It’s been quite a LONG time since I last typed something in this space. All credit to Sounak for posting some interesting stuff in the meantime, and I hope to continue blogging as consistently as Chelsea churning out 1-0 wins against the top teams. Yeah, this is what today’s post is going to be about.

In my world, The term ‘blues’ would be synonymous with that feeling of lethargy which clams your brain and induces a lacklustre sensation which compels you to grit your teeth and question your existence on this planet. My current occupation ensures that I get Monday blues everytime the weekend comes to an agonizing close; I sometimes feel blue when the weather conditions in Bangalore keeps on changing, like baldy Rafa with his weird hand signals in every match; there are also other blues like Prussian blue, the million dollar flop movie ‘Blue’ and many other occurrences of this word. But as you all know, tomorrow is a day where a defeat against the Blues at Emirates would make Monday blues even worse!

To say that this game is very important to the Gunners would be an understatement. Lose this, and Chelsea are 11 points ahead, which necessitates that we need to win nearly every match after this, to contest for the title. Win the game, we are 5 points behind with a game in hand against Bolton; win that too, and we are in a really good position to consolidate our status as title challengers. Our loss to Sunderland couldn’t have come at a worse time, but we oughta move on and pray the young guns conjure some magic.

It would be interesting to see our formation for the match. The Mancs deployed a 4-5-1 strategy which negated Chelsea’s diamond formation, and it took a set piece to set up the victory for the blues. I strongly suspect Wenger would deploy this tactic, with Dudu playing upfront. Nasri – Denilson – Song- Cesc- Arshavin would constitute the midfield, and looks good enough to take on Essien and co. Our defense however, remains the biggest concern. Gallas sustained a swollen eye in the game against Standard Liege, and is a major doubt to face his old club. The left back situation is equally scary,with the first and second choice chaps out for some time as well. In case Gallas doesn’t make it, we have Song, Senderos and Sylvestre as the options. I would naturally go for Song, but he needs to handle Lampard and Essien; which leaves Sendy and Sylvy to battle against Drogba or Anelka. Not even the most morbid dream can beat the thought of these baldies against Drogba :-/ We have Traore and Sylvy for the left spot, and I am certain Le Prof would hand the youngster his chosen spot. I pray Gallas comes back for this one atleast, because he generally does well against his old club.

If you thought that my mention of Lampard in the previous paragraph was a mistake, it certainly isn’t one! I have heard about key players like Lamps and Ballack missing this fixture, and a couple of days away from the matchday, there are reports that these two have recovered and are ‘raring to play’ against us. Has Chelsea’s ‘mind lab’ also used nano-technology or some futuristic shit to cure injuries as well? We will never know, but it does seem that Chelsea could be back to full strength for this key clash.

Well, there’s nothing more that I can speculate on. A win in any fashion will do, and it could be a huge,albeit a much needed,confident booster. Le Prof has already called on his team to deliver the goods, and I hope the guys are pumped up to fulfill his request! Adios for now, and don’t eat too many potatoes; reduce global warming!

Just when I thought there was nothing more to write about, the club’s official site reports that RVP’s ankle injury is far worse, which means we will be without the dutchman for 4-5 months! This means we must have no more injuries if we are to remain in the hunt, else the season’s going to be a really long one.

Arsenal got into the knockout stages of the Champions League for the tenth straight year with a 2-0 win against Standard Liege. There were injury problems though after the match with Gibbs being sidelined for close to 3 months with a fractured metatarsal and this after he came back from a minor injury to feature in this match. Gallas had a clash of head with Arshavin and was subed midway. Wenger though in his post match interview has said

Gallas has a slight ankle problem and a swollen eye. I think he will recover from the eye and the ankle soon.

Though he didn’t mention by when, I assume he meant before the weekend match. Gibbs he said was more serious.

Nasri capitalised on a defensive slip up and slotted in the first goal. He along with Fabregas controlled the midfield throughout the match. The second came from a Denilson long ranger. Playing in his 100th match, Denilson took his chance and drilled a wonderf ul shot from outside the penalty box high into the box.

Fabregas earned a unnecessary yellow card in the fag end of the match which resulted in the Standard player being sent off for a “headbutt”.

So now all set for the season-defining sunday thriller against Chelsea.

There seems to be two types of match report to do these days. We played well but we lacked concentration and we let in a late equalizer or we simply just played well.
Last nights game was an example of just what a fine line it is between the two.
We started really brightly full of training ground flicks culminating in an unbelievable passage of play on fifteen minutes when the Standard goal was comparable to an Iraqi stronghold with a Cobra gunship peppering it with shots on the first day of the Gulf war. Thanks AA (your forgiven)..

But as the half wore on Liege managed a shot that cannoned of Almunia’s bar.. Then we went into sadism mode.. Gallas nutting Arshavin meant we went down to nine men at one stage.
Then when Gallas came back  on he looked as if he had a session with Paul McKenna and looked well out of it, “When I click my fingers give a penalty away” luckily the ref wasn’t a Lilly Livered Pansy and you had to get a death certificate to get a penalty.

Somehow in all the melee Nasri broke through and put us one up. It won’t be this easy against the Chavs.

Just before half time Denilson must have remembered what country it states on his birth certificate (I know two certificates) and tried a Jairzinho type shot that swerved back and forth and totally lost the keeper.. 2-0 to the Arsenal..

The second half was similar except we created a few chances and they just crept the wrong side of the woodwork.
The highlight was when after getting his shirt half removed and falling to a tackle from behind Captain Cesc went to have a quiet word with Carcela-Gonzalez.  Cesc didn’t turn into Ole Gunnar Solskjar and stayed on his feet. The opposing player got sent off. But Cesc got booked, why??

Anyway 2-0 was the result.. but the funniest thing of the night was, the cash strapped Bindippers crash out of the Champions League.. The press’s darlings.. But we didn’t have Torres.. we didn’t have Alonso… haha good.. Their wasn’t much to watch on a Thursday night, now we can watch you lot get beaten.

Almunia.. 6.5 Strange night for him, sort of just watched any decent shots fly by and hit the woodwork.

Eboue.. 6.5.. I suppose he did okay, never had much defending to do, the diving and sprawling on the deck is getting boring and embarrassing now.

Gallas.. 7.5 Was leading by example, didn’t look well when he came back on after the head injury. Hope he is okay for Sunday.. I like a man who wants revenge.

Vermaelen .. 7.. Done as good as he needed to, he worries me slightly when we was two on two and he didn’t mark the spare man.

Gibbs.. 7.5 .. Nice one Gibbsy.. you are going to make the left back position yours soon.
But as I am writing I have read that he has fractured his foot and will have a operation today (Wednesday)..  2 months out ffs.

Song.. .. 9.. WOW!

Denilson. 7.. Looked okay for his first game back.. Super goal, dare I say a bit like that ex Man U cheating scum bag.. more of please.

Fabregas.. 7 .. Yeah not bad, bit wayward on some of his passes but that could be the new guys coming in, perhaps they need to read Cesc better.

Nasri..7.5 . He did okay, I would like to see him step up a gear soon,  hopefully he has settled into the way of life in England. Good finish for his goal, very cool.

Arshavin.. 7.. A pretty good performance, but a lot of his tricks were not going his way. Had a great chance whistle past the post.

Vela.. 6..very similar to Eduardo, lacks that physical presence that we need to lead the line.. Went missing a bit during periods of the game that Nikki B  doesn’t seem to do.

Silvestre.. 7.. There is hope, isn’t there??

Walcott.. 6.. Failed to shine, he should be running the show.

Rosicky.. Came on a bit late to judge him..

I don’t feel that great after a night when we qualify for the knockout stages  top of our CL group, Sunday will be the decider for me. if we win then I will be ecstatic or ..  well we will win..

Have a good day Roadsters..

That little outburst was not from me, but from our Gallic manager when asked if Theo would be going to South Africa, good going boss, that’s the spirit!

Onto January signings he went on to say ‘Why would Bordeaux sell Numbchucks for a million euros?’

More to the point, why would we only offer a million? If he was worth a bid in the summer, Arsene must rate him, if he is free to go in the summer, and he’s that good, then every other big team will be in for him and they will all offer him more that we would or indeed could.

