I promised a friend to write an unbiased article about this (so bear with me for this one). Let’s get it over quick so I can return to the real football that matters to me and millions more.
Christiano Ronaldo come through the youth system at Sporting Lisbon and graduated through the ranks with consummate ease. Very quickly he found himself in the first team at this Portuguese side. Blessed with speed that could rival most sprinters from lesser lights in the athletics world, he had another thing going for him, fantastic skills. The kind you normally see on training grounds and commercial clips.
His career really took off when Ferguson paid a large sum of money to get him to don the Man Utd’s colours. When he first played for them, only things that were going through everyone’s mind was that this boy has all the party tricks up his sleeve but would struggle in the rough and tumble of the Premiership. In fact, it did bind him a little at first. Things were slightly different in this league compared to Portuguese Liga. Easily skipping past the first tackle when the next one comes crunching in. But the bruises and knocks didn’t put the boy down.
Very soon, we got to see the reasons that Old Man Fergie bought this boy for. Tricks were only limited to certain parts of the field and when the game is already won. He contributed his part in terms of goals as well. Climbing well and possessing strong headers for someone his size was quite rare. He even got the odd 1 or 2 through freekicks.
Last season Ronaldo really came to the fore. It’s fair to say that without his contribution, United would have finish slightly below Everton and settling for a place in the UEFA Cup. One thing that he managed to improve tremendously was his effectiveness in dealing with freekicks. Ratio per chance has got better definitely. Perhaps the innovation of lighter balls has helped with this.
Good. Now done with the good parts, here comes the ugly side.
Ronaldo has a tendency to fall very, very, very easily. Although to be fair, this has lessened in the current season. He expects every time that he falls from a challenge it is a foul. Turning around and appealing like a spoilt brat would not help his case. Most referees are wiser from the numerous video replays that keep showing on television. Faking injuries and diving are things that we could do without from this guy.
Selfish is another point that can be seen happening with this boy. There are numerous times when his teammates are in far better position but he still chooses to dribble and run further. If he takes the time to think about his options rather than going for the glory himself, it would help his team much more. Sure, it’s all going well at the moment but the purple patch is bound to end someday when he alone cannot carry the whole team.
However I do suspect it’s going to be a short career if he doesn’t evolve himself. As the years come along, the pace will drop. This is when it gets interesting. Technically he could turn out to be another Luis Figo, mercurial wide man with two very good feet. He will need to find that extra edge to change the dimension of his game when his speed no longer takes him past oppositions. Stay the same and the star will not shine for too long.
That’s it. My tooth is sore from biting the bullet to complete this piece. I need to go to the dentist.
Tuesday, 29 January 2008
Monday, 28 January 2008
Left or Right No Difference To The Togonator
This was an important match for all Gunners. Fans and supporters alike would like to see whether there’s a response to the thrashing (gulp!) that Arsenal received at White Hart Lane. Would Adebayor still be in the right frame of mind after the much debated incident? Would the incident affect the morale and togetherness of the team?
By any standards, the match was quite a breeze for Arsenal. Fans can breathe easy knowing that the heavy defeat did not cause much of a dent in the Arsenal confidence armour. There was a moment or two which the defense was tested but overall, it was a controlled game.
Senderos was once again in impeccable form. Thwarting anything that Newcastle threw at him. He’s staking a real claim for a first team spot. Perhaps he has finally overcome the confidence crisis inflicted by no less a certain Didier Drogba. Clichy did well to clear Butt’s goal bound shot off the line. Strong in tackles and disciplined enough not bombed forward at every opportunity with Milner as his opponent. If he’s not in the starting line-up at Switzerland 2008, then Domenech is as daft as they come.
Forced to come on early for the unlucky Rosicky, Eduardo proved once again that Wenger is very astute with his signing once again. Great shot from outside the box, curled to Given’s bottom right hand post, it rebounded straight to Adebayor, whom promptly rounded 2 defenders and hammered it into the top corner with his left leg.
