tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89028338620340819922023-06-20T23:19:17.186-05:00I Live SoccerAliko Clubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16614830314833715953noreply@blogger.comBlogger35125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8902833862034081992.post-57773149510803825152013-03-14T04:49:00.001-05:002013-03-14T05:02:29.412-05:00EmotionlessI have not watch a game with less emotion than watching Arsenal played Bayern today. There were waves of praises for their so called brave performance, and come back that nearly succeeded. But what I saw was a mediocre performance against an even worse team of the night.<br />
<br />
Sure they did manage to score 2 goals. But throughout the night, there have been missed passes after missed passes. A mere 65% completion rate at the end. This is suppose to be a passing team. I saw a lot of attempt to do one touch passing, but that's one touch to the opponent. There were so many incorrect passes to Walcott until he decided he was not going to run forward. Carzola did that. Rosicky did that. Arteta did not show up as the captain. And Ramsey reminds me about myself. A guy who is clueless when the ball reach my feet. I believe his pass completion rate is zero.<br />
<br />
At the conclusion, maybe the only thing to cheer about is the return of Fabianski. Ya, I have written about him. He made some big saves. But the more important thing is, he was probably the only one who yelled at his teammate to wake them up. He should have been the captain of the night.<br />
<br />
Arsenal as it is is dead. A team that used to play so well regardless of the players. Just looked at all those times when we played the young and unknown players in the League Cup. We were able to play passing football against any team, and beat them. The magic of Wenger is gone. He no longer shape the players. The Arsenal Style Thierry Henry so proudly praised when he moved to Barcelona does not exist anymore. Barcelona does not play like Arsenal. Barcelona is simply way beyond, on a different league.Aliko Clubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16614830314833715953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8902833862034081992.post-84216266674816915152013-03-13T02:18:00.004-05:002013-03-13T02:18:47.766-05:00What's could Arsenal do?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://hdlogo.files.wordpress.com/2011/08/arsenal-logo.png?w=500" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://hdlogo.files.wordpress.com/2011/08/arsenal-logo.png?w=500" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
After watching the 2nd leg come back by Barcelona, I wonder if there is any chance Arsenal could pull out something similar. They need 3 goals or more tomorrow. I can't remember when Arsenal won convincingly, let alone scoring three huge goals.<br />
<br />
Perhaps asking for the same experience two days in a role within a week is too much. Maybe I should be happy with a small win.Aliko Clubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16614830314833715953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8902833862034081992.post-81895414717735524282013-03-05T02:40:00.000-06:002013-03-05T02:40:05.587-06:00Two loses in a weekend is unbearable. First there was Barcelona which did not seem to want to win the game. Then came Arsenal who played no different, except loosing to an opponent they have dominated for years. I must say the most entertaining part is watching Piers Morgan during the pregame and half time show.<br />
<br />
For the first time, I wish the take over of Arsenal by the Middle Eastern group would become true. After moving to the Emirates, Arsenal has played for 2-3 years within so called young players. Though have not been as dominant as they were during the invincible season, they managed to produce some good results.<br />
<br />
Back in 2008, we were on our way to fight till the end for the title. But Eduardo's incident happened and suddenly everybody lost focus and we lost many games we should have won, including the game against Birmingham City. In Carling Cups, we were able to play beautiful and winning football using young players like Wilshire and Chamberlain. We still have many of those players today.<br />
<br />
However, things have changed. With or without good players, we don't play the same type of football Henry was proud of playing. Maybe I have been comparing Arsenal to Barcelona. But, Arsenal was never this bad. Once a while, we see some pockets of brilliant. The most memorable game was the one between Arsenal and Barcelona in 2011 when we won 2-1. Yes, we still have Fabregas and Van Persie, but we played the best Arsenal had every played since winning the EPL in 2004. I think Arsene has lost confident in the style of play. The short passing game has changed to long inaccurate passes. We no longer hold possession for a long period of time. In current EPL standard, we could easily beat anyone if we just work on those short passes, and have players move intelligently towards the person with the ball.<br />
<br />