So why on earth would we not go in and offer them £5m, they’d bite our hands off and we’d get a good squad player for very little, good business if you ask me, plus we get a much needed top class player that’s fit.

In other news Song has extended his contract until 2015, so any thoughts you may have had about a new DM have now gone, he is the one that Wenger wants. I wish my boss would give me a 6 year contract, he won’t though because he’s a tight bastard, If only Wenger ran my company!

Cesc has said ‘why not’ to finishing his career at the Arsenal, good for you Cesc, that’s the way to deal with the Barca crap, that should shut them up for a few weeks, yeah right!

Andre Arshavin says Wenger should spend big in the January window and if it upsets a few youngsters, then that’s fair, if we want to win the league, we need some world class players, Andre, I can’t disagree with that my friend. Ha, ha, I bet he gets dropped for saying that!

Onto tonight, the European game where we can qualify for the next stage, the game where I expect to see a few experiments in team selection for the chav game this weekend, tonight’s selection will be interesting.

Yes I know he wants to give Vela a run, and that I applaud, but we have a lot of young forwards that get injured a lot, what we need is a few options up front that don’t get injured so often. We’ve had Bendtner, Theo, Robin, Vela, Eduardo and even Arshavin injured this season, so I don’t think we would have selection issues, do you?

All we need is a point tonight, all three and we go forward as winners of the group, I think that also helps with our ranking points, so all to play for, I just hope we don’t treat this as an exhibition game, I hope we can better the spuds score and send out a message, so I’m going to break with tradition and predict a 10-1 result, I’ll give them one because it wouldn’t be the same if we didn’t concede.

I have a feeling he may give Eastmond an airing tonight, either that or we’ll see Denilson back and he’ll rest Song so he’ll be fit for the chavs on Sunday.

Talking of the spuds, I always thought we should have had a look at Defoe when he was at West Ham, bit of a gamble, but he is a gooner, but not to have had a sniff when he was leaving Portsmouth was a little careless, he does know where the goal is doesn’t he?

We also need to show we can score goals with a short forward line and given the shit the players got from Saturday’s debacle, I expect them to come out the blocks on fire.

Here’s my team for tonight.

Mannone

Eboue, Senderos, Vermaelen, Gibbs

Rosicky Denilson/Eastmond, Cesc

Walcott, Arshavin, Vela

With Eduardo, Nasri and Ramsey making up the bench.

Two great things came out of yesterday, one was Cesc told Barca very politely to fuck off, and Wenger told the World cup hopefuls to remember who pays them, good advice and further proof if you needed it that Wenger does indeed read Le Grove.

Have a great day Grovers, tonight we show the world that we really are true contenders.

There it is – What took us so long?

Ok, not us, but what has taken Arson so bloomin long to get thinking the way we have all been for yonks now?

‘My players cannot think about World Cup’

Arsène Wenger has insisted that for his players this season is about achieving success with Arsenal, not earning a place at the World Cup.

During a press conference at Arsenal’s Training Ground on Monday, one journalist suggested that the current campaign is a crucial one for Theo Walcott because, at its conclusion, England manager Fabio Capello will choose his squad for South Africa.

The reporter did not reach the end of his question.

“I must stop you there,” interrupted Wenger. “The big season is with Arsenal, not at the World Cup.

“We do not pay players to go to the World Cup – we pay the players to do well for Arsenal.

“The first pride of a man is to do well for the guy who pays you in life, not to go to the World Cup.”

Hoo-bloody-rah, at last, get the balloons blown up and hang the bunting out!

Club comes first, club pays players wages, club makes you successful, club teaches you how to grow with the game.

Maybe the injury to van Persie has been the final knock to the nail in our managers wooden head that will from now on STOP players going off on international duties when they are not fully fit, and even more important, stop them playing in meaningless friendlies for their country!

Well done Arson, I am with you all the way!

And yes, I did copy and paste the interview from afc.com, and I ain’t bovvered

And here is another copy and paste….

It begins :-

Dear Barcelona

Fabregas – I am happier than ever here

Cesc Fabregas says he is happier than ever at Arsenal.

Despite consistent rebuttals from the player himself, the Spaniard is still linked with a return to Barcelona and his name has even been dragged into the upcoming Presidential elections at the Nou Camp.

But, speaking ahead of Tuesday’s game with Standard Liege, the midfielder gave all that little credence and once again painted a rosy picture at Emirates Stadium.

“It does not affect me at all because it’s been going for years,” he said. “To be honest I just don’t think about it, I don’t want to and I don’t think I should because I’m at a great club and in a great team.

“I’m very happy where I am and there is very long season in front of us. The last thing I want to do is get disconnected from what I have to do which is to play football for my team and for the Club that pays me. I’m really looking forward to a great season with Arsenal.”

The skipper was then asked if he would like to stay for the rest of his career.

“Why not?” he replied. “I have never thought about it. I’m only 22. You never know what your career will bring but why not? I’m in my seventh season now and I’m really happy, better than ever.”

Fabregas also believes that his desire to win trophies can be satisfied too. Barca’s relative success compared to Arsenal is sometimes cited as a reason for moving.

“We can achieve that here,” said Fabregas in response to the question. “I have played some Finals, fought for Premier League titles.

“It’s true that at the end of the season we have sometimes had some feeling that we haven’t done it but I’m really happy with the way this club focuses on winning things and I’m sure we are more than capable of doing it this season.”

Get the hint Barca – well do you ??

On to tonight, we need just one point to secure a place in the knock out stages and we at our home against a team who threw away a 2-0 lead to let us win 3-2, so in theory; if we approach with the right attitude we will win.

Mind you I thought that before the Sunderland game!!

Anyway, tonight is very different to Saturday, we are at home and we are not up against a manager like Steve Bruce – say what you want about him but his is doing his club proud, making ‘his home’ his teams fortress, just like Arson has done with us so credit to him!

I say we should rest the French boys, rest Arshavin and bring in those who think they are good enough! That’s their words, not my view!!

How many times do we read an interview from one of those on the fringes of the team, how many times do they choose to tell the whole world they should be in our first team?

Well, tonight I think they should have their moment… Get a good mix and match and by 10pm we will be in the next round – then bring on the Carling Cup Kids for the final match

I would go with this team if I was picking it:-

Fabianski/Almunia
Eboue Senderos Vermaelen Gibbs
Ramsey Song Rosicky
Walcott Eduardo Vela

Come on you Gooners, lets score ten !!!!!

Thierry Henry accusa la federcalcio transalpina di averlo lasciato solo e confessa di avere pensato di lasciare la nazionale francese. Il bomber dei ‘bleus’ torna, in un’intervista al quotidiano ‘L’Equipe’, sul suo fallo di mano che ha viziato il gol-qualificazione della Francia ai Mondiali, segnato da Gallas contro l’Irlanda. Il giocatore del Barcellona si pente di avere esultato: “Non avrei dovuto farlo. Ma francamente è stato un gesto incontrollabile. Dopo tutto quello che era  successo…Ma ora sì, me ne pento”, dice Henry.

Ma il mancato sostegno della federazione è la cosa che brucia di più: “Dopo la partita e anche nei giorni seguenti mi sono sentito solo, veramente solo. E’ solo dopo il mio comunicato che la gente della federazione si è fatta avanti”. Da qui, la riflessione di Henry sul suo futuro in nazionale: “Sì, mi sono posto la questione”, conferma il giocatore transalpino. “Senza il sostegno della mia famiglia non avrei preso la stessa decisione. E’ con loro che ho deciso che lotterò fino alla fine. Ma quello che è successo – sottolinea – avrà il suo peso. Si può sempre perdonare, ma non sempre dimenticare”, conclude Henry.

Prendo spunto da quanto è successo nella partita di calcio tra Francia ed Eire per fare alcune considerazioni.

Per coloro che non avessero seguito l’avvenimento, lo riassumo.

Si tratta di una partita di calcio importante in quanto è in gioco, senza ulteriore possibilità si appello, la partecipazione ai Campionati Mondiali dell’anno prossimo, e , come sempre nel calcio, sono coinvolti interessi economici notevoli.

