First Blood To United: Where Was Arsenal’s Rambo

UEFA Champions League Semi Final, First Leg
Manchester United 1 – 0 Arsenal

1 – 0 O’Shea (17)

Before the match Arsene would have told the players that they knew what to expect. United would come flying out of the blocks, storm the battlements but if Arsenal kept it tight, frustration would mount. Crucially, do not let them score in the opening twenty minutes.

The blank scoresheet in the opening spell nearly worked yet very nearly turned into one of the periodic drubbings that we receive at Old Trafford. Little argument with United winning, they wanted the win more and balanced the intensity of the Premier League with their European game far better than Arsenal.

Wenger said after the match:

They can have regrets because they did not score a second goal. The return leg will be a good opportunity to show our character and mental strength. I am confident that you will see our strength of character. It will be our biggest win over United because there is a final at stake.

No surprise that Wenger looked the happier of the two managers. He knows that Arsenal ‘got away with it’. The line-up was influenced by injury, the performance not untypical of Arsenal in the knockout phases of European competition. Cautious, looking to retain possession but too often, passes were across the pitch, the directness that is successful in other competitions is more controlled. Contrast that with the home side whose midfielders sought to attack with direct runs, creating chance after chance. Squandering chance after chance as well.

As an Arsenal custodian, frequent criticism of Manuel Almunia has been that he never wins games. He may have done so last night with the tie, producing a Man of the Match performance to keep the score to just one. It is a measure of his performance that the derision over his nationality options this summer has abated and an England World Cup call-up is not dismissed. Perhaps that nice Mr Capello could do just that, the puce and purple shades on Blatter and Platini’s faces would be worth seeing.

Inside of two minutes, the Spaniard had been called into action, clawing away Rooney’s header that looked to be drifting inside of the post. Not much respite was gained before he blocked Carlos Tevez’s shot and promptly sprang to his feet to form a big enough target to stop the rebound. The resultant corner brought the night’s only goal and a return to the calamitous defending that marred much of the autumnal months.

In the first instance, nothing seemed wrong with the marking. By the time that Carrick’s cross was deflected the area by Mikael Silvestre’s boot, there was none with Toure and Co abandoning their duties to leave three United players unmarked. O’Shea’s shot had the ferocity to beat Almunia, despite the ‘keeper getting a hand to it. The goal was little more than United deserved.

Through a pressing game, they forced Arsenal into long, fruitless balls to Adebayor. When the passing game of the visitors did get together, the two banks of four that they faced held firm, United pressing Arsenal into cul-de-sacs and dead end’s. Walcott was well-marshalled by Evra yet when he did beat the full back, he found another defender blocking his crosses and only Adebayor in the area, covered by five United players. Only once did United become undone by the passing game, Fabregas’ shot from outside of the area comfortably saved by van der Sar.

Before the half-time interval, the ego had landed and been deflated. Ronaldo denied twice by Almunia, one from a header that has found the net so often, the second from a shot taken on the edge of the area. Tevez was once more denied as the legacy of Bob Wilson survived, Almunia diving at the Argentinean’s feet, receiving studs around the throat for his troubles.

The second half brought more Arsenal possession but little more threat. Ronaldo hit the bar, Giggs had his landmark appearance rightly ruined by the Assistant Referee’s flag. Bendtner could, perhaps should, have done better late on with a header under pressure, van der Sar nowhere near the ball as a melee of players blocked his path.

The problem was that United stopped Arsenal from playing which left a number of players with performances which were below par. Nasri out-thought and out-passed the Middlesbrough midfield with ease at the weekend. He could not do so last night against far better players than he encountered in the previous match. With Cesc further forward, it meant that the creative edge was lacking. Walcott was subdued and ineffective against Evra, starving Adebayor of supply and support.

At the back, the whole line was stretched to breaking point frequently in the first half. Diaby was poor in possession and gave Gibbs scant support against the United right hand side of attack, the youngster improving as the game progressed. Similarly, Sagna took the best part of an hour to get on top of Rooney on the left of the United attack.

Of the players who took the field, only Song, Almunia and Toure – the goal aside – performed to anywhere near the levels that we know they are capable. They know it as well. The rest drifted between mediocrity and poor. Credit to United is due for their part in forcing those performances but I expect more from an Arsenal team in the semi final of the Champions League.

The positive for Arsenal is that there is one goal to retrieve. Against that, during Wenger’s reign Arsenal has never overturned a first leg deficit in a two-legged tie in any European or domestic competition. The glass is either half full or half empty; you decide which cap fits best.

’til Tomorrow.