Back to Barcelona. If they could come back from the 2-0 lost to AC Milan next week, it will be the greatest game of this season. We have not seen Barcelona do this for a long time because they are usually the leading team. And they have been beaten way too many times in the Champions' League. Someone need to step up and lead the team.<br />
<br />
<br />Aliko Clubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16614830314833715953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8902833862034081992.post-80032260036481384732013-02-28T02:47:00.003-06:002013-02-28T02:47:33.020-06:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://static.rappler.com/images/vilanova-20121219.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://static.rappler.com/images/vilanova-20121219.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
When Vilanova took over FC Barcelona this season, and went on a record breaking stretch in La Liga, many people probably credit that to the team more then the manager. He has "inherited" the greatest football team in the recent history which is often said. But after the lost to AC Milan, and then Real Madrid and the upset against Real Sociedad, it is slowly felt how important this man is to the team. The team great performance during the first half of the season was no accident. He has made changes but his changes won't be as obvious as those made by Guardiola. His task is ever greater because everybody is studying how to beat this team. Some may succeed once in a while, but still no body can beat them playing their own games, including the one this past Wednesday.<br />
<br />
Let's hope he regain his health completely and rejoin the team in the near future. Let's see how FC Barca come back against Real Madrid this coming Sunday. Vilanova will unlikely be staying with this team next season for health reason. But I wish his legacy will be recognized, through trophies and many many great moments we see during the season.<br />
<br />Aliko Clubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16614830314833715953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8902833862034081992.post-159698973914730722013-02-28T02:30:00.002-06:002013-02-28T02:30:27.129-06:00Two years later, Arsene's still there, doing the same thing, trying very hard to get his team into the top four of the EPL. <br />
<br />
Just watched this interview by Carzola a moment ago. Is there a big disconnect of big number of fans <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/LXWq7Q7NzK0?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
and the player themselves? While watching him, I can't stop thinking what was actually going through in his mind while trying to give some good answers in front of the camera. Has he joined a wrong club which only consolation in February is the chance to get into the Champions League again the next season? Or perhaps he is still motivated at this point because some other EPL club like Man City might actually offer him a higher salary and a bigger chance of winning something next year. Regardless, I don't doubt a bit that most players are motivated to do their jobs as good as they can. Otherwise, the players from 18 of the 20 clubs would probably be trying to kill time since they no long have any hope of winning the league.<br />
<br />
Without any trophy to aim for, this actually make watching an Arsenal game an enjoyable one. The coming derby match on Sunday against the Spurs is an exciting one, not just because they are the neighbor, but they are actually one spot on top, sitting in that 4th seats.<br />
<br />
Well, let's enjoy the game!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Aliko Clubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16614830314833715953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8902833862034081992.post-36419815374453837352011-04-26T02:33:00.002-05:002011-04-26T02:47:47.405-05:00Arsenal - Done, Arsene - Done too?Until very recently, Arsene Wenger has been someone I admire very much. Despite the lack of trophy in the recent years, I still think he has run the foot ball team very well, and produced exciting football.<br /><br />This year, followed the defeat to Sunderland in Carling Cup final, I finally have to admit, there is one thing Arsene Wenger does not know how to do well, which is to win a game.<br /><br />This Arsenal team, even without some of the crucial defenders and a solid goal keeper, is a talented team. They demonstrated how well they can play when they beat Barcelona at Emirates this year. With one goal down, they believed in themselves and went on to played their best football in a long time.<br /><br />However, after that, they lost their shape and Arsene didn't seems to know what to do to help the players. He doesn't seems to know how to discipline his players when needed, nor to reward players when they perform well. All he does is to follow his senseless rotation, and to try to follow his seniority list.<br /><br />When Diaby cause the team the full three points, who was leading 4 goals at half time, he defended him. He should have been sidelined for the rest of the season, for making such as idiotic action during a game. When they were 1-0 up against Liverpool with 2 minutes to go, they screwed it up. When they were 3-1 up against Spurs, they gave it back to the opponent.