Get the drums out of the lockers, get the fireworks and the pyrotechnics to work in tandem, get your bottle of beer and a packet of chips, get the posters hanging from the walls, besiege your cable guys and forget about the outside world; The greatest football league in the world, after in-absentia for three months, is ready to show its face once again in a new avatar.
With more than a month to go for the start of the next BPL campaign, this post is way too early. But my excitement has reached fever pitch and here goes my first blog about Arsenal for the 2009-2010 campaign. What I want to do in this blog is to give a quick run through on all the players who are expected to play a major hand in the season and the reasons why we should keep them (and why should not keep them).
With only 10 more mins on the clock, Arsenal were looking edgy, nervously looking towards that mid-week match against Villareal. But then as they say, its never over until its over, and Arsenal produced a scintillating late surge of three goals in the last 10 mins to win the game 1-4 to put the JJB in complete silence by the time the full time whistle blew.
Arsenal started the day looking to further consolidate their fourth place. But it was anything but consolidation as a rampant Wigan set about destroying a shaky and inexperienced Arsenal back 4. Arsenal never really looked comfortable and Wigan took a first half lead thanks to Mido, whose shot could only be parried into the net by stand in keeper Lukasz Fabianski.
The other stand in players for Arsenal also had poor first half's. Center Half, Johann Djourou was injured and in came Micheal Silvestre, while the stand in Left Back, Kieran Gibbs, probably should have been sent off for a last man offense, but only received an yellow for his troubles.
Nicklas Bendtner, Arsenal's much maligned striker, had the best chance for the men in red in the first half, but promptly put his header from six yards out so wide that Kirkland did not even bother to move.
Wigan could have doubled their advantage just before the break, but the post came to the rescue from a brilliant Ben Watson free-kick. The second half started with no sides bothering to change their personnel.
Arsenal upped the ante from the start and there were some tiring Wigan legs. As Robin Van Persie was preparing to come on, teenager, Theo Walcott put the visitors level with a smashing shot from 7 yards after being put through from Andrei Arshavin. In came Persie for the off colour Denilson, and Arsenal had found their passing game atlast.
Adebayor came on for the goal-scorer Walcott, and Arsenal had their tails buzzing. Clever work down the right, saw Cesc finding Silvestre with a clever pass, and the Frenchman did not need a second invitation to put Arsenal ahead from inside the six-yard box. The attacks were coming from everywhere and Wigan's defense were threatening to burst at the seams.
Arsenal thought they had a third from Van Persie, but the dutchmen was offside, following up from Arshavin's show which rebounded from the post. But they would have their third, when an excellent counter coupled with a mis-understanding in the Wigan defense allowed Arshavin to slot the ball home and Kirkland was rooted to the spot.
It was pretty much a case of damage limitation now for Wigan but a rampant Arsenal were not to be denied a fourth. Alex Song weaved his magic, dancing through the Wigan defense, before stroking the ball past a hapless Kirkland.
Arsene Wenger would be happy that his side would now be confident of facing the Yellow Submarines with their tails up. Arsenal have now moved nine points clear of Aston Villa, who entertain Everton in the late game on Sunday.
By Saumeet Nanda
The Arsene Wenger era.
The young bespectacled French manager came to Arsenal at took the reins of Arsenal in the beginning of an extremely momentous period. The period when English Premier League was going to get really popular all over the world, especially in Asian countries thanks to the widespread television coverage. And the beautiful football the gunners have played under Arsene Wenger has won the club millions of admirers from all over the world.
Being one of the aforementioned millions who fell in love with Arsenal thanks to TV coverage, I am really in no position to comment on pre-Wenger Arsenal. Though the likes of Liam Brady, Kenny Samson, Pat Rice, David O'Leary are players of great stature in the club's history and there are the Champion teams of the thirties under Herbert Chapman, the Arsenal that I have come to love is the Arsenal under Arsene Wenger. And the football players I love are those who took our club to great heights in these Wenger years. The following are the pick of the players under Wenger who get to make it to the Best 11 under Arsene Wenger.
