Wednesday, November 30, 2005

The Crown Princes of Highbury Royally Outclass Reading

'So Arturo, when are you going to start banging in the goals for the first team?' to which the diminutive Italian replied 'As soon as the boss let's me!'.

He didn't lie..

2 mins into his first appearance for the senior side this season and Lupoli had robbed Ibrahima Sonko and scored a typical poachers goal to make it 3-0 to Arsenal.

Arsenal's youngsters, all starting outfield players under 23 on the night, proved that Arsenal's optimism for the future is well founded with a swashbuckling display against Reading in the Carling Cup last night.

Jose Antonio Reyes (13), Robin Van Persie (41), his 8th goal in 8 games and Arturo Lupoli (65) scored in an entertaining game, which Reading were very much a part of..

It was not as one sided as the score line suggests. Reading played well and created a few chances, but like Blackburn at the weekend they lacked a little composure in the final third and Arsenal's class shone through.

Almunia put in a confidence boosting display.

Quincy Owusu Abeyie also showed great potential and Wenger's lack of transfer activity and complete confidence in his young players was vindicated.

It is a big step up to the first team and Arsenal will need to strengthen in the transfer window, this result doesn't change a great deal in terms of the present.. It might give Arsene a few options..

What this result does do is, along with the result at Sunderland, is help to develop these talents by offering invaluable first team experience, breeding confidence and justify the way in which we nurture and select our young players, which is the life blood of the club and the most important ingredient for maintained success..

Not all of the young players will be able to sustain their development and make it into the first team, however, those that do, will have been nurtured in the best way possible and have Arsenal in their blood, no matter where they come from, and that is the most important thing..

We are breeding winners at Arsenal and instilling in them the core values of the club..

Games such as last night are by far the best parameter to measure the progress of these players and they appear to be measuring up very well indeed..

Read 'The Futures Bright The Futures Arsenal' article.. Who else can boast such an array of exciting young players? Who else could play a youth team in this competition and get to the Quarter Final..

No-one..

Monday, November 28, 2005

The Snake And The Magic Garden

Arsenal beat a battling Blackburn side 3-0 on Saturday, a coiled Robin Van Persie springing off the bench and wrapping up the win with an emphatic finish in injury time.

Van Persie's 7th goal in as many games.

Fabregas opened the scoring after only 4 minutes, steering home from 25 yards. Henry added a trademark second from Pires' defence splitting pass, his 100th goal at Highbury, and Van Persie struck late on to make it 3-0.

After the match, Wenger called Highbury Henry's garden.

The score line was perhaps a little harsh on Blackburn who were not totally outplayed, but for all their work rate and industry Rovers lacked the final ingredient to truly compete, class.

After the game Wenger described Robin Van Persie as a deadly snake, "He looks so dangerous. He's like a cobra. You feel he can finish and score goals... The quality of his finishing is outstanding."

Wenger said earlier in the season he didn't want to over use Van Persie, it might be difficult as he is increasingly looking like a special player.. Someone who can decide games.. The type of player who can grow and whose talent will hopefully persuade Henry to stay..

Rooney was in scintillating form for Man Utd as they beat West Ham 2-1 at Upton Park. He was dropping into space expertly and was behind most of Utd's dangerous attacking play. He really is in top form, yet he marred his performance with a stupid lash out at Gabbidon and was lucky to escape a red card. He is still young and undoubtedly has a lot to learn.. But his potential is frightening.

Hopefully someone like Fabregas or Van Persie can come to the fore at Arsenal like Rooney has done at Utd over the last year.. Van Persie is on his way and it is great to see the young players doing well.. I just hope they improve enough to persuade Henry to stay and help us make the new garden flourish..

Wednesday, November 23, 2005

Subdued Arsenal pay the penalty

A lacklustre Arsenal side maintained their 100% Champions League record in Group B with a subdued 1-0 victory over FC Thun in Switzerland courtesy of Robert Pires' late penalty.

The game dropped off and as a contest was never the same after Thun were rightly reduced to 10 men after 35 minutes. Robin Van Persie bore down on goal after Ljungberg's clever and excellently weighted through ball, only for Armand Deumi to cynically clip his heels and earn a deserved red card.

Arsenal were the better side up until that point as Thun pushed forward and left space in behind. Our midfielders were able to create a little space and looked dangerous, it appeared only a matter of time before Arsenal opened the scoring.

It would have been better for Arsenal if Van Persie had scored and Thun kept 11 men.

No doubt about that.

Arsenal have a psychological problem about playing against 10 men. They need space to break teams down and often two or more players run into the same space. Arsenal lack a bit of discipline when teams go down to 10 men and players drift all over the place in order to find space which leaves us vulnerable to counter attacks.

Cygan was poor again, being hauled off after an hour. Lauren replaced him at left back and providing Eboue recovers from a slight knock, I wouldn't be surprised to see the Cameroonian at left back on Saturday.