<br /><br />And during the last match against Bolton, we can see the frustration of Arsene Wenger on the side line, but he never once give any direction to what should be done. He has nothing to tell except "keep fighting...". His substitution is predictable. Sometimes they work, but most of the time they are too late and don't work.<br /><br />Earlier in the season, he thought he has too many striker and loaned out Carlos Vela. Vela has scored the most incredible goals in the past seasons. There is simple no reason he cannot start in any of these games, when other players are not scoring.<br /><br />Perhaps Arsene should retreat into the reserve team and be a reserve team coach, and maybe the Carling Cup coach. The first team definitely need someone else who has better idea of what players to choose, and tactic for a match. Not someone who place players as if he is playing a computer game, and hope for the best.Aliko Clubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16614830314833715953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8902833862034081992.post-35884676031510714732011-01-06T01:56:00.002-06:002011-01-06T02:49:07.279-06:00FabianskiA few posts ago, I talked about how Arsene was giving chances after chances to Bendtner despite his poor performance, and how he was going to capitalize on Bendtner improve in form and sell it when his value rises. Well, I was wrong. Bendtner is still with the team 2 years later, and it seems Arsene is really sincere about bringing him into the starting line up as often as he can.<br /><br />But this season, something wonderful happens. This is bigger then EPL, bigger than soccer. So many times I have come across situations like this, with people and the story of Fabianski always pop up in my mine.<br /><br />During the 09/10 season, Fabianksi has been used quite a number of times toward the end of the season, when Almunia wasn't healthy. He pretty much screwed up multiple times during the couple of Champions League game he took part in, and during the trashing defeat by Man U in the FA cup game. I assume everyone in the league, including Man U players would mock at Fabianski and you would think the Arsene would offload him the first thing during the Summer transfer season.<br /><br />The summer came and gone, and we didn't get a new goal keeper. And shortly after the season got started, Almunia injured his hand and has to be replaced. And the faithful Arsene did not turn to anyone else but Fabianski again. All gooners much have kept on their toes everytime Fabianski is seen on the starting lineup. Two weeks, three weeks gone by and we did not see Almunia coming back. Not that Almunia would give any assurance at the goal, but at least he hasn't displayed the type of blunders as Fabianski.<br /><br />The story starts to become interesting when Fabianski started to display qualities of a decent goal keeper. And after half a season, as soon as the winter transfer market opened, we started to hear news about Almunia going away. What a big change in just a short few months. I don't agree all the time what Arsene does to win title. The fact is he hasn't won anything for more than five years and what he has been doing was obviously not working. However, I salute him as a couch, a manager and a person seeing how he treated this Fabianski matter.<br /><br />I think this is one of the most beautiful story that has come out of English Premier League and soccer as a whole. I get entertained a lot from watching soccer week in week out, but with a couch like Arsene Wenger, I certainly learn a lot of life lesson too.Aliko Clubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16614830314833715953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8902833862034081992.post-57299880780905441092010-11-28T04:38:00.002-06:002010-11-28T05:15:13.460-06:00No Fabregas, a blessing?I heard Bobby McMahon said something about not having Fabregas as a blessing for Arsenal. No doubt from the last couple of games, we have seen Fabregas loosing his form. And last week, he uncharacteristically raise his hand to block a free kick resulted in a penalty that contributed to Spur's comeback.<br /><br />Arsenal's way of playing has been what we used to see. The passing has been slow, and one touch passing is rare. Many people compares Arsenal to Barcelona. We can't really tell how well Barcelona can play in the premier league, and if Arsenal is placed in La Liga, if they can dominate all other teams. I am pretty certain Arsene doesn't try to emulate how Barcelona plays. It is not possible. The type of players he has just doesn't allow him to play the type of game. However, I do believe there is still enough quality in Arsenal players to play as good as the 03/04 season, and defeat any other team in the EPL.