All over again

Mourinho, now in the spotline.
[Photo: AP via Daily Mail]


Even the best team in the history of football has a downfall. It happened to Cruyff's 1974 team, to Cruyff's Barcelona 1990 team, to Zidane's 2006 and we could make an vast epic list. This time it was Futbol Club Barcelona who were the victims of the swift attack of destiny. First of all, my point of view shall remain neutral in order to put a decent discussion on the matter.

Today's match, had its ups and downs. For large and considerable lapses of the game, the Spaniards retained possession and created magnificent efforts from Pedro and Messi. Julio César did his job as Thiago Motta was sent off early after his second booking, not even reaching the half hour mark. After the half time whistle, the home team grasped a whole lot of opportunities, which were not capitalised by any of the attacking players until the 83th minute. Before Piqué's goal, Inter pulled a trick out of their sleeves and kept every attempt at bay.

After the outstanding goal from the Spanish centre-back, there were a couple of clear chances: Xavi's shot and Bojan's disallowed goal. Whether the ball went to the hand of the player and viceversa, the discussion is futile (just as Piqué's position in the previous goal). Here is where all the madness began. If you do remember well, a year ago, the Catalonians were handed a clear win over Chelsea. Tom Henning went that night bathed on insults as rumours of a conspiracy loomed over Stamford Bridge. If the Spanish team was benefited from the poor refereeing, why is it that they complain wholeheartedly now? It is just a matter of convenience.



Sardonic, and even spiteful.
[Photo: Daily Mail]


Even when all the hatred that Mourinho will inspire -an attribute that seems to quench his large repertoire- we must give him some kind of credit, as John Cross states. The Portuguese attitude is certainly disgraceful and his lack of professionalism behaving in such a way is by no means permitted. Nonetheless is not admissible the attitude of someone at the Nou Camp who turned on the sprinklers. In this hypothetical world, if this would have been done to the Catalan team, the world could've entered World War Three.

I just think that in these situations, Mourinho's mastermind and genius overshadowed the beautiful football that the Spanish side provide week in week out. In this case Mourinho is villain and genius. Just to note, the Barcelona fans should not be drowning themselves in tears, there potential could reach far different levels and if we know something is that football is far from being fair.



Mourinho nearly stomped on Váldez.
[Photo: AFP/Getty Images via Daily Mail]


Regarding Andrey Arshavin's latest comments, today Goal.com compiled some of his strangest, dullest and rarest quotes, as his hilarious page continues to produce unutterably laughing stock.

Beyond the boundaries of sport, we know turn to the music. Half a year ago I discovered this site, which mainly contains mini-essays on literature and philosophy, and mainly reviews from a wide range of alternative and indie rock bands. This time it was the turn of Caribou. The comments on the album are accurate if not brilliant. This site has good recommendations regarding music (well, everything except the dreadful and boring M. Ward). Check it, and in case you like the song, here's the complete LP.

Notes and books

At some time in Writing Degree Zero Roland Barthes poses the idea of the object as an extension of some kind of physical self: something that stays with you as an extension, or lets say, as a member that carries certain function. In this case, a pair of shoes, a book or even an I Pod work as a conglomerate which by extension acquire certain value due to the uses they've paid.





In my special case, this object is a little Mead Magic Explosion Insects Version 150-paged ruled notebook. With this notebook I make annotations for what would later become the football match reviews, here at the blog. In this case, this loyal ruled friend accompanied me first when the EURO 2008 was beginning, particularly in the match between Switzerland and Portugal, and the heart-breaking Turkey v. Czech Republic nearly two years ago. The second match, as you could see, ended with an outstanding 3-2 on favour of the Turks. Obviously the state of the posts has improved tremendously (or at least that's what I think, or pretend to think).





One can see the actual end of something that is purely physical as a notebook and when one looks on the pages written ages ago, emotive times pass as a recreation of a memory. I went on an extensive search after that kind of notebooks, but the outcome was far from being prosperous. In any case, it was substituted, just as a player on the pitch.





The experience of writing in Spanish has been quite an adventure for me, even when it is my mother tongue. In Mexico there's not an actual government programme for the care of writing from very early stages of school development, despite all the prizes and awards made by public and private institutions. Nevertheless, my awful composition seems to be improving. I do it slowly, and strangely, one can end up with a four-year degree in English literature without having the least sense of a proper writing in an Spanish-speaking country. The odd thing would be that I care less than a rat's ass, but that's not the case.

In other news we have some music from Das Racist via Stereogum. The mixtape is right here. You can have a funny week if you listen to this New York Hip-Hop. It's amusing enough not to fall over your books when reading... ehrm...

