2009-08-25
Arsenal v Celtic: Arsene Wenger hails strength of all-round strike squad
Celtic have to overturn two goal deficit at the Emirates to overcome Arsenal side who have scored 12 goals in three games.
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Following In Barca's Footsteps, Sir Alex Considers Changing Formation!
Manchester United were comprehensively beaten by FC Barcelona in last season's UEFA Champions League Final.
Over the summer, United lost the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez to Real Madrid and Manchester City respectively.
They were eventually replaced by former Newcastle and Liverpool striker, Micheal Owen and Wigan's Luis Antonio Valencia.
Neither of duo have had an impact in either of United's opening games of the season, a 1-0 victory over Birmingham at Old Trafford and a 1-0 defeat to Burnley at Turf Moor.
Sir Alex Ferguson has been severely criticised especially by the British media in failing to sign adequate replacements for Ronaldo and Tevez, which would have gone a long way in ensuring a fourth consecutive Premier League title for the Red Devils.
A return of just one goal in the champions' first two fixtures, including Wednesday's shock defeat at Burnley, has led to suggestions that Ferguson could scrap his initial plan and make a move for one of Valencia's outstanding pair, David Villa and David Silva.
However, Ferguson has insisted that will not happen:
"Did I say we wouldn't make any more signings?" the Scot said.
"That is it. I have already made the point—and I am sure of it. This is a great group of players."
United travel to the DW Stadium on Saturday in order to face Wigan Athletic. The Latics come into the game on the back of a home defeat to newly promoted Wolverhampton Wanderers in midweek.
Sir Alex Ferguson's men will need to lift their spirits in order to gain three points and get their title challenging ambitions back on track.
The Red Devils will be boosted by the return of Nemanja Vidic, though Vidic's partner in central defense, Rio Ferdinand, has been ruled out of action for three to four weeks.
Ferguson has hinted United could take a leaf out of Barcelona's book by playing with three strikers upfront.
The Catalan giants completed a historic treble last season with the likes of Lionel Messi, Samuel Eto'o and Thierry Henry scoring a combined tally of 99 goals in all competitions last season.
Though, Eto'o has joined Inter Milan, it is widely believed Josep Guardiola will use his replacement, Zlatan Ibrahimovic in a similar formation.
Arsenal have resorted to a similar strategy this season playing Andrei Arshavin, Robin van Persie and Nicklas Bendtner upfront.
Sir Alex Ferguson was asked whether he could use a similar ploy and he revealed it is "possible".
If Sir Alex Ferguson experiments with three strikers upfront, he is likely to use Wayne Rooney, Dimitar Berbatov and the much criticised Micheal Owen ahead of Danny Welbeck and Federico Macheda.
Although, if Owen plays in the centre, Rooney would once again fall out on the left flank.
This would possibly mean United employing three midfielders and points towards the fact that United's wingers: Zoran Tosic, Gabriel Obertan, Luis Antonio Valencia, Ji Sung Park and Nani won't be getting as much playing time as they previously were.
Darren Fletcher, Michael Carrick and Anderson are likely to take three spots in midfield and could be rotated with "golden oldies" Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs.
Perhaps, a strategy like this can help United overcome the departure of Ronaldo and Tevez.
Do you think Manchester United should try out the 4-3-3 formation?
Over the summer, United lost the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez to Real Madrid and Manchester City respectively.
They were eventually replaced by former Newcastle and Liverpool striker, Micheal Owen and Wigan's Luis Antonio Valencia.
Neither of duo have had an impact in either of United's opening games of the season, a 1-0 victory over Birmingham at Old Trafford and a 1-0 defeat to Burnley at Turf Moor.
Sir Alex Ferguson has been severely criticised especially by the British media in failing to sign adequate replacements for Ronaldo and Tevez, which would have gone a long way in ensuring a fourth consecutive Premier League title for the Red Devils.
A return of just one goal in the champions' first two fixtures, including Wednesday's shock defeat at Burnley, has led to suggestions that Ferguson could scrap his initial plan and make a move for one of Valencia's outstanding pair, David Villa and David Silva.
However, Ferguson has insisted that will not happen:
"Did I say we wouldn't make any more signings?" the Scot said.
"That is it. I have already made the point—and I am sure of it. This is a great group of players."
United travel to the DW Stadium on Saturday in order to face Wigan Athletic. The Latics come into the game on the back of a home defeat to newly promoted Wolverhampton Wanderers in midweek.
Sir Alex Ferguson's men will need to lift their spirits in order to gain three points and get their title challenging ambitions back on track.
The Red Devils will be boosted by the return of Nemanja Vidic, though Vidic's partner in central defense, Rio Ferdinand, has been ruled out of action for three to four weeks.
Ferguson has hinted United could take a leaf out of Barcelona's book by playing with three strikers upfront.
