Champions League Final: 2009 All Over Again

So, let's rewind to the semi-finals. Barcelona defeated their arch-rivals Real Madrid in a diving and controversy filled semi-final. Two pieces of Messi magic at the Bernebeu basically put the Catalans in the final, while Manchester United completely dominated Schalke in both legs, winning 6-1 on aggregate.  How will these two match up in the final? 

Well, the last time these two faced each other on this momentous occasion, Barcelona had Samuel Eto'o, Thierry Henry, and Yaya Toure. But since then, all have left to different clubs, with differing results. Only Eto'o has received true success, winning the treble with Inter Milan last year. Meanwhile at the United camp, the only huge difference between today's squad and 2009's squad is the fact that Cristiano Ronaldo has left. To some, it might seem like a huge difference, but Nani has filled in Ronaldo's shoes. But he dives more. Just a bit.

Barcelona's Champions' League campaign this year has been marred with controversy. Yes, they do play wonderful (to some) football, but they aren't the most innocent team. In their tie with Arsenal, Robin Van Persie got a (in my opinion) bulls**t red card, and that basically sent them out of the tie. And in their semi-finals against Los Galacticos, Dani Alves dove to get Pepe sent off, and many other players, mainly Pedro and Sergio Busquets, dove in order to get advantages for Barca. In fact, there was so much diving, that I was disgusted while watching, and turned off the TV. Such a huge occasion, two great teams playing, and it was completely ruined. I'd rather watch Blackpool and Wigan of the Premier League play. Oh well, what can you do.

Sir Alex Ferguson's men, on the other hand, have had a great campaign. They got into the final after also beating their rivals, Chelsea. However, over the two legs, that game was exciting and actually fun to watch. Now, they're representing all of England's great clubs in Europe. Despite being an Arsenal fan, I will honestly be behind United on this day. I really don't like either of these teams, but if I had to choose, it would easily be Manchester. I hate how Barcelona have had to get so many decisions their way in order to reach the final, and I truly hope the Mancs kick their Catalonian a**es. But, I think Barca will win it. And I'm not trying to diss Manchester, they'll probably dominate the beginning of the match, but will somehow have a man sent off, and then it'll be impossible to beat them. Ask Real and Arsenal.

Arsenal Make Things Exciting

So, without Cesc Fabregas, Arsenal finally defeat Manchester United, for the first time in the season. But, it was a hollow victory, atleast for the Arsenal fans. A few weeks ago, it looked like this match would be a title decider. Instead, it's a stumbling block for the Red Devils. But, it has opened the title race wide open. Chelsea, who in the winter looked completely out of the race, now has a wonderful chance to retain the league title next week, with the Blues visiting Old Trafford in a Clash of the Giants.  But then again, a lot has happened, so.... can Arsenal still win the title? Let's see.

Well, let's start with Chelsea. About 4 months ago, they were down and out. They were defeated at the Emirates by Arsenal, who at the time were arguably the strongest team in England, and people counted them out only half way through the season. Now, thanks to Arsenal's terrible recent form, they're in second, and only 3 points behind the Red Devils. But on Saturday, they were lucky to get their crucial three points against Tottenham, with the first goal never fully crossing the line, and the second being scored by Kalou from an offside position. I hate to say it (as an Arsenal fan), but I feel sympathy for the Spurs. They could have been a major changing force in the title race, but thanks to terrible refereeing, they're now behind Liverpool, who jumped up to 5th place. 

 

 

Now, on to Arsenal. Oh, the Gunners. How sad of a collapse. Despite all of their draws, they were still fully in the race until their loss to Bolton. Let me say that again, BOLTON. But with this win, can they be the dark horse in the race? In a word, yes. They don't play up to their full potential when under pressure, but now that people don't take them seriously in the race, they play freely. And the Gunners showed what they could do with that freedom, defeating Man United despite being robbed of a penalty. Chelsea and Manchester United play next weekend, and if Manchester loses while Arsenal beat Stoke City, the table will read Chelsea-73, Man Utd -73, Arsenal-70. Yes, I am being very optimistic. But why not? The 2010-2011 Premier League season has been absolutely insane, meaning anything can happen. Anything.

Breaking Transfers: VVV Venlo sign youngster Baerke van der Meij

Relegation threatened Eredivisie side VVV Venlo have confirmed that they signed 18-month old Baerke van der Meij on a 10 year professional contract after a video was posted of him online, performing perfect spot kicks. The toddler's grandfather was a star player for the Dutch side, so it might be in his genes. In other transfers, rumors have it that a myriad of teams, including Barcelona, Arsenal, and Real Madrid are all interested in signing 5 year old Shaqueel Van Persie after he scored a wonderful goal with his father, Robin Van Persie, in goal. We'll have to wait and see this summer.