Arsenal v. Man Utd 1-3 31/Jan/09

Almunia, apparently a Man Utd fan.
[Photo: Getty Images via Soccernet]


When a vengeful, full of hatred response from Wenger's team was expected today at the Emirates, the matter ended again in a sort of cameo of the last three matches sustained against the Red Devils: a powerful demonstration of which team is better equipped to challenge the title. According to the French manager some "massive individual errors" were made throughout the ninety minutes. If we think of responsibles it would be easy to pick a few (Almunia, Clichy and Denilson) but the problem extends to the point of a whole team.
Almunia's mistake prevented the upperhand in what was already a pretty fair and tough contest. The fact that no real attacking threat was shown highlights the importance of a top class striker and also, a top class goalkeeper. Even if Wenger keeps showing endless faith in the sloppy hands of the Spaniard, behind him are two young keepers that are far from being the best candidates to replace him.
Next match for the Londoners is another test of character against rivals and leaders Chelsea. As of today, the mistake seems an unsurmountable task, and another crash at Stamford Bridge should end each and every chance of local silverware next May. With one competition left - the least likely to win - the Gunners' focus should remain in strengthening the squad after the World Cup. Next season remains a coherent date for setting sights in a tournament of any kind. Again speculating, the title chance is still on and with some points dropped by the two leaders the interesting part of the tournament could approach faster than we expect.



Opposite angle, same misery.
[Photo: Tom Jenkins via Guardian]


The beginning of the match was tense: in fifteen minutes the Russian international made two approaches for the Gunners; Song saved from the line one effort by Rooney. Even when the Gunners staged both Vermaelen and Song, the actual feeling that the team would concur into the same defensive quarrels was showing with each minute passing. The Mancunian team made several mistakes of simple passing due to the tense and tough atmosphere. Cesc marshaled several counterattacks which all lead to nothing due to the marvelous intervention of the visitors centre-back.
Just when the Devils were at their worst, another defensive misjudgement arrived; Nani provided a magnificent run to escape from Nasri and Clichy in the right wing, to later cross. What followed is really in the realm of non-sense when Almunia palmed in the Portuguese's effort into its own goal. Minutes later another goal came, when Rooney finished a Ronaldo-esque job in front of Almunia. The similarity with the Ronaldo goal in last May was scary, although scarier is the defending and most probably, the way in which the Gunners failed again to provide some cover.



The South Korean scores in front of the Gunners again.
[Photo: Getty Images via Soccernet]


If there was thin ray of hope in the supporters and players in the pitch, a quick assertive reaction should come as lighting. The Arsenal illusions for contention were fading away with the passing of the minutes, as the home team could not reach solid possession. The offensive-less Arsenal went on with the game posed by the Mancunians to find themselves in another trap as Park Ji Sung scored with an accurate finish. With ten minutes already into the present half, the matters were not as bright as wished.
The prospect of a comeback was hard to follow but the audience at the Grove were keen on their team to battle through. Cesc provided several chances, particularly from long range, and Song from close. The spirit of the Spaniard to go for the equalisers was unbequeathed; the skill to break the deadlock was not strong enough against a team that challenged far too beyond their lines.
After the risky substitutions, there was the feeling that with ten minutes remaining the Londoners could nail a swift move in order to put the Red Devils against the wall. Vermaelen did it, when the pressure was piling against van der Saar's goal, with a low volley that encountered Evans' leg. With this eventual outcome, the Gunners went on with all their little strength although there was pure intention and no real threat.

Aston Villa v. Arsenal 0-0 27/Jan/09

Campbell makes his Premier League "re-debut" as Vermaelen limps.
[Photo: Daily Mail]


After last weekend's early exit of the FA Cup, the Gunners sights into the two titles in which they can rely to, at least, compete. The exit of both Cameroon and Ivory Coast of the ACN meant that the African duo composed of Alex Song and Emmanuel Eboué could join and watch only from the stands as they will wait for a chance in Saturday's derby. Eventually this match, alongside with the following three, will determine Arsenal's title credentials when the fixture congestion of late March and April arrives.
If the chance of a positive outcome is produced by the young guns in these weeks, then a real possibility of lifting any of the two competitions left -most probably the Premier League- will be in the horizon, just ahead the date in South Africa. In the favour of the Londoners the list of injuries has reduced to a single figure, only containing long term absentees. In the other end, transfers have gone quite calm with some players extending contracts and loans.