The Catalan giants completed a historic treble last season with the likes of Lionel Messi, Samuel Eto'o and Thierry Henry scoring a combined tally of 99 goals in all competitions last season.
Though, Eto'o has joined Inter Milan, it is widely believed Josep Guardiola will use his replacement, Zlatan Ibrahimovic in a similar formation.
Arsenal have resorted to a similar strategy this season playing Andrei Arshavin, Robin van Persie and Nicklas Bendtner upfront.
Sir Alex Ferguson was asked whether he could use a similar ploy and he revealed it is "possible".
If Sir Alex Ferguson experiments with three strikers upfront, he is likely to use Wayne Rooney, Dimitar Berbatov and the much criticised Micheal Owen ahead of Danny Welbeck and Federico Macheda.
Although, if Owen plays in the centre, Rooney would once again fall out on the left flank.
This would possibly mean United employing three midfielders and points towards the fact that United's wingers: Zoran Tosic, Gabriel Obertan, Luis Antonio Valencia, Ji Sung Park and Nani won't be getting as much playing time as they previously were.
Darren Fletcher, Michael Carrick and Anderson are likely to take three spots in midfield and could be rotated with "golden oldies" Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs.
Perhaps, a strategy like this can help United overcome the departure of Ronaldo and Tevez.
Do you think Manchester United should try out the 4-3-3 formation?
EPL Special Preview : Manchester United vs Arsenal
by Salaar Shamsi (Senior Writer) Bleacher Report
Manchester United vs. Arsenal.
In the Premier League, it doesn't really get any bigger than this.
Over the years, United and Arsenal have provided us with some exciting encounters. Given Arsenal's sensational start to the season, where the Gunners have scored a mouthwatering 12 goals in their first three games, this one could prove to be another fierce clash.
Arsenal began their season with a 6-1 thrashing of Everton at Goodison Park.
The Gunners then travelled to Scotland, defeating Celtic 2-0 in a Champions League qualifier.
When Portsmouth travelled to the Emirates Stadium for Arsenal's first home game of the season, Abou Diaby scored a brace in a 4-1 victory for Arsene Wenger's men, which ensures Arsenal will come into Saturday's late kickoff with Manchester United high on confidence.
I caught up with Bleacher Report analyst Deepak Israni, a well-known Arsenal supporter and the Real Madrid Community Leader, to discuss what he expected from this game.
Deepak Israni's prediction for Manchester United vs. Arsenal
Arsenal have been pretty good in the three matches played so far, and the results speak for themselves, but Manchester United are obviously better than the three teams that Arsenal have played so far.
However, Manchester United are facing problems in the defense—Nemanja Vidic's probable three-match ban, Jonny Evans waiting for surgery, Rio Ferdinand out injured, and Edwin Van der Sar missing as well will allow Arsenal to score goals.
Thomas Vermaelen and William Gallas have made a solid partnership at the back for Arsenal, so United will find the goals hard to come by. Also, they will find it hard to create something from the midfield even if Michael Carrick plays. Alexandre Song and Denilson have been playing very good, and they might well be able to manage without Cesc Fabregas—who remains a doubt.
It would take individual brilliance, which Cristiano Ronaldo provided, which maybe Wayne Rooney can deliver. I was in favor of a 1-3 win for Arsenal, but the Rooney factor has made me think more in the lines of 2-3.
Manchester United's season got off to a rather traditional slow start, with a scrappy 1-0 victory against Birmingham and a shock 1-0 defeat to Burnley. However, a 5-0 thrashing of Wigan Athletic at DW Stadium last week means United have proved that there is life after Ronaldo.
Much like Arsenal, the Red Devils will come into the game high on confidence.
Vidic's alleged ban hasn't been confirmed yet, and neither has Evans' surgery, which means both are still in contention to start against the Gunners.
Rooney is undoubtedly the man to watch out for, as far as United are concerned. He has three goals in three appearances this season.
Fortunately for United, both Dimitar Berbatov and Michael Owen also netted their own first goals of the season at the DW Stadium.
Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas may miss the match with a hamstring injury.
Salaar Shamsi's prediction for Manchester United vs. Arsenal
Arsenal's outstanding start to the season means the Gunners will be high on confidence coming to Old Trafford. This is Arsenal's first test against a major opponent this season. No disrespect to Everton, Celtic, or Portsmouth, but Man United is in a league of its own. This game might bring Arsenal back down to earth.
This means it's a chance for the likes of Song, Denilson, and Co. to show what they're made of against a quality opponent.
However, I'm not saying much till the players walk out on the pitch. Looking at Arsenal's good form, it will be a very close game, but considering it's at Old Trafford, United to nip it for me.
2-1 to the Red Devils.
Manchester United vs. Arsenal.