GK - David Seaman: Unquestionably the best English Goalkeeper
when Arsene Wenger joined Arsenal and years afterwards, David Seaman is perhaps the most straightforward of the picks for being the best goalkeeper under Wenger. Seaman was ever reliable whether guarding the Arsenal or England goals. Despite conceding the infamous Ronaldinho free kick, the pony tailed Goalie is still one player the English national team is finding it hard replacing, five years after his retirement. 
DL - Ashley Cole: I know that Ashley Cole is a money hungry cunt and the complete opposite of the Nigel Winterburn in terms of loyalty. But man, could he play football! He was THE prodigy in his Arsenal days, the lad we hoped to cheer for years to come. His commitment was immense. A fighter in defense and a natural at attack, Cole never really achieved the potential he had or reproduce his dazzling form at Stamford Bridge. While Arsenal churn out one world class left back after another, some of us still keep wondering how good he could have been had he still been with us. It would be a great day for Arsenal, when Ashley Cole would be regarded as an England second choice to Keiran Gibbs.DC - Sol Campbell: John Terry and Rio Ferdinand, the two defenders our rival
s go gaga over had nothing on Sol Campbell during his glory days at Arsenal and Jamie Carragher wasn't even in the picture. Sol was scary as a defender for he was powerful, fast, tall, agile and had great technical skills as well. Nemanja Vidic is the only central defender this season in Premier League who reminds me of Sol of the invincible season. Only defender who was as good as him in his hey days was the great Dutch Jaap Stam whose sale was the mistake of Sir Alex Ferguson’s life. The very fact that he didn’t cost us a penny and was the Spurs captain before made his stay even more enjoyable. Sol Campbell was a defender who could scare any opponent.
DC - Tony Adams: Captain fantastic. Mr. Arsenal. A true Arsenal legend. Though he would serve Wenger only in his twilight years, the Arsenal captain was perhaps the only figure in the club whose stature could parallel Wenger and he channelized this respect perfectly to lift the team. A captain at 21, Tony Adams picked up multitude of trophies and is certainly the best leader in the whole history of Arsenal football club.DR - Lee Dixon: The only pundit we all love, Lee Dixon was nearing the end of his career when
Wenger arrived. But thanks to the dietary and training changes brought about by the Frenchman, the career of seemingly the nicest guy of the legendary back four, got elongated by at least three to four years. We all know Wenger works well with young players. But one has to look at the case of Dixon and co. to understand what he can do for old players as well. Dixon was a pivotal element in our 1998 double winning campaign and a club legend for his loyalty and commitment.
ML - Robert Pires: Talented beyond belief and the best player in the world in his position for about four years or so, Pires not only had the attributes required to make a great winger but was the best fox in the box Wenger has ever had. Talking about wingers scoring lots of goals, we think of Ronaldo. But the man who started it all is Robert Pires. The way he and Henry terrorized teams on the left flank and the partnership he had with Cole were at times mesmerizing. A terror to Spuds against whom he played especially well, Robert Pires was a truly great player and personality.MC - Patrick Vieira: Who took on the bully Keane and gave him a taste of his o
wn medicine? Our own Vieira. A player with tremendous stamina and energy, Vieira was not only one of the best tacklers in the premiership, but had great vision and passing range as well. But for Steven Gerrard, Vieira is probably the best central mid-fielder ever to have graced the Premier League. An opponent’s nightmare, Vieira always gave one hundred percent. Whether it was a title decider against United or a FA cup match against a lower league opponent, the inspirational captain of the invincible team always played like his life was on line.MC - Cesc Fabregas: Only player in the current squad making my list is 21 years old
Catalonian Cesc Fabregas. Last time a twenty one year old became the club captain, he lead Arsenal to 10 trophies including two Premier League trophies. Cesc Fabregas showed incredible maturity and talent from his very early days. Amazing creativity, peerless range of passing and composure beyond years are some of the hallmarks of this Spanish World Cupper at 18 and Euros winner at 21. The intelligence and coolness he displays in his off the field comments and the passion for the club displayed at the same time during the matches where he is unafraid to take on the likes of Ballack or Cole makes it doubly clear that this kid is special. People link him to Barca every year. But I say Cesc is a classier person than some other talents we've had so far. Something in my heart says, he'll be the greatest player Arsenal ever had. MR - Freddy Ljungberg: Though he was flashing with brilliance at one stage and couldn't