Reyes looked desperately short of confidence, on one occasion he was pretty much clean through, with at worst a potential one against one situation against a squared up defender, when he checked back and tried to play an intricate through ball to slide Ljungberg in. He has lost his directness and he indisputably needs a goal.

Thun reverted to a very defensive formation and Arsenal seemed to switch off somewhat in the second half.

Thun had a goal wrongly ruled out for offside and even that couldn't put a spring in Arsenal's step.
Robin Van Persie played with confidence and was one of the only Arsenal players to come out of the game with any credit. The young Dutchman was pulled over and won the decisive penalty, in the 87th minute.

Pires dispatched the ball in an efficient manner to banish the ghosts of his Man City nightmare and Arsenal won another Champions League game, their 6th in a row, a new club record..

All in all not a great game, but a win nonetheless, top of the group, a club record, some valuable prize money and co-efficient points too.. Could've been worse!

Monday, November 21, 2005

Henry Class Camouflages Frailties, Spoilt Fans..

Thierry Henry scored a brace of sublime quality to ensure Arsenal overcame a stubborn Wigan side at the JJB Stadium.

The irrepressible Frenchman was in ruthless mood and proved the difference between the two sides. Wigan fought hard but for all their determination and work rate the Latics failed to compensate for the gulf in class between the two sides.

Robin Van Persie scored early in the first half, the young Dutchman's 5th goal in 6 games. Henry added to Van Persie's strike midway through the first half with a typically effortless finish following a flowing move, to make it 2-0 and seemingly Arsenal were in for a comfortable afternoon.

The game was not over due to a combination of poor Arsenal defending and Wigan's quality and decisiveness on the ball, which was able to still be effective because of an excellent attitude and approach to the game. Many teams would at 2-0 down, have let their heads go down. Wigan are made of sterner stuff.

The impressive Jason Roberts caused Arsenal problems with his pace, strength & direct running. His strike partner Henri Camara executed a diving header to perfection shortly after Henry's swept finish to reduce their arrears.

Henry then scored a beautifully taken free kick, via the post, from all of 30 yards to make it 3-1 Arsenal. Wigan again showed their inability to accept defeat, an excellent quality to have, one essential to up and coming clubs, when Jimmy Bullard fired in from long range.

Arsenal didn't have the best of afternoons from a defensive point of view. Campbell wasn't anywhere near his imperious best and was troubled by Robert's pace & strength. Toure was unsure as to how much he should cover for Cygan and was pulled out of position too much because of a lack of understanding and communication. Cygan was poor, although he was playing in an unfamiliar position and was suffering form a lack of first team sharpness.

However, Arsenal travelled a long way, in poor weather conditions, against a very physical side, second in the league, on merit and justifiably full of confidence, on a surface where it was difficult to impose their natural game and if anything favoured the oppositions direct style.

Ultimately we came away with a win. To be title challengers we SHOULD win this type of game.

However some criticism has gone too far. Cygan has been the subject of particularly harsh criticism and Arsene's tactical awareness has been questioned.

This is too much.

Cygan did not have a good game. No excuses for that and I would welcome Wenger to give Emmanuel Eboue a chance at left back when he is fit. Cygan was played out of position and lacked match practice, however even taking that into account he was poor. Agreed.

So were Sol, Kolo and Gilberto. We have things to work on, fair enough.

However, the fact remains we won the game, I cannot understand people questioning Wenger and the players. They weren't at their electric best, however the bottom line is that we won the game. I agree that you cannot stand still and to be happy to be second best would be a recipe for disaster. Equally Wenger cannot rest on his laurels and expect previous success to save him from criticism.

However, some perspective would be nice. We went through a season unbeaten, that will not happen again in your lifetime. Before and after this incredible feat we set countless records, and without doubt played the best football this country has ever seen. We have been lucky enough to witness our club taking football to a new level.

Instead of criticising and moaning that we didn't score 4 and win by a hatful, acting like spoilt brats, let's get behind the team and support them in the best way possible.

Friday, November 18, 2005

Wenger shuffles the pack, transfer rumours..

Gael Clichy will be out for up to 4 months. He requires surgery on his foot. Clichy has the same injury as Ashley Cole, who is 5 weeks away from full fitness.

Arsenal have a crucial period of fixtures, which is likely to determine the expectations for the rest of the season and be key in any potential push for success.

We will also be without natural cover for left back, until March or April. This is bad news for everyone involved, it stunts Clichy's development and takes away a valuable run in the side for him. It put extra pressure on Cole when he comes back and it is essential we do not rush him back. It also means other players will have to play out of position.

However, I like to think you can take a positive out of everything! At least the timing of it will mean that Wenger can assess the strength of the squad over a testing period and be able to make any decision based on this opposed to being rushed into one. Personally I don't think he will feel we are short in that position, but at least he can properly evaluate the situation before the January transfer window.

