Read + Write + Report
Home | Start a blog | About Orble | FAQ | Sites | Writers | Advertise | My Orble | Login

EPL Arsenal - Football Slate

EPL Week 12: Nasri Gives Victory To Arsenal, Chelsea's Anelka Scores Double Against Blackburn

November 10th 2008 20:21
Arsenal – Manchester United: 2-1
Sir Alex Ferguson has to be cursing his team's missed opportunities after Saturday's match against the struggling Gunners. Twice now Manchester United has allowed their opponents to stay in the game simply because they couldn't capitalize on their opportunities. The Red Devils got two clear scoring chances in the first twenty minutes of game including a disallowed goal on which Berbatov was ruled offside (again!), and a missed shot by Rooney who had scored on a similar play on month ago. Consequently, Arsenal were the first to score when Samir Nasri fired a rocket past Van der Sar. The Gunners still weren't safe after that goal as United repeatedly assaulted Almunia's net without any success.


Although the Red Devils ended the first half on a high, their vivacity was dampened when Nasri scored his second of the day two minutes after the break with a superb strike that left no chance to Van der Sar. One minute later, Cristiano Ronaldo had United's first goal on the side of his boot, but his tap-in went inches wide of Almunia's post. Surprisingly, it was youngster Rafael who reduced the score to 2-1 with a superbly struck volley. Despite six minutes of added time (due to Almunia's injury), the defending champions couldn't find the equalizer while Arsenal, instead of keeping the ball in the corner, naively went on looking for a third.

In the end, my only disappointment in Sir Alex's side (apart from the lack of opportunism) was the assignment of Gary Neville as the right-back starter instead of Rafael. As soon as the latter came in, you could tell that there was more life on that right-hand side. Furthermore, Nasri had no trouble dancing rings around Neville during the first half. Rafael probably would've gotten beaten too on a couple of times, but he could also have put in some well-timed tackles – something that Neville didn't do too much. So, Arsenal won but I'm still not convinced about their performance. Nasri was their best player by far. Fabregas wasn't his usual precise self, and Bendtner is simply a poor man's version of Adebayor, missing several chances in the first half. I'll wait until the Gunners put up some sort of winning streak before saying that they're going to be fine.



Arsenal's line-up: Manuel Almunia (Lukas Fabianski, 77th); Bacary Sagna, William Gallas, Mikael Silvestre, Gael Clichy; Theo Walcott (Alexandre Song, 77th), Denilson, Cesc Fabregas, Samir Nasri, Abou Diaby (Kolo Toure, 85th); Nicklas Bendtner.

Manchester United's line-up: Edwin Van der Sar; Gary Neville (Rafael, 63rd), Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic, Patrice Evra; Cristiano Ronaldo, Michael Carrick, Anderson (Ryan Giggs, 71st), Park Ji-Sung; Wayne Rooney (Carlos Tevez, 76th), Dimitar Berbatov.

Blackburn Rovers – Chelsea: 0-2
Once again, it was The Anelka Show for Chelsea's twelfth match of the season. The French striker scored two goals (38th, 67th) to provide the win to the Blues, consequently putting them back atop of the table. Blackburn often came close to scoring but Petr held down the fort with great aplomb.

Chelsea's line-up: Petr Cech; Jose Bosingwa, Alex, John Terry, Wayne Bridge; Deco (Paulo Ferreira, 91st), John Obi Mikel, Frank Lampard; Salomon Kalou (Juliano Belletti, 61st), Nicolas Anelka, Florent Malouda.
29
Vote
Shared on
Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: Ann 2 - Category: EPL, Arsenal, Chelsea, 2008-2009 Season
   


2008-2009 EPL Wrap-Up (Week 1-10)

November 7th 2008 01:05
*Warning, huge post follows*

Before the beginning of the season, many people predicted that Manchester United would easily dominate their Premiership rivals. After ten games played, here's how the teams stack up.

