Lyon versus Manchester United
The French Champions take on their English counterparts in an intriguing encounter. The key battle will be between Benzema and Vidic and Ferdinand, and the Frenchman, who has the look of a young Ronaldo, has been tearing up the French league, leading the scoring charts. His pace, skill and strength were clearly evident on the defeat of Rangers at Ibrox, with Benzema scoring twice. At the other end, Manchester United will have practically a full squad available, with naturally the main threat coming from Cristiano Ronaldo and a on-form Rooney. The two attacking sides should yield a number of goals, with the previous meeting between the two causing a 4-3 score-line. Will Man United’s defensive strength overcome the Lyon attack?
Prediction: First leg: 2-1; Second leg: 3-1 (Man United progress)
Roma versus Real Madrid
Roma have been widely acclaimed for their free-flowing football, claiming it to be the closest modern reincarnation of Rinus Michel’s Ajax. Playing Totti in a false striker role and clever movement off the ball could cause problems to a back-line that appears to have struggled in recent games, despite the continued heroics of Casillas. The same issue plagues Roma, who will face the most clinical striker in Spain last year, a revitalised Raul and the flair of Robinho, and a defence comprising of Doni should not hold the clean sheet in either game. This appears to be the game for the purists and it should not fail to excite.
Prediction: First leg: 2-2; Second leg: 1-0 (Real Madrid progress)
Celtic versus Barcelona
Celtic Park is a mysterious place. The reigning European champions have come here and lost. The English Champions have lost there too. The crowd has such a force on the players that even the greats can freeze upon encountering such noise. The fantastic four of Barcelona has largely failed as a nickname by the fans, with perhaps only Messi performing to the heights expected. The introduction of two precocious youngsters in Bojan Krkic and Giovani Dos Santos has highlighted a bright future. The return of Yaya Toure from the African Cup of Nations has given defensive solidity. Yet the side have come to rely on Messi and a lack of variety in their play could prove costly.
Prediction: First leg: 1-0; Second leg: 3-0 (Barcelona progress)
Liverpool versus Inter Milan
Letting Havant and Waterlooville lead twice in the FA Cup? Losing to Barnsley at Anfield in the very competition? This side of Liverpool is very rarely seen. Off the field matters concerning ownership and managerial distress has caused a terrible run of form. Contrast that to the ultra-consistent Inter Milan. Still unbeaten in the league, crippled by injury, the strength of the side is clearly evident. What Massimo Moratti wanted is finally coming to place. The influential Ibrahimovic returns to the scene of a defeat two years ago with Juve, and will be seeking revenge. But Liverpool is a different creature in European competition. This now is their only chance of a trophy against a side prone to collapsing at vital moments in a season, but change is common in football as Inter won the Scudetto for the first time since 1989, can they win a European Cup since the days of Sandro Mazzola?
Prediction: First leg: 2-2; Second leg: 2-0 (Inter Milan progress)
Arsenal versus AC Milan
A match billed as the new generation against the old guard. The Milanese have been revived by the youthful exuberance of one Alexandre Pato. While both sides have been debilitated by injuries, something close to their full sides will encounter one another. The midfield tussles between Flamini and Fabregas against the cunning of Pirlo and aggression of Gattuso. The pace of the game will be vital, with a high tempo favouring the Gunners, yet if the Rossoneri take charge as they did last year in the semi-final, few teams can cope with such an attacking force. And we have not even mentioned Kaka yet.
Prediction: First leg: 2-1; Second leg: 0-0 (Arsenal progress)
Olympiakos versus Chelsea
Arguably the most one-sided tie of the round, with an Olympiakos side that only this year managed to win away after 31 attempts, with the reward being a tie with the Blues. Chelsea’s strength in depth will allow them to prevail with relative ease. The former Premiership presence in the Greek side is from Lua-Lua. With Terry and Lampard back in the side, a win should be a formality on paper, yet the often laborious style of Chelsea will not make this an aesthetically pleasing game despite the talent on offer.
