
Another 'Soliloquy' type of match against Newcastle United at the Grove saw the Gunners qualifying the next round of the FA Cup to face arch-rivals Man Utd.
The Tyneside showed a pragmatic start against the overwhelming power of the Gunners who found in Manu Adebayor the center of the team, as Cesc in previous season. Cesc level has diminished a little with the incursion of Mathieu Flamini. Flamini is more offensive than Gilberto and the fine equilibrium that the Spaniard and Brazilian had has been replaced by a different equilibrium, with both moving upwards, mainly in a tandem sort of play. The Absence of Ivorian Touré has left the space for push ups in the hands of the young Frenchman. The early change showed the direction of the game. Sub Edoardo came out of the bench to replace Tomás Rosicky in what appeared to be a muscular problem. From this moment the dynamic of the match was was purely offensive. The sudden attacks began by Cesc were like waves. Something that is representative of Arsenal since the days of the Great Herbert Chapman but interrupted by the Boring Arsenal of the 80's and early 90's. The generation of chances and ideas was almost unstoppable. The game was balanced, a 50-50 stake, although Arsenal dominion was manifested in many challenges, it seemed that the Tyneside could have reached the goal before Arsenal.
The goal came right in the early stages of the second half when the rebound of an Edoardo shot hit the post just to end in Adebayor's control and in the back of the net. From that moment Newcastle lowed the guard and even with some fine saves by Shay Given they could not end the miserable suffering attenuated by the worthless substitutions. Steven Taylor really did a great effort in covering the swaying strikers. For me himself and Given are the only ones that can be saved from the critics in this new team built up by Keegan.
Jens Lehmann proved again, with a very few occasions, that he is fit again and capable of recovering his place towards the EURO 2008. Diaby was another player that has been stablished in recent months with first team activity very often. Senderos at least showed more improvement than previous games. That offside trap, a reminiscence of Tony Adams style, has been used massively in every game this season. Senderos recovered the 'tradition'. This trap is a very difficult one, I have already mentioned its inconvenients in previous posts.
There have been a lot of rumors going on last week about the young starlet Theo Walcott. I have criticized him several times and Jon Carter in his soccernet.com article has given a good, full perspective on this talented but reluctant player. A 'little scare' is what a manager in México will do; a salary cut, exclusion from the first team by a couple of weeks or even taken him to the reserves or youth team. This is not the most orthodox of styles, but in many times works as a reminder that he has to push it even harder.
The second goal was a special one. While the tremendous technique involved in the creation, it was evident that two team mates were in better position than him to score. His attributes are clear and his proved effectiveness is never denied, but Edoardo and Flamini were following the action and a clear pass to Edoardo would have been the better option, not counting the finishing form the Togolese. This kind of situation make furious to other players specially striker. When you are in a better position to score that other striker, and the partner simply tries to get the ball in the back of th e net (whether it does it or not) makes some kind of resentment. So no wonder why a resentment has rise between Nicklas Bendtner and Manu Adebayor. Intestinal struggles between strikers can lead to two opposite things. The growth of the offensive in a natural, competitive and healthy environment or the hostile and aggressive search for the goal. Int he first example wonderful partnerships have figured like Bergkamp-Henry, Cruyff-Neeskens and Klose-Podolski. But in the other hand the struggles were brought up by D'Alessandro-Milito, Borgetti-Blanco and the latest which we are referring. I hope the Togolese is not making himself of another Thierry Henry; with an egocentric attitude towards the other players, he has to be remembered that he is part of the team, he can make a difference but here are another ten men behind him. One player that has disappointed me is Michael Owen. The Golden Ball at twenty two seemed to be England's next hope but everything fell apart when his infructuous move to Madrid and his ACL and PCL injury kept him sidelined from action almost a year. He has lost the speed, technique and even the strength to play. It is a shame that these type of players with a terrific future are misplaced, mismanaged, and mis transfered.
A very good tactical movement made by Arsene was the liberation of Cesc. He had been doing it the last season, but in a lower pace. It seems that the switch is completed an Arsene wants to make him more offensive in every way and by any means. Thus putting two midfielders such as Gilberto and Flamini. We will see the development of this movement in close.
The final minutes were a pure soliloquy of the London side, adding it an own goal by Nicky Butt, which added more suffering to the traveler from the Toon. This goal (as I always like to resume) was a cameo of the game; the good effort and attitude but overwhelmed by the talented home team. Arsenal faces Newcastle again in the context of the fourth round of the FA Cup. We'll see what Mr. Keegan could got from feedback, and see if he can apply it to his style.
