Arsenal were held 1-1 by Liverpool on the Anfield. N'Gog capitalized Arsenal's poor defending, while Pepe Reina's own goal saved Arsenal from the defeat on Arsenal's first match.
First half was Arsenal's game, they were controlling the match, passing well, even they didn't have much chances, it would probably the matter of time, until Arsenal score a goal.
Joe Cole was red carded for tackling Laurent Koscielny in the end of first half, and it means 11 against 10 for Arsenal. But on the beginning of second half, it was not Arsenal who took the lead, but Liverpool. Arsenal defended very poorly, Nasri giving the ball to Liverpool's side.
Well, after leading 1-0, Arsenal didn't respond well, they even showed their weak mentality, they were giving chance for Liverpool to expand their creativity, and Liverpool had some great chances - fortunately, the scoreline remained 1-0.
Arsenal then recovered, but Liverpool had gained some confidence, and they defended very strong. Honestly, Arsenal were quite lucky to get equalizer, even they had some chances to equalize. Pepe Reina was unstable while trying to catch the ball, and - as everyone knows - it's in. 1-1 for Arsenal
Well, It wasn't Arsenal's best performance, but it wasn't bad either. It was Liverpool who defended very well
The point of this game is Arsenal need to improve their defending, they were really vulnerable on the defence, and better teams like Barcelona, Real Madrid, Internazionale, and Chelsea could punish Arsenal with heavy defeat, IF they continue defending like that. There's still time for Arsenal to improve, before it's too late.
Tomas Rosicky should start from the beginning in the next match, and Wilshere could be dropped on to the bench, while Van Persie should play in front with Chamakh.
Hopefully, Arsenal could be better next match and win the EPL..
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Attacking isn't a problem, but Defensive is a problem
Arsenal win the Emirates Cup, again, after beating Celtic 3-2. They finished the group with 8 points, from one draw (1 points ), one win (3 points), and four goals (4 points).
They played well, offensively. But, again, Arsenal wasn't very good on defense. On the first half they were very strong, with Manuel Almunia didn't do much in that match.
Then disasters came on 67th minutes. Jack Wilshere unintentionally fouled Marc-Antonio Fortune, and the referee gives Celtic a penalty, which Samaras failed to convert into a goal. But then, Arsenal looked to lost focus again, giving Celtic chance to dominate the game. And Celtic were able to score two goals, giving Arsenal unease condition, if Celtic had scored again, Arsenal would slipped into second place and lost the Emirates Cup.
Fortunately, Arsenal slowly regained their focus and concentration, and took the control of the game again.
They were playing at home, already conceding three goals from two match, that's not good. How could they survive against Barcelona, Real Madrid, or Internazionale??
Hopefully Arsenal could improve again, and they will win major trophy this season!
They played well, offensively. But, again, Arsenal wasn't very good on defense. On the first half they were very strong, with Manuel Almunia didn't do much in that match.
Then disasters came on 67th minutes. Jack Wilshere unintentionally fouled Marc-Antonio Fortune, and the referee gives Celtic a penalty, which Samaras failed to convert into a goal. But then, Arsenal looked to lost focus again, giving Celtic chance to dominate the game. And Celtic were able to score two goals, giving Arsenal unease condition, if Celtic had scored again, Arsenal would slipped into second place and lost the Emirates Cup.
Fortunately, Arsenal slowly regained their focus and concentration, and took the control of the game again.
They were playing at home, already conceding three goals from two match, that's not good. How could they survive against Barcelona, Real Madrid, or Internazionale??
Hopefully Arsenal could improve again, and they will win major trophy this season!
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Post Arsenal-Milan comment
1-1 is the final score for Arsenal and Milan. It was a really entertaining match. Despite it's only a friendly match, both teams showed great determination to win the match. Arsenal took lead by new-striker Marouane Chamakh, before AC Milan equalized by Alexandre Pato's header goal. Both teams also had great chances, but not-so-good finishing letting them to waste their chancess
THE POSITIVES
Youngsters and Newcomers has been pretty impressive. Laurent Koscielny stopped Alexandre Pato well, and Marouane Chamakh scored a goal. While Jack Wilshere took Fabregas' role in the midfield and eventually did well, Emmanuel Frimpong was also impressive, he was so determined in the midfield. Kieran Gibbs was very lively on the left back, giving some good croses, which unfortunately none of them leading to a goal. Second-half substitute Mark Randall was also quite good, had two chances but failed to convert it. Prone-error goalkeeper, Lukasz Fabianski also didn't do anything wrong even he was underpressure sometimes. That's good sign for the Polish goalkeeper
Arsenal's attacking face wasn't too different from last season, still playing feet-to-feet ball, one two pass, and short pass. Arsenal created many chances, more than Milan did last night, and also all defenders could play with the ball and had some chances, even they are the centre backs.