The same player added to his burgeoning goal tally for this season by imitating Thierry Henry. Provided, Eduardo helped him by blocking a defender, Adebayor rounded everyone and shot with his right leg past Given and hitting Taylor’s leg on purpose before going into the empty net. In doing that last bit, he managed to deflect comparison with Henry. Smart man this Togolese.
Having been in the news for the past week, Walcott was given a chance again upfront. The aforementioned injury provided the chance for him to slot back into his more familiar surroundings in the wings. A few jinks and dribble did his confidence no harm at all.
Fingers crossed to someone drawing out Man Utd at Emirates Stadium for the next round.
By any standards, the match was quite a breeze for Arsenal. Fans can breathe easy knowing that the heavy defeat did not cause much of a dent in the Arsenal confidence armour. There was a moment or two which the defense was tested but overall, it was a controlled game.
Senderos was once again in impeccable form. Thwarting anything that Newcastle threw at him. He’s staking a real claim for a first team spot. Perhaps he has finally overcome the confidence crisis inflicted by no less a certain Didier Drogba. Clichy did well to clear Butt’s goal bound shot off the line. Strong in tackles and disciplined enough not bombed forward at every opportunity with Milner as his opponent. If he’s not in the starting line-up at Switzerland 2008, then Domenech is as daft as they come.
Forced to come on early for the unlucky Rosicky, Eduardo proved once again that Wenger is very astute with his signing once again. Great shot from outside the box, curled to Given’s bottom right hand post, it rebounded straight to Adebayor, whom promptly rounded 2 defenders and hammered it into the top corner with his left leg.
The same player added to his burgeoning goal tally for this season by imitating Thierry Henry. Provided, Eduardo helped him by blocking a defender, Adebayor rounded everyone and shot with his right leg past Given and hitting Taylor’s leg on purpose before going into the empty net. In doing that last bit, he managed to deflect comparison with Henry. Smart man this Togolese.
Having been in the news for the past week, Walcott was given a chance again upfront. The aforementioned injury provided the chance for him to slot back into his more familiar surroundings in the wings. A few jinks and dribble did his confidence no harm at all.
Fingers crossed to someone drawing out Man Utd at Emirates Stadium for the next round.
Wednesday, 23 January 2008
Well, It Had To Happen One Day
Coming into the 2nd leg of domestic cup tie semifinal against your fiercest rival having drawn the 1st leg, would you put in the first team knowing for sure they will take you to Wembley or stick with a younger bunch who got you there in the first place? It was a conundrum that any manager would like to have as it only means that you have a back-up squad that is capable of challenging for honours on their own.
If Wenger had chosen to start with his first team, it will probably lead to repercussions beyond this season. Young players abroad would not be so keen to move to Arsenal anymore because they know that their chances will be limited. But that was not to be. Traore, Fabianski, Bendtner, Denilson and co all started against the team who has not won anything since before Clinton’s administration.
The match had it all; goals, action, card, fighting and even fighting your own teammates. This was the first time that the young Gunners have frozen in the big occasion. Although the club captain, Gallas and Hleb was there to help out, it was a performance that was a far cry from the norm. Those early goals sunk the young team’s confidence and they never recovered from it.
As the frustration crept in, tempers began to flare even against friends who sit next to each other in the dressing room. Professionally, that kind of petulance and tempers are unforgivable. They should realize that they are being well-paid to play football at the highest level and it is required that they keep their head why doing it. Actions and reaction must be scrutinized before performing it.
It was a concern that Wenger took this issue lightly. If he had resolved it behind the attention of the media then it is a good thing. However, he should never have responded the way he did. It infuriates me that every time something happens with his players, he can’t see it. Yet he could always see where the players need to pass or which channel they should run into. A strict warning and promise of repercussions for the players involved, in front of camera monitors would sit down very well with me.
