Barcelona Wish They Could Have Arsenal FC's Playing Roster

I am probably not the only Arsenal fan who is sick to death of hearing Barcelona linked with out wonderfully talented players. They have taken Petit, Overmars and Henry in recent memory and now they are being linked with Aliaksandr Hleb. They have previously been linked with Cesc Fabulous (still are being of course) but this could be argued that AFC poached him originally from the Catalan giants. The point of this post is that this so-called "super power" is constantly trying to poach players from the good part of North London. Does this not smack to anyone, or everyone, as Arsenal being the club which has superior players? Sure, Barca have Ronaldinho, Eto'o, Xavi, Iniesta, Henry and Deco (just to name a few) but do superstars really make a team? From Arsenal's start to the season the suggestion would be no, a group of players who really want to play together in a system that works make a very successful team (yes Arsenal have not won any trophies with their current crop of "kids" but their style and swagger in play is second to absolutely none, including Barca). Surely it is just a matter of time before they are linked with Robin van Persie, whom I have always seen as a classic Barca player as he is Dutch, talented and an attacking player, and many of our technically gifted players like Armand Traore, Tomas Rosicky, Abou Diaby and so forth. If Barca are such a powerhouse then why do they raid an English club so often for talent? Oh, that's right, AFC houses the most gifted youngsters from across the globe and Barca does not, contrary to popular belief.

The Man Who Just May Take Over For Thierry Henry

This is a picture of Emmanuel Adebayor scoring his delicious volley against Newcastle United and he is the man who could become Arsenal's new H.N.I.C. Emmanuel grew up idolising another former AFC favourite, Nwankwo Kanu, and now wears his old squad number of 25. This 23-year-old has copped more than his fair share of criticism when he first donned the famous red and white of AFC and I am now almost ashamed to admit I was also a huge doubter of his abilities. Just under 2 years later he is now one of the most feared strikers in the EPL and is constantly improving. Adebayor stands around 6'4 and has pace, power, size, skill, confidence, goal scoring ability and excellent team play. Adebayor has proven his all-round value in front of goal by scoring headers, a world-class volley (against Tottenham), one-on-ones with 'keepers, placed shots, powered shots, team goals and dribbling goals. Adebayor has all this combined with a huge desire to win, excellent team play and he genuinely worries defenders. He sounds reminicent of Henry when you say all this (although Henry possessed much greater pace and a bit more threat in front of goal) and Adebayor did have the benefit of learning of the great man himself for around a season and a half. I don't think he will ever have the supreme strike rate Thierry did but I think Adebayor can go a long way to replacing the legendary striker. Another huge advantage Emmanuel has is he seems to be very well liked by the fans and his teammates alike. Roll on Emmanuel, you are a club legend in the making, provided your stay extends for another 7-8 years atleast.

The Perfect Response To A Draw And A Loss

Arsenal FC this past weekend beat Chelsea 1-0 at The Emirates. This is a huge victory as Manchester United beat Liverpool FC earlier in the day and a draw or loss for Arsenal would have seen them lose top spot.
The victory over Chelsea came after two very dissapointing results; a draw away to Newcastle United and a loss away to Middlesborough. This was even more vital because a loss or draw to Chelsea would have been a psychological blow in the race for the title. William Gallas highlighted this and I agree with him 100% and he showed again just why he was made captain. His performance against Chelsea was immense to say the least and his goal was an oppurtunistic one off a rare Petr Cech mistake (I have always said Cech struggles when the pressure is on and this was once again highlighted by his horrendous error). Arsenal were wrongfully denied one, maybe two, goals by the referee and his assistants so the scoreline was perhaps kind on Chelsea, especially when you consider Fabregas missed two easy chances and van Persie one.
All in all this performance by Arsenal was excellent as they did not allow themselves to be bullied by Chelsea's style of play and they gave as good as they got. The title race is very open but surely the two favourites have to be Arsenal FC and Manchester United.

Arsene Wenger: The Professor

This man, Arsene Wenger, is the most amazing football manager who has ever lived. He is truely omniscient (all-seeing/all-knowing) in spotting young talent. He is very well eduacated, a degree in Engineering and a Master's degree in Economics from Strasbourg University prove this much. His use of economics has allowed him to be very shrewd in his spending in the transfer market and understand the effect(s) of his spendings on AFC's financial status as a whole for the club. This, in turn, has led to AFC to reach new heights in their spending powers. The Emirates Stadium is an imposing, world-class, 60000ish seater which is rated 5-star by both UEFA and FIFA. The revenue this generates along with merchandise sales (which have rocketed as a result of Wenger's unprecedented success and style he has blessed the club with) has allowed AFC to be just 9 or so months away from becoming the World's richest club WITHOUT the aid of a rich, foreign owner. The best indication of Wenger's legendary status is the fact a bronze busk has also been carved out much like the one of another legend, Herbert Chapman.

