Arsenal - the last straw

Thanks to Arsenals performance tonight I will be angered for the rest of the week if I see the highlights of the game.

An inspiring performance by Wengers men, a far better second half performance than what we have become use to over the past weeks. We certainly deserved a point for the second half, with all the chances we created up front.  It was yet again the same old mistakes that cost us a point or even a possible three.

The teams performance was better, I was especially impressed by Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and  Tomáš Rosicky.  OX’s pace and darting runs around the outside troubling Evra and Rafeal was practically impressive and the assist for the RVP goal highlighted a great game for the young lad. He is definitely one for the future, with great pace he reminds one of Walcott, but with a great first touch and a powerfull shot with time I believe he will be better than Walcott. He was defnitily the shining beacon In Arsenals loss against bitter rivals Man United.

Rosicky played his best game of the season tonight, with an impressive display in the middle. He looked composed and  controlled in the middle of the pitch. Tonights performance was the kind of pefromance we expect from the Czech Republic international.

Defensive woes: Koscielny has improved in every game, I must admit I gave him some stick when he moved to Arsenal but he has settled in nicely, and with Mertesackers improved performance and inspirational Vermaelen back, one feels that with time our defence will improve and maybe one day with a few extra signings reach the heights of The Invincible defence. But despite all the positive signs it is still this department paired with a few terrible misses in front of goal that cost us the game.

Controversial decision:  Wengers decision to replace OX with Arshavin was undoubtedly the mistake of the match, and probably cost us the game with Arshavin having a huge hand in the late winner from Danny Welbeck in the 81^st minute. One should never take off your best player in a huge match that can be the difference between European football at the top level and not. Other controversial issues that surround the match were Songs foul on Rooney that earned him a booking. Lots of people saying he should have been sent off as well as Rosicky for his challenge on Rooney that earned him a yellow. In my view you must be absolutely mad to give a straight red for those challenges. The English league is not for sissies and if you enjoy watching sissies and seeing red cards for “hard” tackles go and watch the La Liga or just don’t watch at all. Refs have been criticised for giving harsh red cards, but I was happy to see that the ref, Mike Dean didn’t fall into that deep dark hole.

I still believe that Arsenal can secure a top 4 finish but our senior members will really have to step up. The likes of RVP, Wallcott, Mertensacker, Vermaelen really need to step up to another level if Arsenal stand any chance of finishing in the top  4. If Ramsey can improve and Wilshere and Gervinho return we can certainly still pose a threat. With OX, Song and Rosicky seemingly in good form Arsenal can still push all the way in The League and The Champions League. I just hope our past 3 games against Fulham, Swansea and Man U respectively don’t cost us a top 4 finish and all the glamour and money that goes with the Champions League. We really should of earned at least 7 points from those three games, but due to slack defence by especially Djourou and Mertesacker and some poor football from Wallcott and Ramsey in the middle and upfront we have thrown away games in winning positions.   

It is certainly time for the senior players to step up, if we finish I cannot see Wenger keeping his job, maybe it is time for him to retire or to be sacked! Time will tell, but for now we must forget about tonight, take all the positives and move on. We outclassed Man U in the second half and if RVP and Ramsey took their chances who knows what could of happened. With games against Bolton, Blackburn and Spurs to come we should try and at least get 7 points and hope Chelsea slip up along the way. Well done to Man U on the win, they have really punished us over the past few years, but with that second half performance I have faith in my team, we certainly have the talent, maybe with a change of formation or game plan we can go on and finish the campaign on a high. Gunner Forever.

Goals:   

             Valencia (Giggs assist) 46’                                                  

             RVP (OX assist) 71’

             Welbeck (Valencia assist) 81’

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Soccer's Achilles' heel

Over the past few weeks it has come to my attention and probably the attention of many soccer fans across the globe that there are some reoccurring problems over the past year or so that really need to be sorted out by FIFA or whoever is in charge of soccer and want to see the best out soccer in the future.

