As expected the game started with Sunderland playing with a real intensity, combining an ability to play neat one touch passing and some purposeful long balls down the flanks. The creative duties were assigned to Andy Reid, Kieran Richardson and Jordan Henderson, the latter showing some quick feet and an eye for goal. Mostly it was left to the forwards, Daren Bent and Kenwyne Jones to fashion there own space and opportunities. For all their effort they were consistently marshaled by Richard Dunne and Carlos Cuellar with genuine commitment and discipline.
Aston Villa on the other hand are set up for the counter attack, Emile Heskey was preferred as the lone striker and was supported by Ashley Young and Gabriel Agbonlahor in wide positions. They are capable of changing there shape quickly, moving between 4-5-1, 4-4-2 and 4-3-3 with a flexibility that is becoming more impressive as the game grew and they started to assert themselves, particularly in middle of the pitch.
It was Aston Villa who opened the scoring, although the goal appeared nice on the eye it was interlaced with a number of mistakes from Sunderland. Initially giving the ball away in their own half, allowing Stiliyan Petrov to bring the ball forward, patiently laying the ball inside for James Milner who found himself in space towards the Sunderland penalty area was able to release Heskey who lashed the ball into the bottom corner. Unfortunately for Sunderland there stand in right back, Nyron Nosworthy was left ball watching at the edge of play leaving two Aston Villa players including Heskey comfortably onside.
The Villa manager Martin O'neil has shown great ability in utilizing James Milner in the center beside Petrov. He is a player previously undermined by his versatility now seems capable of thriving in a creative birth. This was evident in Aston Villas second goal which only needed Milner, this time showing strength as he first held of a challenge from Richardson and then, as the ball appeared to be bouncing away adjusted himself to hammer the ball into the top corner from around 25 yards. It's not just Milner that displayed Aston Villas flexibility because Stuart Downing now looks to be cementing himself into the line up with impressive displays playing more centrally than he is use to. Showing awareness to support the full back and attack adds balance to the side as does his set-piece ability, almost scoring if it weren't for the cross bar in the first half.
Sunderland did have opportunities though and Andy Reid in particular should have done better and scored at least one of his two opportunities. The first was a volley on the edge of the area as he met Henderson's pull back only for the Villa goal keeper to rush across and parry the ball to safety. The second came from Daren Bent who won a header that released Reid onto goal but managed to slice the ball wide at the near post. A technically more demanding chance but it fell invitingly in a central position and Aston Villa were able to see out the game in comfort.
Final Score - Sunderland 0-2 Aston Villa
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Liverpool Vs Arsneal
Rafa Benitez predicted that Liverpools season would begin with this game and the forecast for the season;
A slog.
But then we've know that since August when the season actually started. The Liverpool managers prediction was a consequence to their elimination from the Champions League and a statement of concentration towards securing their place in the top four at the end of the season.
On the basis of the first half there were signs of encouragement for the Anfield faithful as they looked to take advantage of an Arsenal side implementing a suicidally high back line. With the full backs pushing up to support a stuttering attack, they left plenty of space for Steven Gerrad and Fernando Torres to prize open the Arsenal defense. Their ability to link up together was striking to watch particularly as injury has separated them over the last 18 months, undermining any hopes of them winning the league last season. Unfortunately it wasn't this telepathic understanding that gave them the lead instead it came from a goalkeeping error towards the end of the first half. Manuel Almunia was easily distracted as a cross came into the box, losing the ball in the air and slapping it rather pathetically towards Dirk Kuyt who stabbed the ball between the defense to open the scoring. Arsene Wenger would have been relatively pleased to get his team into the dressing room only a goal down and it could have been worse had the referee awarded a penalty against William Gallas. Instead he he came to the conclusion that Gerrad was not going to get to the ball and PERHAPS he played for it;
Rather predictably Arsenal started the second half quicker but they were also given the chance to be more productive, pushing Nasri and Walcott further forward to support an isolated Andrei Arshavin. In midfield Denilson and Fabregas took control of the midfield without much resistance as the ball began to stick further into Liverpools half. The manner of their equalizer was very fortuitous but the build up was good enough to find space in the Liverpool defense. Samir Nasri moved to the right hand side and where he was released and put the ball in between the goalkeeper and defender, the latter controlling the ball past a stranded Pepe Reina and the game was level.
Less than ten minutes later and Arsenal were in front in the most emphatic fashion. Andrei Arshavin collected a pass on the outside of the defender but turns inside with one touch and smashes the ball into the near corner courtesy of the post. For the second time the goal keeper was left a spectator as he could only watch the ball bounce into the net.
