No one has ever questioned the ability of this Arsenal team. But I've often questioned its character. Against Barcelona, however, they showed a lot of fight. And, despite the common complaints about a lack of experience, Arsenal's three best players were Sczcesny, Wilshere and Koscielny, none of whom had seen much top-level football before this season.
To get a win, Arsenal rode their luck, but that was expected against what is a superior side. Messi had one of his mortal nights; despite laying on Villa's opener, he missed a couple of gilt-edged chances, one in each half. At times he miscontrolled the ball (!) and at times he was too selfish when he could have played in a team mate. Bottom line, Arsenal did not shackle him, and will need to improve in this regard in order to stand a chance of progressing.
It was a fantastic game. In its almost constant stream of action, it echoed Real Madrid's visit to Highbury in 2006. As on that occasion, the scoreline does not really reflect the amount of goalmouth action. Barca will certainly feel they were worth more than one goal. As well as his two surprising misses, Messi had a goal wrongly disallowed at 1-0. Arsenal went to pieces for a spell after Villa's strike, and during this time Sczcesny had to pull off a point blank save from Pedro's flick. The Barca winger was through on goal in the second half but hesitated and allowed Koscielny to get back. Overall, Arsenal's offside trap malfunctioned too often and Djourou and Koscielny failed to strike the right balance between stepping up and tracking back. But Arsenal were never going to learn to defend brilliantly in such a short time and the players deserve a lot of credit for great work rate and, by their standards, great organisation. They are not used to playing for such long stretches without the ball; on this occasion, in contrast to the corresponding fixture last year, they looked ready for the challenge.
It is no secret that Arsenal aspire to emulating Barca's style of play. At the moment, they are no match for them in the possession stakes, but at the Emirates they showed that they can play in more than one way. Again, the contrast with last season was pronounced. Back then, Arsenal looked like they didn't know what to do on the rare occasions when they got the ball back. This time, not only did they press better, they also counter attacked in dangerous fashion. Despite the general acclaim of Barca's performance, Arsenal executed the plan pretty well throughout the game, not just late on. I've read from a few different sources that Barca were in control throughout; in possession terms, they usually were, and looked dangerous most of the time, but their control of the game was tenuous because Arsenal were often ripping them apart on the break. Total control it was not.
Arsenal had their chances too. Early on, Barca looked jittery and the home side seized on their uncertainty pretty well, without always showing the surest touch themselves in the final third. Fabregas was guilty of a few poor passes early on but he created the game's first chance. After Walcott jinked into the box, he squared to the captain, and Fabregas chipped a beautiful pass over Alves and Puyol. Van Persie blasted the bouncing ball goalwards from a tight angle but Valdes stood up well. This came after Walcott had broke and tried to set Van Persie through, slightly overhitting his pass. Just before Barca's opener, another break, instigated by the excellent Wilshere, saw Walcott play in Fabregas to the right of the area. The ball was again slightly overhit, and forced Fabregas wide. As Valdes advanced, the captain flipped the ball across towards the head of RVP, only for Abidal to make a goal-saving intervention. Soon after Villa's goal, Wilshere was at the heart of another counter attack, running beyond Barca's midfield, then playing in Van Persie. The Dutchman dithered a little, getting the ball stuck under his feet, and finally shanked his shot horribly wide.
Make no mistake, there has been some revisionism about the balance of the game. Second half, Arsenal were the better side early doors. They struggled to make a clear cut opportunity but Barca looked less authorative and were under pressure at times. Van Persie almost diverted in Nasri's low cross from the left. Pique was booked for a panicky tackle and will miss the second leg.
Then (between 65 and 70 minutes or so) there was a spell which seems to have defined most peoples' opinions of the game overall. Arsenal lost their way, looked a bit disheartened. Messi ran to the edge of the box, shot selfishly, blocked. Eboue gave the loose ball straight to Iniesta, who played a lovely slide rule pass to the Argentine. Sczcesny made himself big, and Messi could only find the side of the net. Replays suggested he could have squared for one of two team mates. Immediately, with Barca looking as dominant as they had at any point in the second half, Guardiola sent Keita on for Villa. Negative. Simultaneously, Wenger sent Arshavin on for Song. Positive.
There was no immediate effect. The game degenerated into its first real quiet spell. But, as I saw written elsewhere, you have to wonder if Iniesta would have benefitted from the removal of Alex Song, Arsenal's holding player, had the Barca prompter not been moved into the front three to accommodate Keita.
Walcott had a run at Maxwell, tried to cross, the ball rebounded out for a goal kick. This seemed to sum up the winger's night, and he was soon replaced by Bendtner. At one point Gael Clichy knocked a free kick aimlessly through to Valdes from the Arsenal half, and one wondered if the Gunners had anything left.
Then, it happened. The full back who can't buy a final ball conjured his second decent right-footed chip of the season (after his cross for Song's winner against West Ham). Van Persie had a chance out of nowhere, but was fast approaching the byeline. Bendtner made himself available for the expected cross, and Valdes shifted position slightly, moving away from his near post. Van Persie blasted the ball, cutting across it so that it zipped into the space between the post and the flummoxed goalkeeper. It was an audacious effort from a player who was having a poor night to that point. A goalkeeping mistake, too, but how many players would be good enough to take advantage of it? A ridiculous shot- never has selfishness been rewarded so handsomely.
