We want the Old Arsene, the Old Arsenal BACK!

I must say that things are not looking good with our beloved club Arsenal. We have 16 points after 11 games played (bearing in mind that that would have been a possible 33 points, 17 points off our mark). After 11 games, we are 11 points behind league leaders and 8 behind the 3^rd position. Having played 11 games, we have won only 4 of them, drawn 4 and lost three. Among the games we have lost is against Chelsea, United and shockingly ridiculous, against Norwich, a team 15^th in the league with only two wins, and one of those being against Arsenal.

Now, over and again, Arsenal has squandered a multiple goal lead to either end up drawing or loosing eventually and not a matter of this season only but over the previous seasons, something that’s becoming more like a tradition or a legacy….funny but painful! Arsenal happens to have some of the big names in football; the likes of Santiago Cazorla, Thomas Vermaelen, Bacary Sagna, Jack Wilshere, Theo Walcott, Lucas Podolski among many others. Come every weekend, the fans always hope to be entertained and contented by the team performance, the coach’s selection, the wins, the goals and the awesome feeling of catapulting to the top of the league. However, this is hardly ever the case. At the end of it all, fans are furious with previous sale of players, appalling display from the team, ridiculous selection from the coach, silly stupid defensive mistakes and lack of character in attack as the original Arsenal is known to possess.

Arsenal Manager, Arsene Wenger has done pretty good with buying talent and quality players and training them to achieve their full potential. He earlier did the same with Thierry Henry who later ended up being the club’s top scorer. However, in the recent past many have reached their most productive levels and eventually decided to leave for clubs with more ambition than, sadly , Arsenal. Among these names are Henry himself, Fabregas, Flamini, Hleb, Nasri, Adebayor, and most recently, painfully and unbelievably, Alexander Song and the Dutch guy.

The most dramatic of all these departures was the Dutch’s move to (I would say title rivals but we all know how less true that is) pride rivals Manchester United, succeeding former moves to their City counterparts buy quite a number of Arsenal’s then high profile players. What hurt deeper than a colon wound is the fact that Song’s departure was never addressed in respect to any replacement or cover and notably, that has cost us one too many games.  Olivier Giroud cannot be put in the same league as the Dutch but he seems like a guy sharp enough to at some point in time, shake the premier league but he needs a bit of work. Lucas Podolski was sharp in his first days but he has since gone under, not as threatening as he was initially. Santi Cazorla is mostly clean and careful just like his Spanish counterpart Mikel Arteta but he needs to score those obvious chance shots that he gets (case in point – against QPR). Thomas has looked vague recently and probably, he needs to rediscover himself, command the defense line as he used to and put belief back in Kozza’s head.

All that said, I need to add that Wenger needs to get a new trick, probably a new formation or some new tactics. He needs to identify his strong points and his opponent’s weak points, exploit them and give the Loyals something to smile about. Derby weekend is here with us and if we give a display such as we have given in the past 4 or 5 games, Lawd help us.

All Bowing to the KING!! Check it out #tweets

After the Return of the KING and 20 minutes of play given to him, he did what many were expecting him to inevitably do; he proved himself to his critics and all players in the game had a comment or two on the same....or should i say even VP himself bowed to the KING! Here are some selective tweets and comments...feel free to share any other tweets, especially what Joey Barton had to say!

"I never thought I would play for Arsenal again, and I never thought I would score the winning goal tonight.”- The great man himself expresses his disbelief after a fairytale return to north London.

“Thierry Henry is back!!!!!!!!!! TH get in there!!!!!!!” - Robin van Persie looks to be excited at the prospect of linking up with his former strike partner once again.

“He just has it doesn't he? #Henry. Great couple of days for football fans. Scholes and Henry back in business. What a season this has been so far.” - Manchester United forward Michael Owen is obviously delighted to see some Premier League veterans strutting their stuff

“Typical Henry! I'm Buzzing! #ReturnOftheKing” - Injured Gunners midfielder Jack Wilshere was delighted after Henry’s display.

“It was written for him. What a finish! #buzzing” - Team-mate Aaron Ramsey thinks it was written in the stars that Henry would score on his return

“This is what dreams are made of! Thierry Henry is back! What a finish! #TheKingIsBack #ReturnOfTheKing #AFC” - Gunners youngster Benik Afobe thinks Henry is in dreamland after his goal against Simon Grayson's side

“I have to say, what happened today at the Emirates, has been one of the best expiriences I've ever had. Thierry Henry, thats it! #Legend.” - Young Gunner and former Barcelona player Hector Bellerin says that witnessing the goal was one of the best moments of his life

“It had to be Henry didn't it!” - Another Manchester United player, Tom Cleverley, also saw the striker's goal in the script

“I knew it hahah! Henry take a bow, how many times have we seen that finish??? Was always going to happen!” - Bolton midfielder Stuart Holden also believes a goalscoring return was inevitable was the on-loan star

"09/01/2012 I was there when Thierry Henry scored a winner vs Leeds on his #AFC comeback!!!" - Gunners goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny hallmarks a historic night for Arsenal and Henry

