Second Win(d)

Tonight marks a return to the Emirates for an important semi-final Carling Cup match against Wigan, and an opportunity to re-ignite the passions of Arsenal players and supporters alike.


The scent of silverware continues to linger despite the chilly conditions and a win would/should provide a much needed confidence boost. Success at Villa has certainly helped in that respect but a bit of perspective is in order. Without the dog-faced Agbonlahor, Aston Villa were rather weak going forward and Pires offered little threat. Even the GIANT Carew was muted. It was delightful to see our fluid offensive play with Arshavin back in favor, complementing the outstanding efforts of Nasri and Rosicky. The lineup may differ tonight but we should expect to see no change in the style and execution.


There has been plenty of analysis on the ups and downs of Arsenal with most choosing to berate the players "mental toughness". A convenient bit of jargon used when no specific cause can be ascertained. With the benefit of hindsight the specific reason(s) goals are scored/conceded can be pinpointed and contributing factors applied.


Despite the reluctance from fans and press, Fabregas has to be held accountable for the handball against Spurs. A moment of stupidity? An involuntary reaction? Perhaps he did not expect the ball to continue to rise, hoping to catch it on his chest below his upraised arm, but a blunder nonetheless. Of course one goal should not have turned that game. Wenger erred when he did not respond to the change by Tottenham at the half. Tired legs? Most certainly, and it is his responsibility to monitor the fitness levels of those on the pitch. A tactical change by the opposition? Definitely, as Bale was shut out in the first half so effectively they had no choice but to try their luck through the middle. Sadly, Denilson chose to replicate what must be his most glaring fault as a defender: an amazing ability to watch an opponent run past him and somehow NOT respond.


These mistakes are not about mental fragility as implied by critics. It is my contention that the only consistent area that we have shown vulnerability is in the air in front of goal. Sunderland, Newcastle, Spurs and Villa have all taken advantage of this and except for Villa, points taken from us. Some may point to our central defenders as culprits, while earlier criticism was leveled at Fabianski, but it would seem that regardless of who is at fault, better preparation is needed.


On a more positive note, the game played last night between Barcelona and real Madrid was quite entertaining. The "Great One" humbled and Ronaldo quieted. To his credit he did not lose his temper like so many of the other Madrid players. "Lass" Diarra was demonstrating why Wenger was so quick to let him leave, hacking away at anything that moved, while Barca showed that "tippy-tappy" football can work when done right. The pace of their passing (with the exception of Abidal, certainly their weak link) and quick movement, combined with incessant pressure on the ball, allowed Real very little opportunity into the game.


Cesc would have a hard time finding a place on that team, his lack of speed the drawback. Of the Arsenal squad only Nasri would seem to have all of the ingredients. His ability to control the ball at his feet, pace, and touch in front of goal the equal of many of those starting for the Spanish team.


As a team, Arsenal should seek to replicate the pressure Barca put on the opposition. It begins immediately and is continued throughout the pitch. There were no "soft" areas for real Madrid to settle in to and reorganize. While it is fascinating to watch the offensive prowess of Messi and his cohorts, much can be learned by observing the structure of the team when defending. They maintain a shape, often a "pentagram" of five players, that is incredibly effective. The five "points", one on the ball, two on either side marking close passing targets, the fourth and fifth ready to close down anyone entering the pentagram. This shape was maintained throughout the back half, shifting from side to side without interruption. The efficiency of this formation may be what allows their players to maintain energy levels throughout the match. Puyols was still at full speed when the final whistle blew despite his age and the threat of Ronaldo for 90 minutes.


Well, enough with my attempts to advise Arsene Wenger on the fine art of football. Enjoy the game tonight, stay warm if you are attending at the Emirates and let's hope we have good news to report afterward.




Victoria Concordia Crescit

1979 The Unexpected Journey

1979. My first visit to England, tagging along with my dad, his wife and their young daughter as I was taking a break from University following a depressing first year experience. Christmas in London is not much different from Christmas in Ohio. Same lousy weather. Same lousy Christmas decorations.


However, two highlights. A purchase of "London Calling" by the Clash, and my first taste of British football, Tottenham versus Aston Villa (or Aston Villa versus Tottenham). Maybe someone could tell me where the match was played, I honestly don't recall, and who the players of note were that cold evening, but they could never overestimate the intensity of the experience on my teenage mind.


