Everton v. Arsenal 1-4 29/Dec/07

A 'bipolar' match showed the sides of the club this season. A tremendous and unexploited offensive potential in the hands of the young and experienced and the awful and totally reluctant defensive in the first half that lead the Arsenal to a one nil loss. The lead by whether Yakubu or Cahill was a total dismissal and a remembering of the sufferings in the box of last season, with 'Dinosaur' Bendtner giving a five-star pass to the toffies representatives. Goals by Edoardo at the beginning of the second half and later, the goal of Adebayor after a fatal error between the center back and keeper Howard and finally the closure of Rosicky after a typical Arsenal play, gave the Londoners a three goal advantage after a suffered game. In the final seconds the toffies, although fought back, were totally hampered and hurt to death in a pretty rough game ending with twenty men.
In the first half the Arsenal was totally diminished and reduced due to a talented home side commanded by Mikel Arteta and Steven Pienaar. The lead came, and Fábregas as well as Hleb seemed reduced in every chance they had the ball. Clichy's offensive push was reduced due to the covering of Arteta, a very talented player. Most of the first half Mathieu Flamini received the ball from the defenders and did not have a pass option. Later in the second half was Edoardo's equalizer after a long pass from Clichy and later a beautiful play enhaced by a supreme control lead the Croatian the double. While the number '9' was lost in the first half, is the ability of making goals that make the difference between good and great players. Regarding the red card of 'Dinosaur' Bendtner I totally agree. Even it could be a sent off without the previous yellow card, and this showed the desperation of the young Dane of not conceiving a chance. Similar of what van Persie suffered went sent off against Southampton after a challenge with Crouch. He will have to reconsider his mood in the games, but not passing without a call of attention from the staff.
It is a paradox but a draw in Portsmouth was actually good because thanks to west Londoners (which are our next fixture immediate rivals)Man Utd lost 2-1, giving us the lead of the EPL with a two-point gap. A tough match which showed the captive talent of the young gunners was the culmination of the year and after being Champions in the first half, Mr. Wenger claims to need even more points to get any silverware in May, a point in which I completely agree. I thank all the people who have read this blog, beginning in November, and I wish you a good year and even more joy from literature and football.

Portsmouth v. Arsenal 0-0 26/Dec/07

Finally a trip to the south lead the Arsenal boys in a tough away match to loose the leadership and the one-point lead over arch-rivals Man Utd who won in a stunning match again Sunderland by 4-0. Unnecessary overpressure lead by the Pompey side rose throughout the game, and in some cases recurrent, almost like a leitmotiv. In some ways, the southern side provoked and used the physical advantage to diminish the work of Arsenal's midfield. It seems that the previously mentioned 'tough December' reached its climax through the boxing day match, and exhaust is evident even in such young side.
The team was lost and after a superb match against Spurs the gunners ran out of gas, and the best example from this was Cesc Fábregas and Tomas Rosicky. The great contradiction between these two cracks were disposition. While the young Spaniard was completely lost and ran of pressure, the latter moved away from his position and created all of the major chances form the team. It is what I ask for such talented player every game. All of his shots were near the goal and through three assists the goal almost arrived. The Czech looked desperately the lead and showed the attitude to be a skipper, and completely justified his current captaincy in his national side. The defense showed a solid and coherent block pushing forward with the center backs, as usual this season leading skipper Gallas wasting a tremendous chance in a completely clear penalty by ex-Arsenal Sol Campbell. Substitutes did not pump the side with new energy, showing the real failure in the midfield. I am not really sure if it would be a suitable option for the team to keep playing with a lone forward. Five midfield men, helps with some things. First, control and possession of the ball, which gives you time and pace of the game. Then a three option men for defend, control and attack, with an option of moving the ball along sides. But the disadvantages are equal to the advantages. A tired striker in the first half with what may be a half with very few attempts. Becoming to defensive or meaningless possession is another disadvantage. I am sure that a fit van Persie will make doubt Mr. Wenger in the season, but instead he will make the move to a formula, a thing that is proved in the past. Remember the line up in the Champions league final? Well I know that playing with the 'Unamable' Henry is a complete advantage in a 5 men midfield but with so many attacking options, including Dennis 'The Legend' Bergkamp, it was a failure. Instead I would play either with 4-3-3 or 4-3-1-2. But Arsené knows and In Arséne We Trust...

T. S. Eliot Out Loud

I do not know who reads worst Eliot or Paz, in that sense there is another relation between these two great poets. I really like their work and I even admired them, but both of them read AWFUL, if not just ask .::Hurt::.