1. Liverpool (10-8-2-0 | 26pts)
Things have been tough for Rafael Benitez's men. They started the season with two hard-fought victories (1-0 against Sunderland, and 2-1 against Middlesbrough) where the winning goal came in the final ten minutes. Two 0-0 draws (against Aston Villa and Stoke City) bookended their best performance so far in the season where they defeated Manchester United 2-1. That performance was probably the spark they needed to get going. Indeed, after the draw against Stoke, they rolled on to a five-game winning streak, including a 1-0 victory against Chelsea which allowed them to take the lead in the standings.

Most of their early season troubles came from the arrival of Robbie Keane who disrupted the chemistry between Gerrard and Torres. Of course, Torres' sudden inability to find the net didn't help very much. Once he got going though, Liverpool followed. Still, Benitez's best move so far has been the acquisition of Spaniard Albert Riera. The left-winger has been a tremendous help to the Reds' attack thanks to his technical abilities and speed. He was particularly efficient against Manchester United where his performance eclipsed his vis-ΰ-vis.

2. Chelsea (10-7-2-1 | 23pts)
Gone are the days of Jose Mourinho and Avram Grant. Under the tutelage of Luiz Felipe Scolari, Chelsea has become a more offensive-minded squad, combining the possession style of Argentina's national team and the flying fullbacks of Brazilian football. Mostly deployed in a 4-1-4-1 formation, the Blues' play is concentrated in a powerful midfield, superbly led by newcomer Deco. Most of the time, that formation turns into a 4-3-3, giving width to Chelsea's offense which had scored 22 goals for 4 goals conceded before the 11th week.

Despite the absence of Didier Drogba in front, Scolari's men started the season in force, posting a dominating 4-0 win against Portsmouth in the first week. Perhaps victims of complacency, they managed to score only one goal against Wigan Athletic (they won 1-0) before visitors Tottenham Hotspur got a point out of a 1-1 match at Stamford Bridge. The visit of Robinho under the Manchester City shirt in the fourth week set them back to the right track as they defeated City 3-1. In the fifth week, they came back from behind to draw 1-1 against Manchester United. After that, they posted three back-to-back wins defeating both Stoke City and Aston Villa on a 2-0 score, then completely dominating Middlesbrough with a resounding 5-0 victory. One week later, they suffered their first loss at the Bridge in a long time as they couldn't find an answer to Liverpool's first half goal. Finally, they rebounded with a 3-0 win against Hull City which kept them in second place in the standings right behind Liverpool.

Portuguese players Deco and Bosingwa aren't the only one who impressed in the early season. French striker Nicolas Anelka seems to have been reborn ever since Scolari got on board. He's played well so far but failed to show up against big teams such as Liverpool and Manchester United. With Shevchenko back at Milan, Anelka has effectively become the choice striker until Drogba comes back. It might be a good news for him, but Scolari must have realized during the Liverpool game that his team clearly lacks depth in front especially since they also have to juggle with the Champions League. Youngster Franco Di Santo shouldn't have to come into a game to rescue his teammates. Still, there's no doubt Chelsea will continue their excellent form. Of course, it's easier to say that when we know they've convincingly won their 11th game where Anelka got his first hat-trick of the season.

3. Arsenal (10-6-2-2 | 20pts)
Despite Arsθne Wenger's reassuring words (until last week anyway), the Gunners have gone off to a terrible start due to a troubling lack of consistency. They started the season against promoted side West Bromwich Albion where their only one goal turned out to be winner. The second week, they fell against Fulham, another lower-tiered club. Things looked better when they posted back-to-back-to-back wins against Newcastle United (3-0), Blackburn Rovers (4-0), and Bolton Wanderers (3-1). For awhile there, it looked like they were back in the glory days, but everything came crashing down when Hull City stunned them at the Emirates with a 2-1 victory. Then, they drew 1-1 against Sunderland before finding their way back to victory with a 3-1 win against Everton, and a 2-0 win against West Ham United. But once again, they lost their focus in the 10th match, drawing 4-4 against Tottenham Hotspur after leading 4-2.