I would like to see Eboue come straight in at left back. I think he has shown potential in his few substitute appearances so far this term. He is developing at a steady rate after an initial adaptation period and I think it would be wise to keep as much stability in the defence as possible.

Wigan will be a tough test. It will be tight, physical, passionate and important encounter. Predicting the result is a tough call.. But 1-0 to the Arsenal sounds good to me.

Reyes should be fresh, as should Pires, Bergkamp, Campbell and Lauren, Ljungberg back from injury, the signs are positive. It is time for these players to help the youngster. This is the type of game to do it. It is time to stand up and be counted.

Various transfer rumours.. Lauren off to Milan? I wouldn't have thought so.. Yes he is cynical enough for the Italian league, but he is important to Wenger. A key player in our success and a Wenger type of player.

Now Henry to Barcelona is a more contentious rumour. I don't think he will go. The lure of the new stadium and potential signings (The Torres and Vela rumours are the only one's with any credibility) will hopefully be too great.

Wednesday, November 16, 2005

Our Friends In The North

Arsenal have in recent weeks, found a level of consistency, which has seemingly heightened the long forgotten optimism that used to grace the corridors of Highbury. However, Arsenal now face a crucial period of games, which is sure to play a huge role in any potential title challenge.

The Gunners face a very tough winter schedule, with games against Wigan Away, Newcastle Away, Bolton Away and Blackburn Home.

This is the time to stand up and be counted. This is when Champions come good. This will tell us whether our optimism is well founded or not.

Wigan are the surprise package in the Premiership this year no doubt. 10 games is long enough for it not to be a fluke. However, the Latics are not getting carried away. They know it's highly unlikely they will be in the top 4 or even 6 at the end of the season. They don't overly rely on one player and are a good unit. They have a good attitude, if they continue to work hard and fully appreciate what position they are in, that is a good way to prolong their success.

Wigan away will be a good barometer as to where Arsenal stand.

Newcastle play Chelsea this weekend, they are unpredictable.. They remind me of England sometimes.. Owen can still be lethal.. It will be a tough game in a big atmosphere, how tough will depend on which Newcastle turn up..

Bolton are a hustling, harrying, in your face type of side, who give 100% effort and thrive against the bigger teams. Arsenal lost their 1-0 last season. Nolan typifies the way they play, he is playing confidently and will need to be marshalled and out muscled. We need to show bottle and this will show how much we cope without the presence of players such as Vieira and Edu.

Blackburn are improving, they are a harder side to beat than at the start of the season, but like Newcastle they are somewhat of a seesaw side. They seem to raise their game against us, they beat us twice in a season in 2002/3. Pedersen is a very good player and I'm sure they won't go down easily (aka Sunderland).

I think 3 wins and a draw from these 4 fixtures would put us in excellent shape for a showdown with Chelsea on December 18th, and more importantly prove our title credentials. However, with Clichy injured, Eboue likely to step in, Arsenal undoubtedly have a difficult period to manoeuvre themselves through and a hell of a lot of work to do..

Monday, November 14, 2005

Rooney Fires England, Super Senderos, Vieira..

A very satisfying weekend of sport for England..

As Richie Benaud might say, a pretty marvellous effort all round by England..

We mauled a transitory Aussies side at Ruby Union, produced a response of a side with the world at their feet, in the cricket, against Pakistan.. Proceeded to batter the All Blacks in the Rugby League and beat the Argies in the football..

England beat Argentina 3-2 in a highly entertaining, well contested and good natured 'friendly' in Geneva on Saturday afternoon. England played with desire, passion and belief. Something which is more often than not, conspicuous by its absence in recent England friendly matches.

Wayne Rooney was awesome. Riquelme was excellent, especially in the first half. There was not much to choose between the sides, Argentina dominated the first half and England had the better of the second period. The difference between the two sides was very small. Argentina decided to sit back in for the last 25 minutes and paid the price as England seized the initiative in midfield and Owen clinically punished the Argentineans inability to defend their own box.

Games like this will be few and far between in the World Cup.

The result was pleasing but not important. The performance was the crucial thing. This should give us belief that we can compete with the best. This was a very good Argentinean side. However, like Owen said after the game..

It doesn't change a lot.. We know we have a chance to do well at the World Cup.

A chance.. Nothing more than that, nothing less than that..

Philippe Senderos scored as Switzerland beat Turkey 2-0 to give them a very real chance of upsetting the odds and reaching the World Cup finals. Senderos was massive at the heart of the Swiss defence, the youngster seems to relish the challenge offered by the International scene, as it regularly brings out the best in him.

It would be very interesting to see Senderos in a big competition. I have a feeling that is exactly what is needed for him to shine.

The Sunday papers made uninteresting reading as usual.. Various non-substantial transfer rumours.. Cole to Real Madrid, Torres and Zakora to Arsenal.. However, amongst the random transfer selectors that are the Sunday papers there was a story, which did catch my attention..