Arsenal midfielders battling through.
[Photo: ACTION IMAGES via Telegraph]


It was not the most heartening welcome for the London side (at least in football matters) mainly because O'Neill's team managed to put the visitors against the wall in a number of occasions, starting with Gabriel Agbonlahor's shot in the 4th minute. The Gunners retaliated with a Eduardo shot at 9th. From then on, there were one or two options for them as the home team took advantage of a weak Arsenal team. Vermaelen got booked and gave away a freekick, that luckily for the Londoners was wide off the post.
Reaching the 23th minute, the Villains seemed to get a decent control of the match creating some outstanding football. Arsenal's poor passing along with the fact that the forwards were not connecting with their midfielders was one of the many concerns for Arsene's halftime talk. Apparently Vermaelen injured himself and was substituted ten minutes before the end. Again Ashley Young terrorised Arsenal's fullbacks; Clichy was exposed as the English winger left behind him with demonic speed.
Aside from a poor freekick by Cesc, the visitors showed some proper work on the ball as they approached Friedel's goal. In the final minute the Spaniard shot after dribbling past two, but the ball hit the woodwork and in the following rebound, Ramsey got in Rosicky's way and wasted a terrific chance to grab the lead.



Aaron Ramsey concedes possession to Milner.
[Photo: Matthew Childs/Action Images via Guardian]


The Gunners' halftime talk was not reinvigorating in neither sense; they still suffered from the attacks of Young. The home side grasped every opportunity in the set-pieces, particularly on corners. Some scrappy defending led the Londoners to some moments of frantic nervousness. In the 61th minute after a great run by Arshavin, Cesc couldn't quite control the ball and somehow Rosicky found it as he shot a howler at point blank. The ball punched the crossbar and another chance was wasted.
With Arshavin spending more time in the box, it looked that the lead could be soon coming nevertheless, Villa's intelligent defending was the cornerstone of the game. The match suddenly turned open as both teams struggled for the late goal. The final minutes were a mixture of imposure by O'Neill's men: the fact that both teams played fairly good led to the conclusion that the points dropped were actually more painful that what appeared.

Stoke City v. Arsenal 3-1 24/Jan/10

Ricardo Fuller at the double.
[Photo: Getty Images via Telegraph]


Today at the Britannia stadium, Arsene Wenger's priorities came into light as his team was outclassed by the Potters in a three-goal salvo today. The fourth round of the FA Cup saw the halt of a successful run of wins with Manchester and Liverpool both also exiting at early stages. Certainly this defeat will not lift a major burden as the next four matches are symbolical and crucial to the contention of the Premier League: Villa away, Manchester, Liverpool and Chelsea at home to later finish in the Champions League quarterfinal against Porto, all in a limited span of twenty-one days.
Campbell's return was ludicrous since the centre-backs - and particularly the wretched Mikaël Sylvestre - were the starting couple. Team selection has been widely criticised and probably the main culprit of the failure at this stage. All we can think about of youngsters of the likes as JET, Coquelin and the impressive Eastmond is that their growth has been advantaged, yet not to the extent of an FA Cup challenge.



Gunner comeback Campbell did not have his best game.
[Photo: Alan Walter via Daily Mail]


Any team that battles with Stoke is advised to take proper care against Rory Delap's throw-ins. Instead of that, Arsenal again fell into one of the Irish "crosses": in the second minute of the game Fuller took precious advantage of gaining the back of Eastmond to head past a childish Fabianski who waited in the line for the ball. With this rookie mistake, the "blue" Gunners battled a difficult fight against the negative outcome of Delap's deliveries.
If there was certain grip of the situation in the previous matches in which the visitors were outnumbered in the score sheet, this time that feeling was completely vanished due to the fact that the only attacking option that seemed to work was Carlos Vela. The poor performance of the midfield with the terrible defending that Sylvestre poised ensured the Potters a wealthy advantage in possession.
It was not until the 34th minute that a real threat shook Sorensen's goal. Despite the peak, the Gunners managed to grab a late equaliser by Denilson: a freekick taken by Cesc saw the Brazilian score after a series of deviations to put the visitors all square, just before the break.




Fabianski misses Whitehead final blow
[Photo: PA via Daily Mail]


Matters only appeared to improve for the Gunners when a long range shot from Fábregas nearly caught off guard the Stoke keeper. Vela proved luck by improving his presence in the box. Even with three substitution well past the hour of gameplay, Wenger's men proved to be nothing more than mediocre and dismal team in many of their attempts. Instead of assuring chances in corners or at least some quick passing the London defence let Fuller take another hint at goal, this time from a cross.
Sylvestre stand still as the Potters assured their lead for second time in the match. Then on, everything went wrong for the Londoners as another goal came into the goal of the nervous Fabianski. In the last minutes the performance dropped from horrid to dismal. The poor goalkeeping along with the terrible defending and the non-existent offensive threat helped the Potters to go through the next phase.