THE NEGATIVES
Arsenal lost concentration for a while and Milan maximized it. There's gap between the midfield and the defence, although in overall they still defended well.
But the main problem in match against Milan was final touch. Besides Chamakh's goal, Arsenal's players are lacking of finishing touch, they had many chances, and only one goals scored, that's a problem. There's an argument than Cristian Abbiati has been brilliant, it's true, Abbiati played well yesterday, but some of the clear chances, which Abbiati wouldn't have saved, if they hit it on target, the result could've been different.
Another negative side is Arsenal were losing focus after conceding one goal, that's a problem, when you lost focus after conceded. Arsenal almost conceded again two times after Pato's goal, and they need to improve their mentality, not to down after conceded one goal.
In Overall, Arsenal was quite good. Draw isn't the best result Arsenal could get, but hopefully it brings experience for youngsters.
THE POSITIVES
Youngsters and Newcomers has been pretty impressive. Laurent Koscielny stopped Alexandre Pato well, and Marouane Chamakh scored a goal. While Jack Wilshere took Fabregas' role in the midfield and eventually did well, Emmanuel Frimpong was also impressive, he was so determined in the midfield. Kieran Gibbs was very lively on the left back, giving some good croses, which unfortunately none of them leading to a goal. Second-half substitute Mark Randall was also quite good, had two chances but failed to convert it. Prone-error goalkeeper, Lukasz Fabianski also didn't do anything wrong even he was underpressure sometimes. That's good sign for the Polish goalkeeper
Arsenal's attacking face wasn't too different from last season, still playing feet-to-feet ball, one two pass, and short pass. Arsenal created many chances, more than Milan did last night, and also all defenders could play with the ball and had some chances, even they are the centre backs.
THE NEGATIVES
Arsenal lost concentration for a while and Milan maximized it. There's gap between the midfield and the defence, although in overall they still defended well.
But the main problem in match against Milan was final touch. Besides Chamakh's goal, Arsenal's players are lacking of finishing touch, they had many chances, and only one goals scored, that's a problem. There's an argument than Cristian Abbiati has been brilliant, it's true, Abbiati played well yesterday, but some of the clear chances, which Abbiati wouldn't have saved, if they hit it on target, the result could've been different.
Another negative side is Arsenal were losing focus after conceding one goal, that's a problem, when you lost focus after conceded. Arsenal almost conceded again two times after Pato's goal, and they need to improve their mentality, not to down after conceded one goal.
In Overall, Arsenal was quite good. Draw isn't the best result Arsenal could get, but hopefully it brings experience for youngsters.
Monday, July 12, 2010
Justice in Football
We all already know that Spain is the champion of World Cup 2010. But what I wanna emphasize here is not how Spain could become a champion or failure of my favourite team, Brazil in the first World Cup held in Africa.
I just wanna emphasize some Justice in football.
First, let's begin with Slovenia, which has seen USA's clear goal disallowed by the referee, and the match ended with 2-2, and Slovenia got advantage from referee's bad decision. They tragically fail to qualify from Group C, following to 0-1 lost from England and USA's 1-0 win against Algeria.
Next team is Serbia, who saw Miroslav Klose sent off after slightly obstructed Serbian player. Serbia won 1-0 against Germany. But they failed in Group Stage as Australia beat them 2-1 while Germany beat Ghana 1-0, which gave Germany and Ghana ticket to the next round.
Brazil also got advantage from the referee when Luis Fabiano controlled with his hand before scoring to Boubacar Barry's goal. In that match, Brazil win 3-1, which resulting them to go to next round. In round of 16, they still won against Chile 3-0. But in the quarterfinal, Netherlands defeated them 2-1, sending them home.
Don't forget Germany who saved by the referee which disallowed Lampard's goal, in the last 16 match against England, the scoreline when that accident happen is 2-1 for German's lead, but if England had scored, who knew the momentum will change into Capello's side. Argentina has also got advantage from the referee when Carlos Tevez's offside goal is counted, when Mexico had more chances to score. Mexico lost concentration, and lost 1-3 in the end. When Germany and Argentina meet, it's 'advantaged' vs 'advantaged', so it's no problem which teams won, which in the end Germany thrashed Argentina four goals without any reply! But in semifinal, Germany outclassed by 'tiki-taka' performed by Spain, 0-1.
