Last summer, much of the footballing world, and Arsenal fans especially witnessed one of the longest protracted transfer sagas ever. Pre, during and post World Cup, Barcelona were very vocal in their pursuit of the Arsenal captain. After Spain became World Champions for the very first time, the were pictures of Fabregas donning the Catalan jersey, (albeit he was forced to). There were also reports of him having a showdown with his 'coach & mentor', Arsene Wenger. The news from the Emirates was that, Cesc was not leaving at any price. Fabregas himself, never really came out to deny the rumours and most fans were probably resigned to the fact that they were going to lose their captain and main man somehow or rather.
That begs the question of whether it is worth keeping the man when it is possible to get upwards of 40 million pounds for him? If he was dead on wanting to stay then the whole issue can be thrown out the window, but as we know, that isn't the case. It is undeniable that he is Arsenal's most important player, when his mind is on it. Fitness is another question as well. Lastly, does Arsenal have a replacement for him, or are they going to use the money to acquire a top class playmaker?
Wenger has number of options at his disposal. Firstly, and the most obvious, is slotting Samir Nasri into the Fabregas role. At the beginning of the season, the French wizard was thrust into this position as a result of Fabregas' injury. He was immense, and was the club's best player during this period. The difference between the two is that Cesc is more of a passer compared to Nasri, who has quick feet and loves to wizz past players with his twinkle-toes. More recently, Nasri played in the 'Cesc role' in the second half of the match against West Brom. He was instrumental, though at times his decision-making was suspect.
Arsene can also decide to slot Welsh captain Aaron Ramsey into the role, as he was supposed to be Fabregas' replacement until the horrific injury he suffered against Stoke. He has only recently returned into the Arsenal fold, though his appearance for Wales in the friendly against Brazil was not his best; his passing was mostly under hit and again decision making questionable. He will undoubtedly get better, though how quick will be the question. Ramsey has all the needed qualities to excel in the role, and many fans will be happy as he and Wilshere can combine to establish a British centre midfield for Arsenal.
The Boss can also decide to splash out some of the cash from a possible Fabregas sale to acquire a new playmaker, though Arsene Wenger prefers to buy raw material and develop them into rare diamonds. The quality out there remains to be seen, as there are not many who are capable of coming straight in to play in that midfield. There are the likes of Sneijder and Schweinsteiger but they are way out of Wenger's budget.
A name that has came up a couple of times in the summer was Yohann Gourcuff, though having joined Lyon on a 5 year contract, it looks unlikely that he will be coming to the Emirates anytime soon. Another player who was rumoured to come in was Christian Eriksen, but at such a young age, it remains to be seen if Arsene will be willing to draft him straight into the squad, and also whether Ajax will part ways with him. There are options for Wenger to consider, but he has to make a decision soon, as Barcelona are looking to bid for Fabregas again. Wenger might be able to do a part-exchange with the Catalans, maybe asking for Javier Mascherano or Bojan Krkic as part of the deal. Mascherano has been at most, a bit-part player this season since moving from Liverpool.
All in all, Wenger knows he has a real tough one on his hands, though he has about four to five months to look around. Barcelona will be doubt back in for their man, as they've publicly made it a scandal, and both clubs have been giving each other names. Whether Fabregas will be assured a starting line at the Nou Camp remains a big question. If in doubt, just look at Thierry Henry and Javier Mascherano.
Till next time,
Goodbye.
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Friday, March 18, 2011
An English Special, Topped with Spanish Paella
The Champions League draw is upon us, and what a draw it was. It set up a spicy clash between old foes, Chelsea and Manchester United, which is a replay of the 2008 final, won by a single kick of the football. Meanwhile, a Jose Mourinho led Real Madrid will play newcomers Tottenham which is the pick of the draw. Barcelona have a slight matter of getting past Ukranians, Shaktar Donetsk and defending champions Inter will play the only German team left in the competition, Schalke 04.
Firstly, the all english quarter final. Chelsea come into the tie having the upper hand of already beating United. There is still a game to play between the two in the League at Old Trafford, which will put added pressure on Sir Alex Ferguson as he will now have it tough in all three competitions (The Fa Cup semi against cross-town rivals Man City is by no means a walk in the park). Tactically, Fergie looks to have the upper hand in this one, as he has outwitted fellow managers this season with mind boggling team selections (The Fa Cup match against Arsenal for instance). Carlo Ancelotti on the other hand, has been predictable to say the least, and has been unable to make brave decisions to change games. He will most certainly play Ramires and Michael Essien in front of the back four with Frankie Lampard ahead of them. Fernando Torres will most likely start upfront flanked by Nicholas Anelka and either Florent Malouda or Yuri Zhirkov. It doesn't look like Ancelotti can come up with other ideas at the moment. Fergie meanwhile, will obviously be playing mind games prior to both legs. It is almost certain that he will play a three man midfield with Rooney on top supported by Valencia and Nani (All this depends on whether they're fit, or if Nani decides to wet the pitch again). Whatever it is, this will surely be a very technical and tactical encounter for both parties.
