Complacent Arsenal Deserve Defeat.

It was Arsene Wenger’s twelfth anniversary in charge of the club, Hull City were the opponents. The fans were expectant of a cricket score. Yet as we’ve seen in a number of games in the past four years, the players have believed in their own hype and become complacent. They did not respect Hull City in this game. They played at a snail’s pace in terms of tempo, didn’t fight for any ball, and were beaten by the better team. The second half, bar our goal, was shambolic.

Arsenal created many openings, squandered by wayward finishing and an obsession to score a ‘perfect passing goal’. Theo Walcott showed the flaws in his game when given time and space in front of goal. The young winger had three great chances but his indecision in each situation cost the Gunners. When only given one option, he has shown the direct attitude, which has suddenly made him a worldwide star. The assisting dribble and pass for our scrappy goal was one of the few instances in which our most dangerous player was able to exert his influence. On a number of other occasions, he flashed in decent crosses, which our non-existent strike-force didn’t bother to attack. Unfortunately for Walcott, who was our most threatening attacker, he was sacrificed for Vela instead of Adebayor or van Persie, both of whom had forgotten their already fragile ability to score. This is another example of the influence of seniority which affects Wenger’s substitutions.

The decision for Wenger was to keep the young, in-form strike partnership of Bendtner and Vela or to reinstate the senior members of the squad. The boss opted for the latter, who despite being on form in their past few games, hadn’t played for a week. Our Danish striker was the in-form man, while his link-up play with Vela is far more effective than that between our first choice strikers, who seem to play as lone forwards together (if that makes sense...). Adebayor took 34 minutes to bag his first offside, but had little effective play in the box or any decent shots. Playing in Eboue with a fine pass, who unsurprisingly elected to pass to Van Persie, despite having a great opportunity to open the scoring, was his one moment of the game. Yes, he pulled out wide, and collected the ball, but it was predominantly to pass back to Clichy. When did he take on his defender and win? Michael Turner, possibly the defensive find of the season, had him covered for the whole game with the aid of a little luck.

As for the defensive play, this was the third time this season where Gallas’ terrible marking has cost us a set-piece goal (the other occasions being Bolton and Fulham). It seems he has regressed in his defensive capabilities and is infatuated at playing a Beckenbauer role, in setting up attacks from deep, and often finishing. Yes, he has scored three goals, which have led to some key results in the Champions League, but his main occupation is to defend. And it seems that he is slow to pick up his marker, complacent on the ball and poor when attacking an aerial ball. While he may not be one of the most vocal leaders, he has to lead by example in his play. There is no doubt that some smug pundit will mention the incidents at St. Andrews last season, but it isn’t a matter of his speech-making capabilities this time, but simple defending. And it appears he can’t do that either.

Unfortunately, much of our attacking thrust was blocked with both Clichy and Sagna unable to bombard their respective flanks with menacing, direct runs. What was noticeable was how both checked their stride when passed the ball, breaking up any momentum. Toure was possibly the only defender who came out with any credit. The passes they were fed, mainly by Denilson, were imprecise and unclean, losing vital seconds for any attack against a very well-drilled Hull side. Denilson had the largest amount of possession for an Arsenal player, at least according to the eye, and retained the ball well, but lacked any cutting edge or drive. He works very well as a midfield runner in a 4-5-1, supporting the attack, as shown at Bolton, but lacks the physical strength to impose his defensive abilities. In terms of statistics, he seems most efficient of our midfielders but considering each pass, very few were attack-minded.

I still feel Alexandre Song is the best partner for Fabregas, with the Cameroonian having tactical, physical and technical abilities to prove a successful foil for our Spaniard. Denilson restricts Fabregas’ game, forcing him to play as the defensive player on many occasions. This tactical inexperience and lack of decent positioning is affecting our attacking game. On some occasions, when the whole team presses together, Denilson looks very effective, winning the first ball, with another red shirt sweeping up. In a performance, where most of his team-mates looked disinterested, his game was weakened. Song is much better against counter-attacking players (Hull did this several times in the second half), and uses his body better to shield and tackle. It is only a matter of time before Song will slot into the starting eleven.

Hull were brilliant, with the hold up play of Marlon King key to their attacking play. Their organisation was far from normal of a promoted side, with Phil Brown instilling a mentality that will see them stay up with ease. They were set up well to counter-attack with the pace of Daniel Cousin, the battling qualities of Ashbee and Boateng had commitment which our players couldn’t match, and having targeted our set-piece weakness, it was a masterclass in how to take a result at the Emirates by actually playing football. The crowning moment was Geovanni’s rocket from outside the box. It’s a shame that no-one could pick him up from midfield, and how we stopped playing having got the breakthrough. Real Madrid just showed how to win these kinds of games, with second round of Champions League games coming through. They won 1-2 away against a dangerous Betis, with each player showing a fine work ethic, something we lacked and has to be highlighted.

What was ominous about this game was how Fabregas spoke of the Champions League in the build up to the Hull game, a telling sign that the players were saving themselves for the supposedly bigger game. After a week, where the club was in the headlines consistently, with first the side taking the three points for the third game running at the Reebok, and then the youngest ever side thrashing Championship side Sheffield United, the players bought into their own hype, as has happened many times over the past few years. Would the youth players, who are fighting for a career at the club, have made a better impact?

We are best when there is no media attention or on the end of a defeat and heavy criticism. There will be a reaction on Tuesday and Porto will prove a huge test. Fabregas talked of its importance, now they have to deliver.

(Image courtesy of BBC Sport)

European Title Races Preview - England and Spain

England:
After a troubled pre-season in which many first-team regulars have left (Gilberto, Flamini, Hoyte) and been replaced by inexperienced newcomers, Arsenal do not currently look like challengers A number of squad players have been loaned out thus lowering the depth of the side, with a notable departure in the loaning of Philippe Senderos to AC Milan. The lack of a midfield enforcer to set the tempo, drive on the side and gee up team-mates is a major factor why the side is likely to fall well short from first place. If a current squad member can step up or a new signing or two (Inler?) comes in, then the Gunners will have a squad with enough quality to compete for silverware this year.