Most of Arsenal's problems come from a lack of depth. Sure, they have talent on the bench, but that talent is still raw, you can't expect youngsters to pull you out of tough situations week in week out. That in turn leads to exhausted veterans who must play almost every game. Watching Fabregas these past few weeks, I get the feeling that he either has a bad game or takes a while to really get in the flow of things as if to keep some energy for the next game. The Gunners are also still in need of a defensive midfielder. Putting Song and Denilson together with Fabregas also on the field just won't work in the long run. It not only deprives Wenger of an offensive player, but also doesn't help Denilson who will come to think that there will always be someone covering him. Furthermore, the center of the defense is still weak even with Silvestre there (but then again, Silvestre was never considered a good centreback, so I don't know what Wenger was thinking). Lastly, Arsenal only knows one way to play the game – the attractive passing and that's it. The players looked flustered when they're under intense pressure, and often look for the most complicated scenarios when trying to score. A bit more simplicity wouldn't hurt.

4. Hull City (10-6-2-2 | 20pts)
In The Tigers' first season in the Premier League, they surprised everyone by barging in the top 5 in front of Manchester United. With only two loss to their account after ten games (against Wigan Athletic and Chelsea), the question is how long will they hold on to the top 10. Their win against Arsenal at the Emirates showed that everything is possible and in Geovanni they found a star striker/midfielder who will provide a lot of thrills in the weeks to come.

5. Aston Villa (10-6-2-2 | 20pts)

6. Manchester United (9-5-3-1 | 18pts)
With an offense thoroughly plagued with injuries, Manchester United had a disappointing start to their campaing posting a 1-1 draw against Newcastle United, and a 1-0 win against Portsmouth. Both of United goals came from midfielder Darren Fletcher. Things didn't get better as they consecutively faced Liverpool (2-1 loss) and Chelsea (1-1 draw). The return of Ronaldo which coincided with Rooney's hot streak brought a couple of wins under United's belt (2-0 against Bolton and Blackburn, 4-0 against West Bromwich) before Everton managed to hold them to a 1-1 draw). The two last games were led by Ronaldo who got a double in each win (2-0 against West Ham United, 4-3 against Hull City).

Consider this. During those nine games, all of these following players were missing at some point due to injuries: Cristiano Ronaldo (returned on September 27th after ankle surgery), Wayne Rooney (missed the first game due to a virus, returned for the second despite not being 100%), Michael Carrick (two ankle injuries), Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs (hamstring), Park Ji-Sung, Owen Hargreaves (who has played only one game so far), and Patrice Evra. Nani was also suspended for the first two games. All this to say that the Red Devils were far from being at full speed in those first nine games. Yet, there were a couple of good performances here and there. Youngster Rafael has been forcing Sir Alex's hand with superb displays at right back. The kid is fearless and loves participating in the offense. Berbatov, although not as energetic as Rooney and Tevez, has helped in some way. Now, the question is who will get the most playing time between the three.

7. Everton (10-4-2-4 | 14pts)
Their 1-1 draw against Manchester United was the only bright spot in a relatively normal start. They won the games they should've won, and lost those they should've lost.

8. Portsmouth (10-4-2-4 | 14pts)
The partnership between Defoe and Crouch has shown some positive signs here and there but nothing concrete enough to give the team a boost.

9. Middlesbrough (10-4-1-5 | 13 pts)
Like Everton against Manchester United, Boro held its own against one of the Big Four when they face Liverpool in the second week of the season. They came out with a strong showing that probably surprised the Reds. When the game was tied at 1-1, Gareth Southgate took a gamble by going for the win instead of sitting back for a draw. The result was a heartwrenching loss (Gerrard scored the winning goal at the 94th minute), but they deserve to be applauded for the effort.

10. Manchester City (10-4-1-5 | 13pts)
The takeover of Manchester City by an Emirati businessman was the big news out of the early season. The acquisition of Brazilian striker Robinho from Real Madrid right under Chelsea's nose was a major coup for the new owners who plan on making another Chelsea. Robinho had an instant impact on the team, scoring his first goal against Chelsea, and five more in the other nine games including a hat-trick against Stoke City.

11. West Ham United (10-4-0-6 | 12pts)
Ended the first ten games of the season on a four-game losing streak. The managerial change was obviously a big blow.