"He was already a legend and tonight he added a little bit more" - Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger sums up an incredible evening perfectly

 One Kenyan Die Hard stated,"Thierry Henry wore a number 12 jersey,with 12 minutes remaining he scored his 12th goal in his 12th appearance against the Leeds….the year 2012" Talk of Statistics

THE LEAGUE OF CHAMPIONS

Tuesday and Wednesday nights saw all football lovers glued to their TVs’, phones’ or computer screens to watch who would fail to do what, and I must admit that reasons given for staying up late were at times hilarious. Picture this, a Man United/City fan who stayed up to watch Olympiakos beat Arsenal regardless of the fact that Arsenal had already qualified. Upon defeat, the Manchester fan is all laughs whereas they would be having their ‘party’ the following night. Its Thursday today and many are asking, will the Manchesters play again tonight seeing that now they have to switch their Europe days from Tuesdays/Wednesdays to Thursdays? Congrats to Chelsea or should I say Drogba….he is one player who Baos doesn’t give much credit but just like Van Persie, he can win a game almost single handedly.

Anyway, I have a few things to address on this issue, well, three, four or quite a number. Gael Clichy and Samir Nasri both left Arsenal, in search of greener pastures, where they would play with ‘the stars’ and achieve something bigger than they did while in Arsenal. Since arsenal has always shone in the Premier League, I guess they were looking for a champion’s league glory (we ride along with such excuses though we all know it was the Money). The funny thing is that, were it not for the soothing pat on the back they are getting from their platinum pay slips, they would both be constants in Wenger’s received calls folder.  But then I guess it was all about the money seeing how Nasri was laughing after the game in Etihad, in front of thousands of heartbroken City Fans.
Ashley Young!!! He had all Arsenal doors open in the summer but he chose ‘The champions’, a club that could guarantee him trophies…now, I cannot talk much on this since we are all halfway there but one thing is for sure, as far as Europe is concerned, he will have to graduate through Europa cup and while at it, pinch himself hard for not choosing Madrid, Bayern or say, Arsenal.

Enough with the rivalry, we have other players who were simply victims of circumstances. Kun Aguero is a disciplined player whose hard work on the pitch overshadows any notion that he came to City for the money. This said, people like Evra should stop bickering around saying how they are embarrassed to play in the Europa League. Had they done better, they would probably not have to tell us stuff we already know. Yes Evra, it’s embarrassing and we know.
Chamakh!!! I now understand why he was a free agent. All this time they were comparing him to Ronaldo, I never really knew they were talking about matters pedicure. He simply doesn’t want to tell his wife that his heart is in Salon and Beauty products so he just appears on the pitch…shame, big shame.  He has also recruited Arshavin, Mannone and Fabianski. Wenger needs to give someone away, for free!!

 

Operation Save Chelsea is up and successful so far and I want it to stay that way, but I have to note that if Baos is to succeed, he can never overlook the lethal content in Drogba and Alex’s solidity.

Now back to Barclays Premier League where things are a little different for England’s Champions League favorites. Let’s see what I will have to write on Monday.

"Adebayoooooor..!" Finally!..and..OMG Luiz!!

Spurs vs Aston Villa!

I never watched the game, I’d rather stay in bed sleeplessly than watch Spurs play at home…yes Man United, I have another team to hate so you can start getting jealous. Four of its players made the team of the week on Goal.com. This leaves me wondering, how sleepy could the upper table placed Villa-ins be to let in two goals (from whoever scored) just like that. Spurs enjoy 3^rd position now in front of the Chelsea, Newcastle, Liverpool and Arsenal, the last three of whom tie points at 22.

Swansea vs Man United!

Ferdinand and Vidic did some serious defending in that game otherwise I have a feeling that had it not been for those two, man United might be enjoying a different position as we read. However, credit should be given to them, Swansea and the other new comers have the fire that Reading came with the last time we watched them on DSTV.

Chelsea vs Liverpool…

This is just a laughable game…..where do I start the analysis? Andy V’ Baos has a lot to think about….defeats from Arsenal (5-3) and now Liverpool (2-1) at home???  We can all hope Abramovich’s blood pressure stays intact. Heard that Guus is being contacted…how true that is, only a few know. Johnson stood out as the man in that match….he should maintain that for England and may be we might have a different Euro 2012 story to tell. Luis??? Where did this one come from?? Word of advice Chelsea, release him before he drags you down single handedly.

Mancity vs Newcastle!

I have to indicate that this was my biggest disappointment!! The most fruitful attack met the meanest defense but well, the Magpies  were a little less quicker for the speedy $#@%#%s(they changed their nickname to something Arabic…I guess). However, its good to note that it was penalties that won that game, otherwise it was a 1-1 draw!

Oh Per....WHAT THE HECK'S YOU LOOKING AT???

Norwich vs Arsenal!