On the other hand, Spurs have to travel to Madrid to face Jose Mourinho and Real. This is no doubt, the pick of the bunch, as both teams are attack-minded. Surprising though it may seem, but Jose Mourinho has at times altered his style of play into a more expansive attacking way. He still has that thing in him which will automatically make Real a very organised and compact team, ready to deliver the stinging blow on the counter attack. Tottenham know only one way to play, and that is all out attack, but they did prove people wrong against AC Milan when the managed to eke out a 0-0 draw. Real have Di Maria and Ronaldo on the wings, with Benzema heading the front three. They will be fed by arguably the best playmaker on the planet at the moment in Mesut Oezil. It is astonishing to see a player like Kaka unable to get a place in the Madrid team, though he is injured at the moment. Harry Redknapp will have Gareth Bale and Aaron Lennon at his disposal to let loose against the Madrid defence. One plus point for the Spaniards is that they do have young fullbacks in Sergio Ramos and Marcelo who can have pace and stamina to keep up with the Spurs duo. In Jose Mourinho, they have perhaps the best tactician in the world (Look at what he did to Barcelona and Messi). This promises to be an explosive game, where both sides can be gung-ho or put five men in midfield and kill the game. From a neutral perspective, let's hope its the former.
The other two ties seem pretty straight forward for Barcelona and Inter, but nothing is easy when it comes to the quarter finals. The Catalans will most probably beat Shaktar over two legs, but it won't surprise me of the Ukranians win their home leg. They do have attacking flair with the likes of Douglas Costa, Luiz Adriano and Willian who can be match winners. It begs the question as to whether they can hold out the likes of Xavi, Iniesta, Messi, Villa and the rest quiet and it will surely be a mountain climb to beat them. Inter will also have a clear-cut game against Germans, Schalke. This is probably the most one-sided match of the draw, but it remains to be seen as to whether the Italians can remain injury free to set up a meeting with an English side.
I will only predict the 1st leg scores so I won't have egg on my face if something drastic happens. For the Chelsea v Man Utd game, I think it will be a 2-0 victory for the Blues. The Madrid v Spurs match, Jose Mourinho will have the edge and also playing at home, I think Real will win 3-1. Barcelona will beat Shaktar 2-0 and Inter will win their home game 1-0.
Till next time,
Goodbye.
Firstly, the all english quarter final. Chelsea come into the tie having the upper hand of already beating United. There is still a game to play between the two in the League at Old Trafford, which will put added pressure on Sir Alex Ferguson as he will now have it tough in all three competitions (The Fa Cup semi against cross-town rivals Man City is by no means a walk in the park). Tactically, Fergie looks to have the upper hand in this one, as he has outwitted fellow managers this season with mind boggling team selections (The Fa Cup match against Arsenal for instance). Carlo Ancelotti on the other hand, has been predictable to say the least, and has been unable to make brave decisions to change games. He will most certainly play Ramires and Michael Essien in front of the back four with Frankie Lampard ahead of them. Fernando Torres will most likely start upfront flanked by Nicholas Anelka and either Florent Malouda or Yuri Zhirkov. It doesn't look like Ancelotti can come up with other ideas at the moment. Fergie meanwhile, will obviously be playing mind games prior to both legs. It is almost certain that he will play a three man midfield with Rooney on top supported by Valencia and Nani (All this depends on whether they're fit, or if Nani decides to wet the pitch again). Whatever it is, this will surely be a very technical and tactical encounter for both parties.
On the other hand, Spurs have to travel to Madrid to face Jose Mourinho and Real. This is no doubt, the pick of the bunch, as both teams are attack-minded. Surprising though it may seem, but Jose Mourinho has at times altered his style of play into a more expansive attacking way. He still has that thing in him which will automatically make Real a very organised and compact team, ready to deliver the stinging blow on the counter attack. Tottenham know only one way to play, and that is all out attack, but they did prove people wrong against AC Milan when the managed to eke out a 0-0 draw. Real have Di Maria and Ronaldo on the wings, with Benzema heading the front three. They will be fed by arguably the best playmaker on the planet at the moment in Mesut Oezil. It is astonishing to see a player like Kaka unable to get a place in the Madrid team, though he is injured at the moment. Harry Redknapp will have Gareth Bale and Aaron Lennon at his disposal to let loose against the Madrid defence. One plus point for the Spaniards is that they do have young fullbacks in Sergio Ramos and Marcelo who can have pace and stamina to keep up with the Spurs duo. In Jose Mourinho, they have perhaps the best tactician in the world (Look at what he did to Barcelona and Messi). This promises to be an explosive game, where both sides can be gung-ho or put five men in midfield and kill the game. From a neutral perspective, let's hope its the former.