Chelsea have hired another Portuguese manager and a larger Portuguese-speaking contingent with Bosingwa and Deco adding to Ferreira, Alex et al. The addition of Deco, the Brazilian born playmaker, looks to be key to the side’s style of play. There is an embarrassment of midfield riches, with Lampard, Deco, Ballack, Mikel and Essien all fighting for a starting spot. Scolari’s use of attacking full-backs might finally get the best out of Ashley Cole. The squad depth and the re-signing of Frank Lampard to a new hugely-inflated five year deal might spur last year’s runners up to challenge on all four fronts.

Having won the Champions League and Premiership last season, Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United will look to defend their titles, with an even more congested fixture list, with the World Club Championship in December, it will be even more difficult this time round, especially if they decide to take part in the FA Cup, unlike last time. The main issue with the team is the lack of a reliable third striker aside from Rooney and Tevez, especially with Saha being as injury prone as…well, Rosicky. Berbatov is the name being touted everywhere but will cost close to £30m. The injury to Real Madrid fan Ronaldo will inhibit their play but the strength in depth means results will come even without the Portuguese attacker. The sale of Silvestre to Arsenal means the promotion of Fabio and Rafael the adventurous full-backs, with the former of the two top-scoring for Brazil in the U17 World Cup in 2007. Silverware is very likely for the Red Devils.

‘When will Liverpool win the title again?’ is a question on the lips of many a football fan. Pundits and ex-players alike have tipped the side to run the favourites close having signed Keane from Tottenham. Yet the issue of money has come up once more, with Benitez insistent on signing Barry for £18m and his reasons for this protracted transfer saga being the need of left footers and British players. The reported £8m arrival of ex-Manchester City player Albert Riera from Espanyol is now being seen as the alternative to Barry, despite their different positions and style of play. The future of Alonso is still up for debate, while the fans are also worried concerning the success of the DIC’s bid to buy the club from its American owners, neither of whom are particularly liked (and that’s being kind). Success on the pitch will do much to distract the media attention from the inner turmoil at the club.

Prediction: Chelsea 1st, Manchester United 2nd, Arsenal 3rd, Liverpool 4th
Abramovich may finally get his wish of wining the title with aesthetically pleasing football. United will no doubt be right up there, but lagging behind unfortunately will be Arsenal and Liverpool (the order of the two is anybody’s guess – I’m feeling optimistic!).


Spain:
A poor quality La Liga title race was won by Real Madrid at a canter last season and one can only hope a better fight is put up this time around. The Spanish Champions will no doubt put priority on a 10th Champions League crown, having been knocked out by Roma last year, but a third league title is very appealing. They have strengthened with the signing of Rafael Van Der Vaart, who will play a key role, especially after the injury which Sneijder sustained in the Emirates Cup, keeping him out for roughly 3 months. The transfer saga of Robinho is seen as karma by many for the flirtatious manner in which the Spanish side courted Ronaldo over the summer. After a relatively low key summer in terms of spending, with De La Red bought back and Garay signed and loaned back to Racing Santander, it seems Schuster is happy with the size of his squad. Perhaps the signing of David Villa might be the key to another successful season. If they can pull it off (a figure of £41m is being touted), glory should be theirs.

Finally, for Barcelona, the old guard is gone. Coach Frank Rikjaard leaves; having won a Champions League title (something which only club legend Johan Cruyff has achieved) and two La Ligas. His players let him down with the likes of Ronaldinho and Deco rightly criticised for their poor form. Both have since left and Samuel Eto’o, after a brief flirtation with Uzbekistani side Kuruvchi, has buckled down and decided to stay. A new defence has practically been bought by new coach Pep Guardiola, with Alex Hleb also coming in from Arsenal but with Lionel Messi in front of him, it is unlikely he will start many games this upcoming season. An impressive pre-season against small sides showed their potential after it culminated in a 4-0 win in the important Champions League qualifier against Wisla Krakow. They will run the Champions closer this time around.

Has complacency set in at El Madrigal? The Yellow Submarine, led by Manuel Pellegrini has performed poorly against sides including Sevilla and Valladolid, with the latter thrashing them 5-1. Goalkeeper Diego Lopez called for self-reflection with Villarreal looking to improve on a 2nd placed finish last year. They have retained Marcos Senna, who performed a master-class in the holding role over the summer for Spain. They have signed Joseba Llorente, who will guarantee goals. The size of their squad may make challenging for the title difficult, especially with a Champions League campaign to contend with. A better work ethic from the one shown over pre-season is needed if they are to reach the heights of last year.

Sevilla under Juande Ramos were aggressive and attacking, playing wonderful football at a high tempo. After a year of mediocrity, Manolo Jimenez’s side is ready for another shot at the title. Transfer activity with Barcelona has been very common with Alves and Keita arriving at the Nou camp, while Diego Capel is also being linked to the Blaugrana. The goals of the fiery Luis Fabiano and Kanoute will be key to their challenge. They have brought in defensive solidity with midfielders such as Romaric and Acosta and defenders such as Sebastien Squillaci, Abdoulay Konko and Fernando Navarro strengthening the side.

Prediction: Real Madrid 1st, Barcelona 2nd, Sevilla 3rd, Villarreal 4th
The Champions look to have the quality and strength in depth to retain their title. Another season playing together will improve them as well. Barcelona will run them very close and are likely to win a cup instead. It becomes tricky predicting third and fourth place with Valencia also threatening to break into the Champions League slots with a new president and coach and their Euro 2008 stars.

Italy and Germany to follow. Comments are invited as usual.