Barcelona v. Real Madrid 0-1 23/Dec/07

The thrilling and over expected game took place this Sunday at Nou Camp, with Madrid side earning a 1-0 victory over arch rivals from Cataluña. Julio Baptista scored a terrific shot after a series of passes with Ruud van Nistelrooy. This winner leads Real Madrid to an outstanding advantage in the top position of the table. Frustration was seen all over culé fans and specially in the development of the team.
Barca had a couple of arrivals the first half but it was the early score by Baptista which defined the development of the game. A deception in the Barca style of play clearly set the weight of the poorly game in the shoulders of impressive Iniesta who was the keenest of players in at least break the tie. With Ronaldinho nearly playing as a extremo, it was the lack of opportunities and the impotency that was shown in his game, nearly a couple of dribblings but none of them practical. While in the Spanish Supercup Pepe, the 30 million Euros investment, played no less than awful, has shown in the latter stage of the tournament that he is up to such an important facet in Schuzter's team. It seems that Fabio Cannavaro's days of glory has passed but at least he has recovered the level that brought him to the captaincy of Italia and to the World Cup. In the other side, my countryman Márquez, showed the instability of his career, making an effort but not completing it. A disappointment in my opinion. He also has to watch his back, due to the current explosion on Mexican central backs that can cover his position even better than he does in Barca. Moving upfield, Eto'o and Ronaldihno showed nothing but desperation. Reaching the final blow Barca played with four forwards. In my opinion Rikjard has no idea of what to do in situations under a lot of pressure. He made youngster Bojan come out from the bench as if he could decide the match with a strike, the same as with Giovani. Sneijder play was terrific, always distributing and exhausting the midfield with ideas. He seems to revolutionize the football of Madrid and I have great expectations on him.
Finally ref Mejuto González was wrong in many of the clashes, favoring either sides in different sequences of the game. A match to forget to the culé side and a joyful, but suffered win to the capital side.

Arsenal v. Tottenham 2-1 22/Dec/07

Another lucky night for Arséne boys in the North London Derby, assured Arsenal FC the top place in the chart, expecting what Man Utd will do tomorow afternoon against the toffies. With the common epithet "Ya sé juega!" from Argentine Gustavo Cima from Fox Sports, the match began with the usual control over the board by Cesc Fábregas, but fading into the final minutes of the first half. Gallas booking was a cameo of first half: fine and joyful attempts v. the inability to complete them. At least three attempts to score were made by the Gunners with the most efficient on a Eboué strike well deviated by 'Robbo'.
Cesc geniality throughout the game was shown as well Rosicky's eye for passing. Gaël Clichy will be the man of the match if it weren't stolen by "Dinosaur" Bendtner. Clichy covered all the game th position of young Aaron Lennon, his dribblings and sprint didn't impress young uaul and not a chance was conceded by him through Lennon. It is recurrent that his efforts will lead him on his national side, Although vacancy in that position is filled through the mediocre Eric Abidal. I am sure that if Clichy pace this season is on, Domenec will have to consider the first choice position in him. Another outstanding game play was by Spaniard Almunia. He has shown this season that his eagerness on the number one shirt is on, he is a full contender to Lehmann and security is on his side proving to be a very powerful contender for the second place in his national side also. Another mediocre goalkeeper, Victor Valdez, and José Reina's reluctance this season, could lead him to a place in the Euro Cup coming out next summer. Regarding the previously mentioned Niklas "Dinosaur" Bendtner, he is, as I said it here in the blog many times, a predator of the area. He is the epitome of the '9', a curretn position often forgot in these days. Klaas Jan Huntelaar, Juan Pablo Angel and Louis Saha can be counted among the men enrolling in this decayed but elemental position. Bendtner, always appearing in the right place at the right time, has showed his poor movement outside the box, but his superb and magnificent deployment inside, and his goal just 45 seconds after coming showed the previous. Both home goals were a display of technical array, and with the Adebayor definition, many Gooners could remember those definitions made by the 'Unamable' Henry.
The electric game showed the superior football proposal made from Mr. Ramos, a total change from the mediocre perispective of Joll. Although a good football style, they will never be superior to the Arsenal, and while Spurs had improved I was very expectant in the last few weeks for this match and finally the boys showed the courage needed to win a title, I am proud of them beating a new and resurging team.
The election of Fabio Capello as the England coach with a multi-millionaire contract was the hit of the last week in football news. A new refresh and face is needed to counter the wave of deceptions in English footbal, and he was elected by his curriculum not by his iniciative style. Jose Mourinho aka the 'Special one' would be a suitable option although his relation to the outer world of Football (technical staff, media and owners) has been always tormentous. English contender Harry Redknap has the lead in outstanding development but not as successful as Capello. We will see how things work out with an English catenaccio.
One thing that every football fanatic must be very keen to watch is the king of derbies: FC Barcelona v. Real Madrid. I will be commenting, only for this special occasion this interesting match that is the world's classic football game.
And finally regarding the UCL last sixteen draw I admit it was a very unpleasant result to be paired with last edition champions and world's club champions AC Milan. I am very concerned and thrilled about this match which will be the greatest European test since 2006 final. If the London side gains this one, I think they have at least a 70% chance of becoming champions. A tough, but needful test to see what both Arséne and the squad are made of.