Arsenal v. Bolton 4-2 20/Jan/10

The exact moment of polemic.
[Photo: Rebecca Naden/PA via Guardian]


BOLTON DOUBLE FEATURE: PART TWO


Again, in the final outcome of the double feature against Coyle's new team the Gunners assured yet another win to climb top of the Premier, just right ahead of Man Utd, who are one of the following teams in the fixture list. The Londoners suffered during extended periods of the match and for nearly 50 minutes were in a deficit of two goals, which they corageoulsy reverted to double the Bolton's original scoreline. With the players focused, another "Liege night" was avoided from what could have been a detrimental dump in the chase of the title.
Regarding TV coverage, the match was not broadcasted in the UK thus, many Gooners had to rely on dismal links and streams to watch the game in its entirety. I found my own way to watch the game with some links that were broken and although the quality of the stream was hilarious, I grasped a vast majority of the game with the aid of some match-casts, such as the one in Arseblog.



Returning Cesc on the scoresheet.
[Photo: Mirror football]


Just before Cahill grabbed the early lead in the seventh minute, strikes from Arshavin and Diaby went through the busy Trotter midfield. The lead, was consummated after a series of flops and distractions into a rather scrappy Arsenal defence. Three defenders let Davies head the ball back to Cahill, who finished opposite to Almunia's direction. In spite of the psychological blow that the early goal offered, Rosicky coupled with Arshavin to provide Fábregas with an excellent opportunity in front of Jääskeläinen.
As the minutes passed the Wanderers gained confidence and in the 34th, through Taylor, they doubled their lead with a penalty kick: Denilson harshly took Lee Chung-Yong off guard and the penalty was awarded. A dream and a nightmare for both sides and the match was moving into its critical phase.
Arsenal's efforts increased when Eduardo took a weak shot and Gallas headed to the crossbar just before Rosicky lighted the thin ray of hope for the comeback. Cesc held the ferocious mark to set the Czech in the right edge of the box: the following shot was a violent break through and the only way for the home team to narrow the lead.



The moment of the alleged tackle.
[Photo: Robin Jones/Digital South via Daily Mail]


In the following forty-five minutes, the Gunners assured themselves another brave achievement: three goals and a superb display were the outcome of the difficult yet entertaining match. Memories of the Liege game came into mind as another scrappy goal was produced in the midst of the polemic: Fábregas scored his 11th goal of the season past the legs of Jääskeläinen in the 52th. William Gallas deliberately fouled Davies: the Bolton player had to be substituted since the foul by Gallas showed the studs wide open.
Thirteen minutes from Cesc's goal, Vermaelen had the chance to give the Gunners the lead as they piled more pressure on Bolton. A tremendous and ferocious shot after a tight control inside the box was the final touch for what appeared to be the winner. With some acrobatics from the Belgian international captain, Arsenal managed to get several corners.
The visitors regained some control and won nearly every challenge in the air. Eastmond replaced the injured Diaby to enjoy his second ever game in an Arsenal shirt. Whether there was a sense of discouragement of Bolton, the efforts were getting dangerous by the minute. Another dodgy finish and with the aid of Bolton's defence, Arshavin scored to give Arsenal the two goal lead four minutes from the final whistle.

Bolton v. Arsenal 0-2 17/Jan/09

The starlet seems to be on his way to sign a new contract.
[Photo: Jon Super/AP via Guardian]


DOUBLE BOLTON FEATURE: PART ONE


After a week of speculation in the latest transfer window, the Gunners assured a two-goal win away against a hapless Bolton side, who looked more aggressive than brilliant. With the entrance of Owen Coyle an apparent calm was looming in the Trotters as they saw a chance to improve their effort to leave relegation. One of the biggest news and a promise to look forward in the match was the inclusion of Sol Campbell -- rather than the re-inclusion of Fábregas after his injury at Villa.
Another one of his stunning displays will secure the Spaniard a solid place in the next World Cup and could sparkle that revolution which every Gooner intends to watch. Whether his arrival can or cannot change the face of this team is yet difficult to assure but if one thing is certain is that the other player, the English centre-back will give an enormous boost of leadership and experience, which sometimes seems to be lost in the mist of Arsenal's locker room.
Even when the danger of the threat that Bolton could impose, the engagement is not yet finished, when the Gunners face the Trotters in a double feature, common to this site at several stages over the last three seasons. The outcome of these pair of encounters should be more than interesting.