The Idea Of Seniority Will Hinder Arsenal

‘Shocking and disgraceful’: These are the words on the lips of many Arsenal fans after a match in which the side were well beaten and echoed the horrendous performance against the Cottagers in November 2005. Fulham were worthy of their 1-0 success and with further shrewd buys, they will avoid a relegation tussle this time around.

The game was a strong reminder of the seasons between 2005 and 2007, where the Gunners were outfought and outmuscled throughout the whole season and lost to mediocre opposition, with respect to Fulham, who played an impressive pressing game, but that is the level where Arsene Wenger’s side dropped most of their points.

Having lost midfield dynamo Mathieu Flamini to Milan, there is no sense of urgency or aggression in central midfield. It was actually only when Song came on that the side looked capable of even creating a chance. Flamini’s running forced others to make up equal ground, with the resultant movement really making it difficult for opposition teams. As the former Marseille trainee moves to Italy his current replacement, the static Denilson, had his worst game for the club, and on current form, Gökhan Inler’s reported arrival will be very well received.

There was no cohesion, with Arsenal’s best chances coming from Sagna’s crossing and the occasional opening created by the fledgling partnership between Clichy and Nasri. Any move that reached the feet of Denilson or Eboue was abruptly ended and forced the forward players to chase back and stop that inevitable second goal.

There is a theory that the one-time successful full-back is only in the side due to his age and thus the idea of seniority comes up. There are more talented, skilful players left on the bench to accommodate this ‘experience’ which Eboue is supposed to bring. It might seem ironic that a club famed for giving chances to youth is being criticised for this trait in team selection but when a lack of experience throughout the side is evident, age is seen as a determinant for experience. This means younger, better players aren’t given a chance which they apparently deserve. Arsene Wenger is a wonderful manager and the best thing that has happened to this club but his sentimental nature is affecting the side.

The quality of Eboue at full-back (even if it seems a distant memory) is certain but anywhere in midfield he is a liability, perhaps barely adequate for games against the likes of West Brom and Hull City, but he had no idea concerning positioning or when pressing the ball today. Denilson’s performance was the worst seen in an Arsenal shirt for a while. He is played as a ‘second volante’, and thus the more attacking and aggressive of his central pairing with Eboue. Yet he was moved off the ball easily and his passing was ‘disguised’ in that it was so obvious a blind man could have anticipated it.

There were no forward balls from the Brazilian, whose stagnation is mirroring the demise of the current ‘Selecao’ every day and is doing nothing to show the flair and ability that the south American nation have been renowned for. He couldn’t turn his man once and should have been subbed within half an hour had Arsene Wenger been a more pro-reactive manager. Aaron Ramsey was criticised for his performance in the win against Twente so one can imagine the poor quality of the Brazilian’s performance.

The balance of the side was poor as Wenger uses seniority of players to fit them in the starting line-up. While the starting eleven looked worryingly ineffective, the substitutions did not do much to quell concerns. Many fans see Song as a ‘donkey’, in the same way that Luzhny and Cygan were once scapegoated and ridiculed, but those who watched him on loan at Charlton and play for Cameroon in the African Cup and Olympics, will have seen a fine, purposeful player. But to bring him on at centre-back where his attacking potential will have the least impact was questionable at least.

This was the first of many problems. Why drop an in-form Djourou for an out-of-sorts Toure, who was still recovering from his bout of malaria? The idea of easing him in at right-wing in a game Arsenal could have easily drawn against West Brom could have also back-fired. These doubts were confirmed as the brittle Gallas-Toure partnership was outmuscled by Fulham’s Brede Hangeland, who poked in past Almunia. While set-pieces still present themselves as a major flaw in the side, there is strong media speculation concerning the club’s most natural defender in Philippe Senderos being touted off to Milan and Newcastle. There must surely be a grain of truth in this; otherwise the Swiss defender would have been in the squad.

Some fickle Arsenal fans have once more knocked down ‘Big Phil’ whenever they’ve had the chance, but his lack of success at the club has purely been down to the issue of seniority. Over the past few years, he has performed much better than Kolo Toure, but has been dropped on every occasion the Ivorian is fit, with Djourou now experiencing that same fate. Every time Senderos has had a sustained run in the side, they have been more secure defensively, with his style complementing one of Gallas and Toure, and forming a cohesive back four alongside full-backs Gael Clichy and Bacary Sagna

In terms of seniority, Theo Walcott is one of the older players at the club now, yet his anonymous showing over the past three games, bar an assist for Adebayor against Twente means that a place at right wing is very much up for grabs. Like Quincy (now at Birmingham), he is threatening to being labelled as a ‘speed merchant’. He clearly lacks footballing intelligence with ex-Gunner Stewart Robson even suggesting that 16 year old Jack Wilshere is the smarter player and has aspects to his game which Theo should pick up on.

If it wasn’t for fatigue after a tough pre-season which neither is accustomed to, one would hope that Ramsey and Wilshere could have played some part in the game at Craven Cottage. Yet, hypothetically speaking, if they were fully fit, why did they not play any part whatsoever, having been on the bench (with a 3rd substitution still available)? And once more the idea of seniority comes up as does the question of squad depth.

This idea extends to tactics and set pieces, with Robin Van Persie taking over all direct free-kicks, and missing every single one of them. Samir Nasri was lining up to take the final one but was denied the chance as profligate Dutchman wasted another decent opportunity. And while many criticise Adebayor for his lack of accuracy upon goal, Van Persie has been equally wasteful, overusing the power in that demonic left foot, and not using the wonderful technique and accuracy that he has when he has an opportunity. The decision to take the short corner with Nasri at a vital point in the match, rather than just hit an in-swinger, was also very misjudged with the result causing the away side to lose the ball as they did several times during the game.

It has been a number of games since the free-flowing football attributed to Arsenal has actually been displayed, and while the average age of the side is young, the call for success is present and Arsene Wenger’s young tyros will have to answer the phone. Twente at home on Wednesday is the perfect stage to begin.

