The greatest humor merchants of all time would have marveled at the spectacle that befell the eyes of the world at the Emirates Stadium last Saturday evening watching the players perform their own comedy show. Even, great comedians like Jim Carrey or perhaps Rowan Atkinson would struggle to script a goal as farcical as Manchester United's second-half opener, a strike thoroughly in keeping with the lack of quality in the game. As Ashley Young drifted in a cross from the left in the 56th minute, Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny crashed in to team-mate Kieran Gibbs and the ball fell to Antonio Valencia on the right side of the penalty area. The Ecuadorian smashed the ball across goal, vaguely in the direction of the corner flag, but it struck Gibbs on the shin and flashed into the far corner. Even the United players looked embarrassed as they celebrated before Szczesny added the finishing touch to the scene by limping off with bruised ribs. Or was it bruised pride?
When Wayne Rooney sealed United's victory with a lovely dink finish five minutes from time, it was greeted by the sounds of thousands of seats clattering upwards as home fans left to beat the traffic. Those that were left in the stadium did so primarily to make sure that the Arsenal players and Arsene Wenger could hear their displeasure on the full-time whistle. the boos duly came despite a late rally as Oliver Giroud slammed in a goal on his returned from a broken foot.
In front of the press box, a fan held up a neatly printed sheet reading 'Enough is Enough' - Wenger Out'. It was hardly the most creative of homemade banners but the anger is growing day by day, game by game. this result leaves Arsenal down in eighth in the Premier League with just17 points from 12 matches. What has happened to the Gunners kicking on after May's FA Cup triumph? They have now made their worst start to a season since 1982. The question now is whether or not Wenger will even last the season after a game that summed up how far both clubs have fallen since the peak of their great rivalry at the start of the century. Against a back three of Chris Smalling, teenagers Tyler Blackett and Paddy McNair, Arsenal would have expected to carve open the visitors and show that they have the capacity to beat a top side. They created the chances certainly in the first half- but were denied by some poor decision-making most notably from Jack Wilshere, awful finishing and some smart goal keeping from David De Gea. United were there for the taking, crippled by injuries, yet somehow they ended up walking away with all three points.
Arsenal fell into United's trap, just as they did in the defect to Swansea City in their previous fixture. For so many years, Wenger has failed to adapt, and show tactical acumen or to change games with his substitutions. It's more 'invisible' than 'invincibles'.
Louis Van Gaal set up his team to sit deep and threaten on the counter attack. After the visitors looked dangerous with almost every break and should have scored more, especially when Angel Di Maria raced through, but clipped the ball wide. It is the game plan for just about every who come to the Emirates, but Wenger did not have an answer while his squad remains desperately short of defensive cover despite the 200 million Euro cash reserve in the club's bank. It is an embarrassment that a club like Arsenal should be playing Nacho Monreal at Center Back. There was more bad news from Wenger with the ankle injury that forced off Jack Wilshere in the second-half - but any excuses or self-pity from the French man will be given short shrift by the club's fans.
Arsenal fans want a team to compete the premier league title - but already they are 15 points behind leaders Chelsea. And just how much longer can Wenger's comedy show go on? It remains to be seen whether the board's unwavering support for the 'professor' shall remain rock solid in the coming weeks if drastic improvements are not made to checkmate the downward spiral.
By Seyi Owolabi
Wednesday, November 26, 2014
Friday, October 3, 2014
Fabregas: A Sour Love Story
The first game of the season between London rivals Chelsea and Arsenal was not going to be about the rivalry between Arsene Wenger and Jose Mourinho, but about Arsenal's once-beloved son a Prince after 'the king' Thierry Henry. With Arsenal's reluctance to bring Cesc Fabregas back to the club despite the knowledge that he was leaving Barcelona after three years of mixed performances, and his subsequent departure of arch-rivals Chelsea; every Arsenal fan have more or less envisaged an emotional reunion with their once beloved Fabregas.
Modern football has being sacked of loyalty to a particular club especially when a footballer is not playing in his country of birth. Fans outlive players even though they expect their adored players to sink into the ethos and love for their clubs. Many forget footballers are paid employees, except if they are playing for free maybe then we fully realize if their love and kiss of badge are for real.
For Arsenal, Fabregas had represented much more. He was the first high profile teenage star in the budding academy Wenger was creating. Since making his debut 11 years ago this month, he took over the esteemed no. 4 jersey from Patrick Vieira. The playing philosophy changed to allow him flourish between the midfield and attack. Every pass and goal was orchestrated from him. He was the engine room, but he was a Mercedes engine in a Opel bodied car. The team was built around him, he was the soul and captain, but that was lost with the trophyless years of Wenger.
Despite forcing his way to Barcelona three years ago, Cesc was still continuously adored. He promised to be back to Arsenal using every opportunity to proffer his love for Arsenal and London, guess he was talking about the other side of London. With his departure to Barcelona, Arsenal fans had no choice as he was going back to his home, but to Chelsea, it is shocking, disappointing and confusing.
For a player at just 27 years old and has had an already illustrious career beaming with trophies with Spain national team and Barcelona, and to a golden team in the making in Jose Mourinho's Chelsea. Arsenal and Arsene Wenger goofed for refusing to take him back. The development of Aaron Ramsey and Jack Wilshere including the costly acquistion of Mesut Ozil may have forced the club's hands off the deal with Cesc. Looking back on his near perfect return to London dominating the entire Premier League with 7 assists and a goal, it's perfect fit that he turned to Chelsea. Cesc is playing a more matured, tailored game with Chelsea.
Emirates Stadium could have home away from home (Barcelona) for Cesc, but he has a new home even though he will never be loved by Chelsea. The club has moved on by taking Cesc's banner off the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal fans should take him off their mind. We can be as rational we want, but much emotions are being associated to football. Cesc Fabregas left to win trophies and he came back to England to win trophies, not to be emotional about coming back home even though Arsenal forfeited the option to have him back. Not all players will be like Xabi Alonzo who refused to return to the Premier League not to smear his image as a legend with Liverpool. Cesc Fabregas will be in same class as Luis Figo and Rafa Benitez as classy players and coach who will never be loved by any club and have satisfaction in winning trophies.
If any Arsenal fan was thinking of having a stature of a legend in Cesc Fabregas at the Emirates alongside Henry and Adams be rest assured it won't be there, neither will it be in Nou Camp or Stamford Bridge, but will be in his trophy room. He will never be loved or be an idol at any of the clubs.
If any Arsenal fan was thinking of having a stature of a legend in Cesc Fabregas at the Emirates alongside Henry and Adams be rest assured it won't be there, neither will it be in Nou Camp or Stamford Bridge, but will be in his trophy room. He will never be loved or be an idol at any of the clubs.
Saturday, September 20, 2014
Why Did Arsenal not sign a DM
Arsenal had just one priority over the summer transfers.
More than anything else, more than another striker or a new right back or another high profile cast-off, as Arsene Wenger's scouting team met in the aftermath of the FA Cup final victory. The Frenchman informed them the club was in the market for a defensive midfielder. That was top of the list. Everything else could come later.
The qualities expected were highly defined: tall, imposing, combative, tactically intelligent, though questions will arise of how technically adaptable he will be to his new teammates. Some of those Wenger solicited felt it was key that there should be no interruption to the side's smooth running; others believed they could sacrifice a little bit of finesse for the physicality they had solely lacked for most parts last season.
Roll on four months and a new season, Arsenal faced Manchester City at the Emirates with 76 million pound worth of new signings at Wenger's disposal: two versatile forwards, a specialist full back, a reserve goal keeper and a defensive all rounder; still no defensive midfielder they had sought after.
Wenger's reign can be broadly split into three eras. The first -- the one that brought all but one of the trophies, built on speed, precision, counter attacking philosophy, founded on the bursts of Thierry Henry and darts of Freddie Ljunberg.
The second, brought on by the defeat in the 2006 Champions' League. In its place, an approach based on ball retention constructed with Cesc Fabregas at its heart. It was designed to help Arsenal conquer Europe, Wenger believed possession was King. It will be harsh to describe it as a failure -- that long record of qualification for the Champions' League speaks volume, but did not deliver what it was supposed to, of that there can be no doubt.
In turn it ushered in the third era, one that at times seemed directionless but rooted in pragmatism. There have been times over the past few years when it has not always been clear what Arsenal have been trying to do. They have long been associated with youth, but from 2009 upwards, Wenger's signings has grown incrementally older; his signings have brought with them the benefit of experience. They have been assumed to be a team built to cherish possession but their statistics have suggested they have been caught between two stools, unsure of their identity, not quite Barcelona and not quite Borussia Dortmund.
