Thomas Vermaelen... celebrates after sealing the win at Stoke
The week that was - March 2010
March 30, 2010
One of the biggest complaints levied against Arsenal is that we haven't won a trophy since the 2005 FA Cup. A bit disingenuous in my opinion, since 2006 and 2008 were two of the most memorable and exciting seasons in recent history. Of course, both of them also ended rather painfully; 2006 with defeat in the Champions League Final, and 2008 when the season crumbled away before our very eyes.
Immediately following this year's Champions League Quarter-Final draw, Arsène Wenger said that despite the conventional wisdom, there is no advantage to the team that hosts the second-leg of a European tie. That may have been up for debate, but after this past weekend’s draw at Birmingham, it strikes me that playing at home against Barcelona tomorrow could be absolutely key.
After slogging through most of the match on a terrible pitch at St. Andrew’s, Samir Nasri put Arsenal ahead with just nine minutes remaining. Huzzah! More end of game heroics by the Gunners! And but for an Andrey Arshavin misfire, we could have also added a second just a few minutes later.
Still, it appeared that the one-goal lead would be enough to earn us three key, title-chasing points. That is until Birmingham scored an absolutely deflating equalizer in stoppage time. The Boss could not hide his disappointment in two dropped points going as far as saying “it felt like a defeat.”
It was also eerily similar to two years ago and that hasn't escaped anyone. In 2008, We were also in the title race, had a one-goal lead late in a game at Birmingham, and then conceded a late penalty. That draw essentially ended our title hopes, and was also the site of Eduardo’s horrific leg injury and William Gallas' sit-down protest.
So now it looks like playing our next game at home is exactly what we need, especially as it is against one of the world’s most explosive and creative teams. Emirates Stadium features one of the best playing surfaces in all of football, our home form has been phenomenal this year, and the squad's spirit and mental toughness this year is unparalleled. We also know that our first-choice pairing in central defense is available, with William Gallas included in the squad and Thomas Vermaelen back from suspension.
The news isn’t all cheery, however, as Cesc Fabregas has only a ’40 percent chance’ of playing after suffering severe leg bruises during the Birmingham game. It's difficult to picture playing Barcelona without Cesc, and battling them without a full-strength team brings back bad memories. Arsenal came achingly close to winning the Champions League in 2006, but playing nearly the entire game with only 10 men proved costly at the end.
The captain did not participate in training on Tuesday, and will likely be a game-time decision. There’s no question he wants to play and will likely do everything he can to convince the medical staff he can play, but with a title race still going on and the second-leg next week, you have to have to assume the Manager will be as cautious as ever. And to add insult to injury, About Diaby’s fitness is also questionable.
One of the questions on everyone’s mind is how will Arsenal handle Lionel Messi? Not by man-Marking">marking according to the Boss, which is probably a good idea since Barcelona has so many weapons. Thomas Vermaelen backed up that sentiment saying that the team is not focusing on the individual players. “You are aware of the qualities of the opponents,” he said during the pre-match press conference, “but you also know what your own strengths are.”
Smart guy that Thomas. If you missed Friday’s episode of Spotlight, you can check it out now and see what else he has to say about playing Barcelona, coming over to London and his days at Ajax.
Another big topic of discussion is the return of Thierry Henry. Wenger believes he will receive a great reception from Arsenal fans, and feels that despite being in and out of the Barca line-up this season, he is still a dangerous player and an exceptional talent. Wenger also played down the handball controversy from last November and called Henry “one of the fairest players” he has ever worked with. It is sure to be an emotional return for both Arsenal fans and the Legend.
But the biggest sub-plot, of course, revolves around Cesc. No matter how many times he declares his allegiance to Arsenal, rumors constantly arise about his desire to move back to Barcelona. No one can question his dedication to this squad or his abilities as a player. Wenger recalled his first impressions of Cesc from the 2003 Under-17s World Cup, and also spoke of why the Spaniard is scoring more this year. Hopefully we’ll see him add to that goal tally tomorrow.