Arsene is also a noted gentleman who always stops to speak with fans and colleagues alike because of his passion for football. His managerial style is unique, it focuses only on skill, technical ability, short passing and speed; not "muscle", long ball and kicking opponents. This has given Arsenal a very entertaining, and effective for the most part (unbeaten season 03/04), which can only really be stopped by resorting to excessive physical force/fouling.

Arsene's most amazing ability is that which allows him to spot young talent and then mold them into world-class players well before they reach their peak. There are so many examples of this but the 3 that stand out most to me are: Thierry Daniel Henry, Patrick Donale Vieira and Francesc Fabregas Soler.

Thierry Henry is an absolute legendary striker both for France (now their record goal scorer) and Arsenal FC. His move to Barcelona has not yet proved a huge hit but I am confident, in time, he will be back to his damaging best in a slower league. He is much to classy to not be scoring bucket loads of goals in a team rife with talent. He was signed to AFC from Juventus as a "failure" and a winger. He spent some 8 seasons with AFC scoring an incredible 226 goals and setting up so many more. Will be remembered as the club's greatest ever striker and a true role model for any player. Thierry is charismatic and an ultimate professional. His move away this season has let the team as a whole mature; only because they now must all lift their game and make up for his talent. Thierry will always be loved and welcome in and around AFC.

Power, skill, determination, leadership and confidence. All these words describe Patrick Vieira (just look at the picutre for an indication of his power). Patrick was an amazing captain who used to dominate games and exerted a huge positive influence on all his team mates. He never backed down from a physical challenge and had huge skill on the ball to couple with his physical stature. Vieira was never one to back out from a battle and performed to his full potential nearly every time he pulled on the AFC or French shirt. He will always be remembered fondly by AFC, Juventus, Inter Milan and French fans for his amazing committment and skill. The ultimate captain and midfielder, truely world-class and unstoppable.

Though only 20, Cesc could prove to be Wenger's greatest ever signing. He has over 150 first team appearances since debuting at 16 years of age in the Carling Cup. Cesc has quickly become the most important player in the Arsenal line-up with his unbelievable passing range, tackling, dribbling, work-rate and shooting. This season has seen Fabregas become a complete midfielder and a player of amazing quality. Seems more and more keen to spend his entire career with the Gunners and this can only mean one thing; trophies galore.

Wenger's tutelage of many players has shown him to be an amazing manager. Wenger is as passionate of a manager as the day he joined AFC and he will continue to encourage his unique and stylish form of play on all his players.

The Worst Performance For A Very Long Time

I thought it didn't get much worse than watching Arsenal labour to win over Newcastle. It got much worse watching them get dominated completely by Middlesborough. What a fucking joke of a performance. I don't care who is out through injury, you should still give yourself a decent showing and put your pride on display, and it seems that most of the players out there last night had none.



This guy is a disturbingly bad goalkeeper. For Boro's first goal he came walk about off his line (when there was no need) and put Toure under pressure which then resulted in the penalty. The resulting penalty Almunia went the right way and then produced a weak attempt at saving a terribly hit penalty. Almunia has always been too hasty to get off his line and makes way too many mistakes. Bring back Jens; he may be outspoken and an arsehole but he doesn't make nearly as many mistakes. Almunia said he would play for England if he got the chance and I hop he does because he 'keeps like an Englishman.
The only players left with any pride left are the following: William Gallas, Emmanuel Adebayor, Nicklas Bendtner and, I guess, Denilson. The rest of the players should hang their heads in shame and beg the club not to rip up their contracts after a passionless and inept display. I can honestly say I've never been more dissapointed in a Gunners' performance in my time of following them. In previous dumb losses they atleast showed some desire. Tomas Rosicky, who I thought was a bargain at 8 million pounds, is the WORST excuse for an attacking midfielder I have seen at Arsenal FC for a very long time. He cannot play a simple pass and move on with any regularity. He plays like an idiot and everytime he gets the ball he tries a wonderpass and 95% (at best) do not work. About Diaby makes a better left winger.

The Best XI (And Subs) From The EPL's Top 4

Goalkeeper: Jose Reina
Has seemingly rid his game of silly mistakes and is a very good keeper who relishes big games. Best penalty stopper in the world.