Paraguay, which played hardly in Second Round match against Japan, could easily conceded a penalty, after one of their defender fouled Japan's player, but they eventually won 5-3 over penalty shootout. In quarterfinal, they were defeated by Spain, from David Villa's only goal.
Uruguay, which dramatically win against Ghana, with 'Hand of Evil' Luis Suarez saved Ghana's 99,9% chance of scoring goal with his hand. They win 4-2 in a penalty shootout, after Asamoah Gyan's penalty hit the crossbar. in the end got two consecutive 2-3 lost - against Netherlands and Germany, and ended in fourth place. They were lucky when Ghana failed to score from the spot. But they were unlucky when they saw Netherlands offside goal is counted, and in the next match against Germany, Forlan's freekick only hit the post.
Netherlands, the finalist, got an offside goal counted against Spain, lost 0-1 over an extra time.
Lastly, France which qualified from Henry's two times handball, followed by Gallas' goal to beat Ireland 2-1 in aggregate, was destroyed in South Africa, with one draw and two lost, with only one goal scored. The team squad themselves even had a bad disharmony with each other, with Nicolas Anelka argued with Raymond Domenech and sent home by the France Football Federation, followed by Patrice Evra's captaincy continued in training boycott, France is completely destroyed in South Africa, mainly by themselves.
Well, teams might had got advantage(s) - unfairly - by the referee, or maybe got a high luck in one match; in one match would lost in next games, could be said it's the price they sacrifice to get the 'advantage', even if they never wished for get it. That's Justice in Football, which happens in this World Cup.
I write this without any disrespect any teams, I know most of teams playing in World Cup have already fighting at their best in South Africa.
I just wanna emphasize some Justice in football.
First, let's begin with Slovenia, which has seen USA's clear goal disallowed by the referee, and the match ended with 2-2, and Slovenia got advantage from referee's bad decision. They tragically fail to qualify from Group C, following to 0-1 lost from England and USA's 1-0 win against Algeria.
Next team is Serbia, who saw Miroslav Klose sent off after slightly obstructed Serbian player. Serbia won 1-0 against Germany. But they failed in Group Stage as Australia beat them 2-1 while Germany beat Ghana 1-0, which gave Germany and Ghana ticket to the next round.
Brazil also got advantage from the referee when Luis Fabiano controlled with his hand before scoring to Boubacar Barry's goal. In that match, Brazil win 3-1, which resulting them to go to next round. In round of 16, they still won against Chile 3-0. But in the quarterfinal, Netherlands defeated them 2-1, sending them home.
Don't forget Germany who saved by the referee which disallowed Lampard's goal, in the last 16 match against England, the scoreline when that accident happen is 2-1 for German's lead, but if England had scored, who knew the momentum will change into Capello's side. Argentina has also got advantage from the referee when Carlos Tevez's offside goal is counted, when Mexico had more chances to score. Mexico lost concentration, and lost 1-3 in the end. When Germany and Argentina meet, it's 'advantaged' vs 'advantaged', so it's no problem which teams won, which in the end Germany thrashed Argentina four goals without any reply! But in semifinal, Germany outclassed by 'tiki-taka' performed by Spain, 0-1.
Paraguay, which played hardly in Second Round match against Japan, could easily conceded a penalty, after one of their defender fouled Japan's player, but they eventually won 5-3 over penalty shootout. In quarterfinal, they were defeated by Spain, from David Villa's only goal.
Uruguay, which dramatically win against Ghana, with 'Hand of Evil' Luis Suarez saved Ghana's 99,9% chance of scoring goal with his hand. They win 4-2 in a penalty shootout, after Asamoah Gyan's penalty hit the crossbar. in the end got two consecutive 2-3 lost - against Netherlands and Germany, and ended in fourth place. They were lucky when Ghana failed to score from the spot. But they were unlucky when they saw Netherlands offside goal is counted, and in the next match against Germany, Forlan's freekick only hit the post.
Netherlands, the finalist, got an offside goal counted against Spain, lost 0-1 over an extra time.
Lastly, France which qualified from Henry's two times handball, followed by Gallas' goal to beat Ireland 2-1 in aggregate, was destroyed in South Africa, with one draw and two lost, with only one goal scored. The team squad themselves even had a bad disharmony with each other, with Nicolas Anelka argued with Raymond Domenech and sent home by the France Football Federation, followed by Patrice Evra's captaincy continued in training boycott, France is completely destroyed in South Africa, mainly by themselves.