The acquistions of Alexis Sanchez and Danny Welbeck, in particular, suggest that Wenger has decided the future lies in the past. No matter where they play, either one deplored as a central forward or both are utilised in the line of three behind Oliver Giroud upon his return from Injury, they both seem designed to help return to their old, jet heeled selves. Theo Walcott spoke of the club possessing the quickest forward line in the Premier League. It is certainly hard to nominate a faster one. And yet for all the optimism and talk of re-invigoration, The absence of a defensive midfield player lays seed of doubt in the mind.
No need recalling the hidings of last season against Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea last season, All on lunch time kickoffs, leaving the aggregate score at 17-4. The journalistic desire to find patterns in the noise makes it tempting to suggest that perhaps Wenger are not early risers and maybe a nice long breakfast to be at their best, but the likelihood is that the timing of the games is mere coincidence. No, a far more convincing explanation is the fact that in all three games, Arsenal were being over run at midfield. The qualities emphasized by Wenger to his scouts as key in theoretical new recruit -- power, size, physicality -- were all absent in those games.
In all three, they had just one holding player: Mathieu Flamini against City, Arteta (who is notin all honesty, even a natural for the role) at Anfield and Stamford Bridge. In all three, as their teammates were hounded and pressed, they found themselves tasked with holding back the tide. In all three, they were understandably found wanting. Wenger knew that, that was why he set his scouts the challenges of finding a player who could play that specific role. T is not inconceivable that he envisaged the signing of a player who would only feature in precisely these games against the biggest, best sides, to offer his team a bastion of resilience, to make them more opposing, a sort of footballing equivalent to a special team units in the NFL.
Such players do exist, Manchester City brought in Fernando. Nigel De JOng was available for the right price this summer. Wenger has long tracked Morgan Schneiderlin had he moved fast enough, he might have snatched him away from Southampton. Then there was Maxime Gonalons of Lyon, either one of the Benders, or even Newcastle's Chieck Tiote. They are not in short supply. It is then hard to explain why Wenger and his scouting staff failed to address a need they identified. Perhaps they could not settle on their preferred option, perhaps they moved on to other things. A personal suspicion would be that these are the sort of signings Wenger knows he has to make,but that he does not particularly enjoy bringing them in.
Every manager has a type of player he regards as a necessary evil. Take Jose Mourinho, has always found room in his team for the likes of Deco, Wesley Sneijder and even Fabregas; but you sense that if he could, he would rather not have to.They are too mav maverick, to difficult to merge their finesse into team ethic, too prone to bouts of work-shyness. It is same with Wenger, he desires a team of articians. Whatever the cause, tough, no midfielder arrived. Will the gamble fail? We will find out more in the ensuing months.
Oluseyi Owolabi
More than anything else, more than another striker or a new right back or another high profile cast-off, as Arsene Wenger's scouting team met in the aftermath of the FA Cup final victory. The Frenchman informed them the club was in the market for a defensive midfielder. That was top of the list. Everything else could come later.
The qualities expected were highly defined: tall, imposing, combative, tactically intelligent, though questions will arise of how technically adaptable he will be to his new teammates. Some of those Wenger solicited felt it was key that there should be no interruption to the side's smooth running; others believed they could sacrifice a little bit of finesse for the physicality they had solely lacked for most parts last season.
Roll on four months and a new season, Arsenal faced Manchester City at the Emirates with 76 million pound worth of new signings at Wenger's disposal: two versatile forwards, a specialist full back, a reserve goal keeper and a defensive all rounder; still no defensive midfielder they had sought after.
Wenger's reign can be broadly split into three eras. The first -- the one that brought all but one of the trophies, built on speed, precision, counter attacking philosophy, founded on the bursts of Thierry Henry and darts of Freddie Ljunberg.
The second, brought on by the defeat in the 2006 Champions' League. In its place, an approach based on ball retention constructed with Cesc Fabregas at its heart. It was designed to help Arsenal conquer Europe, Wenger believed possession was King. It will be harsh to describe it as a failure -- that long record of qualification for the Champions' League speaks volume, but did not deliver what it was supposed to, of that there can be no doubt.
In turn it ushered in the third era, one that at times seemed directionless but rooted in pragmatism. There have been times over the past few years when it has not always been clear what Arsenal have been trying to do. They have long been associated with youth, but from 2009 upwards, Wenger's signings has grown incrementally older; his signings have brought with them the benefit of experience. They have been assumed to be a team built to cherish possession but their statistics have suggested they have been caught between two stools, unsure of their identity, not quite Barcelona and not quite Borussia Dortmund.
The acquistions of Alexis Sanchez and Danny Welbeck, in particular, suggest that Wenger has decided the future lies in the past. No matter where they play, either one deplored as a central forward or both are utilised in the line of three behind Oliver Giroud upon his return from Injury, they both seem designed to help return to their old, jet heeled selves. Theo Walcott spoke of the club possessing the quickest forward line in the Premier League. It is certainly hard to nominate a faster one. And yet for all the optimism and talk of re-invigoration, The absence of a defensive midfield player lays seed of doubt in the mind.
No need recalling the hidings of last season against Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea last season, All on lunch time kickoffs, leaving the aggregate score at 17-4. The journalistic desire to find patterns in the noise makes it tempting to suggest that perhaps Wenger are not early risers and maybe a nice long breakfast to be at their best, but the likelihood is that the timing of the games is mere coincidence. No, a far more convincing explanation is the fact that in all three games, Arsenal were being over run at midfield. The qualities emphasized by Wenger to his scouts as key in theoretical new recruit -- power, size, physicality -- were all absent in those games.
In all three, they had just one holding player: Mathieu Flamini against City, Arteta (who is notin all honesty, even a natural for the role) at Anfield and Stamford Bridge. In all three, as their teammates were hounded and pressed, they found themselves tasked with holding back the tide. In all three, they were understandably found wanting. Wenger knew that, that was why he set his scouts the challenges of finding a player who could play that specific role. T is not inconceivable that he envisaged the signing of a player who would only feature in precisely these games against the biggest, best sides, to offer his team a bastion of resilience, to make them more opposing, a sort of footballing equivalent to a special team units in the NFL.
Such players do exist, Manchester City brought in Fernando. Nigel De JOng was available for the right price this summer. Wenger has long tracked Morgan Schneiderlin had he moved fast enough, he might have snatched him away from Southampton. Then there was Maxime Gonalons of Lyon, either one of the Benders, or even Newcastle's Chieck Tiote. They are not in short supply. It is then hard to explain why Wenger and his scouting staff failed to address a need they identified. Perhaps they could not settle on their preferred option, perhaps they moved on to other things. A personal suspicion would be that these are the sort of signings Wenger knows he has to make,but that he does not particularly enjoy bringing them in.
Every manager has a type of player he regards as a necessary evil. Take Jose Mourinho, has always found room in his team for the likes of Deco, Wesley Sneijder and even Fabregas; but you sense that if he could, he would rather not have to.They are too mav maverick, to difficult to merge their finesse into team ethic, too prone to bouts of work-shyness. It is same with Wenger, he desires a team of articians. Whatever the cause, tough, no midfielder arrived. Will the gamble fail? We will find out more in the ensuing months.
Oluseyi Owolabi
Friday, August 22, 2014
Unleash the Ox-ters... Key to beat Everton
With the apparent re-integration of the German World Cup Winners in Lukas Podolski, Mesut Ozil and vice-captain Per Mertesacker, Arsenal have more options than it had in the games against Crystal Palace and Besiktas. The lowest point of the last season league campaign was inclusive of 3-0 loss to Everton at Goodison Park, a game where everything went wrong for the gunners; it was a bad off day at work. This fixture though coming early in the season gives Arsenal and Arsene Wenger the chance to measure up in away games against the top-6 in the Premiership, particularly with the sore points of losing dramatically to Chelsea, Manchester City, Everton and Liverpool in lump amount of goals
The depth of the squad particularly in the two games is not in question particularly with the raising injury situation. How the coach manages tactics and personnel is more important at this early period. Arsene is renowned for running players aground particularly as the tries to build a strong 1st team from an early stage, which informs of how the injuries run up by January to March.
With the club's foot dragging on potential recruits, it is imperative Arsenal plays to its utmost strength against Everton to get at worst a draw. The playing strategy has changed from last season 4-2-3-1 to 4-1-4-1, maybe due to the absence of Ozil, who plays more in the hole in the former system; whereas the combination of Jack Wilshere and Aaron Ramsey are more of runners in the midfield. Notably, the new system has seen Santi Cazorla drifting into the hole from the left, whilst Alexis Sanchez joins up with the striker in a clear case of 4-4-2, forming a diamond midfield formation. The system gives the ability to press more in the central area, but the performance of the last two games has not shown more of the intention.