Right Back: Bacary Sagna
Signed as an unknown to many in the Summer and has quickly become a solid right back who bombs forward and can deliver an absolute killer cross. Very good defender who is excellent in the air and seems a bargain at around 6 million pounds.

Left Back: Ashley Cole
I personally hate this cunt but his talent is undeniable. Wonderful going forward and in defence, Cole is the complete wing back. Cole has excellent attacking instincts and it won't be long until Chelsea see the best of Ashley (unfortunatley).

Centre Back: William Gallas (captain)
Arsene Wenger raised many eyebrows by giving Gallas the captaincy of AFC in the off season but Gallas has never played better. He is relishing in the responsibility and Arsenal's style suits him perfectly. Has vast experience and is a natural born winner.

Centre Back: Ricardo Carvalho
Excellent defender who makes John Terry look much better than he really is. Carvalho is very calm and can easily lead a counter attack with his quick football mind and decent passing skills. Excellent in the air.

Left Midfield: Cristiano Ronaldo
Can easily play on either flank and is a real world-class winger. Scores goals, sets up goals and is a threat every time he touches the ball. Fantastically talented and still very young.

Right Midfield: Aliaksandr Hleb
Finally showing the consistency to go with his unbelievable skill and vision, Hleb now shrugs off being kicked for 90 minutes a game. Huge influence on Arsenal's resurgance without Thierry Henry, Hleb has the chance to stamp himself as one of the best attack-minded midfielders in the world. So unselfish and a real workaholic.

Centre Midfield: Stevie Gerrard (defensive)
Only put in defensive midfield to make room for the next man. Gerrard could play absolutely anywhere on the pitch and be excellent. Powerhouse man who is a real matchwinner and scores wondergoals as often as anyone in the world. Works himself to a standstill whenever he plays and a huge inspiration to his team.

Centre Midfield: Francesc Fabregas Soler (attacking)
20 years old and so mature. Cesc is quickly become a complete midfielder and his displays this season have been nothing short of world-class. Works hard, scores goals, dictates games, has unbelievable vision and skill that surpasses his tender age. Has potential to rule the footballing world.

Forward: Robin van Persie (link-up man)
Has matured so much since joining as a renegade from Feyernoord. Robin has brilliant skills and vision and a real desire to be the best.

Forward: Didier Drogba (goal scorer)
Can play as a goal scorer or target man and Drogba has shown himself to be an amazing forward. Drogba was a late bloomer in his career but he is now making the most of what amazing talent and strength he has.

Sub 1: Petr Cech
World-class keeper who just misses out because of Reina's huge improvement. All-round player who has quick reflexes for a 6'8 man.

Sub 2: Nemanja Vidic
Classy centre half who never gives up and is very brave. A must have in any squad of players.

Sub 3: Paul Scholes
Been around forever and a beautiful passer and striker of the ball. Scholes combines his immense skill with his English robust style of play. World-class midfielder.

Sub 4: Fernando Torres
Just misses out on starting. Classy 23 year old striker of world-class quality. Wouldn't look out of place in any top team the world over.

Sub 5: Kolo Toure
Gets in on merrit of his enthusiasm and ability to play anywhere across the backline or midfield. Real utility value but best at centre half as he has proved in recent seasons. Has immense passion for the game.

The Premiership's Most Promising Striker...

This is a very interesting subject to me as there now seem to be several top candidates who are 23 or under. I have chosen the following as the best the EPL has to offer: Fernando Torres (23), Emmanuel Adebayor (23), Carlos Tevez (23), Wayne Rooney (20 or 21) and, to a lesser extent, Nicklas Bendtner. All of these fellows play for a top 4 club and that is not by accident, they are some of the most talented footballers up front of any age group anywhere in football.

Fernando Torres cost Liverpool somewhere around 23 and 26 million pounds and he looks to be worth every bit and then some. He was (probably still is) one of the most sought after forwards in the world because he can do everything: head, pass, use both feet, finish and works hard when needed. Has had a few minor injuries this season but will no doubt set the EPL alight when he is fully fit and fully adjusted to the pace and physicality. He will probably need a better strike partner to be brought in so we can see the best of him however. At only 23 is one of Spain's top 3 strikers which is amazing considering their array of talent up front.

Adebayor was bought by Arsene Wenger for around 12 million pounds nearly two years ago now and it seemed he was very pricey at the time. Fast-forward to the 07/08 season and after 15 games Adebayor sits alone atop the scoring charts and in imperious form with 9 goals. Can head a ball, chest a ball, finish and has excellent link-up play. Could help fill the goal void left by Thierry Henry.

