The Good, the Bad and the Ribery

Chelsea 1 - 0 Sunderland - Barclays Aspiring Journalist Competition

2012-01-30T18:33:00.000-08:00

An early Frank Lampard goal gave Chelsea three points against a revitalised Sunderland team despite a spirited display under Martin O’Neil.

Since the win against Man City, Chelsea have experienced a damaging run of form, with only one win in their last five games; while Sunderland have almost become a new team under O’Neil. "The players don't feel that they can be beaten at the moment. I think they are enjoying winning football matches," he said after a crushing victory at Wigan at the beginning of January. It was unsurprising then, as the match kicked off, that the early emphasis was with the Northerners. With their crisp passing and willingness to advance into the Chelsea half typifying the improvement seen under the new management of Martin O’Neil, the first chance fell to young James McClean. Denied only by a flailing Jose Bosingwa , it was to be one of many clear openings for Sunderland.

But it was a moment of pure brilliance from Fernando Torres that saw the first and only goal of the game. In what was their first sustained period of pressure on the Sunderland defence, a marauding Mata chipped a delightful ball to the back post, where Torres executed a perfect scissor kick which crashed off the underside of the bar – for the ever punctual Lampard to stab Chelsea into the lead. It was almost Torres at his very best, but it was not to be, and it summed up his incredible bad luck in a Chelsea shirt. Torres’ incomprehensible loss of form, to the delight or dismay of football fans, has not seen any real signs of abating; and he has been slowly falling further into the abyss under the weight of expectation and criticism. Indeed, his scissor kick was a thing of beauty, and with a little more luck it would have been the Spaniard wheeling away in celebration rather than the evergreen Lampard, but it was plain to see that ‘El Nino’ is feeling the weight of the pressure placed upon his shoulders. Torres’ afternoon was summed up by Phil Dowd’s decision to book the Spaniard for diving in the penalty area, whereas replays seem to suggest that he was indeed fouled.

Chelsea failed to take advantage of this early goal, and it was an improved Sunderland that took the sword to Chelsea in the second half. Cutting the naïve Chelsea defensive to shreds, with Sebastian Sessegnon the chief architect, it was a sorry sight to see O’Neil hold his head in his hands time after time on the touchline as each chance went begging.

And, with Bentner, McClean and Craig Gardner all guilty of missing chances, it was the toothless Chelsea side that limped to victory, cutting Tottenham’s lead to six points in third place. Chelsea fans must surely have looked on in envy at the attitude, work rate and commitment displayed by the Sunderland players at Stamford Bridge and wonder when, if ever, their own team will return to a state of normality.

Rebuilding Bridges

2012-01-26T13:33:00.000-08:00

In January 2010, Chelsea scored 7, hit the woodwork twice, and missed a plethora of chances against a Sunderland side bereft of confidence and ability. And now, in 2012, Chelsea managed just one goal… and really should have been punished by a revitalised Sunderland side under Martin O’Neil.

How times change.

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xbyudq_200910-pl21-chelsea-7-2-sunderland_sport

Many Chelsea players remain from the team of 2010. Their spine has not changed - with Frank Lampard, John Terry, Petr Cech and Ashley Cole all starting the game. What then has made Chelsea the fragile unit that we see today? It is a question batted to and fro between the Press and fans alike; no one can come up with a viable answer - not least Andre Villas-Boas, the beleaguered rookie manager charged by Roman Abramovich to recapture past glories. The problem, it seems, is not as shallow as replacing a player here or there; the problem is deep rooted, unmoving and substantial.

It is fast becoming apparent that Chelsea are not well equipped to deal with such a conundrum, as every area of the club seems to be fundamentally lacking, therefore accelerating their debilitating condition. Roman Abramovich rules over his domain with an iron fist, unafraid to sack struggling managers and sign favoured players to throw into the mix. Their youth setup is stale, affected so greatly by their unpredictable transfer policy. At management level, there is no consistency in terms of staff or ideas. The manager’s job itself is so riddled with pitfalls that it is a veritable gauntlet run; the ultimate test for any headstrong manager considering himself able to step into Jose Mourinho’s shoes, as dusty and forgotten they become with each lacklustre season. The players are still playing football in the style of ‘the special one’, clashing badly with his many successor’s new tactics and philosophies. What we see is a team of rich potential, making it up as they go along – quite often individually.

Carlo Ancelotti, it can be said, almost solved the riddle. In 2009/10, Chelsea were playing beautiful, fast, attacking football; the owner was happy; the player’s egos were quelled, and Chelsea sauntered to the title breaking records along the way. No one could foresee what would come next - the birth of a crisis; a crisis which has long since threatened to plunge the West London side into the obscurity. Now, two years later we can see the revival of a club long since plagued by fear and uncertainty. Sunderland, under the shrewd guidance Martin O’Neil, have begun to recover from the ill-fated reign of Steve Bruce. Chelsea fans must surely have looked on in envy at the attitude, work rate and commitment displayed by the Sunderland players at Stamford Bridge and wonder when, if ever, their own team will return to a state of equilibrium on which to build.

