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Pengalaman Kerja Praktik PT. Yokogawa Indonesia (photo galery)

noreply@blogger.com (ar_razfous) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 14:29:00 +0000

Pengalaman Kerja Praktik PT. Yokogawa Indonesia (part2)

noreply@blogger.com (ar_razfous) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 13:44:00 +0000

Hai pembaca blog ku yang setia, ini kelanjutan cerita KP ku dari edisi sebelumnya. So, cekidot...

Pada hari keempat kami sudah berpisah, Ian & Tege ikut dengan Pak Yoyok dan Saya & Yogi ikut membantu proyek Mbak Lusi. Kerjaan kami dimulai sore hari pukul 03.00 karena dari pagi hingga siang kantor Training Center cukup ramai oleh orang-orang dari Chevron, Pertamina, Showa, dsb. Rata-rata mereka sedang menjalani program training atau sedang dipersiapkan untuk FAT (Factory Acceptance Test), yaitu sebuah langkah akhir apabila suatu proyek telah selesai dikerjakan oleh PT. Yokogawa Indonesia dan akan diserahkan kepada perusahaan yang bersangkutan. Kembali ke pekerjaan kami sebelumnya, kami melakukan wiring & cabelling pada PC yang akan dijadikan EWS dan HIS dengan board FCS (FieldControl Station) baru, yang digunakan. Semua peralatan ini adalah milik PT. Showa yang akan diserahkan setelah jadi dirangkai dan dijalankan, sementara beberapa orang dari PT. Showa sedang ditraining oleh Ibu Febri. Kami merangkai tiga buah PC sebagai HIS dan sebuah PC sebagai EWS. Koneksi yang dihubungkan adalah komunikasi antarPC menggunakan bus intranet biasa (LAN) lengkap dengan router-nya. Jenis komunikasi yang digunakan berprotol TCP/IP biasa dan Vnet. Semuanya menggunakan konsep redundancy -redundansi adalah membuat sistem berjalan dengan sistem back up, jadi apabila terjadi lag atau hang maka jalur komunikasi atau sistem kedua bisa mengambil alih-. Saya bertanya kapada Mbak Lusi kenapa menggunakan dua macam kabel –Vnet dan LAN-, lalu beliaupun menjelaskan bahwa kedua kabel ini memiliki kelebihan dan kekurangan masing-masing. Kabel LAN (Serial TCP/IP) digunakan untuk komunikasi antar stasiun (antarPC), sedangkan kabel VNet digunakan untuk mengendalikan dan mengambil data dari FCS. Hal ini dikarenakan VNet memilik daya jangkauan yang lumayan panjang (±200m) dan FCS umumnya diletakkan di lapangan, sedangkan kabel LAN tidak bisa terlalu panjang karena akan berakibat data lost. Selesai kabelling semua stasiun, kami-pun mengetes komunikasinya. Program Centum VP sudah terinstall di dalam tiap PC. Untuk mengecek komunikasi antar PC kami menggunakan cara tradisional, yaitu ping. Terjadi sedikit error saat mencoba mengirimkan ping ke tiap PC. Kami-pun melakukan troubleshooting hingga pukul 19.00 dan belum berhasil juga. Kemungkinan ada problem pada hardwarenya. Kami-pun diminta pulang oleh Mbak Lusi.

Hari selanjutnya kami langsung diminta oleh Ibu Febri untuk bergabung dengan kelas program Technical Trainee. Program ini adalah program pembekalan kepada calon karyawan baru sebelum diterjunkan ke lapangan. Jadi program ini berisi rata-rata fresh graduate dan program ini akan berjalan dengan sistem satu bulan materi dalam kelas dan lima bulan materi lapangan, kami beruntung sekali mengajukan kerja praktik tepat pada masa Technical Trainee ini sedang berjalan. Jadi selama sebulan kedepan kami dipastikan mendapat materi di kelas yang sangat bermanfaat. Benar saja, pada hari pertama kami langsung dikenalkan dengan cakupan kerja PT. Yokogawa secara global, materi disampaikan oleh Ibu Febri. Pada Hari berikutnya materi cukup padat dan pada paruh kedua selepas istirahat, kami diminta membentuk kelompok untuk mempresentasikan contoh sistem yang berjalan secara thermal, elektrik, hidraulik dan pneumatik. Kelompok kami –teman-teman KP, begitu kakak-kakak & Ibu Febri disini memanggil kami-, mendapat jatah mempresentasikan contoh sistem yang menggunakan hidraulik. Kami-pun memilih mengambil contoh sistem pengereman mobil, baik yang menggunakan sistem manual atau yang sudah terintegrasi ABS (Antilock Breaking System) untuk dipaparkan. Saya yang maju mewakili kelompok kami, untungnya bisa dibilang saya cukup menguasai materi ini karena telah diberikan secara detail pada mata kuliah Instrumentasi II dan penyampaian saya cukup membuat kakak-kakak TT (Technical Trainee) terpana, dan pemaparan kami-pun mendapatkan applause. Nice day for us.... J