Prediction: First leg: 1-2; Second leg: 3-0 (Chelsea progress)
Fenerbahçe versus Sevilla
The Turkish side caused the shocks of the first round of group games, in dominating Inter, resulting in a 1-0 score-line, that was not a true reflection of what took place. Led by Brazilian legend Zico, they play with a sense of flair embodied in the Brazilian side of the 80s. Led by Japan’s Brazil-born playmaker Alex, and the strongest (but not always accurate) left foot in the modern game in Roberto Carlos, this promises to be a game of aggressive, attacking football. Sevilla, may have lost Juande Ramos, but have the clinical, if volatile Fabiano, and on of the best right wing combinations in Europe in Navas and Alves. A side rejoined by its Africans and with the pace and industry of Capel on the right will want to make up for their mediocre league position. This could prove to be a classic game.
Prediction: First leg: 3-1; Second leg: 3-0 (Sevilla progress)
Schalke 04 versus Porto FC
The least mentioned game in the whole round sees Mirko Slomka’s side take on Porto in an intriguing clash, with the attacking prowess of Kuranyi up front and Pander and Rafinha providing an attacking outlet down the flanks. A side which has always challenged for titles but rarely succeeded will face the most successful Portuguese side, in terms of titles won. Naturally with the threat of Quaresma, more influential will be the game of Lucho Gonzalez, and the finishing of Lisandro Lopez. The stronger defence of Porto should prevail but this Schalke could prove to be a strong underdog.
Prediction: First leg: 1-1; Second leg: 1-1 (Porto progress on penalties)
Monday 18 February 2008
A. Song Of Praise
“As I've said before... Song Billong's in a Job Centre”
November 29th 2006
“Alex Song to score 12 and named best player of the tournament but I want Egypt to capitulate utterly and bow down at Song's feet like he is a manifestation of Ra.”
February 9th 2008
How times change. The former quote occurred at half-time on one Internet forum during the defeat at Fulham in a season of mediocrity which the Cameroonian embodied in the eyes of several fans. While Song did not live up to the expectations of one Gooner in the ACON final, having hobbled off injured, he did however deserve the praise lavished upon him throughout the tournament, since he entered the fray at half-time, 3-0 down against the side who was to defeat his country once more to secure a consecutive Cup victory.
It was always true that Song had promise, with several European giants interested in him, after his exploits with Bastia, where he displayed raw talent, aggression, strength, technique and vision for a pass. Having signed permanently after a loan, Song made his mark in the Champions league game against Thun and made a few appearances throughout the season, including near the end of the season in the build up to the Champion’s league performance. Yet by then, the youngster had been used to criticism from his own fans, of which the majority had made a snap judgement condemning him to the level of Igor Stepanovs, analysing his performance on the basis of screaming ‘blue murder’ at any mistake. His ‘lazy’ facial expression may have given fresh material to those obsessed with aesthetics, as Senderos among others has discovered. Many used the loan to Charlton as a sign to confirm that Wenger had realised what they had claimed to see since his first appearance for the club. Once again Arsene proved them wrong as Rigobert’s nephew played a pivotal role in the side, displaying his technique in less pressured circumstances, and great tenacity, marking Wayne Rooney out of the game on one occasion.
Ultimately, he was unable to prevent Charlton’s downfall, yet he had portrayed a plethora of abilities, perhaps changing the view of some cynics, but question marks remained over his ability to survive at the top level. This season, the answer came with a resounding overall performance in the Carling Cup. Having scored his first (very odd) goal against Liverpool, the previous year, this year he caused the more optimistic among pundits to liken his playmaking qualities from the back to that on one Franz Beckenbauer. A perfectly weighted through-ball to Eduardo at Ewood Park highlighted this aspect of his game, along with the composure to attempt a back-header with Santa Cruz lurking.
Versatility is a key reason of his importance to the Arsenal squad, playing in his preferred position against Steaua Bucharest, making key tackles and sharp passes, and a defensive solidity with aggression rather than the more reactive Gilberto. Julien Laurens of Le Parisien compared him to Michael Essien, also a former player of Bastia. Having changed Cameroon’s fortunes adding a creative edge to a side full of brawn, he has now introduced himself to the international stage, having been named in the Best XI in the tournament. Arsenal fans will now eagerly await his return from injury as we now fight on two fronts, with a reliable replacement if another defensive crisis occurs.