After a positive opening period Liverpool were unable to mount a serious threat and Arsenal coasted to the three points. Even when Alberto Aquilani was introduced, if only to get the crowd going he was only able to show brief touches of quality. Certainly not an indication that he will conduct the rhythm and pace of the midfield in a similar fashion to Alonso. They are obviously different players and this disruption to last years system appears one of the reasons why Liverpool have not found consistency this year. It would appear best to play him next to a receded Steven Gerrad playing in front of the holding midfielder.
Another important point to this ongoing debate is the impact Alonso had over a five year period because while he consistently showed amazingly accurate passing he was to often on the periphery of games. It wasn't until last season where he was able to play alongside Javier Mascherano consistently that he had his most productive season and was sold at the three times the amount he was bought for in 2004. Impressively last seasons form came after being courted by Juventus for what seemed months as they stalled on a price tag of 18 million Pounds, practically a bargain to the amount paid by Real Madrid.
Final Score - Liverpool 1-2 Arsenal
A slog.
But then we've know that since August when the season actually started. The Liverpool managers prediction was a consequence to their elimination from the Champions League and a statement of concentration towards securing their place in the top four at the end of the season.
On the basis of the first half there were signs of encouragement for the Anfield faithful as they looked to take advantage of an Arsenal side implementing a suicidally high back line. With the full backs pushing up to support a stuttering attack, they left plenty of space for Steven Gerrad and Fernando Torres to prize open the Arsenal defense. Their ability to link up together was striking to watch particularly as injury has separated them over the last 18 months, undermining any hopes of them winning the league last season. Unfortunately it wasn't this telepathic understanding that gave them the lead instead it came from a goalkeeping error towards the end of the first half. Manuel Almunia was easily distracted as a cross came into the box, losing the ball in the air and slapping it rather pathetically towards Dirk Kuyt who stabbed the ball between the defense to open the scoring. Arsene Wenger would have been relatively pleased to get his team into the dressing room only a goal down and it could have been worse had the referee awarded a penalty against William Gallas. Instead he he came to the conclusion that Gerrad was not going to get to the ball and PERHAPS he played for it;
Rather predictably Arsenal started the second half quicker but they were also given the chance to be more productive, pushing Nasri and Walcott further forward to support an isolated Andrei Arshavin. In midfield Denilson and Fabregas took control of the midfield without much resistance as the ball began to stick further into Liverpools half. The manner of their equalizer was very fortuitous but the build up was good enough to find space in the Liverpool defense. Samir Nasri moved to the right hand side and where he was released and put the ball in between the goalkeeper and defender, the latter controlling the ball past a stranded Pepe Reina and the game was level.
Less than ten minutes later and Arsenal were in front in the most emphatic fashion. Andrei Arshavin collected a pass on the outside of the defender but turns inside with one touch and smashes the ball into the near corner courtesy of the post. For the second time the goal keeper was left a spectator as he could only watch the ball bounce into the net.
After a positive opening period Liverpool were unable to mount a serious threat and Arsenal coasted to the three points. Even when Alberto Aquilani was introduced, if only to get the crowd going he was only able to show brief touches of quality. Certainly not an indication that he will conduct the rhythm and pace of the midfield in a similar fashion to Alonso. They are obviously different players and this disruption to last years system appears one of the reasons why Liverpool have not found consistency this year. It would appear best to play him next to a receded Steven Gerrad playing in front of the holding midfielder.
Another important point to this ongoing debate is the impact Alonso had over a five year period because while he consistently showed amazingly accurate passing he was to often on the periphery of games. It wasn't until last season where he was able to play alongside Javier Mascherano consistently that he had his most productive season and was sold at the three times the amount he was bought for in 2004. Impressively last seasons form came after being courted by Juventus for what seemed months as they stalled on a price tag of 18 million Pounds, practically a bargain to the amount paid by Real Madrid.
Final Score - Liverpool 1-2 Arsenal
Monday, November 2, 2009
The Champions League
Since I didn't have the opportunity to watch any games this week...so I will talk about the competition as a whole instead. See I am one of those English football fans who bemoans Premier League dominance over the last four years. I would like a return to the unpredictability and feel this could be attained through some simple changes.
I would prefer the competition to either return to a straight knockout tournament, overhaul the seeding system or add relevancy to the Europa League. But what would that look like if we had all three, we can dream can't we?
Everyone close your eyes, relax and "come with me now on a journey through time and space."*
I would prefer the competition to either return to a straight knockout tournament, overhaul the seeding system or add relevancy to the Europa League. But what would that look like if we had all three, we can dream can't we?
