What is it? Its what Mourinho has a tendency to do at every club he's at. He creates a 'siege-mentality' around the club which fuels his teams. 'Decisions constantly go against us', 'no one wants us to succeed', these are the kind of things that are said to the media. It's exactly what he did at Chelsea and his teams thrived in the mission to prove their apparent doubters wrong, winning two league titles.
At his next club, Inter Milan, he simply made himself the most hated man in Italian football. His players again responded on the pitch. They won the league in Mourinho's first season and then, in the following one, won an unprecedented treble. It was another masterstroke by the intelligent yet extremely narcissistic manager.
I think that this season, Arsene Wenger has used this technique more than ever. In the past few weeks, Wenger has been attacked from all angles and by all manner of people. Managers, former referees and washed-up pundits have all stepped up to have their own digs at Le Boss for his opinions on tackles and (a lack of) protection from referees. The reaction by gunners fans everywhere has been fantastic. Everyone has rallied behind Wenger in his defense. Blogs everywhere have went about dismantling the attacks of Allardyce and Coyle in impressive fashion. But you'd have to wonder what the players make of it all?
Surely some of them listen to the news and read the papers so they all must have found out how their manager has been criticized in the weeks gone by. So, could you call the results against Blackburn, Bolton and Braga a showing of allegiance to Wenger and his beliefs? I'd like to think so and I hope it continues.
Another man has also been in the media limelight: Cesc Fabregas. He's has had his commitment to the cause doubted and he and the players have responded in the right manner. The way he played against Braga showed how much he still loves the club and how much he wants to succeed here. The statement from Clichy mid-week showed that the squad also believes this.
While the latter isn't an example of the Mourinho Factor, it could still have the same effect on the team. A mental resilience that was lacking last season in the big games could be instilled through the adversary we've faced so far. Perhaps the cirumstances weren't right for this young team to succeed last season. There wasn't a major issue for the boys to respond to early enough in the season. The response when Ramsey was scythed down was admirable but we had already lost twice to Man United and Chelsea by then.
We won't really know where the team is mentally until the final whistle blows in the match against Chelsea. But there are small signs starting to show that this team is ready to lift trophies.
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Arsenal Begin To Hit Full Flow
Arsenal 4 Bolton 1
There were a lot of positives to take from the match yesterday. We cruised to a comfortable victory with a lot of individuals putting in encouraging displays. But I want to get the negatives out of the way first.
The referee, Stuart Atwell, had a nightmare. He missed an awful lot of incidents yesterday, one of which cost Bolton their best centre-back, and just seemed completely out of his depth. And even without Cahill's sending off, Bolton could have very easily finished the game with even less than 10 men. How Kevin Davies stayed on the field after consecutive, late challenges on Rosicky and Wilshere is beyond me. He only got booked for the second one which could very easily have been a red on its own.
Then in the second half he missed a foul by Song on the edge of the Arsenal penalty area. Not to be harsh on Song or anything, but it was a blatant trip. Then the ball came to Chamakh on the sideline and he flicked a beautiful pass through the legs of Cahill and onto Arshavin, getting clattered by the Bolton player in the process. A tackle from behind is a red card so, in my opinion there was no debate. However, it shouldn't have happened because it should have been a free-kick to Bolton.
The worst one of all though was Robinson's foul on Diaby. It was an horrendous challenge. Over the ball, studs up and right into Diaby's leg. If Diaby hadn't managed to get his weight off his leg, it would have snapped. And Atwell didn't even dish out a booking. Idiot.
Anyway to the positives of the match. First of all I want to mention and really hard working performance by Arshavin. He was constantly moving along Bolton's backline and gave them a torrid time. Chamakh grew into the game as it progressed and scored with a powerful header. Almunia had the jitters at times with a few back passes but looked okay after that. Squillaci gave a good account of himself but probably needs a couple of more games to get into the full swing of things. His partner Koscielny had one bad header back to Almunia that lead to the goal but apart from that was pretty good. Fabregas wasn't his brilliant best but set up three goals and some other good chances all the same. Song had the unusual role of driving forward from midfield and scored an excellent goal.
My man of the match would have to go to Rosicky. He was on fire and covered the whole pitch despite being picked on the right of the front three. His pass to Arshavin early on was world-class and I think that he is getting back to his world-class best. He's had an electric start to the season and I hope that this isn't a false dawn and that his form continues like this. Because if it does he'll be impossible to keep out of the side.
