Wenger – Page 3 – BRITISH SOCCER {DIVA}

Don’t pop the champagne cork just yet…

John_Terry_and_Fran_924814a John Terry was very quick to goad his rivals following a famous victory for Chelsea over Manchester United at the weekend. The England captain was feeling pretty confident after the Blues win and so he sent a cocky “catch us if you can” taunt to his favourite Premier League foes.

Don’t you think it’s a bit early to be riling up the likes of Arsenal and even Manchester United, despite the fact you did just beat the latter? Let’s not forget how well Aston Villa are doing too and how Manchester City and Tottenham are still sniffing around like they want to steal something. I mean you are only 5 points clear at the top, Arsenal do have a game in hand and it’s only November! Settle down now Mr.Chelsea.

The fact people get so excited about the league being won in November is laughable. There is so much more football to be played and anything can happen. Just ask Liverpool if they thought their season would end up like it has over the last few weeks. Teams can suffer major injury setbacks and as we’ve already seen this season, unpredictable results are more than possible.

I admire the purpose behind John Terry’s message. I hear the spirit and gamesmanship in his voice. But as players, managers, chief executives and fans have learned over the years, don’t get ahead of the next game. Don’t start disrespecting your opponents too much. And don’t think about the victory parade when there is still everything to play for. There’s no doubt Chelsea are the team to beat. But we have a long and arduous season still ahead.

Ancelotti certainly has Chelsea moving in the right direction and with their transfer ban being lifted just last week, they now have the ability to strengthen their team in January, which a few weeks and months ago was looking highly unlikely. A potentially stronger Chelsea after the painful Christmas fixture list is definitely a scary prospect for the rest of the league. But let’s rewind very quickly to just a few weeks ago when Chelsea had lost 3-1 to Wigan and everyone was asking “what’s wrong with Chelsea?” It’s a funny old game is football, so don’t go popping the champagne cork just yet…

The evolution of Robin van Persie…

01_VANMAN_280x390_919502a We have all witnessed the growth and progression of Cesc Fabregas as a world class footballer. There’s no question the Spaniard has solidified his place as one of the best midfielders in the universe. His goal against Tottenham on Saturday was magical and proves that if he wants to turn his talent on like that, he has the ability to do so at any given time. The Arsenal fans are completely aware of his brilliance and the effect he can have on a game. But what of his teammate Robin Van Persie?

This season, Robin Van Persie is proving to Arsene Wenger and the entire Arsenal fan nation that he has matured as a player and is ready and prepared to take on much more responsibility. There is definitely something very different about the Dutchman this term. Van Persie has taken the team on his shoulders and is repaying the faith Wenger and the fans have shown in him. There’s always been an edge to Van Persie’s game, but so far this season it has been controlled and he has been more than affective for the Gunners.

We’ve all seen glimpses of how amazing Van Persie can be. There’s no doubt he has scored some incredible goals and has contributed to much of Arsenal’s beautiful play over the last few years. But there was always a part of his game that let him down. Rash challenges and emotional reactions raised question marks about the maturity of Van Persie. But he seems to have put that behind him this season and he has been able to contain his emotions far better. If he can continue to evolve like this as a player, surely there is a legend in the making at Arsenal?

Not only has Van Persie’s attitude improved, his finishing has been clinical and his overall team play has been unselfish and inspiring. With the departure of Adebayor, it’s as though he has been freed to play his game and in return, he has delivered his best performances in an Arsenal shirt. With Fabregas and Van Persie hitting form at the same time, this could definitely give Arsenal fans hope that they can really make a run for the title this year. Add the world class talent that is Arshavin to the mix, and anything is possible.

Van Persie is ready to take his place among the elite footballers on the planet and in a World Cup year, he could really solidify his status as one of the best. Who knows, perhaps the evolution can become a revolution for Arsenal and the national Dutch team…

Fabregas the fabulous…

cesc_280x390_901840a Fabregas turned on the sexy football against Blackburn this weekend and watching him play was like observing an artist create the perfect painting. It was as though a masterpiece unfolded before your very eyes and witnessing the process felt like something very special. Fabregas made 4 goals, scored a peach of a volley and hit the bar as well. He was simply fabulous. No wonder Barcelona want him so badly.