Disgusted with the result but we’ll live.
If Wenger had chosen to start with his first team, it will probably lead to repercussions beyond this season. Young players abroad would not be so keen to move to Arsenal anymore because they know that their chances will be limited. But that was not to be. Traore, Fabianski, Bendtner, Denilson and co all started against the team who has not won anything since before Clinton’s administration.
The match had it all; goals, action, card, fighting and even fighting your own teammates. This was the first time that the young Gunners have frozen in the big occasion. Although the club captain, Gallas and Hleb was there to help out, it was a performance that was a far cry from the norm. Those early goals sunk the young team’s confidence and they never recovered from it.
As the frustration crept in, tempers began to flare even against friends who sit next to each other in the dressing room. Professionally, that kind of petulance and tempers are unforgivable. They should realize that they are being well-paid to play football at the highest level and it is required that they keep their head why doing it. Actions and reaction must be scrutinized before performing it.
It was a concern that Wenger took this issue lightly. If he had resolved it behind the attention of the media then it is a good thing. However, he should never have responded the way he did. It infuriates me that every time something happens with his players, he can’t see it. Yet he could always see where the players need to pass or which channel they should run into. A strict warning and promise of repercussions for the players involved, in front of camera monitors would sit down very well with me.
Disgusted with the result but we’ll live.
Sunday, 20 January 2008
Look Out, it's a Header
Fulham away was going to be either a tricky tie or an exhibition of class. Luckily for the Gunners, it was the latter. It’s true. Over the past few years, this was the ground which Arsenal loose points or stamped their excellence over it. Last year Arsenal lost in a 3-2 cracker. The year before Adebayor scored his first Arsenal goal and they strolled away to a comfortable 2-0 win.
However, the way the first two goals came about was rather unusual. I can’t recall the last time Arsenal scored 2 goals off crosses from the wings in open play. Up to this match I’ve never been convince of Adebayor’s heading capabilities, even after I’m not so sure.
Yes, granted those two were well taken goals. He had it all to do with 2 defenders crowding him both times. But the crosses were good enough to allow him to concentrate on the placement rather than the power of the headers. For someone of his height and strength, he doesn’t really win much off the punt up field or goal kicks. Another of his failings includes his inability to stay onside. Overcome those, he probably be our very own Drogba.
It was good to see the team kept going even after going two up. Wenger must have drummed that to the team during half time. Throw away this match now and forget about the Premiership.
Rosicky had the legs to charge into the box late in the 2nd half to claim a well deserved away victory. This was a match that was within Arsenal’s control from the off. Signs of Hleb and Fabregas regaining their form were very pleasing to watch.
Wenger needs them to be more than others.
However, the way the first two goals came about was rather unusual. I can’t recall the last time Arsenal scored 2 goals off crosses from the wings in open play. Up to this match I’ve never been convince of Adebayor’s heading capabilities, even after I’m not so sure.
Yes, granted those two were well taken goals. He had it all to do with 2 defenders crowding him both times. But the crosses were good enough to allow him to concentrate on the placement rather than the power of the headers. For someone of his height and strength, he doesn’t really win much off the punt up field or goal kicks. Another of his failings includes his inability to stay onside. Overcome those, he probably be our very own Drogba.
It was good to see the team kept going even after going two up. Wenger must have drummed that to the team during half time. Throw away this match now and forget about the Premiership.
Rosicky had the legs to charge into the box late in the 2nd half to claim a well deserved away victory. This was a match that was within Arsenal’s control from the off. Signs of Hleb and Fabregas regaining their form were very pleasing to watch.
Wenger needs them to be more than others.
Monday, 14 January 2008
That Sinking Feeling
Top before the match, 2nd after the match. Points are dropped by championship winning teams every now and again. But somehow I feel that this particular match could have some bearing on the destination of the Premiership. Hope I’m wrong.