Next up is the Portuguese side Braga in the Champions League. They knocked out Celtic and Sevilla in the qualifiers so they obviously have some pedigree. Our next game after that is Sunderland away in the league. Last season we went there with a major interlull hangover having lost Van Persie for 5 months and with Bendtner also out, had no one to spearhead the attack.
Anyway it's Braga next and a win would build the foundations for qualification to the next stage. Hopefully Diaby's injury isn't serious and no one else picked up any injuries this weekend.
There were a lot of positives to take from the match yesterday. We cruised to a comfortable victory with a lot of individuals putting in encouraging displays. But I want to get the negatives out of the way first.
The referee, Stuart Atwell, had a nightmare. He missed an awful lot of incidents yesterday, one of which cost Bolton their best centre-back, and just seemed completely out of his depth. And even without Cahill's sending off, Bolton could have very easily finished the game with even less than 10 men. How Kevin Davies stayed on the field after consecutive, late challenges on Rosicky and Wilshere is beyond me. He only got booked for the second one which could very easily have been a red on its own.
Then in the second half he missed a foul by Song on the edge of the Arsenal penalty area. Not to be harsh on Song or anything, but it was a blatant trip. Then the ball came to Chamakh on the sideline and he flicked a beautiful pass through the legs of Cahill and onto Arshavin, getting clattered by the Bolton player in the process. A tackle from behind is a red card so, in my opinion there was no debate. However, it shouldn't have happened because it should have been a free-kick to Bolton.
The worst one of all though was Robinson's foul on Diaby. It was an horrendous challenge. Over the ball, studs up and right into Diaby's leg. If Diaby hadn't managed to get his weight off his leg, it would have snapped. And Atwell didn't even dish out a booking. Idiot.
Anyway to the positives of the match. First of all I want to mention and really hard working performance by Arshavin. He was constantly moving along Bolton's backline and gave them a torrid time. Chamakh grew into the game as it progressed and scored with a powerful header. Almunia had the jitters at times with a few back passes but looked okay after that. Squillaci gave a good account of himself but probably needs a couple of more games to get into the full swing of things. His partner Koscielny had one bad header back to Almunia that lead to the goal but apart from that was pretty good. Fabregas wasn't his brilliant best but set up three goals and some other good chances all the same. Song had the unusual role of driving forward from midfield and scored an excellent goal.
My man of the match would have to go to Rosicky. He was on fire and covered the whole pitch despite being picked on the right of the front three. His pass to Arshavin early on was world-class and I think that he is getting back to his world-class best. He's had an electric start to the season and I hope that this isn't a false dawn and that his form continues like this. Because if it does he'll be impossible to keep out of the side.
Next up is the Portuguese side Braga in the Champions League. They knocked out Celtic and Sevilla in the qualifiers so they obviously have some pedigree. Our next game after that is Sunderland away in the league. Last season we went there with a major interlull hangover having lost Van Persie for 5 months and with Bendtner also out, had no one to spearhead the attack.
Anyway it's Braga next and a win would build the foundations for qualification to the next stage. Hopefully Diaby's injury isn't serious and no one else picked up any injuries this weekend.
Friday, September 10, 2010
Different Day, Same Old S***
Wenger did his press conference today so before the Bolton preview lets start with some injury news. Over the course of the international break, two of our players collected injuries while it was announced that Van Persie would be out for six weeks with the ankle injury he picked up against Blackburn. Walcott got a similar injury to the Dutchman and consequently will be out for a similar period of time while Vermaelen picked up a small achilles injury that should see him return for Wednesday's Champions League fixture against Braga.
I have to mention Van Persie. He's injured again and a lot of people are becoming frustrated with the time he has spent on the sidelines. Some have even said he should be sold and another, more reliable striker brought in. I think that's knee-jerk reaction but I also think it has come to the stage, with Robin, where we can't build the team around him. In my opinion, he is, on a technical level, the best striker in the world. His touch is second to none and there isn't a more graceful player in world football. But you can't rely on his fitness holding up and the stats back that up. Robin has yet to start 30 Premier League games in one season and the most starts he's ever had in all competitions for a full season is 38. That's all he's mustered since he signed with the gunners back in 2004 and it makes for sad reading. I do, however, have a theory on how he could increase the amount of games he plays for us.
When you look past his latest injury and study the others, you have to say a lot of them have come while he's on international duty. I don't know why that happens but you only need to look to last season to find the one that left out for half a year. It makes me think that he should retire from international football but I doubt it will happen anytime soon.
Anyway, on to the Bolton game. With Bendtner also out injured, Chamakh will continue up front.