Ugly as fuck but an excellent player. Looks like he may have formed a decently potent partnership with Wayne Rooney which could turn into something special. Tenacious and extremely skillful, Tevez always give 100% and creates a lot of trouble for defences. A top prospect and already established up front at Manchester United at only 23.

Wayne Rooney is a big, bustling and agressive striker who is very young. Established at Manchester United after a 30 million pound move from Everton, he has started to repay the club with his all round play. Can be a liability at times but usually very dangerous.

Nicklas Bendtner's power and confidence, combined with his boyishly good looks, make him a very good player and very marketable. Has the potential to be a world beater and has the attitude to accompany it. Anyone who has read my previous entries would know my admiration for this fellow.

Best XI Out Of The EPL's Top Four (And Subs!)

Yes Nads had a guest columnist do this (being Mal) so I am copying that but doing it myself.

Goalkeeper: Brad Friedel
This guy is way too good to not be playing for a top club. He is simply amazing and so consistent. He is vastly experienced and looks to have atleast 3-4 more good years left if current evidence is anything to go on. Absolute key to Blackburn being a hugely improved club.

Right Back: Vedran Corluka
One of the best right backs running around in the EPL today. Absolutely fantastic in defence and so composed on the ball. Superstar of the future at either right back or centre back. Again, no coincidence that Manchester City are doing so well with this colossal man in defence.

Left Back: Joleon Lescott
Just edges out Gareth Bale and Nicky Shorey. Ugly as fuck but can easily play central or left back. Very useful going forward and a real robust tackler.

Centre Back: Martin Laursen
Barnstorming season and showing his potential that saw him on the books at AC Milan as a defender for a while. His injuries have finally subsided, atleast for now, and he is 27 years of age so his best years will be just around the corner. Solid through the middle and a huge threat from set pieces.

Centre Back: Sol Campbell
Fantastic since moving to Portsmouth and back to his domineering best. Immense physical presence and robust tackler. Rarely makes mistakes and a handful from set pieces. Back to his best because he is out of the spotlight and can concentrate on playing to his potential.

Right Midfield: Mikel Arteta
You can put this fella anywhere in the midfield and he will be excellent. Huge talent who is unlucky not to be representing Spain with regularity, (being Spanish he has huge competition), he is Everton's apex in attack. Has taken his tremendous form from last season into this one.

Left Midfield: Morten Gamst Pedersen
May seem an odd choice with his season being so quiet but he is a class act. A natural right footer who was made to use his left foot by his father and as a result is very much two footed. Can head a ball, cross a ball, pass a ball and doesn't mind a spectacular goal. Should be at a top 4 club, he has class written all over himself.

Central Midfield (Attacking): Elano Blumer
Has to be Elano. Absolutely scintilating this season and it is hard to understand why he was in the Ukraine for so long. Has his best years ahead of him and is the cornerstone of Manchester City's creativity in attack.

Central Midfield (Defensive): Papa Bouba Diop
Complete defensive midfielder; tall, imposing, physical, able to pass and gets forward when needed. Quiet last season with Fulham after a few very good ones. His move to Upton Park seems to have reinvigorated him and he is back to his best and dominating the midfield like a player of his talent and physical stature should.

Striker (Link Up Man/Target Man): Kenwyne Jones
Exploded into the Premiership after a 7 million pound transfer from Southampton, which seemed laughable at the time. Been quiet in the past few weeks with his goal scoring but still a handful everytime he plays. Reminicent of Emmanuel Adebayor in style and appearance, Jones looks destined for a bigger club than Sunderland. At 23 still has plenty of time to get more skillful and calm in front of goal.

Striker (Goal Scorer): Nicholas Anelka
A man who has seemingly wasted his career through a poor attitude and misguidance as a youngster. An amazing goal scorer who scores bucket loads wherever he ventures to, he is one of the most talented strikers on the planet.

Sub 1: David James
Huge experience and a new lease of life at Pompey, James is unlucky not to be rated first choice here.

Sub 2: Olof Mellberg
Vast experience and can slot in at centre half or right back. Utility value and reliability gets him on the bench.

Sub 3: David Bentley
An English player with good technique and looks set for big things. Can easily score and set up goals.

Sub 4: Gareth Barry
Can play left midfield, left back, attacking midfield or defensive midfield. Great utility and a very talented player. Should make any team.

Sub 5: Obafemi Martins
Top class striker who will thrive WHEN he leaves Newcastle and gets good service. Strong, excellent balance and a real power merchant Martins is more than a handful to any defence.