Firstly, Vincent Kompany’s tackle on Nani in the FA cup third round tie that earned him a straight red from the referee is something that seriously bothers me as a soccer fanatic and lover of the beautiful game. Yes he went in with two feet, yes studs were showing, BLA BLA BLA! The fundamental thing about the tackle is he got the ball, and isn’t that what counts? I am happy that the Referee board and FIFA punish players that intently want to take out and injure other  players,  but can they maybe just teach the refs ,especially in the premier league, to at least be consistent, there have been countless tackles made that have been much worse that have gone unpunished. It would’ve been different if the big Belgium defender wanted to break Nanis leg but it was clear that he was focused on getting the ball and he did so through a good tackle, great tackle. Twenty years ago that tackle would not even been a free kick, a yellow card would even be too harsh. The red card changed the game and I think cost City the game. It is unfair and dangerous that referees have such a big say in such a big game, not only to the fans and players and the future of the game but also to themselves.

Secondly, all the recent racist incidents surrounding soccer; racism in soccer is not new at all, it has been around for many years especially in countries like Italy and England with Mario Ballioteli being a recent victim while playing for Inter Milan. It is near impossible to control this sort of behaviour from the crowd, but then at least the players on the pitch must keep themselves away from this sort of behaviour, but they don’t. Luis Suarez and John Terry are two world class players that have sadly contributed to the growing problem of racism in soccer over the past few months, abusing Patrice Evra and Anton Ferdinand respectively. We will never be 100% sure that they did do it, but even the thought of doing it is enough and truly sad. I am glad to see that Suarez has been punished for what he did, in the process letting the whole Liverpool world down. The players on the pitch must start to set the example though and I am sure with time the fans will follow.

Other problems that surround football are the growing amount of injuries, players simply play too much soccer these days, for example Lionel Messi plays between 60-70 games a year, that is way too much!

Other problems are the amount of derbies that are being played especially between Barcelona and Real Madrid. The two best teams in the La Liga have played each other once this season but will still play each other once more in the league, twice over the next two weeks in the Spanish cup and depending on the Champions league draw and further cup action they might still play each other another two to three times before the season ends. Yes I love watching the El Classico but too much of a good thing is well, not good! If this goes on I am worried that the passion of the derby will disappear between all the games.

Lastly, the amount of money that is being flashed in front of young players faces over the past decade or so has really become a huge problem in soccer. Young players are being lured by huge clubs through massive pay cheques and it is sad and worrying if you’re a soccer fan. Teenage soccer stars are attracted to big name clubs for all the wrong reasons and loyalty to a club and passion for a club is thrown out of the window thanks to huge amounts of money. Carlos Tevez is a brilliant example of a soccer player that swapped loyalty for money.     

Following the Ballon d’or last week I would just like to add that it is no surprise to me that Lionel Messi won the award for yet another year. The little flea is a truly awesome footballer and a true ambassador of the sport. Down to earth, professional with a love of the game, he is someone all soccer lovers should look up to. I just wish Xavi won the award, he has been a great servant of the game, and a true professional. He is nearing the end of his career, having played 400 games for Barcelona so far. It would of been great to see the best midfielder in the world to be awarded for his contribution to the game.   

Gunner view: I am happy to see that The King has returned to the Emirates for a second spell. Henry is a legend at the club, having scored 227 goals in 382 games. While his inclusion in the team for two months is a huge positive for the players and fans alike. I just feel Wenger still has a hell of a lot of work to do in the transfer market if he wants to see the team improve and reach the heights of The Invincible’s. We seriously need defenders, with Per Mertesacker being a disappointment so far, and with Thomas Vermaelen constantly missing through injury this problem must be looked at immediately. With Jack Wilshere returning to the team in the next month or so our midfield should be strong enough, with Song being on great form. Robin van Persie is Arsenals best player by a country mile, but he can’t carry the club forever, he seriously needs a striking partner that performs consistently if we look to go forward and build. Wenger has signed pour strikers over the past five years, Arshavin and Chamakh’s performance over the last few months is enough evidence.

Best player over the past week: Song has been solid and Henry’s influence has been graet

Worst player over the past week: Arshavin is pour asnd should be sold a.s.a.p.   

Best upcoming player: Ignasi Miquel, the Spaniard is one for the future!

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