Wenger has also confirmed that Squillaci will make his full debut at the back in place of TV5. And with Kevin Davies in close attendance, I'm sure he'll learn a lot about the Premier League this weekend. Walcott's injury presents a good opportunity for Rosicky to stake his claim as a place on the bench seems more likely for the fit again Samir Nasri. Denilson and Djourou are also in contention for the squad.
Looking at Bolton, they have more than enough to cause a few headaches for us. Davies will certainly test out our brand new, if temporary, central defensive partnership. Martin Petrov down the wings could cause a few nightmares as well. Sagna should hold his own against him but its been a while since Clichy has put a good winger in his back pocket so he'll probably operate there. Saying that, Bolton will come to defend and will look to the two aforementioned players to relieve pressure on the backline and to counter-attack.
Last season, Owen Coyle's teams certainly made us work for our points and he's no stranger to getting results against us in his Burnley days. But I fully expect a home win. Obviously we'll have the usual jitters at the back from set-pieces but we normally dominate possession at home so those Bolton threats should be rare and far between. I'm thinking 2, maybe even 3-0, with Fabregas to get off the mark for the season.
I have to mention Van Persie. He's injured again and a lot of people are becoming frustrated with the time he has spent on the sidelines. Some have even said he should be sold and another, more reliable striker brought in. I think that's knee-jerk reaction but I also think it has come to the stage, with Robin, where we can't build the team around him. In my opinion, he is, on a technical level, the best striker in the world. His touch is second to none and there isn't a more graceful player in world football. But you can't rely on his fitness holding up and the stats back that up. Robin has yet to start 30 Premier League games in one season and the most starts he's ever had in all competitions for a full season is 38. That's all he's mustered since he signed with the gunners back in 2004 and it makes for sad reading. I do, however, have a theory on how he could increase the amount of games he plays for us.
When you look past his latest injury and study the others, you have to say a lot of them have come while he's on international duty. I don't know why that happens but you only need to look to last season to find the one that left out for half a year. It makes me think that he should retire from international football but I doubt it will happen anytime soon.
Anyway, on to the Bolton game. With Bendtner also out injured, Chamakh will continue up front.
Wenger has also confirmed that Squillaci will make his full debut at the back in place of TV5. And with Kevin Davies in close attendance, I'm sure he'll learn a lot about the Premier League this weekend. Walcott's injury presents a good opportunity for Rosicky to stake his claim as a place on the bench seems more likely for the fit again Samir Nasri. Denilson and Djourou are also in contention for the squad.
Looking at Bolton, they have more than enough to cause a few headaches for us. Davies will certainly test out our brand new, if temporary, central defensive partnership. Martin Petrov down the wings could cause a few nightmares as well. Sagna should hold his own against him but its been a while since Clichy has put a good winger in his back pocket so he'll probably operate there. Saying that, Bolton will come to defend and will look to the two aforementioned players to relieve pressure on the backline and to counter-attack.
Last season, Owen Coyle's teams certainly made us work for our points and he's no stranger to getting results against us in his Burnley days. But I fully expect a home win. Obviously we'll have the usual jitters at the back from set-pieces but we normally dominate possession at home so those Bolton threats should be rare and far between. I'm thinking 2, maybe even 3-0, with Fabregas to get off the mark for the season.
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Arsenal Come Through Blackburn Test
Blackburn 1 Arsenal 2
So it wasn't as comfortable as my first impressions might have suggested but Arsenal battled through a competitive encounter at Ewood Park to take top spot in the Premier League. Andrey Arshavin's sweet finish early in the second half was enough to secure the win.
The first half was particularly tough with Blackburn arguably walking down the tunnel at half-time on top. They gave everything in the first 45 minutes to try and disrupt Arsenal and it worked. Blackburn and particularly Samba seriously threatened from set-pieces culminating in Fabregas clearing a Ryan Nelson header off the line. But we were also dangerous and were unlucky not to take the lead when Diaby's goal-bound shot deflected off of a Blackburn defender and Robinson's shin and was then cleared. We took the lead on 20 minutes. Van Persie slipped a lovely ball into Walcott on the inside-right and he made no mistake as he buried a low shot across Paul Robinson that nestled in the bottom, left-hand corner.
Then, a disastrous six-minute period around the half-hour mark saw us lose the lead and the talismatic Van Persie. The goal came first as Christopher Samba came storming out of defence to slip a ball down the left wing to El-Hadji Diouf. Koscielny came across to cover but was completely out-muscled by Diouf who then squared to his namesake, and Man United loanee, Mame Biram Diouf to tuck home. This was followed by Van Persie limping off after earlier sustaining a knock in a challenge with Phil Jones. Arsene Wenger explained after the match that it appeared to be a twisted ankle and if it was, he would be out for 10 days. The international break couldn't come at a more advantageous time for us.