The Spaniard, with the lead.
[Photo: via Ian Hodgson via Daily Mirror]


The hectic pace in which the Gunners were involved by the home team lasted at least twenty minutes. In that time-span, Bolton's Finnish goalkeeper denied Cesc in two chances. Even with the powerful display of the Londoners, there were several leaks in the defence such as the enormous gap that Armand Traore gave away. Again the inconsistency of Almunia proved wrong believers right since a some scrappy defending nearly gave the Wanderers the lead.
Nevertheless Arsenal found their victorious way when an on-fire Fábregas grabbed another -- the goal came as he shot to defeat Jaaskelainen. Even with the respite of the Londoners, the inclusion of the young Craig Eastmond proved to be handy to replace Song, rather than Denilson. The aggressive and ridiculous harsh tackles by some of Coyle's players came back as an old déjà vu; particularly annoying were the efforts from Taylor, who could have been sent off as well as Rosicky.



Owen Coyle's homecoming was not really pleasant.
[Photo: Alex Livesey/Getty Images via Soccernet]


With no further ado, the visitors again started the second half -- as many of their visiting games -- with distress and a lack of focus, particularly in midfield. Advances by Bolton's midfield proved to be difficult to punch back. The London defence conceded a priceless opportunity to Taylor, who put the ball into the lowest orbit around the earth. With the early substitution of Eastmond the question of the holding midfielder remained, as Diaby covered the young Englishman's position.
After a couple of substitutions, and with the game waning in time, the Londoners were able to repel and counter; in the 78th minute, Cesc again made a marvelous in-control run down left midfield which landed in the feet of Mérida, who without hesitation, shot past Jaaskelainen. The final minutes seemed a mere watch, with the tie already in the grasp of the visitors.

Arsenal v. Everton 2-2 9/Jan/09

Manuel Almunia: inaccurate and slow, even at avoiding friendlies.
[Photo: AFP/Getty Images via Daily Mail]


In the midst of an epic blizzard the Toffees travelled to the Emirates today to dramatically draw a game which was a complete antithesis of the the first game of the current season. The previous matches for the Liverpudlians resulted in two draws followed by two solid wins. For the most part of the encounter, the fans were frustrated as they saw a weak and nervy side without their best three players. All that is expected is just a Chelsea draw, that is highly unlikely to happen -- as Manchester drew earlier on with Birmingham. Next week there will be another double match fixture against Bolton; there the Gunners must take all their power to ensure their confidence and momentum keeps growing, despite this match against Moyes force.

Landon Donovan, one of the most hated persons throughout the Mexican republic, shone in his icy debut at the Grove, providing one valuable assistance and a great performance down the right side. For the most part of the match the Arsenal players were unable to deal with his constant threat.



Pienaar lobs in front of a helpless Almunia.
[Photo: Getty Images via Daily mail]


In an arctic start Saha was denied a chance as well as Diaby just before the Toffeemen took the lead through a blistering header by Lee Osman. The mistake was due to some childish defending: again Gallas forgot what a defender must do in the box and let Osman head with a freedom of a striker. Again the old story was about to be retold in the freezing conditions: the Gunners regained possession and tried to build their way past the visiting defence. Throughout fifteen minutes they did it with quite easiness but no actual effectiveness until the equaliser arrived in the 28th minute.
Denilson, who scored in the first leg of the previously mentioned match, shot into Howard's, but a deflection helped the home team to square things up. With fifteen minutes to finish, the Londoners could not make a difference, with the likes of Nasri and Diaby offering little to a visiting side that stood resilient in front of goal.



Fortunate deflection for the Londoners.
[Photo: Reuters via Daily Mail]


The fifteen-minute break did more damage than help to both sides, since a lot of snow covered some areas of the pitch in spite of the effort the stewards pitch maintenance crew. With a thundering display by the American Donovan, the Gunners suffered from his incursions in the left side, now deputised by Traore. Even with the possession in 72% favouring the Londoners there wasn't real danger coming from them
After a couple of substitutions there wasn't a good panorama at the Grove. Denilson was on the verge of another goal but it went out wide after a deflection. Even with efforts such as Vermaelen's, who nearly tickled one in, the Gunners kept their scoreline as it was in the previous half. Reaching the 70th minute, the siege by the London team aggravated the Liverpudlian defence. In that same play, the entire Stadium claimed a penalty, the occasion--the Brazilian Gunner went down inside the box.
But the South African Pienaar looked sharper to counter all Arsenal efforts as the defence was caught up off place and Cahill released him down the middle; he run into Almunia and chipped it in to give Everton the advantage. As the view looked gruesome the Gunners pulled out of their sleeves another late show when Rosicky got Arsenal back on track. The shot was fierce and there was nothing Howard could do.

West Ham v. Arsenal 1-2 3/Jan/10

Eduardo scores the lead.
[Photo: Paul Childs/Action Images via Guardian]


The first match of the decade for the Gunners - in the FA Cup context - resulted in another late show to ensure their travelling fans, and supporters at home, a solid display of two goals against one. Zola's men provided a strange blend of tough direct attacking with some fearful defending. It only rests for the Gunners to wait until the next match away against Stoke, in what promises to be another strenuous and difficult match.
Previous matches have reported a deficit to Wenger's men. With the return of Senderos to first team and Ramsey's momentum, the north Londoners secured a troublesome tie. Palmer at Soccernet was adamant on the way the visiting second string of players assured another win.