La Francia aveva vinto la partita d’andata per 1 a 0. Questa è la partita di ritorno e, al termine dei 90 minuti regolamentari, l’Eire, più debole sulla carta, è in vantaggio con lo stesso punteggio di 1 a 0.

Occorre quindi disputare i due tempi supplementari e verso la fine del primo tempo la Francia va in gol con Gallas. Il gol è assolutamente irregolare perché un altro giocatore francese, Thierry Henry si è aggiustato la palla con una mano, evitando che la stessa uscisse a fondo campo, e l’ha passata a Gallas che ha segnato.

L’arbitro non vede il fallo di mano e convalida, nonostante le vivaci proteste degli irlandesi.

Con questo gol la Francia si qualifica e ‘Eire è eliminata.

Mero comportamento “opportunistico” della squadra francese, dunque, e lealtà sportiva zero.

Scoppiano le polemiche.

L’allenatore francese, Raymond Domenech, dichiara:”Je ne comprends pas pourquoi nous sommes présentés comme coupables” (non capisco perché ci si presenti come colpevoli di aver commesso un reato)

Sarkozy, che se ne lava le mani: “Sulla partita – dice – sono le istanze preposte in sede europea e internazionale a doversi esprimere”. Sì, certo, ma lui che ne pensa?

I giornali commentano “non è il giocatore che deve andare dall’arbitro a confessare, ma è l’arbitro che avrebbe dovuto chiedere al giocatore”,

Insomma, quando ci sono gli interessi di mezzo, l’onore viene dopo. E pensare che, col chiedere, ad esempio, di ripetere la partita, ci avrebbero fatto un figurone a rischio quasi zero. L’Eire è nettamente più debole.

Ma anche la Francia non è più quella di una volta.

Si ripetono ormai troppo frequentemente le situazioni in cui un po’ tutti ci perdono la faccia. Sarkozy che va ad abbattere il muro di Berlino una settimana dopo, la Renault che, stando alle cronache, addossa tutte le colpe a Briatore per salvarsi il culo, due grandi Presidenti, Chirac e Mitterand sulle prime pagine dei giornali

C’era una volta la Francia dei grandi ideali, una Francia che ha sempre preteso di essere d’esempio per il resto del mondo.

La Francia della grandeur, insomma.

La Francia che noi, esterofili come siamo, abbiamo sempre ammirato, la Francia che noi piemontesi abbiamo sempre sentito più vicina di “Roma ladrona”

La Francia di monsieur De Coubertin che diceva:“ Nello sport l’importante non è vincere, ma partecipare”.

Ma quella Francia c’è stata davvero?

E’ la Francia che ha spesso scritto la storia, quella scritta, però, con la penna dei vincitori, quella abbellita dalle gesta dei suoi eroi, quella che dimentica il valore degli sconfitti, quella che nasconde sotto lo zerbino le proprie malefatte.

Forse faremmo meglio a rivedere qualche pagina e a rileggerla anche dalla parte degli sconfitti. E forse scopriremmo anche qualche rovescio della medaglia.

Guardate, ad esempio che ci dice Antonio Lombardo, Professore Ordinario di Storia dello Sport e Presidente del corso di laurea in Scienze Motorie dell’Università degli Studi di Roma Tor Vergata in un pezzo dal titolo”Pierre de Coubertin e quella frase mai detta”:“La consultazione delle carte di Coubertin, depositate presso l’Archivio del C.I.O. (Comitato Olimpico Internazionale) a Losanna, mi permette di affermare con assoluta sicurezza che quella frase è stata pronunciata per la prima volta dal vescovo anglicano Ethelbert Talbot della diocesi di Pennsylvania nel corso della cerimonia tenuta nella cattedrale di Saint Paul di Londra in onore dei partecipanti ai Giochi Olimpici del 1908.”

Frase rubata dunque, ma ben conservata. ” Une belle mise en place”, direbbero i francesi.

Insomma questa Francia forse è sempre stata più normale di quel che la crediamo e non aveva tutti i torti Jean Cocteau nel dire : “Les français sont des italiens de mauvaise humeur” (“I francesi sono come gli italiani di cattivo umore”)

De miercuri de la miezul noptii Irlanda boceste si urla din toti rarunchii aidoma unui prescolar caruia i s-a stricat o jucarie si acum le arunca suparat pe celelalte din tarc. Reactia mai mult decat exagerata a insularilor e de un prost gust ce frizeaza ridicolul, Football Association of Ireland si pana si Ministrul Justitiei in guvernul de la Dublin cersind fara demnitate la FIFA rejucari impotriva regulamentului.

A fost o eroare de arbitraj, o greseala umana, ca destule altele in meciuri de fotbal mai mult sau mai putin importante, cu o mai mare ori mai mica miza. Arbitrul asistent n-a semnalizat pozitia de ofsaid a doi jucatori francezi, la o lovitura libera executata de Malouda in prelungirile barajului de la Paris, iar continuarea o stim cu totii.

Uitati de hentul lui Henry… in prealabil a fost ofsaid!

Daca respectiva pozitie afara din joc ar fi fost semnalizata prompt iar arbitrul de centru suedez ar fi acordat lovitura libera in favoarea Irlandei, nu s-ar fi ajuns la valul populist de oprobiu public impotriva lui Thierry Henry si prin extensie la adresa selectionatei Frantei si pe alocuri chiar a natiunii franceze. Marul discordiei ar fi trebuit sa fie legat de ofsaid, nicidecum de oportunismul ulterior al lui Henry.

Telefoane in direct, in emisiuni, mesaje text si comentarii pe marginea jocului, cu toate au oferit tot atat de multe canale pentru ca publicul insular sa-si verse naduful, dandu-i-se apa la moara si datorita reactiei oficialilor. Iar ce s-a spus si s-a scris aduce nici mai mult nici mai putin cu asasinarea caracterului lui Henry.

Rasul lumii…Comentatorii BBC n-au avut habar de henturi dar au spus apoi ca-i incredibil sa nu fi fost vazut de arbitru!

Culmea ironiei, intr-o mostra evidenta de ipocrizie, ce spune multe despre postura ingrata si uneori fara sansa de scapare a arbitrilor, comentatorii in direct ai meciului pentru BBC Radio 5 Live au sesizat infractiunea abia la peste un minut dupa comiterea hentului, gratie reluarii de pe monitoarele video, moment din care insa au intors brusc foaia, referindu-se la “incredibilul” situatiei: “Este incredibil ca n-a fost vazut de arbitru si e incredibil ca Irlanda sa fie astfel eliminata!”  In prealabil, in comentariul fazei, gazetarul se referise la “o deviere”, despre care puteti asculta aici… http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/8367817.stm

Domnilor comentatori le-au trebuit vreo 80 de secunde sa se dumireasca de faptul ca Henry comisese hent dar li s-a parut incredibil ca arbitrul sa nu fi vazut acelasi incident…

Tonul indignat revoltat al acuzatorilor aratand cu degetul spre detinatorul la zi al Champions League, etichetat drept “a cheat“, un trisor, cauta tapi ispasitori dupa ce Irlanda ratase in grupa oportunitatea de a invinge Italia, de care a fost egalata in minutul 90, dupa care n-a dispus nici macar de Muntenegru, in ultimul joc din calificari. Locul doi. La baraj.

Unde, in meci tur, la Dublin, Franta si-a demonstrat superioritatea si a invins meritat cu 1-0, fara ca Irlanda sa concretizeze cele cateva oportunitati avute. Frustrati de visele risipite in fata finalistelor Cupei Mondiale din 2006, unii jucatori irlandezi cautau nod in papura lui Diarra, imediat dupa prima mansa, incercand sa-si faca dreptate dupa fluierul de final.

Miercuri, la Paris, in probabil cea mai buna evolutie a Irlandei din ultimii ani, capitanul Robbie Keane a egalat in prima repriza scorul general al barajului, 1-1, dupa pauza atat O’Shea cat si Duff si acelasi Keane avand oportunitati ideale de a majora diferenta si implicit de a califica Insula de Smarald la turneul final. Ar fi fost probabil o calificare meritata, gratie evolutiei din Orasul Luminii, unde o linie de mijloc cu doi jucatori de la Stoke City, unul de la Blackburn Rovers si un al patrulea de la Fulham a cam manevrat in voie in fata unui “Cocos Galic” neimpunandu-se acolo nici in fata Romaniei.