The goal changed the atmosphere completely. Barca were not so cocky, Arsenal's tails were up, and the noise was deafening again. Arsenal had a strong few minutes, but then Djourou gave the ball away needlessly, and Barca outnumbered Arsenal in the home side's final third. Twice more, Messi messed up. First he miscontrolled, then gave the ball away. Koscielny found Bendtner, who passed inside to Wilshere. The Englishman, having the match of his young career, spotted Fabregas in space and found him with a first time pass. Fabregas took it on the turn and then, with the outside of his right foot, sent Nasri steaming down the right and into the Barca area.
First, you were sad it wasn't Walcott. Then, you were glad it wasn't Walcott. Nasri was not quite quick enough to go it alone, and Keita got back. Nasri worked his way in onto his left, and then, displaying the kind of vision poor Theo couldn't dream of, rolled a perceptive ball back and across the area for Arshavin, rushing in from the left. This was exactly the kind of chance the Russian had been spooning into row Z lately, but the Emirates pitch does not present many bobbles, and a lightning move of great passes ended with another, Arshavin cooly dispatching past Valdes and the two covering defenders. The Emirates erupted.
Predictably, with seven minutes remaining, there were moments of panic. A couple of minutes from the 90, Arsenal were opened up with horrific ease, and yet again Messi was haring at the backline. This time he played in Alves, in acres to his right, but the shot was fired straight at Sczcesny. Then in stoppage time, Arshavin bungled a header back to his keeper from Busquets' diagonal. Alves kept the ball in, squared to Messi, but the little man was crowded out, the ball was booted away, and moments later the final whistle sounded.
It was a memorable comeback but the performance was far from perfect. Maybe it's about as close as Arsenal can be to perfect at this moment in time. They hassled the opposition, they were fairly incisive and pacey, and, in the end, they took a couple of chances. You'd expect Messi to be more clinical but, to a lesser extent, Van Persie suffered from the same problem. Both sides had a lot of chances; Barca's were the clearer ones because Arsenal's high line invited passes through it. Sczcesny was confronted by Messi twice, Pedro twice, Villa and Alves; only once was the Pole beaten.
Arsenal will need to defend better, because there is no chance that Barcelona will be as wasteful again. Despite the often flowing football, a lot of the chances stemmed from Arsenal sloppiness. For the goal, Djourou and Koscielny stepped up while Clichy played Villa on. Throughout the first half, Alves was given the run of the right flank, as if Nasri was not even aware of the danger. Arsenal gave the ball away in dangerous areas aswell.
But everyone knows about Arsenal's flaws. The great significance of this game to European football overall may be to remind everyone of Barcelona's weaknesses. They have been rightly lauded ever since the tonking of Mourinho's Real Madrid, but their defence is far from impregnable and their style of play leaves them open to quick, direct counter attacks. Other sides will have taken much encouragement from the way Arsenal opened Barca up on a few occasions. Those teams may not muster the same panache that marked Arsenal's magnificent winning goal, but they may not need to- remember the way Chelsea's fast, physical forward line almost battered Barca into submission two seasons ago at Stamford Bridge. If there is anything that will scare Barca more than the pace and skill of Arsenal, it's pace and power. And how many teams in the Champions League can play better on the back foot than Arsenal? Quite a few.
As it stands, Arsenal can still hope to progress. I don't expect them to do so because of their discomfort with the defensive side of the game, which is likely to be tested even more severely at the Nou Camp. But whatever happens, Wednesday was a night to remember, a great game of football, and it was nice to take the pompous bastards down a peg or two, for now.
Friday, February 18, 2011
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Milan: How The Mighty Have Fallen
It was a big deal when Arsenal turned AC Milan over at the San Siro in 2008.
Since then, Milan's last two European Cup campaigns have now both seen home defeats to English sides. On neither occasion could they complain.
In the mid-noughties, when they were a fixture in the latter rounds of the competition, their midfield was both authorative and entertaining. The strength, brains and shooting power of Seedorf. The composed, casual string-pulling of Pirlo. The crazed tenacity of Gatusso. And, of course, the rare skills of Kaka, for a time the world's best player.
In last season's meek surrender to United, and in this season's impotent first leg performance against Spurs, the most glaring problem has been in midfield.
Against United, in the home leg, Leonardo fielded the accident-waiting-to-happen midfield trio of Beckham, Ambrosini and Pirlo, to back up a very attcking front three (Ronaldinho-Pato-Huntelaar). You didn't need to be a supposedly top-level manager to see that such a team was going to be overrun.
Strangely enough, Milan actually dominated the first half, a wretched United perhaps overly mindful of recent, fruitless trips to the San Siro. But once Ferguson's side got their act together in the second half, things suddenly looked very easy, and Rooney plundered two goals to add to Scholes' fortunate first half equaliser.
This time around, the problem has been reversed. Against United, the problem was a lack of legs. Against Spurs, Milan had Flamini, Gattuso and Thiago, three destroyers, but none of the guile that a Pirlo or even a Beckham can provide. With Seedorf withdrawn at half time, and Pato introduced, again they were left with an isolated front three, reluctant to track back and unable to establish a rapport with either of the blue-arsed flies who tried ineffectively to join them from midfield.