[Photo: PA via Daily Mail]


The match entertained very few as the deadlock was imposed through nearly all the first period. Attacks by Diamanti, Eduardo and Vela were held by both keepers. Whether the first forty-five minutes offered little in terms of football, the possession was not as equal as the attempts. The Gunners enjoyed a fair amount of it, whilst many of the West Ham opportunities were made in that wretched left hand side deputised by Sylvestre this time.
Wilshere's attempts were poor and the overwhelming attention by the Hammers on the teenager showed his lack of rhythm. Despite the effort from the visitors to square things, West Ham grabbed a late lead already in injury time: the fault was in the sloppy, slow ex-Manchester defender, who this time, allowed Alessandro Diamanti slip away into the offside trap and scored neatly.



Francisco Merida, a fairly mediocre participation.
[Photo: PA via Daily Mail]


As if it were not enough for Wenger's suffering, Stanislas opened the second part with a strong right footed shot palmed away by Fabianski. Again the power of West Ham's midfield rose above Arsenal's and some evident weakness were shown. Merida, the obvious candidate for an early exit showed no more that a couple of passes but the entrance of the Frenchmen Nasri and Diaby provided the Gunners what they have been missing throughout the match: power and creativity.
The lack of a central striker was felt; Green denied three times attempts by Arsenal midfielders. Meanwhile the match was turning primarily entertaining for neutrals as both sides struggled to get a good grip defensively speaking; by the 78th minute the Hammers' grasp did not last long and the equaliser came in the hands of a brilliant Ramsey shot at left. Six minutes later, the insistence of the young guns paid dividends; Vela, after one assistance, set Eduardo who neatly lobed the ball into Greene's post--the finish, superb. The final minutes were as stressing as the first. In the end, perseverance gave five the Gunners the victory just as they passed through the next round.

Portsmouth v. Arsenal 1-4 30/Dec/09

[Photo: Getty Images via Daily Mail]


Arsenal ended their year and decade with a high and flamboyant success at Fratton Park after beating four to one relegation-placed Portsmouth. Certainly after the lucky streak of wonderful performances the Gunners will rather want to extend their successfull spell next Saturday as they face London rivals West Ham United in the FA Cup context. Whether this year proved to be cosy and motivational in some respects and dismal an horrid in others, the prospects of a bright future next May, in any of the three fronts, can be achieved in this tough but encouraging contest.

The Gunners' decade went from brilliant - clinching the Premier League title on two occasions with and unfathomable 49-matches unbeaten as well as the FA Cup three times - to a hapless five trophy-less years, losing one Champions League final and two semi-finals, another Carling Cup final as others can be added to the list. Certainly teams of the likes of Everton, Villa and even Tottenham, would love to be in the north Londoners' position since only elite teams are allowed to enter this stages.

But for a team such as Arsenal, the bar as gone well too high and trying to achieve feats such as the previous, demands the best players among the world. Hopefully - sooner rather than later- we can see a different outcome towards this situations. 2010 could be a year in which the Gunners could see those dreams lifting up - why not- a treble. Congratulations to Vic Akers who was awarded an OBE.



[Photo: Getty Images via Daily Mail]


Within two minutes Portsmouth could have opened the score, primarily with Boateng's effort saved by Almunia. As the minutes flew by the visitors found some stability and reached Begovic's goal in several occasions. It was the lively effort of the home squad bolstered with appetite for a goal and not the fact that their opposition could not seem to find a way well into the game that made the encounter more attractive. As the clock ticked, Begovic denied Diaby after a quick succession of passes. In front of Portsmouth's area, the visitors were running riot and an inevitable positive outcome was fully expected by the travelling fans.
Unfortunately for Portsmouth, Kaboul deflected the path of the ball towards Begovic's far post and suddenly the Londoners found themselves with the lead. Not a clear response was made by the home team as the minutes passed. Again the dominance of the visitors provided them with the opportunity of breaking through a second goal, this time with the brilliant talent of Ramsey.



