Weekend thoughts...Henry Honeymoon Hiatus...

afternoon roaders! Hope you like the new layout. Again I'm toying with a few ideas and it will no doubt change between now and my next post..


I'll begin with a little clip of Samir Nasri, which you may or may not have seen. He was being berrated by two Liverpool fans who drove past him in the car after the reds won the first leg of their Carling Cup Semi against Manchester City last week.

Oh what a twisted individual I am.. bwahaha..

So after all the flack Steve Kean has been taking, it appears that his side are finding some form at long last. A victory at home to Fulham on Saturday - with a man down notwithstanding - was impressive. Indeed I had Fulham to win. Especially when Rovers' main goal threat, Yakubu, was sent off for a rake of the studs on Jason Lowe.

But after being reduced to 10 men, Blackburn's young pups really shone through. Particularly the improving Grant Hanley, the aforementioned Lowe and Junior Hoilett. But it was Rovers' trusted long-serving campaigners David Dunn and Morten Gamst Pedersen who delivered the goods when it mattered. A few seasons ago Dunn was a maestro in the Blackburn midfield but recently, injuries have seen him lose form and be frequently benched. Tough, burly and hard working, if Dunn can recapture his scoring form for the run in, Blackburn have every chance of beating the drop. Which a month ago seemed a foregone conclusion.


The same could be said for the Norse Pedersen. Last season in particular, he was adept at creating opportunities and from set pieces notably, with his traction engine of a left foot and his uncanny knack to be in the right place at the right time. His both in and out-swinging corners were ideal for the likes of Chris Samba and Ryan Nelsen to get on the end of.

This season so far however, probably in no small part due to Blackburn's lack of self belief as a whole, he has found himself bench-warming as Kean began his tenure with a stockier five mad midfield, often with natural defenders pushing up into a more active role ahead of the defence, past the centre circle. The prime examples being Phil Jones (last season) and now Steven Nzonzi. Gradually though, Pedersen has began to find his role in Kean's ever evolving system. Like with Dunn, Pedersen has shown glimpses of his best form and if Blackburn are to avoid the drop, they will need theses glimpses to become more permanent features of his game.

As a part time, suffering Tractor Boy, it brings me pain to see Norwich flourishing in the top flight. But all bias aside, Paul Lambert has got the canaries playing some very attractive stuff - with bite. So that pill is slightly easier to swallow as an admirer of good teams that play good football. But not just good; clever also.
The Championship's most prolific goal-scorer last season, Grant Holt has seamlessly carried his form through to the Premier League - even if it be from the bench - scoring 7 goals and notching up 3 assists so far this season. His partner up front Steve Morison is equally consistent, if not more with 8 goals and 4 assists. Norwich in an attacking, sense are the most consistent performers outside of the top 6. Add to this some very dynamic wing players and attackers like Pilkington, Surman and Wes Hoolahan and Norwich - I have no doubt - have got enough goals in them to survive and push for a top ten finish.


Finally this week I want to AGAIN talk about the Arsenal situation. I honestly I want to bash my head against a wall. Every time the club seem like making real progress, form drops, players get injured and the manager goes into denial. After a shocking start to the season, Arsenals progress had taken them back into the top four and at least a chink of hope in the title race. The glittering form of Robin van Persie had catapulted the gunners up the table in a matter of weeks. But had it not been for the Dutchman's work and effort, in the form of 18 goals and 6 assists, Arsenal's plight would have been significantly worse and I would argue Arsene Wenger would be out of a job.

 Now, after a turbulent festive period - as it was for many teams - of a draw to Wolves at home, a defeat to Fulham away, a  victory versus QPR at home and now a defeat to Swansea away, despite RVP continue to bang the goals in, Arsenal's injury trail once again has finally taken its toll. With Sagna, Wilshere, Jenkinson, Gibbs and Santos injured, the Gunners would have been fine, but then Thomas Vermaelen picked up an ankle problem and Koscielny was then having to be paired at the back with the immobile and oft clumsly German, Mertesacker, where Koscielny was doing quite well for himself at right-back. Even when Vermaelen played it was frequently at left-back (where is first played for Ajax) so when he wasnt there it was clear that the left side of defence would be exposed, or 'short' as Le Prof is never too shy to express...  


Now far be it from me defocate on my own welcome mat, but the striking situation at Arsenal is laughable. 4 strikers; 1 on loan; 2 ineffective; only 1 goal scorer.   It sounds like a plot line from a popular reality show. Maybe Arsene would be best to sit up and realize that this IS reality. this IS a 21st century football club. This IS a big club. Or was.... Thierry Henry's fairtytale return was epic and the stuff of legend. Orgasmic even.  I said it. I havent experienced that sensation for my football team for years; only angst, nerves and shredded nerves. Followed by anxiety attacks.