Vieira lambasts 'neutral' Arsenal..

Essentially, as I'm sure you are all aware, Vieira was stating his disappointment at Arsenal for saying we had received an offer from Juventus and that, for once, we would allow him to make his own decision.

He claims he wanted to end his career with Arsenal. We gave him a choice to make, and he made it. He left for Juventus.

Instead of committing himself to the club and making an effort to improve upon last season's inconsistent form.

Which in all probability was due to his desire to leave for Real Madrid, and their subsequent refusal to pay him a 'Galacticos' wage, which was the sole reason he didn't leave last summer.

Vieira was a great ambassador and driving force for the club. No doubt about that. The guy was a legend at Arsenal. He was loved by everybody.

However, if Real had matched his wage demands he would have left.

Therefore.. Can you blame the club for taking this stance? We begged him to stay once and he would have left regardless.. Why should we do it again?

However, I think that it is time to draw a line under all of this.. No point in dwelling on it.. It's happened.. Let's concentrate on supporting the team and Le Boss.. I think he's made the right decision and time will prove that..

Friday, November 11, 2005

Campbell snub great news for Arsenal, Eriksson's balancing act..

Sven Goran Eriksson seems to think that one performance and a reputation is enough to get you into the England team these days. Rio Ferdinand played well against Chelsea last Sunday. Granted. However he has woeful at points this season. The only reason he played against Poland was because Campbell was injured. Now Ferdinand is part of Sven's 'best XI' a remarkable turnaround.

Personally I think it's great, Campbell gets a rest and doesn't risk getting injured in what will probably be a well contested friendly. Hopefully Tevez and Riquelme will expose Ferdinand. Then Campbell can have a rest and improve his chances of a starting place at the world cup.

Similarly Wayne Bridge, after 1 hour of football this season, is welcomed back to the England squad and possibly even starting XI.

However, I'm not going to sit and write about Sven's flaws, at least he is starting to realise that we need a balance to the side. In particular midfield. His inclusion of Ledley King is crucial. We need a holding midfield player and King, or possibly Scott Parker are essential to balance the side and protect the defence.

Great footballers they are not. Very good pro's who are disciplined, motivated, athletic and essential in bringing the best out of the more talented players in the team they are. There must come a time when names alone cannot guarantee a place in the team. A player's ability to fit into a system is key, and no matter how good a player someone is, the balance to the team, especially in midfield is key to success, it's what the team is based around.

The thing about Sven is he puts a lot of dominant players in his sides. You have Gerrard, Beckham and Lampard in midfield. They can all pass, shoot and do something special. Consequently they all want the ball. Having a ball winner like King or Parker is an ideal foil for them. Just someone keeping it simple. That's what good football is all about.

It should be interesting to see how Reyes plays with Torres against Slovakia, what are the odds that Reyes sets up Torres for a hat trick and his price subsequently rises by £5m and makes him too expensive for AW.. Seems to happen to alot of Wenger's so-called targets.. You heard it here first!!

Let's just hope that none of the Gooner's come back injured, and we can start where we left off before the international break.

Thursday, November 10, 2005

Lupoli continues education, Henry gets lucky, Ballack, Torres, Vela rumours..

Arturo Lupoli scored his 3rd hat trick of the season, the young Italian forward further enhancing his already growing reputation at the club, as the reserves beat hitherto unbeaten Charlton at Underhill last night.

Lupoli (pictured left) is really staking his claim for a place in the first team squad, the diminutive striker, poached from Parma in the summer of 2004, possesses a unique asset at Arsenal, he is a natural born striker, an out and out goal scorer.

This season Lupoli has 11 goals in 8 games. I am a big fan of his.

It is fair to say it is a big step up from reserve team football to the Arsenal first team. However Lupoli could add another dimension to the squad, even if initially he was deployed off the bench. He would be ideal to put on when we are dominating against a 10-man rear guard. Would give us another option. He may be a bit lightweight at the moment but the fact is that this guy is ruthless.

In Martinique last night Henry scored a fluke goal for France to steal an unlikely and undeserved 3-2 win against Costa Rica. Henry calving in a late winner after Costa Rica had gone 2-0 up. Henry knew little or nothing about it, but was in the right place at the right time. He's not Drogba, so you cannot begrudge him for the goal, after all he doesn't score many like that.

Henry is now France's joint (Trezeguet) all time second top scorer (31) 10 behind the legendary Platini.

In transfer news, Fernando Torres' agent has allegedly said he 'hasn't spoken to anyone from Arsenal for over 18 months' so stories claiming his imminent signing appear wide of the mark. Which isn't a surprise.

Michael Ballack has, via his agent, ruled out a move in January.

