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Tuesday 25 October 2011

Weekend Thoughts...Utd Get Humbled..Newcastle Continue To Impress...Have Arsenal Turned A Corner?...

afternoon roaders.

apologies for a lack of post last week. the world of gainful employment has once again clasped me against its (not) ample busom.

anyhoo.......

Fascinating Weekend of 'English Barclays Premier League Football' as Ray Wilkins would so delicately put it...


1930 was the last time Man Utd had shipped 6 goals at Old Trafford. Buts that what happened against the worst possible opponents (from a geographical point of view) on Sunday afternoon. by the conclusion of the game I was making noises and squeals of apoplexy most often reserved for that of a monkey enclosure. Lets look at the key factors in the game.



We have to begin with yet another tour-de-force outing for David Silva. It is becoming a cliche in itself to say I have run out of superlatives for this man. But I have. Majestic. Magical. Mesmeric. Those are just the 'm's'. In every single game this season, except for the Villa game at Eastlands, which he was rested for, if David Silva has not either scored, assisted or created a goal, his tireless work rate and movement around the pitch - not to mention his first touch when getting the ball - has contributed to a monumental effort toward a team victory.

This man is the reason why I CANNOT hate Manchester City. He is amazing. Even at this early stage of the season, only long term injury can prevent him winning PFA player of the year. There is no one even close to what he does. Goodness knows what his market value is? Aside from Silva, the formerly troubled Mario Balotelli is showing signs consistently, of his quality and keeping his theatrics and eccentricities off the pitch. No doubt Mr Balotelli's house will be THE place to be come November 5th. Fireworks anyone?...

that t-shirt is already on my Xmas list...

Throw in excellent performances from City's oft criticised wide man James Milner and Micah Richards bear like stature and powerful surges down the right and City were too strong for a Utd side lacking Cleverley's, well, cleverness. City are really starting to look a very good unit and with a five point lead few would argue they look good to win already. But lest we forget, Chelsea had a 9 point lead in late November and by January were 3rd. Things can change....


Newcastle are also starting to look like a top 6 side. Alan Pardew has not received the plaudits he deserves for his sides excellent start to the season. Yes they are yet to play Utd, City, or Liverpool but with points against Arsenal and Spurs at St. James Park, few could argue that they have passed early tests.



Many expected the magpies to brush aside a forlorn Wigan side but could only manage a single goal courtesy of a delightful swerving shot form former Lille man Yohan Cabaye; a player I picked out at the beginning of the season as a potentially excellent signing for Newcastle. Cabaye has struggled to adapt to life in the Premier League, but who wouldnt? Gradually he has formed a fluid partnership with Ivorian powerhouse Cheik Tiote in the midfield and Tiote's presence allows Cabaye to bomb forward on many occasions and create havoc. In tandem they then supply the forwards Ba, Ameobi and Best with the ammunition to convert chances into goals.



Perhaps, though the secret of Newcastle's unbeaten start to the season is the back four. They pick themselves. Ryan Taylor is a wonderful creative outlet at left back, not so adept at defending but has a wonderful freekick ability in his locker as shown in his goal against Sunderland back in August. He has pace in abundance and frequently gets high up the field notching up assists from time to time. Danny Simpson also has a great deal of pace and is a great crosser. Personally I feel his inability to defend and make silly mistakes hinders his game.



The big part of Newcastle is the Centre back partnership of Fabricio Coloccini and Steven Taylor. Coloccini is a born leader. Crazy hair in the vein of Marouane Fellaini but the same work ethic. Big Strong frame with a excellent aerial ability in both penalty areas and also has a great right foot on him. Taylor is very different to Coloccini but is the perfect foil for him. Hes not huge. 5'11, infact, but is strong and often in the opposing penalty area is adept at wriggling away from his marker, setting up set piece goals. Curiously Steven Taylor was frozen out by former manager Chris Hughton after Taylor returned from a lengthy spell out with cruciate ligament damage. But after a few weeks of Pardew's regime, he was reinstalled ahead of Mike Williamson after he was banned following a series of poor challenges in a league game against Chelsea last November.