12. Blackburn Rovers (10-3-3-4 | 12pts)

13. Sunderland (10-3-3-4 | 12pts)

14. Fulham (10-3-2-5 | 11pts)
Despite a surprising 1-0 win against Arsenal, Fulham found themselves back in the bottom after a four-game losing streak.

15. Stoke City (10-3-1-6 | 10pts)

16. West Bromwich Albion (10-3-1-6 | 10pts)

17. Newcastle United (10-2-3-5 | 9pts)
After a promising start to their season where they got a 1-1 draw against Manchester United before defeating Bolton 1-0, the Magpies struggled in their next eight games where they were either unable to hold a lead or unable to come back from behind.

18. Wigan Athletic (10-2-2-6 | 8pts)
Things don't look good for Wigan who lost all their games in October.

19. Bolton Wanderers (10-2-2-6 | 8pts)

20. Tottenham Hotspur (10-1-3-6 | 6pts)
Despite the arrival of Dos Santos, Modric, and Pavlyuchenko, the Spurs have been struggling to win a game since the beginning of the season (they only won the ninth game). Let's hope the 4-4 draw against Arsenal will give them something to feed on.

Stay tuned for both Spanish Liga and Italian Serie A wrap-ups.
29
Vote
Shared on
Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
   


EPL Week 9: Man. United Can't Face The Heat, Liverpool Win At The Bridge, Adebayor Saves Arsenal

October 29th 2008 03:07
Manchester United – Everton: 1-1
When Darren Fletcher scored his third of the season at the 21st minute, it looked like the Red Devils would get an easy win. Unfortunately, their domination only lasted in the first 45 minutes. In the second half, Everton's pressure became almost unbearable for Sir Alex Ferguson's men. It didn't help that Ferdinand had a couple of brain farts that put his team and Van der Sar in serious trouble. Everton tied the game at the 62nd minute, but they could've had easily grabbed the lead if their strikers were more precise.

No one in United's camp will be happy for the draw. Although this game wasn't a must-win, the defending champions were probably anticipating a win that would've put them closer to the top three. Now, Chelsea and Liverpool are pulling away while they're stuck outside of the top four. Plus, I'm still not convinced about Berbatov. Most of his goals so far were purely reactions, not really genius stuff. It's a shame that Carlos Tevez has to rot on the bench.


Manchester United's line-up: Edwin Van der Sar; Wes Brown, Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic, Patrice Evra; Darren Fletcher (Carlos Tevez, 77th), Park Ji-Sung (Anderson, 66th), Ryan Giggs, Cristiano Ronaldo; Wayne Rooney (Nani, 70th), Dimitar Berbatov.

Chelsea – Liverpool: 0-1
An early goal by Xabi Alonso was all it took for Liverpool to end Chelsea's winning streak at Stamford Bridge. Although the Blues had most of their possession, their forwards never seemed to get in the game. Anelka and Malouda were particularly invisble, and Kalou couldn't do it all by himself. But then again, Liverpool were very solid at the back, especially Jamie Carragher who came up with a great display. Not only did Liverpool finally found a way through Chelsea's defense, but the win also puts them atop the Premiership standings, three points clear of Chelsea.

Chelsea's line-up: Petr Cech; Jose Bosingwa (Scott Sinclair, 84th), Ricardo Carvalho, John Terry, Ashley Cole; John Obi Mikel, Deco, Frank Lampard, Salomon Kalou (Franco Di Santo, 57th), Florent Malouda (Juliano Belletti, 57th); Nicolas Anelka.

Liverpool's line-up: Pepe Reina; Alvaro Arbeloa, Daniel Agger, Jamie Carragher, Fabio Aurelio; Dirk Kuyt (Lucas, 87th), Xabi Alonso, Javier Mascherano, Albert Riera (Sami Hyypia, 89th), Steven Gerrard; Robbie Keane (Ryan Babel, 59th).

West Ham United – Arsenal: 0-2
A great performance by Robert Green helped The Hammers to strongly compete against Arsenal. The Gunners had all the possession but couldn't find a way through the home side's defense. It took an own-goal by defender Julien Faubert – who deflected Adebayor's harmless shot/cross into the net - at the 74th minute to finally break the deadlock. Adebayor then added the insurance goal at the 90th minute.