Dar ocaziile se razbuna si legea nescrisa a fotbalului i-a lovit pe oaspeti aidoma bumerangului.

Si daca golul lui Gallas n-ar fi fost validat, Irlanda tot n-ar fi fost calificata. Unde-i atunci furtul calificarii?

Irlanda plange ca i-ar fi fost rapit dreptul de a ajunge in Africa de Sud insa chiar si daca golul lui Gallas n-ar fi fost validat, nu este cert ca verzii ar fi triumfat la loviturile de departajare spre care curgea meciul. Ar fi ramas 1-0, cu sanse relativ egale pentru combatante de a se califica de la 11 metri. Si-atunci!?!

Ultimul joc la Campionatul Mondial pentru ambele reprezentative se soldase cu esecuri la penaltyuri, Franta in fata Italiei, la Berlin, in finala, iar Irlanda in fata Spaniei, in Coreea de Sud, in optimile din 2002. Cine si-ar fi infrant emotiile si ar fi triumfat? Sunteti convinsi ca Irlanda? Si-atunci de unde pana unde pot afirma irlandezii ca au fost furati de o accedere la Mondial? De la 1-0 in prelungiri pana la un al doilea gol marcat, pe care l-au tot irosit cu nonsalanta, e cale lunga.

Beckham recunoaste ca e greu de spus daca ar fi putut proceda altfel decat Henry

Pe cateva din aceste linii au marsat si David Beckham si Roy Keane, ultimul, in cadrul unei conferinte de presa in calitate de manager al lui Ipswich Town, ambii nefiind de acord cu catalogarea de “trisor” atribuita de mass-media si publicul larg atacantului francez si gasind nu atat scuze acestuia cat explicatii pertinente si puncte de vedere implicand mai multi factori.

De fapt, e o practica de teren de antrenament a fotbalistilor, ce poate deveni reflex necontrolat, de a repotrivi, “reaseza” balonul, odata acesta scapat afara din joc. Si aici poate sari in ajutorul lui Henry latura involuntara, neintentionata, a abordarii sale. Si foarte putini jucatori profesionisti, fie ei si irlandezi ori britanici in general, ce doresc a-si asuma un statut nedovedit de cavaleri nobili ai dreptatii, mai albi ca albul, arogandu-si implicit un compas moral absolut, ar fi procedat probabil altfel decat francezul, in circumstantele date. Dar dupa razboi multi viteji se aduna sa arunce cu pietre.

Cu fair-play si realism, irlandezul Keane indeamna contestatarii sa se uite mai intai in propria ograda

Conferinta lui Roy Keane este o mostra absoluta de echidistanta si curaj in a-ti apara un punct de vedere nepopular, probabil total indegirabil pentru multi pasionati de fotbal, inclusiv compatrioti, in conditiile in care fostul mijlocas a purtat si banderola de capitan al “verzilor”. De urmarit parerea sa pe http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/8370497.stm

In contrast cu spusele intelepte ale lui Keane, de fapt o reactie la exagerarile debitate dupa returul din Franta, s-a pravalit un urias val de articole populiste, in cel mai pur stil al maniei proletare, terfelind reputatia lui Thierry Henry dar mergand mult mai departe si impungand din varii unghiuri nationala Frantei. Deloc de mirare, venind de peste Canalul Manecii. Rezidurile sindromului de superioritate, al arogantei atotcunoscatoare si fara echivoc, a veninului perpetuu improscat de urmasii imperialismului ce inca isi asmute tentaculele de sub alta palarie, au degenerat in alte patinaje cu ”inamicul” la tinta fixa. Ce deliciu, sa aiba a le reprosa ceva, cu un aer revendicativ, rivalilor de peste Canal. Mi-ar trebui ore si pagini intregi si n-ar suporta virtualul, rosind de rusine si manie, sa descarc vitriolul altui exces de frustrare insulara.   

Irlanda, in tricouri albe si chiloti verzi, n-a avut 15 secunde de inspiratie absoluta, aidoma altor alb-verzi in Paris, intr-un 17 si nu 18 noiembrie, acum 16 ani, cand Franta era lasata acasa, eliminata in ultima secunda a calificarilor la US World Cup ‘94. De ce n-a reusit Irlanda acel al doilea gol calificant, aidoma lui Emil, fie in repriza secunda, fie dupa egalarea nemeritata reusita de Gallas? La aceste ratari sa fi gasit un raspuns capitanul risipitor Robbie Keane si nu la presupunerile ca Platini si Blatter si-ar fi trimis bezele, strangeri de mana si mesaje text, din susul tribunei, incantati de deznodamantul favorabil Frantei si implicit turneului final in organizarea FIFA…

Stim cu totii ca FIFA are bubele ei, ca Mondialul e o taraba corporatista a companiilor, sponsorilor, marcilor de echipament, ca Franta e dorita ca “brand” si putere de cumparare a suporterilor ei, ca Irlanda nu e in aceeasi categorie a marilor dezirabile, ca fotbalul si societatea in general aluneca pe o panta ireversibila a degradarii conduitei, probitatii si integritatii umane, si-am mai aflat acum ca si alte mari vedete pot oferi mostre de oportunism extrem intru atingerea scopurilor, le stim pe toate astea, insa nu credeam ca Irlanda era buricul pamantului si cea mai nedreptatita dintre nedreptatite. Bocetul federatiei, demnitarilor si fanilor ei pare insa a starni mai degraba ilaritate ori dispret decat simpatie.

Ai pierdut? Continua…

Clamorosa mano que da el pase a Francia, y deja en la cuneta a la selección irlandesa.

El equipo irlandés se había adelantado en el marcador con un gol de Robbie Keane, y buscaba el segundo gol que le diera el pase, cuando en el minuto 102 llegó la jugada polémica.

Falta frontal, Henry controla con la mano y en fuera de juego, dejándole el balón en bandeja a Gallas, que remata a placer.

Actualización:

Irlanda pide, mediante un comunicado, la repetición del partido.

I’m sure everybody has heard/seen about Henry’s handball that lead to Willam Gallas’ winning goal in the World Cup knockout round. And I’m sure everyone has heard the multiple crys that Henry should have ‘been a man’, owned up to his cheating and had the goal ruled out. In an ideal world yes, this should have happened. But can I just ask a few question to those who are now branding Henry as the biggest cheater since the Eduardo.

1. If Henry had told the referee he’d handled and the France had been knocked out, what do you think the reaction would have been in France? He would have been mauled to death. I’m pretty sure he would have, at least for a while, become a hate figure.

2. Would you have said anything? I mean really? Would you potentially knock your country out of the World Cup. Somehow I doubt it. You’d need to have balls the size of the football stadium to do that, and I don’t think you’ve got the grapes.

I’m also told that Robbie Keane, who has already decided that it’s some kind of FIFA conspiracy to keep France in the World Cup, was caught multiple times by the referee after having handled the ball himself last night. Things that make you go hmmm.

İspanyol basını, Fransa’nın Henry’nin eliyle gelen tartışmalı pozisyondan sonra golü bularak İrlanda’yı elemesini ve Dünya Kupası’na katılmaya hak kazanmasını skandal olarak verdi.
“Eller Yukarı!!” başlığını atan Marca gazetesi, “Fransa, kural dışı, skandal bir golle Dünya Kupası’na gidiyor. Yakışmayan ve skandal bir olay” değerlendirmesini yaptı. “Fransa Henry’nin açık bir eliyle Dünya Kupası’na gidiyor” diyen As gazetesi de Henry’nin Gallas’a pas vermeden önce iki kez topa elle dokunduğunu ve maçın hakemi Martin Hansson’un UEFA Başkanı Michel Platini’ye “bir iyilik yaptığını” yazdı.

Diğer İspanyol gazetelerinden El Pais “Fransa, hile ile kurtuluyor”, El Mundo “Tüm eller Henry’i işaret ediyor”, Sport “Hakeme göre Henry’nin eli kural dışı değil, Tanrı’nın eli” ifadelerini kullandı.