The German's agent Michael Becker saying, "There is absolutely no chance of Michael leaving in January. It just would not make sense. First, it would cost him any chance of winning the Champions League this season, which is the prime motivation for the remainder of his career. Secondly, what would be the point of Bayern selling him because they could make more in Champions League prize money with him in the team than they would in a transfer fee given he only has six months left on his contract."

"And thirdly, why would he want to leave Germany such a short time before he is due to captain them in the World Cup. I think Michael will either say he is staying, or he will say he is leaving and would like to join a particular club. That would at least allow him to start negotiating in January. I must stress, Michael has spoken to no-one about his future yet and has certainly not spoken to any other club about his plans."

Unsurprising really.

A more Wenger-esque signing is the potential £2m capture of Carlos Vela, the 16-year-old Mexican, who was central to Mexico's under-17 world cup victory earlier in the year. If a deal is struck he would be immediately loaned to Valencia for 2 seasons of first team football and then make his way over to the Premiership.

All sounds very good, the only thing that troubles me is.. What do Valencia get out of nurturing a future star for Arsenal?

Wednesday, November 09, 2005

Wenger Building On Talent Not Egos

Arsene Wenger is unlikely to buy a big name player in the transfer window. Ballack for instance can be ruled out. I'd love it if I was wrong. Torres will not sign. Unless we sell Henry.

Arsene has a clear philosophy, he doesn't like to bring in players with big egos. He'd prefer someone who is humble, with the right attitude, a player with something to prove, who is hungry for success. That is why he has bought in a lot of youngster's.

He also likes to make unknown players big stars, it gives him a sense of achievement. When asked about whom he would bring in over the transfer window I recall him saying, in a slightly jovial way, that 'We don't buy big names here, we make them'. Joking aside. That sums it all up.

Wenger is also determined to build a team to compete with Chelsea, spending as little as possible. He called Chelsea's current monopoly of the transfer market and extravagant outlays on big names 'financial doping'. Arsene views it as a challenge and will only spend big if he is sure the player is worth it, and let's be honest, the majority aren't.

Wenger really believes in the new breed of young players he has assembled at Highbury and wants to give them a chance. He would prefer to do that, or potentially add to the rising stars at the club, rather than buy a big name player, with an ego to match.

That's why it is more likely we will bid for Carlos Vela, the 16 year old Mexican. Several sources claim we have a deal in place to send him on loan to Valencia for a year, before he turns professional. That would be more of a Wenger style signing.

As would Theo Walcott, the young Southampton striker, but reported interest from Chelsea and Liverpool among others is likely to inflate the price and put Wenger off. It really would be nice to see us sign an Englishman wouldn't it?..

Just expect subtlety from Wenger in the transfer market, not sensation.

Tuesday, November 08, 2005

Henry Stay Dependant On Development, Not Big Names

Thierry Henry has a tough choice to make. I doubt he has made a decision yet. He will wait and see how the team progress and who we are planning to sign. If he thinks we can compete at the top level he will stay. The thing about Henry is that, even though he deserves it, I don't think it's about more money.

If Henry thinks he needs a new challenge and that Arsenal have peaked in this cycle of success under Wenger then he will leave.

If he thinks that Wenger will not sign a new contract I suspect he will leave. He trusts him, if Wenger leaves Henry will feel unstable. Similar story with Pires and Bergkamp.

The key thing for Henry is confidence in his team mates. If Henry has a good relationship with people off the field and trusts their ability then it brings the best out in him. He runs for them, and creates space for other people more than any other player and gets everyone involved.

Look at the season we went unbeaten. He had Bergkamp, who he runs for whenever Bergkamp gets the ball, because he truly feels the ball will reach him and that Bergkamp will see his run. Same for Pires, Ljungberg, Lauren, Cole and Vieira. In that season one of those players was always playing. Confidence was high.

Bergkamp will probably retire at the end of this season. Pires could leave. Cole will leave.

Henry doesn't want to have to carry the team, he wants other players to stand up and win big games. Not to overly rely on him, or always look to him.

Henry is waiting to see who he can rely on. He doesn't run for Reyes. He doesn't think the ball will get to him or that Reyes will try and score himself, as he badly needs a goal. Henry believes the younger players have to prove themselves, like he did.

He is starting to trust Van Persie. He could be a key player in many ways for Arsenal. If he keeps improving and creates a dangerous partnership with Henry, it will help. If Van Persie and Fabregas can stand up and forge a similar relationship with Henry to Vieira and Bergkamp, 2 very special players, then he might stay.

If the younger players, Hleb, Van Persie and Fabregas in particular, can prove themselves and win some big games, possibly a trophy. Then Henry will start to trust them.

It's about developing the core of the club, not doing a Man Utd and papering over the cracks with a few 'sensational' big name signings. This generation of players coming through will be the new Arsenal breed, Henry has to know they are good enough.

Henry is a massive player for us. The best in our history, perhaps. No doubts about that, and we should do all we can, that is reasonable, to keep him. However, if Thierry feels it is right to leave, then thanks, and good luck to him.

