VAVASOCCER

Steven Cohen: Arsenal's loss to Manchester United could be the turning point for Arsene Wenger

2012-01-25T07:56:00.000-08:00

Arsenal’s loss to Manchester United on Sunday will not be remembered for United’s ability to keep pace at the top of the table with its rival Manchester City. It will not be remembered for Ryan Giggs's cross of perfection and Antonio Valencia’s header of equal perfection for United’s first.
And Arsenal’s loss will not be remembered for Andrei Arshavin’s inability to stay with Antonio Valencia that resulted in the winner. No, Arsenal’s loss will be remembered for the mutiny of the Arsenal captain and the Arsenal fans.

Arsenal has now lost eight Premier League games including three on the trot to Fulham, Swansea and Manchester United. The last is acceptable, the previous two wholly unacceptable for a club that has found a normal home on Tuesdays and Wednesdays in the Champions League.

The substitution of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain could well be a watershed moment in Arsenal’s already rollercoaster of a season. For Robin Van Persie to visibly be questioning his manager at the substitution of Oxlade-Chamberlain for Andrei Arsahvin will surely have repercussions.

The ground under Arsene Wenger is shaky. When your own fans are singing “There’s only one Arsene Wenger” with just a hint of sarcasm in their tone it is clear to see that Wenger’s time at Arsenal could well be over if the team fails to qualify for the Champions League, as some are predicting.

It has been suggested that Wenger’s obsession with youth has been to the detriment of Arsenal, but to play the other side of that coin it is his very obsession with youth that has brought Oxlade-Chamberlain to our attention. So it is with bewilderment that he chose to substitute the 18-year-old on Sunday in direct opposition of why the youngster was chosen in the first place.

To the neutral and I suspect to the fanatical Arsenal fan the teenager was Arsenal’s best player on Sunday (although Djourou might think otherwise) and did not appear tired, despite suggestions that he had been unwell since last Sunday. So we are perplexed to know why Wenger chose him in the first place and if he was well enough to start and surely at 18 he should be well enough to complete the game. Arsenal has become one long and winding contradiction.

In his press conference after the game Wenger once again trotted out the same old tired comments. He spoke of how his side lacked the maturity and experience against a club like Manchester United. But he does not examine the fact that Arsenal has lost 10 of the last 13 games versus United and he makes these claims as if he has not been saying the exact same thing for the last five years.

Whatever shortcomings Arsenal might have, the responsibility for those shortcomings is his.

It will be only fitting for Wenger to fall on his sword if and when Arsenal fails to qualify for next season's Champions League. In addition, the team would then be surely right on schedule to lose the best finisher in the Premier League. Wenger gambled and he has lost to this point, and with those loses the only thing left are consequences. A season without the Champions League should be a consequence that even Arsene Wenger cannot overcome.

www.goal.com

Agent reveals Roma talks for Man Utd rebel Ravel Morrison

2012-01-20T10:35:00.000-08:00

AS Roma are chasing Manchester United contract rebel Ravel Morrison.
Morrison has been told he can leave by manager Sir Alex Ferguson, and now his adviser Barry Rubery says he's meeting the Italians about a move overseas in the current transfer window, says the Mirror.
Ferguson is willing to let the attacking midfielder go because he has stalled on signing a new contract - his off-the-field problems have also caused disruption.
United want around £1million for Morrison, who also interests Newcastle and has been watched by Arsenal and Chelsea in recent weeks.
However, a fresh start abroad - whether in Rome or elsewhere - may work out best for a player viewed by many as United’s best discovery in years.
by www.tribalfootball.com

Tottenham boss joins criticism of Man City counterpart Mancini.

2012-01-20T10:31:00.000-08:00

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp has joined the condemnation of Manchester City counterpart Roberto Mancini for waving imaginary cards from the touchline.
Redknapp said: "I don't like it. I wouldn't do it. I don't like to see it.
"I don't think there is any need for it. He has done a great job there and when I have met him I have found him a really good guy.
"We all do things we shouldn't do at different times. We get caught up in the game but it's not something I like to see."

by www.tribalfootball.com

Inter still interested in Tevez!?

2012-01-20T10:19:00.000-08:00

Inter Milan director Marco Branca insists the club remain interested in Manchester City striker Carlos Tevez, but admits Paris Saint Germain are now most likely to win his signature.