AA

Capitão da Irlanda, o atacante Robbie Keane ficou revoltado com o erro do árbitro sueco Martin Hansson ao validar o gol da França nesta quarta-feira, após Thierry Henry ter começado a jogada tocando a bola com a mão.

Com o empate em 1 a 1, a seleção irlandesa ficou de fora da Copa do Mundo de 2010, na África do Sul.

- O toque de mão foi óbvio, estamos com nojo. Definitivamente, a Fifa não quer a Irlanda na Copa – reclamou o jogador do Tottenham.

Depois de ter perdido em casa por 1 a 0 no jogo de ida, a seleção irlandesa devolveu o placar no Stade de France e levou a partida para prorrogação. Aos 13 minutos do tempo extra, Henry usou a mão para evitar que a bola saísse e depois cruzou para Gallas marcar o gol da classificação francesa.

- Nós criamos muitas chances nesta noite. Temos que ficar orgulhosos pelo que jogamos, mas falhamos em seguir adiante – concluiu o capitão.

Você acha que esse jogo deve parar nos tribunais? Comente…

Tony Cascarino, writing for the honourable Times, headlined his article “Thierry Henry is an insincere cheat who has tarnished his reputation for good”, the Telegraph writes that Thierry Henry admits to it, while Gallas himself is quoted as saying “I didn’t see it”. It is, of course, “Le Hand of God”, the handball that defeated Ireland in the World Cup play-off:

Ya tenemos a las 32 selecciones clasificadas para el Mundial de Sudáfrica. Las últimas en obtener su billete han sido Argelia, Grecia, Eslovenia, Portugal Uruguay y Francia. Los bleus lo han conseguido de manera escándalosa.

En la ida habían ganado 0-1 en Irlanda. En el partido de vuelta, en Saint Dennis, Robbie Keane empató la eliminatoria, que se fue a la prórroga. En el tiempo extra llegó lo más escándaloso que se ha visto en un campo de fútbol desde hace tiempo. Falta frontal que bota Francia. Squilacci, en fuera de juego, intenta llegar al balón. La jugada se debería haber anulado ahí, pero no. La pelota le llega a Henry, que toca el balón con la mano ¡dos veces! Después, Gallas remachó en boca de gol.

Francia no debería ir al Mundial. Una acción tan grave y tan injusta no puede dejar a Irlanda sin Mundial, sólo porque su rival era Francia. Si la FIFA busca impartir justicia en el fútbol, debería repetirse la prórroga. Aunque nos habríamos ahorrado toda esta polémica (y lo que vendrá en los días próximos) si se permitiera el uso del vídeo en casos como éste. Podría funcionar con un cupo, como el ojo de halcón en el tenis. Mientras esto siga así, el deporte rey verá cómo se queda atrás tecnológicamente y se sigue calentando el ambiente con polémicas que podrían ahorrarse perfectamente.

P.D: España vive días dulces. Antes éramos nosotros los que íbamos a las repescas. Ahora, mientras otros se la juegan a todo o nada, la Selección española disfruta de un partido amistoso en su paraíso particular, Viena. Los de Vicente del Bosque golearon por 1-5 a los austriacos, con goles de Cesc, Villa (2), Güiza y Pablo Hernández. Con esta goleada nos despedimos de la Selección hasta marzo.

On a horrible wet and windy morning many fans might be glad that they are staying home this afternoon instead of having to travel to football, so maybe this break has come at the right time for once? No – ok, just trying to cheer up the grumpy ones who are missing their footie fix.

Look on the bright side, England play Brazil, so that could be a good game to watch, alternatively there is the France v ROI play off, first leg – difficult choice? No, the latter for me and I hope Trapp’s boys get one over the French Boss who looks like he is first choice when Thunderbirds is re-created!!

Not only have we had to endure the Cesc rumours, but now it seems the Sagna to Juve have resurfaced. Well, Big Bacary has turned down Real Madrid according to his agent so Juve have no chance. Also, Sagna has made it very clear to the overseas clubs that he is happy and will not leave Arsenal. Good man!

Gilles Sunu is wanted by Blackpool on loan, good move for the lad to I think and he wants to go. Arsene is being shrewd and has told him to sign a contract extension or don’t go on loan. Sunu is definitely one for the future so let’s hope he sorts this out and signs on the dotted line.

Another player who has sorted out his contract extension is Carlos Vela, terms and conditions have been agreed and all that remains is his signature in the right place which is expected to take place after the break. (Young Guns)

Talking of Mexican players, we are soon to sign another wonder kid, Martin Luis Galvan Romo – he is just 16 years old and a little bit good by all accounts. (See Young Guns for the full article)

This morning’s papers suggest that Bayern Munich youngster David Alaba has confessed that his dream is to play for Arsenal. The 17-year-old midfielder is Austria’s youngest-ever international player – who knows eh?

Two weeks to go until we welcome the Russian Empire to our stately home, and I am starting to warm towards certain aspects of their club – well only the one actually, and that is their injury list!

Frank Lampard
Didier Drogba
Jose Bosingwa
Ashley Cole

All of the above are expected to be out for the match against us, I just hope Essien gets a little knock this weekend and Terry! The latter hobbled off from training with England so you never know.

Just as their injury list grows, ours should soon shorten. Theo, Denilson, Vela, Wilshere, Traore and Vela should be back in training this coming week. Nik should be back sooner than expected. He has a new wealthy woman in his life, he will be wanting ‘that’ injury to heal as soon as possible

Finally, poor old Carlo Cudicini – as a Spud and a man, the two worst things that could have happened to him happened. He suffers a car accident having been hit by a female driver. That must have been a bitter pill to swallow, but then to find out she is a Gooner must have been awful!!

Woops, make that three; he broke both his wrists too!!

Have a great day, and cheer on the Irish, for Irish

This is what happen last time we have Wolves in the EPL

Arsenal visit Molineux Stadium tonight and it’s a good oppourtunity to continue the good run that we are currently going through.  This is no walk in the park for Arsenal as both Fulham and Aston Villa have came and gone home with only a point. Given the form that we’re in at the moment, the three points are almost in the bag.

On the team news, there’s not much difference to the squad that was named on Wednesday to this one. Vela is still slightly short while Rosicky and Nasri endured no adverse effect to the Champions League participation. With Nasri already completing another 90 minutes against Alkmaar, I sensed that he will return to the substitute bench with Eboue moving further the pitch than the one he occupied in the last match. With that, I suspect the lineup will resemble something like this;

Almunia

Sagna—Gallas—Vermaelen—Gibbs

Fabregas—Song—Diaby

Eboue—RVP—Arshavin

Though now Eduardo is fit and running, I don’t expect an away game to a side that is more accustomed to Championship football than Premier League will be a good place to start him. Since his return from his leg break, Eduardo has not been exactly back to his old self yet. Yes, there was the beach style goal in the FA Cup but since then, the efficiency in front of goal that we so normally see from him is not there. Perhaps he needs a couple of continuous 90 minutes games for him to really feel at home but that will happen sooner rather than later. As they normally say, form is temporary, class is permanent. We will need his goals and contribution as he is by far the most natural marksmen that Arsenal currently possess.

Wolves have not done too badly in their return to the upper echelon of English football and are now sitting in 17th position with 10 points. Their most dangerous player is the former Reading star, Kevin Doyle. I believe it will take more than just Kevin himself to be able to breach the fortress that is Gallas and Vermaelen. Wenger was asked who he thinks will come in should he decide to rest his first choice centerback pairing and promptly responded that unless forced upon, he is not even thinking of rotating them. To a certain extent, I will back that up. Normally the defense duo are not the position to mess with. Consistency breeds familiarity and it is even more vital to the last line of defense in front of the keeper.

Although in the occassion that the opponent’s strikers are those of lesser pace and power, I will like to see Senderos be given a chance to show his worth. Other than Drogba and Torres, I don’t think there is another striker who can give the Swiss the same kind of trouble he had with both in the past. It will also allow either Gallas or Vermaelen the chance to heal some sore legs and recharge themselves for the tough and tight fixtures ahead, even if only for the 1 game.

With the league’s top two due to face each other tomorrow, I’ll be keeping a close eye on that as well. I hope it will be a draw, allowing Arsenal to inch ever closer to both of them going into the international break. Just to keep them looking over their shoulders.