Great right?...

Henry's return is fantastic and yes, we are crippled by injuries in defence, but what else is new? when defence is low we - even more urgently - need a player to deliver the goals - and not from a winger. A striker. A 6 foot + quick versatile player who doesn't necesarily breaks the bank but who ISNT a) loaned out for the season b) fails to get a work permit c) gets benched for the majority of the season as he is not 'ready' d) is frankly rubbish or e) all of the above. Do me a favour.

The situation needs to sorted soon and I hope (probably in vain) that a striker is recruited to lighten the weight of expectation on RVPs already brittle bones and muscles.

Wenger's sand timer has now, once again, been turned upside down, having been rested on its' side......

Festive fixtures...

afternoon and happy new year roaders! I am in the process of revamping my site. stay tuned.

Ii first apologize for the lack of posts recently. time simply hasn't allowed. but now it does. AHA. 

much has happened since mid-november. let us begin! 

Manchester City's unbeaten run went at the Bridge in mid December, albeit controversially and I made some interesting observations. City went one nil up through Mario Balotelli and then had a stonewall penalty appeal turned down when Branislav Ivanovic fouled David Silva just inside the box and had their claims waved away. From that point on City seemed to fail or at least get stuck. They barely created any chances and Chelsea took control of the game. 

From the moment Balotelli scored, the citizens seemed to lose a gear, mentally. They scraped past the Arsenal by a single goal, despite the gunners throwing the kitchen sink at them and then Stoke more comfortably 3 nil the weekend after. But after Aguero's goal on 54 minutes in that match they then failed to score in 200 minutes, which, with Manchester City's attacking arsenal (avoiding the obvious irony) of Silva, Dzeko, Balo, Aguero, Johnson, Yaya, Milner, Richards, Nasri and Kompany, would have seemed an impossibility.

The festive period was eventful for City, dropping 4 points; drawing at the Hawthorns, 0-0 and losing in stoppage time at the Stadium of Light to a resurgent Sunderland and a goal from substitute Ji.

Sunderland I will get onto... In these 2 games City visibly lost their spark; David Silva went off the boil, not to mention Dzeko lose his form and touch (due in no small part to his multiple bench appearances), but most notably - and it brings me great pain to say this, honest! - Samir Nasri's dissolving into the woodwork, with some very poor creative performances. Oh it makes me weep so....  

Yes, Manchester City have now somewhat regained their form with a win against a goal-shy Liverpool and a very impressive backs to the wall display against a team three nil up and yet nearly grab a late goal to secure a-near-looking impossible outcome, yes But it does show that City have weaknesses and can be beaten and will go through bad spells again. Especially if Kompany doesnt get his red card rescinded from sunday. If he doesn't, due to it being his second straight red of the season, he can expect a further ban. Which leaves City a captain down but also the best Premier league defender down, also. This could spell problems. I HAVE NO DOUBT.  

which brings me onto the red half of Manchester        (booooo)........


Since consecutive 5-0 drubbings of Fulham away and Wigan at home, Manchester United have suffered great hardships during the festive period, not least with a shock defeat, indeed arguably the biggest shock of the season thus far, at OT to Steve Kean's beleaguered basement dwellers, Blackburn Rovers, 3-2. Then just a few days later losing 3-0 at St J...ahem, I mean the Sports Direct Arena.....in a very lacklustre performance. Since the 22nd of December, Utd have began to see players dropping like flies; Young with a recurring toe problem, Vidic being ruled out for the season, Smalling with tonsilitis, Jones with a slight groin problem, Ferdinand with a knee injury. thats just the defenders. It has seen Manchester United's in-form Antonio Valencia being pushed back to right back with varying results. So this was really not the time for Nani to lose form and Wayne Rooney to go on (another) Boxing Day Bender with his darling wife.

Nani is still dangerous but seems to have picked up the habits on Gervinho and Arshavin; too much flair, not enough skill. The defeat at Newcastle was the perfect showcase for that. Even the unrockable Phil Jones was culpable with a laughable own goal in the last throes of the game. But vitally Utd were light in midfield and the pairing of Cabaye and Tiote were instrumental in shutting the red devils out for much of the game. Utd have just knocked out bitter city rivals City out of the FA Cup so will be buoyed, but with games against Bolton home and away to come, not to mention a massive game with Arsenal at the emirates, next sunday, January is going to be a crucial month for the Champions if they are going to keep up with City.