Everton's game plan will be to press in the central midfield and have their wing-backs in Coleman and Baines linking up the Lukaku. Arsenal must counter Everton's strength by reinforcing its own strength. Presence of Alex Oxlade Chamberlain after coming in as a substitute is noteworthy, he adds width to the forward play taking pressure off Alexis. Particularly against Besiktas where his impart on the game was so obvious in the closing moments of the game, Alexis will blossom if the pressure is taken off him.
The Speed of the OX and Alexis is Key to getting a result against a very compact Everton side
Chance for Chambers as DM
Despite the obvious lack of shield for the defense, Arsene is still stubbornly foot-dragging on recruits for the defensive midfield. The captaincy of Mikel Arteta and trust that Wenger has in him has made the situation more complicated irrespective of his age and injury. Matthieu Flamini is tipped to replace him as Mertesacker will take over the defense ahead of Chambers. Even with the need to be careful with his development, this game is one that needs the stability and calmness that comes with his game, Chambers will learn quicker with the experience of Kosielny and Mertesacker behind him particularly in this super game.
Possibles: Szczesny - Debuchy, Monreal, Mertesacker, Kosielny - Chambers - Ramsey, Wilshere, Sanchez, Oxlade-Chamberlain - Giroud
The depth of the squad particularly in the two games is not in question particularly with the raising injury situation. How the coach manages tactics and personnel is more important at this early period. Arsene is renowned for running players aground particularly as the tries to build a strong 1st team from an early stage, which informs of how the injuries run up by January to March.
With the club's foot dragging on potential recruits, it is imperative Arsenal plays to its utmost strength against Everton to get at worst a draw. The playing strategy has changed from last season 4-2-3-1 to 4-1-4-1, maybe due to the absence of Ozil, who plays more in the hole in the former system; whereas the combination of Jack Wilshere and Aaron Ramsey are more of runners in the midfield. Notably, the new system has seen Santi Cazorla drifting into the hole from the left, whilst Alexis Sanchez joins up with the striker in a clear case of 4-4-2, forming a diamond midfield formation. The system gives the ability to press more in the central area, but the performance of the last two games has not shown more of the intention.
Everton's game plan will be to press in the central midfield and have their wing-backs in Coleman and Baines linking up the Lukaku. Arsenal must counter Everton's strength by reinforcing its own strength. Presence of Alex Oxlade Chamberlain after coming in as a substitute is noteworthy, he adds width to the forward play taking pressure off Alexis. Particularly against Besiktas where his impart on the game was so obvious in the closing moments of the game, Alexis will blossom if the pressure is taken off him.
The Speed of the OX and Alexis is Key to getting a result against a very compact Everton side
Chance for Chambers as DM
Despite the obvious lack of shield for the defense, Arsene is still stubbornly foot-dragging on recruits for the defensive midfield. The captaincy of Mikel Arteta and trust that Wenger has in him has made the situation more complicated irrespective of his age and injury. Matthieu Flamini is tipped to replace him as Mertesacker will take over the defense ahead of Chambers. Even with the need to be careful with his development, this game is one that needs the stability and calmness that comes with his game, Chambers will learn quicker with the experience of Kosielny and Mertesacker behind him particularly in this super game.
Possibles: Szczesny - Debuchy, Monreal, Mertesacker, Kosielny - Chambers - Ramsey, Wilshere, Sanchez, Oxlade-Chamberlain - Giroud
Monday, August 18, 2014
HOW WILL ARSENAL PLAY THIS SEASON?
(AN IN-DEPTH TACTICAL ANALYSIS OF THE NEW LOOK GUNNERS SQUAD)
As an astute reader of the game and fervent believer in a foundational philosophy that is reflected in the style of play of his teams, Arsene Wenger is always associated with beautiful, free flowing, attacking football. His teams of years past have scored some exquisite goals, with intricate passing and blinding pace often bamboozling opponents and delighting viewers.
This season, having added the talents of Alexis Sanchez to the squad and replaced the rock solid Bacary Sagna with the similarly rugged Mathieu Debuchy, Wenger will look to build on the team that did so well to stay top of a highly competitive table for most of the season.
To the casual eye, Arsenal appear to be playing a 4-3-3 with a holding midfielder in Mikel Arteta and wide forwards in Santi Cazorla and Alexis Sanchez but seasoned Arsenal fans will tell you that the formation is closer to something in between 4-2-3-1 and 4-3-3, offering the structural structural of the former and the fluidity of the latter. Well, in theory at least.
In a perfect injury free world, Arsenal would typically line up a double pivot of sorts comprising anchorman Arteta with Aaron Ramsey next to him. Ahead of them would play Mesut Ozil in a free role, often switching with Alexis Sanchez and Theo Walcott on the wings, Up top, Olivier Giroud would offer strength and a springboard to bounce passes off as a team tries to break down tough and well disciplined sides.
In a 4-2-3-1, the central core of two midfielders is typically a combination of an interceptor and tough tackler, retrieving possession or hounding opponents into mistake through man marking. Notable examples of this are the pairings of Nemanja Matic and John Mikel Obi at Chelsea or the unconventional Steven Gerard and Jordan Henderson of Liverpool. Arsenal follows a slight variation of this system with Mikel Arteta acting as the team's metronome, keeping play moving as he feeds the play-maker or wingers. In this sense, Arsenal are not a purely tackling side, but like Barcelona, aim to defend via the means of ball retention, without the elaborate midfield play of the Catalans. Quite simply, Arsenal play to keep the ball as much as possible and attack as much that the other team is forced to defend more.
In this setup, Aaron Ramsey combines brains and immense stamina to identify the side of the pitch where play is concentrated and arrive at the best possible time and place to cause an overload on the opponent's defense. A typical example of this would be the game against Norwich last season where a brilliant by him overshadowed Wilshere's "play station-like" effort.
Up ahead, Mesut Ozil seeks to influence the game in his typical fashion, always lurking on the edge of play, looking two to three passes ahead to decide where best to spray the ball. He suffered last season as the lack of pace on the wings through injuries to Walcott and Chamberlain meant teams fearlessly double team him without the danger of a breakaway attack. As the schemer of the squad, Ozil will hope to have more pace this year to work with in the form of Alexis Sanchez, Theo Walcott and Joel Campbell along with Alex Oxlade Chamberlain when he is played on the wings.
The two wide forwards Arsenal employ are again unconventional, shifting definition to suit the style of his players. Example, during the invincible's season Robert Pires, despite being a conventional right footed attacking midfielder played on the left wing, often setting up and scoring spectacular goals by unexpectedly moving towards the center of the pitch into the gap between the opposition's first central defender and his respective wing-back. Alexis and Theo will look to do the same, especially the Chilean who brings exceptional dribbling and finishing skills with fearsome pace to the side. Playing in a central role is also an option for the South American as he has done so numerous times for his country.
Oliver Giroud divides opinion among Arsenal fans perhaps more than any other player in the club's history. His critics lambast his lack of pace and killer finishing, but Arsene Wenger and the rest of the supporters back his never say die attitude, aerial prowess and inventive link up play. for a man so criticized it is surprising to note that he has scored a 39 goals in the two seasons he has played at Arsenal with seasonal figures of 17 and 22, an upward graph that is encouraging. The manager is also a fan of the defensive sturdiness and aerial threat that he brings. The most underrated quality to Oliver Giroud is his link up play. In the most beautiful goals scored by Arsenal last season, Wilshere against Norwich, Rosicky against Sunderland, Ramsey against Swansea; Giroud was the one who made it possible with his delicate flicks and one touch play.
The manager has an interesting variety of players to mix and match in order to make his team more unpredictable. The irrepressible Santi Cazorla brings one of the finest first touches and unreal two footedness to the side to make up for his pace. When played as a wide forward, he usually drifts inwards to help set up runners for breakaway goals or help relieve pressure by accurately switching play with his pinpoint 50-60 meter passes to the opposite wing. In Alex Oxlade Chamberlain, Wenger pace, power, and technique to introduce as he sees fit to either central midfield or on the wings, replacing like for like or replacing fresh legs into the match especially at the death end of the game. His wonderful performance at the Emirates last year was an example of the talent he possesses.
Yaya Sanogo and Joel Campbell bring varying strengths to the center forward position with Campbell capable of also playing in either wing. Sanogo is powerfully built and offers physiclity, whilst the Costa Rican brings a variety of pace and unpredictability. however, both have a way to go before becoming first team regulars.
