Playmaker

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It's about winning games and keeping your nerve.

Sir Alex Ferguson 16/01/2011

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West Ham v.s Arsenal Highlights - Courtesy of BBC MOTD/The Arsenalist

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Grant looks like a gooner...

Grant looks like a gooner...

Chants of ‘sacked it a minute’ echoed around the Boleyn ground on Saturday evening as Arsenal emphatically dismantled a beleaguered West Ham team short on class, personnel and most importantly confidence.

Pre-match discussion had been centred on the Avram Grant saga with conflicting messages eminating from the West Ham board. Vice Chairmen Karen Brady had suggested an announcement on Grants future was imminent with rumours circulating that Martin O’Neil would take over at the helm should the Hammers slip to yet another defeat. Contrary to this, owner David Gold had argued that Grant should be freed from distractions prior to the unenviable task of steering the Hammers away from the drop zone. 

And so to the game…Arsenal inflicted a master class in posession, movement, guile and class which West Ham failed to deal with from the offset. The midfield trio of Fabregas, Wilshere and Song effortlessly took control of the game dissecting their lacklustre West Ham opponents. Walcott and Nasri looked lively all evening with the former adding to his tally of goals for the season alongside a Van Persie brace.

Bridge, on loan from Manchester City accompanied by his £90, 000 p/w wage packet had a night to forget in front of a packed Upton Park faithful. The left back failed to apply pressure on Walcott for the cross leading to Van Persie’s first, before allowing Walcott to sneak in front to smash home from close range following a Van Persie cutback. Bridge topped a woeful display off in the second half clumsily bringing Walcott down for a penalty before limping off nursing an injury in addition to his pride!

Hammers fans must be fearing the worst after the final whistle following their teams abject performance. Injuries to their talisman Parker and a catalogue of others has seen the West Ham squad stripped back to its bare bones. The youthfulness and potential of Sears, Hines and Tomkins was evident but they lack the experience to conjure any hope of survival. As I have previously mentioned, the hammers midfield lacked the presence, grit and determination needed which begs the question of why Karen Brady saw fit to veto the signing of Sidwell in favour of Bridge?! Surely a midfielder of Sidwell’s calibre is what West Ham crave in the absence of Parker and Noble! Further signings are needed to plug the gaps at the back which currently leaks goals and which has greater significance when goals have begun to dry up at the other.

Arsenal meanwhile are finally beginning to show true title contention performances in the league. The afformentioned midfield trio of Fabregas, Song and Wilshere combined with the flair, vibrancy and sumptuous attacking threat of Van Persie, Nasri and Walcott inidcate Arsenal’s potential to go the distance the season. The only concern for Arsenal fans would be the defensive situation with Djourou and Koscielney looking suspect at times this week. With news that Vermaelen is out for between four to six weeks surely Wenger needs to acquire another central defender in the Cahill or Samba mould? Arsenal have lacked a terrier at the back since Adams and Keown, a true defender who enjoys the gritty, ugly side of the game. If Wenger can pull off a shrewd January transfer deal then Arsenal look set to complete the puzzle and will surely be in good stead to tackle the rigours of any title challenge... 

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FIFA Puskas Award - Feast you eyes on the Top 10 goals of the year...unbelievable Tekkers....

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Tottenham have a cyclone on the left wing whose name is Gareth Bale. He combines the height and build of an 800m runner like Steve Ovett with the acceleration and directness of a rugby winger like Bryan Habana

El Mundo Newspaper - Spain - 3/11/2010

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Spurred on by Glory...

Tottenham have been somewhat of a revelation this season with the likes of Bale and Van der Vaart lighting up the premiership with their sumptuous brand of attacking football. Last season's top four finish was an unbelievable achievement, but the question on North London lips is just how far can Tottenham go this season?

Sitting fourth at the half way mark Tottenham are well placed for a post Christmas push in which they hope to close the eight point advantage owned by Manchester United. Such a challenge is certainly not beyond Spurs according to  Bale interviewed by 'Sport' this morning. Bale highlighted the dangers of complacency but confidently remarked that if Tottenham were to 'put a good run together and get a bit more consistency' then there is no reason why they can't mount a serious title challenge. Such a belief was echoed by team mate Van der Vaat speaking in the 'Sun' who claimed that Tottenham have the 'squad to win the league'. With the possible acquisition of Beckham on a three month loan, Defoe nearing full fitness and rumours of Steven Pienaar arriving from Everton, Tottenham's squad certainly has the potential to rival any team on its day. One question mark that still remains is Tottenham's defensive frailties. Ledly King's constant injury set backs, Assou-Ekotto's suspect defending and Gallas's temperament all raise question marks over Tottenham's ability to go the distance and mount a true title challenge.

Has Harry the managerial magic to coax that extra ten per cent needed to cement a top four finish and a title challenge? What is certain is that a victory against Manchester United on Sunday will go some way to achieveing such an ambition whilst sending out a subtle reminder to their North London neighbours that bragging rights for this season are definately up for grabs...