Arsenal's line-up: Manuel Almunia; Emmanuel Eboue, William Gallas, Mikael Silvestre, Gael Clichy; Theo Walcott (Emmanuel Adebayor, 67th), Alexandre Song, Cesc Fabregas, Samir Nasri (Abou Diaby, 66th); Robin Van Persie (Bacary Sagna, 91st), Nicklas Bendtner.
33
Vote
Shared on
Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
   


EPL Week 8: Chelsea Dominate Middlesbrough, Arsenal Pull Through Against Everton, Rooney On Fire

October 20th 2008 03:56
Chelsea – Middlesbrough: 5-0
Who can stop Scolari's men? Chelsea are simply bulldozing their way through the Premiership without much opposition. Against Middlesbrough, the Blues had all the time and space in the world to dictate the pace of the game. The first half ended with the score 1-0, the goal coming from Kalou. After that though, Chelsea ran a football clinic for their visitors who were overwhelmed by the home side's superiority. To play illustrates this dominance other than Belletti's goal at the 52nd minute. The versatile player received a pass a good distance away from Boro's goal, but the time and space given to him by the opposing defenders allowed to calmly control the ball and deliver a rocket of a shot that went top-corner. Two minutes later, Kalou would score his second, putting the game beyond doubt.

[ Click here to read more ]
30
Vote
Shared on
Read MoreRead More Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: Ann 2 - Category: EPL, Arsenal, Chelsea, 2008-2009 Season
   


EPL Week 7: Fabregas Saves Arsenal, Rooney On A Roll, Chelsea Still Undefeated

October 6th 2008 14:56
Sunderland – Arsenal: 1-1
The Gunners must be giving headaches to their fans. Although Wenger's men play an attractive kind of football (they are probably the best passing team of the Premiership), they still haven't displayed the kind of character that is required to become champions. Consistency is the key here. They completely schooled FC Porto in their Champions League encounter, yet they've had trouble finishing smaller clubs so far in the Premiership, with Sunderland being the latest to give them a run for their money.

[ Click here to read more ]
32
Vote
Shared on
Read MoreRead More Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: Ann 2 - Category: EPL, Arsenal, Chelsea, 2008-2009 Season
   


EPL Week 6: Hull City Stun Arsenal With 2-1 Win

September 29th 2008 19:26
Complacency. It's the bane of every athlete in every sport. When you think that no matter how you play against a lower-tiered team or opponent, you'll always end up on top. If there is a side to Arsenal that's always been criticized, it's that mentality – not killing off opponents when they have the chance.

On Saturday, the Gunners had the opportunity widen the gap between them and the rest of the pack by receiving promoted club Hull City. At first, a win looked like a sure thing. Wenger's squad had most of the possession, and all Hull could do was to run after the ball. Still, their trademark fluidity was nowhere to be found as the visitors' defenders applied sustained pressure on the ball-carrier. Arsenal finally opened the scoring at the 49th minute when Fabregas slid down to push in a rebound off Adebayor. The goal was ugly at best, the kind of play where you don't exactly know what you're doing and reacting instinctively. After that, the Gunners went back to their old habits. Instead of looking for a second, they carried on carelessly. The visitors would make them pay dearly for that mistake as they came back from behind and added another with two quick strikes in the span of five minutes. Hull's first goal was a beauty of a strike that left no chance to Almunia while the second was scored on a corner-kick with striker Cousin leaping above everyone else to head it home


[ Click here to read more ]
34
Vote
Shared on
Read MoreRead More Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: Ann 2 - Category: EPL, Arsenal, 2008-2009 Season
   


EPL Week 5: Arsenal Easily Defeat Bolton Wanderers 3-1

September 22nd 2008 14:06
Two goals in two minutes from the Gunners erased any chance for Bolton to come back. The Trotters were first to score at the 13th minute, but Arsenal's relentless attacks showed that it was just a matter of time before the Wanderers lost their lead. The visitors were twice denied by Jasskelainen posts but never gave up. At the 25th minute, Eboue scored his first ever league goal to equalize the mark. The Ivorian midfielder was in an offside position when he received the ball, but the goal stood. One minute later, Bendtner also scored his first goal of the season by completing a superb cross from Denilson. At 2-1, Bolton was still in it. However, they couldn't run the risk of opening up their game because that's exactly what the Gunners need to be at their best.