Fabregas masterminded Arsenal’s performance from start to finish and on a day when Arsene Wenger was celebrating his 13th anniversary as manager, his captain and team did not let him down. Even former captain Thierry Henry was cheering from the stands and marvelling at the Gunners display of beautiful football.

They tore Blackburn to shreds and played their best football so far this season. Sure there were question marks about their defense at times, but Arsenal weathered the storm, stood strong and showed some grit and determination against a very tricky Blackburn team. In seasons past Arsenal could have easily lost a game like this after going 2-1 down, but they had a little something extra this time around and the belief in their ability to win the game was evident. From Fabregas, to Rosicky, to Vermaelen, to Arshavin and even Walcott the sub, Arsenal’s quality and class shone through in abundance.

By the way, I’m wondering if Vermaelen is a better striker than defender? The Belgian international has scored 5 goals in 8 games for Arsenal and is definitely proving to be one of the best summer transfers by a Premier League team. Do you think he’s worth the money so far? How did you rate Fabregas this weekend? If Arsenal play like this, can they win the title? Who scored the better goal, Vermaelen, Fabregas or Bendtner?

It wasn’t a particularly exciting week in the Premier League. Chelsea bounced back really well against Liverpool. The scouse house looked weak again for me and if you look closely, Carragher was responsible for both goals and Gerrard gave the ball away so cheaply in the last 20 minutes of the game. Torres missed a couple of exceptional chances but he just couldn’t find his magic touch today. If Torres isn’t scoring, Liverpool aren’t winning right now. With this loss to Chelsea, are Liverpool’s title hopes over?

Manchester United were lucky to escape with a point. It wasn’t a great performance but it was worth watching the game just to see Berbatov’s goal. It was delicious. Darren Bent’s goal wasn’t bad either and he is proving to be a great signing for Sunderland. United are going to have to play better than that if they want to retain the title. Were they lucky to get a point in your eyes?

Bolton had their best performance in a long time against Tottenham. They deserved the point and really showed some guts in that game. Crouch missed a great opportunity to win the match for Tottenham. Kranjcar was Tottenham’s best player by far and Lennon had another quiet game for the blue side of North London. Not very good in front of Fabio Capello. What did you think of Tottenham this week?

Well done Portsmouth for winning a game. Well done Hull for winning a game. Well done Burnley for continuing to entertain.

Team of the week = Arsenal. How about yours?

Goal of the week = Fabregas volley. How about yours?

Player of the week = Cesc Fabregas

Hello. We are Manchester City…

_46367397_adebayorb466 Manchester City battered Arsenal 4-2 today. After a dominate 1st half performance by the Gunners, Manchester City gave them a good pasting in the 2nd half. I don’t know what Mark Hughes said to his men at half-time, but whatever it was, it worked to perfection. Unfortunately for City, their great performance is not what the papers will be shouting about tomorrow morning. A deliberate and provocative celebration by Adebayor against his old club Arsenal is what will dominate the headlines on the back pages. Adebayor ran the length of the pitch to celebrate his header and Manchester City’s 3rd goal, which obviously incited fury from the Gunners fans.

What he did was wrong. He should know better. Adebayor has obviously dreamed of shoving it down the Arsenal fans throats following months of abuse by them. But so much has been written about City and Arsenal before the season started and we all know there is no love lost between Hughes and Wenger. It certainly appears as though a new rivalry has been born between these two teams and Adebayor is more than happy to lead City from the front lines. This is the first of many battles. Arsenal fans 0 Manchester City fans 1.

City’s 4-2 defeat over Arsenal illustrates how Mark Hughes and his men are ready to prove they can win the title. They have been ripped by many in the media for spending tons of money in the summer transfer market. People have questioned Mark Hughes and his ability to manage a group of growing stars. Bets have been made on whether or not they can break into the so-called Top 4. Well today, Manchester City were able to put some of their critics in their place with a dominant performance. Oh and by the way…they did it without Tevez and Robinho.