Here’s to another 3 points irregardless of how the match pans out. Enjoy it wherever you’re watching.

I bet every Gooner is at this very second beaming with pride of our Arsenal winning so handsomely in the London derby against Tottenham yesterday, and I must admit I am too. Three goals to nothing was the scoreline and if I was a Spurs supporter, I would have enviously wished that my team plays such pretty football like Arsenal does and win games like this one where bragging rights is on the line.

I thought Van Persie, Sagna and Gallas were exceptionally good throughout the match but my favourite moment overall has to be Cesc’s goal. It wasn’t a special shot at goal or a chip or anything, but rather the run by our captain towards goal before scoring in an impressive solo effort that will surely have this goal talked about among fans for some time. Haha, Barcelona, drooling I see??

However, in the first half before Van Persie latched on to Sagna’s cross to put us in the lead, Spurs did look the more dangerous side as Arsenal’s passes weren’t sticking and Spurs’ defenders were well organised at the back. Then two goals within 11 seconds turned the game on its head and the Gunners frew in confidence, needless to say leaving the visitors frustrated. It’s also good to see Almunia keep a clean sheet and our players very careful not to let any complacency creep in before the final whistle.

On other matters, I watched the Liverpool game as well and I think they are really in deep trouble now what with all the good last week against Man United wasted and losing another three points (3-1 loss to Fulham) to a supposedly lesser opponent to see them lie fifth in the table with Man City and Aston Villa breathing down their necks. I see Man City overtaking them soon with Ade-boo’s team having to games in hand. So, Rafa should be worried sick but still it’s too early to write them off as title contenders. Far too early yet.

I’ll leave you at that and once again I’m inviting you to join as a member in the “TheSilentGunner Blog Members” group by clicking here or here. Thanks for your support.

Well done Andre, you came clean, yes you didn’t have a good game, nor did Cesc and Billy was lucky not to give away a penalty, so apology accepted.

Clichy said they learned a painful lesson at West Ham and it won’t happen again, really, and what did you learn against AZ Alkmaar? Or doesn’t that count?

However, what let us down in that game is what lets us down so often, a poor team selection, playing good players out of position and the refusal to play great players in the position we play mediocre players.

Eboue, often the victim of the boo boys, so why does he get so much abuse? Because he is played in midfield, on the wing or up front as if he were the world’s greatest player, that’s why he gets so much stick, I think he is as good as, if not better as Sagna in the right back slot, keep him there and we won’t grumble, you wouldn’t play Robin as a centre back Arsene, so why play Eboue out wide? Can’t you see it doesn’t work!!!

Diaby, an enigma, he has so much skill, but he keeps screwing up, losing the ball and generally playing wildly out of position, everytime we see him on the teamsheet, we all collectively sigh. How many chances does he get?

Song, often the target of my unhappiness, he genuinely tries, he has the heart, but for me he is just not what we need in that position. He gave away the penalty, argue all you like about the call, but making a tackle from behind, in the area is daft, just plain daft.

The first goal came from a free kick, that just before Eboue sheparded all the way from the half way line, why isn’t he told to make a tackle further up the pitch? Dixon would have put the player into row Z.

Now you may get away with playing one of them there, but all three? It just doesn’t work and I’m sure if Denilson was fit, he’d be in there too.

Don’t even get me started on the keeper situation, since Lehmann has gone, we have struggled, why didn’t we sign Given? Why don’t we sign Joe Hart? Mannone isn’t the answer, Fabianski may be, but we need the finished product now.

Yes there will be people reading this that will say, we are still well placed in the league, we are still in Europe, we are still in the Carling Cup, so stop moaning, but we have been for the last 4 seasons and we ended up with nothing but promises.

We had a bench of Nasri, Bendtner and Eduardo, why did they not start? Are you telling me that Nasri isn’t a better option than Diaby? Are you telling me Eduardo wouldn’t be better than Eboue? Are we sure that Ramsey couldn’t play in the DM role, what the hell is Wilshere thinking, he has bundles of talent and yet he’s behind Eboue, a right back.

We’ve been here before and the players move on, because they want to play, and the boss tells them they are behind this player or that.

I do get exasperated when I look at the talent we have and never play it, it’s not like we even look good when we do play the others, we could see it was going pear shaped when the second half started at Upton Park, even the most die hard AKB would have been puzzled as to why we made no substitutions, then we made one on 82 minutes and one on 88, what was the point in that? That’s what you do when you’re 2 up and want to waste some time against the chavs, not against West Ham!

Now I’ll spend all week getting stupid little text messages from happy Hammers, it’s not fair Arsene, it’s the same old excuse, after AZ, you said the team will learn from this, after West ham you said the same thing. So what did they learn?

I hope like hell you have learned from this and put out a good team against Liverpool and not a bunch of kids, please understand we want to win something this year, it’s why we pay so much.

Please, please, learn from this game, we have the players, you just aren’t playing them. Wilshere, Ramsey, Vela and Nasri. You brought them in not me, why is Vela never playing? He has more talent than Diaby, Song and Eboue combined and he can play out wide.

On the subject of banning people, if someone comes on Le Grove and gets abusive, they get banned, disagree all you want, that’s debate, tell fellow bloggers they are wankers or worse isn’t clever, it isn’t tough and it’s not welcome, Le Grove is a site where you can have an opinion, not threaten fellow bloggers, we have women, children and senior citizens on here, respect that and you’re welcome.

Enough said, have a great day Grovers, tomorrow we’ll see what we learned from the last 7 days.

P.S. I have a spare for the Liverpool game, mail in quick if you’d like it!

Which Gallas will show up?

Today see the visit of Birmingham to Ashburton Grove. The incident 2 seasons ago at St. Andrew’s will no doubt still rankles in the mind of all Arsenal fans. The Eduardo broken leg incident brought about sad memories of that particular season. First for the bad injury that the Brazilian suffered at the hand (or legs) of Martin Taylor but more importantly, it was the start of which Arsenal lost the impetus for the Premier League title. More significantly for William Gallas, it was a match that highlighted his shortcomings as the captain of the club. His sit-down incident showed his lack of leadership and it will be interesting to see how he will perform in this match.

On the squad news for this match. Arsenal will miss the services of Nicklas Bendtner, Gael Clichy, Eduardo and Lukasz Fabianski from various injuries while Carlos Vela will also miss out as it traditionally is immediately after he appears for Mexico due to the late touchdown flight. While it was still to early for Samir Nasri, Denilson and Johan Djourou.

The holder of the current no. 1 jersey, Manuel Almunia has been deemed fit enough to feature this weekend and Arsene Wenger will have a tough job to make. Do he reinstall the Spaniard over Vito Mannone? Mannone has performed more than admirably during the senior keeper’s absence and will want further chances to prove his capability. It will not be fair for the young Italian to have did as well as he did and yet immediately return to the bench when Almunia recovers. But as it normally is with the goalkeeper position, unfortunately there is only one spot. It has always been tough for young custodian to displace the current one. On the other hand, inspite of a few errors on Almunia’s part this season, we cannot so easily forget his consistent performance throughout last season. But seeing that Birmingham is not exactly firing on all cylinders having only scored 5 goals in their 8 league games.

So in that respect I expect the lineup to be something like this

Almunia

Sagna—Gallas—Vermaelen—Gibbs

Fabregas—Song—Diaby

Rosicky—Van Persie—Arshavin

Wenger said that this could be Kieran Gibbs’ season as he start a rather early campaign to influence Fabio Capello to take the young Englishman to South Africa come next summer. I would not like to read too much into this but the indication is there to be seen. Wenger obviously sees Gibbs as a left back and not a midfielder. As such, if he is to play consistently and earn his England spot, he would have to dispose Clichy, the current incumbent of the left back spot. Clichy have not had the best of seasons having seen most of the goals Arsenal conceded coming from his side of the pitch and is Wenger already looking at his options? That being said, Clichy is still only 24 and has more than ample time to rediscover his form and become much better. Meanwhile, Gibbs have now become a permanent fixture of Stuart Pearce’s U21 lineup and shown his efficiency going forward but susceptible when defending on the break. Still, if he plays with authority over the winger/midfielder he needs to mark, then maybe Arsenal will once again have an England international left back.