Hari berikutnya materi yang kami terima meningkat level kesulitannya. Kami menerima materi mengenai Control System secara umum yang masih dibawakan oleh Ibu Febri dan dibantu oleh pegawai lain PT.YI (Yokogawa Indonesia). Materi-pun berlanjut untuk hari-hari kedepannya. Pada hari kesembilan kami kerja praktik, saya mendapat telepon dari Pak Supono, seorang pegawai PT. YI servis dept., untuk diajak ke site besoknya. Saya pun bergegas menuju driving room untuk bertemu dengan Pak Supono dan segera berangkat menuju site keesokan harinya. Ternyata saya diajak ke kawasan industri Jakarta Timur atau sering disebut EJIP (East Jakarta Industrial Park), tepatnya ke pabrik PT. NGK Ceramics. Di tempat ini saya diajak untuk melakukan proses kalibrasi instrument recorder. Saya-pun mendapatkan pengalaman berharga dalam hal kalibrasi suatu instrumen. Sebagai catatan, PT. NGK Ceramics ini adalah salah satu perusahaan yang cukup perfeksionis, karena mereka selalu meminta pihak PT. YI melakukan kalibrasi ulang setiap enam bulan yang seharusnya cukup dua tahun sekali, begitu Pak Supono memaparkan.

Pada hari ke-12 saya diajak ikut proyek yang sedang dikerjakan Pak Yoyok bersama Ian & Tege. Ternyata mereka sedang mengerjakan proyek milik PT. Pertamina dan PT. Samtan Gas, yaitu sistem kendali distribusi gas menggunakan SCADA (FAST/TOOL). Saya di sini bertugas melanjutkan apa yang sudah dikerjakan oleh Pak Yoyok sebelumnya, yaitu melakukan addressing atau pengalamatan port input masukan dari komponen pemroses. Sistem SCADA di sini menggunak kontroller dari OMNI. Pemrograman pada FAST/TOOL berbeda dengan Wonderware. Jika pada Wonderware digunakan bahasa pemrograman yang umum ditemui, tapi pada FAST/TOOL ini hanya menggunakan pengalamatan sederhana secara direct. Jadi lebih simpel dan mudah.

Setiap harinya kami lebih banyak menghabiskan waktu ikut kelas TT. Materi yang disampaikan-pun meningkat tingkat kesusahannya. Dari dasar-dasar sistem kendali, field instrument, PLC, safety system, DCS, SCADA dan Enterprise System. Saya akan membahas mengenai salah satu materi yang diberikan ini, yaitu DCS. Yokogawa menggunakan DCS (Distributed Control System) bernama Centum VP pengembangan dari versi sebelumnya yaitu Centum CS3000. Software Centum VP ini adalah produk utama Yokogawa, terutama sebelum dikenal pemakaian SCADA secara luas.

Centum VP merupakan suatu software yang digunakan oleh HIS (Human Interface Station) dan EWS (Engineering Work Station), bedanya hanya terletak pada aksesnya. Jika pada HIS akses hanya berupa operator pelaksana dan pengawas -terutama alarming-, tapi pada EWS memiliki kontrol penuh dalam memanipulasi sistem. Cara menggunakan Centum VP cukup mudah, dimulai dengan identifikasi hardware yang digunakan, IO modul yang digunakan, jumlah FCS dan HIS yang diperlukan -semua secara simulasi-. Setelah itu, dibuat grafik pemrograman pada sistem FCS-nya -semacam pemrograman pada FPGA-. Setelah selesai membuat grafik secara simulasi, lalu disimpan yang otomatis juga tercompile. Lalu digunakan fungsi system view pada Centum VP untuk menjalankan program yang dibuat tadi. Sesaat komputer yang digunakan akan berubah tampilan menjadi monitor kendali, lengkap dengan bunyi alarm yang bersautan sebagai inisiasi program jalan. Lalu grafik yang sudah dinamai sebelumnya tadi dipanggil, yang kemudian tertampil pada monitor komputer lengkap dengan mode pengaturannya. Bisa diubah ke modus manual, automatic ataupun cascade (multi kontroller). Juga tertampil grafik yang menunjukkan trend, histerisis, dsb tergantung fungsi yang dipanggil. Kita bisa mengambil tindakan seperti set alarm HH (High-High), H, L dan LL (Low-Low), mengontrol nilai P (Proportional), I (Integral), & D (Derifative). Bisa juga menentukan nilai Set Value (SV) pada modus manual, automatic dan secara terbatas pada cascade -hanya kontroller pertamanya-, nilai Manipulated Value (MV) pada modus Manual dan secara terbatas pada modus Cascade, sedangkan nilai PV (Process Value) bersifat otomatis mengikuti prosenya -tidak bisa diubah-.

Pengalaman kami kerja praktik di PT. YI ini bisa dibilang pengalaman berharga karena kami benar-benar mendapat manfaat kerja praktik yang sesungguhnya. Semua materi yang penting, yang sesuai dengan disiplin ilmu instrumentasi ataupun sistem kendali, kami dapat dalam satu bulan di tempat ini. Bisa dikatakan hampir-hampir kuliah kami di Elins selama ±4tahun ini, kami dapat rangkumannya selama 1bulan kerja praktik di sini. Sungguh pengalaman yang tak ternilai secara materi...

Terima kasih PT. Yokogawa Indonesia.

Agent unsure if Fulham, AC Milan target Maxi Lopez will get move

noreply@blogger.com (ar_razfous) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 13:37:00 +0000

The agent of Maxi Lopez admits interest has dried up for the Catania striker.

AC Milan and Fulham have made contact for the Argentine, but there has been no solid developments this week.

Andrea D'Amico told Calciomercato.it: "There's nothing new in any sense for Maxi Lopez. Will he leaveCatania? Hard to say, it is very difficult to make predictions on the transfer market.

"We must only deal with the reality of the moment."