The Man who would be Messi

2012-01-10T11:09:00.000-08:00

Lionel Messi has won the Ballon d’or for the third consecutive year, one of four players to win this award three times. His talent is extraordinary. Still at the early age of 23, he is considered to be one of the greatest players there has ever been. Managers, fans, players and pundits are united in agreeing that his abilities are on a level with the likes of Pele, Maradona and Zidane. He has won everything to be won in football at club level. Where, we ask ourselves, will the little magician be in five years? Could Messi become even better when he reaches what is considered to be the prime of a footballer’s career?

Starting in the lowly suburbs of Rosario, Argentina – his abilities were noticed even from the age of 5. His body however, did not experience the same growth as his footballing prowess. A growth defect was discovered whilst playing in the youth team of Newells Old Boys. The price of treatment was too much for the Argentinian club. Thankfully, for all of us, Barcelona stepped in to whisk the youngster and his family to Catalonia in order to continue his development and receive the best treatment. Their faith has been well repaid.

Top left, a god in the making. He's tiny!!

Statistically, Messi is unbelievable. Only Cristiano Ronaldo comes close. In the 2008-09 season, at only 19, Messi managed 38 goals and 18 assists in 51 games. Barcelona won the treble that year. He surpassed his goal scoring record the next year when he managed 47 goals; and then again last season with 53. This year, unsurprisingly, he has more goals than games with a remarkable 31 in 28 games, with 14 assists. He is unstoppable, in every sense.

What makes Messi that little bit more special is his humble attitude. Always smiling, it is a joy to watch him have fun on the field. Too often we see arrogance and anger in football, and although this cutthroat attitude is deemed a positive attribute by many, surely there is no greater pleasure than watching a player visibly enjoy himself as he overcomes all challenges put before him? His dedication of his latest player of the year award to his teammate Xavi is testament to his brilliant professionalism and likable demeanour. It also highlights how much he appreciates the efforts of colleagues such as Xavi, iniesta and Villa in his rise to stardom.

For all Messi’s brilliance, there are those who work behind the scenes. Xavi and Iniesta for example, are to Barcelona as cogs and working parts are to a clock. The ‘Velcro gnomes’ are the brains behind the outfit, passing their opposition into oblivion. Their influence is evident in Messi’s game, as they allow the little Argentine to express himself. As a team, Barcelona are unparalleled. With their togetherness and collective abilities, they complement each other in every way – with Messi the jewel in the crown. Pep Guardiola said in 2008, "Xavi is a player who has the Barcelona DNA: someone who has the taste for good football, someone who is humble and someone who has loyalty to this club. From the first moment I saw him play, I knew he would become the brain behind Barcelona for many years to come. He plays very, very well & much better than I ever played even when I was at my best."

With players like Xavi behind him, it gives Messi the best possible foundation in order to push his personal abilities and put into practice pieces of ingenuity other players can only dream about.

The passing is slow and methodical, but the end result is devastating

I will happily observe as Lionel Messi continues to write himself into the record books, smashing all records and obliterating defences for many years to come. My wish? To take my place in the towering echelons of the Camp Nou and see the Little Flea with my own eyes. Even then, I probably won’t believe what I’m seeing.

Why Always?

2011-12-04T18:13:00.000-08:00

Mario Balotelli scored with his shoulder yesterday. It didn't just hit him and go in, and it wasn't a cruel deflection; it was hands down the coolest finish Ive ever seen.

Link - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JP4yx0kKJco

Balotelli has been the subject of intense debate and scrutiny since his move from Inter Milan in August 2010. Man City fans love him, Man Utd fans hate him, but there is something so unique about the 21 year old Italian - something which sees him loved by neutral fans from all over the world. From his absurd arrogance, to his off-field antics, there is fast becoming a glut of videos, articles and clips all over the Internet devoted to the maverick. Whether or not his stay in Manchester will be a long one, he will already be remembered as one the most watchable stars ever to grace the Premier league. I thought it prudent to compile some of his best video moments!

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Arguably his most famous moment to date, Mario vs Bib tipifies his talents. Whilst training ahead of the ill fated loss to Dynamo Kiev in March 2011, Balotelli was handed a training bib. What followed will continue to amuse and bemuse for years to come. Check it.

Bib - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lYU-SeVofHs

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

LA Galaxy will remember Super Mario for one reason only; his failed backheel in the pre season match in July. Through on goal, the teenager contrived to spin round and flick a nonchalant effort well wide of goal to the horror of strike partner Edin Dzeko. Mancini was also not amused, as he hauled Mario off and attempted to berate him for his effort. This didnt fly with the enigmatic Italian, who simply waved his hand and strolled down the touchline.