How Quickly Football Changes

Remember at the start of this season when Arsenal were going to struggle and Tottenham were serious top 4 contenders? How good is football everyone? Now Tottenham are languishing in relegation and could now be considered real contenders to go down; they have only beaten Derby and Bolton (I think) in the league this season! What a change in fortunes hey? I'll be completely honest here, I was worried Arsenal may crumble losing the legendary Thierry Henry to Barca. I also thought that the filthy Spurs could even challenge us for a top 4 spot. How wrong I was and how glad I am for it! I enjoy watching the Spurs "defenders" (because they barely are) try and do what they are meant too, defend. It is fucking honkin' and underlined by none more than one of their "big" summer signings, Younes Kaboul who, by the way, is absolute toss. Martin Jol could not help Spurs because they are idiots and would not give him their full backing and would not let him bring the players in he wanted too. Juande Ramos will have the same problem so I'm sure they will give him the sack at some innapropriate or stupid time too. The picture posted below needs no querky caption because it is already deliciously funny much like Tottenham's league position.

I will keep my Arsenal bit short and sweet; top of the table and playing beautiful football. Hell, even Reading can defend better than Spurs!

Can Two Yanks Who Don't Understand Football Undermine LFC?

Well Liverpool's not-so-well-football-educated owners seem to have been offended by what Rafa has recently said or been doing. Something about them not understanding the European transfer market (which he isn't wrong about that) and this made Mr Hicks' and Mr Gillet's vaginas full of sand. Rafa may be relatively new to the English game but he sure as hell isn't new to Europe. He has won the FA Cup, La Liga, the UEFA Cup (I think) and the Champion's League. An excellent track record which few managers around would have. The fact these owners won't back Rafa is incredible to me; the guy has won so many "important" trophies and, given the financial and board backing, I see no reason why he will not continue to win more big trophies. It seems the Yanks want to run LFC as a business first and then a football club; one would think it should be the other way round. This can only spell disaster for LFC if this problem isn't sorted out soon, the problem being Yanks not knowing the first thing about football. Rafa needs the full backing and after letting him spend around 23 million pounds alone on Torres they would even more stupid not to give him the backing he desires. Rafa is a quality manager who needs time and stability to be able to finish his "Rafalution."

Hicks and Gillet- Wankers who don't know

football.

The Hardest Man In The EPL...

Is Aliaksandr Paŭlavič Hleb. A random and silly choice to some but hear me out with my reasoning. Mr Hleb this season has shown a remarkable improvement on his previous time with Arsenal and has become as important as Cesc to the team. Aliaksandr also has a huge amount of skill and flair which attracts other "hard men" to kick fucking lumps out of him. However hard Aliaksandr is kicked he keeps going until he simply cannot anymore. For example, remember Mark Noble's "tackle" on Hleb in the derby against West Ham? Noble cleaned out Hleb with a leg breaking tackle and Hleb was stretchered off, 3 days later he is playing 90 minutes. His injury was described as "the worst bruising ever seen" by Arsene Wenger yet Hleb manned the fuck up and played soon after. Then recently Carew hacked him terribley and he only went off by the fact he coudn't run, he also got kicked many times before Carew dealt what could described as the "killer blow". Mr Hleb gets kicked so many times a game he could almost be a football. Anyway, he is my choice for the Premiership's hardest man because of his amazing toughness. The picture above shows him standing up to renowned "hard man" Tomas Repka with no fear. Bring it on kids, Hleb is the toughest and one of the most skilled footballers around.

John Carew A Jealous Talentless Tall Titty Fuck?

Well about five and a half hours ago I finished up watching Aston Villa v Arsenal. It was brought

to my attention that John Carew is nowhere near the calibre of a player I thought he was during this game. Yes, he was heavily involved in the set-up of Villa's goal and hit the bar but apart from this he did nothing but duesche around and fuck up. He also showed his jealousy by blatantly hacking Aliaksandr Hleb (a very talented footballer indeed) from behind nowhere near the ball and injuring him; without recieving a red card. Why do players not get sent off for this? Carew was atleast four yards from the ball and his tackle's intent was so obvious for all to see that he should have been given his marching orders. In the end Carew hit the underside of the bar and didn't score so that took some of the edge of losing Hleb to a disgusting and unneccessary challenge. It wasn't that long ago that the Lyon president was saying something along the lines of Carew being rubbish. I thought this was sour grapes but now I agree. In short, fuck you John Carew you tall fucking knob I hope you get a serious knee injury very soon as a result of karma. Enjoy mediocracy at Aston Villa.