Consequently, the second half was a lot more subdued until Walcott's entrance at the 72nd minute. Ten minutes after he entered the field, the teenager made a superb run straight into the heart of the defense. At the edge of the box, he passed the ball to Adebayor inside the right side of the 18-yard box. The striker then unselfishly crossed the ball to Denilson whose first-touch finish hit the top of the net. Down 3-1 with four minutes left to go, Bolton simply had no chance


[ Click here to read more ]
33
Vote
Shared on
Read MoreRead More Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: Ann 2 - Category: EPL, Arsenal, 2008-2009 Season
   


EPL Week 4: Adebayor Gets Hat Trick As Arsenal Crush Blackburn Rovers 4-0

September 15th 2008 03:04
It's been a tough start but the Gunners are slowly climbing up the standings after disposing of the Blackburn Rovers by the score of 4-0 with two goals in each half. Although the scoreline makes it look like a convincing victory, there were both good things and bad things about Arsenal's performance.

First, the good stuff. Coming off an impressive display during the World Cup qualifyers, Walcott looks a lot more confident with the ball now. He made a superb run and delivered and nice pass to Van Persie on the first goal, and spent the whole afternoon running past defenders who couldn't stop him. I used to complain about Theo always doing the same thing which was running down the wing and crossing. Saturday, he went to the other side of the spectrum by often trying a shot when an extra-pass was the better option. I hope he'll find the perfect balance between the two. Secondly, Adebayor finally found the back of the net, potting three goals Saturday including a penalty-kick won by Eboue of all people. Fabregas was Fabregas, the master of the midfield; nothing much to say about him. Oh, and Wilshere came in late in the game. He didn't really make an impression but I was glad to see him


[ Click here to read more ]
38
Vote
Shared on
Read MoreRead More Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: Ann 2 - Category: EPL, Arsenal, 2008-2009 Season
   


Transfer News

September 5th 2008 23:48
Gosh, I meant to write this post so much earlier this week. Returning to university completely screwed up my writing process.

So, there was a lot of movement in the European soccer world on Monday, the deadline for summer transfers. Most of the important transfers took place in the EPL, but Serie A teams were also pretty busy including Inter and Juventus who both picked up a new player


[ Click here to read more ]
30
Vote
Shared on
Read MoreRead More Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
   


EPL Week 3: Arsenal Back On Track As They Defeat Newcastle 3-0

August 31st 2008 04:24
After a less-than-average start to their season, Arsene Wenger's men seem to have found their bearing with two convincing wins this week – the Champions League Qualifyer on Wednesday in which they defeated FC Twente 4-0, and yesterday afternoon's 3-0 win against Newcastle United. Most analysts expected a tight contest between the two teams, especially after the Magpies had held defending champions Manchester United to a draw at Old Trafford on Monday. Instead, everyone was treated to a one-way traffic match in which Newcastle had a measly five shots on goal while Arsenal had three times the same amount with fifteen shots fired at Shay Given's net.

The Gunners' assault started early. At the first minute of play, a clear-cut penalty for Arsenal was waved off by the referee despite the fact that defender Coloccini had scissor-tackled Van Persie's legs inside the box. Arsenal got a corner in exchange and almost opened the scoring when Gallas volleyed the flicked ball high into the stands. Three minutes later, Toure's long-range effort was saved by Given who had a terrific match despite conceding three goals. At the 17th minute, Arsenal finally got their penalty when the linesman signaled a handball inside the ball. The move was involuntary (the defender wasn't even looking at the ball when it happened) but the opportunity to make up for the earlier non-call was too good to pass up. Thus, Dutch striker Van Persie opened the scoring for the home side. The tempo slowed down after the goal as the Gunners seemed to settle into a comfort zone. They had plenty of possession, making Newcastle look completely harmless in the process. Five minutes before half-time, Van Persie scored his second of the match after a great passing sequence between Eboue, Adebayor, and the striker. Moving up the right-wing, Adebayor sent a low cross inside the box to Eboue. The midfielder then backheeled the ball to the middle of the box where Van Persie slid in to slam it one. Given had no chance to stop it, 2-0 Arsenal at half-time. Wenger's men had dominated the first period with their possession time hovering around 65-70%. The only blight in their performance was Denilson's bad passing. But that was only due to inexperience, and the young midfielder would make up for it later in the game