Every Little Counts – Manchester United (A) Preview

As Arsene celebrates the 4,595th day of his reign at the club, it is marked by one of the biggest games in the history of The Arsenal Football Club, a statement of the magnitude of tonight’s encounter when you consider all that has gone before since the days of Dial Square.

A Champions League semi-final would be pretty high on his list of ways in which to celebrate such an occasion were he to choose to do so. The only celebrating that I suspect he would like to do tonight would be those associated with a resounding victory. Whether he gets that pleasure will be revealed in just about twelve hours time. Hopefully he will.

The injury ‘worries’ that arose from Sunday’s clash with Middlesbrough have pretty much resolved themselves favourably with Cesc and Johan Djourou apparently recovering from their various knacks. It leaves Wenger with options in midfield and a relatively strong back four. No confirmation as of yet as to whether Mikael Silvestre will get the opportunity to perform once more at Old Trafford but on the face of it, to me at least, Djourou should be picked ahead of him.

When he filled in earlier in the season, Djourou was a bright spot in an otherwise dimmed light in the central back four positions. That is not to say he was perfect, mistakes were punished, notably by Robbie Keane in December. The other aspect that Wenger has to take into consideration is that Silvestre will be highly motivated this evening if selected. Even so, that should not be a barrier to the Swiss international partnering Kolo Toure.

The midfield is another area of choices for Wenger. With Gibbs likely to remain as left back – I see no advantage in putting Silvestre there, what is gained through experience is lost through pace – there is a strong case for leaving Nasri in the central position where he has been extremely effective. This leaves the left hand side open for selection. Personally, I would put Diaby there. He has played in the position before and may neuter the impact of Ronaldo through ‘double-teaming’ with Gibbs. Given Alex Song is likely to return to the line-up it would mean Denilson dropping out. It is harsh on the Brazilian but in that position, I feel Song is more suited to the battle.

Given Cesc seems to be marked out as adopting a more forward position supporting Adebayor, Arsene has to choose whether Walcott is in the side or whether a more defensive option is taken. If Nasri plays centrally, Walcott has to provide natural width on the right to compensate for a narrower left hand side. Should Wenger go to with Nasri on the left, Denilson would be my choice for the second central berth and it would be no surprise to see Eboue come in on the right to provide a bit more ‘steel’, Walcott becoming an impact sub for the evening.

My line-up for the trip would not be dissimilar in formation to the one that played at Anfield:

Almunia; Sagna, Toure, Djourou, Gibbs; Walcott, Denilson, Fabregas, Song, Nasri; Adebayor

Cesc observed the importance of the night:

To be in the Champions League final twice in four years could be one of the best things in the history of the club and we’re determined to make it happen

It is a night where the defence will need to hold firm. I expect the match to be less intense than the Premier League and domestic cup clashes might be, the realisation that there is a second bite at the cherry at The Emirates tempering the natural attacking instincts of both sides. United proved vulnerable to Porto in the last round at home when the Portuguese movement caused them problems. Arsenal likewise were slow out of the blocks and trailed from early on. Neither side will want a repeat of that.

For Adebayor, he can stop slapping around with Beyonce and focus on scoring. Vidic and Ferdinand are probably the best centre half pairing in the Premier League but not impregnable. If decent service can be provided to the Togolese striker, he has the ability to finish; he needs his shooting boots on from kick-off though as chances may not be as plentiful as he might expect in a domestic clash.

You might gather from that I am not expecting the classic that the media hype suggests. And frankly, neither am I bothered by whether it is as dire as last night. All that matters is qualification for the final, a hammering is no different from a tie settled by a goal deflected in off the referee’s arse.

It will be a match where the players will have to work their socks off to get a result. They have proven before that they can do so, tonight they must prove it again. Bon Chance, Mes Amis. ¡Buenas Suertes!

Enjoy the match wherever you are watching it. ’til Tomorrow.

First Thoughts On The Visit To Old Trafford

All roads lead to Rome so they tell us. Tomorrow is the first step into the foothills surrounding the city, two to climb as opposed to seven. It would not be a big match for Arsenal if there were no new injury concerns and Sunday’s stroll in the sunshine produced three more.

Mikael Silvestre has a back spasm and is rated no more than fifty-fifty for the match whilst his half-time replacement, Johan Djourou is apparently being monitored to check for any reaction on his knee, having been brought back from injury sooner than expected.

Meanwhile, Cesc Fabregas picked up ankle and knee-knack before being substituted but reckons that he will be fine and dandy for the battle ahead. Being a player, he would say that given that it is a big occasion. Little doubt Wenger will also say that as well, his options in midfield running a bit low on the creative front.