Birmingham tomorrow is a very winnable game. In the context of the league, it is imperative that Arsenal keep their winning run. We can’t always score 6, so I will settle for a 3-0 win tomorrow. Enjoy it wherever your watching.

It is true. 7 goals this season and McLeish’s Birmingham have scored them all AFTER 75 minutes. (courtesy of optajoe). When it comes for providing entertainment for value, I’ve heard that the Blues fans are now asking for refunds on free Birmingham city tickets.

So if we click and when we do, we should put Birmingham to sleep BEFORE they wake up. Can we repeat our Blackburn performance or something as close to that? Especially after an International break? I suspect it will be a scrappy game with few chances in the first 20 minutes. I hope I’m wrong. I hope we are 3-0 up and the crowd chants “Ole, Ole”.

Defensively this is an excellent opportunity to shore things up. It has been our best ever attacking start. BUT it is our worst start defensively, to a season. (courtesy of Orbinho)

Call me a profound cynic but I really don’t want us to be ‘the Newcastle of the 90s’.

We won’t score 4+ goals per game. The law of averages state this as much. For the record I’m going for a 2-0 win.

Ever since Birmingham got promoted, I’ve kept a keen eye on this fixture. For obvious reasons. Many of us still aren’t over the pain caused the last time we played McLeish’s thugs.

It was a horrible weekend, there was also a bereavement. I lost an influential figure in my local community. And you know what, it was just 2 days before my 21st birthday.  Don’t like to use expletives but I was fuckin’ depressed that weekend. I officially don’t like to celebrate my birthday anymore. Does anyone do after 21, anyway?

Is it fair to say our Premiership title challenge went downhill from there back in 2008? Is it fair to pin it down to Eduardo’s injury, Clichy’s last minute mistake and Gallas’ infamous sit in?

Statistically yes, we hardly won a game after that. Yet just a month or so before, we drew 1-1 at home against Birmingham back in January 2008. 2 points from 2 games against a relegated side is not good enough. And tomorrow we have to nail this team down. 

By the way, just check that article out (for the home game) and see how many times, Eduardo was mentioned. Not meaning to directly accuse McLeish and Co but it doesn’t seem as co-incidental that Eduardo was taken out within 3 minutes at St Andrew’s, does it?

Ironically, Eduardo won’t get his chance to restore footballing parity. He is injured. And just as they were both getting better, Clichy and Diaby have only gone on to pick ankle injuries. If they don’t make it, I do see an opportunity for Gibbs and Ramsey which would be good for them of course.

However I wouldn’t be surprised if Traore plays.

Wenger reckons Almunia is a 50-50. Add that to Fabianski’s inclusion and wait a minute…Is he suggesting Mannone could be dropped altogether? Because that would be extremely harsh on the Don.

Whoever plays though, they have to do it for Eduardo, since he won’t be able to play himself. But most importantly they have to do it for themselves. They have a score to settle. And not just with the bookmakers.

I’m back from a much needed vacation, and there is a ton of Arsenal news so I’ll get right into it.

18 gunners were in action all around the world on International Duty. Arsenal were represented well with 5 goalscorers and some Man of the Match performances.

International Watch:

William Gallas, Bakary Sagna, Gael Clichy, and Abou Diaby – France – WCQ - Gallas scored the third goal as France beat the Faroe Islands 5-0. The defender headed home an Thierry Henry cross in the 53rd minute. Bakary Sagna also played a strong 90 minutes in this match, playing as a right winger at times, and being a vital part of France’s attack. Gael Clichy and Abou Diaby were unused substitutes.

 Cesc Fabregas – Spain – WCQ - Fabregas put in a Man of the Match performance as Spain beat Armenia 2-1. He put his side ahead in the 33rd minute when he lofted a first-time shot past Armenia goalkeeper Berezovsky and into the far corner of the net. He also created the second goal playing in a fantastic pass to Juan Manuel Mata who was upended by the keeper and made the resulting penalty. Fabregas is on scorching form at the moment.

Thomas Vermaelen – Belgium – WCQ – Vermaelen started off his reign as Belgium captain by leading them to a 2-0 victory over Turkey. A brace from Emile Mpenza was all they needed to secure victory as a back line led by Vermaelen kept a clean sheet.

Tomas Rosicky – Czech Republic – WCQ - Rosicky returned to his position of Czech captain for the first time as he led them to a 2-0 victory over Poland. Rosicky’s measured through-ball picked out CSKA frontman Tomas Necid, who held off two defenders to finish via the inside of an upright to give them the lead. An another overall impressive performance from Rosicky.

Andrey Arshavin – Russia – WCQ - Arshavin captained his side to a 1-0 defeat to the hands of Germany. Arshavin was one of the best players on the night. He couldn’t do more than what he did. He raised his game and did everything we have come to expect from him. He took time to get involved but showed super play all round when he did. The Germans let him play and it was a big mistake as he ran them ragged. Could and should have scored a brace. His teammates just didn’t show up and it resulted in the loss.

Philippe Senderos – Switzerland – WCQ - Senderos scored a first half brace as Switzerland beat Luxembourg 3-0. 6 minutes in, Alexander Frei played in a free kick that Senderos headed home. Only two minutes later Senderos repeated the feat by heading home Tranquillo Barnetta’s free kick. Senderos had been dropped for lack of match practice at Arsenal, hopefully his strong showing in his return will help him secure his place.

Nicklas Bendtner – Denmark – WCQ - Bendy played 90 minutes as Denmark secured a 1-0 victory over Sweden and booked their place to South Africa.

Aaron Ramsey – Wales – WCQ - Ramsey played 90 minutes as Wales lost to Finland 2-1. I watched the match myself, Ramsey looked good and played great passes all match, he played in a position similar to what Song plays for us and didn’t seem flustered. Maybe that would be an option for when Song goes to the ACN.

Carlos Vela – Mexico – WCQ - Carlos Vela was on the score sheet as Mexico secured their place in South Africa with a 4-1 home victory over El Salvador. Vela killed off any thoughts of a comeback when a 90th minute strike as he returned to the Mexico squad for the first time since his ankle injury.

Alex Song – Cameroon – WCQ – Song played 90 minutes at CB as Cameroon crushed the cunt Adebayor’s Togo side 3-0. Song was given the job of shutting down Adebayor and promptly did so.

Emmanuel Eboue – Ivory Coast – WCQ - Eboue played a strong 90 minutes as the Ivory Coast drew Malawi 1-1. A draw was all that was needed to secure their spot in next year’s World Cup.

Theo Walcott, Kieran Gibbs, and Jack Wilshere – England U-21’s – U-21 Qualifier - Gibbs and Wilshere played 90 minutes and Walcott 45 as England beat Macedonia 6-3. Walcott and Gibbs hooked up for the first goal as Walcott played in Gibbs who slotted it home.

Wojciech Szczesny – Poland U-21’s – U-21 Qualifier - Szczesny kept a clean sheet as Poland beat Liechtenstein 5-0.

There were five changes to the December Fixture list, due to TV selections. The Liverpool, Burnley, Hull City, Aston Villa, Portsmouth matches have all changed.

Liverpool – Was scheduled for the 12th, now the 13th.

Burnley – Was scheduled for the 15th, now the 16th.

Hull City – Was scheduled for 3:00 pm, now 5:30 pm.

Aston Villa – Was scheduled for 26th at 12:00 pm, now 27th at 1:30 pm.

Portsmouth – Was scheduled for 28th at 3:00 pm, now 30th at 7:45 pm.

Gavin Hoyte has joined League 1 side Brighton and Hove Albion on loan for one month. Hopefully he will get some good experience and come back better than ever.

That’s it for today, I’ll be back with another International Recap of the midweek fixtures and any other news.

Poll of the day: Videos of the goals are in the left column.