There was a numbing sense of complacency creeping into these young boys’ head after leading the rest of the pack for much of the season. After the lead was established through Adebayor’s penalty, you could almost sense that the players thought that it was enough for the win. Balls were being sprayed across the middle of the park rather than go looking for the killer second goal.
The lack of urgency paid its price as early as the 3rd minute after 2nd half kick-off. Lull into sitting back by the ever eager Birmingham side, they struck off the corner kick. No visible marking can be seen. It was the only error that the impressive Senderos committed all afternoon. When the central defender is the best player for your side on the pitch, it tells you volume of what’s happening to the game.
Tried as they might, they just couldn’t conjure up the winning goal that would’ve kept Arsenal top of the league. It’s moment like this when the Van Persie feeling starts to kick in. Games as tight as this and no players taking the challenge and responding, you’ll look to your most gifted player to produce a moment of magic. Whether or not it results in a goal is one thing, but it will surely pump up the other players to react to those magic.
With Fabregas not looking to shoot anymore this season, the midfield contribution starts to dry up. Eduardo and Bendtner will need to step up to the plate and make it count.
There was a numbing sense of complacency creeping into these young boys’ head after leading the rest of the pack for much of the season. After the lead was established through Adebayor’s penalty, you could almost sense that the players thought that it was enough for the win. Balls were being sprayed across the middle of the park rather than go looking for the killer second goal.
The lack of urgency paid its price as early as the 3rd minute after 2nd half kick-off. Lull into sitting back by the ever eager Birmingham side, they struck off the corner kick. No visible marking can be seen. It was the only error that the impressive Senderos committed all afternoon. When the central defender is the best player for your side on the pitch, it tells you volume of what’s happening to the game.
Tried as they might, they just couldn’t conjure up the winning goal that would’ve kept Arsenal top of the league. It’s moment like this when the Van Persie feeling starts to kick in. Games as tight as this and no players taking the challenge and responding, you’ll look to your most gifted player to produce a moment of magic. Whether or not it results in a goal is one thing, but it will surely pump up the other players to react to those magic.
With Fabregas not looking to shoot anymore this season, the midfield contribution starts to dry up. Eduardo and Bendtner will need to step up to the plate and make it count.
Friday, 11 January 2008
Spurs are Cursed
Carling Cup time, and the boys faced their neighbours, Spurs. Despite starting their best 11, Spurs still did not manage to beat Arsenal. Mind you, if you take out Gilberto, the average age of the team would be about 20. So it was safe to say that Spurs' best could only draw with Arsenal's boys.
A draw is never any sort of advantage in any semifinal game. It brings about tension and also tends to slightly favour the home side for the return leg. However if this game is anything to go by, the white half of London will find it tough to break these incredible young individuals.
Seeing Van Persie start was a very good sign for Arsenal fans. However he may have been rushed back to soon. This lad should be treat with care and caution for him to fully recover from his injuries once and for all. I rather lose him for the rest of the season than to lose him every other 3 months or so.
Spurs have plenty of the share of possession, something that maybe Arsenal faithful are not quite used to. Which was maybe the reason alot of the players found it hard to get going. Traore showed that last match against Burnley was just an hiccup. Justin Hoyte really deserves a special mention. He has been fantastic, not only to the club but also to disgruntled players like Diarra. Moving from right-back to center-half, he was never fazed by the situation of marking Berbatov and Keane. He has been a real professional this season when he's not playing and has put his best foot forward when he has.
There's just so much positives that can be taken from this match. The future custodian in goal looks very assured. Add that to a very English bench, I'm sure Capello won't be complaining.
A draw is never any sort of advantage in any semifinal game. It brings about tension and also tends to slightly favour the home side for the return leg. However if this game is anything to go by, the white half of London will find it tough to break these incredible young individuals.
Seeing Van Persie start was a very good sign for Arsenal fans. However he may have been rushed back to soon. This lad should be treat with care and caution for him to fully recover from his injuries once and for all. I rather lose him for the rest of the season than to lose him every other 3 months or so.