A terrible, and inevitable fight, draw on FA fifth round saw the London side face arch-rivals United, as quoted above. This match should be the one that catalyzes the struggle for the EPL. We know from previous encounters what Ferguson will bring to the table. Not so with Mr. Wenger. A Match not to miss, stating that the fight for title should be on even in that date.
Another international gossip that circles around every sports analyst in the world is the squad named by Fabio Capello to face Switzerland on February the 6th. I have made my own list in what I will consider hi s choices; We will see how many players out o f twenty three can I score. Here is:
-Scott Carson
-Robert Green
-Joe Hart
-Steven Taylor
-Phill Neville
-Micah Richards
-Joleon Lescott
-Mathew Upson
-Rio Ferdinand
-James Milner
-Michael Carrick
-Owen Hargreaves
-David Beckham
-Steven Gerrard
-Jermaine Jenas
-Joe Cole
-David Bentley
-Luke Young
-Theo Walcott
-Aaron Lennon
-Andrew Johnson
-Gabriel Agbonlahor
-Peter Crouch
The Tyneside showed a pragmatic start against the overwhelming power of the Gunners who found in Manu Adebayor the center of the team, as Cesc in previous season. Cesc level has diminished a little with the incursion of Mathieu Flamini. Flamini is more offensive than Gilberto and the fine equilibrium that the Spaniard and Brazilian had has been replaced by a different equilibrium, with both moving upwards, mainly in a tandem sort of play. The Absence of Ivorian Touré has left the space for push ups in the hands of the young Frenchman. The early change showed the direction of the game. Sub Edoardo came out of the bench to replace Tomás Rosicky in what appeared to be a muscular problem. From this moment the dynamic of the match was was purely offensive. The sudden attacks began by Cesc were like waves. Something that is representative of Arsenal since the days of the Great Herbert Chapman but interrupted by the Boring Arsenal of the 80's and early 90's. The generation of chances and ideas was almost unstoppable. The game was balanced, a 50-50 stake, although Arsenal dominion was manifested in many challenges, it seemed that the Tyneside could have reached the goal before Arsenal.
The goal came right in the early stages of the second half when the rebound of an Edoardo shot hit the post just to end in Adebayor's control and in the back of the net. From that moment Newcastle lowed the guard and even with some fine saves by Shay Given they could not end the miserable suffering attenuated by the worthless substitutions. Steven Taylor really did a great effort in covering the swaying strikers. For me himself and Given are the only ones that can be saved from the critics in this new team built up by Keegan.
Jens Lehmann proved again, with a very few occasions, that he is fit again and capable of recovering his place towards the EURO 2008. Diaby was another player that has been stablished in recent months with first team activity very often. Senderos at least showed more improvement than previous games. That offside trap, a reminiscence of Tony Adams style, has been used massively in every game this season. Senderos recovered the 'tradition'. This trap is a very difficult one, I have already mentioned its inconvenients in previous posts.
There have been a lot of rumors going on last week about the young starlet Theo Walcott. I have criticized him several times and Jon Carter in his soccernet.com article has given a good, full perspective on this talented but reluctant player. A 'little scare' is what a manager in México will do; a salary cut, exclusion from the first team by a couple of weeks or even taken him to the reserves or youth team. This is not the most orthodox of styles, but in many times works as a reminder that he has to push it even harder.
The second goal was a special one. While the tremendous technique involved in the creation, it was evident that two team mates were in better position than him to score. His attributes are clear and his proved effectiveness is never denied, but Edoardo and Flamini were following the action and a clear pass to Edoardo would have been the better option, not counting the finishing form the Togolese. This kind of situation make furious to other players specially striker. When you are in a better position to score that other striker, and the partner simply tries to get the ball in the back of th e net (whether it does it or not) makes some kind of resentment. So no wonder why a resentment has rise between Nicklas Bendtner and Manu Adebayor. Intestinal struggles between strikers can lead to two opposite things. The growth of the offensive in a natural, competitive and healthy environment or the hostile and aggressive search for the goal. Int he first example wonderful partnerships have figured like Bergkamp-Henry, Cruyff-Neeskens and Klose-Podolski. But in the other hand the struggles were brought up by D'Alessandro-Milito, Borgetti-Blanco and the latest which we are referring. I hope the Togolese is not making himself of another Thierry Henry; with an egocentric attitude towards the other players, he has to be remembered that he is part of the team, he can make a difference but here are another ten men behind him. One player that has disappointed me is Michael Owen. The Golden Ball at twenty two seemed to be England's next hope but everything fell apart when his infructuous move to Madrid and his ACL and PCL injury kept him sidelined from action almost a year. He has lost the speed, technique and even the strength to play. It is a shame that these type of players with a terrific future are misplaced, mismanaged, and mis transfered.