All in all, the potency of his squad to set up an attack that seeks to entertain and perform with all gooners wishing to be transported back to the days of Bergkamp and Pires. Maybe an Henry-esque signing might just complete the dream.
Victoria Concordia Crescit
Oluseyi Owolabi
As an astute reader of the game and fervent believer in a foundational philosophy that is reflected in the style of play of his teams, Arsene Wenger is always associated with beautiful, free flowing, attacking football. His teams of years past have scored some exquisite goals, with intricate passing and blinding pace often bamboozling opponents and delighting viewers.
This season, having added the talents of Alexis Sanchez to the squad and replaced the rock solid Bacary Sagna with the similarly rugged Mathieu Debuchy, Wenger will look to build on the team that did so well to stay top of a highly competitive table for most of the season.
To the casual eye, Arsenal appear to be playing a 4-3-3 with a holding midfielder in Mikel Arteta and wide forwards in Santi Cazorla and Alexis Sanchez but seasoned Arsenal fans will tell you that the formation is closer to something in between 4-2-3-1 and 4-3-3, offering the structural structural of the former and the fluidity of the latter. Well, in theory at least.
In a perfect injury free world, Arsenal would typically line up a double pivot of sorts comprising anchorman Arteta with Aaron Ramsey next to him. Ahead of them would play Mesut Ozil in a free role, often switching with Alexis Sanchez and Theo Walcott on the wings, Up top, Olivier Giroud would offer strength and a springboard to bounce passes off as a team tries to break down tough and well disciplined sides.
In a 4-2-3-1, the central core of two midfielders is typically a combination of an interceptor and tough tackler, retrieving possession or hounding opponents into mistake through man marking. Notable examples of this are the pairings of Nemanja Matic and John Mikel Obi at Chelsea or the unconventional Steven Gerard and Jordan Henderson of Liverpool. Arsenal follows a slight variation of this system with Mikel Arteta acting as the team's metronome, keeping play moving as he feeds the play-maker or wingers. In this sense, Arsenal are not a purely tackling side, but like Barcelona, aim to defend via the means of ball retention, without the elaborate midfield play of the Catalans. Quite simply, Arsenal play to keep the ball as much as possible and attack as much that the other team is forced to defend more.
In this setup, Aaron Ramsey combines brains and immense stamina to identify the side of the pitch where play is concentrated and arrive at the best possible time and place to cause an overload on the opponent's defense. A typical example of this would be the game against Norwich last season where a brilliant by him overshadowed Wilshere's "play station-like" effort.
Up ahead, Mesut Ozil seeks to influence the game in his typical fashion, always lurking on the edge of play, looking two to three passes ahead to decide where best to spray the ball. He suffered last season as the lack of pace on the wings through injuries to Walcott and Chamberlain meant teams fearlessly double team him without the danger of a breakaway attack. As the schemer of the squad, Ozil will hope to have more pace this year to work with in the form of Alexis Sanchez, Theo Walcott and Joel Campbell along with Alex Oxlade Chamberlain when he is played on the wings.
The two wide forwards Arsenal employ are again unconventional, shifting definition to suit the style of his players. Example, during the invincible's season Robert Pires, despite being a conventional right footed attacking midfielder played on the left wing, often setting up and scoring spectacular goals by unexpectedly moving towards the center of the pitch into the gap between the opposition's first central defender and his respective wing-back. Alexis and Theo will look to do the same, especially the Chilean who brings exceptional dribbling and finishing skills with fearsome pace to the side. Playing in a central role is also an option for the South American as he has done so numerous times for his country.
Oliver Giroud divides opinion among Arsenal fans perhaps more than any other player in the club's history. His critics lambast his lack of pace and killer finishing, but Arsene Wenger and the rest of the supporters back his never say die attitude, aerial prowess and inventive link up play. for a man so criticized it is surprising to note that he has scored a 39 goals in the two seasons he has played at Arsenal with seasonal figures of 17 and 22, an upward graph that is encouraging. The manager is also a fan of the defensive sturdiness and aerial threat that he brings. The most underrated quality to Oliver Giroud is his link up play. In the most beautiful goals scored by Arsenal last season, Wilshere against Norwich, Rosicky against Sunderland, Ramsey against Swansea; Giroud was the one who made it possible with his delicate flicks and one touch play.
The manager has an interesting variety of players to mix and match in order to make his team more unpredictable. The irrepressible Santi Cazorla brings one of the finest first touches and unreal two footedness to the side to make up for his pace. When played as a wide forward, he usually drifts inwards to help set up runners for breakaway goals or help relieve pressure by accurately switching play with his pinpoint 50-60 meter passes to the opposite wing. In Alex Oxlade Chamberlain, Wenger pace, power, and technique to introduce as he sees fit to either central midfield or on the wings, replacing like for like or replacing fresh legs into the match especially at the death end of the game. His wonderful performance at the Emirates last year was an example of the talent he possesses.
Yaya Sanogo and Joel Campbell bring varying strengths to the center forward position with Campbell capable of also playing in either wing. Sanogo is powerfully built and offers physiclity, whilst the Costa Rican brings a variety of pace and unpredictability. however, both have a way to go before becoming first team regulars.
All in all, the potency of his squad to set up an attack that seeks to entertain and perform with all gooners wishing to be transported back to the days of Bergkamp and Pires. Maybe an Henry-esque signing might just complete the dream.
Victoria Concordia Crescit
Oluseyi Owolabi
Tuesday, August 12, 2014
Aligning Stars for ... Arsenal?! (1)
Since relocating from the Olympian heights of Highbury Stadium to the Emirates, Arsenal never had a pre-season so "enthusiastically exhausting". No better way to start a new season with two trophies on the shelf after a long wait of nine years. This much confidence has not been seen in a long time at the Arsenal.
The F.A. cup victory has radiated a new found belief and confidence in Arsene Wenger and the entire club, particularly with the signings of four players within a month, a gesture so unprecedented in the annuals of preparing for a season by Wenger and the club. Alexis Sanchez's prospect brings more unpredictability to the attack than pace and strength everyone notes of him. Nothing else in world football salivates more than the prospect of watching Mesut Ozil, Aaron Ramsey, Santi Cazorla and Theo Walcott linking up with Sanchez in a most amazing fluid attack line-up. If Jack Wilshere's goal was the best of last season, let us wait on what would become of these bunch together...do not get into the thought, just hold on.
The acquisition of Mathieu Debuchy to replace Bakari Sagna is more like for like and a bit more. The French man's defensive positioning and running was more alert in the friendlies and the community shield matches, he's continental and Premiership experience will come in handy. Sure, Debuchy will provide more attaching width than Sagna.
Calum Chambers attracts more than any signing, he's shown more in two matches to hope for a brighter future. Calum's versatility in central midfield, center back and right back is a bonus for $25 million, but a new central defender is needed or as much another versatile central midfielder who could slot in the defense. It will be suicidal for Wenger to depend on Per Mertesacker and Laurent Kosielny for the entire marathon of matches. The summer rumors had been of Sami Khedira coming to Arsenal, but William Carvalho will be more astute to the needs of the team more when Arsenal can not solely depend on Mikel Arteta.
Drive, pace, tenacity, vision and energy will be provided by Aaron Ramsey. He is the heart and soul of this team. Wenger must not burn him out by finding the best situation of matches for him to play, even as much will depend more the type of tactic. Ozil and Wilshere are expected to step up this season, and they must.
World Class strikers are of rare value this days, hardly would you find a Lewandolski in the rough. In Giroud and Sanogo, Wenger has two contrasting unpredictable talents. In games against the lesser clubs, Giroud link up play will be of advantage; but facing the big teams the unpredictability and forcefulness of Sanogo is valid even as he will be limited by his inexperience.
Keeping the squad fit will be the greatest challenge for success, the signing of Shad Forsyte not withstanding, Wenger is known for running his first eleven aground before December, he must take a clue for Alex Ferguson and Jose Mourinho by rotating up to January and then use the first eleven for the last leg of the season.
The depth of the squad is the impetus for a great season, how Arsene manages to rotate will be of greater value to the aspirations of the club. Stubborn as he is, time is ripe for him to prove he is the Moses and the subsequent Joshua to take the team forward. A clearly defined game play according to each opponent is needed this season and not the usual predictable match set up. Arsene, though seem to have his mojo for success back. Whatever he had in Brazil is still up for discussion, but he has to want it all again. The "stars are aligning" for the team, but he has to take advantage of it.