Spurs have plenty of the share of possession, something that maybe Arsenal faithful are not quite used to. Which was maybe the reason alot of the players found it hard to get going. Traore showed that last match against Burnley was just an hiccup. Justin Hoyte really deserves a special mention. He has been fantastic, not only to the club but also to disgruntled players like Diarra. Moving from right-back to center-half, he was never fazed by the situation of marking Berbatov and Keane. He has been a real professional this season when he's not playing and has put his best foot forward when he has.
There's just so much positives that can be taken from this match. The future custodian in goal looks very assured. Add that to a very English bench, I'm sure Capello won't be complaining.
Thursday, 10 January 2008
Eduardo Strikes Again
Its FA Cup time of the year again. This time the draw has been kind to Arsenal with a 3rd round meeting at Turf Moor against a non-premier league side in Burnley. Being given such opportunity of playing against weaker opposition, again Wenger chose to put his trust in his fringe and up-and-coming players.
In came the likes of Senderos, Diaby, Traore, Denilson and Gilberto. All of them did reasonably well especially Senderos who knows that this is his chance to stake a claim for a longer run in the first team, now that Toure is away playing in the Ivory Coast colours. Wenger would surely like Senderos to step up and show the world his real qualities. Qualities which I believe were knocked down by another Ivorian in Didier Drogba. Maybe all this boy needs is another match up with the big Chelsea man and winning that battle. It will be like something from the movies. Overcome his fears and become the big hero everyone knew he was.
Eduardo was calmness personified when presented with the oppourtunity from a wonderful Toure clip forward. He drew the keeper out and placed the ball just past his finger tips into the bottom corner. Not back lift, no great power, no drag back, no dribble, just direct and precise placement of the ball. The was nothing the keeper could've done.
This match also provided Wenger with a pleasant headache. The pairing of Bendtner and Eduardo seemed to gel very well. In fact it they are better as a pair than they are with any other strike pairing. They did the job at Bramall Lane and completed this job with the same aplomb. Another quick interchange between the two, saw Bendtner with an opening. He rounded the keeper and finish with the same clinical technique of Eduardo.
The most suprising news of the evening was Diarra's absence from the bench, let alone the first 11. But then again, Wenger doesn't like grumbling personnel.
In came the likes of Senderos, Diaby, Traore, Denilson and Gilberto. All of them did reasonably well especially Senderos who knows that this is his chance to stake a claim for a longer run in the first team, now that Toure is away playing in the Ivory Coast colours. Wenger would surely like Senderos to step up and show the world his real qualities. Qualities which I believe were knocked down by another Ivorian in Didier Drogba. Maybe all this boy needs is another match up with the big Chelsea man and winning that battle. It will be like something from the movies. Overcome his fears and become the big hero everyone knew he was.
Eduardo was calmness personified when presented with the oppourtunity from a wonderful Toure clip forward. He drew the keeper out and placed the ball just past his finger tips into the bottom corner. Not back lift, no great power, no drag back, no dribble, just direct and precise placement of the ball. The was nothing the keeper could've done.
This match also provided Wenger with a pleasant headache. The pairing of Bendtner and Eduardo seemed to gel very well. In fact it they are better as a pair than they are with any other strike pairing. They did the job at Bramall Lane and completed this job with the same aplomb. Another quick interchange between the two, saw Bendtner with an opening. He rounded the keeper and finish with the same clinical technique of Eduardo.
The most suprising news of the evening was Diarra's absence from the bench, let alone the first 11. But then again, Wenger doesn't like grumbling personnel.
Freddie, We Thank You
Welcome back Freddie. That was as much as the fans could give for his 15 minutes participation in this match. West Ham visited Emirates with the former favourite Freddie Ljungberg in their ranks in the first game of 2008. He came off early with a niggling hamstring injury but in his short stint, he managed to trouble a rusty looking Justin Hoyte.