Without a shadow of a doubt, for me, the team of the Christmas period was Sunderland. Since Martin O' Neill took the reigns of a sinking ship, he has guided the Black Cats to the giddy heights of the top half of the table. Sunderland always had the players; last season was evident of that, but MON has a real eye for talent and is unearthing some real gems in his reserve squad. Not least in James Maclean. Maclean was one of Bruce's last purchases, for £350,000 from Irish Premier League side Derry City, from where Wigan's Connor Sammon came from. Bruce had him, but the difference between him and MON is MON is not afraid to blood talent in potentially tricky games.

O' Neill, did this in his first game in charge at home to Blackburn, when his side were 1 nil down with 20 mins to go. Many would argue that Maclean inspired Sunderland to their 2-1 comeback victory. Since then, the lad, 22,  has gone from strength to strength, starting his next two games versus Manchester City and Wigan, both victories, with him scoring Sunderland's third against Wigan. He also scored their second at London Road in the cup on Sunday. Already for me, his left wing position looks assured. He may not start every game, but he could really be a revelation with Seb Larsson on the opposite flank.


As could Stephane Sessegnon. When he first arrived at Sunderland just under a year ago, from the then considerably less well-off PSG, it was unclear where his best position was. He had the lightening pace, unquestionably, but first he was deployed on the left wing, then the right and finally through the middle, none which suited him. Then toward the end of last season he began to play as a ghost striker for Asamoah Gyan. This season he has continued that role just behind the on-loan Nicklas Bendtner and the two of them combine very well. But not only he gets service from the Dane, but now from the aforementioned Maclean but also Larsson and the ever adventurous Kieran Richardson.


Sessegnon is only 5'7, but at that height and with such agility he is able to pop up in awkward positions, and is a real handful for defenders. Stephane has had his fair share of injury problems, not least a recurring knee injury. BUT if he can stay fit and with Sunderland's new style of play and the freedom he gets, he could just be prolific for the second half of the season. Chelsea host Sunderland on Saturday and whilst the black cats are unlikely to replicate their 3-0 victory of last season, you really wouldn't bet against the diminuative Beninian to make his mark on the game, if not score.....


remember to keep an eye out for the new site.            

End of Year England Assessment...

morning roaders!

slightly delayed in my post due to time constraints, oh and well there is SOD ALL really to write about in any meaningful way. The resumption of domestic action can't come soon enough.


onwards....

Tuesday saw the final chance for England to show their wares for preparation for Ukraine/Poland in June. In fact, there is only one more friendly (due to be Holland) before the Euros start. Food for thought then. What better time for England to inflict a first defeat on world champions Spain in 15 years. Not much of a stat perhaps since the two nations have only met twice before in that period, including the infamous monkey chanting episode at the Bernabeu in 2005. The other friendly included ending a rather more - statistically impressive - 43 year hoodoo against Sweden at Wembley.

so how did everyone do?

We have to begin by commending what was, In my view, the best English defensive performance, perhaps not in my lifetime, but certainly since the turn of the millennium. England, in these recession hit times just don't do defensive performances, mainly due to the Dads Army brigade of Ferdinand, Terry and James.

These boys on the Wembley pitch showed unity, compactness and just good old bulldog spirit the likes of Walker, Parker and Pearce (watching on from the dugout) would have been proud of. Two performances in particular stood out more than others.

Its not often I am able to wax lyrical albeit freely and happily about a Spurs player. But Scotty Parker in the England midfield is just a revelation. Everybody knows he works hard, but what is refreshing to see is he really busts a gut for the shirt; THE ENGLAND SHIRT. messrs Barnes, in fact, most players who have international caps to their name, hang your heads in shame....

During the 85 minutes he played on Saturday evening he kept Xavi and Iniesta always occupied and they were almost never out of his sight. He just gives his all. I want to highlight the last 20 minutes in particular. Spain had finally began to show they cared about losing the game. But whenever Fabregas, Villa, Torres got to the ball in the box, Parker was there as like a reserve defender; a little Berlin wall in NW5. He blocked everything. He was frequently the first man to the ball in the crucial situations. England's victory against the world and european champions was in no small part down to him. When Wilshere returns from injury, he and Parker in midfielder could be nothing short of sensational for England.


One other observation I made. Everyone has always posed the question; Can Lampard and Gerrard operate in the midfield together? Despite Frank Lampards' recent resurgence, for me, he still doesnt belong anywhere near the England shirt. Yes he scored the winner but really didn't do much else except hold. But he did have a greater sense of freedom both in his play and time on the ball. So I think a more pertinent question should be; Can Lampard and Parker play together?

well, maybe.....just maybe......