really maintain his amazing levels, he's still the best right midfielder to have played for Wenger at Arsenal. His astounding form in 2001-02 season was pivotal to Arsenal's double victory. Like Pires, the explosive Swedish player was always scoring in double digits in his days at Arsenal. The outstanding pace and acceleration along with his eye for goal of the Swedish who once sported orange hair has left many a great defenders red faced.FC - Dennis Bergkamp: This guy might be the reason why so many people in the Indian sub-
continent and all over Asia and Africa are Arsenal fans today. The most beautiful footballer to watch., Bergkamp’s game were filled with delightful chips, deft touches, blinding vision and he could use all of these abilities in one swift and deadly move. When Dennis Bergkamp had his good days, he was at another level. Even opponents couldn’t help enjoying the unique and rare brand of football Bergkamp provided. The only thing I can say about him is that it is better not to try and describe him in words for you'll always be doing him an injustice whilst attempting it. He's a player who is to be seen to be believed.FC - Thierry Henry: Arsenal legend Thierry Henry is arguably the greatest player ever to
have played in premier league till today. Little did anyone envisage that the French winger Wenger bought from Juventus could turn into the best striker in the world for quite some time.He could score great goals. He could score tap ins. He could score in the biggest of stages. He could score in the most unimportant of games. He could score against the greatest teams. He could score against the weakest of teams. He could score one every match. He could score three in matches as well. Pace, physically strength, great finishing, brilliant technical skills, immense confidence and a degree of arrogance that is found so commonly in people who are truly special, Thierry Henry was the most complete striker of the decade.
Despite his heart-breaking departure from Arsenal, the joy that Henry gave the Arsenal fans by scoring goals on all possible occasions(except for the Champions’ League finals) is something we would never forget. Even today, I jump with joy when I see Henry scoring for Barcelona. And even today, a touch of class is apparent in the arrogant composure with which he curls the ball round the goalkeeper into the back of the net.
Best of luck, Thierry Henry. I hope we play him in Champion's league final one day and beat his team.
With more twists and turns than ever, this PL season, arguably is headed for a most thrilling home stretch: Two weeks back, United, it seemed, had the title sewn and stitched and Villa had the all important all last CL place firmly in the safest of deposit lockers. Two weeks later, both of the set theories has gone out the window. Liverpool produced a destructive performace to blow open the title race against United and the latter did its cause even more harm, after losing to Fulham 2-0. Arsenal have gone from strength to strength and are destined,now, to challenge Chelsea (who were embarrased by Arry's Spurs yesterday) and Liverpool, but only two weeks
earlier were combating Villa and Everton in a direct three-way shootout for the fourth spot.
Manchester United
Th entire season has turned on its head and among all the top gaffers in the league, Fergie surprisingly is the one looking over his shoulders to see the mostly beleaguered but recently rejuvenated Rafa, standing over him like an indestructible horcrux, images which have surely left Fergie, the unflappable Scotsman, flapping in thin air.
There were talks of an unprecendented Quintiple in the red-side of Manchester which has now been blown to smithereens. Worse is set to follow for United. Vidic and Scholes will atleast miss the next two games with Rooney also missing the next one atleast. And that game is against Martin O Neill's Villa, who themselves have hit a brick wall while trying to chase a very impressive Arsenal side of late, who seem to be back to their best: Shaky defensive play, excellent counters, scoring and missing goals for fun.
The Big four of English football have kept up their appointments in the last 8 of the CL, but what is happening in the domestic league is becoming far more unpredictable.