Robinho and Zlatan tried and failed to provide a moment of magic. Tellingly, Milan's two best chances came from set plays. Gomes twice repelled Yepes headers. But in open play, there was zero creativity. Spurs defended narrowly and in depth, and their opponents could not conjure a dangerous cross or even get into position to attempt one.
The game degenerated into an ill-tempered slugfest. Mad dog Flamini launched into a heroically stupid two-footed lunge that claimed the ball but sent Corluka flying. The Croatian had to be replaced- Gallas shifting to right back to accommodate the returning Woodgate- but still Spurs remained unruffled. Gattuso clashed with Joe Jordan on the touchline, and Crouch on the pitch, trying desperately to inspire his teammates. The visitors had abandoned the adventure of the first half in favour of sitting back and soaking up Milan's predictable attacks, and the game looked destined for ultimate deadlock, until Lennon sped away on the break, roasted the flailing Yepes at the edge of the box, and cooly slipped a pass across Nesta to Crouch, who could barely miss. His scuff was well-placed and Spurs had the away goal.
It was an assured, mature performance from Spurs, with Sandro and Palacios diligently patrolling the midfield area in which the team had previously looked too open. But it is sad to see a giant like Milan performing so poorly in Europe's premier competition, illustrating the weakness of European football in general. Spurs may see evidence that they continue to close the gap on the big guns in England- it seems likely that they will be the only North London team in the next round- but they have not had to negotiate the learning curve that this competition presented for both Man Utd and Arsenal in the past. Most of the spending power and squad strength is centred on a very small pool of European teams, which Spurs can now count themselves among. Harry Redknapp projects an underdog image but Spurs have been spending big and buying in bulk for a long time. Some might say they are overachieving now; I would argue that they were underachieving before.
Since then, Milan's last two European Cup campaigns have now both seen home defeats to English sides. On neither occasion could they complain.
In the mid-noughties, when they were a fixture in the latter rounds of the competition, their midfield was both authorative and entertaining. The strength, brains and shooting power of Seedorf. The composed, casual string-pulling of Pirlo. The crazed tenacity of Gatusso. And, of course, the rare skills of Kaka, for a time the world's best player.
In last season's meek surrender to United, and in this season's impotent first leg performance against Spurs, the most glaring problem has been in midfield.
Against United, in the home leg, Leonardo fielded the accident-waiting-to-happen midfield trio of Beckham, Ambrosini and Pirlo, to back up a very attcking front three (Ronaldinho-Pato-Huntelaar). You didn't need to be a supposedly top-level manager to see that such a team was going to be overrun.
Strangely enough, Milan actually dominated the first half, a wretched United perhaps overly mindful of recent, fruitless trips to the San Siro. But once Ferguson's side got their act together in the second half, things suddenly looked very easy, and Rooney plundered two goals to add to Scholes' fortunate first half equaliser.
This time around, the problem has been reversed. Against United, the problem was a lack of legs. Against Spurs, Milan had Flamini, Gattuso and Thiago, three destroyers, but none of the guile that a Pirlo or even a Beckham can provide. With Seedorf withdrawn at half time, and Pato introduced, again they were left with an isolated front three, reluctant to track back and unable to establish a rapport with either of the blue-arsed flies who tried ineffectively to join them from midfield.
Robinho and Zlatan tried and failed to provide a moment of magic. Tellingly, Milan's two best chances came from set plays. Gomes twice repelled Yepes headers. But in open play, there was zero creativity. Spurs defended narrowly and in depth, and their opponents could not conjure a dangerous cross or even get into position to attempt one.
The game degenerated into an ill-tempered slugfest. Mad dog Flamini launched into a heroically stupid two-footed lunge that claimed the ball but sent Corluka flying. The Croatian had to be replaced- Gallas shifting to right back to accommodate the returning Woodgate- but still Spurs remained unruffled. Gattuso clashed with Joe Jordan on the touchline, and Crouch on the pitch, trying desperately to inspire his teammates. The visitors had abandoned the adventure of the first half in favour of sitting back and soaking up Milan's predictable attacks, and the game looked destined for ultimate deadlock, until Lennon sped away on the break, roasted the flailing Yepes at the edge of the box, and cooly slipped a pass across Nesta to Crouch, who could barely miss. His scuff was well-placed and Spurs had the away goal.
It was an assured, mature performance from Spurs, with Sandro and Palacios diligently patrolling the midfield area in which the team had previously looked too open. But it is sad to see a giant like Milan performing so poorly in Europe's premier competition, illustrating the weakness of European football in general. Spurs may see evidence that they continue to close the gap on the big guns in England- it seems likely that they will be the only North London team in the next round- but they have not had to negotiate the learning curve that this competition presented for both Man Utd and Arsenal in the past. Most of the spending power and squad strength is centred on a very small pool of European teams, which Spurs can now count themselves among. Harry Redknapp projects an underdog image but Spurs have been spending big and buying in bulk for a long time. Some might say they are overachieving now; I would argue that they were underachieving before.
It Would Be Impressive.
A victory in this tie would rank as Arsenal's best ever European result.
Recent years have seen some eye-catching ones, but it's easy to pick holes with the benefit of hindsight.