Arsenal looked in control of the game in the first half. They had good possession and it appeared as though they could do some damage. But some of their final balls and overall attempts on goal lacked bite. Sure Van Persie and Rosicky scored and the latter looked bright when he came on as a substitute for Arsenal, but it just wasn’t enough. And in the second half, Manchester City took over completely and whipped Arsenal about the pitch like jockeys on a race horse. Adebayor tortured his old team both in attack and defense. I lost count how many Arsenal corners he cleared away with his head. He played with a chip on his shoulder and it worked for him and City.

Once again there are many question marks against Arsenal. The finger will be pointed at Wenger for not splashing the cash in the transfer market. In today’s game, money definitely was the one doing the talking and winning. You could see City’s investments on the pitch and it was fruitful for them today. Let’s remember this is a long season. We still have to see how City perform in adversity. For now, they are enjoying their winning ways. And for now, it’s Arsenal that have to show what they will do in adversity.

Was this game proof that Manchester City will finish above Arsenal this season? Do you think City can win the whole enchilada? Can Adebayor finish as the Premier League’s top scorer? Do City need Robinho and should they let him go to Barcelona? Should Wenger have taken Bendtner off instead of Denilson? Should he give Jack Wilshere more playing time? What’s wrong with Fabregas? Who is getting the drinks in?

The Penalty Gods punish Arsenal…

zeus-greek-mythology-687267_1024_768 They say you reap what you sow. And the Gunners can tell you it’s true. Not even a Godly strike from Arshavin could save Arsenal. They lost to Manchester United in a game they absolutely should have won. They gave away a costly penalty and some might think it was the Gods punishing them for Eduardo’s dive against Celtic earlier in the week. Were the Penalty Gods trying to put the world right at Old Trafford on Saturday? Did Arsenal deserve at least a point for their efforts? Will they bounce back in their next game against Manchester City? Do you think Wenger could play up front after showing his water bottle kicking skills?

Manchester United were exceptionally lucky to get a win against Arsenal. I know they came back and gave it a good fight, but in the overall picture of play, Arsenal made United look really average. The penalty decision was questionable and the own goal from Diaby was incredibly unlucky. Arsenal then had a goal disallowed in the dying seconds and again, you’ve seen them given. Rooney was brilliant. He is the spark for United. His passion drives the team and you can’t deny their never say die attitude. Rooney is the engine though. He is United right now. They need him more than ever. The Gods were certainly on the Red Devil’s side in this game.

Tottenham won again. You read that right people. Tottenham won again. What did they put in the juice down at the Lane? Surely they can’t keep this up can they? ‘Arry is doing a superb job so far this season. It’s a shame Modric will be out for 6 weeks. They say it’s a broken leg. What a blow as he’s been sensational. How will this affect Spurs? Lennon has been on fire in the last couple of games and deserves his England recall. Crouch helped change the game when he came on and he too deserves his call-up from Capello. Can Tottenham really win the League? Can they keep this up? Or will they be arguing about ketchup in a couple of months?

Chelsea look dangerous. They demolished Burnley. Remember, Burnley beat Manchester United last week. Interesting that, don’t you think? Chelsea look connected as a team. They look like they are playing for each other. They’ve maintained the spirit Hiddink recreated from the Mourinho days. Ancelotti has added his flavour to the mix and the Blues are looking good. Frank Lampard continues to impress for me. And it might be painful to hear because I know it’s painful to write but…Ashley Cole is having an incredible start to the season. What do you think of Chelsea?

Liverpool were lucky. The good news for them is they had a very average performance and still won the game. It was so typical of Gerrard to hit a winning goal the way he did when he was not really a factor throughout. This will help the team’s confidence and seeing Torres and Gerrard score will help. Not sure about the new signing Kyriakos. Let’s give the guy more time though. Carragher is a liability at the back. Rafa should stop acting with his heart and start acting with his head when it comes to Carra. He’s a good player to have on the bench. If Liverpool want to win, they need to fix their problems at the back.