Kick-off. You sipped your coffee and look at a fellow fan sitting right next to you. By then time your eyes got back on the pitch, Fabregas had been put through on the left flanks accompanied by 2 Hammers. He turned and crossed into the box. The in-form Eduardo took the ball on the chest and nestled the ball in Robert Green’s bottom left corner. Barely 2 minutes into a potentially banana skin of a match and Arsenal are already leading. Ghost of last year’s double was slowly floating away.
It’s always a concerned for Arsenal when they take a lead too early. They tend to sit back and allow the opposition time and space. When in fact, they should have thrusted the sword further into West Ham’s wounds. Memories of Sunderland still linger in my head. Curbishley’s boys did put up a fight although it was a toothless one. Clichy has to clear off the line but that was about it.
Arsenal had less possession than they would’ve wanted but in the end, another Adebayor stunner settled the issue. He out-sprint Green on Clichy’s through ball over the top and looks like headed the ball out the touchline. Somehow he managed to put his foot and strike the ball into the net. Quite how he did that required the trajectory of the ball to meet the power as well as needing the bounce of the ball to work in tandem. Probably can’t repeat it again, but who cares.
Arsenal saw out the second half without any further scares. This was an important test for these young Gunners. Matches like this are the ones which got away for Arsenal much of last season. Being total control of a match, but unable to convert the multiple chances into a victory.
Fine start to the year. History could definitely be in the making.
Kick-off. You sipped your coffee and look at a fellow fan sitting right next to you. By then time your eyes got back on the pitch, Fabregas had been put through on the left flanks accompanied by 2 Hammers. He turned and crossed into the box. The in-form Eduardo took the ball on the chest and nestled the ball in Robert Green’s bottom left corner. Barely 2 minutes into a potentially banana skin of a match and Arsenal are already leading. Ghost of last year’s double was slowly floating away.
It’s always a concerned for Arsenal when they take a lead too early. They tend to sit back and allow the opposition time and space. When in fact, they should have thrusted the sword further into West Ham’s wounds. Memories of Sunderland still linger in my head. Curbishley’s boys did put up a fight although it was a toothless one. Clichy has to clear off the line but that was about it.
Arsenal had less possession than they would’ve wanted but in the end, another Adebayor stunner settled the issue. He out-sprint Green on Clichy’s through ball over the top and looks like headed the ball out the touchline. Somehow he managed to put his foot and strike the ball into the net. Quite how he did that required the trajectory of the ball to meet the power as well as needing the bounce of the ball to work in tandem. Probably can’t repeat it again, but who cares.
Arsenal saw out the second half without any further scares. This was an important test for these young Gunners. Matches like this are the ones which got away for Arsenal much of last season. Being total control of a match, but unable to convert the multiple chances into a victory.
Fine start to the year. History could definitely be in the making.
Tuesday, 8 January 2008
Arsene Said Foreigners Needs Six Months To Adapt
It happened to him exactly how it happened to Robert Pires, Nicolas Anelka, Thierry Henry, Kolo Toure and so many others. Time and again, Arsene has reiterated his reasoning of new imports to the team. They all need at least 6 months to adapt to the new team as well as the demands of the English game. Patrick Vieira apart, each one of the above mentioned have proved this theory correct. And on the third last day of the 2007, Wenger has got it right again.
Eduardo Da Silva has waited a long time for this to come. The time where he showed everyone why Wenger plumped a little more than 9 million for this Brazilian born Croat striker. His strike rate for his previous club Dinamo Zagreb and country Croatia are stats that every striker craves. This is a natural striker who knows the back of the net without having to look.
He's not exactly a like for like replacement for Henry but as the further games will show, this guy will bring just a many goals if given half a chance. Tried as Everton might, they were undone by 2 world class strikes with such precision and calmness. The second one had a touch of Bergkamp in it, just to put the icing on the cake. He may not be totally in sync in most of his playing teammates yet but this fella how continued his scoring streak just the same.