'Bayo
The F.A. cup victory has radiated a new found belief and confidence in Arsene Wenger and the entire club, particularly with the signings of four players within a month, a gesture so unprecedented in the annuals of preparing for a season by Wenger and the club. Alexis Sanchez's prospect brings more unpredictability to the attack than pace and strength everyone notes of him. Nothing else in world football salivates more than the prospect of watching Mesut Ozil, Aaron Ramsey, Santi Cazorla and Theo Walcott linking up with Sanchez in a most amazing fluid attack line-up. If Jack Wilshere's goal was the best of last season, let us wait on what would become of these bunch together...do not get into the thought, just hold on.
The acquisition of Mathieu Debuchy to replace Bakari Sagna is more like for like and a bit more. The French man's defensive positioning and running was more alert in the friendlies and the community shield matches, he's continental and Premiership experience will come in handy. Sure, Debuchy will provide more attaching width than Sagna.
Calum Chambers attracts more than any signing, he's shown more in two matches to hope for a brighter future. Calum's versatility in central midfield, center back and right back is a bonus for $25 million, but a new central defender is needed or as much another versatile central midfielder who could slot in the defense. It will be suicidal for Wenger to depend on Per Mertesacker and Laurent Kosielny for the entire marathon of matches. The summer rumors had been of Sami Khedira coming to Arsenal, but William Carvalho will be more astute to the needs of the team more when Arsenal can not solely depend on Mikel Arteta.
Drive, pace, tenacity, vision and energy will be provided by Aaron Ramsey. He is the heart and soul of this team. Wenger must not burn him out by finding the best situation of matches for him to play, even as much will depend more the type of tactic. Ozil and Wilshere are expected to step up this season, and they must.
World Class strikers are of rare value this days, hardly would you find a Lewandolski in the rough. In Giroud and Sanogo, Wenger has two contrasting unpredictable talents. In games against the lesser clubs, Giroud link up play will be of advantage; but facing the big teams the unpredictability and forcefulness of Sanogo is valid even as he will be limited by his inexperience.
Keeping the squad fit will be the greatest challenge for success, the signing of Shad Forsyte not withstanding, Wenger is known for running his first eleven aground before December, he must take a clue for Alex Ferguson and Jose Mourinho by rotating up to January and then use the first eleven for the last leg of the season.
The depth of the squad is the impetus for a great season, how Arsene manages to rotate will be of greater value to the aspirations of the club. Stubborn as he is, time is ripe for him to prove he is the Moses and the subsequent Joshua to take the team forward. A clearly defined game play according to each opponent is needed this season and not the usual predictable match set up. Arsene, though seem to have his mojo for success back. Whatever he had in Brazil is still up for discussion, but he has to want it all again. The "stars are aligning" for the team, but he has to take advantage of it.
'Bayo
Monday, July 14, 2014
GERMAN GLORY FOR ARSENAL AND WHAT IT PORTENDS
In
the wake of Germany's victory over Argentina, joyous scenes unfolded in the
middle of the Maracana pitch; Per Mertesacker, a late substitute, danced with
surprising dexterity to the tune of the hip hop music blazing around the Maracana speakers. Mesut Ozil, who had produced his best display of the
competition, had his shirt nabbed by a starstruck Michel Platini. Lukas
Podolski, meanwhile, let his young son take penalties in front of the cavorting
German fans. The next generation is already being groomed for success.
In France 16 years ago, a flowing move saw Patrick Vieira provide the pass for Emmanuel Petit to score the third goal in Les Bleus' World Cup final victory over Brazil. The next morning the Mirror tabloid ran with an unforgettable headline, "Arsenal win the World Cup". There will be no such claim this time, but the gunners certainly made their presence felt. The success of the German contingent merely adds to the optimistic mood around the club.
It began with the FA cup win in May, a victory that snatched away the albatross that had hung around Arsenal's neck for nine years as buttressed by Mikel Arteta during the recent Arsenal Kit launch: "It's a different summer when you win something." Players were able to head off on their holidays with a medal in their cabinet and a spring in their step. The exceptions, of course, were those players who had business to attend to in Brazil. Jack Wilshere and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain's FA Cup-high might have been somewhat dampened by England's poor showing this summer. However, most of the Arsenal players involved enjoyed positive tournaments. Olivier Giroud and Laurent Kosielny contributed well to the French cause, starring in a resounding victory over Switzerland during the group stage, while Joel Campbell impressed for the Costa Rican upstarts.
And then the Germans, Podolski, Mertesacker and Ozil return to London with another medal for the collection. Winning is a habit and these boys are getting into the groove. once they have rested their weary limbs, their return to training will give a sense of triumph to continue to linger over London Colney. Ozil must be particularly delighted. His decision to move from Real Madrid to Arsenal was widely questioned, but less than a year later he has won both the FA Cup and the World Cup. It's inevitable that a player with his price-tag and reputation will attract scrutiny, even criticism. However, it's far easier to deflect that carping when you can point to a healthy collection of silverware.
For Ozil and Arsenal, it's very much a case of 'so far, so good' -- but it ought to be better. Arsenal fans will hope that next season he takes to the field with the swagger befitting a World Cup winner.
The good mood around Arsenal has been reinforced by the acquisition of another World Cup star in Alexis Sanchez of Chile. A year after Ozil's arrival, the signing of Sanchez signals Arsenal's intention to kick on again. The FA Cup is not enough for this illustrious club, they want to challenge for the Premier League and Champions League and are finally prepared to spend big money to do so.
Arsenal are with momentum, with Arsene Wenger due to return from his sojourn on the beaches of Rio, preparations for the new season will begin to ramp up. Despite the inevitable glowing atmosphere at the training ground, Arsenal still require further reinforcements ahead of the new season. The club must act decisively to ensure that the summer of 2014 is remembered as the start of a glorious era rather than a brief window of respite.
In France 16 years ago, a flowing move saw Patrick Vieira provide the pass for Emmanuel Petit to score the third goal in Les Bleus' World Cup final victory over Brazil. The next morning the Mirror tabloid ran with an unforgettable headline, "Arsenal win the World Cup". There will be no such claim this time, but the gunners certainly made their presence felt. The success of the German contingent merely adds to the optimistic mood around the club.
It began with the FA cup win in May, a victory that snatched away the albatross that had hung around Arsenal's neck for nine years as buttressed by Mikel Arteta during the recent Arsenal Kit launch: "It's a different summer when you win something." Players were able to head off on their holidays with a medal in their cabinet and a spring in their step. The exceptions, of course, were those players who had business to attend to in Brazil. Jack Wilshere and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain's FA Cup-high might have been somewhat dampened by England's poor showing this summer. However, most of the Arsenal players involved enjoyed positive tournaments. Olivier Giroud and Laurent Kosielny contributed well to the French cause, starring in a resounding victory over Switzerland during the group stage, while Joel Campbell impressed for the Costa Rican upstarts.
And then the Germans, Podolski, Mertesacker and Ozil return to London with another medal for the collection. Winning is a habit and these boys are getting into the groove. once they have rested their weary limbs, their return to training will give a sense of triumph to continue to linger over London Colney. Ozil must be particularly delighted. His decision to move from Real Madrid to Arsenal was widely questioned, but less than a year later he has won both the FA Cup and the World Cup. It's inevitable that a player with his price-tag and reputation will attract scrutiny, even criticism. However, it's far easier to deflect that carping when you can point to a healthy collection of silverware.
For Ozil and Arsenal, it's very much a case of 'so far, so good' -- but it ought to be better. Arsenal fans will hope that next season he takes to the field with the swagger befitting a World Cup winner.
The good mood around Arsenal has been reinforced by the acquisition of another World Cup star in Alexis Sanchez of Chile. A year after Ozil's arrival, the signing of Sanchez signals Arsenal's intention to kick on again. The FA Cup is not enough for this illustrious club, they want to challenge for the Premier League and Champions League and are finally prepared to spend big money to do so.
Arsenal are with momentum, with Arsene Wenger due to return from his sojourn on the beaches of Rio, preparations for the new season will begin to ramp up. Despite the inevitable glowing atmosphere at the training ground, Arsenal still require further reinforcements ahead of the new season. The club must act decisively to ensure that the summer of 2014 is remembered as the start of a glorious era rather than a brief window of respite.
SEYI OWOLABI
PATRIOTIC
NIGERIAN, LIFELONG ARSENAL SUPPORTER AND A BANKER BY PROFESSION
Wednesday, July 2, 2014
An African All-Star for the World Cup
The thought of having the entire African continent under a single government, a 'dream' nursed by the Late Mammar Ghadafi of Libya, that African countries come together ruled by a central government wherein a single currency (as with the Euro) will be used; whilst also encouraging a shared commonwealth of resources -seem a grand plan, but needs no soothsayer to know it's failure before fully hatched. A sample of this failed experiment in Africa is the separation of Northern and Southern Sudan. The federation of Nigeria is threatened by this seemingly ugly farce amalgamation of totally different cultural beliefs and religious background.