MILAN at the San Siro. 2-0. 2008
This was a fantastic performance against an experienced team that had been consistently impressive in Europe for years. The season before, they had taught Manchester United a chastening lesson in the semi finals. Having been unlucky to lose an Old Trafford thriller 3-2, they passed around a passive United for fun in the second leg, an exhibition of patient possession football. Kaka, Seedorf and Gilardino blasted United out of the competition.
Nearly a year on, Arsenal basically did to Milan what Milan had done to United. After a goalless first leg dominated by the Gunners, late goals from Fabregas and Adebayor sent Arsenal into the quarter finals. In midfield, Arsenal's men outshone their Milan counterparts. Fabregas dictated brilliantly. Flamini was instrumental in defusing Kaka, while Hleb was more dangerous in his dribbles than the lauded Brazilian. It seemed a young side had come of age. In hindsight, what is more clear is that an old side had finally passed its sell-by-date. Arsenal looked like they would soon dominate England and Europe, but injuries took hold, and they bottled the title race with a run of disappointing draws. Liverpool enjoyed a mountain of luck in the quarter finals and Arsenal were out of Europe. Hleb and Flamini left in the summer, Adebayor's head was turned by interest from other clubs, and Arsenal took several steps back.
MADRID at the Bernebeau. 1-0. 2006
Arsenal played Real off the park to become the first English team to win there. Henry's solo goal a memorable moment, but Arsenal should already have had the tie decided after a litany of first half chances went begging. The second leg was an epic end to end battle, surely one of the best goalless draws ever.
Real still had Ronaldo, Zidane and Raul on the books, but they were shambolic defensively and lacking real midfield presence. The result had undoubted symbolic significance- providing the impetus for Arsenal's run to the final- but this Real team was far from a great one. As the old aura faded further, they would be knocked out by some fairly average teams in the years after 2006. They still haven't seen a quarter final since 2004.
JUVENTUS at Highbury. 2-0. 2006
Juve were dominating Serie A. We subsequently found there were some rather murky dealings involved. That took some of the shine off Arsenal's exciting first leg win, the game where Fabregas cemented his status as one of the world's very best young players.
The build-up had been all about Patrick Vieira's return, but the Frenchman, less than a year after his departure, no longer had the legs to deal with Premiership tempo football. His head must have been swimming trying to deal with the running of Reyes, Hleb and Fabregas. The Catalan opened the scoring with a near post shot, after Robert Pires, in a memorably surreal moment, produced a Vieiraesque tackle to dispossess Vieira himself. The win was sealed by Henry after a fast and flowing team move, ending with Fabregas's unselfish pass providing his self-obsessed captain with an open net. Henry proceeded to celebrate alone as if he had scored a solo goal. At the other end, Senderos was enjoying a run of form he never came close to repeating. Having excelled against Madrid in the previous round, he and Kolo Toure comfortably shackled the dual threat of Trezeguet and Ibrahimovic, both in this and in a rather dull, goalless second leg.
Recent years have seen some eye-catching ones, but it's easy to pick holes with the benefit of hindsight.
MILAN at the San Siro. 2-0. 2008
This was a fantastic performance against an experienced team that had been consistently impressive in Europe for years. The season before, they had taught Manchester United a chastening lesson in the semi finals. Having been unlucky to lose an Old Trafford thriller 3-2, they passed around a passive United for fun in the second leg, an exhibition of patient possession football. Kaka, Seedorf and Gilardino blasted United out of the competition.
Nearly a year on, Arsenal basically did to Milan what Milan had done to United. After a goalless first leg dominated by the Gunners, late goals from Fabregas and Adebayor sent Arsenal into the quarter finals. In midfield, Arsenal's men outshone their Milan counterparts. Fabregas dictated brilliantly. Flamini was instrumental in defusing Kaka, while Hleb was more dangerous in his dribbles than the lauded Brazilian. It seemed a young side had come of age. In hindsight, what is more clear is that an old side had finally passed its sell-by-date. Arsenal looked like they would soon dominate England and Europe, but injuries took hold, and they bottled the title race with a run of disappointing draws. Liverpool enjoyed a mountain of luck in the quarter finals and Arsenal were out of Europe. Hleb and Flamini left in the summer, Adebayor's head was turned by interest from other clubs, and Arsenal took several steps back.
MADRID at the Bernebeau. 1-0. 2006
Arsenal played Real off the park to become the first English team to win there. Henry's solo goal a memorable moment, but Arsenal should already have had the tie decided after a litany of first half chances went begging. The second leg was an epic end to end battle, surely one of the best goalless draws ever.
Real still had Ronaldo, Zidane and Raul on the books, but they were shambolic defensively and lacking real midfield presence. The result had undoubted symbolic significance- providing the impetus for Arsenal's run to the final- but this Real team was far from a great one. As the old aura faded further, they would be knocked out by some fairly average teams in the years after 2006. They still haven't seen a quarter final since 2004.
JUVENTUS at Highbury. 2-0. 2006
Juve were dominating Serie A. We subsequently found there were some rather murky dealings involved. That took some of the shine off Arsenal's exciting first leg win, the game where Fabregas cemented his status as one of the world's very best young players.