The centre of the defence does not hold any particular concerns over the two injury doubts. Alex Song was rested and can slot into that position. Indeed he did so when Arsenal last emerged victorious from Old Trafford. Of Djourou and Silvestre, personally I would prefer the Swiss international to be fit. He has the pace to cope with United’s forwards, the Frenchman perhaps having to rely more on anticipation.

Kolo Toure has been bullish about the match, rightly so given the team has lost only one of the last twenty-one against English opposition, that against an opponent who do not like to play attacking football. He doesn’t care who is with him in the centre, he has faith in them all. More to the point, he is obviously trying to establish some credentials as a manager of the future with a vague attempt at mind games.

Toure has played on the media love-in with United – yes, they like the way they play but they are also running scared of being banned by Ferguson – and casts Arsenal in the position of underdog. He is correct in saying that the pressure is all on United tomorrow night in that they are the home side. Arsenal too have their own pressure to deal with. The last cup-tie at Old Trafford was a capitulation. Arsenal cannot afford that again, even with the second leg to redeem a situation.

A crucial battle will be Gibbs v Ronaldo. In previous seasons, the United player has been well marshalled by Cole and Clichy with strong support from the midfield. For that reason, Diaby may come in on the left hand side to provide a bit of support, especially since Gibbs was frequently overloaded with attackers at Anfield, something that will not have escaped the notice of the Sport Science Department at Carrington when they create some research for Ferguson that he could have but cannot be arsed to do. Toure believes Gibbs will cope, a touch of psychology for the youngster, giving him confidence ahead of match where it will be natural for him to have some nerves.

Back in the morning with a fuller preview, more information will no doubt come from Arsene’s pre-match press conference today.

’til Tomorrow.

Fab Double For Arsenal Cruise

Arsenal 2 – 0 Middlesbrough

1 – 0 Fabregas (26)
2 – 0 Fabregas (67)

A performance that barely got out of first gear saw fourth place all but confirmed. Mathematics may say otherwise but to believe Arsenal will not gain any points between now and the end of the season is highly unlikely. Even more improbable is the belief that Aston Villa on their current form will win all remaining games. Indeed, should they fail to win this coming weekend, fourth place will be sealed barring goal difference at worst.

Two superb goals saw off the lacklustre challenge of Middlesbrough, condemning Gareth Southgate to his first defeat against Arsenal as a manager and relegation clasping them to its wretched bosom. With a run-in that includes two matches against teams currently in the top five and a local derby against Newcastle, the fixture list has conspired against them.

Not that this was a win which did not give the visitors the chance to bemoan their fate. Even though Arsenal contained and preserved their energy, Nicklas Bendtner twice tried his hardest to give Middlesbrough hope. There can be little argument that the Dane was offside when Arsenal’s opener fairly tore into the visitors net. Minutes later, Bendtner was given the benefit of the doubt when he dipped his body into the ball at a Middlesbrough corner. Harsh to give such a decision but we have all seen it happen.

Fabregas trebled his goal tally for the season with two excellent finishes. The first came with just over a quarter of the match played. Bendtner back-heeled the ball to Fabregas who set Arshavin away on the left, timing his run to the penalty area to receive the return pass, striking the ball home powerfully from just inside the area. Bendtner ran across Jones eye line yet such was the ferocity of the shot that the outcome was never in doubt; distracting for the ‘keeper but interfering with play? Doubtful, to say the least.

The second was no less impressive. Denilson slipped the ball to Fabregas who laid it off to Eboue. His return pass was inch perfect for the Spaniard’s run into the space created by Bendtner. Jones careering out of his goal in a similar manner to Fabianski at Wembley, the end result the same as Fabregas’ shot was passed into the net, just inside the near post. Game over.

As is always the case in games such as these, the dominant team was coasting when up pops a chance or two for those under pressure. Both Downing and Aliadiere had decent chances to equalise, both launched efforts that were comfortably saved by Almunia. Returning to the side in a fixture such as this was perhaps smoother than the Arsenal custodian could have hoped for. For the most part ‘Boro were toothless yet it required that Almunia retained his concentration.

Two players stood out yesterday. Fabregas was the obvious candidate for Man of the Match but Kolo Toure provided a substantial barrier to Middlesbrough yesterday, dealing comfortably with those who chose to attack. Such was the dominance of Arsenal that Wenger was able to rest players ahead of Wednesday. Fabregas made way for Adebayor, Walcott for Diaby. The only injury ‘concern’ was that suffered by Silvestre, apparently a back spasm which necessitated the introduction of Djourou. Whether that will have any impact on the thinking of Arsene for the visit to Old Trafford remains to be seen.