Manchester City kept their 100% record alive. Adebayor scored again. Gareth Barry is the most impressive of their new signings. He has to be one of the best midfielder’s in the country. Let’s see how City do in the next few weeks when they meet Arsenal and Manchester United. They are doing well, but for me, they are not interesting yet. It was good to see Everton win. I think Distin is a solid signing for them. Villa won their second in a row so that will help them continue to build their confidence. Stoke are in 4th place! Go on Stoke!

What stood out for you this week?

Heaven, I’m in heaven…

gods-sunshine Finally, the agonizing wait is over. The greatest show on earth is back. The passion, the agony and the ecstasy of the Premier League is already in full swing. I loved every single second of opening weekend. How was it for you?

Manchester United put in a reliable performance, Chelsea were predictable, Liverpool looked unsavoury and Arsenal were sublime. Of the other teams challenging to break into the top 4…Tottenham looked impressive, Manchester City dazzled for about 10 minutes and Aston Villa were woeful. Now seeing as this is only week one, we won’t get too carried away with what we’ve seen thus far. Remember how we all thought Deco would be another Zola after Chelsea’s first game last season? Well I’m sure we don’t want to make mistakes like that again as we kick-off the 2009/10 campaign. But as fans, we can’t help ourselves in saying what we see, even if it is just week one!

So here’s what I saw and we’ll start with last season’s top 4…if Arsenal can sustain that type of play throughout the season then they have the ability to carve-up any team in the Premier League and I’m even going to say they looked as good as Barcelona when they are at their best. Vermaelen looks like a great signing and Gallas seemed to play exceptionally comfortably with him. Fabregas and Denilson were on fire and Bendtner shined playing on the right for the Gunners. We know Everton aren’t that crap. But are Arsenal really that good?

Hull were very unlucky. Chelsea got very lucky. 6 minutes of injury time. Really referee? Despite that, you can’t deny Drogba his free-kick winner in the dying minutes. Drogba was Chelsea’s best player. It’s as though he’s playing to redeem himself from the disgusting outburst he had during last year’s Champions League semi-final. If he’s going to play like this all season, he could be the key to the Blues success. Can Drogba deliver this year? For Hull, it could be another struggle. I can see why Michael Turner is attracting the likes of Liverpool. He was a rock for Hull and by far their best player. Does anyone else ever mistake him for Michael Dawson though? Can you say twins?

Manchester United already missed Ronaldo in their first game of the season. Who wouldn’t? He’s one of the world’s best players. Sir Alex Ferguson has said it’s going to be tough without him. And it might well be for United as they defend their title. New signing Antonio Valencia had a solid home debut and Berbatov’s touch at time was exquisite. However, the main man for United this year will be Rooney. They need him to stay fit. Without him, they will struggle. Rooney could have an award winning type of season. The shackles are off. Watch him fly. Can Rooney be a sensation? Do you see United winning 4 in a row?

Not to hit the panic button just yet, but Liverpool didn’t look good at all. There was no invention in their play and it felt as though Alonso was missing from that midfield. Torres and Gerrard were rusty and Benitez should have played Benayoun from the beginning. Babel just can’t cut it and he gave another poor performance. Glen Johnson had a great debut for the reds and was the reason they won that penalty. Benitez might need to buy a couple more players before the transfer window ends. And he needs Aquilano to get fit as soon as possible. Can Liverpool mount a challenge this season?

Now to the top 4 wannabees…Tottenham rolled over Liverpool and looked more like title contenders in this first game. From defense to attack, they dominated and made Liverpool look like a very average Premier League team. Modric, Huddlestone and King controlled the game. Defoe looks ready to rumble. Ekotto is establishing himself as an elite player and Lennon could still use some refnining. Is it me or does Huddlestone remind you of Hoddle? And if it wasn’t for his bum knees, could Ledley King oust Terry or Ferdinand from the England squad?