Everyone close your eyes, relax and "come with me now on a journey through time and space."*
- Teams that finish first and second qualify for the Champions League. League places 3rd through 6th being designated to the Europa League, both are straight knockout competitions.
- You have every Champions League game played on a Tuesday night and Europa League games would be played the following night.
- The money could be split between the two competitions, in favor of the Champions League but creating a less distinctive divide. See there's that relevancy, do you see where we're going with this.
- Take away the seeding for both competitions, meaning that anyone could get drawn together. Look at the Champions League groups that have two or three big teams, those groups are still relatively tight with two games to go. Admittedly this has only happened because some of those teams have had seasons way below expectations.
- Get rid of the Super Cup, it adds unnecessary clutter the schedule. Plus who cares about the outcome. I don't.
This would allow more breathing space for players playing at the weekend but also with summer competitions, player burn out has become a problem. Especially in the build up to a World Cup or European Championship year. Of course this is all fantasy and potentially upset the order of the strongest teams. Another aspect that has changed the competition is coverage, the amount of European football you can find with your remote now is staggering. Before there was an excitement or apprehension about the champions of Germany and Italy coming to England.
In terms of the weekends action, all eyes will be on Stanford Bridge this weekend where Chelsea entertain Manchester United. I think Chelsea will be to powerful in attack and edge this game out, for whatever reason Ferguson's defense is looking awfully shaky at the moment. Regardless of this weekends results I think Arsenal will be their main title rivals, the two playing at the Emirates Stadium after the international break.
In terms of the weekends action, all eyes will be on Stanford Bridge this weekend where Chelsea entertain Manchester United. I think Chelsea will be to powerful in attack and edge this game out, for whatever reason Ferguson's defense is looking awfully shaky at the moment. Regardless of this weekends results I think Arsenal will be their main title rivals, the two playing at the Emirates Stadium after the international break.
*So that line belongs to The Mighty Boosh.
An aquired taste...
Over in Italy the Sampdoria play maker Antonio Cassano generously offers a delicacy for any fickle fans.
"I left Roma, and I left Real Madrid," he said after Sampdoria's 0-0 draw with Bari. "If people aren't happy any more, then I can pack my bags here too. People here have got used to eating Nutella, and maybe every now and then they have to eat shit."
Now there's an idea.
"I left Roma, and I left Real Madrid," he said after Sampdoria's 0-0 draw with Bari. "If people aren't happy any more, then I can pack my bags here too. People here have got used to eating Nutella, and maybe every now and then they have to eat shit."
Now there's an idea.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Arsenals soft center exposed, actual news to be found, elsewhere.
On Sunday Arsenal were two goals to the good against West Ham at half time, they looked comfortable without threatening to run riot. They were deployed in a more defensive version of their 4-3-3 formation with Eboue on the right, becoming a more standard 4-4-2. Staying further back and keeping that side more solid and only presented attacking potential when necessary. It was he who found space and an excellent, swerving cross for the opening goal. The furthest players forward were Van persie and Arshavin, the latter stayed out to the left, constantly roaming towards the right in the first half. This worked in the first half when the intensity levels where high but as the game drew on it became more difficult to keep the ball in West Hams half of the pitch.
There is no doubting Arsenals attacking options but there is little variety to the smaller skillful players at their disposal. Wenger has spoken of Van Persies attributes as a center forward and his awareness, touch and finishing make a compelling case. However the omission of a strong center forward towards the latter stages of this game meant the West Ham were able to regain possession quicker and pressurize the Arsenal defense. Intriguingly they brought on Nicklas Bendtner but only as an addition to the midfield, something he has already done against Manchester United. Instead could he have been utilized him more centrally and have Van Persie and Arshavin play around him in certain situations. I certainly don't believe that Bendtner is the finished article but he does offer strength and a target for long balls, a plan B.
There is no doubting Arsenals attacking options but there is little variety to the smaller skillful players at their disposal. Wenger has spoken of Van Persies attributes as a center forward and his awareness, touch and finishing make a compelling case. However the omission of a strong center forward towards the latter stages of this game meant the West Ham were able to regain possession quicker and pressurize the Arsenal defense. Intriguingly they brought on Nicklas Bendtner but only as an addition to the midfield, something he has already done against Manchester United. Instead could he have been utilized him more centrally and have Van Persie and Arshavin play around him in certain situations. I certainly don't believe that Bendtner is the finished article but he does offer strength and a target for long balls, a plan B.