The other two ties seem pretty straight forward for Barcelona and Inter, but nothing is easy when it comes to the quarter finals. The Catalans will most probably beat Shaktar over two legs, but it won't surprise me of the Ukranians win their home leg. They do have attacking flair with the likes of Douglas Costa, Luiz Adriano and Willian who can be match winners. It begs the question as to whether they can hold out the likes of Xavi, Iniesta, Messi, Villa and the rest quiet and it will surely be a mountain climb to beat them. Inter will also have a clear-cut game against Germans, Schalke. This is probably the most one-sided match of the draw, but it remains to be seen as to whether the Italians can remain injury free to set up a meeting with an English side.
I will only predict the 1st leg scores so I won't have egg on my face if something drastic happens. For the Chelsea v Man Utd game, I think it will be a 2-0 victory for the Blues. The Madrid v Spurs match, Jose Mourinho will have the edge and also playing at home, I think Real will win 3-1. Barcelona will beat Shaktar 2-0 and Inter will win their home game 1-0.
Till next time,
Goodbye.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Passed Out of Europe
Millions across the world would have witnessed the show at the Nou Camp last night. If ever a team wants to learn how to pass and keep the ball, then watch the game, over and over again. On one side of the fence, Barcelona, who are the Spanish champions, came in to the game needing to reverse a 2-1 deficit in the 1st leg 3 weeks ago at the Emirates stadium versus Arsenal.
There were no surprises from both managers regarding team news bar the inclusion of Robin van Persie for Arsenal as the Dutchman was supposed to return in four weeks against Blackburn. Mind games perhaps by Wenger? Will the gamble pay dividends or backfire? As the match would prove, the latter happened, and it was very hard to swallow.
First half was all Barcelona. The Catalans, zipping the ball around with ease but were unable to find the knock out blow in front of goal. They were guilty of playing that extra pass, usually associated with Arsenal. The Gunners played very well defensively, with the partnership of Koscielny and Djourou able to stifle the Barcelona attack. Clichy on the left managed to marshal Dani Alves, who was literally playing as a winger. As Graeme Souness pointed out, Arsenal, who are the best team in England at keeping the ball, could not do it for 5 seconds against the so-called masters of the game and rightly so. The surprising thing was their game plan. Sitting back and sort of absorbing the pressure. Half time stats read that the possession was a shade under 70% for the Spaniards. The players who were in the Barcelona half during the 1st period were van Persie, and, ...van Persie. That is a testament to their game plan and Barcelona's quality.
After an Alves freekick, Wojciech Szczesny injured his finger after stopping a shot from the Brazilian. That meant that Almunia had to come on, and that sent shivers down my spine. The Spaniard has had one of the worse seasons ever after 'ludacris' performances in the Premier League. Surprisingly enough, he played well and kept Arsenal in the game. In injury time in the 1st half, Barcelona struck the opener. A silly backheel by Fabregas of all people went to Iniesta who took the ball and chipped in slightly into the path of Lionel Messi who coolly juggled the ball over the onrushing Almunia and volleyed it into the net. 1-0 to Barcelona and all of Arsenal's efforts were down the drain.
Second half, Arsenal tried to up the pace, but Barcelona still had the grip on the game. Then, from a corner, Sergio Busquets headed past his own keeper to level the score. A gift on a plate for the Gunners. As things stood, Arsenal would go through unless Barcelona scored another two goals. A couple of minutes after that, a contentious decision which will be talked about for a long time, was made by Swiss referee, Massimo Busacca. Van Persie was offside, though he got his shot away about a second after the whistle had blown. The ref, then out of nowhere, awarded the striker a yellow card for his action. Off went the Dutchman, and Arsenal were down to ten.
The writing was on the wall by then. A man down against the best team on the planet, there wasn't much they could do to delay the inevitable. On 68 minutes, a brilliant piece of Barcelona play saw Xavi in the box and he slotted the ball beyond Almunia although Bacary Sagna tried his best to block it and got a piece of it. Shortly after, a late challenge by Koscielny on Pedro in the box, meant that Messi would step up to take the penalty. The little wizard rolled the ball beyond Almunia who did not move.