Manchester City, the new billionaire boys club of the Premier League got off to a great start. Don’t let the score fool you though. Blackburn put up a good fight and could have taken a point from the game. There’s no question Adebayor was flying from the word go, but for me it was the likes of Gareth Barry and Shaun Wright-Phillips that were at the heart of everything good for City. Mark Hughes still has a lot of work to do. They still look suspicious in defense and once again, Robinho had another average game. You can’t help but wonder how this team will react in a moment of adversity. I can see them tearing each other apart. Can you?

Notable mention of course goes to Wigan for a superb start beating Villa. Note to all Wigan fans…just remember how good a start Hull City made last season! And this is just week one. See…I told you it was too hard to keep the ole’ gob shut. Heaven, we’re in heaven…

Future Divo…

Jack Wilshere has been dubbed the most exciting prospect in English football and he absolutely deserves the tag. There’s a fearlessness to Wilshere that is undeniable and there’s no doubt he’s a breathtaking player to watch.

Wilshere has had an incredible pre-season with Arsenal and was without question the star at the Emirates Cup. He showed a maturity and intelligence for the game that we haven’t seen in a few of Arsene Wenger’s youngsters. Wilshere reminds people of former Arsenal legend Liam Brady and if you’re a Gooner, this can only be hopeful news in an off-season where not much has happened in the transfer market. He also has a little Gazza in him when he has the ball at his feet and he’s running at players. Wilshere truly is a delicious footballer.

There isn’t one pundit or writer that isn’t raving about this lad. He has impressed so much that some are saying he deserves to start before Theo Walcott. Some have even gone as far to say Arshavin and Fabregas love to play with him because he knows how to read their runs in a world-class player kind of way. Could Wilshere challenge Walcott for a place in the starting line-up this season?

The great thing about Wilshere is he’s an Arsenal boy through and through. He is a rising star born from the Gunners exceptionally run academy and he is an example of the type of player Wenger wants to breed. His High School P.E. teacher compared him to Wayne Rooney and he believes Wilshere will burst onto the world stage just like the Boy Wonder did a few years ago. If that’s the case, Arsenal and England have much to look forward to.

Talk of him playing for England in the World Cup seems far off when he hasn’t played regularly for Arsenal in the Premier League yet. How will he match-up against the likes of Gerrard and Mascherano at Liverpool, Lampard and Ballack at Chelsea and Carrick and Fletcher at Manchester United? Something tells me he’ll do just fine. Wilshere isn’t phased by all this and he’s just waiting for his chance to show the world what he can do. Those who have seen the Wilshere trailer love what they have witnessed thus far.

Jack Wilshere…we will be watching you closely this season. Good luck son. You are without question a Future Divo…

The “Invincibles” become the “Invisibles” at Arsenal…

tourea_280x390_856652a Warning…this is not a Manchester City blog! Let’s hope the spending stops soon people. In the meantime…

Kolo Toure, the last man standing from the 2003-04 Arsenal “Invincibles” squad has signed for Manchester City. He follows Adebayor out of the door and heads-up north to start another chapter in his successful Premier League career.

I guess Toure and Adebayor can continue their stupid dance celebration when they score for City now!

In fairness, Toure served Arsenal well. He hasn’t been very happy over the last couple of seasons and he confessed today that this move has been in the works for 6 months. Rumours are abound that Wenger wanted to get rid of the so-called bad influences in the dressing room at Arsenal. It’s surprising that Toure was one of them. They say Eboue is next.

Whatever the reason for Toure leaving, he certainly served Arsenal well. The Gunners are losing a quality defender who may go on to have his best years at Manchester City. Sure he was influenced by the money as was Adebayor, but Toure played honest for many years at Arsenal and gave them 7 good seasons. Doesn’t he deserve this move?

