At the start of the final day of the season, 4 teams sat poised between survival and relegation. All 4 lost. Newcastle, who with just a draw could have snatched victory from the jaws of defeat, went out in a limp and bitterly dissapointing fashion thanks to Damien Duff's own goal against Aston Villa. All eyes are on Shearer - will he stay?
Most commentators start with the revolving door of managers and the turmoil within the board as pointing to Newcastle's demise. Without a doubt, that's obviously crucial. But what about the players? Newcastle could well have the best, most-experienced, most-expensive squad ever to be relegated from the Premier League. If there are other examples that could match them I'd like to hear your thoughts...
Granted there have been injuries, some players are in their twilight years, personality issues and plenty of sulking, but if the blame lies at the feet of the managers it must surely be for not getting this lot to play at even half their potential capacity. However, I would say a significant portion of blame must rest with Newcastle's big names on the pitch too.
1. Newcastle's squad includes players who have won things at the highest level. Damien Duff, Geremi, Alan Smith, Nicky Butt, Michael Owen and Obefemi Martins have all won (frequently on multiple occasions) coveted domestic prizes in their respective leagues and played at the highest level in Europe. Why couldn't the lessons learned from earlier in their career be transferred to a club in a dog-fight at the other end of the table? Why couldn't they feed off the experience of each other to lift the team when the going got tough?
2. Newcastle's squad includes players who were legends and/or the best of other Premiership clubs. Mark Viduka, despite his ample waist-line and Berbatov-esque aloofness was a legend at Leeds and Middlesborough and a proven Premier League scorer. Joey Barton's career has been in decline (a product of his on and off the pitch behaviour) since 2006 when he was the best player at Manchester City before then. Kevin Nolan was the captain fantastic of Bolton 2 or 3 years ago, taking the Wanderers into Europe and bagging a dozen goals from midfield in the 2003/04 season. What surprises me is that he above all the others hasn't been able to show more leadership and presence on the pitch.
3. Signings. It's true that in recent seasons Newcastle have shed some good players - in particular, Shay Given (the best thing about that shakey back line in recent years) and Milner (seemingly much more content at Villa) and N'Zogbia (whose career has been reinvigorated under Steve Bruce at Wigan) . But, with two Argentine Internationals (Colocconi and Guiterrez) and Metz defender Bassong Newcastle were still splashing out and attempting to bolster their squad with seasoned performers in the areas that mattered. Steve Harper in goal is certainly not the worst the Premiership has to offer in that position either.
So, what now? The wage bill and reputation of most of Newcastle's starting XI could well result in mass exodos. Almost everyone I have mentioned above will want out if another club comes knocking. Perhaps, some long-term squad members who are "barely" Premier League quality will stay on - the Steve Taylors and Danny Guthries of the team. However, the Toon Army are staring into an abyss. Can they turn the ship around before doing "a Leeds"?
I mentioned in my last post on here how Ronaldo is slowly but surely resurrecting his career back in Brazil for Corinthians. Corinthians won the state championship last week and Ronaldo was their top scorer despite starting hardly any fixtures. He's attained god-like status - or at least nun-like status or Whoopi Goldberg-like status - which has resulted in this viral video doing the rounds in Brazil.
Pay attention to the solo performances by Cristiano Ronaldo and Maradonna too, and a whiskey drinking President Lula on the piano. Sister Act meets the Brazilian Serie A.
And, if you missed this video which even showed up on the BBC sites, when Ronaldo's team Corinthians won the state championship this is what happened when they got a hold of the trophy. Fireworks + outdoor lift + streamers + smoke + dodgy electrics + large trophy = much mayhem.
The general consensus is that all the talent is being sucked out of South America to play in the European leagues. Sometimes, as in the case of Arsenal's Denilson or the Da Silva twins at Manchester United, the youngsters are whisked out before they've barely put in a full 90 minutes for a major club.
Two stories this week, though, suggest that for footballers in their mid to late careers, there's no place like home. Adriano, a troubled soul off the pitch, seems a lot more content back in the country of his birth and Flamengo, one of Rio's biggest clubs are trying to bag him after he declared he would leave Inter Milan.
The most surprising story of re-invention in Brazil comes from Ronaldo, the former world's best player and highest scoring striker at World Cup tournaments. Knee problems have plagued his career, and more recently run in's with transvestites and a waste line that was starting to spill over his footy shorts had some commentators and tabloid editors declaring the end of his glittering career at the age of 32.