Watching the United Kingdom Football team at the last Olympics in London dates our minds into a fantasy of what would have been if players like Kenny Dalgish, Ian Rush of the Liverpool 1980s fame were to combine their skills with Gary Linekar and John Barnes in the World Cup. To the present times of Aaron Ramsey and Gareth Bale in the same line-up as the current young budding stars in the England set-up.
The performances of African teams in Brazil, still sparks the flame of errors of the past years. The mistrust between players and administration over bonuses got even more notorious, giving way to a more sophisticated accusations(?!) of match-fixing. The soccer talents has been on decline on the African continent, with the last of the golden generation of Cote D'ivore going almost into retirement without achieving together as a team. Cote Divore failed Africa, they were the HOPE, the Spain of Africa. The only bright spot for the African contingent has been the performance and tenacity of the Algerian team (sorry Nigeria).
OK then, how about maximizing the potentials of the tit-bits that make up the five representatives from Africa. The players will be happy to do business with FIFA directly over their bonuses. No Maigari, Bwalya, Nyantakyi or Uncle Hayatou to 'safeguard' bonuses...How about having Enyeama(Nigeria) in goal, with Omeruo (Nigeria), Nkoulou (Cameroon), Halliche (Algeria) in the DEFENSE. Asamoah (Ghana) and Serge Aurier as WINGBACKS. Onazi (Nigeria), Feghouli (Algerie) and Yaya Toure holding fort in MIDFIELD. Emenike (Nigeria), Gyan (Ghana), and Slimani(Algerie) making up the attack. The pace of Ahmed Musa and Gervinho would have stretched opponents in the second half, the experiences of Odemwingie and Drogba on the bench would add depth to this fantasy team. Coached by who? the very pragmatic Jose Mourinho. This is the team ... Africa let's give it a GO.
Watching the United Kingdom Football team at the last Olympics in London dates our minds into a fantasy of what would have been if players like Kenny Dalgish, Ian Rush of the Liverpool 1980s fame were to combine their skills with Gary Linekar and John Barnes in the World Cup. To the present times of Aaron Ramsey and Gareth Bale in the same line-up as the current young budding stars in the England set-up.
The performances of African teams in Brazil, still sparks the flame of errors of the past years. The mistrust between players and administration over bonuses got even more notorious, giving way to a more sophisticated accusations(?!) of match-fixing. The soccer talents has been on decline on the African continent, with the last of the golden generation of Cote D'ivore going almost into retirement without achieving together as a team. Cote Divore failed Africa, they were the HOPE, the Spain of Africa. The only bright spot for the African contingent has been the performance and tenacity of the Algerian team (sorry Nigeria).
OK then, how about maximizing the potentials of the tit-bits that make up the five representatives from Africa. The players will be happy to do business with FIFA directly over their bonuses. No Maigari, Bwalya, Nyantakyi or Uncle Hayatou to 'safeguard' bonuses...How about having Enyeama(Nigeria) in goal, with Omeruo (Nigeria), Nkoulou (Cameroon), Halliche (Algeria) in the DEFENSE. Asamoah (Ghana) and Serge Aurier as WINGBACKS. Onazi (Nigeria), Feghouli (Algerie) and Yaya Toure holding fort in MIDFIELD. Emenike (Nigeria), Gyan (Ghana), and Slimani(Algerie) making up the attack. The pace of Ahmed Musa and Gervinho would have stretched opponents in the second half, the experiences of Odemwingie and Drogba on the bench would add depth to this fantasy team. Coached by who? the very pragmatic Jose Mourinho. This is the team ... Africa let's give it a GO.
Thursday, May 29, 2014
Keshi and the weight of Nigeria's world cup dreams, by Seyi Owolabi
As the Super Eagles of Nigeria travel to Brazil for the FIFA World Cup this summer, hope, cautious optimism, expectations with silent fear are just some of the main emotions that Nigerian fans carry with them. Most fans hope that their team can exceed their expectations. Cautiously optimistic that they are strong enough to secure the results they need against Iran and Bosnia-Herzegovina, whilst giving Argentina a vicious fight; but then the fear borne out of previous World Cup heartbreak, a fear of self implosion, that all might just go pear-shaped with the exceptions of 1994 (albeit that also ended in tumultuous heartbreak).
Alongside this emotions, there will be plenty of nostalgia, too, as Nigeria head out for their fifth World Cup appearance. It is 20 years ago that the country swept to the tournament for the first time, sneaking their way in a nail-biting fashion past Ivory Coast ( now Cote D' Ivore) and Algeria in the qualifying round, but then romping to swashbuckling victories over Bulgaria and Greece to set up a dream last 16 meeting with host Italy, which they lost only in extra time. Most of that nostalgia evolves around Chief Coach Stephen Okechukwu Keshi, who was a captain of that '94 team. His mentor, Clemens Westerhof rebuilt a 1989 side that had become so bad they ignominiously tagged with the name 'Papa Eagles' to reflect their abysmal performance, and now he returns to lead what is essentially a side reborn; one that has been rebuilt from the ashes of a heart-wrenching failure to even qualify for the African Nations Cup in 2012.
Keshi, who retired from playing in 1995, had ventured into coaching when he assisted Shuaibu Amodu in Nigeria's 2002 World Cup qualifying campaign. Neither man got the chance to board the plane to Japan and South Korea, despite a successful qualifying campaign after taking over from Dutchman Johannes Bonfrere who stirred the team through spineless showings during the course of qualification. The Amodu led coahing crew were all fired in what is generally accepted to be some of the darkest days of Nigerian football. Adegboyega Onigbinde was charged with leading the team in Asia.
In the giddy aftermath of the 1994-96 success year, the stereotypical word with Nigeria (not necessarily Nigerian) coaches has been "rebuilding". Each coach comes in with big promises to refocus the side seriously lacking in direction. Two coaches have actually been brave enough to match words with actions: Onigbinde, when he took over the proverbial poisoned chalice from Amodu-Keshi in 2002 and blooded fresh, untested faces like Vincent Enyeama and Femi Opabunmi although with quite insignificant success on the pitch, and now, Keshi himself.
The Big Boss, as Keshi is fondly known from his playing days, stands alone as the only one to have achieved success with largely unheralded squad. Hired after the disaster of 2012, he set about purging the squad of old faces and introducing young, athletic players, whilst keeping an experienced core of players with single-minded determination and loyalty. His mini-revolution reaped rewards well ahead of schedule, with an African Nations Cup title within a year, and in the process unearthing gems like Lazio's Ogenyi Onazi, Rizespor's Godfrey Oboabona (then with Sunshine Stars of Akure) and Chelsea's Kenneth Omeruo, while stalwart John Obi Mikel looked to have had a new lease of life breathed into his play.
Keshi's philosophy has been to build a team in which the quality of the whole exceeds by some way the sum of it's parts. His dressing room favors conformity over ego. On the pitch, it is the collective over the individual. this has proved to be both the Super Eagles's greatest strength and their biggest weakness. The players see him as a 'father figure' and their loyalty to him thus far has reflected in the quality of results he has churned out since his appointment, whilst the team's inexperience has been apparent in some big games particularly at last year's confederation s cup in Brazil. Not many Nigerians can name or identify a significant number of the players without help. Outside of goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama, Joseph Yobo, Mikel, Victor Moses and Emmanuel Emenike, name recognition is at an all time low. Which explains why corporate endorsement around the team back home has focused on Keshi, essentially due to his celebrity status and media appeal.
That hardly matters to the team. their focus is to open with victory against Iran, preferably a handsome one. Then a second victory by any margin against Bosnia-Herzegovina to make the final group game against Argentina somewhat inconsequential. Keshi is confident it can be done, that his wars are not afraid of no one whilst reiterating that "we will take it game by game".
It is hoped that he will bring his wealth of experience and tactical savvy to the fore when the showpiece event begins in Brazil as the weight of expectations of over 150 million Nigerians rests on his broad shoulders.