<br /><br />Let's hope that with or without Fabregas, they can keep their consistency. Today's win against Aston Villa is a good start, but they could have scored or at least try to score 2 to 3 more goals. But the shots never came, and that means the goals would never have come.Aliko Clubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16614830314833715953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8902833862034081992.post-65370792483201219962010-08-22T02:12:00.002-05:002010-08-22T02:39:12.634-05:00A new decadeThe first decade of the 21st century saw Arsenal flew sky high, to a point they were called the Invincible after they won the league without loosing a game. It was also when I started watching English league again and fall in love with this team, Theirry Henry and Arsene Wenger.<br /><br />Sometimes when I watch teams who have not won anything for years, and yet their stadium packed with supporters wearing their teams jerseys, I wonder how does it feels like. And I don't quite understand how any of the Championship or lower divisions' teams could attract any supporters. Perhaps most of them would have another one of the top 5 teams they support at the same time?<br /><br />For me, at least I can comprehend the idea of liking and supporting a team which has never won anything for the last 5 years. They have come close, at lease a couple of times but ended up in the loosing end. But it really does not matter. Arsenal's football is still intriguing. Arsene's signing each of the transfer period is full of mystery. If you don't watch the other smaller leagues, particularly the French League 1, you would have no idea where these new players came from. Even Theirry Henry was grabbed from Monaco! How about Sagna, Clichy and a few others who came to stardom, left and disappear from the screen all together.<br /><br />Today, I watched the 2nd round of the 2010/11 season where Arsenal met the new comer Blackpool. Everyone has dismissed Blackpool having any chance to survive in the Premier League this year. However they shocked everyone by beating Wigan 4 nil last week. Seeing Arsenal's record against lower ranking teams last year, there is just nothing sure about this game.<br /><br />After 90 minutes, I came to realized it has not been an easy game. There were quite a few misses, especially the one by Chamakh in front of the goal. Against 10 much less experienced players, it was a comfortable win but the team has not shown too much eagerness of getting more goals, and taking advantage of the situation. I thought when Van Persie and Fabregas came on, they would take the game to a new level. Instead the game just slowed down. Eventually they did score again but it was only because of Chemakh who was trying so very hard to get his first goal for the club. Few hours later we would find out Chelsea also scored 6 goals against Wigan, and suddenly Arsenal is 5 goals and 2 points behind Chelsea.<br /><br />Let's hope the team will continue to grow as the season progress. Not to forger Arsenal also beaten a much stronger Everton 6-0 on the opening day last year but that led to no where. Each game in the future has to be treated like a final one off match.Aliko Clubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16614830314833715953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8902833862034081992.post-13174651733462690682010-07-14T03:57:00.003-05:002010-07-14T04:03:26.433-05:00Perfect endingTo many this World Cup is disappointing, just like it has always been throughout the World Cup history. There can always be only a winner at the end. But to some fans, to some countries, the results just aren't up to expectation. Or maybe it wasn't the results, but just emotion.<br /><br />People from the South East Asia cried when England went out against Germany. Some 10 year olds in Kenya wept when Brazil was beaten by the Netherlands. These are not because of the results; this is football. There is no need to explain. It is just the way it is.Aliko Clubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16614830314833715953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8902833862034081992.post-91330714492446041072010-07-14T03:49:00.002-05:002010-07-14T03:52:14.896-05:00World Cup 2010World Cup 2010 South Africa came and gone. And I did not manage to write anything.<br /><br />Perhaps I watched too many pre and post game shows, and heard too much of what others have to say, and forgot what I really wanted to say.<br /><br />But it's not too late...Aliko Clubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16614830314833715953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8902833862034081992.post-3784602272035655802010-02-02T13:49:00.002-06:002010-02-02T13:59:41.358-06:00Arsenal in 20102010 is going to be a pivoting year of modern Arsenal Football Club. The invincible year was in a distance history. The new and young players have risen up, but only to a point capable of staying in the top four. It seems like the progress has gone stagnant in certain areas, while only a very few has improved. Of those improved the most, Fabregas leads the pack. However there is still much to grow in his game. His desire and confident has made him into an Iniesta type player, but with much better vision. However, his finishing is still lagging, and he hasn't convert enough free kicks into goals.