Backheel flop - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YsN6svBWYg0

As ridiculous as it was, it didnt seem to dampen Dzeko's mood towards him for long - as this training ground muck about shows.

Training goal - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DaWBpeaRmew

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The end of a training session. The cameraman doesnt seem to get it. Mario gives him a hand.

Camera - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W57_WE81r98

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

It is evident that Balotelli has an obvious effect on his fellow footballers. I for one, never saw Francesco Totti as a particularly nasty player; a touch aggressive, but not vicious. Well, Mario soon changed that with a darting run down the flank whilst playing for Inter - what followed was simply heinous.

Totti - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a0Zsd38GssA

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Well...I'm sure we'll see plenty more of young Mario in the coming months. Scour the internet, upload and share. Lets get Balotelli that crown he deserves!

He's ill - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DIz8Fj9s_vw

A Trip to the Emirates.

2011-11-29T18:50:00.000-08:00

It was truly freezing as I took my place in the front row of tier 20, seat 395. The sounds of Cypress Hill echoed round the fast filling stadium, Gunnersaurus Rex was doing his rounds, and debates over team selection was rife. It was Arsenal vs. Man City, a Carling Cup Quarter final, and it was to be an interesting night.

Team news began to filter in, and it seemed Arsenal's kids were to get further experience. Frimpong, Coquelin, Miquel and Oxlade-Chamberlain took their place on the pitch. Chamakh and Park started up front in what was an almost completely changed line up from the team that drew with Fulham on the weekend. Only Johan Djourou kept his place, as Wenger stuck to his policy to blood his youngsters and give his reserves a chance to impress.

Mancini's City has enormous squad depth, and this was evident in the team selection, as Dzeko, Nasri and Adam Johnson all started. Hargreaves, De Jong and Kolo Toure were also on the team sheet, as City exhibited real intent even before the kickoff.

With the tragic death of Gary Speed on the weekend, it was only fitting that kick off was delayed to observe a minute’s silence in memory of an outstanding footballer and human being. Two sparrows could be seen dancing above the prone and silent stadium as both sets of fans united together to remember. It was a touching moment when the silence was tastefully broken with applause. Football never forgets.

The first quarter saw Arsenal adopt a very physical approach to counter-act City's dynamism and guile. It was fascinating to see Wenger's team, so often the epitome of fast, beautiful football, take up a completely different style. Frimpong was a dominant force in midfield, his muscular frame saw him able to win the majority of loose balls and provide Arsenal with the opportunities to attack. Oxlade-Chamberlain had an excellent shot tipped round the post, and Park was unlucky not to finish off a sweeping move. On the 32nd minute, on came Sergio Aguero. Aleksandar Kolorov, ineffective as a winger, was withdrawn for the Argentine. The £38 million man's introduction was to make the night even chillier for Arsenal fans.

The second half saw a continuation of the first, with Arsenal's youthful lineup capably thwarting everything City had to offer. Nasri was the pantomime villain of the piece; with his every touch greeted with a torrent of boos and whistles. Dzeko ran gamely, but for all City's movement, there was always a red shirt pressuring and harassing. Oxlade-Chamberlain began to come into the game, and start to give Zabaleta real problems on the right. Wenger sent Gervinho on to try and force through the goal Arsenal's perseverance deserved, but it was in vain. Dzeko and Johnson linked up in a devastating counter-attack, and provided Aguero with the chance to win the game in the 83rd; a chance he duly took, finishing with aplomb past the despairing Fabianski. It was a real shock. For all of Arsenal's efforts, it looked like victory had been snatched from them. The final ten minutes were tense, but ultimately fruitless for Arsenal. But there was time for one final chance. It fell to forgotten man Chamakh, but his half-baked attempt at a diving header saw the chance pass him by, and condemn the London club to a Quarter Final defeat.

Man City had claimed London for the evening, and this was most evident on the tube home. Fans wearing the blue white had the trains physically shaking! I learned lots of interesting City songs and shared some views on Balotelli and the upcoming showdown with Bayern Munich. City were into the Semi Finals, and their season goes from strength to strength. For Arsenal, they will pick themselves up and prepare for the weekend. We will have to see what the future holds for these two very different giants of the English game.

The League of Champions

2011-11-23T18:41:00.000-08:00

With each name pulled from the hat, Man United fans and neutrals alike must have figured the hardest thing about the ties ahead were being able to actively spell and pronounce 'FC Oțelul Galați'. But, the powers that be have thrown up fascinating scenario going into the final round of games; a scenario in which it is entirely plausible that the Red Devils may exit the competition prematurely, yet not undeservedly.