First, the man behind the counter at the train station asking who we were going to watch and jokingly referring to Aston Villa as Aston "Vanilla", the team everyone liked to lick. Worth a chuckle perhaps, if only because we were possibly the only ones in London never to hear that reference before. Then the crowd, seemingly everyone dressed in dark winter coats, standing, packed in like sardines. At the half a visit to the vendor selling drinks, including some serious alcohol, then back to the match and more chants and songs and general mayhem. I couldn't tell you who won, time robbing me of such unimportant details, but I do know that at some point I purchased a Tottenham shirt. Yellow, long sleeved with blue cuffs, two blue stripes running vertically down from either side of a blue collar and the "Cock", on the chest. Admiral was the supplier then, their logo on display, and they would be the ones to blame for the disgusting synthetic material.


Viewing it today brings two questions to mind that leave me perplexed.


First, is it even physically possible for me to have been thin enough at 19 years of age to wear my souvenir? Honestly it looks to be about the right size for a healthy 10 year old. Fashionably tight some might say, especially for 1979, but this thing is ridiculously tiny.


My second question is more puzzling, and contrary to suggestion not about fashion or being fashionable. Why not Spurs? Why, after such an invigorating and  impressionable experience did I not attach myself to this football club? I still enjoy listening to London Calling, the chilly weather and dreary sky haven't put me off the occasional UK visit. My first taste should have lead to a lifelong appetite, so why not Spurs? Or better yet, why Arsenal?


This is where the doubters pounce. That gap in the story line which fuels their accusations, questioning the reason or reasons I chose to support Arsenal. Their claim is the choice was based on recent history which at the time included medals and glory, an undefeated season and just a bit of perceived arrogance. "Jumping on the bandwagon" they surmise,  because "everyone loves a winner".


If this were a Hollywood story I would indeed be a Spurs fan. My dramatic introduction to English football an integral part of a memorable trip overseas, reconnecting with a father distanced by divorce, and even the tiny jersey stored away in a box reemerging after so many years providing the requisite link to a precious memory.


But the truth is far too simple for such emotive drama. Fast forward nearly 25 years and my journey places me in the Golden Triangle of Kuala Lumpur. Life priorities have conspired to relegate football  well down on my list. The avid Asian interest in British football is just enough to allow me glimpses of the sport, but my head is elsewhere.


I wish I could recall the date of the match being played on my television that fateful evening. Up late, working at my computer, with no satellite or cable service, my choices for background noise were limited to just three local channels. With station sign-off usually occurring around midnight, my guess is that the football match may have been my only option. It wasn't that I no longer enjoyed watching football, but when faced with deadlines and poor reception, fuzzy green grass and unrecognizable players names usually conspired to keep my eyes on the Mac.


But this night was different. Perhaps taking a break, or genuinely finished with my computer efforts, I turned to the television. The team in red were lively. Their play easy and fluid. Having played the game myself, I could recognize the skill on display. Not just bursts but a continuous flow of excellent passing and teamwork. This, THIS, was football. Beautiful football.


That was the moment.


Everything else came after that. The name of the team, Arsenal. The manager, Wenger. The players names, the stadium, the history, all would invade me over the following weeks and months. My fascination turning to adoration, then to dedication.


I didn't "inherit" my Arsenal support from a father or an uncle. There is no geographical link nor school mate pressure on a playground to dictate my chosen team. The history of the club more foreign to me than the origins of the universe, my Arsenal experience, my Arsenal journey, began that evening in my one bedroom apartment half way around the world from Highbury.


When the doubters pose their question, my answer is simple and pure.


My choice is Arsenal, because they play THE BEAUTIFUL GAME.




Victoria Concordia Crescit

Test 1, 2, 3

Back from the US just in time to watch Nasri and Co take apart England. Samir and Sagna both played well and more importantly went uninjured (though arseblog is cautious regarding Sagna who was subbed late in the game). Gibbs looked rusty but considering he has been out for a while that was expected. RVP played 45 minutes for the Netherlands and by all accounts did well and looks healthy. Cesc had 45 minutes of frustration as Spain got spanked by Portugal. Hopefully the bitter taste will remain and he will be fired up for Spurs, while Chamakh maintained his taste for scoring, notching another for Morocco.


All things considered, the Arsenal have weathered the storm well enough this month. The defeat to Newcastle was painful, one of those games where you watch and wait, hoping that what you are seeing is some sort of dream being played out in the dark corners of your mind. Losing in and of itself is not the problem. Playing so poorly most certainly is. The game at Everton righted so many wrongs and, combined with results for Man U and Chelsea, left the Gunners in a very healthy state.