Blackburn v. Arsenal 1-0 18/Dec/07

'Tormentous' could be the most suitable word to define the match played today at Ewood Park. The effort made by both sides was gigantic and even with ten men, the London side could manage to get to the top four. Although it was a difficult win it proved to be very riskful; with impressive U-17 for Holland Nacer Barazite getting injured, and Denilson getting dropped out.
Right from the beginning the Gunners showed the varied display that always break them through against other teams. Diaby's early goal and later Edoardo's showed the enormous display of attack even with reserves that Arsenal has. Later Roque Santa Cruz scored two magnificent goals that showed why he is so valuable for any team. Arsenal's defense was a mixture of good and awkward results. While Phillipe Senderos showed more confidence regarding previous matches in the EPL he was a good reason on Fabianski conceding two goals. Justin Hoyte long wait for first team action had its moments but he seems not to care about fighting for a place. Armand Traoré was the best in this line, finding himself even more dynamic in defense than Clichy. A good prospect for Wenger. Finally Alex Song showed the lightness and creativity of a libero and although his physical aspect do not help him in his development as a defender, he showed a very peculiar way of defending with the clearance as his most prudent weapon. The Polish goalkeeper had a great amount of work most of them through mid-distance shots, proving a very capable fighter in the position, thus this edge of the turf is very well covered with the current Spaniard and Lehmann right behind him. Even with Santa Cruz bummer in the later stages and Samba's header in the final seconds, Blackburn could have evened or gained the match. A lucky away night for the Arsenal boys.
Finally Robbie Savage seem to not forget that beautiful nutmeg by Fábregas in the 6-2 match in the last season. That kind of 'destructive' players, such as Gatusso, would get any chance offending a rival and if that kind of advantage is taken by any means he should be welcome it.
ESPN's Argentine narrators, Enrique Saco and Miguel 'Gambler' Simón, responsible for the transmission in Latin America agreed with the election of Alex Song as Man of the Match followed by impressive Roque Santa Cruz and in third place Croatian Edoardo Da Silva. Richard Jolly in his famous reviews at soccernet.com put Bendtner in the podium. My final decision would be for Edoardo Da Silva and Nacer Baracite with the Jav's Carling Cup Breakthrough Boot. Arsenal's tough month is coming to the decisive battle against the all-time rivals Spurs. The North London derby is something you would not like to miss, and as I said the decisive match both for teams' aspirations and the lads in the pubs.

Arsenal v. Chelsea 1-0 16/Dec/07

An exciting and exhausting game Sunday morning at Ashburton Grove led the Arsenal FC back to the top of the table again, following Man Utd clash at Liverpool where the visiting side won with an astounding goal by Carlos Tevez. Right from the beginning the Gunners showed a lack of creativity and the nervousness of the three figures in the midfield coming back from injuries (Fábregas, Hleb and Flamini) impressed in the first fifteen minutes. The five-midfield men formation seems to work out for Arsene although in many ways whether Bendtner o Adebayor look quite lonely and solitaire in front of goal. Chelsea also looked quite reluctant on attacking and came with at least three chances in the first half, but it was the late goal from skipper William Gallas after an awful and defectuous intent of clearing by Cech that set the whole picture of the second half. During a greater part of the following forty five minutes the main plot was the exchange of mentalities or what in professional trainings will be called "conversion-reconversion". This is: Chelsea gaining possession and attacking overloading the opposite are, while in losing possession an Arsenal counterattack will derive in a clear by the keeper and re-initiating the pressure system. This was evident when both Robin van Persie and Gilberto Silva entered in action. Van Persie's denied goals were a resume of the game; Chelsea erratic pressure and Arsenal appointment in precision.
It could have been more goals for both sides but Almunia and Cech showed the level required for such a competitive League. Almunia's clearance were effective and in time while Cech payed for his mistake even saving twice the rebound of a van Persie shot and the later Cesc ricochet. Overall a good game ending with the meleé on Cesc with Cole, showed a quite peculiar analepsis on Carling Cup's Final last year. Hopefully for England, Terry injury has been classified for a six week rule out. Eboué knee ligament strain is set for two or three weeks. "Arsenal's team spirit" as Flamini quoted it today was above expectations and ended the curse in beating Chealsea, never accomplished in the Mourinho era.
Regarding the Final in Japan between Boca Juniors and Milan, the Italian side deserved the Cup playing on a really fast tempo considering Italian standards. And retracting myself, Kaká played tremendously, earning, not for that game action, the recognition of The FIFA World Player of the Year. I just ask one thing from him; play all the finals like that because if not, you could break my heart and there are so few players that I still sigh when I watch them play, that I even got up early to watch them play.