Shrink: Real Madrid star Ronaldo suffering Barcelona-itis!

noreply@blogger.com (ar_razfous) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 12:50:00 +0000

A Portuguese sports psychologist says Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo is "allergic" to big games.

Ronaldo faces Barcelona in the Copa del Rey tonight under huge pressure to perform after a poor El Clasico before Christmas.

Speaking with Diário de Notícias, Jorge Silverio says: "Cristiano is suffering from an allergy before big games. He feels that the expectations are huge and is struggling with the pressure."

Pengalaman Kerja Praktik PT. Yokogawa Indonesia

noreply@blogger.com (ar_razfous) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 12:36:00 +0000

Bismillah....

Hai pembaca blogku yang setia, setelah sekian lama saya tidak menulis di blog, akhirnya datang kesempatan saya untuk kembali aktif menulis lagi (karena tugas dari Mr. Andi Darmawan., hehee... :D ). Posting blog-ku kali ini bukan membahas tentang berita bola terkini, perkembangan teknologi teranyar ataupun tentang gadget terhangat. Pada edisi khusus ini, saya akan membagi pengalaman kerja praktik di PT. Yokogawa Indonesia, suka-duka berikut ilmu yang saya dapat di tempat ini. So, cekidot...

Kelompok kami yang ikut kerja praktik (magang) di PT. Yokogawa Indonesia berjumlah empat orang, yaitu Isnan -saya sendiri-, Ian, Yogi dan Tege a.k.a Teguh Budi. Alasan kami membulatkan tekad untuk kerja praktik di perusahaan ini beragam, berbeda untuk setiap orangnya. Jika alasan saya pribadi karena saya melihat perusahaan ini memiliki nama yang prestis di kalangan dunia industri -meskipun jarang terdengar di kalangan mahasiswa- sebagai pemain atau vendor hardware & software sistem kendali dan instrumentasi. Lagipula masih jarang mahasiswa Prodi Elins yang melakukan kerja praktik di perusahaan semacam ini -vendor-, kebanyakan memilih kerja praktik di perusahaan end user seperti Oil & Gas Company, Chemical, Mining, dsb. Alasan saya yang lain yaitu ingin mencoba merasakan hidup di Jakarta.

PT. Yokogawa Indonesia berkantor pusat di Wisma Aldiron, Jl. Gatot Soebroto, Jakarta Selatan. Selain di Jakarta, office Yokogawa juga ada di Batam, tetapi berada di bawah yurisdiksi (kewenangan) Yokogawa Singapore, bukan di bawah wewenang PT.Yokogawa Indonesia. Jalan Gatot Soebroto adalah daerah yang dikatakan sebagai salah satu pusat perkantoran di ibukota, yang membuat lalu-lintas daerah ini cukup padat terlebih pada jam berangkat & pulang kantor. Untungnya beberapa hari sebelumnya saya sudah menghubungi saudara saya yang tinggal di Jakarta untuk mencarikan kost dekat daerah itu. Kami-pun mendapatkan kost yang cukup dekat dengan kantor (±2 km) yang bisa kami tempuh dengan jalan kaki. Akhirnya kami-pun sepakat untuk menempati kost-an yang sudah dicarikan saudara saya tersebut -terima kasih untuk Mbak Tucha & kelg-. Kost kami terletak di Jl. Pancoran Barat yang merupakan daerah pemukiman yang cukup padat. Daerah ini mayoritas dihuni oleh karwayan-karyawan yang kantornya sepanjang Jl. Gatot Soebroto. Kami menyewa 2 kamar kost selama 1 bulan, per kamarnya memiliki sewa Rp 900.000,- per bulan. Lumayan mahal memang untuk ukuran mahasiswa yang sedang kerja praktik, tapi mungkin tidak seberapa bagi yang sudah bekerja. Suasana kamar kost cukup nyaman walau sedikit panas dan kami pun harus sedikit beradaptasi dengan atmosfer yang sedikit pengap karena tidak ada pendingin ruang -terima kasih untuk Pak Norman & kelg-.

Kami berangkat menggunakan KA Ekonomi Progo, dari Stasiun Lempuyangan -Jogja sore hari tanggal 30 Nopember 2011 dan tiba di Jakarta pada keesokan paginya di Stasiun Senen. Kami dijemput oleh kerabat saya yang kemudian langsung mengantar ke kost yang sudah dipesan sebelumnya. Tiba di kost kami langsung disambut oleh penunggu kost yang menyerahkan kunci kamar dan menunujukkan kamar yang bisa kita tempati. Kami pesan 2 kamar, jadi tiap kamar dihuni oleh 2 orang. Karena stamina kami sudah cukup terkuras selama perjalanan, tanpa pikir panjang kami-pun langsung tidur pulas.

Menurut surat peraturan yang kami terima melalui email, kerja praktik dimulai pada tanggal 1 Desember 2011. Namun, sehari sebelumnya kami harus sudah lapor ke bagian administrasi. Jadi pada hari yang sama dengan kedatangan, kami berangkat ke kantor guna melakukan check in pada bagian administrasi & HRD. Pukul 10.00 kami berangkat ke kantor. Kami cukup kaget melihat ada lapangan sepak bola yang cukup luas di depan Gedung Wisma Aldiron dan gedung ini walau hanya berlantai tiga, tapi memiliki luas yang lumayan besar untuk ukuran tanah perkantoran di Jakarta. Sekedar info saja, Wisma Aldiron dulu bernama MBAU (Markas Besar Angkatan Udara) yang merupakan markas atau kantor pusat TNI AU dan sekarang disewakan kepada pihak swasta untuk kepentingan office.