<br /><br />Alex Song is the most surprising performer this year. Much like Sagna was in his fist two seasons, Song has become a grown and confident midfielder. However, he lacks confidence in front of goal, and missed many great changes of testing the opposing teams keepers. Song, Fabregas, Vermaelen and Ashavin are not enough for Arsenal to win a decent title. It is February and it has been very disappointing that there is no addition to the squad worth mentioning.<br /><br />If Arsenal has to put out a reserve team for the FA cup just because of busy schedule, then there is something wrong. Man U put up the best they have for carling cup, and still capable of beating Arsenal at Emerites few days later. If Arsenal could not take down Villa, then there is something wrong.Aliko Clubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16614830314833715953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8902833862034081992.post-87540853697835104742009-11-21T00:05:00.001-06:002013-03-05T02:20:47.210-06:00Henry and the hand ballThe game was played on Wednesday. There was no live telecast I could find. I was out whole evening after work. I knew there was going to be a delayed broadcast on Thursday which I have programmed my Tivo to record, and I had planned to watch the game as a live game. As a result, I did not try to find out who had qualified. Then I logged on to Facebook on Thursday. First I saw a comment from a friend, whom, to my knowledge has never care about football. His wedding banquet was held during the World Cup final. Well, his comment was something along the line of "Fifa, shame on you...". Then I saw a comment from another friend who's a die hard Brazilian fan. His comment was that Henry should have stopped playing after winning the World Cup in '98, and remain a legend. Obviously he hasn't seen Henry played since '98. I didn't know who Thierry Henry was in '98, but I am sure he wasn't one of the key player back then. But I can tell my friend wasn't a fan of any French player, after the lost of Brazilian team in the final.<br /><br />Enough said about others' comments. Without trying to find out what had happened, I went straight to my Tivo and try to watch the game. Unfortunately I had programmed it to record a delayed broadcast that had not taken place. I missed one that was on earlier in the day. So, with no patience left, I decided to forgo the potential excitement of watching the game, and went straight to Fox Soccer Report. And I wasn't too surprised Henry is in the head line. Anyone who watch Fox Soccer Report knows how they report result of soccer match. They don't usually tell you the final result but walk you through the highlights. First it was Robbie Keane that scored, getting the away goal. Then a one to one situation from another Ireland's player with the French's goal keeper but the shot was saved by the keeper. An Irish goal would means France have to score at least twice in return.<br /><br />Then a long pass to the Irish penalty area; a baseline rescue by Henry and then a pass to the center of the goal, followed by Gallas's header secure a place in the World Cup for the French.<br />I am relief.<br /><br />However the story didn't end there.<br /><br /><br /><br />Aliko Clubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16614830314833715953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8902833862034081992.post-43406968801356343462009-11-02T13:52:00.002-06:002009-11-02T13:57:31.368-06:00RonaldinhoThis week at Serie A, Ronaldinho finally got to played his 90 minutes, and why wouldn't he? There is never a doubt that he is still not over his peak, and he was able to show in the past few matches. But this week past weekend, it seemed he is ready for his come back.<br /><br />Besides the two perfect assists, he also created many changes which was not finished by the strickers. His passes were not just accurate, but could come out of the blue. The control and power of his right foot is second to none.<br /><br />It's such a joy to see him be himself again, and to see his smile, and his teeth (that's how my wife identifies him! :) )Aliko Clubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16614830314833715953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8902833862034081992.post-1902898370636389552009-08-02T00:59:00.004-05:002009-08-02T01:26:04.544-05:00This morning, the unannounced power outage came back just in time for me to watch the first match of Emirates Cup, between Arsenal and Athelico Madrid. There has not been much activities this summer in the transfer market for Arsenal. The biggest news have been Adebayor leaving, going somewhere, and the latest, Kolo Toure going to Man City.<br /><br />I am so glad this game came on Gol TV. After watching few matches on ESPN this week, I am kind of sick of ESPN commentators, and also Alexis Lalas.<br /><br />There were few questions asked about replacement for Adebayor, and if it is needed. By then, the decision to sell Adebayor has been well received widely by the gooners. However the question of whether a replacement is needed has received differently.