For Arsenal fans this is a splash of good news and bad news. If he was a disruptive influence in the dressing room then it’s good he has gone. But what will Wenger do to replace him? They need to sign Hangeland from Fulham more than ever now. And they could certainly use a fighter in midfield like Lee Cattermole from Wigan. Problem is he’s English! As a fan, you have to believe Arsenal and Mr.Wenger will pull the rabbit out of the hat at some point during this summer transfer window. Surely they don’t think they can magically win things with the team as it currently stands? Are they ready to compete, let alone win?

The “Invincibles” era has evolved into the “Invisible” era at Arsenal and that could mean a sad day if you are a Gooner…

He comes from Senegal, he plays for Arsenal…

Patrick_Vieira_280x_856165a The Sun and other media outlets are reporting today that Patrick Viera is about to make a shock return to Arsenal. I couldn’t believe it when I read the headline. I think this could be more shocking than Michael Owen going to Manchester United. Don’t you think so? Nobody was expecting this were they?

The truth is Arsenal have never filled the void left by Viera when he joined Juventus in 2005. He was a great captain. He was a phenomenal leader. He was Arsenal’s rock and he became a legend. Now he could be making one of the most dramatic returns in Premier League history. The questions is, does Viera still have the legs to play and compete at the top level?

Let’s face it, he has not had a huge impact since leaving Arsenal and he can’t hold down a regular starting spot under Jose Mourinho at Inter Milan. So what makes Arsene Wenger think he can still play? Is this a desperate move having lost Adebayor, Toure and possibly Eboue too this summer?

Generally people say when a relationship ends you should never go back. They say it’s never the same second time around. Even Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor couldn’t make it work after a second chance. But could Arsenal and Viera fall in love all over again? Could they re-ignite their love affair and live together happily ever after? If Viera can still play with the best of them, anything is possible.

There’s no question the French star is unhappy playing in Italy and he wants a move to another club. Tottenham, Birmingham and Fulham are also after his signature, but who do you think he will sign for? Can you see Viera going back to the Gunners? Will Arsenal fans be happy? Do you think Arsenal would rather buy him back than watch him play for their arch rivals Spurs?!!

He does look good in red and white. I need another drink…

Talk around the pub is…

42-17021668 John Terry a.k.a JT and Mr.Chelsea is staying at the Bridge. This could mean he’ll be on his way to Manchester City in a week or so!!! Stranger things have happened but it does look like the Chelsea faithful got luckier than a lottery winner this summer. Their boy has vowed to fight on for the Blues. Could be one of their best signings this summer! What do you guys think?

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has sealed his switch from Inter Milan to Barcelona. Eto’o is supposedly going from Barcelona to Inter Milan. I think we’ll go larger on these two stories once we see the lads in their new pin stripes! Who would you prefer on your team…Zlatan or Eto’o?

Peter Crouch is on the verge of moving from Portsmouth to Tottenham. I guess he misses his old boss Harry Redknapp. What is it about ‘Arry the lads love so much? I’d play for ‘Arry. But will he partner Keane or Defoe or will he come off he bench?

Looks like Arsenal might lose yet another player. Kolo Toure is close to joining Manchester City. Adebayor desperately wants his dancing pal to join the City revolution. Will Toure leave Arsenal for the megabucks of the North? Should Arsenal be worried about losing another player? Can Nicklas Bendtner, Carlos Vela, Eduardo, Djourou, Kieran Gibbs & Co step in to save Wenger if he doesn’t splash the cash a little this summer?

Darren Bent, the 17 million pound Spurs flop could be bound for the North of England and a place in the Sunderland starting line-up. Crouch leaving…Bent arriving…makes sense to me, how about you?

Stuart Downing joined Aston Villa from Middlesborough even though he’s injured and won’t be able to kick a ball until October! Never saw the fuss about this player and don’t rate him as an international at all. Lots to prove as far as I’m concerned. Do you guys rate Downing?

Honorable mentions…Zat Knight joins Bolton from Aston Villa. Sam Ricketts joins Bolton from Hull City. Dean Whitehead leaves Sunderland for Stoke City.