Setibanya di kantor, kami diminta oleh resepsionis untuk menunggu di lobi utama. Cukup lama kami menunggu hingga akhirnya Ibu Utami -pegawai HRD- memanggil kami untuk diberikan briefing singkat mengenai peraturan kerja praktik di PT. Yokogawa Indonesia dan meminta kami untuk melengkapi berkas yang kurang. Setelah itu kami-pun pulang untuk melanjutkan istirahat.

Keesokan harinya, tanggal 1 Desember 2011 kami berangkat kerja praktik di hari pertama dengan semangat tinggi. Kantor dimulai pukul 08.00, tetapi kami sudah tiba pada pukul 07.30. Jam kantor PT.Yokogawa Indonesia dimulai pukul 08.00 hingga 17.00 setiap hari Senin - Jumat. Pada hari pertama di kantor, kami tidak tahu apa yang ahrus dikerjakan atau menemui siapa. Akhirnya kami-pun memutuskan untuk menunggu di lobi kantor saja. Setelah menunggu cukup lama, ada seorang pegawai yang memanggil kami untuk diberikan Pass ID berupa RFID Card dan mendaftarkan sidik jari kita untuk kepentingan presensi selama kerja praktik sebulan kedepan. Setelah semua selesai kami-pun menunggu di lobi lagi, cukup lama hingga akhirnya Ibu Utami tiba dan mengenalkan kami kepada Pak Kuntoro yang merupakan manajer Servis Dept. Beliau (Pak Kuntoro). Dari sini Pak Kuntoro mengambil alih dan membawa kita ke Training Center. Di dalam Training Center kami ditempatkan di ruang kecil dengan meja memanjang di tengah. Di sini Pak Kuntoro memberikan instruksi dan pengantar tentang scope atau cakupan kerja PT. Yokogawa Indonesia. Sempat terjadi perdebatan tentang lama kerja praktik yang akan kami jalani, Pak Kuntoro meminta kami kerja praktik di sini selama minimal dua bulan, tapi kami berkebaratan karena ada UAS (Ujian Akhir Semester) pada bulan Januari. Kami-pun mengajukan penawaran untuk kerja praktik pada bulan Desember dan Februari -Januari ijin untuk mengikuti UAS-, tapi Pak Kuntoro menolak tawaran kami. Hingga akhirnya beliau memutuskan untuk memberikan kita waktu kerja praktik satu bulan saja dengan materi yang dipadatkan. Kami-pun dibagi menjadi dua tim. Tim pertama mempelajari Control System yaitu Ian & Tege dan tim kedua mempelajari Field Instrument yaitu Saya & Yogi. Setelah itu Pak Kuntoro-pun meninggalkan kita karena banyak urusan. Hari pertama-pun berakhir dengan kita tanpa melakukan apa-apa hingga jam lima sore dan kami-pun pulang.

Keesokan harinya kami berangkat ke kantor dengan harapan ada ‘sesuatu’ yang bisa kami kerjakan. Ternyata status kami masih sama seperti hari sebelumnya, yaitu ‘dianggurin’. Kami memtuskan untuk menunggu di ruang yang sama seperti hari sebelumnya di dalam Training Center. Hingga tengah hari kita hanya menunggu di dalam ruang itu. Kami melihat keluar keadaan cukup ramai karena ada tamu dari beberapa perusahaan yang sedang mengirimkan pegawainya untuk diberikan training. Kami pun sudah berkenalan dengan Ibu Febri dan Mbak Lusi, keduanya adalah pegawai PT. Yokogawa Indonesia Servis Dept. bagian training. Ibu Febri mengatakan sedang sibuk, sehingga tidak bisa memberikan kerjaan untuk kita. Lagi-lagi hari itu kami akhiri tanpa melakukan kerja apapun.

Hari ketiga kami berangkat dengan semangat yang sedikit memudar karena takut ‘dianggurin’ lagi. Benar saja, hingga tengah hari kami hanya menunggu di dalam ruang yang sama. Tepat pukul 11.00 Mbak Lusi datang dan mengenalkan kita kepada Pak Yoyok. Pak Yoyok meminta salah satu dari kita untuk membantu kerjaan beliau. Tege & Ian nampaknya cukup antusias, makanya kami -Saya & Yogi- yang mengalah. Kami berdua-pun tinggal di ruang itu hingga hampir sore hari, lalu tiba-tiba Mbak Lusi datang dan meminta kita membantu kerjaan beliau. Kami-pun diminta untuk membantu merangkai HIS (Human Interface Station) dan EWS (Engineer Work Station) di salah satu ruang di dalam Training Center. Proyek yang sedang ditanganinya adalah Migration Project dari PT. Showa, yang sebelumnya menggunakan Centum CS3000 kini diganti dengan Centum VP. Kami-pun diminta mengambil komputer di gudang, kami dibantu oleh seseorang siswa smk yang sedang magang pula bernama Doni -kalau tidak salah-. Doni sudah magang selama dua bulan sebelumnya, jadi dia lebih berpengalaman tentang alat-alat di sini, kami banyak belajar dari dia.

Mau tau kelanjutan ceritanya? Ikuti posting edisi berikutnya. C U, guys.....