United have conceded 6 goals so far this stage, 5 of which were shipped at home. Without the genuine whipping boys Galați, Sir Alex's team would have been out of the picture long ago. Benfica, as it proved to be on Tuesday, are a genuinely solid and capable team; and Basle have achieved far beyond expectation. The telling way in which Ferguson abandoned his press conference mid-way last night is testament to how uncharacteristic Utd's trouble in Europe have been.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/15853955.stm - see here for the clip

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The 'Noisy Neighbours' across Manchester can find themselves in even direr straights. With their Champions league progression now out of their hands, it is a far cry from the omnipotent displays exhibited domestically.

I for one would like to continue watching the star-studded gang of misfits into the knockout stage, but considering the task at hand, Mancini's men may have to gear up for the Europa cup for the remainder of the season. Bayern Munich stand before them; and even if the German giants can be vanquished, they must hope for an improbable Villarreal victory over a resurgent Napoli team. Fireworks are needed in Group A, but Balotelli and his entourage do not hold all the matches.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chelsea. What to say about Chelsea. What is the problem?

A problem which has arguably lasted over a year now, with Liverpool's 2-0 win on 7 November 2010. Who scored both those goals on that day for Liverpool? The man who spent the entirety of the 2-1 defeat in Germany warming the bench; a defeat that puts Chelsea's anticipated progression in real doubt. Failure to qualify would be the single worst situation experienced by any Chelsea manager in recent memory.

Fernando Torres' form arguably encapsulates Chelsea's stuttering, frustrating displays over the last twelve months. Old favourite Didier Drogba played in his place for the second game running. Who, I ask you is in better form? Yes, Drogba scored. But his touch has deserted him, his shooting is becoming increasingly more erratic and wayward, and his style of play epitomises the old way of playing for Chelsea - something Andre Villas-Boas has been trying to change since his February appointment.

I fear that Chelsea's problem is deep rooted within the very foundations of their squad. Villas-Boas, surely, is not the problem. All one has to do is revisit Ancelotti's final (and second) season, and the 'difficult moment' was there in spades. Nothing really, it seems, has changed. It is up to Villas-Boas to arrest this devolution before a real crisis kicks in, and he is certainly trying with his acquisition of Mata and Raul Meireles, and the attempt at a high line and new attacking layout. But Chelsea fans may have to wait longer than expected for the new dawn.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

In Robin Van Persie, Arsenal have the most in-form striker in world football. Superlatives begin to fail fans and journalists alike with each and every game that goes by. His two goals last night(his 31st goal from 34 games), saw off a weakened Borussia Dortmund team and delivered Arsene Wenger's team to the knockout stages.

Van Persie has always had natural footballing ability, he has just never had the chance to showcase this due to his constant injury problems which, at some stages, verge on the pathological. But the idea of a 'one man team', one of many easy platitudes being thrown around the table, must not be necessarily be considered a given. Yes, Robin scores the goals, but looking at the bigger picture, it is plain to see the key contributors in this revitalised Arsenal team.

Alex Song has grown to become, what I consider, the best defensive midfielder in the Premiership. Scott Parker is admittedly, close behind; but Song's all round abilities in almost every area of the pitch single him out. His dazzling run for the first Arsenal goal last night showed his attacking prowess, his timely interceptions and brilliant passing game in the remarkable defeat of Chelsea at Stamford Bridge proved to be arguably the main factor in the game, and his defensive positioning and awareness has come on leaps and bounds.

The much maligned Theo Walcott is starting to come into his own with a modest amount of goals and assists; and with Vermaelen's return from injury, their rearguard has received an invaluable defensive force of real quality.

Arsenal are the first of the English teams to qualify for the knockout stage, and they could well be the last. Who'd have bet on that a few months ago! Arsene? "I am surprised that we are the first English team to qualify..." He said it.

Stay tuned.

Photos and videos:

BBC Sport

IBN Live

Zimbio.com

Dailymail.com

Mcfc.co.uk

In the beginning...

2011-11-21T16:49:00.000-08:00

So I begin, with Tottenham sailing into third place at the expense of Aston Villa. A Tottenham side full to the brim with rich attacking potential and invention, and a defense, so often an easy source for critisism, with enough to compliment. Emmanuel Adebayor scored the two goals, his second being one which any striker dreams of; the ultimate tap in. Spurs were omnipotent in their dismantling of Villa, a real signal of intent to all those who dare oppose their rise from non existence to real challengers this year.

I suppose I must liken myself to those men in white, as my humble blog takes form after much deliberation and stalling, much like the slow start exhibited by Tottenham. Yet, I imagined my rise to the medium of blogging to be on the back of a monumental win; one which has befallen many of the top teams this year. This season has already been one of the most interesting, debate-worthy and confusing of the Premier League's illustrious history - I hope my offerings provide at least two of those features!

Welcome to The Good, the Bad and the Ribery... It looks to be a bumpy ride!