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"People sometimes get this perception of me, that I'm a big-time Charlie."

David Bentley

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Icelandic football team Halldor Ori goal celebration...Sweeet...

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Transfer Round-Up

Birmingham City have had a £six-million bid for Robbie Keane accepted as the striker looks to secure first team football whilst the Blues try to bolster their attacking options. Keane's move is Birmingham's second piece of business this window following the loan signing of David Bentley from Tottenham. Tottenham are reported to have turned down approaches from Sunderland and Newcastle for the wide man who is aiming to rediscover the form which earned him England international honours. Blues boss McLeish siad "We're delighted to have David's services. He is a classy footballer and will enhance the quality of the squad".

Everton have accepted a £three million pound bid for their South African midfielder Steven Pienaar but failed to disclose where he would be moving. Reports earlier suggested talks with Chelsea had broken down whilst Carlo Ancelotti was quoted stating Chelsea were not in the market for the midfielder. It is now believed that Pienaar may be in talks with Tottenham over a switch to North London.

Rovers have secured the return of Roque Santa Cruz on loan from Manchester City until the end of season. Blackburn have struggled to find a spark in front of goal this season and it is hoped the Santa Cruz can rediscover the form which earned him a big money move to Eastlands two seasons ago.

Finally, the Hammers have sealed the signing of Wayne Bridge on loan until the end of the season after agreeing to stump up the 30 year olds astronomical wages.

More updates to follow....

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City duo shown the door...

Roque Santa Cruz and Shaun Wright Phillips have been told by Roberto Mancini that they are surplass to requirements at Eastlands, whilst Emmanuel Adebayor looks set to stay in the North as cover for the injured and volatile Mario Balotelli. Phillips has been linked with moves to Birmingham, West Ham and Fulham whilst Santa Cruz looks set for a return to Rovers who are looking to bolster their striking options in January.

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Merseyside Misery...

Blackpool ensured King Kenny's first league game in charge of Liverpool ended in defeat last night with DJ Campbells 69' minute header giving Blackpool all three points at Bloomfield Road. Torres had given Liverpool a dream start only for Taylor-Fletcher to equalise within ten minutes as a result of the defensive problems that have plagued Liverpool throughout the first half of this season. Again Liverpool were found wanting in creativity failing to capitalise on ample posession in the final third. Blackpool grew in stature as the game progressed with both Adam and Vaughan denied by Pepe Reina. Liverpool had chances to go ahead with Torres and Kuyt forcing smart saves from Kingston. However, Campbell dealt the killer punch heading home from close range to condemn Liverpool to their tenth defeat of the season. So, Blackpool continue to go from strength to strength picking up another valuable three points at home whilst displaying the gung-ho approach which has been a breath of fresh air in a league which has all too often this season seen teams adopt a more defensive approach reminiscent of the easily fogettable South Africa 2010. Dalglish's return may have stemmed the exodus from the merseyside terraces for the time being but Liverpool's problems are certainly not superificial and cut far deeper than the club would have us believe. The Liverpool squad lacks the depth and quality necessary to compete in the upper echelons of English and European football. How many of Liverpool's starting eleven would make Manchester United or Arsenal's 1stXI? Liverpool rely too heavily on the likes of Gerrard and Torres who by their own admissions have so far misfired this season, whilst the glamour summer signing Joe Cole has struggled to make any impact whatsoever. With Liverpool seemingly 'knocked off their perch' has Kenny Dalglish  got the passion, desire and patience of J.W.Henry and the board to recover the glory days or are Liverpool destined for wafer cup football and maybe even worse for the forseable future...? I think so...

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 Priskin Goal - Ipswhich v.s Arsenal

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Rugby Tactics...

Cesc Fabregas has blamed 'rugby tactics' for last nights humiliation at the hands of the 'tractor boys' as Arsenal faced a torrid time in the first leg of the Carling Cup. Such an accusation from the Spaniard detracts from the tenacity, enthusiasm and drive displayed by the Ipswhich players with stella performances from the startlet Wickham and the tireless Priskin catching the eye. A more candid explanation for Arsenal's abject and at times embarassing performance should be laid solely on the shoulders of some of the so called premiership stars. Arshavin and Bendtner  looked woeful at times, cutting forlorn figures on a damp night in front of a full house at Portman road. For many Arsenal fans this has been an all too common occurence with Arshavin and Bendtner finally being found out for lacking the quality, determination and effort to succeed at the highest level. Arsene Wenger has been praised countless times for numerous signings which have turned relative unknowns into prodigious talents. Based on last nights performance though Arsenal lack the cutting edge, steel and guts to break the trophy drought which has haunted the club the last five years. When will Wenger realise that the likes of Arshavin and Bendtner are not cut out for the cut and thrust of English football? When will he realise that eleven leaders are the backbone of any succssful campaign? Sure, Arsenal will make the final and probably lift the Carling Cup but the Premiership and Champions League look certain to elude the gunners on last nights display....