The centre back pairing of Lescott and Jagielka were excellent. Obviously not unaccustomed to playing together from their Everton days together. Both of these guys and Cahill should be comfortably keeping the only remaining poison from the old England side, John Terry out of the set up, and I don't know why he is still being considered, let alone be allowed to captain the side, particularly with his recent on AND off field transgressions. I digress...

Joleon Lescott in particular, ran Parker very close for MOTM. Since his £20m move to Manchester City in the Summer of 2010, Lescott was yet to hold down a permanent position. And to be honest he was good but I never ever thought of him in an England shirt. But now, with Vincent Kompany by his side at Eastlands, he seems to be learning from the best, molding into one of England's best defenders.
He now is not scared to go aerial and will on most occasions win any of those battles. But generally he is more of a presence and a dominant figure. If he keeps his form up and stays clear of injuries. He could be a shoe-in for a starting 11 berth in the summer.


So whilst a 1 0 victory against Spain was a fantastic result, it would be churlish to suggest England are now world beaters or that they have Spains' number. Particularly in the light of the fact that this was Spain's fourth defeat since winning the World Cup 16 months ago. They have suffered losses to Argentina (4-1), Italy (2-1) and Portugal (4-0). And now a 2 nil defeat the mighty Costa Rica.....Spain are struggling for goals against the big sides with an out of form Torres, who may need to be put out of his misery before next Summer.

They are the Arsenal of the International scene of last year. it would seem....



Moving back to England, there were definitely reasons to be optimistic aside from Parker, Jagielka and Lescott. Rodwell when he came on against the Spaniards looked a live wire running forward but in more close proximity in the Sweden game, where he admittedly missed a sitter of a header, yes. But he looks a very clever operator and is bullish. He's certainly a great card to play off the bench if required.

England's problem lately has been leaking goals down the right due to Glen Johnson's inability to defend. But that now may be solved thanks to Kyle Walker (yes another yid. Ugh) Walker is quicker than Johnson which allows him to track back faster, but also nip down the flanks with relative ease and he can actually make a decent tackle. He fits the bill more effectively than the Liverpool right back.

Also Englands big problem is if Rooney is suspended for the early stages of the tournament, how do England compensate for this? Well I dont think it's too much of a problem. Rooney, temperamentally, is a liability and the facts are that when he plays England rely far too much on him. Welbeck on the break against Spain looked sharp, pacy and he could definitely trouble a few defences. Sturridge didn't really get a chance to shine versus the Swedes. But he definitely adds a dimension to England's play and is quick enough to open large gaps in the middle of the park. With Young to come back also. I'd also like to see Gabby get a decent chance, but sadly he seems to pick injuries up on duty. Bent will continue, but other than the assist for Lampard's goal, I an unsure what he actually brings to the table....

I will finish by showing you the team I predicted earlier this season for the future England line up...


                             HART
 
JONES      CAHILL     TERRY      COLE

                            JONES

  CLEVERLEY   WILSHERE  PARKER

                                         YOUNG
                          ROONEY


I will now give you my updated thoughts...

                            HART

WALKER      CAHILL      LESCOTT   COLE

                           JONES

 WALCOTT     WILSHERE      PARKER
     
            WELBECK      YOUNG  


It will be interesting to see what transpires...

Weekend Thoughts...Chelsea Ship...Utd Park The Bus... Spurs Sparkle...

greetings roaders..

This blog is slowly turning into a 'what happened at the weekend' type thing. That wasn't the plan but what fits eh?

This past weekend confirmed once again for my money, why the EPL is the best league in the world. Just for the sheer speed and excitement of it. In a matchday that had 35 goals, with Stoke v Newcastle to come. None more spectactular than those of Messrs, Hoilett and Morison for Blackburn and Norwich respectively.

I start, with glee, with events of Saturday lunchtime at the bridge....

As I have written before, Chelsea Football Club's tenure under Andre Vilas Boas, would mean attacking football and lots of it; no sitting back for him. But also it would mean a real lack of defensive nouse, wide gaps opening up and the counter attack a real form of threat for opposing sides. Unfortunately now for AVB and Chelsea, the lack of defence is outweighing the attacking element, or rather the clinical element. But the main problem is that all too often, even at the this early stage, much of the blues' games have descended into playground football games, that most times in the big games, they have been on the wrong end of...

This regime has given certain players new leases of life. Frank Lampard for one. He is rediscovering his ability to be the right place at the right time that have seen him notch up 4 goals and 2 assists in his last 4 games. His hattrick at the Reebok a prime example. Another is Jose Bosingwa. But this is Chelsea's BIG achilles heel. The fact he has began galloping up and down the right wing has horribly exposed Terry and David Luiz at the back. In fact Arsenal's equaliser from Andre Santos, exhibited this with acres of space on the right wing fot the brazilian (not the quickest of players) to run into. 