Despite being considered favorites to win the Champions League, Barcelona are not unbeatable and former Gunner Alan Smith thinks we can take the game. The fact is that Arsenal and Barcelona have many similarities. Both teams play beautiful flowing football, feature some of the world’s greatest players, and are led by two of the best managers in the game. Wenger wants to deliver something special to football fans, and tomorrow’s match has the potential to be one of the greatest spectacles of football we have ever seen. Forget about Paris, this one is an entirely different ballgame.
Come on you Reds!
Until next week…
- Kevin Mooney
March 24, 2010
An event has to be a pretty big deal to take even an iota of attention away from what is shaping up to be the closest title race in years.
But Arsenal versus Barcelona in the Champions League is just the thing to do that.
On Friday, the draw took place in Lyon, and the result puts Arsenal up against the defending champion, and the team regarded by many to be the finest in the world. It also created a lot of mixed feelings for many Arsenal fans. We all knew that we would likely have to take on Barcelona at some point, but did we want to do it so soon? Especially when we see that Manchester United, on paper at least, has what seems to be an easier draw.
To that I say, ‘meh.’
Yes, this is a tough tie. But the prospect of two games against Barcelona is utterly thrilling. Assuming we don’t go down to 10 men after 17 minutes, of course.
Just the fact that the two teams who play the most attractive football in the world are going head-to-head should be enough to excite everyone, but there is also a lot of off-the-field intrigue. Thierry Henry’s presence is certainly one of the biggest sub-plots. The legend makes no secret of his love for Arsenal, and he and Arsène Wenger remain very close. Henry has said before that losing to Barcelona in the 2006 Final was quite painful, so we can only imagine the kind of emotion that these games will stir up in him.
The bigger story line, however, revolves around our current captain. Cesc Fabregas is from Barcelona, he played in their youth system with Lionel Messi, and about every two or three days a story pops up in the media about how Barcelona is going to sign him away from us this Summer. Even Wenger admits that the distraction is a bit of a concern. But Cesc says that the team is treating the tie no differently than they would against anyone else and that they are taking everything game-by-game.
Wenger also admits that Arsenal will be viewed as the under-dog, but at the same time thinks the tie is “even money.” Interestingly, he rejects the theory that the team who hosts the second leg has an advantage, saying "Statistically it is not proven."
The Boss also commented on both teams’ use of the 4-3-3 formation. While Barcelona may have made it more famous, he insists he did not lift the formation from their playbook.
All this aside, there was the small matter of the game against West Ham this weekend. Goals from Denilson and Cesc were enough to secure three points, but it came at a cost. Thomas Vermaelen received a red card at the end of the first half after a controversial penalty. Fortunately, Manuel Almunia made an outstanding save, and we kept a 1-0 lead going into the second half. The Club appealed the sending off, but to no avail. The Belgian defender is now set to miss his first match of the season, away to Birmingham.
This becomes an even bigger concern as William Gallas’ calf injury is still an issue. Right now, it seems likely that he will miss not only Birmingham, but also at least the first-leg of Barcelona. This certainly gives Wenger a selection headache. Sol Campbell has played brilliantly since his return to the Club, but fatigue is a major concern and Mikael Silvestre has not played much lately. The answer may lie in Alex Song, who quite admirably filled in for Vermaelen at center back during the second half. With the improvement of Diaby and Denilson (15) player profile" href="http://origin.arsenal.com/usa/sh/first-team/players/Denilson">Denilson in midfield, it could be our best option.
It’s not all bad news, however, as word on the street is that Robin Van Persie is about to return to the Club. It’s been nearly five months since he last lined up for Arsenal, and he was having his best season yet when he suffered the ankle injury while playing for the Netherlands. Don’t get too excited though. Wenger says he still a month away from actually playing. Wenger also revealed that Aaron Ramsey is already starting to walk without the aid of crutches. "The recovery is going as well as you could hope for at this stage of the injury," according to the Boss.