Ramsey - I’ve had to wait for Wilshere

noreply@blogger.com (ar_razfous) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 15:16:00 +0000

By Rob Kelly

Aaron Ramsey says he cannot wait to play alongside Jack Wilshere when the England midfielder returns from injury.

Injury and circumstance have kept the midfield duo apart for much of their Arsenal careers, but Ramsey is looking forward to teaming up with the 20-year-old over the coming months.

“Jack is a great player for us; he had a really good season last year. It’s only a good thing to have competition for places,” the Wales captain told a webchat for Chinese fans at London Colney.

“It’s been quite weird because [initially] I was playing, so Jack went out on loan, then I got injured, so Jack played. We haven’t really had a chance to play together yet in the league. It will be good to have the competition."

In Wilshere's absence, Ramsey has been pleased with how his partnership with Mikel Arteta has developed.

“It has definitely grown as the season has gone on," he said. "We’ve got a better understanding of each other and that is starting to show with the assists and the chances created. It is only going to get stronger as the season goes on, too."

Arsenal 125: Fan Focus video feature

noreply@blogger.com (ar_razfous) — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 04:22:00 +0000

Without fans, a club is nothing.

As the Club celebrates its 125th year, some of our loyal and passionate supporters are taking centre stage.

To honour those who have gone above and beyond the call for Arsenal, special flags have been placed around Emirates Stadium.

Over the course of this season, we will be catching up with some of the people who are part of Arsenal history themselves.

This week we meet Keith Martin, an avid Gunner with Arsène Wenger, Dennis Bergkamp and Tony Adams imortalised on his back.

MU vs Arsenal preview

noreply@blogger.com (ar_razfous) — Tue, 14 Dec 2010 06:19:00 +0000

By Richard Clarke

Arsenal were knocked off the top of the Premier League table after a narrow 1-0 defeat at Manchester United on Monday night.

The goal had more than a touch of good fortune about it. Nani’s cross deflected on to the head of Ji-Sung Park four minutes before half-time, though the Korean’s reaction was razor-sharp.

Manchester United also missed a second-half penalty when Wayne Rooney blazed over the bar.

Those were the major moments of the game. In between them, there was little to split the sides. Arsenal’s performance was combative and controlled. Though we have said it before, on another night they would have gleaned something from the game.

Yes rookie keeper Wojciech Szczesny made more saves than Edwin van der Sar but this is Old Trafford and the volume of the travelling Arsenal fans at full time suggested they still had pride in their side after this evening.

A fifth defeat of the season is a big blow to Arsenal’s title hopes but this performance means they can still claim that very quality - hope – for the remainder of the campaign.

The stand-out team news was the selection of Szczesny in goal. Lukasz Fabianski had damaged his hip in the final seconds of the win over Partizan Belgrade last Wednesday and so his compatriot took the gloves for the first time in a Premier League game.

Cesc Fabregas had been out with a hamstring problem since the 2-0 defeat in Braga last month. He was a significant doubt in the days before this game and began on the bench.

Otherwise Wenger shuffled his squad as he has done throughout the past month.

This game was an opportunity for Arsenal. They came to Old Trafford as the Premier League leaders but had yet to attain the kudos of a side with true title aspirations. That would change with a win this evening.

In the first half, they would never really find a fluency and would lose a goal but they were always competitive.

In the eighth minute, Van der Sar’s quick clearance found Rooney. The England striker turned sharply and his deflected shot was clutched by Szczesny with Park in close attendance.

The play was pretty even but the chances – such as they were - went to the home side.

Midway though the half, Darren Fletcher’s cross was aimed towards Rooney but Sebastien Squillaci intervened. The Frenchman’s header was weak and found Nani on the right of the area. His volley flew inches past the far post. It was by far the clearest chance of a tense opening quarter.

Just before the half-hour, Manchester United had a major shout for a penalty. Nani swung a cross over from the left and, as Marouane Chamakh stooped to nod the ball clear, it only brushed his head but hit his hand. Referee Howard Webb waved play on. Just as he had when Rafael blocked off Chamakh in the area earlier on.

Arsenal were holding their own but had not created a chance worthy of the name. Yet Manchester United were hardly carving the visitors apart.

In fact when they took the lead four minutes before the break, it required a healthy portion of luck.

Nani drove in-field with Clichy in close attendance and tried to cross the ball. His effort deflected off the Frenchman but Park reacted quickly and guided a header over Szczesny. It dropped agonisingly beyond the Arsenal keeper and into the net.

In a tight, fiercely-contested game, it was a huge moment. Arsenal went into the break feeling slightly aggrieved.

Tomas Rosicky thumped a cross-shot just wide in the opening moments of the second half. And, after Alex Song had nodded Rooney’s ball across his own goal and over the bar, Samir Nasri fired across goal only for Van der Sar to save at the near post.

Arsenal had upped the ante but Manchester United had been breaking quickly all night with long balls over the top. With the visitors chasing the game, this played into their hands.

In the 54th minute, Rooney fed Anderson and the Brazilian’s toe-poke was wonderfully batted away by Szczesny. His best save of the night so far.

A couple of minutes later Van der Sar made his first real stop. Nasri’s low cross-shot was turned into the path of Chamakh by the Dutchman. For a second the Moroccan had the goal at his mercy but Nemanja Vidic slid in to block as the Arsenal striker prodded a shot towards goal.

Wenger brought on Fabregas and Robin van Persie for Jack Wilshere and Rosicky. The away side were now pushing down the pedal but, when the Dutchman just failed to scramble home Sagna’s cross, you sensed it was not to be Arsenal’s night.