In the Premier League, it doesn't really get any bigger than this.
Over the years, United and Arsenal have provided us with some exciting encounters. Given Arsenal's sensational start to the season, where the Gunners have scored a mouthwatering 12 goals in their first three games, this one could prove to be another fierce clash.
Arsenal began their season with a 6-1 thrashing of Everton at Goodison Park.
The Gunners then travelled to Scotland, defeating Celtic 2-0 in a Champions League qualifier.
When Portsmouth travelled to the Emirates Stadium for Arsenal's first home game of the season, Abou Diaby scored a brace in a 4-1 victory for Arsene Wenger's men, which ensures Arsenal will come into Saturday's late kickoff with Manchester United high on confidence.
I caught up with Bleacher Report analyst Deepak Israni, a well-known Arsenal supporter and the Real Madrid Community Leader, to discuss what he expected from this game.
Deepak Israni's prediction for Manchester United vs. Arsenal
Arsenal have been pretty good in the three matches played so far, and the results speak for themselves, but Manchester United are obviously better than the three teams that Arsenal have played so far.
However, Manchester United are facing problems in the defense—Nemanja Vidic's probable three-match ban, Jonny Evans waiting for surgery, Rio Ferdinand out injured, and Edwin Van der Sar missing as well will allow Arsenal to score goals.
Thomas Vermaelen and William Gallas have made a solid partnership at the back for Arsenal, so United will find the goals hard to come by. Also, they will find it hard to create something from the midfield even if Michael Carrick plays. Alexandre Song and Denilson have been playing very good, and they might well be able to manage without Cesc Fabregas—who remains a doubt.
It would take individual brilliance, which Cristiano Ronaldo provided, which maybe Wayne Rooney can deliver. I was in favor of a 1-3 win for Arsenal, but the Rooney factor has made me think more in the lines of 2-3.
Manchester United's season got off to a rather traditional slow start, with a scrappy 1-0 victory against Birmingham and a shock 1-0 defeat to Burnley. However, a 5-0 thrashing of Wigan Athletic at DW Stadium last week means United have proved that there is life after Ronaldo.
Much like Arsenal, the Red Devils will come into the game high on confidence.
Vidic's alleged ban hasn't been confirmed yet, and neither has Evans' surgery, which means both are still in contention to start against the Gunners.
Rooney is undoubtedly the man to watch out for, as far as United are concerned. He has three goals in three appearances this season.
Fortunately for United, both Dimitar Berbatov and Michael Owen also netted their own first goals of the season at the DW Stadium.
Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas may miss the match with a hamstring injury.
Salaar Shamsi's prediction for Manchester United vs. Arsenal
Arsenal's outstanding start to the season means the Gunners will be high on confidence coming to Old Trafford. This is Arsenal's first test against a major opponent this season. No disrespect to Everton, Celtic, or Portsmouth, but Man United is in a league of its own. This game might bring Arsenal back down to earth.
This means it's a chance for the likes of Song, Denilson, and Co. to show what they're made of against a quality opponent.
However, I'm not saying much till the players walk out on the pitch. Looking at Arsenal's good form, it will be a very close game, but considering it's at Old Trafford, United to nip it for me.
2-1 to the Red Devils.
2009-08-16
Keep It Real, Fabregas
Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas insisted his side must not get carried away after thrashing Everton 6-1 on the opening day at Goodson Park.
Fabregas scored two goals in addition to goals of Denilson, Eduardo, William Gallas and Thomas Vermaelen who led the gunners into memorable start. The captain told ESPN after the game that he was very happy with the victory but he said it was vital for them to keep it real as it is not everyday that will be going to win 6-1.
“Well we wanted to win, for us this is a good start but let’s face it we are not going to win 6-1 every day,” explained Fabregas.
“It’s just one more game we are not going to get too carried away with this result, it’s not normal, we had a good game, but six goals is good for the team.”
The Spaniard also made a clean breast that the team had not missed Emmanuel Adebayor and Kolo Toure and persisted their leaving had been the best solution for all involved.
“They are great players but they had problems,” added the midfielder.
“They didn’t really want to continue at Arsenal so it was the best thing for them to do and for us as well because we want players who are committed and want to be together for the season.”
The Spaniard also warned that football is a whimsical beast and that not too much should be read into today's stunning result.
“It’s just one game, we won 6-1, one day they beat us 3-0, football is like that," he mused.
“This is football, we know this, one day you are the best and two days later you are the worst team in the world so let’s keep it real.”
NOTE: Other information was obtained from Goal.com
2009-08-14
Wenger should not be criticized
A lot of things have been said concerning Arsenal boss but nothing has been done so far. Wenger has been criticized by several people including Arsenal fans because of his policies on transfer market. I would like to say these people who criticizes Wenger, does not understand him what he really wants. I think if we could have remembered what Wenger has contributed to Arsenal club, we could have avoided these criticisms.