Beacuse Arsenal will always be Arsenal.

Monday, November 07, 2005

Arsenal outclass Sunderland, United outfight Chelsea

Thierry Henry inspired Arsenal to a 3-1 victory over Sunderland at Highbury on Saturday. Henry personified the gulf in class between the two sides. The current double PFA and Professional football writers player of the year running the show and scoring twice, and Sunderland didn't have the answer to stop the flamboyant Frenchman, who was in ruthless mood.

Robin Van Persie vindicated Arsene Wenger's decision to start him, with a well taken typically Arsenal style goal, his 5th goal in 4 games.

Van Persie's left foot is a hammer and a wand mixed into one. I like him because he's not afraid to give the ball a smack. No nonsense. This guy has a big future.

Henry converted Lauren's right wing cross after a neat overlapping interchange and Arsenal were in cruise control. There was a certain inevitability about the result as Sunderland looked dazed and mesmerised by Arsenal's sharp movements and froze like a stray animal caught in the headlights of a juggernaut. Before they recovered they had been crushed.

Sunderland were poor in the first half, they were not aggressive enough and kept a dangerously high defensive line. The Mackams improved in the second period, but the damage was done and despite Alan Stubbs' goal Arsenal were in no real danger and Henry completed the scoring late on with a typically well taken goal from Fabregas' through ball.

Alan Smith was as much a talisman for Man Utd as Henry was for Arsenal. United played 4-4-2 and caused Chelsea problems. Chelsea struggle more when teams play 4-4-2. Rooney was allowed to roam and unsettled Terry in the first half. If you try and match them man for man in the same formation they will beat you.

Smith hustled and harried and did the simple things right. He tracked his man and tackled hard. That epitomised they way United played and was they key to their victory.

Mourinho got it wrong. He baffles me with his constant exclusion of Gudjohnsen. He is a very intelligent player and gives them something different than the cut and thrust of players such as Duff or Cole. Gudjohnsen came on and Chelsea were marginally the better team in the second half.

Chelsea didn't play badly, but neither did Arsenal last season. They probably deserved at least a point, like Chelsea yesterday. Two defeats from two WILL affect their confidence. A lack of confidence can become a barrier. If a team plays with slightly less belief it becomes easy to still play well but not win. It is too early to say Chelsea will recover. Time will tell.

The unbeaten run remains.

Friday, November 04, 2005

Reliant Robin To Start?

After scoring 4 goals in 3 games, 2 of them substitute appearances, surely it is time for Robin Van Persie to start. What better opposition than Sunderland?

Sunderland are the perennial Highbury whipping boys, 3 goal margins particularly popular in recent years (the image of Steve Bould being skinned by Henry in 2001 still vivid).

Van Persie netted a brace against them in the Carling Cup only 9 days ago, and so will have a positive mind frame to do so again. I certainly wouldn't be backing against him to be first goal scorer should he start.

Arsenal's other brilliant Dutchman, Dennis Bergkamp, certainly agrees that Reliant Robin is coming of age.

"Robin has probably grown up a bit. He's one of those players who can make a difference, creating something for himself and others - and he's shown that more this season than in the past.

"He can score goals and is confident but is still young and getting stronger, so it's fantastic for the future."

Bergkamp himself could probably do with a rest after a mediocre display against Sparta Prague in midweek, where he was guilty of missing a couple of clear cut chances.

Van Persie has earned the chance to start.. Let's hope Le Boss grants him his chance..

In other news, a bizarre swap involving Julio Baptista and Ashley Cole has been mooted for the January transfer window.. Can't believe that for one minute. Interesting though it is. Baptista wouldn't leave so soon. Especially not for the coldest winter since 1963!

To be honest I wouldn't be surprised if we didn't add to the current squad in January.

Thursday, November 03, 2005

Director's Fear Ashburton Library

I read in the program for yesterday's game that the Director's at Arsenal were considering a new style of announcing to get the crowd more involved at Ashburton Grove. This is surely in a bid to liven up the crowd and generate a better atmosphere at the new stadium.

Basically it's an effort to get more vocal support behind the team and create an intimidating atmosphere, something which is sorely lacking at Highbury.

It is rumoured that the new method will be one, which is already in force in the Bundesliga, whereby the announcer shouts out the first name of the player who has scored and the crowd shout the second.

With any luck, with the newer capacity it'll mean lower ticket prices and so more members of the general public attending to outweigh many of the silent season ticket holders at Highbury, and that will give us a fresh start to create an atmosphere and really get behind the team.

Don't get me wrong, I love Highbury, the closeness of the stands, the fact it is our home, my first ground, and the fact it is steeped in Arsenal history, but the one thing I would change, is that sometimes it lacks atmosphere. I just hope that Asburton Grove will be different..

Time will tell..