The double back to back losses for United, their first in nearly five years, might even have shaken the cold hearted critics. The reason: United are the best English side when it comes to a title run-in and while other teams have a fear of failure, United possess no such fears. The gap has now been reduced to four points (could well be one, IF pool beat Villa). Saying all that, its still United's title to lose anthough their seemingly impregnable defense is now less vulnerable. And a quick look at the fixture list reveals that United won't be having any dollies. They still have to play Arsenal in the top four, atleast three in the relegation battle and two clubs whose European ambitions are far from settled. Add to this the Everton tie in the Semi-finals of the F.A cup and Porto in the CL, rest assured, Sir would have to come up with a huge hair-dryer.
Liverpool
Two weeks back, there was Madrid, United and an unresolved contract. Two weeks later, the first and the second have been slayed without breaking sweat, while the contract has been settled with Rafa extending his stay till 2014.
What has turned Liverpool's season would remain a mystery buried in the deepest embers of Anfield, but the contribution of Gerrard and Torres cant be even for one moment be doubted.
After leading the table for such a long time, there was a flurry of draws coupled with an embarrasing defeat at the hands of Middlesborough. Pool's season was heading for freefall. This handed the advantage to United on a platter. But Pool are far from being done and dusted. They have come back all guns blazing and are now realistically in with a chance of dethroning United's unrelenting march to that magical No 18.
Their fixture run-in however does not do them any favours. The home fixture against Arsenal stands out like a sore thumb while their annual European clashes with Chelsea are also in there. They again, like United, face a no of relegation scrappers, which sure is no jolly ride. If Torres and Gerrard stick together, they will run United close and probably beat them in the battle as well. For Rafa, its going to one hell of a runin exercise which might still be unforgettable but at the same time unforgiving.
Chelsea
This has been a funny old season for Chelsea. Largely brilliant away from home, far from uncompromising in their forttress: Stamford Bridge, they arguably have had the most ups and downs in the fortunes for the year.
At the start of the season, they missed out on Robinho, but were producing some "SAMBA"
themselves, courtesy of Big Phil. They went on an incredible away run, while carelessly dropping points at home. Roman was not satisfied while Drogba went on an AWOL more than once. They got beat by Pool and Arsenal at home and United away, and Big Phil was sacked (people argued this still showed that Roman cared for the club, while others pointed out to a bizarre fact: paying compensation to four managers; Jose, Grant, Phil and Hiddink (their latest temporary manager).
They crawled their way up first, by beating fellow third place challengers Villa(which subsequently sent Villa into a downward spiral), then dumping Juventus out of the CL and generally returning to the tried and tested Mourinho years. All was well with Hiddink till yesterday night. That loss at Spurs will have hurt them and now they need to lift their game and keep chipping away at United.
Their run-in is a saving grace for them. They arguably dont have to face basement clubs till May by which time the places could well have decided. The ties at Arsenal and at home to Everton might well decide whether they will in it still, come May.
Arsenal
The season which promised most, only to drop bombshell after bombshell. In September, Arsenal were the early leaders, both in terms of points and goals scored. But six months later, Arsenal are mostly in anonymity compared to the title race (although mathematically still in it)
and are in the middle of a heated confrontation with Villa for the fourth spot.
Villa wrested the initiative early in December and O Neill, it seemed, had the Midas touch while Arsenal, it seemed, had lost the plot. Gabby, Young and Barry were turning out to be the chief antogonists for the Arsenal side. Then in January, Arsenal and its fans finally got something which would inspire them, and boy, has it inspired them. Andrey Arshavin.
The Russian, who showed us a prelude of his talents in the Euro championships last year, is now setting the league alight with some sparkling performances and an investment of about $23 million seems well set to see an immediate return of $ 30 million for an appearence in the CL, next season.
The retuning players: Cesc, Adebayor, Rosicky and Eduardo will further enable the Arsenal side of some deprived Arsenal and come May, quite ridiculously, they might still be in it. But they should have the singular ambition of keeping Villa off the their coat tails while looking to build for next season with the F.A cup in its cabinet.