Hier, avec Baptiste, nous nous étions penchés sur les quatre gardiens sélectionnés par Raymond Domenech pour les matchs qualification à la Coupe du Monde contre l’Autriche et les Iles Féroé, Samedi et Mercredi Prochains. Aujourd’hui, nous nous attaquons à un domaine que notre sélectionneur préféré n’apprécie pas tellement : la défense, le véritable casse tête de Domenech depuis la fin de la Coupe du Monde 2006…

Clichy : On commence par nos exilés anglais. Tout d’abord Gaël Clichy. Le Gunners n’arrive pas à tenir sa place en équipe de France. Il est pourtant régulièrement appelé par Raymond Domenech. Seulement voilà, la concurrence est rude pour l’arrière gauche. En effet Patrice Evra, le Mancunien, lui barre la route pour l’instant. Cependant, le Français, du haut de ses 24 ans, a déjà réalisé une bien belle carrière. En effet, il est devenu un titulaire régulier à Arsenal, et fait, pour l’instant, un bon début de saison à l’image de son club. Ainsi le bilan des joueurs d’Arsène Wenger est moyen en championnat avec 3 victoires et 2 défaites mais meilleur en Ligue des Champions : 2 victoires en autant de matches joués. Le Gunners s’est récemment exprimé devant les journalistes à Clairefontaine et a avoué que l’équipe de France avait pu jouer les matchs de qualification avec « le frein à main » à cause de la pression. Une chose est sûre, si Raymond donne sa chance à Gaël, notre frenchi ne jouera pas avec « le frein à main » !

Gallas : Si il y en a qui n’a pas à s’en faire c’est Gallas. Le Gunners est un des rares joueurs que Raymond Domenech garde à la même place depuis quelques années maintenant. La place du Français en défense centrale est maintenant indiscutable et le débat sur la charnière s’oriente maintenant sur la question : « Qui pour jouer avec Gallas ? », pour vous dire l’importance du joueur d’Arsenal. Dans son club, le défenseur semble être tout à fait à sa place. Gallas devrait rencontrer sous peu les dirigeants du club londonien pour parler d’une éventuelle prolongation de contrat et, pourquoi pas, d’une éventuelle fin de carrière aux côtés d’Arsène Wenger. Le conflit de l’année dernière qui avait coûté au défenseur son brassard de capitaine est bel et bien oublié. Samedi, Willy sera là et mercredi, aussi !

Sagna : Le latéral droit est en constante progression depuis son départ d’Auxerre en 2007, année où le jeune Bakary a connu sa première sélection avec l’équipe de France A. Il est depuis quelques temps, régulièrement appelé en EDF et est titularisé par Raymond Domenech qui semble avoir placé sa confiance en lui en ce qui concerne la partie droite de la défense française. Le sélectionneur national doit, en effet, apprécier les montées du jeune français sur son flanc droit, habitude qu’il a prise avec Arsène Wenger. Bakary sera sûrement titulaire samedi. Une occasion de plus pour montrer la suprématie des Gunners en équipe de France.

Evra : C’est sans pression que Patrice Evra a retrouvé les siens à Clairefontaine pour le stage précédant la rencontre contre les Iles Féroé, samedi. Le latéral gauche français est titulaire tous les samedis en Première League. Ajoutez à ça une titularisation régulière en défense en équipe de France et vous aurez une idée de la vie de l’ancien Monégasque. En effet, le petit Patrice a bien évolué depuis la finale de League des Champions perdu contre Porto en 2004. Le latéral gauche est devenu un atout important dans l’équipe de Sir Alex Ferguson comme en témoigne son but samedi dernier contre Sunderland qui évita aux siens de se retrouver à 3 points des Blues d’Ancelotti au classement. Si le français pouvait aussi sauver l’équipe de France, ce serait avec plaisir !

Escudé: Même si son nom rime avec, personne n’est sur que Domenech arrivera un jour à totalement excuser Escudé pour son but contre son camp et sa mauvaise prestation lors du dernier match des Bleus contre la Roumanie… Quand on connaît les conséquences des bourdes de Mexés face à l’Autriche en septembre 2008, on a déjà du mal à se dire que SI, Domenech a tout de même appelé Escudé… Après s’il le fait jouer, ah ça oui Raymond, tu nous auras surpris ! En club, Escudé n’a pour l’instant joué que trois matchs, mais il a su mettre au pas les attaquants du Real la semaine dernière, ça mérite une bonne note non ?

Abidal : Autrefois titulaire indiscutable, Abidal n’avait pas pensé qu’il perdrait si facilement sa place ! Ses performances moyennes avec le FCB l’ont directement reconduit au poste de numéro 2 sur le couloir gauche derrière Patrice Evra. Une question malgré tout subsiste encore quant à l’ancien Lyonnais : a-t’il les qualités nécessaires pour jouer en charnière avec Gallas dans l’axe ? Est-il finalement la solution qui permettrait à la défense française de tenir en place, pour une fois ? Il nous faudra encore voir quelques matchs où il occupera ce poste pour pouvoir répondre à cette question. En ce moment, Abidal réussit quand même un bon voir très bon début de saison avec le Barça… Un retour à la normal pour Eric ?

Rod Fanni : Quand on est jeune, qu’on a envie d’apprendre et que le monde du football connaît notre talent, jouer au stade Rennais est une bonne chose. En effet, le club Breton est très clair. Cette saison, avec son nouvel entraîneur, Rennes veut gravir des échelons ! Et si aujourd’hui Rennes est une équipe à qui il est difficile de mettre des buts, Rod Fanni n’y est pas pour rien ! Un bon début de championnat pour lui et son équipe, et le voilà de nouveau sélectionné en EDF ! Même s’il risque de devoir attendre pour être titulaire fixe, Rod avance, à son rythme.

Squilacci : Nombreux sont ceux qui pensent que Squillaci est le troisième défenseur dont l’équipe de France a besoin … J’avoue (Albertine) en faire partie. Souvent appelé par Domenech, le défenseur a l’habitude de cirer le banc de touche accompagné de Ribéry et Benzema. Pourtant, Sébastien réalise de très belles saisons en Espagne. Denier bon match avec ses coéquipiers la victoire contre les Galactiques du Real de Madrid dimanche dernier. Souvent associé avec Escudé en défense, Squilacci est globalement bon avec son club. Pour tout son travail effectué ses dernières années à Lyon et à Séville, Squillaci mériterait sa place …

Retrouvez demain l’analyse des milieux de l’équipe de France !

Footballwrite et Baptiste

There’s not much to discuss today being that there won’t be another game until the next weekend. After all is calm and the euphoria of the 6-2 thrashing of Blackburn have died down, I can properly reassess the game in a more sensible manner.

It was kind of shocking to concede a goal to a team like Blackburn let alone two. I consider the first one a very lucky goal for Blackburn. As I’ve mentioned in the Blackburn review, with the freekick coming halfway in the opposition half and with their goalkeeper taking it, there was no need for Don Vito to stand guard on his line. The only fault was probably since the flight of the ball was rather long, there was ample time to reassess the situation and readjust his position to either claim the ball or retreat to the goal line. This is inexperience on his part and will no doubt learn from this. It’s easier said than to do but he should only look to Iker Casillas of Real Madrid who pulled-off a magnificent save against Sevilla having readjusted his position.

As for the second goal, it looked like a repeat of Bellamy’s goal at City of Manchester. Again the attack came off Arsenal’s own attack and came in on the left side of Arsenal. There was 2 players that were culpable for that goal. First was Gael Clichy who in helping out the attack was slow in tracking back and lost his man. Another would be either Song or Diaby who was supposed to be covering the left back if he ventures forward. The same should apply on the right side of defense. In the past Wenger’s team formation, in 4-4-2 there was another midfielder who would stay behind if the fullback went forward. The new system will always leave us light on the flanks and whoever plays in the central 3 midfielders will need to put in an extra shift to cover and support the flanks in defensive situations.

Although Gallas was again solid and Vermaelen more than made up for losing to Zonzi for the opener with his goal, there were a couple of occasion where Blackburn manage to breakthrough the center of defense. It’s not the first time I see them get beat for pace. Franco D’Santo was obviously faster than the both of them and on occasions have managed to speed to the ball ahead of them. Gallas and Vermaelen ought to be more aware of their position and the opposition strikers and not to be slack in one-sided matches like last Saturday.

On a much much lighter note, during the post match interview with Sky Sports, Arsene Wenger, the great man that he is, made a mistake in stating the opposition was Bolton instead of Blackburrn. Here’s the clip

Have a good non-footballing boring day.