Highbury's Leading Lights..The Future's Bright..The Future's Arsenal

Francesc Fabregas
Born: 04 May 1987, Vilessoc de Mar, Spain
Age: 18
Position: Midfielder
Nationality: Spanish
Capped at Under-21 Level.
Joined Arsenal: 11 September 2003
Debut: v Rotherham (h) League Cup, October 28, 2003

Fabregas is probably the most highly rated of Arsenal's young players. He burst onto the scene at the tender age of 16, when he scored against Wolves in the Carling Cup. Last season he was pushed to the fore by the injuries sustained by Gilberto and Edu. Fabregas' work ethic, vision and canny knack of making the right decision when in possession, mean he slots in seamlessly to Arsenal's fluent style of play. A lot is expected of Fabregas and he is expected to lead the new generation and be one of the stars shining brightest at Ashburton Grove.

Jose Antonio Reyes
Born: 01 September 1983, Utera, Spain Age: 21
Position: Striker
Nationality: Spanish Full International Honours
Joined Arsenal: 27th Jan 2004
Debut: v Manchester City (h) League, January 31, 2004

Jose Antonio Reyes was Arsene's major buy of the last unbeaten season after Wenger had been scouting him for over 2 years. It has taken him some time to settle and only now are we seeing his full potential. A dynamic winger, who can play a
withdrawn striker role or equally as a main striker himself Reyes' direct running, low centre of gravity, steely determination, great attitude, work-rate and dribbling ability make him a worthy asset and with an underestimated amount of experience for a player so young, Jose Antonio Reyes is a very much so a player to watch in the future.

Robin Van Persie
Born: 06 August 1983, Rotterdam, Holland
Age: 22
Position: Striker
Nationality: Dutch
Full International Honours
Joined: 05 August 2004
Debut: v Manchester United (n) Community Shield, August 8, 2004

Van Persie is probably my favourite young player at the club, he has a fighting spirit and you can see that the guy has class written all over him. When he has the ball I expect something. Being left footed and also able to play on the wing or as a second striker means he offers good balance to the squad and if picked the team. Van Persie combines a steely determination, physical power and desire with speed and technique. He has all the attributes to be a very special player and I think he will make a big impact this season.

Gael Clichy
Born: 26 July 1985, Toulouse, France Age: 20
Position: Left Full Back
Nationality: French
Capped at Under-21 Level
Joined: 04 August 2003
Debut: v Rotherham (h) League Cup, Oct 28, 2003

Gael Clichy fits seamlessly into the side, he has been one of our most consistent performers when called upon and has the potential to be as good or possibly better than Ashley Cole. Clichy has exceptional pace, improving stamina and strength. Gael is a steely character and is tenacious in the tackle. He possesses a low centre of gravity and is a good exponent of one touch passing. He provides a great depth for the squad and after making his debut so young, Gael has a good level of experience for someone so young. Another of Arsene's great finds.

Matthieu Flamini
Born: 07 March 1984, Marseille Age: 21
Position: Midfielder
Nationality: French
Capped at Under-21 Level
Joined: 22 July 2004
Debut: v Everton (a) League, August 15, 2004

Matthieu is like a perpetual motion machine. He never stops running. He is an all action midfielder and like Fabregas played a lot of games last season. Flamini is another with a high level of experience, having played a Uefa cup final at the tender age of 20. Matthieu is a ball winner and likes does the simple things very well, he tracks back and rarely over complicates things, which is a criticism levelled at Arsenal all too often. He is another player, which adds great strength to the squad and hasn't let anybody down when called upon. A big player for the future who as he improves physically will only get better.

Philippe Senderos
Born: 14 February 1985, Geneva
Age: 20
Position: Defender
Nationality: Swiss
Full International Honours
Joined: 01 June 2003
Debut: v Manchester City (a) League Cup, October 27, 2004

Philippe Senderos resembles an old fashioned central defender. He is big, strong, hard in the tackle and like to try and organise those around him. He had a tough start to his Arsenal career after his first season was plagued by injury and there were serious doubts as to whether he would make it. However, like Robin Van Persie he showed incredible mental strength when it would have been far easier to fold. Sol Campbell was injured for a large part of last season and he certainly took his chance. Putting in many assured displays and helping to stabilise what in truth was a somewhat shaky backline. Another player with a massive future.

Emmanuel Eboue
Born: 04 January 1983, Abidjan, Ivory Coast
Age: 22
Position: Defender
Nationality: Ivorian
Full International Honours
Joined: 02 January 2005
Debut: v Stoke City (h) FA Cup, January 29, 2005

Emmanuel Eboue is another important squad member who seems to be in the classic member mould. He's strong, tall, athletic, has stamina and above all, exceptional pace. He reminds me of Kolo Toure, in the fact that, he looks like he could play anywhere. He, like Senderos, has taken his time to adapt and make an impact however is now coming to the fore (what a goal against Sunderland!). With players like Eboue improving and adapting all the while it just makes the squad stronger. That is why Arsene doesn't feel it necessary to buy lots of new players, as he has players like Emmanuel who by constantly getting better are improving the squad all the time.