Barcelona still ventured forward, and if not for Almunia, they would have run up a cricket score. In the 87th minute, Arsenal had a glorious chance. Arshavin nudged the ball off Adriano, and Jack Wilshere had the ball. He picked out Nicklas Bendtner who was rushing toward the box. The Big Dane had a very poor first touch and the ball was smothered by Victor Valdes. That was it as the chances went. The night would be remembered for two things. Firstly, the sending off of Van Persie. Also, the sheer dominance by Barcelona, especially in the first half, was a real workshop on how to play the beautiful game.
For Arsenal, it showed how your season can crumble in a week although the previous months have been good. The draw against Sunderland meant they failed to close the gap on leaders Man Utd. This game signalled their exit out of Europe. At the weekend, they will be facing the Red Devils for a place in the semifinals of the FA Cup. If they lose, then it will most certainly mean another season of "close, but no cigar", and the fans will surely start to get impatient. Gloomy times ahead for the team from North London.
There were no surprises from both managers regarding team news bar the inclusion of Robin van Persie for Arsenal as the Dutchman was supposed to return in four weeks against Blackburn. Mind games perhaps by Wenger? Will the gamble pay dividends or backfire? As the match would prove, the latter happened, and it was very hard to swallow.
First half was all Barcelona. The Catalans, zipping the ball around with ease but were unable to find the knock out blow in front of goal. They were guilty of playing that extra pass, usually associated with Arsenal. The Gunners played very well defensively, with the partnership of Koscielny and Djourou able to stifle the Barcelona attack. Clichy on the left managed to marshal Dani Alves, who was literally playing as a winger. As Graeme Souness pointed out, Arsenal, who are the best team in England at keeping the ball, could not do it for 5 seconds against the so-called masters of the game and rightly so. The surprising thing was their game plan. Sitting back and sort of absorbing the pressure. Half time stats read that the possession was a shade under 70% for the Spaniards. The players who were in the Barcelona half during the 1st period were van Persie, and, ...van Persie. That is a testament to their game plan and Barcelona's quality.
After an Alves freekick, Wojciech Szczesny injured his finger after stopping a shot from the Brazilian. That meant that Almunia had to come on, and that sent shivers down my spine. The Spaniard has had one of the worse seasons ever after 'ludacris' performances in the Premier League. Surprisingly enough, he played well and kept Arsenal in the game. In injury time in the 1st half, Barcelona struck the opener. A silly backheel by Fabregas of all people went to Iniesta who took the ball and chipped in slightly into the path of Lionel Messi who coolly juggled the ball over the onrushing Almunia and volleyed it into the net. 1-0 to Barcelona and all of Arsenal's efforts were down the drain.
Second half, Arsenal tried to up the pace, but Barcelona still had the grip on the game. Then, from a corner, Sergio Busquets headed past his own keeper to level the score. A gift on a plate for the Gunners. As things stood, Arsenal would go through unless Barcelona scored another two goals. A couple of minutes after that, a contentious decision which will be talked about for a long time, was made by Swiss referee, Massimo Busacca. Van Persie was offside, though he got his shot away about a second after the whistle had blown. The ref, then out of nowhere, awarded the striker a yellow card for his action. Off went the Dutchman, and Arsenal were down to ten.
The writing was on the wall by then. A man down against the best team on the planet, there wasn't much they could do to delay the inevitable. On 68 minutes, a brilliant piece of Barcelona play saw Xavi in the box and he slotted the ball beyond Almunia although Bacary Sagna tried his best to block it and got a piece of it. Shortly after, a late challenge by Koscielny on Pedro in the box, meant that Messi would step up to take the penalty. The little wizard rolled the ball beyond Almunia who did not move.
Barcelona still ventured forward, and if not for Almunia, they would have run up a cricket score. In the 87th minute, Arsenal had a glorious chance. Arshavin nudged the ball off Adriano, and Jack Wilshere had the ball. He picked out Nicklas Bendtner who was rushing toward the box. The Big Dane had a very poor first touch and the ball was smothered by Victor Valdes. That was it as the chances went. The night would be remembered for two things. Firstly, the sending off of Van Persie. Also, the sheer dominance by Barcelona, especially in the first half, was a real workshop on how to play the beautiful game.
For Arsenal, it showed how your season can crumble in a week although the previous months have been good. The draw against Sunderland meant they failed to close the gap on leaders Man Utd. This game signalled their exit out of Europe. At the weekend, they will be facing the Red Devils for a place in the semifinals of the FA Cup. If they lose, then it will most certainly mean another season of "close, but no cigar", and the fans will surely start to get impatient. Gloomy times ahead for the team from North London.
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