<br /><br />In the first half, nothing much seems to have changed from the last season, especially those games where both Fabregas and Adebayor weren't playing. In the back, Traore seems to fit in his left wings role very well that I don't miss Clichy a bit. The passing was good but it always come short when the ball is crossed from either side. Eboue seems a lot more confident but without vision. When it's time for him to provide the pass to the sticker he always comes short.<br /><br />Bendtner is still his old self. I wrote sometimes back that Wenger was going to sell him but at this moment I am wrong. But I still hope there is someone who will make an offer for him. He is simple a weak link that for some reason kept being played.<br /><br />The second half of the game got me so excited. The three young players that came in played like there were veterans. Wilshere is such a joy to watch. He doesn't seems like a players that likes to dribble, but his few moves amazed me. Under presure, he kept coming out of moves that decieved the experience defenders from Athelico.<br /><br />When the three veterans, Fabregas, Eduardo and Ashavin came in, I got a adenerin rush. From Wenger's earlier reaction, I can tell he was really serious about this game and wanted very much to win it. And for me why not? Well the game dragged on to 85th minute and the score was broken. And within the last five minutes, three goals were scored. They were all great goals but the last one from Ashavin really earned my awe and respect for him. Not only did he tried his very best to get the touch from the long pass, he chased the ball till the line to deliver the goal in an almost impossible angle.<br /><br />No doubt this is the best team in EPL, who played the most entertaining football. I just hope they can bring some reinforcement in the defence that they won't give up cheap goals like what they gave away today, after scoring the first in the last five minutes. The coming EPL season will be an exciting one.Aliko Clubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16614830314833715953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8902833862034081992.post-48796041752511000182009-07-14T23:40:00.002-05:002009-07-14T23:43:30.161-05:00Christiano and Kaka, and BenzemaChristiano and Kaka in the same team, and then Benzema. A team that I used to like until I discover Barcelona. How am I going to watch La Liga this season?<br /><br />Well, I guess I will have to support Kaka only when he plays for Brazil and Benzema when he plays for France. And the rest of the time, it's going to be Henry and Messi. They can certainly do it again this year. But I don't mind watching big names playing in the league this coming season.Aliko Clubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16614830314833715953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8902833862034081992.post-39487414681769595192009-07-14T23:36:00.002-05:002009-07-14T23:40:06.334-05:00OwenEver since Newcastle got relegated, I have been hoping Wenger would grab the chance to get Owen over, possible for a small sum of money. It's true Owen hasn't been himself for the last few seasons, even since he left Madrid. But if it weren't because of his injury, and his wrong decision to go to Newcastle, he would be a much better off football player now.<br /><br />When Man U surprised everybody by signing him, I see a lot of questions from Man U fan. But to me, this is a disappointment as far as Arsenal is concern. Sir Alex is not the smartest around, but he can't be that wrong. I wish Owen all the best to return to his old form, and re join the national squad. And I envy those in Malaysia who get to see him playing for Man U first.Aliko Clubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16614830314833715953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8902833862034081992.post-56209945279581669762009-03-15T01:49:00.004-05:002009-07-14T23:35:48.182-05:00It's Bendtner again.Last time I ended asking about Eboue. Before I get to Eboue, I just have to write about Bendtner again. No, it's not about the 4 golden chances he managed to miss today. It's actually about Wenger.<br /><br />I was quite un happy as usual to see Bendtner in the starting line up again, especially when he is the lone striker. Eduardo is said to be injured while van Persie and Vela on the bench. No surprise to me, Bendtner is just as clumsy as he always is. He manage to make a few good passes, but who wouldn't when the opponent is playing that badly in defense. Then it came to the second half. Bolton basically just broke down and gave up. Times after times, Bendtner was give chances to score. If it has been the like of Eduardo or Eto'o, most of them could have been converted to goal. But Bendtner was simply in a different world. He was missing his goal scoring opportunities to the point the fans could not take it anymore. What would any coach do at this point in time? It's a no brainer that he be taken out right away because it's simply not his day.