Arturo Lupoli
Born: 26 June 1987, Brescia, Italy Age: 18
Position: Striker
Nationality: Italian
Capped at Under-21 Level
Joined: 07 July 2004
Debut: v Manchester City (a) League Cup, October 27, 2004

Arturo Lupoli is a diminutive Italian striker, he is a natural goalscorer, in the mould of Michael Owen. Bought from Parma in 2004, where he had scored 40 goals in their youth team. He is a player who could play a very big role in the future if he continues his remarkable progress. Lupoli scored 27 goals for the reserves last season and has 8 goals already this campaign. Lupoli is very quick over 10-15 yards and plays off the shoulder of the defender. He could be our predator, our 'fox in the box'. This guy can be very special.

Quincy Owusu Abeyie
Born: 15 April 1986, Amsterdam Age: 20
Position: Attacker
Nationality: Dutch
Capped at Under-21 Level
Joined: 2003
Debut: v Rotherham (h) League Cup, October 28, 2003

Quincy is a lightning fast attacker, who can play both on the wing and as a striker. He is exciting. He possesses tremendous dribbling ability and is not short of a trick or two. His direct running and approach to the game make him a very unique type of player and he has continued to steadily progress through the youth ranks after joining from Ajax in 2003. A real talent the versatile Quincy Owusu Abeyie is a player we are sure to see a lot more of in the very near future.

Sebastian Larsson
Born: 06 June 1985, Eskiltuna, Sweden Age: 20
Position: Midfielder
Nationality: Swedish
Capped at Under-21 Level
Joined: 2002
Debut: v Manchester City (a) League Cup, October 27, 2004

Sebastian Larsson is a midfielder who has been at the club a fairly long time for someone so young, and so his development sometimes gets overlooked by the guys who have made a more dramatic impact such as Cesc Farbregas. However Arsene is not one to keep a player if he has not improved in line with his expectations and so Larsson must be doing something right. Sebastian is making steady progress and his vision, passing ability and work-rate make him a very real candidate for a place in the first team very soon.

These are just some of the young stars at Highbury, players such as Nicklas Bendtner (the reserves top scorer), Fabrice Muamba, Alexandre Song, Vito Mannone are all highly talented and among the best in the world for their ages, not to mention loanees such as Jeremie Alliadiere, Justin Hoyte and Ryan Smith who all have big futures in the game and I'm sure they will make an impact at Arsenal soon.

Ashburton Grove awaits..

Van Persie Cameo Adds Gloss For Knockout Gunners

Arsenal won 3-0 to ease through to the last 16 of the Champions League at Highbury last night against a mediocre Sparta Prague side. Godden and I attended, sat in the East Stand.. Godden foolishly predicted 3-0 Henry to score first and then failed to back it..

A sublime Thierry Henry goal and a Robin Van Persie brace ensured Arsenal's progress from Champions League Group B.

Henry struck midway through the first half with an exquisite curling drive from 25 yards as he latched on to Jose Antonio Reyes' pass.

Arsenal's dominance was clear and they probably should have been more than a goal up when Van Persie was introduced, but failed to do so due to a combination of over elaboration and total confidence in ultimately securing victory.

Bergkamp was guilty of missing 3 gilt edged chances. It's time Van Persie was given a chance to start.

Van Persie came on midway through the second half and the young Dutchman duly obliged with an expertly taken brace in the final 9 minutes. He and the lively Eboue caused Sparta all sorts of problems as the Czechs fell away in the last 10 minutes, Arsenal could conceivably had a couple more goals as Van Persie squandered a couple of hat-trick chances and Flamini missed a good chance, but 3-0 was a fair reflection.

Van Persie is starting to become a special player. When he has the ball I expect something. His left foot is as good as I've seen. Dare I say Brady-esque.

I was fortunate enough to have a word with another young prospect, Arturo Lupoli, before the game. Godden asking the prolific young striker 'So Arturo, when are you going to start banging in the goals for the first team?' to which the diminutive Italian replied 'As soon as the boss let's me!'.

Ajax scored twice in the 90th min away to Thun to deny us top spot with 2 games to go, but you have to think with Ajax at Highbury in the last round of fixtures and only a point needed, it's a formality.

Barcelona beat Panathaniakos 5-0. Eto'o scored a hat-trick and Mess, dubbed the 'new Maradonna' also netted. As did the man we should have signed, Van Bommel. They look dangerous.

United were beaten 1-0 by Lille. Tavlaridis, the ex Arsenal reserve team player starred in the centre of their defence. United have big problems. I read a good article by Miles Palmer saying they are in a much worse position than us. He's right. What's more, Chelsea will compound their misery at Old Trafford on Sunday.

 
  The Independent Football Website Awards : Click