Eduardo Da Silva has waited a long time for this to come. The time where he showed everyone why Wenger plumped a little more than 9 million for this Brazilian born Croat striker. His strike rate for his previous club Dinamo Zagreb and country Croatia are stats that every striker craves. This is a natural striker who knows the back of the net without having to look.
He's not exactly a like for like replacement for Henry but as the further games will show, this guy will bring just a many goals if given half a chance. Tried as Everton might, they were undone by 2 world class strikes with such precision and calmness. The second one had a touch of Bergkamp in it, just to put the icing on the cake. He may not be totally in sync in most of his playing teammates yet but this fella how continued his scoring streak just the same.
This was a game that the team needed to show their resilience and craving for the Premiership crown. Everton took the early goal lead and it could all be coming down hill from there. But as the boys strode out in the 2nd half, they showed just how much they wanted to win. Four goals may have be flattering but the defence deserves a special mention for thwarting numerous aerial bombing that Everton threw at em.
Having knew that their nearest rival had lost their game at Upton Park, Arsene and Arsenal knew that they needed to grab the chance to surge ahead. Took their chance they did. By 2008, Arsenal are back where they belong, ON TOP.
Monday, 7 January 2008
Nulified by Adams' Pompey
There’s bound to be days like this. This is the first match that Arsenal has failed to score well, since the last Pompey match at the same venue anyway. The match was dour, uninventive and scrappy. Neither keeper was really tested on Boxing Day, a day Arsenal lost their lead to Manure for the first time this season.
The weekend match at in-form Everton must have been playing in the minds of the players. That would surely be a tougher test than a sorry looking Portsmouth who have not scored in the last 7 home games. If anything, it’s the resilience of the team that shone through this game. Not playing well doesn’t warrant losing a game. That is the mark of champions. They grind out result on their worst performance.
You surely need to question the effectiveness of Adebayor up on his own. Bendtner will make a better job out of the same position. There is no need to drift out wide when you’re playing 5 across the midfield. Doing that would leave the wide players no space to run into. It would also mean that once he had the ball out wide, there is no option in the box. That is unless he’s fast enough to cross the side and run into the center to score. No answer needed for that one.
Rosicky is another conundrum for me. As talented as he is, I honestly feel that Wenger is playing him out of position and not getting the most out of the Czech. He is by no mean a natural playmaker but I’ve seen him controlling a European Championship semifinal all on his own. What’s more incredible is that he played as a holding midfielder in that match. I guess that’s why he is quite good at tackling back from attacking positions. Perhaps his versatility is his greatest downfall. For me he should be in the center of the 5-man midfield alongside Fabregas.
The weekend match at in-form Everton must have been playing in the minds of the players. That would surely be a tougher test than a sorry looking Portsmouth who have not scored in the last 7 home games. If anything, it’s the resilience of the team that shone through this game. Not playing well doesn’t warrant losing a game. That is the mark of champions. They grind out result on their worst performance.
You surely need to question the effectiveness of Adebayor up on his own. Bendtner will make a better job out of the same position. There is no need to drift out wide when you’re playing 5 across the midfield. Doing that would leave the wide players no space to run into. It would also mean that once he had the ball out wide, there is no option in the box. That is unless he’s fast enough to cross the side and run into the center to score. No answer needed for that one.
Rosicky is another conundrum for me. As talented as he is, I honestly feel that Wenger is playing him out of position and not getting the most out of the Czech. He is by no mean a natural playmaker but I’ve seen him controlling a European Championship semifinal all on his own. What’s more incredible is that he played as a holding midfielder in that match. I guess that’s why he is quite good at tackling back from attacking positions. Perhaps his versatility is his greatest downfall. For me he should be in the center of the 5-man midfield alongside Fabregas.
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