[Photo: PA via Daily Mail]


Things could not have gone better for the Londoners since their grasp was placed through a huge amount of possession. Steadily, the pressure mounted towards the Pompey side, again to prove critics regarding Arsenal's away form. Without hesitation nor problem Ramsey stole the ball, shook off one marker to shot crossed Begovic's post. The Gunners were three-nil and another one of those epic marks was coming into light.
Nadir Belhadj brought a ray of hope to the home supporters as he scored against a rather clumsy and slow defensive back. Even when the home team made decent efforts to close the gap the visitors' threat on Begovic's goal was imminent.
Ten minutes to end, another goal of brilliant proportions took place when Nasri controlled a deviation just to clinically cross into Song's head who lobed the ball to beat again the Bosnian keeper. With a couple of opportunities scrapped by the visitors there were few minutes remaining for Portsmouth to raise the edge. Luckily enough for the Gunners the match ended with a solid three goal lead.

Arsenal v. Aston Villa 3-0 27/Dec/09

The skipper completed in a thirty minute performance a brace.
[Photo: Jonathan Brady/EPA via Guardian]

In a twenty-seventh minute "cameo" Cesc Fábregas reassured his commitment to Arsenal's cause and put Aston Villa in trouble just as his brace made the difference. Despite the injury some thought that it was 'worth the risk. Within this brief span of thirty minutes, the Spaniard secured what for the Gunners meant a step closer towards the Chelsea in the hot pursue for May's silverware.

Whilst the battle between direct fourth-place rivals meant a lot more than just gossip from the media, the match resulted to be quite an attraction. After this troubled encounter the Londoners face a tricky four week schedule with a travel to struggling Pompey, a home fixture against Everton, an FA Cup tie against Hammers and a double feature at Bolton.



The exact moment of beauty.
[Photo: Getty Images via Daily Mail]


For most of the first half, the fight between the two teams was fierce. The opposition really did not give the Gunners much chance to score: meanwhile the efforts were neutralised by what seemed a really solid defence. Even when Arsenal created chances - mainly one by Eduardo and a volley by Nasri - the deadlock imposed by O'Neill's men was tough. For large periods of the first part, the Londoners appeared to have the upper-hand whilst many of the attempts came from the vigorous right-hand side. Strangely, not even a single cross was made by Traore. The physical contest was won by the home team, that by the break had made nothing more of a push towards their opposition.



Limping after his second.
[Photo: Guardian]

If the previous half provided the Gunners with plenty of possession, their hopes were revitalised when a rampant, brilliant and lucid Cesc Fabregas came off the bench to put his team back on track. Before this entrance, the home side made enough attempts to put Friedel on target several times. With the inclusion of the Spanish international, in the 64th minute, the home team rose above level. Cesc, marshaling all the players, reordered the midfield and in one of those occasions was kicked in the edge of the box by Dunne.
Immediately afterwards came the second consecutive free kick goal in the last two matches. If Denilson and Nasri were to take the ball, immediately Cesc grabbed it, and with a dexterity of a master, put he ball in the farther side of Friedel's goal; a wonderful cherry on top of the icing, the Spaniard was proverbial.
After the goal (and until the end of the game) the Gunners strolled past the Villains, creating at least three more chances. In one of them, Cesc was fed by Theo on the wing and scored. Unfortunately, although he completed his brace, the captain was limping and eventually got substituted. Afterwards, even with morale high the defence look focused enough to not give away two goals as in previous matches. In one rampaging counter-attack, Diaby finished with a trade-mark goal after passing through a couple of bodies before ending the game.

Arsenal v. Hull City 3-0 19/Dec/09

Nasri against the thick of Brown's troops.
[Photo: John Sibley/Action Images via Guardian]


After the draw in Turf Moor last Wednesday, the Gunners received one team that has been annoying their aspirations - even if just theoretically . Whether the absence of Cesc Fábregas meant something of a void, the home team were able to cope with the absence of their talismanic captain. Particularly the work of the three man in midfield was outstanding: Diaby provided one and created another as well as Denilson's beautiful comb while Song proved once again that he is the driving force for all the creation.
Palmer's verdict could not be closer to reality: "A depleted Arsenal got the job done and they will need to win plenty more games like this if they are to push Chelsea close in the second half of the season. Their lack of strength in reserve must still be a major concern."
It was of the utmost importance to see a win, for many believed that after the previous draw, Chelsea could have regained a broader lead in the table. With the current situation the Gunners stand six points behind their London counterparts with a game against Bolton in hand. The other news was the Champions League draw: the Londoners were drawn with FC Porto, a team that in the past have proved to be a rather toilsome if not annoying. Last year it was Cristiano Ronaldo's long range driver that gave Utd the edge.