New Stars To Shine In Beijing

As it was in Athens four years ago, new stars were formed, especially in the shape of one Carlitos Tevez, who accumulated an 8 goal tally, the highest in 32 years. Argentina triumphed then and they are back now to defend their gold medals, with Brazil among others chasing the title which has successfully eluded them since they began they began their participation in the Olympics some 56 years ago in 1952 in Helsinki, Finland.

While some house-hold names are participating in Beijing, greater interest in the Games arises from politics, selection issues and transfer stories. The preliminary rounds began before the actual Opening Ceremony with some potential stars looking to showcase their talents and perhaps win a big money move to a European giant. Brazil have had their fair share of media attention, following the inclusion of Ronaldinho as Brazil Captain, after his high profile move to AC Milan from Barcelona.

Another curious incident is the removal of Robinho from the squad, with his side Real Madrid citing a groin strain as the reason, though the player was deemed fit enough to play in last week’s Emirates Cup. Time will tell whether a move to Chelsea is the reason behind the withdrawal of the flamboyant attacker. No doubt the biggest story concerned Lionel Messi and his club side’s reliance on him, so much so that they don’t want to take on minnows without the diminutive Argentine.

Barcelona even appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) and won their case, as did Schalke concerning Rafinha and Werder Bremen concerning Diego. All three sides have allowed their players to remain at the Olympic Games, thus rendering their defence and protest an utter waste of time. The media focus on Messi has led to suggestions that Argentina’s preparations were affected, despite the plethora of talent boasted in their squad, ranging from Juan Roman Riquelme, the Boca Juniors schemer, to Sergio Aguero, Player of the Year in La Liga last year.

Brazil manager Dunga is under immense pressure after poor qualifying results in the marathon South American World Cup qualifying race. A 2007 Copa America win hasn’t been enough to remove the doubters, with the mind-numbing football being played by the side, inspired by a three-man defensive pivot of Josue, Gilberto Silva and Mineiro, which achieves little if any imaginative creative forward play. The Olympics squad is full of dynamic, creative players, such as Hernanes of Sao Paulo.

The name Anderson Hernanes de Carvalho Andrade Lima won’t be familiar at all to European football fans but the man voted best ‘volante’ in 2007 by the respected football magazine Placar. He has the ability to mark without fouling, and has a fine passing range. Oh, and he boasts a great long range shot and can dribble with ease. Trouble is, Barcelona are tracking him, but a reported fee of 25 million euros is likely to put them off. Considering no Brazilian midfielder over the age of 23 has been sold for over 9 million euros, the fee could be exaggerated or simply a reflection of how highly rated the player is.

He already has made a short cameo in the friendly with Sweden at the Emirates, in which he attempted a curling effort from distance. The classy player has already made an impact in Beijing, scoring the winner against Belgium, showing clever feet and a powerful shot to clinch as close game. The two-footed player is thought to eventually fulfil an attacking role, and his style reminds me of Edu as does his upright pose when playing. A fine goal against Cruzeiro in 2007, was very similar to Edu’s effort against Celta Vigo in the Champions League in 2004.

Other names such Pato, the teenager from Milan, his much-criticised team-mate Ronaldinho, and the likes of Diego, Breno all represent a European interest in the Brazilian side. A disappointing opening performance could be an indicator of another failure attempting to land the prize which South Americans rate most highly. Argentina, on the other hand seem quick and incisive in their passing, but the number of small players has caused concerns regard the physical side of the game. Players such as Diego Buonanotte and Pablo Piatti have great technical ability but with a side full of small, tricky players, Argentina may suffer against a physical side, such as the Brazil team they faced in the Copa America final.

Sergio Batista, the Argentina Olympics football coach, will rely on the imagination of Riquelme, a player whose mood reflects his output. Majestic at his composer-like best, and completely ineffective when put off his stride, Argentina are solely at his mercy. Playing the Boca Juniors ‘enganche’ alongside Barcelona’s Messi, has some fans disappointed, concerning the impact of the duo together, but their combination in the victory over the Ivorians, with Messi scoring from a Riquelme through-ball.

Let us not forget Sergio ‘Kun’ Aguero, who makes it a triumvirate, from which most of Argentina’s attacking patterns will emerge. The explosive forward, who has drawn comparisons with Romario scored 19 goals in La Liga, with his most memorable performance, the 4-2 win over Messi’s Barcelona in the Calderon, netting two and embarrassing the Catalonian side’s back-line. Javier Mascherano, Burdisso and Riquelme are the three overage players allowed, with the former two hoping to form a solid defensive spine.

Oscar Ustari, the next bright goalkeeping hope for the Argentinians, has many qualities but his size is an issue, with Cisse’s headed effort looping over him in a 2-1 defeat of the African nation. The Ivory Coast have a youthful squad in Beijing, epitomised by including a 16 year old keeper in the squad. Chelsea fans will be looking for the impact of Kalou, who supported the Ivorian attack, which included Gervinho (or Gervais Yao Kouassi, as he is actually called). The Le Mans striker, linked strongly to Arsenal, has been touted as the new Drogba, and he troubled the Argentineans with his powerful frame.

If it were not for England not taking up their place in the 16-team tournament, Italy wouldn’t be in Beijing. Thankfully, a young and talented side, led by ‘trequartista’ Sebastian Giovinco, should challenge for the crown, having been named as one of the favourites. The young Juventus talent, sadly not on show during the Emirates Cup, due to his Olympic commitments, has been in the middle of a contract dispute, with his agent using the issue to bring in names such as Arsenal to try and get his client a better deal. He scored a fine opening goal against Honduras, helping the side reach a 3-0 score-line. The Hondurans had a late chance to find a consolation, but their 34 year old striker Carlos Pavon blazed his spot-kick over the bar. The young Azzurri have great talent and will look to improve the reputation of the national team with a better showing than the full side did at Euro 2008.