With the mental strength to succeed at a top club, and the technique, physique to match, Alexandre Song is here to stay. Trust this precocious youngster to fight for a claim in the first XI next season.
November 29th 2006
“Alex Song to score 12 and named best player of the tournament but I want Egypt to capitulate utterly and bow down at Song's feet like he is a manifestation of Ra.”
February 9th 2008
How times change. The former quote occurred at half-time on one Internet forum during the defeat at Fulham in a season of mediocrity which the Cameroonian embodied in the eyes of several fans. While Song did not live up to the expectations of one Gooner in the ACON final, having hobbled off injured, he did however deserve the praise lavished upon him throughout the tournament, since he entered the fray at half-time, 3-0 down against the side who was to defeat his country once more to secure a consecutive Cup victory.
It was always true that Song had promise, with several European giants interested in him, after his exploits with Bastia, where he displayed raw talent, aggression, strength, technique and vision for a pass. Having signed permanently after a loan, Song made his mark in the Champions league game against Thun and made a few appearances throughout the season, including near the end of the season in the build up to the Champion’s league performance. Yet by then, the youngster had been used to criticism from his own fans, of which the majority had made a snap judgement condemning him to the level of Igor Stepanovs, analysing his performance on the basis of screaming ‘blue murder’ at any mistake. His ‘lazy’ facial expression may have given fresh material to those obsessed with aesthetics, as Senderos among others has discovered. Many used the loan to Charlton as a sign to confirm that Wenger had realised what they had claimed to see since his first appearance for the club. Once again Arsene proved them wrong as Rigobert’s nephew played a pivotal role in the side, displaying his technique in less pressured circumstances, and great tenacity, marking Wayne Rooney out of the game on one occasion.
Ultimately, he was unable to prevent Charlton’s downfall, yet he had portrayed a plethora of abilities, perhaps changing the view of some cynics, but question marks remained over his ability to survive at the top level. This season, the answer came with a resounding overall performance in the Carling Cup. Having scored his first (very odd) goal against Liverpool, the previous year, this year he caused the more optimistic among pundits to liken his playmaking qualities from the back to that on one Franz Beckenbauer. A perfectly weighted through-ball to Eduardo at Ewood Park highlighted this aspect of his game, along with the composure to attempt a back-header with Santa Cruz lurking.
Versatility is a key reason of his importance to the Arsenal squad, playing in his preferred position against Steaua Bucharest, making key tackles and sharp passes, and a defensive solidity with aggression rather than the more reactive Gilberto. Julien Laurens of Le Parisien compared him to Michael Essien, also a former player of Bastia. Having changed Cameroon’s fortunes adding a creative edge to a side full of brawn, he has now introduced himself to the international stage, having been named in the Best XI in the tournament. Arsenal fans will now eagerly await his return from injury as we now fight on two fronts, with a reliable replacement if another defensive crisis occurs.
With the mental strength to succeed at a top club, and the technique, physique to match, Alexandre Song is here to stay. Trust this precocious youngster to fight for a claim in the first XI next season.
Strength In Adversity...
There are several types of football fans. The wannabe manager, the statistician, the severely optimistic, the completely opposite of that, and the ones almost slipping off the edge of their seat through uncontrollable tension, even when the score is 6-0 in favour of your side and you’re playing Derby at home. Then you have your thugs, the ones chanting unintelligible songs, that you know comprise of topics that are best left unspoken. Then there are ones who are unable to pronounce a simple foreign name, and it’s sad to see 55,000 Arsenal fans chant Sagna’s name erroneously every weekend.
And one common flaw in every breed of football fan is the judging of a player on first impressions and deciding his capability on that very instance, dismissing factors, such as the importance of the game, the integration with the team, the mentality of the player and communication with the bench and his fellow players, let alone the referee. The greatest players are those who stand up to the negativity, appearing to be a new creature to those blinded by the first impression, when in truth they are fully expressing themselves on the pitch. This can be said of several Arsenal players, who are one point or other along their Gunners’ career, were appearing to leave for mediocrity. Yet having persisted, Adebayor, Flamini, Almunia, Senderos and more recently Song now form vital pieces of the Arsenal squad.