The build-up had been all about Patrick Vieira's return, but the Frenchman, less than a year after his departure, no longer had the legs to deal with Premiership tempo football. His head must have been swimming trying to deal with the running of Reyes, Hleb and Fabregas. The Catalan opened the scoring with a near post shot, after Robert Pires, in a memorably surreal moment, produced a Vieiraesque tackle to dispossess Vieira himself. The win was sealed by Henry after a fast and flowing team move, ending with Fabregas's unselfish pass providing his self-obsessed captain with an open net. Henry proceeded to celebrate alone as if he had scored a solo goal. At the other end, Senderos was enjoying a run of form he never came close to repeating. Having excelled against Madrid in the previous round, he and Kolo Toure comfortably shackled the dual threat of Trezeguet and Ibrahimovic, both in this and in a rather dull, goalless second leg.
To Press or Not To Press
It's easy to speculate on ways that Barcelona may be stopped. The execution of the plan is a different thing altogether.
They have ran into trouble in the Champions League against teams that defended deep. Inter last year. Chelsea, despite ultimate defeat, in 2009. Manchester United in 2008. It is highly questionable, however, whether Arsenal could play effectively in such a manner. They are not accustomed to soaking up pressure and playing on the break. Most of the time, in the Premiership, they are the team with the majority of possession.
Fact is, any "plan" may well go out the window. Last season, there was no plan to sit back. Barca's brilliance pinned Arsenal back. This time, Arsenal need to be a little more ready, if possible, for such a scenario.
It's a long time since Arsenal could have been termed a counter-attacking team, though Walcott's pace and Arshavin's directness do offer the opportunity to spring quickly. They are more likely to try to break up Barca's passing high up the pitch. The Chelsea game ought to be the blueprint. But Barcelona, needless to say, pass the ball a lot better than Chelsea, or anyone else. And just as they are used to teams sitting deep, they are also used to passing under intense pressure, and playing through it.
When Real went to the Nou Camp this season, Mourinho changed up, perhaps believing that the players at his disposal could not defend the Inter had the season before. Real played a high line and tried to press, and got absolutely roasted. David Villa revelled in the green grass behind Carvalho and co, and Messi, Xavi and Iniesta all found time and space to pick defence-splitting passes. In other words, it's well and good to simply suggest that Arsenal should push up and put Barca's midfield under intense pressure, but without energy, organisation and controlled aggression, it could backfire spectacularly.
When it comes to the defensive side of the game, Jose Mourinho is clearly a better organiser than Arsene Wenger. Yet his team were hammered. The only hope for Arsenal fans is that their attack will prove more potent than Madrid's did, and make the most of the opportunities they will get against Barca's vulnerable backline.
At least Messi won't be running at Sylvestre, as in the second leg of last season's tie, but at an Arsenal defence that has looked more assured of late (with the disturbing exception of the St. James' Park debacle, when, in fairness, Squillaci's introduction and the absence of Song in front of the defence clearly bred panic).
There would be no shame in losing to this Barcelona team. And in football, as they always say, anything can happen. It's often forgotten that, despite their depleted line-up, Arsenal actually briefly led last year's tie beyond its halfway point.
They have ran into trouble in the Champions League against teams that defended deep. Inter last year. Chelsea, despite ultimate defeat, in 2009. Manchester United in 2008. It is highly questionable, however, whether Arsenal could play effectively in such a manner. They are not accustomed to soaking up pressure and playing on the break. Most of the time, in the Premiership, they are the team with the majority of possession.
Fact is, any "plan" may well go out the window. Last season, there was no plan to sit back. Barca's brilliance pinned Arsenal back. This time, Arsenal need to be a little more ready, if possible, for such a scenario.
It's a long time since Arsenal could have been termed a counter-attacking team, though Walcott's pace and Arshavin's directness do offer the opportunity to spring quickly. They are more likely to try to break up Barca's passing high up the pitch. The Chelsea game ought to be the blueprint. But Barcelona, needless to say, pass the ball a lot better than Chelsea, or anyone else. And just as they are used to teams sitting deep, they are also used to passing under intense pressure, and playing through it.
When Real went to the Nou Camp this season, Mourinho changed up, perhaps believing that the players at his disposal could not defend the Inter had the season before. Real played a high line and tried to press, and got absolutely roasted. David Villa revelled in the green grass behind Carvalho and co, and Messi, Xavi and Iniesta all found time and space to pick defence-splitting passes. In other words, it's well and good to simply suggest that Arsenal should push up and put Barca's midfield under intense pressure, but without energy, organisation and controlled aggression, it could backfire spectacularly.
When it comes to the defensive side of the game, Jose Mourinho is clearly a better organiser than Arsene Wenger. Yet his team were hammered. The only hope for Arsenal fans is that their attack will prove more potent than Madrid's did, and make the most of the opportunities they will get against Barca's vulnerable backline.
At least Messi won't be running at Sylvestre, as in the second leg of last season's tie, but at an Arsenal defence that has looked more assured of late (with the disturbing exception of the St. James' Park debacle, when, in fairness, Squillaci's introduction and the absence of Song in front of the defence clearly bred panic).
There would be no shame in losing to this Barcelona team. And in football, as they always say, anything can happen. It's often forgotten that, despite their depleted line-up, Arsenal actually briefly led last year's tie beyond its halfway point.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Don't Get Your Hopes Up
Barca preview? I have little option but to echo much of what I said last season.