Looking ahead, we travel to Birmingham on Saturday, and it brings back all kinds of memories from 2008. We were on our way to winning the title when Eduardo lost more than a year of his career to a broken leg and Arsenal missed out on two vital points and the season crumbled away. But this year feels different, doesn’t it? There is something about this team, and while Birmingham is surely to be a very tough test, it is yet another opportunity for this young squad to show the world what it can do.
Finally, this week Arsenal TV Online will be airing the usual Friday programming free of charge, no subscription required. This is a great opportunity for fans who aren’t yet subscribers to get a taste of what ATVO has to offer. So tell your friends and family to watch! It all kicks off at 3pm ET on Friday with Arsenal Live, hosted by Dan Roebuck and Stewart Robson, followed at 4pm by the latest episode of Spotlight, this time on Thomas Vermaelen (5) player profile" href="http://origin.arsenal.com/usa/sh/first-team/players/thomas-vermaelen">Thomas Vermaelen, and finally the Fans’ Forum at 4:15pm hosted by Tom Watt. It’s a great three hours, and something no Arsenal fan should miss!
Until next week…
- Kevin Mooney
March 17, 2010
Over the last few seasons one of the biggest criticisms leveled against Arsenal was that we couldn’t win against teams who resort to a rough and tumble style to break up our rhythm. Critics also said that we couldn’t win a game late or if we went down early.
To that, I respond with a firm, yet respectful, ‘Ha.’
The match against Hull, and previously against Stoke, proved that Arsenal has grown up. We looked very strong early on, and took the lead after 14 minutes courtesy of an Andrey Arshavin strike. After that, Hull’s persistent fouling and rough play nullified our creativity and even managed to score an equalizer on a penalty that stirred up a fair amount of post-match controversy.
In seasons past, that would have been a problem. In seasons past, Arsenal would have been frustrated. In seasons past, we would have dropped points.
This is a new era.
Nicklas Bendtner scored the winner late in injury time. The big Dane, whose goal was his sixth in five games, seems to have developed a knack lately for being in the right place at the right time. After the match he spoke of how the team has great character and always believes they can win.
Bendtner’s goal also continued a run of last-gasp goals for Arsenal, something that has not escaped Arsène Wenger’s attention. The Boss also praised his squad’s attitude and position in the title race.
Compliments from Wenger were frequent this week. The manager raved about how Bendtner is a ‘different player’ since he gained fitness after being out with a groin injury for several months. He also sang the praised of Samir Nasri, citing his ability to create and score goals. Emmanuel Eboue also received some love from the manager, who said “[Eboue] was criticised last year and came back with the right attitude. Put the right performances in and people will love you.”
Makes me think some former Gunners should have heeded that advice…
Wenger also touched on speculation that Real Madrid want to bring him to Spain next year, saying “there is no way” he will be taking over at the Bernabeu. He went on to compare Arsenal’s success in the Champions League with Real’s recent performances. "[Madrid's defeat shows that] £240million doesn't buy you the Champions League,” he said.
Theo Walcott also earned some praise, not from Wenger but from the Romford Pelé himself, Ray Parlour. The former Gunner described Theo’s performance against Burnley as “brilliant, absolutely fantastic.” Theo was also pleased, and said that his recent form makes him “like a new signing.”
Injuries remained a problem, with Cesc Fabregas and Tomas Rosicky missing the Hull match. They are both expected to return this weekend against West Ham, but it’s unlikely William Gallas will join them. Wenger plans to be cautious with his calf injury, but doesn’t seem to think it’s too serious.
While recovering from his hamstring injury, Cesc sat down with Arsenal TV Online and spoke about the team and the title race. Or at least referenced it. The captain does not plan on talking too much until the title is won.