I will note a few things on this….
Van Persie is simply scoring for fun. As a matter of fact, only Thierry Henry (34) and Alan Shearer (35) have scored more goals in a calendar year, superior to Robin’s 31. With the time remaining, history just might change.
Walcott was just dazzling! Awesome and clean, striking and defending…I mean, Goal.com gave him an 8/10.
Per “Mateseko”!!!!WHAT???? however he let that happen we are yet to be told but I think I have a clue; when all others are listening carefully to Le’ Proffeseur, he’s busy day dreaming about some Volkswaggen or something!! NKT!

Your Illusion, Your Mistake.

..A large, beautiful bird has become entranced with its own image reflected in the window of an old man's living room. Every day, the bird comes in the morning and returns in the afternoon to interact with its reflection. When he flies in front of the window, he sings a beautiful song; he pecks the glass and displays a variety of poses to impress his "virtual" audience. Months have passed, but the bird never seems to perceive that the image is only an illusion…

When he sings and performs his beautiful dance, I think how we humans are also distracted by many things that take us away from our reality..following the way of our Lord. Many go through life deceived, as this bird was, idolizing their own image or the image of someone else. Many are bewitched by money. Some are dazzled by fame. Others are attracted to the temporary joy of a lascivious life. Others bow at the altar of professional success.

The world misleads us, offering us many empty delights. But Jesus said, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6). Worldly matters can distract us, but if we keep our eyes on Jesus, we will find the way to abundant life in God!

WE ARE BACK!

“….just seven appearances for Arsene Wenger’s side, the full-back has already equaled the goal scoring record of Gael Clichy, who left Arsenal for Manchester City earlier in the summer having scored two goals in seven years at the club”

This is Goal.com in reference to Andre Santos’ impact in Arsenal following his arrival this summer. With a goal against Chelsea and another in the League cup, he has equalled his predecessors 7 years goal “record” in 7 games. He gets games especially against physical sides given his strong physique, not only cautiously watches his position but also goes forward to score goals. This could only mean he’s clever enough to know when to go forward and when not to, something many Arsenal faithful may never deem as important.

Gael on the other hand moved to Man-City after feeling he had done all the growing he needed to do at Arsenal, and Emirates was no longer a challenge to his personal achievement. It actually represented inhibition. Well, taking a look at the league standings, its evident that Man-City have it going but the question is, how much of that can be credited to Clichy’s “top class” defending? I leave that to your assessment.

The Verminator IS BACK!! So we should expect more solidity at the backline. Am actually relishing a game where left back is Santos, center Per and Vermaelen and right back Kolscheny given that Sagna is out for quite some time. Song defending the midfield, with Arteta and Ramsey creating it, Gervinho and Walcott assisting Van Persie to score….what can stop us? Wilshere and Diaby are still out and so is Gibbs….yet they told us we have no winning squad?

Manchester City for Carling cup, that is a game I will patiently wait for.

Crazy weekend

Van Persie to the Rescue….

….The Manchester Latest Book Release…..

….The Blues blue Sunday…

Woes!!

That was how the weekend ended as far as the soccer grounds are concerned. There were of course other appearances from the likes of Tottenham, Wesbrom, Sunderland and the likes but honestly, whoever cares ‘bout them other teams. As a matter of fact Newcastle is number four on the table, did you even know that?

Lets start with Chelsea. Favorites to win against QPR in their afternoon kick off, with position 2 gaping and welcoming them to topple United and riding on the confidence from thrashing some champions league team less on any sympathy, they stood high until disaster struck. Bosingwa wore so much blue through his Chelsea career so much so that he and Drogba missed seeing some red to their name and instead of a shirt, a card came up….when you gamble you must know your game players, otherwise you never know what card will pop up. I need to state though that a game that ended 9 vs 11 and a score line of 1 – 0, you must give credit to Villa Baos. He’s a game boy, he knows when to let go and defend what he already has.

Well, City must have read this last year.

Turning our attention to The Greater Manchester and Trafford in specific, things were totally different, as different as the variety of phrases making round all over both Africa and the UK. 

Six in the City

Man U sio wesi

The book of Manchester United Chapter 1 verse 6

Sema mara moja(1) acha kusitasita(6)

There was a Silva lining when the Sergio-n descended to operate on Man United, it felt like being in Edin(Eden) once again…they all went Santa Mario…

…among many more of course. 

From what I hear, after Balloteli opened the discussion, poor Johnny got his matching orders and that is where it all went wrong…oh wait, no, it was wrong from the very beginning!! When Fergie decided to underrate city and field Johnny instead of Jones, knowing clearly that Johnny is way mistakes prone, he signed himself a thrashing. He then shamelessly proceeded to blame Ferdie and Patrice for the defeat…seriously????

Gunners have a 'savior'

Back to London where Chamakh proved how immature a striker he is, Gervinho proved his 10 million worth, Szchezny totally underworked and ..wait for it…Robin Van Persie cemented his place amongst the Arsenal great by netting the two winning goals, having come in on the 65^th minute. However, I must note that people like Theo and Chamakh need to wake up, sign contracts and get back to work. Per also needs to realize if he keeps getting that cold, the Verminator is coming back and I don’t see Kolcheny moving aside….

For the rest of the teams, well….