Their run-in has a couple of interesting things: The only remaining side of the top four to face the other three, while also having to face some relegation contenders. The goals are back so why cant the trophies be?
P.S: This is a run-in of the PL season, so I have avoided talking about the present CL ties.
As the clock struck one at Old Trafford on Saturday afternoon, it all seemed way too familiar. United had just gone up against bitter rivals, Liverpool, but what transpired over the course of the next four hours, could have a telling impact over the course of this season as well as the next. As United were left wondering with what hit them, the diminutive Russian, Andrey Arshavin, was setting the pulses racing in North London with a brilliant display of passing and trickery.
Against a side which has caused us problems before (Blackburn Rovers) and against a manager who has come up trumps before against Wenger (Sam Allardyce), Arsenal produced arguably its best performance of the season as it climbed into fourth (might only be for a day), dislodging Villa.
There were 4 changes made from the side which played in Rome, the most notable one being Robin Van Persie, who dropped down to the bench, but Theo Walcott was starting his first league game of the year. Arsenal, after being goal-shy at home for nearly two months, took less than two minutes to break the deadlock.
Walcott picked a clever ball by Bendtner and raced along right hand side and put it in the six yard box and after a bit of ping pong, the ball nestled in the back of the net. Arshavin was claiming it, but replays suggested that the ball might have struck the defender, Ooijer last. El Hadji Diouf, not the most polite of footballers, could have been sent off for a challenge on Almunia, but there was a yellow card for his troubles.
The Emirates was singing at last and Arsenal had their tails up. The attacks were coming from the left and the right and sometimes through the middle, but some profligacy, mainly from Bendtner, was keeping the lead in check. Just before the break, Pedersen almost had the chance to equalize, but for some fine defending from the Arsenal center backs.
There were no changes from either side at half time and the second half started much the same way as the first. Arsenal was clearly in the ascendancy and if not for their cheap finishing, they might well have been two or three ahead by now.
As the second half wore on, the fans were beginning to get impatient. Then, the Russian showed some amazing footwork down the left hand side, before running past right back Danny Simpson, and slotting the ball into the roof of the net, past a hapless Paul Robinson. This one was most definitely the Russian’s first goal since joining from Zenit. Arshavin was not done yet.
There was a flurry of chances still being created but none went into the back of the net and Blackburn, quite amazingly were still in the game. Walcott and Bendtner were substituted and on came Diaby and Vela.
Vela played a clever little chip over the Blackburn defense to find an unmarked Arshavin but the Russian’s effort was parried brilliantly by Robinson only for Eboue to put the rebound in the back of the net and at last Arsenal had put this game to bed (Eboue had come in for Nasri only five minutes back).
Then in injury time, Vela was brought down by Danny Simpson and up stepped Eboue to put in his third goal in the last two games. Arsenal it seemed had at last started to play anywhere near the high levels they are expected to, while Big Sam will know he ran into a different class.
Then a good news arrived in the form of Arshavin signing for the gunners. What impact he would have on the Arsenal style of play or to their trophy ambitions was not known, but still it brought a cheer to the face of supporters who were a bit let downby their team. Also the news that we will have our injured players back sooner than later was an added reason for joy. On Saturday that is on 7th feb Villa got a deserved win against Blackburn and took their lead to 8 points. However the good news was that Chelsea drew with hull and their lead was of 6 points. With these positives in mind the Arsenal team was ready to take on the spurs at White Heart Lane.
There were some changes in both the teams. Keane started as the captain of Spurs after his short love affair with the Reds, and Chimbonda made way for Corluka in the second-half. For the gunners RvP got a start ahead of Nick Bendtner (who replaced an injuried Adebayor), and Song started for the injured Diaby. No Start for Arshavin yet. While some people may be disappointed with this, this was the right thing to do considering he had not played a match for 2 months. Spurs started the game going on the aggressive front and forced to gunners into making some saves from the corners and free kicks won in the first few minutes. They were clearly the dominant team at that moment of time, however in term of chances the better chances fell to the feet of Gunners. The first one came when a beautiful through ball from Rapreleased Éboue and after a good run there was no one in the box to take his cross.
