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

TRIPLE UTD FEATURE: PART TWO


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

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







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







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







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

On other anniversary

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

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



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

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

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

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







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







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

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

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

TRIPLE UTD FEATURE: PART ONE




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







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







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







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

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

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

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







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







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







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