“You know what the fellow said: In Italy for 30 years under the Borgias, they had warfare, terror, murder and bloodshed, but they produced Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci and the Renaissance. In Switzerland they had brotherly love - they had 500 years of democracy and peace, and what did that produce? The cuckoo clock.”
Orson Welles (The Third Man 1949)
This is quote is correct even when using it as an analogy to the modern game. The corruption scandal in Italy ruined the reputation of several officials and players, yet the Azzurri won the most recent World Cup and a team debilitated by the subsequent punishments, in AC Milan, won the Champions League the following year. It is true, adversity breeds success. It may be ironic to now mention that a Swiss footballer has found success in adversity when his fellow countrymen did not experience either, but Senderos would beg to differ.
When Pires was mentioned for his duckesque running style, it was not the intention of this label to be derogatory to our former French genius, but when a certain Tony Adams had the weight of a term such as ‘Donkey’ thrown on his back, even the dim-witted realised was not with the same warmth. And having spent his club career trying to disassociate himself with this ‘nickname’, having won several trophies and developed into a brilliant captain and defender, this esteemed mantle was passed onto Philippe Senderos, who also coincidently inherited the no. 6 shirt.
A much more eloquent speaker than from whom he inherited the shirt, fluent in six languages and more promising than our former captain in his youth, he too was cursed from the stands for his running style and occasional slips. Rather than choosing to focus on his defensive attributes, so clearly portrayed in the record-breaking Champions League run and his recent appearances in the side, the so called ‘haters’ will pick on appearance and other inconsequential topics. The Swiss captain has provided balance in centre defence, complimenting Gallas well, with Toure perhaps too similar to the Arsenal captain. He appeared to regress last season, but once more has shown he only needs a run of games to blossom to his full potential. Yes, twice when he had the ball, he found Carrick, but else what could he do from a substitute point, with the team 3-0 down and with a man less?
Adecantscore, Adebarndoor…who you ask? Adebayor, that’s who. These are just some of the subtle insults by those first unimpressed with Kanu reincarnate, but a better all round footballer with much greater goal threat and capable of the outrageous, in a similar fashion to his idol, still will not deter Adebayor from progressing. Hung up to dry at Monaco, in a light portraying him to be the Joey Barton of Ligue 1, then suspended from the Togo national team for sticking to his principles about unpaid bonuses promised to the side. And more recently, a little tiff with Bendtner, it is true; Adebayor has been in the spotlight of controversy on many occasions, but even after our North London Rivals (probably) contemplated organising a open-top bus parade for a landmark in their insignificant history, Adebayor still scored goals.
Having worked tremendously hard on his finishing (with Boro Primorac after training), runs, heading, and fitness aspects of his game, he has become one of the feared strikers on the continent, a label usually true, when Madrid and their propaganda agency in Marca begin to formulate stories. Yet, there was a lack of support because obviously Henry played at a similar level when he first joined the club, and the short memories of supporters did nothing to help the Togolese attacker even after scoring on his debut. Yet he has shown every aspect of what a footballer should compromise. Drogba played in Ligue 2 at a similar age, look where he has ended up. Think what Adebayor can become. His desire to change the game against United was strong, but channelled into the wrong ideas, in diving for a penalty. He will be vital against Milan.
As his Togolese team-mate progresses, Flamini too has shown the typical mental strength to progress from being close to leaving to displacing the current Brazil captain. Instantly compared with the then current captain Vieira upon his arrival from Marseille, Flamini always had the capacity to succeed, with good technique, tenacity and the urge to win at all costs. Having performing a brilliant job at full-back during the Champion’s league run, he was ruled out by injury. This blow compounded with a lack of appearances in his regular position caused our ‘Gattuso’ to question his future at Arsenal. It is not clear what caused the improvement in his game, but a new-found sense of calmness on the ball and brilliant positioning to allow him to express himself through his technique has resulted in one of the best pass completion percentages in the league, and more importantly a starting berth. Now, all there is to do is to sign a new contract, and that small matter of the goings-on on the football pitch. His notable action was to stop Nani showboating but the importance of his being fit is overall more important.