In looking at the big names, Holland boasts the veteran Roy Makaay to lead their attack alongside Ryan Babel. The new West Brom signing Zuiverlooon will also be on display. Yet the most interesting prospect is Ismaïl Aissati, the attacking midfielder, who became only the fourth player move from PSV to Ajax, as the lure of Van Basten and Bergkamp proves irresistible. The Oranje began in a competitive match against Nigeria, but couldn’t force the break-through as it ended 0-0.

And finally, we have to look out for our very own Alexandre Song, who became a star over a fortnight in January this year, making the team of the tournament and helping Cameroon reach the final. Unfortunately, he was unable to complete the final due to injury, but now he has a chance to win the Olympics. Having risen greatly in the estimation of Arsenal fans, many of whom chastise him still based on that horrible performance at Fulham a few years back, forgetting the whole side failed to perform.

In the eyes of Arsene Wenger, Song doesn’t have the stamina to play 60 games in central midfield, but I can’t think of any players who have made that many appearances in the middle of the park. Perhaps he’ll change the mind of the manager with a strong tournament in Beijing. The Boss prefers him at centre-back but as with many of these youngsters, he too has a lot to prove, be it his ability to play in midfield or in the case of others, to prove their quality to earn a big money move. Whatever happens after a promising start, Beijing will see a new star being born.

Archive: Emirates Cup Preview

Los Blancos going Oranje?

Once it was Barcelona who had the Dutch obsession, starting with Johan Cruyff in the 70s, and rightly so, the widely recognized greatest European player of all time won many trophies in his time in Catalonia and became the bench mark for future generations, much like the late Faas Wilkes before him.

Then came the Louis Van Gaal era, where the Dutch coach tried to recreate his success with a young Ajax team, which won the 1995 Champions League. The trouble is, rather than use training methods and tactics, he bought half the Ajax side and various Dutch players, betraying Catalan tradition and depriving the Barca fans the privilege of seeing local talent thrive in the side.

Players ranging from the De Boer twins to Marc Overmars moved to the Camp Nou, and caused a civil war in the Azulgrana’s minds, torn between tradition and success. And truth be told, it achieved nothing. President Gaspart and manager Van Gaal departed, allowing a new regime to be installed. Laporta brought in Rikjaard, the former AC Milan player, to start the revolution, beginning with removing the overpaid Dutchmen who achieved little in their final seasons.

He brought in fresher legs, but did use his fellow countrymen to form aspects of the squad, with Van Bronckhorst (now Feyenoord) arriving on the cheap and performing heroically at left-back. Then Edgar Davids came on loan from Juventus and added some much needed bite in the Barca midfield, catalysing some brilliant performances in the league, alongside Catalans Xavi, Puyol et al.

And now it is Real who are buying Dutch, with Robben, Sneijder and Drenthe all coming in last year. And if it wasn’t for Ramon Calderon’s obsession with Ronaldo, Van Der Vaart could have joined them in the last week or so. While Huntelaar won’t be arriving at the Bernabeu this summer, having been named captain under the new coach Van Basten and coach Bergkamp, he could do so with the Hamburg playmaker next year with clauses in their respective contracts allowing them to leave for roughly £20m and £1.2m respectively. Yet according to Marca, the Hamburg player will sign for the club next week, after negotiations in London during the Emirates Cup itself.

Perhaps it was the success of clinical attacker Ruud Van Nistlerooy that prompted the hierarchy to sign more of his countrymen, but one thing is for sure, all the signings bar Drenthe have worked very well. The versatile youngster seemed a impulse buy, when Real youngsters, such as Javi Garcia, De La Red, or Bueno, who are equally talented had another block placed in their path to the first team, one that only Casillas, Raul and Guti have successfully reached in the last decade or so.

There were some brilliant performances by Real, not least in the 4-1 mauling of arch-rivals Barca, or the thrashings of Villarreal (0-5) and Valencia (1-5) away, but over the course of the whole season there were several defeats (7) and draws (4) which coincided with Barcelona dropping points consistently in the same period allowing the Whites to extend their lead. Only Manuel Pelligrini’s Villarreal kept a sustained challenge with fewer resources and a smaller squad.

The main objective of achieving a 10th European Cup was not reached for another season as an impressive Roma defeated Real in the second round of the Champions League, thus causing Calderon (who is being challenged by Adriano Galliani of Milan for the Most Annoying Person in European Football) to start a typical media campaign with puppets La Marca, AS and Sport all being used to sign (read: unsettle) Manchester United’s Ronaldo, with the club reporting losses after the departure of Beckham took with him all commercial and marketing opportunities.

The potential big-name signing of Ronaldo is thought to be able to cover that gap and stop the club resorting to emergency loans, as they recently did. The side plays more attacking football than Capello’s cautious side did but has a large amount of defensive solidity with Casillas, Ramos, Pepe, Cannavaro and Henize making up the defence. It is their central midfield which seems to be the weak link, with Diarra and one of Guti and Gago making up the middle. Sneidjer is usually deployed wide on the right, with Robinho or Robben appearing on the left.

Up front is the classy Dutchman Van Nistlerooy, who has scored 41 in just 61 games for the Spanish Champions, who will return to face a side which has been his greatest rival during his Premiership years. Alongside him is Raul, who hit 23 goals last year in his highest scoring campaign for years, and led to the claims that he should have been in the Euro 2008 squad. There is no doubt that Aragones’ victorious squad laid those claims to rest, but the Real talisman will look to reignite them this upcoming season starting at the Emirates Cup.

Madrid have been quiet on the transfer regarding actual signings rather than media-fuelled stories regarding a certain Portuguese attacker, with Ezequiel Garay, the Argentine central defender of Racing Santander, who has a penchant for taking penalties signing before being sent out on loan to his former club. Ruben de La Red has been bought back from Getafe after an impressive season, and is being touted for £9m as Real look to solely profit on his success.