<br /><br />So, I never managed to finish this post in March. Now it is July and it seems what I wanted to write haven't really come through. I was going to predict Wenger selling Bendtner for an amount more than winning a trophy would get him. Let's see what happen in the next few weeks.Aliko Clubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16614830314833715953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8902833862034081992.post-21264946608963395302009-03-05T01:42:00.003-06:002009-03-05T01:55:05.175-06:00Finally a goal for ArsenalArsenal finally won this week in the league (Tuesday), and I missed the game!<br />Well, my tivo was going to record it from Setanta Extra but after I accidentally deleted it, it wouldn't let me add it again.<br /><br />And the person who scored twice was the one I've been hoping Wenger would keep in the spectator seat. The report said it's his new green shoes! Yes, he doesn't even need much energy. The ball just rolled into the net. It must really be his New Green Shoes!<br /><br />Over the last few months, I sometimes told myself, just gently that Wenger is doing something special that no other manager in the World would do. He is giving chance to a yongster that would implant in him so deeply that he would be forever grateful for this master. Bendtner would not earn any opportunity like this any where else, to build his confidence the way he has gained in the previous month. Not that he is one lack of confidence but over confidence without the skills won't get anyone anywhere. But at this moment in time, something is coming out from him.<br /><br />Yes, I want to throw my shoes (unfortunately I don't have any pink ones) at the TV when I see Bendtner in the starting lineup, or coming out to replace Vela. I still wish to see Vela more. But getting the results is more important than anything else at this stage. So, a 3-1 win in the midweek is a good thing.<br /><br />Now, what about Eboue?Aliko Clubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16614830314833715953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8902833862034081992.post-28270031553872858252009-01-23T02:03:00.000-06:002013-03-05T02:20:53.049-06:00Arsene to Real<br />Aliko Clubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16614830314833715953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8902833862034081992.post-52981355354201227922009-01-23T01:46:00.002-06:002009-01-23T02:03:31.276-06:00KAKA'This week it's all about KAKA' . Or was it Obama?<br /><br />Surely nobody is going to pay $145 millions for Obama, and you can bet the Abhudabi guys won't fancy for Obama's service. Enough said about the president in this blog.<br /><br />The day before AC Milan's announcement, I told my wife he is not going to go to City. Would he had gone to Man U for the same amount of money? I would say no too.<br /><br />Kaka is currently one of the highest paid football player in the World. But the offer from City is said to be way more than what he receives from his current club. If he agreed to the transfer deal, he would become the highest profile player again.<br /><br />I was so confidence that no amount of money would have made Kaka go, unless his club really wants him to (for the transfer fee). I am not saying that he would never leave AC Milan, nor he would never leave by the end of the month. But he is a man of character, and a true follower of Christ. To make a move such as this, and labeled as for money is unthinkable for him to take. In fact, if another big club, such as Arsenal have made a bid for far less the money, I think the chance for him moving would be greater. That way, he could still enjoy the high pay, playing at a big club, and free himself from any negative publicity that he may attract.<br /><br />Haven't anyone forget about his statement saying he is going to be a missionary after his footballing career? I have no doubt he is every bit serious about that. And what could have been a better opportunity like this to give testiment in the future.<br /><br />Parents, listen up. If you want to find a good role model from the sport world, go no other place. Get your sons and daughters to watch Kaka. Not only is he one of the best football player, he is also one of the best behaved player both on and off the field.Aliko Clubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16614830314833715953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8902833862034081992.post-57014991304170353872008-09-08T11:46:00.003-05:002008-09-08T11:51:22.984-05:00So Arsenal has refused, or failed to sign anyone on the transfer deadline day. Now Man City has become the richest club in the league. With other clubs buying big name players, could this signal the end of Arsenal remaining in the top four? Could this signal the end of Arsene Wenger's term?