The saga over the player's future, who remains AWOL in Argentina having refused to return to training with City after serving a club-imposed two-week suspension, has already taken several twists and turns throughout the January window.
After being in pole position, AC Milan now seem least likely to capture Tevez, but few would be prepared to bet on where he will be on February 1.
"I think that Tevez is in reality close to Paris Saint-Germain, as his agent received a very good offer from the French club," Branca told RMC Sport. "In any case, I am not optimistic or pessimistic with regards to Tevez. We are still interested and will continue discussing matters with his agent.
"We are studying how to get back into the hunt for Carlos over the next few days. We are not running late in this race. I believe Carlos and his agent can wait a day or two, seeing as he hasn't played for Manchester City for several months.
"It's not as if the situation will change over the next 48 hours. Besides, the transfer window certainly doesn't close tonight or tomorrow."
Milan pulled out of the race after Alexandre Pato turned down the chance to move to PSG. But Pato has been ruled out for up to four weeks with a left thigh muscle injury.
The Brazilian picked up the injury in the Coppa Italia win over Novara, in which he scored the extra-time winner to earn a 2-1 win.
A statement on Milan's official website read: "The prognosis is three to four weeks, unless there are complications.''
By ESPNsoccernet

El Clasico dream team

2012-01-20T08:41:00.000-08:00

Most of you probably already know that FC Barcelona defeated Real Madrid last night.

Last night’s clash was the fourth El Clasico of the 2011-12 season, with the Catalans winning three and drawing one.

At this point, it’s clearly safe to say that Barcelona still have the upper hand on Los Galacticos.

That being said, Real Madrid are probably the second best football club in the world.

In honor of the El Clasico rivalry, I will be selecting an El Clasico dream team, consisting of stars from Real Madrid and FC Barcelona.

Without further ado, here is the El Clasico dream team.

Goalkeeper: Iker Casillas

Casillas, who is captain of Real Madrid and the Spanish national team, is arguably the best goalkeeper on the planet.

For that reason, Casillas was the obvious selection over Barcelona’s Victor Valdes.

Right-back: Dani Alves

Brazilian international Dani Alves beat out Sergio Ramos for the right-back spot on the dream team.

Alves’ marauding runs make him an extremely potent attacker, while his pace allows him to recover at the back if need be.

Center-back: Gerard Pique

The former Manchester United center-back has established himself as one of Europe’s top defenders since leaving Old Trafford.

He wasn’t great last night, but as usual, he did the job in a winning effort.

Center-back: Carles Puyol

Pique’s partner in crime, Carles Puyol, also cracked the dream XI.

It was Puyol’s brilliant diving header that drew Barcelona level early in the second half.

From then on, you surely fancied the Catalans to emerge victorious.

Left-back: Fabio Coentrao

Newly acquired left-back Fabio Coentrao has been very solid for Jose Mourinho this season.

Coentrao, a former winger, has proven to be more than capable in defence, while simultaneously adding attacking prowess.

Defensive Midfielder: Xabi Alonso

Alonso is one of the premier midfielder’s in Europe. The former Liverpool star is a formidable tackler, a pass master and packs a fantastic long-range shot.

Central Midfielder: Xavi

In my opinion, Xavi is the best midfielder in Europe at the moment.

His passing, vision and combination play make him nearly impossible stop.

Oh by the way, he turned in another great shift last night.

Central Midfielder: Cesc Fabregas

Not many people are talking about Fabregas at the moment.

Nonetheless, he has been in superb form since leaving the Emirates in favor of the Camp Nou.

The former Gunners captain has bagged 12 goals and five assists for the Catalans in all competitions this season.

Winger: Andres Iniesta

Despite not scoring in La Liga this season, Spain’s World Cup hero has netted four goals and four assists for Barca in all competitions.

I knew there was a reason why I chose Iniesta.

Winger: Cristiano Ronaldo

Ronaldo is the most complete footballer on the planet. That is all.

Striker: Lionel Messi

He’s the best in the game, and that means everything.

Liverpool wants more this week!

2012-01-20T07:59:00.000-08:00

It's not easy being a Liverpool supporter right now. The once great Reds, a side that up until last season was joint holder of the most English first division titles, hasn't won one in over two decades.

This year, one that started with such promise has gone from cautiously optimistic to downright depressing and thoughts of challenging for the EPL title have shifted to hopes of qualifying for the Champions League.Currently sitting in a disappointing 7th place, a point behind both Arsenal and Newcastle, the revival brought on by Kenny Dalglish last season is nothing more than a distant memory. The team, as it is right now, needs help. Winning the title is totally out of the question as first place Manchester City is an insurmountable 16 points ahead.

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The Champions League, however, is not yet out of reach as the equally poor Blues of Chelsea sit only an arms-length five points away. With a glut of make-or-break type matches on the horizon, it's now or never for Liverpool to get its act together and to start producing like it is capable of.

From a talent standpoint, the Reds have plenty of it. They also have plenty of cash behind them, unparalleled support and expectations that are rivaled by only its 'big English club' rivals. Essentially, they should always be in the mix for the top honors but that isn't always the case. This season has been a step backwards and before they can move forward corrections need to be made.

Dalglish said it best following his side's drab 0-0 draw with Stoke at Anfield this past weekend. It was the team's seventh stalemate at home this season. Only 14 goals have been scored the Reds in those matches.