Second chance came when Corluka trying to be smart gave the ball to Nasri in his own box and clichy sent a cross which adebayor missed by inches. However the chance of the half was when RvP failed to control a ball and eboue running behind him took the ball and shot it towards the goal. Ade and two spurs defenders were at it and the ball fell back to Eboue who took it and shot it into the net,but by that time the eefree had blown a whistle for foul by Ade on Woodgate, and hence the goal was disallowed. In the meantime Almunia had to make some saves from Modric and Palacios, who was the best player on the pitch today. Two incidents in the first half turned out to be Arsenal's undoing. First Ade pulled a h amstring and he had to be stretched away. Bendtner came in to replace him. And then Eboue who was already on a yellow for a foolish act, got another yellow for yet another foolish act and was sent off. He had completely lost it and brought the gunners down to 10 men. Suddenly the draw which would have been a poor result for us, looked like a good result.
The First half ended at stalemate. In the 2nd half there was a tactical change of strategy by wenger and Nick played as the lone striker and RvP moved to the left and Nasri to the right, making Song and denilson play in more central roles. In terms of possession the 2nd half was better for gunners than the 1st half. To the credit of spurs Arsenal won their first corner in the 2nd half only. It was from a corner itself when the gunner’s best chance came in the 2nd half. A beautiful corner kick by RvP fell to the feet of Song and had he aimed it better the ball would have found the back of net. Also there was a very good shot by Bendtner which was saved by Gudicini. Meanwhile Spurs had chances of their own, and they went in vain sometimes due to brilliant defending by The defenders and Almunia and sometimes by the wasteful conversion by the spur strikers. The save of the match was made by Almunia in the dying moments of the match, when Modric just had him between the ball and the net. Clichy was replaced by Gibbs owing to the head injury he received while colliding with Bent. At last the game ended in a nil nil draw, and what would have been a disappointment in the beginning of the game turned out to be relief for the gunners. Only if there were 11 players for them on the ground, only if Eboue had kept his senses and not got the foolish red card, only if we had the pace of ade to trouble their defenders more. But then Rather than talking about negatives, why not talk about the positives. The players on the ground did tremendous work for the gunners. Another Clean sheet for us and the unbeaten run continues.
Alumina was superb, and made some really wonderful saves. The Back 4 played very well, and barring a few mistakes by Toure were very good. Bendtner, came in for Ade, and did a tremendous job as a lone striker. RvP could not produce his moment of magic today, but was overall very good with his play. Nasri, the creative spark in the midfield. Was trying to create chances. Denilson, not very good, but still good enough. Showed good commitment and worked tirelessly. Song, fGor me the performer of the match for the gunners. The screen in front of the back 4, and worked doubly hard when the gunners were down to 10 men. Also I would like to have a special mention for Palacios and Modric. Palacios was the player of the match with his tackling, with his shots, with his passing and is certainly a very good buy for the spurs. As far as Modric is concerned, he certainly is a very good player but he also seems to have mastered the art of Gamesmanship in football. Going down every time even on a faint touch, even the better dive masters would be put to shame by his display today.
So still 5th Place and 5 points behind Chelsea will be not seen as a good sign for our Champions League qualifying hope. Villa better by 7 points and We cant expect Chelsea and pool to drop points so easily. But then there are 13 games left and a whole 39 points to play, mind you 39 points. Anything can happen. And stranger things have happened. This is not the end of the road, by no means. The last part of the Premier League is the most crucial part and we have more easier games than rest of our competetiors. Also we have a whole lot of talented players ready to play or play again. So rather than being getting disappointed its time to cheer the gunner Spirit. It is the most Dark just before the Dawn. Cheers.
This article was written by Akshay from the Arsenal Orkut community.