However, Ronaldo signed papers with Corinthians a couple of months back and he is starting to hit form. In each game, he seems ever so slightly sharper and less the roley-poley Michelin Man. The Corinthian fans are some of the most fanatical in the country - or even the world - and the return to South America of a fallen hero is a cause for huge celebration (see this video after Ronaldo's first goal for the club against Palmeiras). Almost every touch of the ball he has in any game is unceasingly poured over by sports journalists. A national newspaper ran a story about a Sao Paulo fan who switched allegiances to local rivals Corinthians on account of Ronaldo's return.
Last Sunday, Ronaldo's rehabilitation seemed complete. At the moment, the state championships are in progress, not the national championships. This means that Ronaldo, who spent a decade fighting off the best defenders on the planet when he was back in Europe, has been banging in goals against village teams from the countryside most of the time. However, away to Santos (who are no slouches), and in front of Santos' greatest son - Pele himself - Ronaldo turned on the style and gave an expectant Brazilian public a taste of what he was, and perhaps still is, capable of. He netted two, the last of which was an exquisite lob with his left foot. You can watch brief highlights from the game here. With typical Brazilian over-statement, Ronaldo declared in the post-match press conference that Sunday was the happiest day of his life.
It still remains to be seen what sort of impact Ronaldo could have in the long term. The national championships start in three weeks and it will be interesting to see what the big man can produce against quality opposition week in, week out. Dunga has said the door is still open to Ronaldo for the national team if he proves himself - could we yet see him play in South Africa and even more goals to his World Cup tally? Let's not get ahead of ourselves. Mid-week, Ronaldo had to be substituted after falling and injuring his arm. Coach Mano Menezes quipped: "I don't think its serious. I think he just dislocated a piece of flab!"
Oh dear. Here we go again. It seems that every season we go through this phase. Things are looking great, we're getting players back and doing well in major competitions. Then, all of a sudden, BANG, and we're out. Without a trophy, yet again. And it's really starting to get on my moobs.
This morning I was in a jolly mood. Perhaps over-confident, not realising how much of a threat Didier Drogba would be to our makeshift backline. A few hours later and I just know this is going to be another let down season. The FA Cup was our best chance of winning something this year, and we've blown it. But to be fair, I didn't know we'd turned up.
We were nearly off to a woeful start as Fabianski needlessly came out of his area, misjudged the flight of the ball and allowed Drogba to head towards the unguarded net. Luckily, young Kieran Gibbs was there to save Fabianski's blushes as he sprinted back towards goal and cleared it off the line. But it looked like we'd caught a break. Gibbs surged down the left and clipped a cross in from the byline. Walcott guided it towards goal with his instep but it was not going to trouble Cech. Until it ricocheted off Cashley Hole and into the net. I'd love to say it was well deserved but the truth is, it was anything but.
Arsenal had the lead for less than 15 minutes, as Malouda brought the ball down expertly, turned insinde Eboue far too easily and then beat Fabianski with a low drive at the near post. Credit to Malouda is due, but Eboue and Fabianski have to shoulder the blame as well. And to be honest, from that moment on, we never threatened. If Robin van Persie got a touch to Walcott's cross it may have been a different story. But it summed up the Dutchman's game. Perhaps due to a reported niggle and/or the fantastic defensive display by Alex and Terry, he didn't get a sniff. And neither did Adebayor, who was bizarrely substituted for the erratic Bendtner. The Dane entered the field of play and his first job was to watch Cech's long punt find Drogba who had brushed aside Silvestre. Again, Fabianski came charging out and was far too exposed. The Ivorian powerhouse simply skipped round the keeper and rolled the ball into the empty net. Game over.
In hindsight, Chelsea played very well, I just can't believe how bad Arsenal were. Lampard, Essien and to some extent Ballack dominated the midfield, while Drogba hassled the defence all game. I don't know how he can be put up with. Oh wait, I do know. Maybe Arsene could get rid of Silvestre, Eboue and Fabianski who aren't good enough and bring in a proper bunch of defenders?! I realise we were missing key players but I've never seen a striker have so much joy against an Arsenal defence. It was possibly worse than the 6-1 drubbing recieved at Old Trafford earlier in the decade. Without Arshavin we created nothing. Fabregas was marked out of the game by Essien, just like Gerrard was in the Champions League. The two strikers were anonymous while Diaby and Denilson had the job of protecting the frail back four. Did they do it? No. Denilson in particular was woeful and I'm still puzzled as to why Song didn't start. Ironically, it was the two young English lads who were the bright sparks on a miserable afternoon. Walcott scored a goal and caused Cole trouble down the right. Unfortunately he got little support from anyone else. While Gibbs was the most solid defender of all, and capped his performance with an assist and a goal line clearance. Another sense of irony is how against Villarreal, Silvestre had to cover Gibbs' arse, while tonight, the roles were reversed. The Frenchman had an absoloute stinker. He couldn't cope with Drogba's strength and he gave the ball away far too cheaply.