Mourinho, Ronaldo, join Barca Conspiracy Bandwagon

So, Jose Mourinho's caused a bit of controversy (surprise!). After his Real side lost to Barca in the Champions' League semi-final, the Portuguese manager vented his frustration in the post-match interview. But, he did bring up a good point, saying "Congratulations to Barcelona. But I just do not understand why Barcelona always receive the help of the referee ... I am not too sad, I have a great family. But I don't understand why Barcelona have this power. It happened two years ago to Chelsea (2009 semis), almost to my Inter last year, and also to Arsenal this year." I fully agree. I'm not saying that the refs are biased towards the Catalans, but c'mon, 3 teams that could have potentially knocked "The Best Team in the World" out, and they all get a man sent off in the second leg? 

Added to that, every single time this has happened, one of the opposing players or managers have complained. They definitely had the right to do so, but that's not what UEFA thinks. Didier Drogba was fined for venting his frustration at the referee after their controversial loss to Barca. They got a man sent off and two clear penalties denied! He didn't have the right to do so? And after Arsenal's loss, Samir Nasri and Arsene Wenger both got one match bans for complaining to the referee. Plain stupid. How come whenever every single Barca player swarms the ref after a tackle, none of them get yellows? How come 2 Barcelona players didn't get sent off for grabbing the necks of Nasri and Van Persie right in front of the official? Bah. Maybe I'm just complaining. I am actually, but if Mourinho and Cristiano Ronaldo agree, it can't be that ridiculous, can it?

Oh, and they should stop diving. Especially Dani Alves. He got stretchered off, and then got off and was perfectly fine. What a p*ssy.

Champions League Semi-Finals: Meh.

I hate Dani Alves.

Real Madrid 0-2 Barcelona (Agg. 0-2): Kinda one-sided. It's pretty predictable that Barca's going through to the final, even Mourinho admitted it. So, i'll do a quick sum up. It was 0-0 at halftime, and then Pepe got a soft red card (Surprising isn't it? A team getting a soft red against Barca. Where have we seen this before?). So, still 0-0. Both teams are playacting and being little babies, then Messi puts it in after a nice cross from Afellay in the 76th. Then, he completely puts Real's chances of going through, scoring a wonderful solo goal, going past four of Real's defenders.

Schalke 04 0-2 Manchester United (Agg. 0-2): So, like Barca, Manchester won comfortably away at Schalke. But, they were kept at bay by Neuer, who had a fantastic game, and missed 11 chances to go ahead. Finally, in the 67th, Ryan Giggs put the Red Devils ahead after putting Rooney's pass into the back of the net calmly. Then, Rooney bagged a similar goal, and put one foot in the final for Manchester. So, it looks like a Barcelona v. Manchester United final. But then again, Schalke did beat Inter 5-2 at the San Siro. Maybe there will be another surprise win?

My Player of the Week: Cristiano Ronaldo

Aaaaaaand, my second installment of My Player of the Week! Yes, my heading at the top of the page does say that I cover English football, but I will cover El Clasicos in Spain, especially with 2 more coming up. In the most recent meeting, Real Madrid defeated Barcelona 1-0 in the Copa Del Rey final. And, because of my dislike for Barcelona, I chose the man who scored the winning goal, Crisitano Ronaldo. I don't really like him, because he's a whiny little baby, but hey, he beat Barcelona.

A New Era for Arsenal?

6 years. It's been 6 years since Arsenal has won a meaningful trophy, the 2005 FA Cup. Now, in recent times, all that the Gunners have won is the insignificant Emirates Cup. This season, that looked to change, as they entered the League Cup Final against Birmingham City, full of confidence after beating Barcelona with a comeback. Then, disappointingly, frustratingly, and humiliatingly, Arsenal lost to the Blues, with an absolutely horrible mix-up between Wojciech Szczesny and Laurent Koscielny being the catalyst for another trophy-less season. After that day, Arsenal dropped out of the Champions' League, the FA Cup, and on April 24th, all but guaranteed that they were out of the title race with a 2-1 loss to Bolton.
 

Since February 23rd, their 1-0 home victory against Stoke City, Arsenal have had only one league win, and that came against a relegation battling Blackpool. They passed up numerous chances to close the gap to Manchester United, only to draw against the likes of Sunderland, West Brom, and Blackburn. Not exactly teams that would frighten a team who is supposedly one of the world's best. But, with Arsenal, now every game is one where the supporters grow frightened, thanks to the fragility of Arsenal's defense. Yes, many will point to referee's mistakes, or just bad luck, but it's really only the squad to blame. So, this makes many ask the question, is Arsene Wenger really still capable of winning the league with his current side?

Will the stubborn Frenchman change his frugal ways? I can only hope so. Yes, he has been great at spotting and raising young talent, with the likes of Jack Wilshere, Cesc Fabregas, and Aaron Ramsey regularly being important parts of the Gunners' squad. But, what the team lacks is a leader on the field. Ever since the "Invincibles" era, there hasn't been anyone who will get up and shout into someone's face after they make an Almunia-like mistake. The quiet Cesc Fabregas has been the captain of the club since the 2008-2009 season, and he hasn't been the best driving force behind the club. Even Robin Van Persie has been more vocal, criticizing the way that other clubs play and act, and, along with Jack Wilshere, has openly supported and pledged his allegiance to Arsene Wenger and his club.