Anderson fired just wide with the right back lying prostrate after a high challenge from Rio Ferdinand.

Then, in the 72nd minute, Manchester United should have killed the game. On the right of the area, Nani tussled with the sliding Clichy. The Portuguese winger dragged the ball back on to the hand the Frenchman was leaning on and the assistant referee indicated a spot-kick. It was the fifth penalty awarded against Arsenal in their last eight trips to Old Trafford.

Often they are decisive but this one was missed. Inexplicably, Rooney thundered his effort high over the bar from 12 yards.

It was the impetus Arsenal needed and Wenger added pace to his side by replacing Andrey Arshavin with Theo Walcott.

But, as the seconds ticked by, Manchester United were defending deep and making the better chances on the break.

From one, in the 88th minute, Rooney tried to chip Szczesny. The Pole stretched his huge frame and batted the ball aside.

In final seconds of normal time, Walcott’s drifting cross was headed away from Van Persie by Ferdinand at the far post.

Manchester United were now closing the shutters and Arsenal could not prise them open.

There was one final half-chance when Chamakh nodded on and Walcott blazed over the bar.

But, despite a decent performance, this was just not Arsenal’s night.

http://www.arsenal.com/match-menu/3329058/first-team/manchester-united-v-arsenal?tab=report

Juventus president Blanc to meet with reps for Liverpool’s Benitez

noreply@blogger.com (ar_razfous) — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 09:03:00 +0000

Juventus are set for talks with Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez's representatives today.

La Stampa says Juve have settled on either Claudio Gentile or Alberto Zaccheroni as a firefighter to the end of the season before moving for Benitez in the summer.

Zacc has moved ahead of Gentile in Juve's planning. Gentile held talks with directors yesterday, but they were unimpressed by his demands.

Meanwhile, Juve president Jean-Claude Blanc will meet with Benitez's lawyers this morning. He hopes to convince Benitez about an immediate move to Turin, but is prepared to wait until the summer to land the Spaniard.

Arsenal boss Wenger: Anfield goals sparked season

noreply@blogger.com (ar_razfous) — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 08:56:00 +0000

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has repeated his belief that victory at Liverpool last month sparked their season.

Wenger argues Arsenal's two goals after the break changed their season.

"It was massive," admitted the manager toarsenal.com. "Before Liverpool, we had not won big games. We didn't win against Chelsea,Manchester City or Manchester United.

"Even if we felt we should have won, we didn't and it was in the head of the players. But we did it at Liverpool then we beat Villa and we overcame something in our head.

"The Liverpool game was also a turning point because we were 1-0 down, turned the game and we have done it since many times.

"We even did it again at Stoke at the weekend. We came back from 1-0 down to 1-1. Afterwards we lost the game but we showed the potential to come back.

"I feel it shows immense mental strength to come back in these sorts of games."

Man Utd striker Owen’s three week injury downgraded

noreply@blogger.com (ar_razfous) — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 02:43:00 +0000

Manchester United striker Michael Owen could be back in the selection mix as early as next match.

Owen tweaked his troublesome groin in the Champions League win over Wolfsburg last Wednesday and it was initially feared that he would miss at least three weeks.

But the former Liverpool star will return to full training with the Red Devils on Tuesday and with the international break on this weekend, should be right for the home fixture against Bolton on October 17.

"I'm back in full training from tomorrow," Owen told At The Races on Monday.

"The older you get the more you get to learn your body.

"Probably a few years ago I would have carried on playing and pulled something and been out for a couple of months or a few weeks at least.

"I felt something coming. If I'd continued or done another sprint then I think I would have pulled my groin.

"So I came off just before it happened and instead of three or four weeks it's three or four days. So that's something you get with experience."

http://www.tribalfootball.com

Walcott intent on winning Arsenal spot before England

noreply@blogger.com (ar_razfous) — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 02:36:00 +0000

Theo Walcott insists he is intent on winning his way back into Arsenal’s starting line-up before contemplating a national team call-up.

The exciting winger made his return to the Arsenal team with a substitution appearance in the 6-2 demolition of Blackburn on the weekend, managing to get himself on the scoresheet.

After the match, Walcott was not getting carried away and was realistic about his England chances.

"At the moment I am thinking about trying to get back into the Arsenal starting line-up and I am not really thinking about the World Cup at the moment," said Walcott.

"It is always great having competition because it brings the best out of you. England has a great squad with a great bunch of lads and it's the same for Arsenal, with fantastic world class players.”

Walcott added that he had big plans for the Premier League season with the Gunners.
"I haven't got a figure in mind of how many goals but I would be happy with 10 goals or more. We'll see,” he added.

"It's always nice to get on the scoresheet but this is a fantastic team to be involved in. It makes your job easier if you are going back into a flying Arsenal team at the moment.

"I think with this formation it gives you more licence to go forward so I should be among the goals a bit more this year.”

http://www.tribalfootball.com

carlos tevez lookalike

noreply@blogger.com (ar_razfous) — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 04:07:00 +0000

gerrard cleared becks fined

noreply@blogger.com (ar_razfous) — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 03:49:00 +0000

MLS decided to fine David Beckham $1,000 for confronting fans earlier this week, which resulted in one fan getting thrown out of the stadium and eventually arrested. How meaningless is that fine? A grand is like spare change to him. If you want to get him where it hurts the most, just tell him he has to stay at LA Galaxy for the remainder of his contract.