"We looked pretty solid at the back, I think they had one shot in the first half and not much more after that but it’s our responsibility to break them down, and we, on the day, just weren’t good enough," said Dalglish. "There was nothing wrong with their effort or determination but on the day we weren’t good enough to break them down."

So what exactly does the team do to get things right? It’s not the most simplest of solutions, but there are a few steps that can be taken to get it moving in the right direction.Firstly, the biggest issue in the side is the poor scoring return. Defense? Not an issue -- but scoring certainly. We can all say at this point Andy Carroll has been a huge bust since his move from Newcastle a year ago. The dude just can’t get it done. Having said that, he’s been playing second fiddle to Luis Suarez during most of that time, and since the Uruguayan has been suspended, Carroll has been lumped up front with the expectation that he’ll provide the offense almost exclusively.

My question is this: why not play them both up front at once? Or at least two strikers? For most of this season, it’s seemed as though the Reds have just worked the attack through the middle with the hopes that it would culminate in something from guy waiting in the box. Not always that easy, really...and obviously the numbers speak for themselves.

Playing a duo up top to relieve some of the pressure on a midfield that isn’t exactly Barcelona quality could go a long way in producing goals. Plus, it’s not like the players it has aren’t able to defend. Most of the center mids have that ability. That’s just one idea.

From there, you look at the return of Steven Gerrard and how that helps the team’s chances. In his initial return against Newcastle, he completely changed the game and added that extra bit of quality (as they say) that the players on the pitch before him couldn’t add. His presence in the few matches since has been slightly muted but he still is the best player in Dalglish’s team. Keeping him healthy will surely help the flow of the offense, particularly when Suarez returns. That, though, is easier said than done given his recent track record.

Finally...give the team a bit of slack, Kenny! The system in place is decent and it’s British and promotes good, decent soccer, but come on, it’s boring and slow and slightly outdated. Players like Charlie Adam and Stewart Downing and certainly Stevie G can open things up a bit and make the match flow to their liking. Against an awful team like Bolton this weekend, it shouldn’t be a problem. You would think.

Barcelona again better than Real Madrid

2012-01-19T10:54:00.000-08:00

Wednesday's game marked another failure. Despite taking the lead early in the two most recent meetings, all Madrid has to show for it is cruelly dashed hopes. This time two defenders scored to rub out Cristiano Ronaldo's capitalization on Jose Manuel Pinto's egregious mistake and lift the Catalans to a 2-1 first-leg lead in the Copa del Rey tie.

Mourinho had never lost at home when leading 1-0 at halftime before. Now he has.

That two defenders scored was not coincidence. One thing Mourinho can't complain about is a lack of chances to crack this Barca team. By now he's figured out how to make his team as frustrating as possible.

Missing of the selfless hustlers he exploited at Inter, Mourinho has adjusted his strategy with Madrid. Several times. This year the broad tactic is to push the energy and pressure high early on, disrupting Barca's passing out of the back and hoping to rattle the tiki-taka groove.

The inclusion of diving, cleat-spike-wielding, eight-cards-in-11-Clasicos Pepe over the cerebral, luxurious Mesut Ozil epitomized the more physical, high-octane lineup.

To an extent, it worked. Barcelona looked disjointed and, at times, crude. It made for less aesthetically pleasing viewing. The thing is, the talent on Barcelona told. This is, after all, the better team. Lionel Messi, the best player in the world who had otherwise been strangled out of the game, chipped the backline in a rare moment of gasp-inducing vision for Eric Abidal to score. And before that Barcelona scored from a corner.

No, seriously. Check the highlights; Barcelona scored from a set piece.

"I keep on thinking that the difference between the two teams are details,” Guardiola said. “We almost never score from a corner and today we did."

Barca played Madrid's game and still won.

But here's the kicker: Barca's dominance may not be enough.

Despite a devastating 3-1 loss in the league back in December, this ruthless robot Mourinho has turned Real into keeps roaring along. Madrid has a sickeningly high goal difference of 46; aside from Barca (44), no other team in La Liga is in the double digits. And, more importantly, the capital club is five points clear at the top of the table.

Barca can win all the cup games it wants, keep standards ridiculously, freakishly high in the big matches, even dominate the Clasicos. Madrid will just keep scything down smaller teams like a harvester tractor, punishing Barca's every draw with cynical consistency.

Mourinho seems to have realized this. He's no longer poking people in the eye, no longer blaming referees for every game he should have won. He's toned down the antics surrounding the Clasico.

"The responsibility is mine, especially when my team loses,” Mourinho said Wednesday. “Victory has many fathers; defeat only one.”

One unfamiliar with Mourinho's body of work might confuse the sentiment underlying that quote with humility.

It's just that he's focused on other things than the Clasico right now. Namely, trying to beat Barcelona without bothering to beat Barcelona.