While their second league victory in the last two years looks impressive, one must realise it was the poorest La Liga in years, with perennial underachievers Atletico Madrid actually reaching the Champions league spots. They are continued to evolve their style of possession football, and the indicators point to something that is close to what the Dutch managed to play in the group stages at Euro 2008, but with a stronger holding midfield partnership.

The Spanish Champions won their first fixture 3-2 against Austrian side Linz, and after the Emirates Cup, will face Independiente Santa Fe in Columbia, Frankfurt, Valencia in the Super Cup and Sporting Lisbon in the Santiago Bernabeu trophy, before kicking their season off to defend their title.

It will be a good test for Arsenal, against a style of football which they prefer, with more space afforded to the Gunners, it will be rematch against between two improved sides since the wonderful matches in the Champions League in 2006.

New Guard in for Old Lady

The Old Lady of Turin is proving once more to have her effect on Ranieri’s squad, with a number of hugely talented youngsters either being sold or having to haggle for better contracts despite their great talent, which propelled the side from Serie B to a Champions League spot on their return to Serie A.

It seemed the Calciopoli scandal would have little effect on the football side of things, as Juve continued their tradition of success, even after the departure of several internationals. Yet such achievements and pressure on young shoulders, doesn’t seem to have had any effect on the management, who are buying older, more experienced players instead.

Palladino, who Arsenal were once reported to have an interest in, has moved to Genoa on a co-ownership deal, while Nocerino has moved to Palermo, Rey Volpato has signed for Bari. Giovinco returns from Empoli, having shined on loan, the little trequartista, is currently in contract negotiations, with Arsenal once more reportedly standing by. Others such as De Ceglie and Marchisio are also fighting for their places in the new-look squad. Juventus would be foolish to let these starlets leave as they have let others do so. Unfortunately, these youngsters will be at the Olympics in Beijing, and so the Emirates will not be able to witness their talents.

Albin Ekdal, the 19 year old Swedish playmaker has been impressive since signing from the Swedish side Brommapojkarna (tongue-twister or what?) this summer. It is hoped he will add creativity to the midfield with signings such as Tiago Mendes and Sergio Almiron not being the answer. The latter is being mooted for a move to either River Plate or Napoli, having been unable to make the step up since his move from Empoli. Alberto Aquilani of Roma has been named as a possible transfer target, as Ranieri shapes his squad for a title challenge next year as Serie A looks to have four title competitors for the first time in three years.

Like Real and Arsenal, central midfield is their problem area, with Sissoko and Poulsen both defensive minded players. The latter, famous for his tough approach to the game and spats with Totti and Kaka, was met with a poor reception, as the Juve fans protested against his signing, unaware of his technical qualities, exhibited in the 30 yard lofted pass to Iaquinta for his goal against Inter in the TIM Cup. The Danish battler will prove a tough test for any opponent and will look to win over fans with an impressive pre-season alongside Sissoko, the former Liverpool midfielder, who is one of several players dubbed the ‘new Vieira’. The Italians will have a tactical, structured style on display, one that arsenal will face next year as they look to break teams down with different options.

Yet while the future of the young, Italian talents are looking bleak, Juventus has strengthened the best strike-force in Italy, with the addition of the Brazilian Amauri for a lofty £18m fee, who is one of the rare battering-ram type forward in the game today, with Adebayor, Drogba and Adriano some of the few attackers in this mould. The Brazilian from Sicily has begun his pre-season with the Old Lady in some style netting five goals against amateurs Mezzocorona, in a 7-1 win, showing his full array of skills in an exhibition of varied finishing, including a back-heel for his fifth.

The Bianconeri defeated Dortmund 3-1 with ease despite being behind in their preparations in comparison to the German side, with Iaquinta (2) and Amauri scoring. And we haven’t even mentioned Trezeguet and Del Piero, who together netted 41 goals in Serie A. The TIM Cup saw Juve face last years Emirates Cup entrants Inter and a rejuvenated Milan, with Iaquinta defeating an anxious Inter, who had new signings Muntari and Mancini debut for the side but not perform well. They only lost to Milan on penalties after a 2-2 draw, and this highlights the strength of the side with two different XIs taking to the field in two 45 minute games.

In defence, Juventus has Giorgio Chiellini, one of few players from Italy’s Euro 2008 squad to come out with any credit, having come in after the disastrous partnership of Barzagli and Materazzi collapsed against Holland. Ironically, he was the man whose tackle put Cannavaro out of the tournament, but several tackles, interventions and clearances from the Juventino’s boots begged the question as to how the Azzurri ever did without him. The converted left-back is now partnered by Mellberg, formerly of Aston Villa, in what looks to be potentially a tough defensive partnership to break down.

And who can forget the £32m man defending the net for Juve in Gianluigi Buffon. The classy stopper became a national hero in 2006, and reaffirmed his class with a fine stop from Adrian Mutu, the Fiorentina striker, in their second Group game against Romania. Smart signings such as Grygera from Ajax have added depth to the side but not all signings have worked out well. Jorge Andrade has been desperately unlucky in fracturing his knee-cap, is out for a second consecutive season.

Juventus will be a completely different proposition from the side dismantled with ease in March 2006, with younger, more agile players replacing the old guard. The match between the two sides is likely to feature younger players and the odd veteran in Juve’s case, with the first-teamers saved for the Sunday. Either way it looks very exciting.

A Familiar Face Returns

The big man returns to the ground of the side against whom he had little to no success (unless you can call a draw a success for Spurs). Yes, Martin Jol is back, but only to face Real and Juve as Arsenal will too. He was an entertaining manager, with his first game that memorable 5-4 win at White Hart Lane, but as any fan would say, his dismissal from Tottenham was handled with a lack of class attributed to Daniel Levy, who reportedly informed him of the news before the game against Getafe which he lost 2-1.