[ Click here to read more ]
32
Vote
Shared on
Read MoreRead More Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: Ann 2 - Category: EPL, Arsenal, 2008-2009 Season
   


EPL: Arsenal News (Senderos to Milan & More)

August 27th 2008 06:07
Philippe Senderos
Senderos, a Rossoneri. No, it's not a joke.


When Mikael Silvestre was transferred to the Gunners, I thought that it was only a move to bring more experience to Arsenal's backline who lacked a consistent veteran presence. Now, it seems like this transfer is having a lot more consequences on defenders than previously imagined


[ Click here to read more ]
37
Vote
Shared on
Read MoreRead More Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: Ann 2 - Category: EPL, Arsenal, AC Milan, 2008-2009 Season
   


EPL: Arsenal Defender Armand Traore Gets Loaned To Portsmouth

August 21st 2008 19:55
Armand Traore
With Mikael Silvestre's arrival yesterday, Wenger has decided to shore up his defense by sending French left-back Armand Traore to Portsmouth for the rest of the year. With this move, Silvestre and Clichy will share the left-back role and Traore – who probably wouldn't have seen any action with two veterans in front of him – still gets some experience by playing for another Premier League club.

Now, if only Wenger could solve the defensive midfielder issue...
30
Vote
Shared on
Comments (1)Comments (1) Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: Ann 2 - Category: EPL, Arsenal, 2008-2009 Season
   


EPL: Manchester United Defender Mikael Silvestre Joins Rival Arsenal

August 21st 2008 13:27
Mikael Silvestre
The versatile defender hopes to see first-team action with the Gunners

In a move that was finalized yesterday, Silvestre signed a two-year deal with the Gunners which will see him play alongside fellow countrymen William Gallas, Bacary Sagna, Gael Clichy, and Armand Traore.

[ Click here to read more ]
31
Vote
Shared on
Read MoreRead More Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: Ann 2 - Category: EPL, Arsenal, 2008-2009 Season
   


EPL Week 1: Samir Nasri's First Premiership Goal Gives Arsenal 1-0 Win Against West Bromwich Albion

August 17th 2008 01:26
It was supposed to be a walk in the park for Wenger's men. Their opponents were West Bromwich Albion, a club that's been spending its time between the bottom of the Premier League and the Football League; they were promoted to the Premiership for this season after winning the League's Championship.

Arsenal came out rocking from the first second of the game. At the 3rd minute of play, they opened the score when Denilson passed the ball to Nasri for a tap-in in the six-yard box. The goal came off of a nice play started by Nasri on the left wing. The French midfielder passed the ball to Bendtner who sent it to Clichy – the pass could've gone to Nasri but Arsenal's big summer signing let the pass go to Clichy and continued his run – then, Clichy passed it to Denilson who entered the box and crossed to Nasri for the goal. The Gunners had the most possession throughout the game, so Almunia had a pretty quiet afternoon. When his teammates lost the ball, the defense's offside trap usually took care of things (there was one instance in which Djourou had to save the ball right off the goal linebut not much else


[ Click here to read more ]
35
Vote
Shared on
Read MoreRead More Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: Ann 2 - Category: EPL, Arsenal, 2008-2009 Season
   


Next Page (15-28)



[ Football Slate Home ] [ Create A New Post ]

Ann 2's Blogs

7379 Vote(s)
25 Comment(s)
129 Post(s)
7400 Vote(s)
1122 Comment(s)
89 Post(s)
Moderated by Ann 2