Midday's Reverie

I couldn't being helped but to watch your eyes
Of the most common color of the varied arrays
Displayed by nature, brown as the ever falling leaves
Something was in those light spheres, particular ways.

The light of a son of Apollo stole a reflex
As if the triangle could have reached
Performing Nature's whole display
Of white, green, aquamarine.

Not even the richest fountain or a flossy rainbow
Could reach the powerful tormento
Of seeing them and still, lay without them
As in a midday's ethereal reverie.

And the nocturnal whistle begins again
through the mention of thy happy jade
Nevertheless that acquaintance will never proceed
as a rainbow in a reverie.

Old School

I sat where the old school used to be,
Numberless voices coming to and fro,
Ancient halls of forgotten wisdom,
Long had pass which now steals my memory.

Nearby there was a brown garden,
Remembrance of a nostalgic lark,
And I recall my mother used to tell me:
"Where art thou my young" like a bark.

Desolate prairie, where are you going,
Are you leaving for the Red Brick to come?
Are you truly not coming,
Or is my dreadful thought of boredom.

I sat nearby the ancient tree,
Where my school has long been forgotten
But now there's the Big Red Brick;
Great, imposing standing from aloft.

To Colin White Muller

I will never forget when he told me why did I wear such terrible colors (An orange sweater)or when he told me 'quite right, little fellow, quite right' (while talking about Keats's ideal in his feyanceé). Or when he told us that it would be dangerous if we did not agree with him. Also when we read Keats, his favorite, that was one of the best classes I have ever been. We will miss you, although you would not miss me.
He read this in the class and ask me if I liked it. And God! How I like it!

'Thou art no poet, mayst not tell thy dreams?'
Since every man whose soul is not a clod
Hath visions, and would speak, if he had loved,
And been well nurtures in his mother tongue.
Whether the dream now purposed to rehearse
Be Poet's or Fanatic's will be known
When this warm scribe my hand is in the grave.

Keats, John."The Fall of Hyperion a Dream" in Selected Poems.Penguin Classics: London. 1998.

You can found another great account by a friend who also took memorable clases with this briliant man. You are also quite right Antonio. Quite right. http://nousoacentos.blogspot.com

Newcastle v. Arsenal 1-1 5/Dec/07

A disappointing night for the London side in a visit to the Toon was the result of leaving a one point lead to Man Utd. This will have a negative connotation for the Gunners due to the close gap with Archi-rivals Red Devils. The championship will be very tight with both sides struggling in all European and inland competitions.
Arsenal stood very well after an early stunner by 'Manu' Adebayor. Later Tomás Rosicky could have killed the game with an overwhelmed Newcastle struggling to not concede any more goals. The final fifteen minutes of the first half ended in a series of difficulties: Physical game play that interrupted most of the passes. This formula has been proved and overused by Bolton(which is previous Allardyce team). Edoardo might be a concern when shifting towards the left side and Rosicky moving to his natural position behind the attacker. Although he has proved talented playing he has not contributed has much as any Wenger's striker probably would. 'Dinosaur' Bendtner entered for Arsenal's number nine and showed a little improving in helping Adebayor. Equalizer was brought up by an error of Edoardo in a ricochet from a corner. Taylor volleyed the ball which was far from Almunia's reach. Although the Londoners had a few occasions the issue of giving away a goal was really the cause of the mood of the team after it.
Arsenal will need injured players such as Hleb, Van Persie and Flamini, three men which showed contundence, effectiveness and goals. Also the absence of 'Cesc' who has brought up the equilibrium showed by Arsene's side so much needed in previous seasons.
Regarding the Golden Ball given by France Football this year, was quite predictable, and although Kaká deserved in some ways the prestigious award in the recent years the decay of a prominent figure (despite 'Zizou' enormous talent) has led to the French magazine to search for the representativity of 'winners'. A plausible example is last years' election in Fabio Cannavaro. Andrea Pirlo and Willy Sagnol had a tremendous WC the same as Phillip Lahm. But the award is for the winners not for deservers: my Jav' Golden Ball this year should be for Cristiano Ronaldo, special mention to Francesc Fábregas and Best young footballer to Samir Nasri.