Newcastle have a tough run of games in November playing all of the top three. After those games we will have a better indication of whether they are a top four contender...



Finally it appears that Arsenal Football Club may have began to turn the corner and put their hideous start to the 2011/12 campaign behind them. September was not kind to Arsene Wenger. After the unlucky 2 1 defeat to Spurs on October the 3rd, Arsenal have recorded victories against a beleaguered Sunderland but more impressively against Marseille at Stade Velodrome and Stoke at the Weekend. Its no secret that in no small part are those victories - at least league ones - are down to the prolific Robin van Persie who is enjoying his longest career spell to date, without an injury. already notching up 9 league goals already. One could argue he is the most in form striker in the world right now.

Those words I type as I expect any day for his legs to shut down...


But Arsenal's recent resurgence is not, as some pundits are saying due to one man. Gervinho's contibution on Sunday was excellent winning man of the match setting up both of RVPs goals but also converting a delightful Aaron Ramsey chip over the Stoke defence. He started the season in lively fashion, but as so many of Arsenals signings of recent years have flattered to deceive; looking lively, creating chances but ultimately wasting them. Gervinho has now scored 3 goals and notched up 3 assists. The guy will always try and fingers crossed as his confidence grows so will his goal tally.  Now this blogger is still very dubious about said resurgence, as Chelsea could quite easily expose come Saturday lunchtime, but if this is the case, it's down to hard work from two particular men.


Koscielny and Mertesacker are starting to form a really strong partnership in the absence of the belgian god that is Thomas Vermaelen. I have never doubted Koscielny's potential; he is quick and is an ox. Surprisingly so. Early on, fans seriously doubted that the German and the Frenchman could form an effective partnership. But where Mertesacker lacks pace and mobility, Koscielny makes up for. Where Koscielny lacks power and steadfastness, Mertesacker makes up for. It's a good team.  


With Thomas Vermaelen back in the Carling Cup Squad to face Bolton this evening, if he plays 90 mins, the belgian could be installed back into the team to play Chelsea. That leaves a question over who to partner him at the back. I'd say Mertesacker and Vermaelen would operate even more succesfully. So then what about Laurent? As much as I prefer to see Johann Djourou play at right back, away from the responsibilities that come from being a centre back and the resulting mistakes he is BOUND to make, I would much rather have pace on the right wing as well as the ability to defend, to boot. Therefore, for me, its a no brainer to play Koscielny at right back on saturday.

But that's just me.

Goodness only knows what Mr Wenger thinks..... hmmmm......


Monday 10 October 2011

Rooney Gets a Bad Rap, The Arsenal Civil War Begins...

afternoon, Holloway Roaders.

the word seems to be spreading to google about the blog now. getting there.


England's european qualification for Ukraine and Poland was confirmed on friday night in Podgorica. I admit to thinking that It was a cert anyway, even if we lost, as we had a plus 10 goal difference. Even - as I say - we did lose it would still take a 7 nil win, away in Geneva for Montenegro to win the group. I did however neglect to realise that it was head to head results that counted and a loss in the Montegran capital would mean if they beat Switzerland on Tuesday night they would qualify automatically. So I planned a night of culture out on the town.

Oh.

I checked in at half time in the pub down the road to discover we were 2 1 ahead. It looked comfortable - and largely - it was. Despite a few last minute nerves after Montenegro equalised and of course a certain sending off....now I have seen the game, here are a few thoughts...





Lets get to the elephant in the room. (sorry Wayne!)

Rooney.


If you havent seen it yet here is Rooney lashing out at Montenegran midfielder Miodrag Dszudic




Wayne has never been the cleanest of players, often with the shortest of fuses. This piece in The Telegraph highlights the big clash points in his career


But looking at just his sendings off: 


For Man Utd v Villarreal in the Champions League in 2004 for sarcastically applauding the referee after unintentionally fouling a player.