In leaving Tottenham, he gained a certain amount of credibility by taking Hamburg to 4th spot in the Bundesliga, after the previous coach Thomas Doll was sacked after a 1-1 home draw in February 2007 with Energie Cottbus left Hamburg bottom of the Bundesliga table and obviously proved to be the last straw for the club’s board. He inherited a talented side and managed to revive their fortunes, with the main aim probably being a title challenge and Champions League football. His reception will be interesting, that is for certain.

There are a number of well-known players in the side, with many reputations enhanced after Euro 2008. Ivica Olic, the tireless Croatian forward, is supported by the classy Van Der Vaart, who is wanted by Madrid right away, but Hamburg rejected the bid, with Didi Beiersdorfer, the Sporting Director, claiming the offer was ‘absolutely ridiculous’. Others include Joris Mathijsen, the centre-back, who is partnered by the talented but injury prone Vincent Kompany.

The Belgium stopper is what many claim to be the tall commanding centre-back who is needed to stop certain types of goals, namely direct aerial balls, but personally, Cristian Zapata of Udinese is the answer, with Kompany being hyped up by fans of the ‘Football Manager’ series, when it is likely he could be a Younnes Kaboul style mistake, but these are concerns that are probably exaggerated.

Jol, who still has a permanent residence in London, will move to Hamburg this summer. His side have started preparations for the new season well, defeating Manchester City 1-0 at the HSH Nordbank Arena, with Mark Hughes side only recently beginning their pre-season. New signing Jonathan Pitroipa, a left midfielder, scored the only goal of the game in the sweltering heat.

It is easy to argue that Hamburg are the weakest of the four sides, but with practically two different sides taking to the pitch on both days, nothing is certain. The games will be key in preparation for all the teams and goals are likely to come. After this two day event, Arsenal will look to further challenges against sides of European pedigree in Ajax and Sevilla, with one more signing set to be made, and hopefully it is a partner for Fabregas in central midfield.

All that’s left to be said for this coming weekend is: Come on Arsenal!

New Generation Proves Wenger’s English Policy

One thing the typical spectator will have noticed when watching Arsenal this pre-season is the increased participation of the club’s young English players in first team activities.

A new generation of players, including Jay Simpson (the League One player of the year), Gavin Hoyte, Henri Lansbury, Mark Randall and the wonderful Jack Wilshere have given Arsenal fans even more optimism (well, the optimism one can have bar a defensive midfielder and a central defender) preceding the start of the new season as they slot in beside attacking midfielders Ramsey, Nasri and Bischoff.

Many onlookers have criticised Arsenal’s foreign youth policy but it is hard to argue against it when you see Rafael Van Der Vaart signing for Real Madrid for £10.3m and a footballer who has half the talent in David Bentley signing for Spurs for roughly £17m. In the modern game, Arsene Wenger is right to feel a responsibility for the finances of the club, buying cheap, selling for a profit.

The other option would be to find a billionaire and run the club as a business making loss after loss as Chelsea have done. Peter Kenyon, the Chief Executive has spent his time voicing his concern over ‘gimmick’ players rather than attempt to balance the books for the West London club.

The News Of The World report that the club had to buy cheap and sell one big name each year caused widespread panic, but the patchwork of quotes attributed to Wenger were actually of the Frenchman speaking of the Olympic Lyonnais model and their finances. Yet starting a sentence with ‘The club…’ opened an avenue for the tabloids to report the quote in an incorrect context. And adding actual figures next to this inaccurate quote actually created controversy among Arsenal fans and an unneeded panic spiral.

Yet, while players fail to make the grade at Arsenal, they forge successful careers due to the youth training they receive at London Colney. Players including the likes of Steve Sidwell, James Harper, Fabrice Muamba, Jermaine Pennant, David Bentley, Matthew Connelly, Ashley Cole, Matthew Upson, Stuart Taylor, Jerome Thomas and countless others have successful careers as well in the top two divisions of this country. The club do well from these sales, with sell-on clauses bringing home a tidy sum, with a reported 40% of Bentley’s fee landing in the Arsenal bank account.

Yet it is this new generation that has mouths watering, with Wenger not wanting to limit the development of this new generation. This is evident through handing the 16 year old Jack Wilshere Gilberto’s no.19 shirt as he looks to make an impact on Arsenal’s season. The fleet-footed winger has been compared to many great players; with the hyperbolic claiming he is similar in style to Liam Brady, now Arsenal’s Academy Director, and Barcelona’s Lionel Messi.

Yet the closest comparison seems to be Joe Cole, who can be seen as the most free of the English midfielders in terms of creativity and style. Former Gunner Stewart Robson has even suggested his footballing intelligence has already surpassed Theo Walcott, while his trademark (cut in from the right and play a reverse pass to the striker) has shown his ability to appreciate the weight of the pass and his ball manipulation.

Any fears over his physique were dispelled by his energetic display in the Emirates Cup, as he made a wonderful cameo, embarrassing Javi Garcia, the converted Real Madrid centre-back, whilst also taking on Michel Salgado in a tussle. For an attacking player, his execution of the tackle is very clean and he is infective in his style, urging on his team-mates through his mature actions on the pitch. Do not be surprised if this youngster makes waves in the Carling Cup.

Arsene Wenger has been right in his attempts to shield the schoolboy from publicity, but the impact of his appearances have weakened his manager’s attempts to respect his development in peace. The new generation will prove the doubters wrong. Alongside foreign imports, such as the brilliant Dutchman Nacer Barazite and Spaniard Fran Merida, the depth and quality of Arsenal’s squad will increase as the youth players develop and compete for places in the first XI.

Here are a few others to watch:

Henri Lansbury – The teenager has been likened to Steven Gerrard in his style of play, and is also quite versatile but unfortunate with injuries.