This weekend will be difficult. Spurs are a strong side, with attacking potential and the midfield will be put to a serious test. As much as I have enjoyed watching Song getting forward, restraint will be required Saturday.




Victoria Concordia Crescit

Pain in the Ukraine

Shakhtar 2  Arsenal 1

Prior to this game I was hopeful that a lineup of new faces, or at the very least relatively old faces at new positions, might lead to a spirited performance. As the final scoreline indicates the only spirit displayed was perhaps the ghost of past away Champions League displays by Arsenal.

The early goal by Theo was lovely but disguised the fact that the team was struggling to establish their game. A combination of Arsenal miscues and Shakhtar determination dictated play and denied the Gunners their usual display of flowing football.

At home, Shakhtar were energized by their boisterous supporters and obviously anxious to redress public opinion following the previous meeting at the Emirates. Errors in judgement by Arsenal were at the root of both Shakhtar goals but it would be disingenuous to deny that skill and tenacity put the ball in the net. They tested Fabianski several more times and were unlucky not to register a third.

Arsenal looked disorganized. Wilshere had a mixed game, with good play interrupted by the occasional poor pass. His shot on goal in the second half seemed to sum up his evening. A great opportunity to equalize undone by a slip in quality.

Eastmond was disappointing. He seemed to be out of his element and the close up of he and Squillaci just before the start of the second half was telling. Squillaci appearing frustrated, almost desperate, instructing a non-responsive Eastmond.

Eboue had nothing to offer. Usually I am a fan, happy with his bursts up the field to open things up for others around him, or his ability to defend in place of Sagna. But tonight he provided neither and gave the ball away when forward and out of position when retreating.

Overall a real disappointment, and perhaps most troubling in that the performance clouds the issues regarding squad depth and positional strengths rather than clarify.

Focus on the League becomes a priority now and confidence must be regained.

Victoria Concordia Crescit

Mix and Match

With all of the changes to the list of available players for tonights match, a game that should have been relatively straightforward becomes one which may offer surprises both good and bad.


New faces in a variety of positions playing at a formidable away stadium against a talented and determined opponent could be a recipe for a disheartening loss. On the other hand it could be the game which allows new talent to shine and reinforce the belief held by many that this squad may be the deepest in years.


The midfield will see the biggest shakeup with Cesc, Song, Denilson and Arshavin absent, in addition to the AWOL Diaby. Nasri, Rosicky and Wilshere are the logical starters, with Eboue and a "player to be named later" taking up the center of the pitch. No problems in the back, and up front options exist in the form of Chamakh, Bendtner, Theo, JET and Lansbury.


Prior to all the unexpected personnel changes, this game was destined to be the sort of fixture managers struggle to find methods or reasons for player motivation. Clinching advancement in the Champions League should be enough but that doesn't translate emotionally and can lead to flat performances. Now, with the potentially radical new lineup, we may be treated to spirited displays from those who view this as a real opportunity to impress.






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The Week Ahead

Early reports indicate that Fabregas and Song will miss the trip to Shakhtar for our Champions League match up. While the rest for Cesc and his hamstring will be welcomed, the quick succession of games that follow will serve as an accurate measure of his recovery.


Hamstrings are notoriously difficult to shake. Even worse is the affect it has on the player as, unlike a sore ankle or twisted knee, the hamstring doesn't send out a continuous stream of pain data, choosing instead to spring it's painful surprise in heated moments. Like Freddy Krueger, just when you think you have it beat, the claws come out. It messes with your head. Every run, every leap, is considered rather than instinctively pursued.

No word yet on why Song will be missing. Maybe Arshavin, tired of seeing Alex moving up the list of goal scorers this season, has hidden his boots. Or at least messed with his hair dye. Oh wait, he already did that. Anyway, he, like Cesc, will be missed.

The fan's choice to fill Song's role is probably Wilshire. A bulldog of a player, immune to injury and always willing to mix it up, the only position we may never see him play is Goalkeeper. Nasri, showing that his desire to play centrally is not wishful thinking, stepped up in the West Ham game to become playmaker, covering for the increasingly hobbled Cesc.

The month of November will be busy, the competition diverse, and the potential for reward immense. A victory Wednesday against Shakhtar will allow us to fully focus on the league fixtures. With four Premiere League games in a two week period before the return to Braga for Champions League action, Wenger will not want to be concerned with conserving energy. Four games, each offering a different dynamic but all feisty and physical.

Robin Van Perise, we anxiously await your return:

http://www.metacafe.com/watch/859783/van_persie_free_kick_against_sunderland/

Victoria Concordia Crescit