Well, teams might had got advantage(s) - unfairly - by the referee, or maybe got a high luck in one match; in one match would lost in next games, could be said it's the price they sacrifice to get the 'advantage', even if they never wished for get it. That's Justice in Football, which happens in this World Cup.
I write this without any disrespect any teams, I know most of teams playing in World Cup have already fighting at their best in South Africa.
Sunday, June 13, 2010
World Cup Prediction Group B-H
Group B
As South Korea and Argentina win on the first match, they are favoured to go to the next round, but seeing Nigeria in the match against Argentina, I predicted Nigeria will come to the next round while Argentina would get the top position. Greece might replay what they get in Euro 2008
Group C
Slovenia wins against Algeria, while USA and England draws, so Slovenia stays on top, but the next two match, Slovenia isn't likely to win, so England and USA would go to the next round. Algeria would get 0 points from the three match
Group D
Very tough group, but Ghana, which has just got 1-0 victory against Serbia, and Germany would go to the next round. Ghana might beat Germany to reach the top of the group, like just Croatia did to Germany in Euro 2008. Serbia, and Australia would give Germany and Ghana challenge, but they still would say goodbye to world Cup
Group E
Netherlands, who has been very impressive in the friendly match, would be untouchable in this group. Cameroon and Denmark would battle hard for the ticket to the second round, but it's Cameroon which likely to get it, as this world cup is in Africa. Japan, which targeted the semifinal, would be in the number 4 in this group
Group F
Italy and Paraguay would get to the next round, despite would get a tough challenge from Slovakia. New Zealand would get nothing from three games
Group G
Brazil would top this group, and followed by Portugal. If Didier Drogba isn't injured, Ivory Coast would be more likely to go to the next round rather than Portugal. And North Korea would have same points with New Zealand from Group F..
Group H
Spain would easily overcome all opponent in this group, if they play like they do when beating Poland 6-0. Switzerland and Chile would battle hard to get the second place. And it could be even, while Switzerland has a good defense, Chile has a great offensive power. Honduras wouldn't qualify, but they would held either Chile or Switzerland
As South Korea and Argentina win on the first match, they are favoured to go to the next round, but seeing Nigeria in the match against Argentina, I predicted Nigeria will come to the next round while Argentina would get the top position. Greece might replay what they get in Euro 2008
Group C
Slovenia wins against Algeria, while USA and England draws, so Slovenia stays on top, but the next two match, Slovenia isn't likely to win, so England and USA would go to the next round. Algeria would get 0 points from the three match
Group D
Very tough group, but Ghana, which has just got 1-0 victory against Serbia, and Germany would go to the next round. Ghana might beat Germany to reach the top of the group, like just Croatia did to Germany in Euro 2008. Serbia, and Australia would give Germany and Ghana challenge, but they still would say goodbye to world Cup
Group E
Netherlands, who has been very impressive in the friendly match, would be untouchable in this group. Cameroon and Denmark would battle hard for the ticket to the second round, but it's Cameroon which likely to get it, as this world cup is in Africa. Japan, which targeted the semifinal, would be in the number 4 in this group
Group F
Italy and Paraguay would get to the next round, despite would get a tough challenge from Slovakia. New Zealand would get nothing from three games
Group G
Brazil would top this group, and followed by Portugal. If Didier Drogba isn't injured, Ivory Coast would be more likely to go to the next round rather than Portugal. And North Korea would have same points with New Zealand from Group F..
Group H
Spain would easily overcome all opponent in this group, if they play like they do when beating Poland 6-0. Switzerland and Chile would battle hard to get the second place. And it could be even, while Switzerland has a good defense, Chile has a great offensive power. Honduras wouldn't qualify, but they would held either Chile or Switzerland
Sunday, June 6, 2010
WORLD Cup Prediction Group A
Group A of World Cup consists of the Host South Africa, Uruguay, 1998 champions Mexico, and also 1998 World Cup Winner Frace. All the teams have same chances to go to the next round.
South Africa is the host. They were in doubt after not qualifying to the African Cup in 2010, but they performed well in the Confederation Cup, and also recent friendly matches. While having a quite strong defense, they don't have a very strong offensive power
Uruguay, which qualified via play-off, isn't a team who could easily beaten, although not outstanding. Uruguay would be a tough opponent for every team. Physically strong, but sometimes inconsistent
France also qualified via a controversial playoff, doesn't perform too well in the friendly matches, and they would struggle to play against Uruguay, Mexico, and South Africa. They have bunch of good players, like Ribery, Gourcuff, and Lloris, but organizationally not very strong.