Much is being made of Fabregas’ advanced role with Nasri settling in alongside Denilson, provoking the media to proclaim it a tactical masterstroke forced upon Wenger by van Persie’s injury. Curiously enough, it is about the fifth time since Fabregas’ return that this has happened. Who said hacks don’t pay attention? I doubt that Nasri will play centrally on Wednesday for there is no other ‘natural’ for the left side. More likely, Denilson or Diaby will partner Song in the middle to allow Fabregas to push forward in support of Adebayor.

As it is, we will have to wait until the day in question to find that out. With training sessions in between, nothing yet can be taken for granted over the players fitness for Wednesday.

‘til Tomorrow.

Arsenal v Middlesbrough Preview

Middlesbrough pitch up at The Emirates this afternoon, fighting for their Premier League lives and apparently, quietly confident of continuing Gareth Southgate’s five match unbeaten run against Arsene, four of which have been 1 – 1 draws. Indeed, the footballing gods appear to have taken pity on ‘Boro since Arsenal’s last win over them was the 7 – 0 drubbing in 2005-06. A sense of fair play on their part, I guess.

The team news for today is well documented as far as injuries are concerned. Almunia, Djourou and Adebayor are back to varying degrees. The former two need playing time to build an understanding once more with Toure, Sagna and Gibbs. The latter, being the last of The Three Degrees will no doubt burst into a chorus of When Will I See You Again if he should score during what in all likelihood, will be a substitute appearance.

Despite his assertion that he is fit once more, I would personally rest Fabregas, saving him for Tuesday. He is going to be crucial for the match, possibly resurrecting his advanced role in midfield in van Persie’s absence. If that happens, I doubt that Ramsey will come in, more likely Denilson replacing the Spaniard.

If this seems all too many changes for you, I have not finished yet. Diaby in for Song and a forward line of Eduardo and Bendtner from the start, the former being replaced by Adebayor, to save him for Tuesday when I would also be tempted to give him a starting place.

It leaves a line-up along the lines of:

Almunia; Sagna, Toure, Djourou, Gibbs; Eboue, Denilson, Diaby, Arshavin; Eduardo, Bendtner

With a bench of:

Fabianski, Vela, Adebayor, Walcott, Song, Ramsey, Silvestre

Fourth place is by no means assured and by making the wholesale changes, I am not underestimating Middlesbrough. However, the starting line-up shows enough guile to break down what will no doubt be a robust defensive line put up by the visitors.

Arsenal has a tougher run-in than Aston Villa but they too have some tricky fixtures, particularly involving teams who are in the relegation dogfight. No matter what Martin O’Neill may say publicly, there has to be some doubt about whether they have the heart for a fight for fourth.

The chase for third will be a tough one to win. Chelsea might have a couple of London derbies but it is a relatively routine one for them other than their visit to The Emirates. It can be done but will rely upon them cocking it up massively, something which does not seem overly likely on their current domestic form.

Enjoy the match wherever you are watching it. ’til Tomorrow.

Doubting Tomas & Cesc Is Spitting Mad

An extra lay-in this morning for the players this morning thanks to the conspiratorial excesses of the Premier League and Sky. Tomorrow’s match with ‘Boro is important for both sides at the opposite ends of the table, a full preview tomorrow morning.

Tomas Rosicky has garnered a few column inches this season over his future and Arsene’s observation that he will probably not return this season has meant that more have been devoted to the Czech international. The not-in-any-way-sensationalist attitude is that he is finished at Arsenal, finished his career and crocked permanently.

Hopefully, Rosicky will not take those comments as the gospel truth, especially the ones about the Quacks not knowing what is wrong with him. These are the same medics who you will recall, have fixed his problem according to the player and club. Not sure who to believe on this one: people who know or the hacks? You, the jury, decide.

His Mr15% earned his corn:

The statement of Arsene Wenger has not surprised us. The situation is that Tomas would be able to start in the last two fixtures if the intensity of training sessions was enormous, and it is not necessary to take this risk.

Everything is heading in a way for Tomas to be prepared properly for the next season. It looks that, if he wants to reach this goal, he will not be having holidays this time as he will be preparing for the next season all summer

Which means he will be totally knackered by the start of the season then. Credit to Rosicky if he does actually get himself ready for next term, a show of dedication that ought to be appreciated rather than the conjecture about his future he is being subjected to.

It is not hard to see why some believe that even if Rosicky returns, he will be sold. Looking at the array of attacking talent in the central midfield area, it seems well-stocked. However, if this season has shown anything, we need a larger squad than you would normally expect thanks to the horrific level of injuries sustained. Had Rosicky been fit, a stronger team may well have been available at times, helpful in the Premier League at least. Whether he would have made any difference in the earlier part of this season when five defeats in the opening fourteen games all but extinguished a title challenge is pure conjecture.