Work needs to be done. Immediately. We need players back for the Champions League games or we are screwed. I hate to turn on my team and manger like this but Wenger; now is your chance to prove us all wrong: Fix it.
Arsenal's season hangs on the brink. this could be one of their most successful ever or yet another baron year without silverware. The task is made all the more immense by the teams Arsenal have to play in all competitions within the next month. Liverpool away, Chelsea at Wembley, at home and maybe in the final of the CL, Man Utd, home and twice away and maybe in the FA Cup Final. If Arsenal get to play all of these 8 fixtures, I will be a happy man. I'll be even happier if they can win the games that matter.
Arsenal's record against the other 4 is pretty good - and against Chelsea in the FA Cup it's especially good. Home advantage for the second leg of the CL semi-final against Man Utd is a bonus. Villa's Premier League run in is slightly easier than Arsenal's so the Gunners need to make sure they don't lose too many points off the other 4 in the league fixtures, to make sure that CL spot is really secured. Squad rotation will be key to Wenger's plans - not an easy task given most of the backline is out of action. Up front Arsenal's options are more plentiful with Eduardo returning to the squad, Adebayor and Walcott picking up form and Arshavin remaining fresh for the non-CL games.
So, in the league I'd settle for 3 draws against the big 3 and wins in the other games, with Villa dropping some points too. I'd settle for a draw away to United in the CL (especially if it came with an away goal) and wins everywhere else. At the very least, I hope the Gunners make it extremely hard for their closest rivals to pick up the silverware on offer. Arsene Wenger's men have a huge part to play in deciding the outcome of this thrilling season, and it could be their club's name on a trophy come June.
"The worst season we've had under Wenger." Those were the words of so many gooners. In December that was. Having lost a cringeworthy five games before the turn of the year, you could forgive Arsenal fans for thinking this season held no promise. But it turns out that they were wrong. Fast forward 4 months and we look to have secured 4th place and that all-important Champions League spot; unthinkable 8 weeks or so ago. Plus, we're in the Semi Finals of both the FA Cup and the Champions League. Some failure season, huh?!
I have not been going to watch The Gunner as much as I would have liked this season, but I did manage to attend last night. The Emirates is often criticised for having a lack of an atmosphere, but the place was buzzing at 7.45 last night, there was an aura of exitement and anticipation, only really felt on a Champions League night. Wenger had opted for 4-4-2, not seen very often in Europe, or even in the league in recent times. Eboue deputised for the unwell Bacary Sagna with young Kieran Gibbs on the opposite flank. Kolo Toure and Mikael Silvestre had to hold the makeshift back 4 together. And judging by the result, you can't have too many complaints about their performance. But it wasn't just the defence that was re-shuffled. Denilson was sacrificed instead of Song, with van Persie returning up front alongside the suddenly prolific Emmanuel Adebayor.
Arsenal started brightly, performing the style of football we have come to love and expect right from the off. Van Persie headed over from Fabregas' cross before Adebayor squandered a great chance as his touch let him down. Godin had perhaps Villarreal's best chance of the game early on as his acrobatic effort fell straight into the arms of Fabiaski, who wasn't rarely tested all night. Then on 10 minutes, Eboue brought the ball out of defence and found Fabregas. The Spaniard deftly flicked the ball through to Walcott who had timed his run brilliantly. The goalkeeper was out in a flash but Theo wasn't fazed. He cooly chipped it over Lopez and watched the ball land just inside the far post. It was a finish of the highest quality, and further eveidence that this boy is improving with every game. Chances were few and far between after that. Adebayor had two good chances in the air but couldn't convert either. His lack of effort, poor control and woeful finishing had the fans around me frustrated. It was one of the worst performances 'The Togonator' had produced.