Mexico has showed its cohesiveness, despite losing against Netherland and England, they don't played badly. They even could beat the defending champions Italy 2-1. Mexico has a good attacking power in Giovanni, Carlos Vela, Cuautemoc Blanco, and also Javier Hernandez
As all of the teams have almost equally same strength, this group would probably give many draw results.Personally, I think South Africa and Mexico would through to the next round. Mexico has showing theirself playing as a team, and South Africa would be very hard to beat in their home. If they perform like they do in Confederation Cup, the second round ticket would be theirs.
South Africa is the host. They were in doubt after not qualifying to the African Cup in 2010, but they performed well in the Confederation Cup, and also recent friendly matches. While having a quite strong defense, they don't have a very strong offensive power
Uruguay, which qualified via play-off, isn't a team who could easily beaten, although not outstanding. Uruguay would be a tough opponent for every team. Physically strong, but sometimes inconsistent
France also qualified via a controversial playoff, doesn't perform too well in the friendly matches, and they would struggle to play against Uruguay, Mexico, and South Africa. They have bunch of good players, like Ribery, Gourcuff, and Lloris, but organizationally not very strong.
Mexico has showed its cohesiveness, despite losing against Netherland and England, they don't played badly. They even could beat the defending champions Italy 2-1. Mexico has a good attacking power in Giovanni, Carlos Vela, Cuautemoc Blanco, and also Javier Hernandez
As all of the teams have almost equally same strength, this group would probably give many draw results.Personally, I think South Africa and Mexico would through to the next round. Mexico has showing theirself playing as a team, and South Africa would be very hard to beat in their home. If they perform like they do in Confederation Cup, the second round ticket would be theirs.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Don't leave Arsenal, Cesc!
Fabregas has heavily linked with Barcelona move, and he already desired his will to come back to his childhood club. Barca is said to already offer Cesc Fabregas with 30 millions pounds but Arsenal turned it down, because Arsenal wants 40 or maybe 50 millions for the gunners' captain
Well, Fabregas is definetely the key player of Arsenal, including the Captain of the club. Of course, Barcelona need to make a higher offer! Without any disrespection, Berbatov was bought by Man. Utd 30 millions, and Robinho was bought around that price too. Robinho was the one Madrid wanted to offload, and Man.City paid 30 milliosn. Fabregas, who is key player, and labelled not for sale, should be priced more. 50-60 milllions is reasonable for 23-years old star. Fabregas would be able to play at the highest level at least 7 more years.
Well, another reason is the competition for first team places in Barcelona. IF Fabregas leave Arsenal, would he still guaranteed first place? Barca has another excellent passers, Xavi Hernandez and Andres Iniesta. While it isn't likely to see Barca changed their formation, Fabregas would play in midfield alongside Xavi and one defensive midfielder. Would Iniesta pushed forward, and forcing Ibrahimovic to the bench? Or Fabregas would only become supersub??
Fabregas could only be Prince in Camp Nou, while he is now a King in Arsenal!
Remember what happened to Thierry Henry and Aliaksandr Hleb when they moved to Barcelona! You could suffer the same too, Fabregas!
So, don't leave Arsenal, Cesc!
Well, Fabregas is definetely the key player of Arsenal, including the Captain of the club. Of course, Barcelona need to make a higher offer! Without any disrespection, Berbatov was bought by Man. Utd 30 millions, and Robinho was bought around that price too. Robinho was the one Madrid wanted to offload, and Man.City paid 30 milliosn. Fabregas, who is key player, and labelled not for sale, should be priced more. 50-60 milllions is reasonable for 23-years old star. Fabregas would be able to play at the highest level at least 7 more years.
Well, another reason is the competition for first team places in Barcelona. IF Fabregas leave Arsenal, would he still guaranteed first place? Barca has another excellent passers, Xavi Hernandez and Andres Iniesta. While it isn't likely to see Barca changed their formation, Fabregas would play in midfield alongside Xavi and one defensive midfielder. Would Iniesta pushed forward, and forcing Ibrahimovic to the bench? Or Fabregas would only become supersub??
Fabregas could only be Prince in Camp Nou, while he is now a King in Arsenal!
Remember what happened to Thierry Henry and Aliaksandr Hleb when they moved to Barcelona! You could suffer the same too, Fabregas!
So, don't leave Arsenal, Cesc!
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