A very good tactical movement made by Arsene was the liberation of Cesc. He had been doing it the last season, but in a lower pace. It seems that the switch is completed an Arsene wants to make him more offensive in every way and by any means. Thus putting two midfielders such as Gilberto and Flamini. We will see the development of this movement in close.
The final minutes were a pure soliloquy of the London side, adding it an own goal by Nicky Butt, which added more suffering to the traveler from the Toon. This goal (as I always like to resume) was a cameo of the game; the good effort and attitude but overwhelmed by the talented home team. Arsenal faces Newcastle again in the context of the fourth round of the FA Cup. We'll see what Mr. Keegan could got from feedback, and see if he can apply it to his style.
A terrible, and inevitable fight, draw on FA fifth round saw the London side face arch-rivals United, as quoted above. This match should be the one that catalyzes the struggle for the EPL. We know from previous encounters what Ferguson will bring to the table. Not so with Mr. Wenger. A Match not to miss, stating that the fight for title should be on even in that date.
Another international gossip that circles around every sports analyst in the world is the squad named by Fabio Capello to face Switzerland on February the 6th. I have made my own list in what I will consider hi s choices; We will see how many players out o f twenty three can I score. Here is:
-Scott Carson
-Robert Green
-Joe Hart
-Steven Taylor
-Phill Neville
-Micah Richards
-Joleon Lescott
-Mathew Upson
-Rio Ferdinand
-James Milner
-Michael Carrick
-Owen Hargreaves
-David Beckham
-Steven Gerrard
-Jermaine Jenas
-Joe Cole
-David Bentley
-Luke Young
-Theo Walcott
-Aaron Lennon
-Andrew Johnson
-Gabriel Agbonlahor
-Peter Crouch
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Tottenham v. Arsenal 5-1 22/Jan/08
I feel miserable, even to the extent of not willing to make this review in order to not remember the events that happened yesterday at White Hart Lane. The team, Arsenal FC, was used to humiliate, to bombard teams, but now it was our turn the other way round. We bombarded teams such as Middlesbrough 7-0 in 05/06, Blackburn 6-2 in 06/07 and Slavia Prague 7-0 in this current season. It was for sure one of the most miserable and awful days as a Gooner. Twelve years of devoted faith showed very few sufferings, all countable; the UCL loss against FCB, the departure of Mr. Unamable, a couple of losses v. Man Utd, the retirement of DENNIS BERGKAMP, the departure of Robert Pires and Mr. Dein attempt to sell the club. But this defeat really has shocked me in a sense of despair. And as Frank Stubbs in the official Arsenal FC blog said it, with a naive tone; "Let’s be honest, we all knew simply by the law of averages one of our teams would eventually lose but would we swap last night for the previous nine and a half years where we have remained unbeaten?". Nine and a half years of paternalism concluded and in a way nobody expected it. The unbearable singing went all over the night. The Spurss fans have waited long time for this, they dreamt to crash the Gunners in a way that was even unimaginable for them. It was the 60' and I could not see the the end of the devastation. They will never forget this match, a highlight just as Gazza's goal at Wembley.
What was supposed to be a thrilling match right from the beginning was shadowed by the Jermaine "Gooner Undertaker" Jenas. The precise start with the touch play different from the previous clash was worthless. The defense was reluctant on the mark allowing him to get straight into the box and striking to the surprise of Polish keeper. The own goal by "Dinosaur" Bendtner showed the weak side of Arsenal at set pieces, again. The Dane was not affected by the sudden blow and had a very participative game, with an early strike in the woodwork in the beginning of the second half. The 3-0 was the complete 'burial' for the match. The Irishman took a very good chance and gained the challenges on what it could have been a save by Fabianski. This particular goal set another of Wenger's flaws tactically; the counter-attacks. Obviously this mode of play is enhaced by spaces created, but in this occasion huge gaps between the lines. This gaps and bad-marking were the leitmotivs of the fourth and fifth goal. The fourth one specially a mistake of Gilberto Silva. The midfield suffered particularly, more than any other region of the pitch. The core of Arsenal's style, the nucleus of the game was shocked by the early 18' substitution of Denilson. Cesc entered to give a little more space to the center but Juande strategy worked perfectly. It was this way: Two gunners in midfield with the aid of a winger (in this case Hleb) to help restoring the game and create more touch. Tottenham used two midfielders also but with one exception, to create game you need at least four meters and when an Arsenal midfielder, particularly this three had the ball immediately three or even four men made pressure in order to negate all game play. The key of the game was this tactic, which Juande Ramos really did well. He watched tapes, and although it is not difficult to reach this conclusion he really made an impressive display of tactic, playing with the game of Arsenal, he ensured that his team could stop Arsenal at his flaws. Enrique Sacco on ESPN said the evident: the efficiency and effectivity of Tottenham.