Barcelona are better in every aspect. Better with the ball, better without. More skilful, more organised, more dynamic, more tactically adept. They have a more experienced goalkeeper and a better defence. They are better at creating and taking chances.
They have the best player in the world. Backed up by the best passer.
This is the best Barcelona team of all time. Some suggest, without even waiting for the benefit of hindsight, that they are the greatest club side ever. Arsenal? This Arsenal side isn't even close to Wenger's best. And Wenger's best would have struggled against this Barca team.
Ok, they have weaknesses. But are Arsenal equipped to exploit them?
Everyone knows they are the team to beat. But Arsenal see them as the team to be. That is why I see little hope. The 'Barcelona lite' accusation may seem a little trite but there is a definite ring of truth to it. Arsenal at their best are Oasis to Barca's Beatles.
Wenger likes to talk up the team's growing maturity but such talk rings hollow when they are finding new, sick ways to enter the record books. A team that throws away a four goal lead against a distinctly average opponent like Newcastle does not deserve to be seen a serious challenge to Barca.
Arsenal have only one way to play. They will not suddenly devise some tactical masterplan. They will try to play the way they always try to play. You could say, quite simply, that Barca play the same way, much better, and that's why they'll win. But it's not quite that simple. Barca don't just have more talented players, but they will work harder to stop Arsenal playing than vice versa. Their high-energy pressing is surely a big reason why their ostensibly vulnerable defence is never quite shown up as you'd expect it might be. A great irony is that, as I recall, Graeme Souness followed up Liverpool's tonking of Real Madrid a few season's back with the assertion that continental teams cannot match Premiership tempo. At the Emirates last year, Arsenal were so defused by Barca's ferocious early pressing that they literally couldn't get out of their own half, and could have been four or five down inside twenty minutes.
Are Arsenal in better shape than they were for last season's quarter final? Probably. Last season, Van Persie was not banging goals in as he is now, not even fit in fact. In the course of last year's tie, Arsenal were decimated by injury and suspension. Gallas limped out of the first leg early, leaving Song to partner Vermaelen, and that uncertain marriage helped yield two goals for Ibrahimovic. The defence now has a new look to it. Djourou and Koscielny look solid together, though, needless to say, they haven't faced anything like this test.
Not to downgrade Messi's second leg magic, but that game saw Arsenal shorn of Song, Fabregas, Arshavin, Gallas and Van Persie. Such depletion seems unlikely this time, and so the Gunners ought to give a better account of themselves. Nasri should be back in time to play a part in the second leg, too.
REASONS TO BE FEARFUL
Sagna suspended. The notoriously headless Eboue waits in the wings. Sagna's consistency is at odds with the unpredictability of the team in general, and his understudy in particular. Nasri's flashes of brilliance have stolen the plaudits, but Sagna may be Arsenal's player of the season so far.
Walcott's progress is a cause for cautious optimism. Despite the rough edges of his game, he turned out to be Arsenal's most potent weapon against Barca last season. He has developed enough for fans to expect a more substantial contribution this time. Barca like to push high up the pitch and there ought to be space for Walcott to speed into. If someone can release him.
Fabregas has had a relatively disappointing season. He remains by a distance Arsenal's best player. Last season's first leg saw the captain playing too close to Bendtner, unable to exert any influence in a midfield that Barcelona absolutely dominated. It was clear that he was not fully fit. When Arsenal get the ball, which may not be as often as they are used to, it might pay to be a little more direct, to try and release Walcott early.
Of course, it might turn out that the visitors are better prepared for Walcott's pace this time. And he may be hindered somewhat by the absence of the rock-solid Sagna on the same flank.
Overall, neutrals may be tempted to wheel out the term "mouthwatering" for a match that will pit Fabregas and Wilshere against Xavi and Iniesta, Van Persie against Messi, and so on. The truth is, Barca would have more reason to be worried if Arsenal were able to steal Mascherano for the night. Arsenal don't have the bite or the bloodymindedness of the teams that have troubled Barca in recent times. Barca know that Arsenal will try to play and they will be anticipating an enjoyable night.
Barcelona are better in every aspect. Better with the ball, better without. More skilful, more organised, more dynamic, more tactically adept. They have a more experienced goalkeeper and a better defence. They are better at creating and taking chances.
They have the best player in the world. Backed up by the best passer.
This is the best Barcelona team of all time. Some suggest, without even waiting for the benefit of hindsight, that they are the greatest club side ever. Arsenal? This Arsenal side isn't even close to Wenger's best. And Wenger's best would have struggled against this Barca team.
Ok, they have weaknesses. But are Arsenal equipped to exploit them?
Everyone knows they are the team to beat. But Arsenal see them as the team to be. That is why I see little hope. The 'Barcelona lite' accusation may seem a little trite but there is a definite ring of truth to it. Arsenal at their best are Oasis to Barca's Beatles.
Wenger likes to talk up the team's growing maturity but such talk rings hollow when they are finding new, sick ways to enter the record books. A team that throws away a four goal lead against a distinctly average opponent like Newcastle does not deserve to be seen a serious challenge to Barca.