SEYI OWOLABI
PATRIOTIC NIGERIAN, LIFE LONG ARSENAL SUPPORTER AND A
BANKER BY PROFESSION
Alongside this emotions, there will be plenty of nostalgia, too, as Nigeria head out for their fifth World Cup appearance. It is 20 years ago that the country swept to the tournament for the first time, sneaking their way in a nail-biting fashion past Ivory Coast ( now Cote D' Ivore) and Algeria in the qualifying round, but then romping to swashbuckling victories over Bulgaria and Greece to set up a dream last 16 meeting with host Italy, which they lost only in extra time. Most of that nostalgia evolves around Chief Coach Stephen Okechukwu Keshi, who was a captain of that '94 team. His mentor, Clemens Westerhof rebuilt a 1989 side that had become so bad they ignominiously tagged with the name 'Papa Eagles' to reflect their abysmal performance, and now he returns to lead what is essentially a side reborn; one that has been rebuilt from the ashes of a heart-wrenching failure to even qualify for the African Nations Cup in 2012.
Keshi, who retired from playing in 1995, had ventured into coaching when he assisted Shuaibu Amodu in Nigeria's 2002 World Cup qualifying campaign. Neither man got the chance to board the plane to Japan and South Korea, despite a successful qualifying campaign after taking over from Dutchman Johannes Bonfrere who stirred the team through spineless showings during the course of qualification. The Amodu led coahing crew were all fired in what is generally accepted to be some of the darkest days of Nigerian football. Adegboyega Onigbinde was charged with leading the team in Asia.
In the giddy aftermath of the 1994-96 success year, the stereotypical word with Nigeria (not necessarily Nigerian) coaches has been "rebuilding". Each coach comes in with big promises to refocus the side seriously lacking in direction. Two coaches have actually been brave enough to match words with actions: Onigbinde, when he took over the proverbial poisoned chalice from Amodu-Keshi in 2002 and blooded fresh, untested faces like Vincent Enyeama and Femi Opabunmi although with quite insignificant success on the pitch, and now, Keshi himself.
The Big Boss, as Keshi is fondly known from his playing days, stands alone as the only one to have achieved success with largely unheralded squad. Hired after the disaster of 2012, he set about purging the squad of old faces and introducing young, athletic players, whilst keeping an experienced core of players with single-minded determination and loyalty. His mini-revolution reaped rewards well ahead of schedule, with an African Nations Cup title within a year, and in the process unearthing gems like Lazio's Ogenyi Onazi, Rizespor's Godfrey Oboabona (then with Sunshine Stars of Akure) and Chelsea's Kenneth Omeruo, while stalwart John Obi Mikel looked to have had a new lease of life breathed into his play.
Keshi's philosophy has been to build a team in which the quality of the whole exceeds by some way the sum of it's parts. His dressing room favors conformity over ego. On the pitch, it is the collective over the individual. this has proved to be both the Super Eagles's greatest strength and their biggest weakness. The players see him as a 'father figure' and their loyalty to him thus far has reflected in the quality of results he has churned out since his appointment, whilst the team's inexperience has been apparent in some big games particularly at last year's confederation s cup in Brazil. Not many Nigerians can name or identify a significant number of the players without help. Outside of goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama, Joseph Yobo, Mikel, Victor Moses and Emmanuel Emenike, name recognition is at an all time low. Which explains why corporate endorsement around the team back home has focused on Keshi, essentially due to his celebrity status and media appeal.
That hardly matters to the team. their focus is to open with victory against Iran, preferably a handsome one. Then a second victory by any margin against Bosnia-Herzegovina to make the final group game against Argentina somewhat inconsequential. Keshi is confident it can be done, that his wars are not afraid of no one whilst reiterating that "we will take it game by game".
It is hoped that he will bring his wealth of experience and tactical savvy to the fore when the showpiece event begins in Brazil as the weight of expectations of over 150 million Nigerians rests on his broad shoulders.
SEYI OWOLABI
PATRIOTIC NIGERIAN, LIFE LONG ARSENAL SUPPORTER AND A
BANKER BY PROFESSION
Wednesday, May 14, 2014
The Morning After...
Waking up with the touch of my huge frame brushing against the laptop. I sat up thinking of the events of the previous day. I tried catching up on twitter and Facebook, then realized the media frenzy on Arsenal's first trophy in ten years was still catching fire on social media. Silently, with a smile of satisfaction on my face; I began to dwell on memories of the match verses Hull City. With Wembley Stadium filled to the brim, the Ex-Arsenal players contingent showed the memories of what had been, when trophies were very much a huge part of the club and not satisfaction in failings. The stadium cameras brimmed on Thierry Henry, Robert Pires, Sol Campbell, Ray Parlour, Martin Keown, with Lee Dixon on the commentary team. Breath wish of the fans was for the players to re-ignite the winning run again, as they were led out by captain Thomas Vermaelen. The failure of the club's loss in the Carling Cup final against Birmingham City bored heavily on the minds of fans.
I remember sweating profusely as the boys couldn't string few passes and good touches together. Eventually, they began to dominate proceedings orchestrated by Santi Cazorla, Mesut Ozil and Aaron Ramsey. For the attacking intent, it all falls apart as the rearguard of the opposition seem so determined to evoke more failings on Arsenal's long standing manager. Before long the team were rewarded with three goals within ten minutes of action, Arsenal were not threatened as the game wore on despite Hull City pulling a goal back. The smile on Arsene's face looked divine, as the curtain of failure draws down around the club. The warmest hugs amongest staff and players alike would bring tears to any hardened mind.
Oh...my Arsenal...what a dream it was...but for millions of Arsenal fans, IT MUST COME TRUE!
Let's dream along.
English Premier League lined in Blue
Contrary to my pre-season prediction of Chelsea winning the Premier League, hinged on the premise of pragmatic park the bus chief executive "Jose", Manchester City fed on the crushing fortune of Liverpool showing much promise over the final leg of the race. Manchester City deserves to be champions as they devastatingly kept form in the last leg of the title race. Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool will regret the lost chance to build momentum when it mattered most. The quality and amount of goals scored by both Manchester City and Liverpool shows scoring goals is the ideal strategy for winning and not "parking the bus".
End of Year Award
GoalKeeper: David Marshall (Cardiff City)
Defender: Lovren (Southampton)
Midfielder: Yaya Toure (Manchester City)
Forward: Luis Suarez
Player of the Year: Luis Suarez (Liverpool)
Young Player: Aaron Ramsey (Arsenal)
Sterling (Liverpool)
Let's not forget: "He's a specialist in failure, I'm not"
It is two long years and $400 million in transfer of New Players since Jose Mourinho last won a trophy. " He labelled Manuel Pellegrini, who has now won a Premier League and Capital One Cup a failure. His assumed rival Rafa Bentez has won the Copa Italia and Europa Cup in one year. Saturday's FA Cup victory by Wenger will hopefully add salt to injury. So i beg to ask, When will Jose Mourinho qualify to be a "specialist in failure?
Friday, April 11, 2014
SEMIFINALS BOILING...
Fans of the Champions' League are in for an exciting time, with the pairings of the Semi-Final known. You can imagine the headlines and "beer parlour" knock out punches already. From, the comparism of Jose Mourinho and Diego Simone, Diego Costa facing the team he might likely join, Thibault Courtois imminent return to Chelsea, whilst the politics of playing against them is still boiling. Atletico Madrid/Chelsea has taken shine off the legendary pairing of Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.
That Mourinho badly wanted this fixture is an understatement, especially with the issue of Courtois playing against Chelsea. But Atletico will be a very tough opponent as we know, they remain unbeaten in the Champions League,they are top of the Spanish Liga. Remember, they beat Mourinho's Real Madrid in last year's Copa del Rey, whilst winning the Europa League and the European Super Cup in 2012. The way they destroyed Chelsea in the Super Cup is very fresh in the memory of Chelsea fans, though they have lost the architect of that victory in Radamel Falcao to Monaco- but the way Diego Costa has stepped up to the plate is fantasizing to faithfuls. I would rather say this is a tie Chelsea should not have wished for.
The technicality of the Atletico boys is astonishing. they combine graft with finesse in an amazing way. I wonder how Mourinho will deploy Lampard and Ramires against Gabi and Koke. The only way i see Chelsea come clean in these two-legged match is to continue with the politics of Courtois, which will hit against them in the long run.
It's going to be a amazing match up but one thing is certain Simeone's boys will fight hard.
FA Cup... Arsenal has a fever.
I don't know of any Arsenal faithful really confident of winning the game against Wigan or Wenger signing a new contract, or if they will win "4th place" or if Ramsey will be sold at the end of the season...it's that bad, even when Arsene Wenger is not sure of himself.
Irrespective of tomorrow's result, If Wenger loves the club has he lays claims to, the next few days should tell of his future for the club. He's weakness is robbing off on the team. Whilst he can lay claim to re-positioning the statute of the club especially in the new stadium and finances, the playing philosophy MUST be revamped, but not by Wenger- the failings of the last 8 years has shown he can't carry on.