Looking ahead, a London derby is on tap this weekend as West Ham visits the Emirates on Saturday. The Hammers are riding a three-game losing streak and are hovering just above the relegation zone. It’s sure to be an interesting weekend in the Premier League with Liverpool traveling to Old Trafford and Chelsea looking to bounce back from their Champions League ouster against Blackburn. The title race is definitely on, and every remaining game is now the biggest game of the season.
Lastly, big congratulations go to everyone at the main site. Arsenal.com won Sports Website of the Year at the UK Website of the Year awards. The award was based on the votes of more than 850,000 users who based their decision on content, navigation and design. I’d also like to throw in that they are a great bunch of people, but I don’t think that was a category.
A happy St. Patrick’s Day to all!
Go dtí an tseachtain seo chugainn…
- Kevin Mooney
March 10, 2010
I am normally not a superstitious person. Walking under ladders doesn’t faze me. I have stepped on cracks in the sidewalk numerous times, and my mother’s back is just fine. And the black cat in my neighborhood is very cute and friendly.
But when it comes to sports, I am a paranoid freak. Choosing the wrong Arsenal shirt can be disastrous, as the result against Man United would attest. Sometimes the very act of turning on the TV has meant my team will start to lose. And even thinking about taunting friends who support other teams before a game is over always results in a heart-wrenching end.
So when Nicklas Bendtner scored the second of his three goals against Porto on Tuesday, I wasn’t popping the Champagne. When Samir Nasri blew past three Porto players to make it 3-0, I was feeling less tentative. But it really wasn’t until Andrey Arshavin linked up with Emmanuel Eboue a few minutes later to make it 4-0 that I was finally ready to celebrate.
And then of course, Bendtner literally and figuratively closed out the day by securing the first European hat-trick by an Arsenal player at Emirates Stadium. This, after a match on Saturday where he missed three clear chances on goal against Burnley. Arsène Wenger was confident that Bendtner would bounce back, and it’s safe to say he did so in spades. Amazing what a difference three days can make.
The Boss also praised Nasri ahead of the match, saying “it took him a while to get back to his best. But in the last few weeks he has got stronger and more confidence." Nasri proved his strength and confidence with his second-half goal. I would venture to guess that one will be a nominee for the March Goal-of-the-Month.
The match also marked the first time in 30 years that Arsenal came back from a first-leg deficit to win a European tie. I suppose Porto’s coach was correct being concerned about his team’s 2-1 lead.
Much of the talk before the Porto game was related to that all-often addressed topic: injuries. Cesc Fabregas picked up a hamstring injury in the Burnley game and was ruled out for Porto. He is also listed as 50/50 for Saturday’s match against Hull. William Gallas is back to square one as far as his injured calf-muscle in concerned and there is no indication when he will return. Fortunately, Wenger signed Sol Campbell to provide cover in central defense. But even a warrior like Sol has only played in every other game since he returned to the Club. The manager is still baffled over many of the squad’s niggling injuries, although there is no such confusion in his mind in regard to some of the more serious ones.
Wenger addressed the media regarding Aaron Ramsey (16) player profile" href="http://origin.arsenal.com/usa/sh/first-team/players/aaron-ramsey">Aaron Ramsey’s broken leg, and reaffirmed his original comments after the Stoke match, saying "I stand by what I said 100 percent." He also discussed his views on tackling in general, calling it an ‘art’ when it is done correctly. Ramsey himself released his official statement on the injury, handing out special thanks to the medical staff, Stoke’s Glen Whelan, and the fans. Don’t forget to send him your message of support. The window closes on Friday, and the Club will compile the messages into a specially-bound book to present to the player.
Meanwhile, things are looking up for Theo Walcott. After being the butt of some pretty harsh commentary in the English press, Walcott used his 'football brain' and scored the go-ahead goal against Burnley. Considering the number of chances Arsenal was unable to take advantage of up to that point, it really could be considered one the season’s key moment. So Walcott showed what he can really do, but Wenger was not surprised, saying that he not only expects Walcott to play for England at this year's World Cup, but that "he will have a great World Cup as well." The win against Burnley was probably one of the most nerve-wracking 3-1 wins I’ve ever seen, but in the end it was three well-earned points that put us level with Chelsea on points.