Cesc Fabregas has been charged by the Football Association over his alleged spitting on Brian Horton’s shoes – quite how he was supposed to give them a good shine without doing that is beyond me – and also for coming onto the pitch after the match, presumably for walking in an aggressive manner whilst wearing a hoodie, albeit one that quite possibly cost more than the buffoons at the FA earn in a year. Little doubt that the Bufton-Tufton’s have been taken in by the ‘outraged of Winchester‘ manner that Daily Mail reporters covered the incidents.

The standard of the FA’s evidence may not necessarily be up to much though considering that their official announcement said:

The charges are based on submissions from Hull City and video evidence

Well, that makes it all hunky-dory then. In no way is any evidence that Hull gave tainted by the madman ranting and ramblings of their perma-tan manager and I do not, for one minute, believe that it is a reliable as a Dagenham Dustbin was thirty years ago. No sireee, Bob.

Given that the tunnel at The Emirates does not have any cameras, it is a case of his word against theirs. The standard of evidence required to convict in football is lower than that of the courts but any QC worth his salt will be able to get the Arsenal captain off of that charge.

The incident on the pitch is different and he will no doubt be found guilty. Whether he can be suspended is another matter and I frankly cannot be arsenalled to read through the FA Disciplinary Code to find out. Hanging, drawing and quartering, swiftly followed by a tarring and feathering will no doubt be the required punishment from the media but who knows what the FA will decide.

Well, here’s a rough guess: a two-match ban followed by many ill-conceived headlines purporting to show that the Spaniard is the victim of witch-hunt designed to force him into the loving bosom of his alma mater, Barcelona or to the snotgoblins who inhabit the Bernabeu. Even if he is found guilty, an appeal is likely, especially since the first game that would affected by any ban is the trip to Old Trafford on May 16th.

’til Tomorrow.

Injuries, Fixtures; It’s A Conspiracy

Mixed news ahead of the next two fixtures for Arsene with Djourou, Almunia and Adebayor all set to return but Robin van Persie is definitely out whilst Gael Clichy is not likely to be available until the second leg against Manchester United at the earliest. All of the three returnees will be welcomed back, strengthening a makeshift defence whilst van Persie’s injury pretty much decides Wenger’s attacking line-up at Old Trafford and at home to Middlesbrough.

The Dutchman’s absence is crucial given Arshavin’s ineligibility. A deliberately weakened side on Tuesday is inconceivable so Middlesbrough’s relegation rivals will be cursing the latest events. Even so, an unbeaten Premier League run that stretches back to December 2008 ought to remain intact.

According to reports in this morning’s Guardian, van Persie has agreed a new contract with the completion of the deal expected in the next few weeks. It seems that the fourth place currently occupied in the Premier League, coupled with last four places in the FA Cup and Champions League have convinced the Dutchman that the future at Arsenal is bright and rather more immediate than outsiders seem to believe, commenting a few days ago:

It wasn’t that I thought Arsenal didn’t have this vision. I always believed Arsenal had that

Crucially, it seems that the professionalism displayed by Ivan Gazidis has impressed the player, tempering his public utterances unlike his peers. Talks with Walcott are apparently progressing as well with the club and their legal advisors making sure everything is right. It says much for the respect that both Walcott and van Persie have for Wenger that neither has apparently been involved in direct negotiations, focussing on the football matches as Le Boss requested a couple of weeks back.

Back to the pitch. Wenger raised a valid point yesterday regarding the scheduling of matches ahead of the Champions League. The stranglehold that television has over the game is shown when Arsenal have to play fifty-three hours before the biggest game of the season so far. It is simply not right. United are not much better off, their fixture this weekend is the teatime kick-off on Saturday.

It is a scenario that just does not happen in other big leagues and they are arguably more dependent upon broadcasting revenues. Both La Liga and Serie A accommodate their Champions League participants, moving fixtures to Saturday’s as required. The Premier League? No, they are too busy contemplating their navels over irrelevances such as the 39th game or whether they should create a second division to allow Rangers and Celtic to participate. Not for the first time, they cannot fend off an accusation that money is more important than the game itself and that if an English side is to win the Champions League, it is in spite of, not because of, the footballing authorities in this country. Such is the insularity of the games procrastinators, sorry, administrators, you wonder if they have a direct bloodline to such predecessors as Alan Hardaker.

The good thing is that when the players backs have been against the wall, they have delivered this season. Now it is time to do so again.

’til Tomorrow.