When he arrived at Arsenal, the club played 49, Won 36, Drawn 13, and Lost None. The Arsenal squad which set a new unbeaten league record between May 2003 and October 2004 will live long in the memory and forever in the history books. Wenger has shown how football can and should be played. His teams may not win every trophy but they are thrilling and entertaining to watch. By that time, Wenger has the same policies which people argue against him.
I remember on 29th Mach early this year Clichy said on daily mail: ‘We understand the frustration of the fans and it’s their right to express themselves. You have to support your team, but when you’re not happy with the
result, like the players are not happy, you try to express yourself.
‘I won’t say I totally agree with them, but when you’re a club like Arsenal, you want to win trophies and be the best.
'When the results aren’t what you want, of course the frustration is there.
‘When you don’t get results, it’s always the manager who gets criticism. It’s also the players on the pitch who are a big part of it.
“We’re going to try to win something for him and the fans. Arsenal are who we are, thanks in a big part to the boss. People tend to forget a little.
‘Today we are fifth and it’s not good enough for a club like us. So people talk about him but we have to realize he’s an amazing coach. The main thing for Arsenal is to have someone like Arsene Wenger as a manager.
‘You can play well without your best player but the club cannot have success with many different coaches.
‘When you see a club like Chelsea, who change managers - have a few in a year — it’s difficult.’
This totally shows that even his players like Clichy knows how it pains when Arsenal lose. What we have to know is that every club in England has its own moment. Arsenal had unforgettable moment in 2003/2004 season.
At the club’s history, Wenger with his squad started the 2003/04 campaign in style with four straight wins but almost came unstuck at Old Trafford in game No 8 of their run. Ruud van Nistelrooy's late penalty cannoned off the crossbar and Arsenal escaped with a 0-0 draw. It was the closest shave of the entire 49-game sequence.
For the most part Arsenal brushed aside all-comers home and away. There were memorable wins at Elland Road, Stamford Bridge and Anfield, plus some great goals along the way. Robert Pires' winner at Liverpool in October 2003 was one of the best, while Thierry Henry produced classic after classic.
Arsène Wenger had built a team to compare with any side in Europe. With Sol Campbell and Kolo Toure at the back, Patrick Vieira and Pires in midfield and Henry partnering Dennis Bergkamp up front, Arsenal had too much steel and too much style for their Premiership rivals.
By that time, you will see that the manager was still using his own policies of which he applies now. It is just that Arsenal is unlucky for these four seasons. Let’s believe in Wenger, he will surely take Arsenal back in good memories but not criticize him everyday and every minute.
I will welcome criticism when Arsenal will have a free-season injury, but with the current situation, I think there is no room for criticisms for Arsene Wenger.
2009-08-01
Liverpool Are Tougher Opponents Than Manchester United – Andrey Arshavin
The Russian star has been speaking about life in the Premier League...
1 Aug 2009 13:18:39
Russian international Andrey Arshavin in action
during Arsenal's first pre season friendly against Barnet
during Arsenal's first pre season friendly against Barnet
After signing for Arsenal from Zenit St. Petersburg in the January transfer window, Andrey Arshavin took the Premier League by storm.
Despite this, he rates the quality of the opposition he has faced very highly.
“None of the teams have been easy,” he told FourFourTwo magazine.
“A lot depends on the course of the game. Fulham were a particularly difficult opponent, not fun to play against. They were very organised, very disciplined, constantly closing you down.”
The Russian then went on to compare Arsenal's title rivals and stated that he thought Liverpool were the most difficult opponents he had played against.
“But if you're talking about Manchester United and Liverpool, Liverpool were the much harder to play against,” said the Russian.
Arshavin also weighed up the impact of Ronaldo's move to Real Madrid, saying, “It's impossible to replace Cristiano Ronaldo and I hope they'll be weaker as a result."
“If there were many others like him, Real Madrid wouldn't have paid £80m.”
“On the other hand, Alex Ferguson has won a lot of titles over the years, a lot of them without Cristiano Ronaldo, so he knows how to win trophies with other players,” he continued.
“But it will take time for them to compensate for his absence and I hope that we can make use of this and overtake United.”
Commenting on Wenger's footballing philosophy the Russian said, “I don't want us to be playing for the result alone, I want us to carry on playing the way we do, the way I love.”
“I love attacking football. My own view would always be: let's score more than we concede; rather than hang back by our own goal and wait for a single chance to score,” he continued.
“Anyway, if you look at Arsenal, the squad we have isn't designed to win 1-0.
“That's why you have 60,000 coming to the Emirates, they come to see something beautiful, something memorable.”
Owen Watson, Goal.com
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