Back in England, Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has been cleared of affray after punching a man in a Merseyside bar. The jury at Liverpool Crown Court took about an hour to deliberate and agreed with Gerrard’s claim that he was acting in self-defence. Isn’t he glad that he rejected the move to Chelsea a few years back. Wonder what the jury would have decided if the affray and the trial had taken place elsewhere, say in London or Manchester. Great article here.

These events in the past week just proves that footballers are free to break the law and get away with it, well except from Joey Barton. He had to pick up thrash just like Naomi Campbell.

http://wedontknowfootball.com/

There Will Be Blood: Gold Cup Final Leaves USA Hungry

noreply@blogger.com (ar_razfous) — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 03:44:00 +0000

Today it was Mexico who drank up USA’s milkshake….right from a giant Copa Oro.

America fell in a 5-0 loss against their biggest rivals today in the CONCACAF Gold Cup Final at Giants Stadium leaving the Yanks hungry for revenge when the two nations meet again on August 12th in Mexico City.

Bob Bradley fielded a squad of inexperienced players and he got an inexperienced reaction from the boys who fell to pieces after a dodgy call and subsequently capitalized penalty by Gerardo Torrado in the 59th minute.

Really though, the Gold Cup is all a bit Mickey Mouse and Bradley was right to gauge the talent of up and coming young American players by letting them experience play against the nations they will face in World Cup Qualifying matches for the remainder of this year and leading up to 2014. As of now, Brian Ching and Stuart Holden are the only Gold Cup squad members rumored to be in the running for a trip to South Africa.

Mexico V USA has always been an anticipated tie. As the US defeated Honduras earlier in the week, I was hoping to see Mexico take Costa Rica so the final would be more exciting. And as Brian Ching twittered, the two National squads shared a charter flight from Chicago to New York on Friday morning. That must have been awkward.

Mexico will face an entirely different group of Americans in August- the group which defeated Spain and held the mighty Brazil down two goals before losing 3-2 in the Confederations Cup Final. A squad which will hopefully feature Benny Feilhaber so if the boys lose at least there will be a bit of eye candy to take the sting out of the bite.

So I’m hoping the Americans keep their heads up, get back to work, and take it to Mexico in a couple of weeks.

And I’m hoping that either ESPN or Fox Soccer Channel can muster a half decent pair of announcers because Max Bretos and Christopher Sullivan have reached a ranking of 4 out of 5 on the Alexi Lalas scale of mild retardation after another 90 minutes of their spouting cod shit today.

http://wedontknowfootball.com/

Barcelona announce Ibrahimovic presentation Monday

noreply@blogger.com (ar_razfous) — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 03:37:00 +0000

Barcelona have announced that Zlatan Ibrahimovic will be unveiled as their latest signing tomorrow.

The departing Inter Milan striker will be in the city this afternoon ahead of his signing ceremony tomorrow at the Nou Camp - which will kickoff at 6:30pm.

This afternoon, Ibra will take part in a photo session and will have a medical on Monday morning before his presentation.

http://www.tribalfootball.com

Man City on verge of signing Arsenal’s Toure

noreply@blogger.com (ar_razfous) — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 03:25:00 +0000

Manchester City are believed to be close to signing Arsenal defender Kolo Toure.

Reports suggest the Ivory Coast international will sign with the cashed-up Eastlands club for £14million.

City recently completed the signing of Gunners striker Emmanuel Adebayor and are now set to clinch the services of their centre-half.

http://www.tribalfootball.com

Messi demands Barcelona buy Inter Milan's Ibrahimovic

noreply@blogger.com (ar_razfous) — Fri, 29 May 2009 11:43:00 +0000

European champs Barcelona are planning a major bid for Inter Milan striker Ibrahimovic.

Corriere dello Sport says Barca star Lionel Messi has urged president Joan Laporta to bring the Swede to the Nou Camp.

And Laporta is ready to meet Messi's request by offering £17 million cash plus Samuel Eto'o in exchange for Ibra.

The super Swede will be handed a base salary of £6.5 million, but with sponsorship and bonuses could stand to make an amazing £12 million-a-year.

Meanwhile, if Ibra hits goal number 25 this weekend in Serie A he will be due a stunning £400,000 bonus.

http://www.tribalfootball.com

Villa's Barry waiting for Arsenal offer

noreply@blogger.com (ar_razfous) — Fri, 29 May 2009 11:42:00 +0000

Aston Villa midfielder Gareth Barry wants a move to Arsenal.

The Daily Star says Barry is desperate to play Champions League football during the best years of his career – and the Gunners are his No.1 option.

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is still an admirer, but is not keen on splashing out most of his transfer budget taking him to Anfield. That has left Manchester City and Tottenham hopeful of securing a deal – but it is Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger who is considering a £12m bid for the 28-year-old.

Wenger is searching for a dominant midfield player to add to a squad which has plenty of talent but lacks genuine bite, and he has watched Barry several times in the past few months.

http://www.tribalfootball.com

Chelsea clinch deal for CSKA Moscow dynamo Zhirkov

noreply@blogger.com (ar_razfous) — Fri, 29 May 2009 11:37:00 +0000

Chelsea have clinched a deal for CSKA Moscow star Yuri Zhirkov.

Tvoi Den says Chelsea have landed the Russia international for around £20 million. Zhirkov will join on a four-year contract.