<br /><br />Allow me to make a prediction. By Christmas, no body will question if Arsene has made a sound decision. Based on the players the other English club bought, I just don't see how things would change.Aliko Clubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16614830314833715953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8902833862034081992.post-39444923214192231502008-06-29T23:26:00.002-05:002008-06-29T23:35:47.244-05:00Who are the Spaniards?Let's look at the Spaniards who played today:<br /><br />Iker Casillas (Real Madrid)<br />Carlos Marchena (Velancia)<br />Carles Puyol (Barcelona)<br />Andres Iniesta (Barcelona)<br />Xavi Hernandez (Barcelona)<br />Fernando Torres (Liverpool)<br />Cesc Fabregas (Arsenal)<br />Joan Capdevila (Villareal)<br />Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid)<br />Marcos Senna (Villareal)<br />David Silva (Valencia)<br />Santi Carzorla (Villareal)<br />Xabi Alonso (Liverpool)<br />Daniel Guiza (Mallorca)<br /><br />It is simply amazing to see almost all of the players are playing the Spain. The two playing for Liverpool are playing under a Spanish Coach. The sole Arsenal's player also play very similar passing football.<br /><br />This is not just a victory for the national team, but also a victory for La Liga, a victory for beautiful and entertaining football. We have seen anything like this for a long long time where the winning team represents no just the 23 players, but a whole range of ideas and style.Aliko Clubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16614830314833715953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8902833862034081992.post-85559444795265332382008-06-29T17:41:00.002-05:002008-06-29T17:50:48.889-05:00WOW!Congratulations to the Spanish team!<br /><br />Today, a team I rooted for finally won a trophy, and a huge one! I am really trying to enjoy the moment but somehow I am not getting it.<br /><br />It's not the first time I watch a live game alone. Once a while I would yell very loud one a goal is scored. But today, there was only 1 goal, and it's not like it was coming from behind.<br /><br />I think as long as it is an European tournament, or a tournament held in the Europe or the Americas, the situation will not change. What I meant is to watch a final in the morning or afternoon. After the game, the trophy ceremony, there is a long day left, and we are off doing something else. It's not like we can go on the street and parade. There is no one else to talk about the game too.<br /><br />Back when I was at home, I used to stayed up for games starting at 2am or 4am. Then when my team won, I was always so excited and cannot go back to sleep. Lying on bed, I would try replaying all the great moments in my mind. If my team were to loose, then it's at least a week long mourning.<br /><br />Yes, we are out of luck in the US when it comes to soccer. For every other sports, most of the final goes into late night, or at least pass TV prime time. Then people can really start to close the day with the joy.<br /><br />Well, I am going out now to meet with some friends. Hopefully we will come to consensus to get some Spanish food. Or perhaps not because I am afraid to find a dead quite atmosphere in a Spanish restaurant.Aliko Clubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16614830314833715953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8902833862034081992.post-48866363961377999942008-06-29T01:57:00.002-05:002008-06-29T02:14:47.696-05:00CescYou can't find an article about the Spanish Euro '08 team that doesn't mention Cesc Frabregas. Whether it is about the game winning penalty he took against the Italian, or the two assists that helped Spain advanced to a major final in 40 years.<br /><br />Well, I think Cesc has shown the world how, at his young age, has grown to become one of the greatest footballer, and athelete in the World.<br /><br />Cesc doesn't has the flare of Christiono Ronaldo, or even the celebrity status of many of his teammates who plays at Real Madrid or Barcelona. He is not the one that is expected to score, like David Villa or Fernando Torres. He is not the hot commudity like Russian Ashevin.<br /><br />But quietly this year, Cesc was elected the young player of the year in the EPL. He is probably the MVP of Arsenal. Without him, his team would not have gone so far in the league, and yet he did it quietly, without many people even notice. You would notice how important he is when he is absense.<br /><br />Time after time he has been linked to big Spanish clubs. He has politely and firmly rejected their lucrative offers. He could easily have created head line news just like someone else who is doing right at this moment. But he didn't. Instead he is firm about his objective, and how he wants to improve his game despite he is already one of the best midfield player in the World. And he is rewarded by becoming one of the highest paid in Arsenal.<br /><br />Would Aragones starts Cesc in the Final today? Does he deserve in the starting eleven? Sure he deserve it. But it really doesn't matter how and when he enter the game. I am sure Aragones know what is best. And as for Cesc, he has already won the heart of many, as one of the best in this tournament. If Spain lift the cup later today, which I think they would, Cesc deserve to be the player of the tournament, not merely base on his on the field performance, but his humility, team spirity and characters.Aliko Clubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16614830314833715953noreply@blogger.com0