His worst time on the football pitch: the score read ‘Arsenal 2 Manchester United 4’ at Highbury, and ended his original run as first-choice ’keeper after displaying a lack of calmness and a tendency to rush out that added weight to John O’Shea’s ‘Mr. Versatile’ tag. Having fully adapted to the country and familiarised himself with his team-mates, Almunia is in the form of his life, with intense competition for Lehmann, neither keeper has a chance to relax. A requirement of our goalkeepers to be technically adept, Almunia is calmer in interceptions and plays as a sweeper when the defence breaks down. Having improved his distribution, he is now vital to the side’s footballing performance. And in light of Lehmann’s performance, in the best of a woeful bunch, the German once more proved his strong mentality. Almunia has now had to endure controversy about becoming a British citizen and representing this country, yet it has not affected his performances for the team.
In particular, Traore and Hoyte have let down Wenger, who has such faith in their ability, and now they must show the capacity to succeed as has been displayed at various points of their Arsenal careers by the aforementioned team-mates. These players are examples of a winning mentality that was missing at Old Trafford, with no one stepping up to the more urgent tempo. Perhaps, it was because of the more important tie on Wednesday but our downfall was clear upon looking at the full-back positions, with neither possessing a player of positional sense, calm and fighting character (Eboue chose to take that literally), and covering the centre-backs was apparently not on their agenda, who too were poor.
But as recent history shows, the FA Cup run has little effect on who is crowned as Premiership champions. Let us congratulate Manchester United and look forward to the next few games, hoping our injury situation improves somewhat. The side has been beaten comprehensively in every one of our defeats this season. There has always been a reaction, which on this case will be evident on Wednesday. What response we get will reflect on the character of the side.
And one common flaw in every breed of football fan is the judging of a player on first impressions and deciding his capability on that very instance, dismissing factors, such as the importance of the game, the integration with the team, the mentality of the player and communication with the bench and his fellow players, let alone the referee. The greatest players are those who stand up to the negativity, appearing to be a new creature to those blinded by the first impression, when in truth they are fully expressing themselves on the pitch. This can be said of several Arsenal players, who are one point or other along their Gunners’ career, were appearing to leave for mediocrity. Yet having persisted, Adebayor, Flamini, Almunia, Senderos and more recently Song now form vital pieces of the Arsenal squad.
“You know what the fellow said: In Italy for 30 years under the Borgias, they had warfare, terror, murder and bloodshed, but they produced Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci and the Renaissance. In Switzerland they had brotherly love - they had 500 years of democracy and peace, and what did that produce? The cuckoo clock.”
Orson Welles (The Third Man 1949)
This is quote is correct even when using it as an analogy to the modern game. The corruption scandal in Italy ruined the reputation of several officials and players, yet the Azzurri won the most recent World Cup and a team debilitated by the subsequent punishments, in AC Milan, won the Champions League the following year. It is true, adversity breeds success. It may be ironic to now mention that a Swiss footballer has found success in adversity when his fellow countrymen did not experience either, but Senderos would beg to differ.
When Pires was mentioned for his duckesque running style, it was not the intention of this label to be derogatory to our former French genius, but when a certain Tony Adams had the weight of a term such as ‘Donkey’ thrown on his back, even the dim-witted realised was not with the same warmth. And having spent his club career trying to disassociate himself with this ‘nickname’, having won several trophies and developed into a brilliant captain and defender, this esteemed mantle was passed onto Philippe Senderos, who also coincidently inherited the no. 6 shirt.
A much more eloquent speaker than from whom he inherited the shirt, fluent in six languages and more promising than our former captain in his youth, he too was cursed from the stands for his running style and occasional slips. Rather than choosing to focus on his defensive attributes, so clearly portrayed in the record-breaking Champions League run and his recent appearances in the side, the so called ‘haters’ will pick on appearance and other inconsequential topics. The Swiss captain has provided balance in centre defence, complimenting Gallas well, with Toure perhaps too similar to the Arsenal captain. He appeared to regress last season, but once more has shown he only needs a run of games to blossom to his full potential. Yes, twice when he had the ball, he found Carrick, but else what could he do from a substitute point, with the team 3-0 down and with a man less?