The inevitable will still happen if Arsenal fans are thinking of the situation of David Moyes in Manchester United, the remedy is to get a worthy replacement. It hurts to see Patrick Vieira coach the next generation in Manchester City, he should be back in Arsenal, why is Dennis Bergkamp not coaching the young ones?. These guys should be back to make Arsenal great again. Arsene Wenger has made the club evolve around him and it has to stop. Whenever the board needs to replace, they shouldn't look past Jurgen Klopp and not Everton's Martinez. Martinez still has to prove he is the real deal in his second season at Everton.
In all, i savor a win against Wigan, and i expect the boys to step up.
My Squad to face Wigan: Fabianski- Sagna, Vermaelen, Mertesacker, Monreal- Arteta, Ramsey, Cazorla, Chamberlain, Rosicky- Sanogo.
Arsene Wenger Must Become a Pragmatist Again to Bring Arsenal Success
By Stan Collymore (Former Aston Villa Player)
Arsenal don't need a new manager, they need Arsene Wenger to become a new man. He needs to go from being a dreamer to a pragmatist and revisit the past to understand how he earned his reputation. Wenger's early teams at Arsenal were physically imposing. you'd stand next to the likes of Martin Keown, Patrick Vieira, Emmaneul Petit and Co. in the tunnel and you know there was a fierce battle ahead. they had a mob of street fighters back then-- tough players who stood upon to be counted.
But at some point Wenger decided on a change of philosophy. perhaps inspired by the rise of teams like Barcelona on the continent, he turned his focus to signing smaller, more mobile players. it might be the right approach for Europe, but it neglected the fundamental requirements of the Premier League.
Fans in England want to see physicality. They want players who can win aerial battles, thrive in close-quarters combat and handle themselves in a challenge. The Premier League is a reflection of that, and you can't win without those elements to your squad.
Manuel Pelligrini and Jose Mourinho know this only too well, Sir Alex Ferguson was well aware of it also. That's why Mourinho bought Nemanja Matic to Chelsea. And why he has John Terry and Frank Lampard in his squad, with the likes of Michael Essien and Didier Drogba. Ferguson had Nemanja Vidic, Darren Fletcher, Carlos Tevez, Ronaldo in the squad that won the Champions League in 2008.
These are street fighters, born and bred. If you held a WWE smackdown with all the 20 Premier League, these are the guys who would be standing at the end of it. Where would Arsenal be? they'd be a the end of the pile, having taking a pounding.
Arsenal is fine with 80 percent of the teams in Premier League, but when they play the big teams, they get rolled over. Chelsea outplayed and out-muscled them last week.
The only way back for Arsenal is for Wenger to appreciate the fact, and act on it. Arsenal can play all the beautiful football they like, but without the core of physically dominant individual in their squad they wont be challenging for the Premier League anytime soon.
Wenger could start by signing a powerful striker-somebody in the mould of Diego Costa, who will sweat blood for the team and put himself about. Arsenal also need a Matic type in the midfield to set the tone and make them hard to beat.
If Wenger needs inspiration he should watch the clips of Keown jumping arounding wildly in front of Ruud Van Nistelrooy at Old Trafford. Arsenal had a mean streak back then. Tobe successful, they need to discover it again, and Wenger needs to fundamentally change his outlook.
"When failure starts to be cliched, as it does at Arsenal this season, a manager needs to act"
culled from the Bleacher Report.
Saturday, March 22, 2014
Chelsea annihilate Wenger on the thousandth: Three Things
1. Planning, Strength of Purpose, Result
Chelsea's majestic annihilation of Arsenal says much about the superiority of a manager's
wisdom than the glaring tactical deficiencies of the opponent, whose time is finally up.
Jose (i hate to mention his name) sets his team up for a win, the inclusion of Luiz ahead of
Lampard shows willingness to combat the creative tendencies of Arsenal's middle men. I still
stand on the prediction of Chelsea winning the PL championship this season and on account
of the majestic performance, no need changing. The Champions' League might be a tall order
for Chelsea but the Premier League is their best shot.
2. New Dynamics in football
Every football fan, other than Arsene Wenger understands the changing dynamics of
football. Every proponent from tactics, politics, corruption, transfers, medicals has changed
from the first Seven successful years of his Managerial Career in Arsenal. He still has
not recognized it, or so stubbornly blind to adapt. Graft, resilience, then Style are the modern
trends, which says much about Barcelona change to a direct style, and Bayern Munich's new
found dogmatic approach. A leopard can not change it's spots, right time to promote Wenger
to the board room?
3. Arsenal WOULD never finish below 4th
I am alarmed by Manchester United fans on Arsenal's loss...Suprised! Even... United
fans?, Arsenal will never descend to competing with Stoke City in the PL...FullStop
Chelsea's majestic annihilation of Arsenal says much about the superiority of a manager's
wisdom than the glaring tactical deficiencies of the opponent, whose time is finally up.
Jose (i hate to mention his name) sets his team up for a win, the inclusion of Luiz ahead of
Lampard shows willingness to combat the creative tendencies of Arsenal's middle men. I still
stand on the prediction of Chelsea winning the PL championship this season and on account
of the majestic performance, no need changing. The Champions' League might be a tall order
for Chelsea but the Premier League is their best shot.
2. New Dynamics in football
Every football fan, other than Arsene Wenger understands the changing dynamics of
football. Every proponent from tactics, politics, corruption, transfers, medicals has changed
from the first Seven successful years of his Managerial Career in Arsenal. He still has
not recognized it, or so stubbornly blind to adapt. Graft, resilience, then Style are the modern
trends, which says much about Barcelona change to a direct style, and Bayern Munich's new
found dogmatic approach. A leopard can not change it's spots, right time to promote Wenger
to the board room?
3. Arsenal WOULD never finish below 4th
I am alarmed by Manchester United fans on Arsenal's loss...Suprised! Even... United
fans?, Arsenal will never descend to competing with Stoke City in the PL...FullStop
Friday, March 21, 2014
Arsenal as a RELIGION, Arsene, the Pope
FRIDAY, 21ST MARCH 2014
Arsenal as a religion
With great delight do I start this amazing journey, and what a great way and time to begin...
I have being a dutiful member of the Arsenal fraternity as long as I can remember. Since the
days of Rothmans Football Show Saturday evenings on the NTA network. I love football and
Arsenal as much as I love myself, It's brought so much joy and pain in equal value; but has
also shaped my life.
Wenger, the Pope
On the 1000th game of Arsene Wenger, despite failings of the last 500 games, he has shaped
lives, not only generations of players but also legions of fans around the world.
Love him or hate, he made us all love Arsenal and Football in general. One could count Alex
Ferguson or the likes of Jose Mourinho as successful on accounts of the number of trophies
they won, but no other shaped the dynamics of how a football club should be run than Arsene.
Whilst, his stubbornness are seen to be shortcomings, particularly on few tactical deficiencies
and blind trust in certain players; I do actually see them as his strength of character. Particular
references will be made of Aaron Ramsey, Cesc Fabregas and other young players for his
absolute faith in their abilities. However, we pray to forget the tortuous moments of watching
Squillaci, Bendtner, Arshavin, Santos...
Future
Arsene Wenger is Arsenal, he has given the club "dignity and recognition", his players 'respect
and loyalty'. And to the fans he gave a cause that's so applicable to our life situations, that
is "simplicity and dedication"
'Bayo
Arsenal as a religion
With great delight do I start this amazing journey, and what a great way and time to begin...
I have being a dutiful member of the Arsenal fraternity as long as I can remember. Since the
days of Rothmans Football Show Saturday evenings on the NTA network. I love football and
Arsenal as much as I love myself, It's brought so much joy and pain in equal value; but has
also shaped my life.
Wenger, the Pope
On the 1000th game of Arsene Wenger, despite failings of the last 500 games, he has shaped
lives, not only generations of players but also legions of fans around the world.
Love him or hate, he made us all love Arsenal and Football in general. One could count Alex
Ferguson or the likes of Jose Mourinho as successful on accounts of the number of trophies
they won, but no other shaped the dynamics of how a football club should be run than Arsene.
Whilst, his stubbornness are seen to be shortcomings, particularly on few tactical deficiencies
and blind trust in certain players; I do actually see them as his strength of character. Particular
references will be made of Aaron Ramsey, Cesc Fabregas and other young players for his
absolute faith in their abilities. However, we pray to forget the tortuous moments of watching
Squillaci, Bendtner, Arshavin, Santos...
Future
Arsene Wenger is Arsenal, he has given the club "dignity and recognition", his players 'respect
and loyalty'. And to the fans he gave a cause that's so applicable to our life situations, that
is "simplicity and dedication"
'Bayo
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