Despite being captain, even Fabregas has commented on Wenger's tactics and philosophy. Like many supporters and pundits, he believed that Arsenal can't win trophies with just kids out on the field, and that they need experienced and committed players. So, what will Wenger do this summer? The players that I believe  the Gunners need to purchase are obviously a central defender or two, an experienced 30-something midfielder, and a clinical striker who can provide great cover when Robin Van Persie is injured. Per Mertesacker, Gary Cahill, Phillipe Mexes, Diego Milito, Eden Hazard, and Karim Benzema have all been linked to Arsenal constantly. Will the adamant Arsenal manager change his ways and buy a few players with the 40 million pounds now at his disposal?

Finally, I just have one more thought on my mind about Wenger's managerial ways. He absolutely needs to sell the under-performing players. Diaby and Denilson started their Arsenal careers strongly, but recently, have been totally ineffective. Along with those two, Tomas Rosicky, Manuel Almunia, and Sebastien Squillaci should be put on the transfer market in the summer. Along with being ineffective, they constantly make mistakes that continually cost Arsenal important points in the title race.

So, that's all that I have to say about the current Arsenal "crisis". After six years of trophy-less, but wonderful football, it seems that Arsene Wenger has been thinking about purchasing a few experienced players who should help the Gunners finally win a title again. In a recent interview with the Guardian, Wenger said, "We have to strengthen the squad where it needs and make the right decision on that front (transfers)." So, the outlook looks good. This will be an interesting summer for Arsenal fans. But, if next year Arsenal comes out empty-handed, then it will surely be time for Wenger to leave his post.

Torres FINALLY Scores for Chelsea!!!

 

Chelsea's recent 50-million pound purchase, Fernando Torres, hasn't scored for his new club and country in over 901 minutes. That's 10 whole games, well, until today it was. He finally put the ball in the back of the net for the Blues in their 3-0 win over West Ham. After coming on for Didier Drogba in the 76th, Torres found the back of the net after only 8 minutes on the pitch. According to "El Nino" himself, he believes that there's less pressure on him to score; "There's less pressure for me now, now I can enjoy it." Well, congrats to him. It's unusual to post about a player scoring a goal, but this seems like a fitting occasion.

My Player of the Week: Yaya Toure

In this new feature on my blog, I'll be stating my favorite player of the week, based on their performances. My first ever pick will be Manchester City's Yaya Toure. Scoring the winning goal against their arch-rivals Manchester United, the midfielder saved Roberto Mancini's job as the manager of the Citizens. Is he my player of the week because he beat the Red Devils? No, of course not.

Ok, yes, it's because of that. The irony of all of my friends, who happen to be United fans, saying "Man S**tty" before the match made my day.

Premier League Title Race: Oh, It's ON!

Well, the last few days have been quite eventful in terms of the Premier League title race. On Saturday, Chelsea comfortably defeated West Brom with a score of 1-3, and in doing so, made the gap to Arsenal only 2 points. But, the Gunners, instead of being inspired by Chelsea's closeness in the table, only managed a home draw against Liverpool on Sunday. Arsenal's attack was slow, sluggish, and was actually very predictable. The wingers, Theo Walcott and Samir Nasri, couldn't even create many chances because they couldn't get past Liverpool's fullbacks, who were both from the reserves. Then, the magical moment. Arsenal got a penalty, and Robin Van Persie coolly put it in the bottom corner, thinking that he secured the 3 points. But, at the other end, Eboue had other ideas. He fouled Lucas, who wasn't even threatening Arsenal's goal, and gave the Reds a penalty. Dirk Kuyt put it away, and also basically put Arsenal's title hopes away for another season. 

So, it looked like today, Manchester United would finish off any chance for Arsenal to come back and cause a huge upset in the title race. But, Tim Krul, the Magpies' number one, had other ideas. Putting in a Man of the Match performance, he kept the Red Devils at bay and earned Newcastle a 0-0 draw. Because of Man United's naive performance, the gap is now 7 points, but Arsenal have a game in hand. Will this be an impetus for the Gunners? Will they now play the wonderful, attacking, and clinical football that they showed earlier in the season? Time will only tell. I think that players like Jack Wilshere and Robin Van Persie will play their heart out during Wednesday's game against the Spurs. It won't be easy, with Gareth Bale and Rafael Van Der Vaart constantly threatening to score. 

With 5 rounds to go, Manchester United still has to play Arsenal at the Emirates and both Everton and Chelsea at home. Compare this to Arsenal's fixture list, with tomorrow's game against Tottenham and the game against the Red Devils being the matches where Arsenal could truly lose points. But who knows? There can be many, many surprises to come until the last match of the season. Both teams could potentially drop points, and of course, no one should truly rule out Chelsea.

Haha. Just kidding. Those chavs are out of it.