Adecantscore, Adebarndoor…who you ask? Adebayor, that’s who. These are just some of the subtle insults by those first unimpressed with Kanu reincarnate, but a better all round footballer with much greater goal threat and capable of the outrageous, in a similar fashion to his idol, still will not deter Adebayor from progressing. Hung up to dry at Monaco, in a light portraying him to be the Joey Barton of Ligue 1, then suspended from the Togo national team for sticking to his principles about unpaid bonuses promised to the side. And more recently, a little tiff with Bendtner, it is true; Adebayor has been in the spotlight of controversy on many occasions, but even after our North London Rivals (probably) contemplated organising a open-top bus parade for a landmark in their insignificant history, Adebayor still scored goals.
Having worked tremendously hard on his finishing (with Boro Primorac after training), runs, heading, and fitness aspects of his game, he has become one of the feared strikers on the continent, a label usually true, when Madrid and their propaganda agency in Marca begin to formulate stories. Yet, there was a lack of support because obviously Henry played at a similar level when he first joined the club, and the short memories of supporters did nothing to help the Togolese attacker even after scoring on his debut. Yet he has shown every aspect of what a footballer should compromise. Drogba played in Ligue 2 at a similar age, look where he has ended up. Think what Adebayor can become. His desire to change the game against United was strong, but channelled into the wrong ideas, in diving for a penalty. He will be vital against Milan.
As his Togolese team-mate progresses, Flamini too has shown the typical mental strength to progress from being close to leaving to displacing the current Brazil captain. Instantly compared with the then current captain Vieira upon his arrival from Marseille, Flamini always had the capacity to succeed, with good technique, tenacity and the urge to win at all costs. Having performing a brilliant job at full-back during the Champion’s league run, he was ruled out by injury. This blow compounded with a lack of appearances in his regular position caused our ‘Gattuso’ to question his future at Arsenal. It is not clear what caused the improvement in his game, but a new-found sense of calmness on the ball and brilliant positioning to allow him to express himself through his technique has resulted in one of the best pass completion percentages in the league, and more importantly a starting berth. Now, all there is to do is to sign a new contract, and that small matter of the goings-on on the football pitch. His notable action was to stop Nani showboating but the importance of his being fit is overall more important.
His worst time on the football pitch: the score read ‘Arsenal 2 Manchester United 4’ at Highbury, and ended his original run as first-choice ’keeper after displaying a lack of calmness and a tendency to rush out that added weight to John O’Shea’s ‘Mr. Versatile’ tag. Having fully adapted to the country and familiarised himself with his team-mates, Almunia is in the form of his life, with intense competition for Lehmann, neither keeper has a chance to relax. A requirement of our goalkeepers to be technically adept, Almunia is calmer in interceptions and plays as a sweeper when the defence breaks down. Having improved his distribution, he is now vital to the side’s footballing performance. And in light of Lehmann’s performance, in the best of a woeful bunch, the German once more proved his strong mentality. Almunia has now had to endure controversy about becoming a British citizen and representing this country, yet it has not affected his performances for the team.
In particular, Traore and Hoyte have let down Wenger, who has such faith in their ability, and now they must show the capacity to succeed as has been displayed at various points of their Arsenal careers by the aforementioned team-mates. These players are examples of a winning mentality that was missing at Old Trafford, with no one stepping up to the more urgent tempo. Perhaps, it was because of the more important tie on Wednesday but our downfall was clear upon looking at the full-back positions, with neither possessing a player of positional sense, calm and fighting character (Eboue chose to take that literally), and covering the centre-backs was apparently not on their agenda, who too were poor.
But as recent history shows, the FA Cup run has little effect on who is crowned as Premiership champions. Let us congratulate Manchester United and look forward to the next few games, hoping our injury situation improves somewhat. The side has been beaten comprehensively in every one of our defeats this season. There has always been a reaction, which on this case will be evident on Wednesday. What response we get will reflect on the character of the side.
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