"Yuri has signed the contract with Chelsea just a day or two ago," the newspaper quoted Zhirkov's agent as saying. "He will join his new team this summer."

http://www.tribalfootball.com

Man Utd chief Gill admits Tevez situation is unique

noreply@blogger.com (ar_razfous) — Wed, 27 May 2009 02:29:00 +0000

Manchester United chief executive David Gill has admitted that the Carlos Tevez situation is a unique one.

The Argentine striker comes out of a two-year loan deal this summer and United know what they have to pay to keep him at Old Trafford permanently.

Gill said that the matter will be resolved once this season was complete.

"It is unique, but I don't think that necessarily makes it more tricky,” said Gill.

“We're clear we've got an agreement with them, with the company, that if we want to acquire the option we have to pay a certain sum.

"In that respect it is arguably easier because it is a fixed fee. It is not like they can negotiate for weeks. It is a fixed fee.

"He's out of contract on the 30th of June and he will want to understand where he is playing next season well in advance of going on holiday and having a well-deserved break.

"It is in everyone's interests to be resolved and I think it will be pretty quickly.”

He added that Tevez may be disappointed if he was to join another club.

"What we can hopefully achieve with this squad is hopefully there for everyone to see,” he added.

“It is these big events and these big occasions that players want to play in.

"It is about medals, being here and being surrounded by this. Rarely do players at Manchester United think solely about the money, they think about competing in the biggest games at the end of the season.”

http://www.tribalfootball.com

Leonardo to step in as AC Milan prepare Kaka sale

noreply@blogger.com (ar_razfous) — Wed, 27 May 2009 02:19:00 +0000

Real Madrid are edging ever closer to landing AC Milan superstar Kaka.

Corriere dello Sport says Kaka and Milan are preparing to part ways this summer, with Real president-elect Florentino Perez waiting to take him to Madrid.

Milan president Silvio Berlusconi admits he may have to sell to buy if the squad is to undergo major surgery before the start of next season.

Still bristling over criticism from fans on Sunday, Berlusconi said: "The Middle East petrodollars and taxes are favoring Spanish and English clubs.

"(But) if I leave, Milan would not win anything."

Meanwhile, Leonardo is expected to be confirmed as new coach next Monday. Carlo Ancelotti will leave for Chelsea, with Brazilian Leonardo taking his place.

The Milan director has already convinced assistant coaches Filippo Galli and Mauro Tassotti to stay on.

http://www.tribalfootball.com

Real Madrid settles on Arsenal's Wenger, Pellegrini

noreply@blogger.com (ar_razfous) — Wed, 27 May 2009 02:07:00 +0000

Real Madrid president-elect Florentino Perez has whittled his coaching shortlist down to two names.

Perez's No2, Jorge Valdano, has spent the past month sounding out potential replacements for Juande Ramos, including Inter Milan coach Jose Mourinho, AC Milan's Carlo Ancelotti and Michael Laudrup.

However, now Valdano has the options down to two men - Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger and Villarreal coach Manuel Pellegrini.

Valdano hasn't completely given up on trying to prise Wenger away from the Gunners.

However, AS says he has also discovered that Pellegrini's contract carries a £2.5 million buyout clause and the Chilean is fast emerging as the favoured option.

Indeed, Valdano has already told Perez he regards Pellegrini as "the future Wenger".

http://www.tribalfootball.com

Kaka issued

noreply@blogger.com (ar_razfous) — Fri, 22 May 2009 03:43:00 +0000

Kabar mengejutkan datang dari San Siro. Playmaker jenius asal Brasil, Ricardo Kaka, dikabarkan siap dijual AC Milan. Ya, cerita transfer Kaka kembali bergulir. Usai menolak tawaran gila-gilaan klub Premier League Manchester City di awal tahun lalu, pemain tengah 27 tahun ini dinyatakan mulai dilirik kembali oleh Real Madrid.
Mantan presiden Madrid Florentino Perez diberitakan ingin memboyong Kaka sebagai bagian dari kampanye untuk menduduki kembali kursi presiden di Santiago Bernabeu. Media-media di Spanyol bahkan menyebut Kaka sudah membuat kesepakatan dengan Madrid.
Tapi, bukan kabar ketertarikan El Merengues yang menghebohkan publik sepakbola. Niatan presiden klub Silvio Berlusconi melepas Kaka lah yang patut diperhitungkan.
"Kali ini saya siap menjual Kaka," kata Berlusconi dilansir Il Giorno, Kamis (21/5/2009).
Pernyataan tersebut di atas semakin menguatkan saga kepindahan Kaka ke Spanyol. Sebelumnya, Berlusconi yang juga menjabat sebagai Perdana Menteri Italia melontarkan kekecewaannya terhadap kinerja pelatih Carlo Ancelotti yang gagal mempersembahkan scudetto.

http://cintamilan.blogspot.com

No congratulations from Benitez to Ferguson over Man Utd title win

noreply@blogger.com (ar_razfous) — Mon, 18 May 2009 03:09:00 +0000

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has failed to congratulate Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson after the Red Devils won this year’s Premiership.

The duo have been involved in a bitter feud this season and Benitez could not bring himself to congratulate his counterpart, opting to say well done to the club instead.

"I will say congratulations to Manchester United. They have done well, but I do not want to say too much,” Benitez said.

"I prefer just to say well done to the club, a big club, a good club.

"Normally you have to be polite and respect the other manager. During the season we have seen a lot of things that I didn't like, so that's it.

"I say congratulations to United because they have won. And that's it."

http://www.tribalfootball.com