[Photo: Getty Images via Daily Mail]


Most important was the question of Arsenal's midifield vacancy and Diaby did not disappoint. Where in the past he had received flak from nearly all Arsenal quarters, today he impressed in a rather industrious fashion. His shot at the 14th, as well as his fellow countryman's Nasri in the next minute, proved wrong the strange outcome of the first half. Whereas the Gunners made an effort to control the ball throughout the whole of the first half, the labour in which the physicality of Hull's game was based deprived most of the home jingle. Shots from Eduardo and Arshavin provided the necessary statistics against a pretty even match.
It was not actually just before halftime that interesting things happened. Nasri sparkled a riot in which the young Frenchman and Stephen Hunt saw yellow cards. Right after the incident, Denilson took what appeared to be a freekick in possession of the ex-Marseille midfielder. The Brazilian impressed the whole stadium by deliciously curling the ball away from both the defensive wall and the keeper. Even if the Gunners did not enjoy the usual football they deploy at the Emirates the tough force behind Arsenal's effort came to light.



Diaby sums up his performance of the day.
[Photo: Reuters via Daily Mail]


Particularly enthralling resulted to be the second half. Arshavin set Eduardo a decent pass that ended in a wide effort or as Gunnerblog sums it in his Twitter: "Bergkamp-esque turn by Eduardo but he misses the target". Ten minutes after the halftime whistle, Sylvestre "pulled" Cousin's jersey to concede a penalty. Whether the lightness of the challenge or the rigour imposed by the referee were the main factors, Almunia did save in an outstanding manner the spot kick from Giovanni.
From then on the opposition cracked and vanished to mere dregs. Eduardo opened his personal account after a strolling counter on the box by Abou Diaby. If he proves to be consistent in this trademark events, we may be seeing the force of the replacement of Song when the ANC takes place in January. After a couple of substitutions the Gunners dipped yet another strike with the same Frenchman at the tip of the spear: a devilish strike after a play that he, with Song, manufactured throughout the final third of the pitch.

Burnley v. Arsenal 1-1 16/Dec/09

The precise moment of the flaw.
[Photo: Jason Cairnduff/Action Images via Guardian]


Another travel to the north in one week saw the Gunners draw at Turf Moor against a hapless yet industrious side. Where at moments both teams struggled to find their own forms, there was one of those clashes in which both earn one point where actually the totality of the three could have made a lot happier either set of supporters and players. Burnley cannot be accused of playing to draw, neither Arsenal of underplaying: the constants that the Londoners face each time they travel to hostile grounds are, by this time of the season, measured and should be taken into consideration.
The previous win against Liverpool mattered little in this case. Even when the schedule seems to be an easy one, the fact that another pause comes between the home games against Hull and Villa could benefit the current situation instead of hampering it. Burnley resulted a rock on the path? as Wenger's ambitions once more took halt and should be no more than that as another lesson is learned.



[Photo: Mirror Football]


The haphazard beginning saw Vermaelen nearly scoring in his own goal, but Almunia palmed away timely. The northern team had several opportunities to counter the Gunners' approach. Within the first minutes they deployed their usual custom when visiting teams, specially with difficult travels such as this one. In the seventh minute, they took the lead through Cesc Fábregas after combining with Burnley's moronic defence
The London skipper made himself present for Carlyle's defence as he strolled past one defender and lobed the ball to shoot wide. The visitors made around five "warnings" when the clock approached the quarter of an hour. The clearest of them was a combo between Nasri and Arshavin; his try made the woodwork tremble nevertheless.
Pressure by Coyle's men gave them a bounty they could nor reject; Vermaelen gave away a penalty and Alexander squared things up three minutes to get to the half hour mark. From that point on, the Clarets made a crusade to grab a lead, which really did not seem strange taking into considerations the state of Arsenal's defence.
As the final minutes o the first half ended, the home attack began to grow as the Spaniard skipper had to be replaced by the young Welshman due to an early injury. Instead of finishing the first part at top gear, the sense that the Londoners entered into a kind of a no-way out trap appeared to be welcomed by the home supporters.



[Photo: News of the World]



Reaching the 56th minute the visitors had their first approach of the second part through a largely common, standard corner. Walcott summed up his terrible form with a wide shot at row-z, which was by far the clearest chance of the match for his side. As the Clarets took advantage, Eagles made a surreptitious move to edge Silvestre and Nasri; his subsequent shot hit the post violently, all this at the 62nd minute. Eduardo came on for Theo a couple of minutes later. From the sixtieth minute to the eightieth minute, Coyle's men scrapped a load of chances, beginning with Foster's at 65th. A disallowed goal broke the hearts of the Burnley supporters at Turf Moor as Fletcher found himself offside.
With the craft of Nasri, slowly the home team's dominance began to dissolve as the visitors' began to increase. Despite this great endeavour there should have been a penalty awarded to Burnley as one of those clumsy tackles by Sylvestre came out. Yet the final five minutes produced some desperate football by both teams. Instead the stalemate remained and the two teams shared the two points; probably any of the eleven men would have been happier with the three.