Chamakh came on and took up the task of marking Samba when he came forward for corners and throw-ins. I have to say I was very impressed with how effectively he dealt with him. Everytime a ball came into the box, Chamakh simply grappled with Samba, not allowing him to jump, which made it much easier for everyone else to clear the ball.
The second half seemed to breeze by once we grabbed the goal five minutes in. And what a lovely goal it was. Some neat build-up play released Sagna down the wing. He cut the ball back to Fabregas who blasted the ball off of Walcott. It broke to Arshavin, he made no mistake.
As the game progressed, Blackburn tired and Arsenal took control. A David Dunn shot that Almunia gathered is the only chance I can remember for the home side in the second period. Sam Allardyce's side did launch a few balls into the box towards the end but we just about managed to deal with them. Wilshere, a 82nd minute substitute for Arshavin, did have a wonderful opportunity to add a third in injury time but he lost his footing at the crucial time.
Overall I'm satisfied with the three points. We battled hard and always looked threatening despite losing Van Persie after half an hour. My one concern was how we struggled at times to clear out lines. We had a bit of luck defending some of the set-pieces but every team needs that at Ewood Park. I think that as we approach the international break we can be very satisfied with our haul from our three games and in the transfer market. Walcott was brilliant again and Almunia had a decent game in goals too. Hopefully the international break won't disturb us to much and we can continue on where we left off when the players return.
In other news we go to White Hart Lane in the third round of the Carling Cup so hopefully the young lads can give a better account of themselves than the last team we sent there in the tournament.
So it wasn't as comfortable as my first impressions might have suggested but Arsenal battled through a competitive encounter at Ewood Park to take top spot in the Premier League. Andrey Arshavin's sweet finish early in the second half was enough to secure the win.
The first half was particularly tough with Blackburn arguably walking down the tunnel at half-time on top. They gave everything in the first 45 minutes to try and disrupt Arsenal and it worked. Blackburn and particularly Samba seriously threatened from set-pieces culminating in Fabregas clearing a Ryan Nelson header off the line. But we were also dangerous and were unlucky not to take the lead when Diaby's goal-bound shot deflected off of a Blackburn defender and Robinson's shin and was then cleared. We took the lead on 20 minutes. Van Persie slipped a lovely ball into Walcott on the inside-right and he made no mistake as he buried a low shot across Paul Robinson that nestled in the bottom, left-hand corner.
Then, a disastrous six-minute period around the half-hour mark saw us lose the lead and the talismatic Van Persie. The goal came first as Christopher Samba came storming out of defence to slip a ball down the left wing to El-Hadji Diouf. Koscielny came across to cover but was completely out-muscled by Diouf who then squared to his namesake, and Man United loanee, Mame Biram Diouf to tuck home. This was followed by Van Persie limping off after earlier sustaining a knock in a challenge with Phil Jones. Arsene Wenger explained after the match that it appeared to be a twisted ankle and if it was, he would be out for 10 days. The international break couldn't come at a more advantageous time for us.
Chamakh came on and took up the task of marking Samba when he came forward for corners and throw-ins. I have to say I was very impressed with how effectively he dealt with him. Everytime a ball came into the box, Chamakh simply grappled with Samba, not allowing him to jump, which made it much easier for everyone else to clear the ball.
The second half seemed to breeze by once we grabbed the goal five minutes in. And what a lovely goal it was. Some neat build-up play released Sagna down the wing. He cut the ball back to Fabregas who blasted the ball off of Walcott. It broke to Arshavin, he made no mistake.
As the game progressed, Blackburn tired and Arsenal took control. A David Dunn shot that Almunia gathered is the only chance I can remember for the home side in the second period. Sam Allardyce's side did launch a few balls into the box towards the end but we just about managed to deal with them. Wilshere, a 82nd minute substitute for Arshavin, did have a wonderful opportunity to add a third in injury time but he lost his footing at the crucial time.
Overall I'm satisfied with the three points. We battled hard and always looked threatening despite losing Van Persie after half an hour. My one concern was how we struggled at times to clear out lines. We had a bit of luck defending some of the set-pieces but every team needs that at Ewood Park. I think that as we approach the international break we can be very satisfied with our haul from our three games and in the transfer market. Walcott was brilliant again and Almunia had a decent game in goals too. Hopefully the international break won't disturb us to much and we can continue on where we left off when the players return.