But the gaffer must have said something to him because Adebayor came out a changed man in the second half. He chased everything, his first touch was improved and his goal was very well taken. Van Persie picked him out with a precise pass, and the lanky striker prodded the ball into the far corner to effectively wrap up the tie for The Gunners. The goalscorer was joined by Eboue, Song and Silvestre in celebrating the goal with a ridiculous jig. It was the only disappointment on the night. With 20 minutes left, the impressive Walcott was tripped in the area and the referee had no choice but to point to the spot. Villarreal were reduced to 10 when Eguren was dismissed following a second yellow for dissent. Van Persie placed the ball on the spot and there was only gonna be one outcome. Lopez went the right way but could not get anywhere near the ball due to the sheer force the Dutchman had generated. The perfect penalty to cap a perfect evening for The Gunners. The goalscorers were all substituted to get a well-deserved breather, as an equally important FA Cup semi is next on the agenda.
I was paticularly impressed with the back four. Eboue looked far more comfortable at right back than in midfield and linked up well with Walcott. Toure seems to be returning to his old form after a jittery start to the season, likely to be because of his malaria he picked up in the summer, and has been a total rock recently, while Silvestre's performance was so good I couldn't believe the fact hat he had not started a game since early January. But, for me anyway, the jury is still out on Kieran Gibbs. On the ball he looks good, and he's a threat going forward, but I'm not convinced by his defending. He was caught out of position far too many times, meaning Silvestre had to come across and cover. Luckily for us, Rossi was so poor that Villarreal could not take advantage of the gap through the heart of the Arsenal defence. I realise that Gibbs is still a teenager, and left back is not his natural position, but the thought of him coming up against Ronaldo in 2 weeks time? Let's just say I'm not feeling confident. Not in that area of the pitch at least.
Theo Walcott rightly ges the attention but there was another star performer last night: Alex Song. We've been crying out for a DM all season, and although Denilson has done a decent job, he's not the answer. But Song may well be. He's strong in the tackle, works hard for the team and is perhaps surprisingly, very comfortable on the ball. Several times last night he was facing his own goal but managed to turn and get away from his marker. Although the likes of Walcott, Djourou and Diaby have come on leaps and bounds this season, I think we all agree that Song has been the most improved player. I genuinely think he can be Cesc's long term partner (assuming he rejects the inevitable approaches from Real and Barca).
So, in all honesty, we have a bloody good squad. We breezed through last night without half the defence and without Andrey Arshavin, who has lived up to his incrdibly high expectations, and is proving to be worth every penny of the Undisclosed Fee paid to Zenit. With him back on Saturday we have every chance of beating Chelsea and it's just a shame he can't play in Europe. We're doing well but we need to keep our feet on the ground, because we all know there will be tougher tests to come than Villarreal.
I've recently got involved in the whole Twitter thing, although I don't go as far as tweeting at the actual matches (barring the odd half time comment).
I recently came across Twitterfountain and thought I'd create a widget to see what's being said by Twitterers following the Roma game. In a day or so the comments (tweets) will move onto other Arsenal gossip.
Anyway, take a look, hopefully it should provide the thoughts and feelings of many Gooners, not just those tabloids that are also using Twitter to get their message out!
Back in June last year I wrote about my serious misgivings that Scolari would survive the Premiership, let alone as manager of a club like Chelsea. Even so, I don't think anyone was expecting he'd be out within 8 months without a chance to have a go at the latter stages of any of the major cup competitions. Chelsea are, after all, in the last 16 of both the FA Cup and the Champions League and Scolari's speciality has been rallying teams for the final push in a knock out. But things had obviously got that bad that Scolari had to go before he could even sink his teeth into the final quarter of the season.
A few short observations:
1) The ghost of Mourinho hangs around Stamford Bridge now. Who is brave (or stupid) enough to come to a pressure cooker of a club with an aging squad and expect to match the achievements of the special one?
2) Chelsea have been flat recently. Ballack has been off, Anelka's goals have dried up and even the steadfast Cech has been a bit wobbly (witness Torres' first at Anfield). But, maybe it was the loss of Essien above all which cost Scolari the essential segment of a starting XI spine.
3) Working for a football club is a rollercoaster of a ride. My sister-in-law was an English teacher to some of Scolari's coaching staff. Now, she's out of a job.
4) Question is: will the Brazilians and Portuguese who congregated around Felipão also hand in their transfer requests by this summer...?
5) You heard it here first: Scolari to move back to Brazil and replace Dunga as manager of the national XI in time for World Cup 2010.
We're always on the look out for new writers. So if you fancy writing about your team, please get in touch.