For England v Portugal in the 2006 World Cup Quarter Final in Germany for the infamous stamp on United teammate Cristiano Ronaldo.

For Man Utd v Porto - just over one month after his misdemeanours in Germany - for elbowing defender Pepe. He was banned for 3 games.

For Man Utd in 2009 at Craven Cottage for a second bookable offence after kicking the ball away in frustration. Rooney then proceeded to throw a tantrum. At the corner flag.

For England v Montengro in October 2011, for kicking out at a midfielder.


Now, I am not Wayne Rooney's biggest fan. Far from it. He's not a nice guy. period. But his sending off on friday night was one of his lesser crimes. Yes it was silly. Yes it was rash. Yes it was unnecessary. But Rooney is a striker and its in his nature to put a boot through things. i.e. Balls...ahem....he tried to regain the ball and was late and he kicked him. BUT it really didnt look that bad. No stamp. No elbow. And he knew as soon as he had done it he regretted it. Wayne Rooney rarely shows remorse. He is learning. So for the press to villify him as they have is a shame. 

Unfortunately for a guy so much in the public spotlight at all times, his reputation precedes him. Celebrity dictates it so.

A few other things that I noted.

As predicted Phil Jones made his England debut at Right Back in Podgorica. He really does add an extra dimension on the wings. Indeed he nearly became the quickest international debut scorer international history after his second minute cross-cum-shot was palmed over by goalkeeper Mladen Bozovic. He was caught out at times but he is 19 and he has much to learn still...The question remains whether to keep Jones at Right Back or to move him Centrally, as question marks have cropped up over Gary Cahill's form, but also Kyle Walker is now pushing hard for a starting berth after a man of the match performance versus Arsenal in the North London Derby last weekend.


Ashley Young continues to impress on the international stage. Another show stealing perfomance on the left wing, floating in and around the attacking role saw him convert Theo Walcott's pinpoint cross and create for Darren Bent to tap in at the far post. Since his move to Old Trafford he really has found his feet and his transferral from Villa Park has been effortless. His presence was greatly missed against Norwich when trying to break down a resilient Canaries defence.   


Finally a quick word on what may or may not happen this Saturday at the Emirates Stadium. A pocket of Arsenal fans, who are still in the minority, officially, that is are planning on unfurling a banner during the Sunderland game.....  


interesting developments. The unrest seems to be approaching a par with that of Everton fans. This particular blogger is standing on the Wenger side, peering onto the otherside of the fence, asking for the occasion cup of sugar. If defensive displays continue to be lacklustre than I may vault over said fence. the real issue is that more and more fans I speak to seem to be losing faith in Le Boss, whether they know fuck all, or not. If war breaks out out between the fans - regardless of a naive, ignorant, toothless board - it will affect everyone. 

Then things will get interesting....


Monday 3 October 2011

Ok...NOW It's A Crisis...

afternoon.

Yesterdays' events have compelled me to blog earlier than I would have normally. So here goes...

I'm starting to run out of scapegoats and explanations for Arsenal's continuing failings. I have blogged in depth about my feelings about Arsene. Whilst maligned, they are not all completely fair, after much consideration and frankly I am tired of blaming our manager. So I am not going to.

At least not today...



Spurs' marginal victory yesterday means they have recorded 3 wins out 4 in the North London rivals' meetings over the past 2 years. Where as previously it was 1 in 20. In that time, Tottenham have closed the gap on their most hated of Islington neighbours. But other than personnel and improved quality of player, in my opinion the only difference is that Spurs have moved and evolved, but Arsenal have not. The antithesis of stagnation.