Arsenal players were involved in another game this week, albeit one with much less fanfare. The Colorado Rapids, Arsenal’s partner from Major League Soccer, are in London this week to train in Hertfordshire. Before the Porto match, they took on Arsenal’s Reserves in a closed-door match at the training ground. MLS Golden Boot runner-up Conor Casey scored the only goal of game which saw 21 different Arsenal Reserve players take the field.
Looking ahead, Arsenal travels to Hull on Saturday to take on a team that is on the bad side of the relegation zone. Playing a team fighting for survival on their home turf is never a prospect to take lightly, and considering some of the controversy of past seasons, this is not going to be nearly as easy as it looks on paper. But if nothing else, it’s another good opportunity to show we have what it takes to win the title.
Until next week…
- Kevin Mooney
March 3, 2010
Get well soon, Aaron.
I think we can all agree that nothing from the past week is more important than that sentiment.
Leading up to the game, the player that got most of the press was Stoke’s Rory Delap. The midfielder boasts a throw-in so powerful, that is has developed into one of the Potters’ most dangerous offensive weapons. He did not disappoint the Stoke faithful. After just eight minutes, one of his long tosses found the head of Danny Pugh and Stoke took the lead. Nicklas Bendtner equalized 24 minutes later with a header of his own, and Arsenal looked to be on their way back.
The score remained even through the first half and well into the second before The Incident occurred. Stoke’s Ryan Shawcross attempted to win the ball away from Ramsey, but only made contact with Ramsey’s leg. Ramsey was stretchered off the pitch with two broken bones, and Shawcross was shown red.
Play was understandably tentative for some time after, but Arsenal finally took the lead on a 90th minute penalty kick by Cesc. Thomas Vermaelen then put the game away in stoppage time. A very big three points in the bag, but all thoughts were on Aaron Ramsey. He underwent surgery that night and looks to be out of action for at least six to nine months.
The Boss had plenty to say about the incident, the third time in four years that Arsenal has lost a player to a similar action. He called on the squad to push forward and win the title for their teammate. Vermaelen also spoke about the tackle after the game and revealed what was going through his head immediately after.
There has been a tremendous outpouring of goodwill for Ramsey. At last count, more than 50,000 fans have sent him messages via Arsenal.com.
Despite this, there actually was some good news on the injury front. Robin Van Persie, Kieran Gibbs and Johann Djourou are all on the road to recovery. It remains to be seen if any of them will take the field for Arsenal before the end of the season, but Wenger said there’s a chance that Van Persie may be back in April and Gibbs could return before the end of the season. Meanwhile, Djourou hopes to return to training in six weeks.
Many of the players are currently off on international duty, including Walcott who received a call-up to the England senior team for the friendly against Egypt later today at Wembley. Emirates Stadium also hosted an international friendly this week, Ireland versus Brazil. It marked the last game for assistant manager Liam Brady, who decided to step down and put all of his energy into his role as Arsenal's Head of Youth Development. He discussed his ambitions with Arsenal TV Online.
The Club also released numbers for the first six months of the financial year. The results were very positive, most notably being the reduction in debt by a staggering £130 million! CEO Ivan Gazidis gave some insight into what the numbers mean for the Club and for the future.
Looking ahead, Burnley visits North London this weekend as Arsenal look to continue their march to the title. If you are not in London this weekend, and are looking for ways to watch the game, check out our new feature ‘Where to Watch Arsenal’. It includes a list of upcoming matches that will be on TV in America, as well as links to Arsenal America’s list of venues where you join fellow Gooners to cheer on The Arsenal.
Until next week…
- Kevin Mooney
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