Arsenal have only one way to play. They will not suddenly devise some tactical masterplan. They will try to play the way they always try to play. You could say, quite simply, that Barca play the same way, much better, and that's why they'll win. But it's not quite that simple. Barca don't just have more talented players, but they will work harder to stop Arsenal playing than vice versa. Their high-energy pressing is surely a big reason why their ostensibly vulnerable defence is never quite shown up as you'd expect it might be. A great irony is that, as I recall, Graeme Souness followed up Liverpool's tonking of Real Madrid a few season's back with the assertion that continental teams cannot match Premiership tempo. At the Emirates last year, Arsenal were so defused by Barca's ferocious early pressing that they literally couldn't get out of their own half, and could have been four or five down inside twenty minutes.
Are Arsenal in better shape than they were for last season's quarter final? Probably. Last season, Van Persie was not banging goals in as he is now, not even fit in fact. In the course of last year's tie, Arsenal were decimated by injury and suspension. Gallas limped out of the first leg early, leaving Song to partner Vermaelen, and that uncertain marriage helped yield two goals for Ibrahimovic. The defence now has a new look to it. Djourou and Koscielny look solid together, though, needless to say, they haven't faced anything like this test.
Not to downgrade Messi's second leg magic, but that game saw Arsenal shorn of Song, Fabregas, Arshavin, Gallas and Van Persie. Such depletion seems unlikely this time, and so the Gunners ought to give a better account of themselves. Nasri should be back in time to play a part in the second leg, too.
REASONS TO BE FEARFUL
Sagna suspended. The notoriously headless Eboue waits in the wings. Sagna's consistency is at odds with the unpredictability of the team in general, and his understudy in particular. Nasri's flashes of brilliance have stolen the plaudits, but Sagna may be Arsenal's player of the season so far.
Walcott's progress is a cause for cautious optimism. Despite the rough edges of his game, he turned out to be Arsenal's most potent weapon against Barca last season. He has developed enough for fans to expect a more substantial contribution this time. Barca like to push high up the pitch and there ought to be space for Walcott to speed into. If someone can release him.
Fabregas has had a relatively disappointing season. He remains by a distance Arsenal's best player. Last season's first leg saw the captain playing too close to Bendtner, unable to exert any influence in a midfield that Barcelona absolutely dominated. It was clear that he was not fully fit. When Arsenal get the ball, which may not be as often as they are used to, it might pay to be a little more direct, to try and release Walcott early.
Of course, it might turn out that the visitors are better prepared for Walcott's pace this time. And he may be hindered somewhat by the absence of the rock-solid Sagna on the same flank.
Overall, neutrals may be tempted to wheel out the term "mouthwatering" for a match that will pit Fabregas and Wilshere against Xavi and Iniesta, Van Persie against Messi, and so on. The truth is, Barca would have more reason to be worried if Arsenal were able to steal Mascherano for the night. Arsenal don't have the bite or the bloodymindedness of the teams that have troubled Barca in recent times. Barca know that Arsenal will try to play and they will be anticipating an enjoyable night.
Arsenal 2-0 Wolves, 4 points remains the gap
A routine win, after the debacle at Newcastle, and before the daunting fixture against Barcelona.
Van Persie has added a lot since his return. In trademark fashion, he has embarked on a goal glut. In just nine league starts, he now has ten goals. His two in this game were impressive in differing ways.
The first came from Fabregas's dink into the box. Van Persie executed an impressive right foot volley into the bottom corner. The Dutchman now scores plenty of goals with his "weaker" foot.
The goal that killed the game was a fine breakaway effort, a move full of first time passes, starting at the edge of Arsenal's penalty area and ending in the back of the Wolves net. Fabregas swivelled to release Walcott, his cross was instant and the frontman's finish emphatic.
Overall, the game was a satisfactorily quiet build-up to Barca. Djourou's quick return will have settled a lot of nerves. Wolves barely threatened- would that have been the case with Squillaci on the pitch?
With Barca labouring to a 1-1 draw at Sporting Gijon, maybe some of the Fear Factor around the impending Champions League tie will evaporate. Arsenal can ill afford to hold their visitors in awe, even if that may be what they deserve.
The only pity for Arsenal on this weekend was that Wayne Rooney's astonishing overhead kick in the Manchester derby had a very decisive feel to it. Not only did it win a big, difficult game for United, it maintained breathing space between them and the chasing pack led by Arsenal. I've never felt that Arsenal had much of a chance; Rooney's piece of long-awaited magic cemented that feeling.
Van Persie has added a lot since his return. In trademark fashion, he has embarked on a goal glut. In just nine league starts, he now has ten goals. His two in this game were impressive in differing ways.
The first came from Fabregas's dink into the box. Van Persie executed an impressive right foot volley into the bottom corner. The Dutchman now scores plenty of goals with his "weaker" foot.
The goal that killed the game was a fine breakaway effort, a move full of first time passes, starting at the edge of Arsenal's penalty area and ending in the back of the Wolves net. Fabregas swivelled to release Walcott, his cross was instant and the frontman's finish emphatic.
Overall, the game was a satisfactorily quiet build-up to Barca. Djourou's quick return will have settled a lot of nerves. Wolves barely threatened- would that have been the case with Squillaci on the pitch?
With Barca labouring to a 1-1 draw at Sporting Gijon, maybe some of the Fear Factor around the impending Champions League tie will evaporate. Arsenal can ill afford to hold their visitors in awe, even if that may be what they deserve.