Then of course there is David Luiz himself and his inability to stay in defence..... 

In my opinion the game against Blackburn at Ewood on Saturday is huge. Chelsea need to stop a run of two successive defeats becoming three, which at a bottom of the table side would, on paper, look unlikely, but after unlucky defeats to in-form Spurs and a VERY unlucky draw with Norwich at Carrow Road, it wouldn't be a massive surprise to see a favorable result for Rovers. Surely Ivanovic will be brought in to paper over cracks on the right wing?

I really like AVB. Hes a great character, great manager. He is the ethos of attacking football, much like Wenger. But if the defensive lapses continue he could be out the door faster than you can say Christmas Turkey...

Arsenal on the other hand, are on the right side of poor defensive displays, or rather defensive lapses. Arsene Wenger seems to be subconsciously adopting the old Real Madrid adage of 'you score, we'll score more'. The 5 3 victory saw the Gunners record their fifth league victory in a row. A far cry from their relegation form of September. Certain players are at the heart of their resurgence more than others.

Robin van Persie continues his startlingly scintillating form having already scored 12 goals this season. But also his creativity is really shining. If anything his first touch and control is getting even better. The man is in the best form of his life and appears to be getting some luck in the injury department. If he signs a new contract at the Emirates he will be pushing Thierry Henry for status as the greatest Premier League player in Arsenal's history. I really hope he continues in this way and with upcoming games with West Brom at home and Norwich away after the international break, he has every chance.

Arsenal's midfield is really now starting to shows its teeth. Mikel Arteta is showing his cards but moreso, the welsh wizard Aaron Ramsey. Ramsey is starting to show traits of Fabregas in his play. He is starting to supply that killer ball into the final third and when he isn't doing that he his getting up the field in positions to score aswell, as his goals against Marseille and Spurs have shown. But where Arsenal have improved in no small way down to Koscielny and Santos. Andre Santos is not the quickest full back in the world, but he is strong and his was excellent against Chelsea, particularly in the second half. he kept their main threat Juan Mata out when in the crucial areas of Arsenal's half. More performances of this ilk will see him as first choice left back ahead of the injury prone Gibbs. Also a big mention for Koscielny who blocked almost everything, where the still slightly questionable Per Mertesacker didn't. When he could. 

Against Everton, we saw a side of Manchester United certainly I had not seen in a long while. They parked the bus. Boy did they park it. Two full double deckers across the penalty area. So scared were Utd of conceding on the counter attack at 1 nil, the defence the, midfield and even Wayne Rooney just consolidated  from the back. In the absence of the broken-toed Ashley Young, SAF elected to leave the other wide wing player, Nani on the bench also and instead opted to play a front three and nothing else. Rooney, Hernandez and Welbeck were always going to be isolated; and it was the way Manchester Utd wanted to play it. Negative? Well, yes but you can understand the managers tentativeness after their worst home defeat in 80 years....

Finally on to the messy stuff. Totnum. Ugh...

I am an honest blogger, first and foremost, so I will do just that, whatever and wherever my allegiances may lie and hatred seep out. Yes, Tottenham were pitted a against a side in QPR who have conceded 14 goals already this season. But noneless the interpassing on show was nothing short of mesmeric. Scott Parker really has been Tottenham's best signing in years - as everyone knew he would be -. Even if he may not be the greatest goalscorer or assist maker, Parker just holds all the pieces together he is the engine room of Spurs and together with the little croatian magician, Modric, they inspire wizardry. Indeed, Scotty Parker appears to be the sorcerer's apprentice. He simply does not get the credit he deserves.

Tottenham's most overrated player of last year Bale, appears to be be finding his killer instinct on the left wing again. Both of his goals were created by Aaron Lennon but finished with aplomb by the welshman. If he continues in his ways this season once again Spurs will be knocking on the top four door. But still for me Spurs' lynchpin in the dutch master Rafael van der Vaart. He scored again on sunday to make it five games in a row he has found the net. After a slow start I and many doubted he could recapture the form that for my money made him Spurs' player of last season. He has scored 6 in the last five games and once the dutch man finds form he really is lethal. If he and Adebayor link up well, with Bale and Lennon on the wings and with Luka Modric in behind, Spurs could yet be a force to be reckoned with.   

But as I say, Spurs will many tougher days at the office.....

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......

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

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/players/wayne-rooney/8814716/Wayne-Rooney-sent-off-a-list-of-the-England-forwards-on-field-misdemeanours.html

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....

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?....