In other news we go to White Hart Lane in the third round of the Carling Cup so hopefully the young lads can give a better account of themselves than the last team we sent there in the tournament.
Friday, August 27, 2010
Bolton Mk II
Tomorrow Arsenal face Sam Allardyce's Blackburn at Ewood Park in the first test of the team's resilience this season. Blackburn is always a tough place to go but I do feel if we take an early lead, the test will dissolve into a canter and a 4-goal, drubbing to the Gunners.
So in reality the match will only pose problems if the team starts slowly and allow Blackburn to get on the front foot early on. Play with the same tempo as we did against Blackpool and I can't see anything other than our first away win in the league this season.
However as confident as I am, I'd be very surprised if Blackburn didn't overpower us from a set-piece at least once. And if the referee doesn't do his job we could be in for a long day at the office. What went on from Blackburn corners last year was a joke to say the least and I can't imagine such a refereeing screw-up happening again this time.
Moving on to team selection, the defense picks itself with Koscielny coming back in and Song moving back into midfield. After that its hard to know what Wenger will do because he really is spoilt for choice going forward. Walcott, Arshavin, Rosicky, Eboue, Fabregas, Van Persie and Chamakh will be competing and there isn't really a reason not to start any of them. Going on merit from the last game, I feel Rosicky and Walcott deserve a place. The manager has already said that Fabregas and Van Persie are fully fit so expect one to start at either Chamakh or Arshavin's expense.
So as long we play our game and remain fully focused we'll win this game. The alternative really isn't worth thinking about.
Champions League Draw and Ivan Gazidis
So the draw for the group stages of the Champion's League was made yesterday and it was quite favorable for Arsenal. With respect to the other teams in the group, this really was a plum draw. No long treks to Moscow, no Real Madrid and we don't play against Partizan or Shakhtar, away from home, deep into the winter months (albeit we face the latter away at the beginning of November). Of course, the big news about the draw is the fact that Eduardo will return to the Emirates which will make for an emotional night for all involved.
But there is a concern going forward into these games. After 5 of the 6 games, we go away from home in the Premier League. In those fixtures we face Sunderland, Chelsea, Manchester City, Aston Villa and Manchester United. It really is an unbelievable run of games but then again it's all a part of being a big team.
The only consolation about these fixtures is that, apart from Sunderland and Aston Villa, we face teams who are also involved in Europe. So when we face those teams it really will be a test of squads. As long as we go into those Premier League matches with the spine of the team fit, we can expect some very positive results.
Something else that I found interesting to come out of the ceremony in Monaco was Ivan Gazidis' interview on ATVO. He spoke briefly about the draw and the current state of the squad. He felt the squad was stronger than last year's and he also stressed how we've added 'some experience and steel' to the squad. Now, I do appreciate the fact that Gazidis will always sing the team's praises in every interview he does but the word 'steel' has stuck in my mind. It makes me think that Wenger's main objective over the summer was to toughen up the team and the way he has talked about the new signings is evidence of this. Tomorrow's game at Ewood Park will tell us if he has managed to do so.
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Easy Pickings
Whilst I appreciate that, in top-flight football, each team must be treated with respect, surely Arsenal can't look at anything less than three points today against Blackpool.
The points accumulated against the 'smaller' teams will form the foundation of our campaign. If we beat them comfortably and handsomely, it'll go a long way to a sucessful season. Struggle against them and drop valuble points, and Arsenal will struggle to make the top four.
Our next five games are against teams that either finished around the bottom half of the table or were promoted last season. After those, the team travels to Stamford Bridge. 16 points is the only acceptable tally to travel there with.
Blackpool will bring lots of energy and endeavor to the pitch today. Why wouldn't they? They're flying high after their 4-0 triumph at Wigan and come to the Emirates with nothing to lose. So firstly today we have to match their work-rate, then it should be a simple task of imposing our game on them and squeezing the life and, hopefully, a few goals out of them too.
As I finish writing the team has just been released. With Song partnering Vermaelen at the back and the irratic Diaby protecting them, Blackpool might just fancy their chances of grabbing a goal today. The frontline looks good with Rosicky and Walcott coming in for Nasri and Eboue. I'm disappointed that Arshavin has kept his place on the team considering his poor showing at Anfield. Hopefully Fabregas and Van Persie will only come on for match-minutes and not a match-winner!
I think 4-0 to the Arsenal is a realistic score although it could very easily be more.
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