The only pity for Arsenal on this weekend was that Wayne Rooney's astonishing overhead kick in the Manchester derby had a very decisive feel to it. Not only did it win a big, difficult game for United, it maintained breathing space between them and the chasing pack led by Arsenal. I've never felt that Arsenal had much of a chance; Rooney's piece of long-awaited magic cemented that feeling.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
The Crumbliest, Flakiest Team in the World
Newcastle - Arsenal
half time: 0-4
full time: 4-4
Where to begin.
A few things contributed to this unprecedented collapse.
INJURIES
With Song and Denilson out, Diaby was the only option as the more defensively-minded midfielder. When Djourou broke down early in the second half, the disastrous Squillaci was the only possible replacement.
DIABY'S STUPIDITY
Barton's challenge was a work of evil genius. He was less likely to face censure having taken a route through the ball to hit Diaby. He got the ball, kept going, hit Diaby hard. The Frenchman has been no stranger to damaging challenges, and Barton knew he could ruffle his feathers. Diaby lost the rag and a different game started. Newcastle had an extra man. They could not fail to outmuscle Arsenal's powder puff midfield. And they could launch attacks at the notoriously rickety pairing of Koscielny and Squillaci. Beside Djourou, Koscielny has looked impressive. Beside the toxic Squillaci, he has been dragged down to an appalling level of ineptitude.
IDIOTIC DEFENDING
Koscielny served notice of the impending meltdown with a jaw-droppingly stupid foul to give away the first penalty. There was no need to tackle so aggressively when the Newcastle player's back was to goal. Just stupid. Though there were only 23 minutes of normal time to go, Newcastle were heartened by the goal. They know, as everyone does, that Arsenal always give you a chance. Still, 4-1, 23 minutes, surely not... Gael Clichy is outmuscled by Best who slots for 4-2 with fifteen minutes or so left. Game on.
INEPT REFEREEING
To be fair, at 4-1, Best was denied a legitimate goal by an offside flag. He was yards onside. But the decision for Newcastle's second penalty was mind-boggling. Twice in a week, Arsenal were victims of one of the worst decisions you will ever see. After Saha's goal, they were able to recover. This time, they were in front, but crumbling.
WEIRD SHIT
Tiote will never score another goal like that. Sometimes there is that weird atmosphere to a game, and anything can happen. The crowd sucked that goal in.
PROFITS OVER PRIZES
Arsene Wenger should have signed a centre back. Just like he should have signed a centre forward last January. He cares more about balancing the books than he does about winning the Premiership. Or else he is hopelessly deluded.
Conclusions
I am embarrassed to be an Arsenal fan.
Arsenal have a nice run of league games coming up, but if you can't close out a game you lead 4-0, clearly the concept of 'easy' has ceased to apply.
Manchester United will be Champions this season. FACT. Their loss against Wolves is relevant only in denying them the chance to finish a campaign unbeaten (praise Allah).
half time: 0-4
full time: 4-4
Where to begin.
A few things contributed to this unprecedented collapse.
INJURIES
With Song and Denilson out, Diaby was the only option as the more defensively-minded midfielder. When Djourou broke down early in the second half, the disastrous Squillaci was the only possible replacement.
DIABY'S STUPIDITY
Barton's challenge was a work of evil genius. He was less likely to face censure having taken a route through the ball to hit Diaby. He got the ball, kept going, hit Diaby hard. The Frenchman has been no stranger to damaging challenges, and Barton knew he could ruffle his feathers. Diaby lost the rag and a different game started. Newcastle had an extra man. They could not fail to outmuscle Arsenal's powder puff midfield. And they could launch attacks at the notoriously rickety pairing of Koscielny and Squillaci. Beside Djourou, Koscielny has looked impressive. Beside the toxic Squillaci, he has been dragged down to an appalling level of ineptitude.
IDIOTIC DEFENDING
Koscielny served notice of the impending meltdown with a jaw-droppingly stupid foul to give away the first penalty. There was no need to tackle so aggressively when the Newcastle player's back was to goal. Just stupid. Though there were only 23 minutes of normal time to go, Newcastle were heartened by the goal. They know, as everyone does, that Arsenal always give you a chance. Still, 4-1, 23 minutes, surely not... Gael Clichy is outmuscled by Best who slots for 4-2 with fifteen minutes or so left. Game on.
INEPT REFEREEING
To be fair, at 4-1, Best was denied a legitimate goal by an offside flag. He was yards onside. But the decision for Newcastle's second penalty was mind-boggling. Twice in a week, Arsenal were victims of one of the worst decisions you will ever see. After Saha's goal, they were able to recover. This time, they were in front, but crumbling.
WEIRD SHIT
Tiote will never score another goal like that. Sometimes there is that weird atmosphere to a game, and anything can happen. The crowd sucked that goal in.
PROFITS OVER PRIZES
Arsene Wenger should have signed a centre back. Just like he should have signed a centre forward last January. He cares more about balancing the books than he does about winning the Premiership. Or else he is hopelessly deluded.
Conclusions
I am embarrassed to be an Arsenal fan.
Arsenal have a nice run of league games coming up, but if you can't close out a game you lead 4-0, clearly the concept of 'easy' has ceased to apply.
Manchester United will be Champions this season. FACT. Their loss against Wolves is relevant only in denying them the chance to finish a campaign unbeaten (praise Allah).
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