Theo Wlacott did nothing. Patience is one of Mr. Wenger top qualities, but everyone runs out of it when the results do not show up. Justin Hoyte is as well another who could run out of luck in being named in the squad. Overall the players that at least showed the dignity to fight against the result were the previously mentioned 'Dinosaur' Bendtner, Manu Adebayor, Alex Hleb and Abou Diaby. A good attitude was shown by this players specially in the goal. A very few hope and the slightest of chances against a tremendous Spurs. Even the desperation of Arsenal FC reached its peak at 75' when it was evident the formation used (although indirectly, off course): 2-5-3. The struggle between Bendtner and Adebayor was a resumée of the game; the frustration in the crisis. Bendtner complained Manu in a set piece regarding marking, the Dane wanted cover, but Adebayor on the rush of the game did not listen him something that upset Bendtner. Finally Gallas interposed and crossing words with the 'Dinousaur' reaching even the confrontation until Gilberto cleared them off. A situation went out of hand both to the manager and the captain, which will not go far from that. We hope.
Tottenham played very well,excellent, without mistakes, although it hurts me saying it, its the truth. It was evident and no one can not deny it. My relief is that Tottenham still has mediocre players such as Jermaine Defoe whose failing aptitudes seem his born officium. Now the only thing left is to look towards the UCL, EPL and in a minor term the FA Cup.
What was supposed to be a thrilling match right from the beginning was shadowed by the Jermaine "Gooner Undertaker" Jenas. The precise start with the touch play different from the previous clash was worthless. The defense was reluctant on the mark allowing him to get straight into the box and striking to the surprise of Polish keeper. The own goal by "Dinosaur" Bendtner showed the weak side of Arsenal at set pieces, again. The Dane was not affected by the sudden blow and had a very participative game, with an early strike in the woodwork in the beginning of the second half. The 3-0 was the complete 'burial' for the match. The Irishman took a very good chance and gained the challenges on what it could have been a save by Fabianski. This particular goal set another of Wenger's flaws tactically; the counter-attacks. Obviously this mode of play is enhaced by spaces created, but in this occasion huge gaps between the lines. This gaps and bad-marking were the leitmotivs of the fourth and fifth goal. The fourth one specially a mistake of Gilberto Silva. The midfield suffered particularly, more than any other region of the pitch. The core of Arsenal's style, the nucleus of the game was shocked by the early 18' substitution of Denilson. Cesc entered to give a little more space to the center but Juande strategy worked perfectly. It was this way: Two gunners in midfield with the aid of a winger (in this case Hleb) to help restoring the game and create more touch. Tottenham used two midfielders also but with one exception, to create game you need at least four meters and when an Arsenal midfielder, particularly this three had the ball immediately three or even four men made pressure in order to negate all game play. The key of the game was this tactic, which Juande Ramos really did well. He watched tapes, and although it is not difficult to reach this conclusion he really made an impressive display of tactic, playing with the game of Arsenal, he ensured that his team could stop Arsenal at his flaws. Enrique Sacco on ESPN said the evident: the efficiency and effectivity of Tottenham.
Theo Wlacott did nothing. Patience is one of Mr. Wenger top qualities, but everyone runs out of it when the results do not show up. Justin Hoyte is as well another who could run out of luck in being named in the squad. Overall the players that at least showed the dignity to fight against the result were the previously mentioned 'Dinosaur' Bendtner, Manu Adebayor, Alex Hleb and Abou Diaby. A good attitude was shown by this players specially in the goal. A very few hope and the slightest of chances against a tremendous Spurs. Even the desperation of Arsenal FC reached its peak at 75' when it was evident the formation used (although indirectly, off course): 2-5-3. The struggle between Bendtner and Adebayor was a resumée of the game; the frustration in the crisis. Bendtner complained Manu in a set piece regarding marking, the Dane wanted cover, but Adebayor on the rush of the game did not listen him something that upset Bendtner. Finally Gallas interposed and crossing words with the 'Dinousaur' reaching even the confrontation until Gilberto cleared them off. A situation went out of hand both to the manager and the captain, which will not go far from that. We hope.
Tottenham played very well,excellent, without mistakes, although it hurts me saying it, its the truth. It was evident and no one can not deny it. My relief is that Tottenham still has mediocre players such as Jermaine Defoe whose failing aptitudes seem his born officium. Now the only thing left is to look towards the UCL, EPL and in a minor term the FA Cup.
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