This result might just be an anomaly as a derby match can produce unpredictable results but they will need more resilience if they are to mount a serious challenge to Chelsea. Seeing as the London teams face more games of this nature than any other area it is a factor they need to bypass, starting again with Tottenham on Saturday.
Final Score - West Ham 2-2 Arsenal
Final Score - West Ham 2-2 Arsenal
24/25 October 2009
It's a shame gambling is mostly illegal in this country because these predictions will stop coming to fruition...soon. In fairness it didn't take too much insight to conceive of a low scoring yet competitive game between Liverpool and Manchester United. Sitting through so many stalemates over the past five years would cause anyone to wince at the thought of expansive and creative football emanating from this fixture.
Given the recent state of Liverpools fortunes, I wanted to start with the really surprising aspect of this important contest. Why did United allow their hosts to regain the composure and form necessary to achieve a relatively comfortable win?
Surely Manchester United were relishing, salivating even at the thought of turning the screw, ending the Mersey clubs title credentials before November. To be fair it was close until the final minutes when Liverpool added a certain gloss and huge relief to an immensely combative display. The obvious highlight being the goal from Torres just after the hour, leaving Rio Ferdinand and Van Der Sar as mere spectators as he scored brilliantly at the near post. You just couldn't shake the feeling that they missed an amazing opportunity. Bruised and groggy they appeared for the taking and yet they allowed Liverpool to clear their head and take the initiative.
Recently when playing against the top clubs Manchester United appear to have switched to a more pragmatic, even cautious approach that has allowed teams to play themselves into a contest. It's still very early to suggest this but Manchester United might find this year becoming a transitional season between one great team and progressing towards another. Their reliance on Ryan Giggs to be the creative hub of this team is surprising in only the lack of alternatives, Giggs of course is one of the Premiership's best players since it's conception in 1992.
Another game being played on Sunday was taking place at Upton Park, where West Ham and Arsenal participated in an entertaining London derby. Soft goals from Robin Van Persie and William Gallas had put the Gunners firmly in control before the end of the first half. Ironically Arsene Wenger had chosen a more cautious variation on his preferred formation and shipped two goals with only fifteen minutes remaining. The first might merely have been a reward for Carlton Cole as he battled for the cause. The second made Wengers face contort with rage as Cole was tripped by Alex Song resulting in a penalty that was calmly dispatched by Alessandro Diamanti. West Ham probably should have had a penalty earlier, it was certainly the more convincing of the two claims and so the managers venom was correctly placed at own his complacent team.
Much like bad refeering decisions, my coverage of the teams outside the top four should even itself out over the course of the season. Hopefully but there's no guarantees in football you know.
Given the recent state of Liverpools fortunes, I wanted to start with the really surprising aspect of this important contest. Why did United allow their hosts to regain the composure and form necessary to achieve a relatively comfortable win?
Surely Manchester United were relishing, salivating even at the thought of turning the screw, ending the Mersey clubs title credentials before November. To be fair it was close until the final minutes when Liverpool added a certain gloss and huge relief to an immensely combative display. The obvious highlight being the goal from Torres just after the hour, leaving Rio Ferdinand and Van Der Sar as mere spectators as he scored brilliantly at the near post. You just couldn't shake the feeling that they missed an amazing opportunity. Bruised and groggy they appeared for the taking and yet they allowed Liverpool to clear their head and take the initiative.
Recently when playing against the top clubs Manchester United appear to have switched to a more pragmatic, even cautious approach that has allowed teams to play themselves into a contest. It's still very early to suggest this but Manchester United might find this year becoming a transitional season between one great team and progressing towards another. Their reliance on Ryan Giggs to be the creative hub of this team is surprising in only the lack of alternatives, Giggs of course is one of the Premiership's best players since it's conception in 1992.
Another game being played on Sunday was taking place at Upton Park, where West Ham and Arsenal participated in an entertaining London derby. Soft goals from Robin Van Persie and William Gallas had put the Gunners firmly in control before the end of the first half. Ironically Arsene Wenger had chosen a more cautious variation on his preferred formation and shipped two goals with only fifteen minutes remaining. The first might merely have been a reward for Carlton Cole as he battled for the cause. The second made Wengers face contort with rage as Cole was tripped by Alex Song resulting in a penalty that was calmly dispatched by Alessandro Diamanti. West Ham probably should have had a penalty earlier, it was certainly the more convincing of the two claims and so the managers venom was correctly placed at own his complacent team.
Much like bad refeering decisions, my coverage of the teams outside the top four should even itself out over the course of the season. Hopefully but there's no guarantees in football you know.
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