This biggest change for Arsenal was the departure of David Dein. Dein made a lot of the calls in the Arsenal boardroom. He was also Wengers' right hand man. When things were going awry, he was the one to have a quiet word in his ear; the voice of reason. That man now appears to be Ivan Gazidis and he does little to aide Wenger or appease the fans. On the face of it. I feel Gazidis is letting the club down more than Wenger ever has.  So who is Ivan Gazidis?


Ivan Gazidis was born in September of 1964, in Johannesburg, South Africa. He then moved to Manchester at the age of 4 and supported Manchester City as a young boy (does anybody see where this is going). He graduated with a degree in law at Oxford before moving to the States to work with Latham & Watkins. In 1994 he joined the founding management team of Major League Soccer and 7 years later became deputy comissioner. Three years ago in 2008, he was enlisted as Chief Executive of Arsenal Football Club, replacing the outgoing Dein. He was brought in to improve Arsenal's commercial avenues and to improve revenues from marketing.


There is NO doubt whatsoever he has done this. And so why is less and less money been invested into the Football Club, in terms of quality, no, world class players. Is the effort not there? It appears there is no teeth for the fight. The problem is for Gazidis and that prehistoric, ignorant mouthpiece, Peter Hill-Wood is that Arsenal has become one of the biggest cash cows in these recession ravaged times. Profit is clearly a good thing. But it is clearly an even better thing for the fat cats, chairpersons and majority shareholders. A football club that is run as more of a company than a sports team, is not. If Arsenal Football were situated in America it would now be a franchise. Hold on....With Kronke (ineffectual as he appears) and Gazidis, Arsenal are now heavily American influenced and financially - or not - backed. Maybe we already are?...

The big problem for me is the sheer level of ignorance on Gazidis' part. The lack of success since 2005, is clearly lost on him:


"I think perspective is very important,"  

"You need to take a distance when you assess the season. This club has over 120 years of history and if you're looking at where we are and how we're doing at this period of our development you have to say it is one of the special times, one of the golden times. I hope we don't forget to appreciate that.


What special times would they be Ivan? Where are these 'golden' times you speak of. Yes we have had success, commerically and in the past on the pitch. But that was with a different regime, which YOU were NOT a part of. So don't put your name on that success. Ever. The tumerity of this man is astounding. He was guilty of not putting the funds on the table for Juan Mata, now thriving at Chelsea. We could have had the same pacy left winger for £7m pounds less than what they paid for. But the funds for deals for Cesc and Lesri were not forthcoming and had not been sorted out.

So what about the transfer kitty? what about the war chest? Couldnt that have been used BEFORE Fabregas was sorted out?

truly astonishingly bad mis-management. I think if not blame Wenger, then blame Gazidis; The buck must stop with him


This brings me onto my main point, with Sagna now sidelined until at least January, Arsenal have a real problem on their hands. Carl Jenkinson will almost certainly now deputise at right back (although Coquelin could also be utilised there as he did with Lorient). Jenkinson is showing promising signs. But the cold hard facts are that this is not the Blue Square Conference. This is the toughest league in the world. many have failed. many will fail. Jenkinson is horribly unexperienced in this department and I am seriously concerned he will be exposed against pacy wingers.

When we return after the international break, Arsenal play Sunderland at home. Jenkinson is likely to be pitted against Seb Larsson or Elmohamady. The game is very much winnable and should be. But Steve Bruce will be fighting for his job and as unpredictable as this league is at times, its a tough call.



Then its Stoke City, again at the Emirates. Always tough against a physical side, who Arsenal repeatedly struggle against. Jenkinson v Etherington is likely to be his chance to best his oppenent. Then it is Chelsea. Mata will no doubt come back to haunt us. One other thing though...this fixture will be Fernando Torres' return from suspension. Hmmm...a fresh Fernando Torres, bad form or not....


Doesn't bare thinking about.....


What is currently 15th place and 3 places above the drop zone, could and really should improve.

But if things don't go smoothly and - as we have seen, rarely do - in a months time, 15th place might not look so bad and then what happens?....