Mark Randall – Alongside Wilshere is the closest to breaking into the first team. He started games against Blackburn in the Carling Cup and Sunderland in the league. Is a classy passing midfielder.

Analysis: Gunning For No.1

The Goalkeeper. Pull off a remarkable save…you are showered with praise. Make a howler… get cursed to the high heavens. It’s a love-hate relationship. Jens Lehmann should know.

The goalkeeper is perhaps the only player to be defeated in the aftermath of a victory, knowing that the conceded goal could have been prevented. Therefore mental strength is a key factor in playing perhaps the most important role on the pitch. Pundits usually say a great ’keeper can bring at least six points to the cause of occupying a strong league position. In the repercussion of committing errors, a strong mind can erase the mistake and start again.

For example having been dropped soon after the end of the unbeaten run, Lehmann managed to turn his disappointment into his drive to regain his starting place (that and the lure of becoming first choice keeper for hosts Germany in the 2006 World Cup). In his error-strewn 2007/08 campaign, the German had to overcome criticism from the off, in games against Fulham and Blackburn, and later against Croatia at the Euros. Yet he kept his head up and reached the final, despite claims that he didn’t have enough match practice.

Confidence in one’s own ability can spread throughout the whole backline, resulting in assured rearguard performances. Almunia only came in after Lehmann had poor performances but his instalment into the side did not result in the 3-0 win against Birmingham in December 2004, for the Spaniard was shaky and had little communication with his back four. Compare the Almunia of then to now and you’ll see a new man and a new player. More assured in his own ability, the former Osasuna man is a solid base for Arsenal to play their style of football.

While Lehmann had a great mental belief in his own ability, being the old head in a young defence, he did not exactly spread assurance throughout the side. This was evident in his paranoid acts during set-pieces, thrown off his game, through instances as simple as having the opposition put a man on him. In a similar manner, he berated his team-mates for losing the ball in key areas, or if they passed to the wrong option. An example of this was raging at Alex Hleb in a game at Charlton, where Van Persie scored a majestic double.

Organisation skills is another attribute in great goalkeepers, but this can also be worked on the training ground, with each outfield player knowing his role, be it positionally in open play or when defending set pieces. Speed is important in this quality, especially with the worth of set pieces and the ability to take quick free-kicks. Due to the high defensive line, Almunia and Lehmann before him have often been seen as an 11th outfield player, with both having to play of their line, and join the play when necessary, whether sweeping up, like Jan Jongbloed, from the 1974 Netherlands side, who would perform a similar role, or releasing early balls in a more direct route and shifting possession swiftly. The end result is greater possession, with a keeper who is able to add to the side in an attacking sense rather than just in terms of goalkeeping. In the few seasons before this, Almunia had no idea when to come off his line; the worst consequence of this was the 4-2 defeat by Manchester United and being lobbed by John O’Shea of all people. But time on the training ground with coach Gerry Peyton has allowed him to work on this and his general reading of the game.

Fabianski on the other hand has a bravery to go for high balls and one-on-ones, and this quick decision making aids the side in the defensive aspect. But often his quick distribution affects the attacks, with the opposition still high up in our own half, and thus they can close down well, the most destructive instance of this was the defeat to Tottenham in the Carling Cup, while the inexperienced defence didn’t help either. Hesitate as Lehmann did in the first game of last season, and it could result in goals for the opposition. Another example was lack of speed, when Viduka, then of Leeds, charged down a clearance into the net during the unbeaten season, though it didn’t matter then, as we triumphed with ease.

The erection of the defensive wall has now been breached meaning reflexes and reaction of the keeper is important as the ball is not seen until very late. This is trained on vigorously and although reflexes are natural, reaction time can be improved in training. For example, Lehmann made a number of belief defying saves in the last season at Highbury such as the double save from Raul in possibly the greatest ever European match at Highbury. This can be down to improving diet and working on the same moves continuously, whilst building the body up to an optimum, as Lehmann did, being the consummate professional that he is. And so even at this veteran stage in his career, he is still able to make saves that others in this same age group would not be able to attempt.

While one ages, positioning and experience replace reflexes and agility, but eccentrics such as Arsenal’s German goalkeeper are prone to the odd error. Perhaps match rituals affect the mood of the goalkeeper. Lehmann, a very serious character, while he is a leader on the pitch (not necessarily by leading through example as the Stamford Bridge pantomime with Drogba portrays), his relationship with his competition for the number one jersey is less than comfortable to put kindly. Gabor Kiraly wore long bottoms for each game and performed well until a convincing defeat at Chelsea, where he, to Crystal Palace’s horror, wore shorts (the effect of the bottoms wore off soon after and hence Palace were relegated) It is these small beliefs that can affect a player greatly.

And a mention to the reserve: Once this was Almunia, who had played the waiting game for a number of seasons, till the point where he ‘hoped’ for a red card, and naturally not an injury…as is the case now (or not as the cynics claim). The waiting game is difficult; especially as in most cases the substitute keeper comes on the field of play, without a proper warm up and in many cases, he is not mentally prepared as David James claimed in the 4-1 friendly defeat to Denmark a few years ago.

Now it is Fabianski and Vito Mannone, who both will challenge Almunia for the number one spot. The former, is much greater prospect, and will no doubt improve and take the jersey over the next few years, but his Italian rival has less of a chance. His loan spell at Barnsley was riddled with errors, and his decision making seems poor – see his game against Barnet, although it was just a friendly. He is highly rated at the club but hasn’t proven himself yet to have a shot in the fight for Almunia’s newly found spot. There won’t be a new arrival in goalkeeping, so it will be these players who will fight it out. And if these options are exhausted, there is still the brilliantly named Wojciech Szczesny, who has already had a taste of top-flight football having appeared for his former club Legia Warsaw when he was just 15, where he was 3rd choice behind Fabianski himself.

But for now, Almunia looks to be the best bet for this next season. Have faith in the Spaniard, he will repay it.