The Spurs' meltdown was thoroughly enjoyable. Chelsea supporters seemed primed for the affair and were well supplied with taunting signs and chants. The 84th minute equalizer by Hazard was magnificent. Best of all was the EPL season record nine yellow cards for a Spurs side that completely lost their cool for the occasion. They'll need to gather themselves together and win one of their next two to assure second place. In the not-terribly-unlikely event that Arsenal beats City and Villa, Spurs will need three points to avoid another St Totteringham's Day. Now wouldn't that be perfect?
I'll get to Leicester in a moment. But first I want to praise Tottenham. Their goal differential of +39 is 9 better than the next best (Leicester and Man City), powered mainly by their excellent defensive record (only 28 scored on them all season) but also by their 67 goals, only one fewer than top-scoring City. They're the youngest team in the league and have some of England's brightest stars. It's easy to see Delli Alli, Harry Kane, and Eric Dier as permanent fixtures in the national team. Once, it was Walcott, Wilshere, and the Ox who looked like England's future; that ship has sailed--and sunk. Were I Hodgson, I doubt I'd bring any Arsenal players to Europe. Pochettino is an excellent manager, just the sort of man Arsenal would be advised to look for after Wenger plays out his contract next year. I expect him to be with Spurs for a long time. The temptation will be strong to sell a couple of players now, when their value might be at a peak. They have their new stadium to finance, and they've been a selling club for a while now (Berbatov, Modric, Bale). But they may break precedent and try to lock this group down for the next few years. They'll be in the mix for top four next season, and it ought to be quite a scramble. Both Manchester clubs, Arsenal, Spurs, Liverpool, and (arguably) Chelsea and West Ham should be hopeful of at least a top four position.
But not, I think, Leicester. I admit I was dead wrong about them winning the league. But I think I was right when I said that if Vardy and Mahrez were injured or out of form, they'd be Stoke. They won because their players did not get hurt, and they stayed in form. At the 35th game, the commentators noted that Ranieri had made just 20 changes all year, a phenomenally low number, just one fourth of the previous EPL low of 80. Unless drug tests show rampant steroid use, we can thank the lack of European football, a good training staff, and luck for that. They don't have many internationals, which also helps. Remember how many times van Persie or Wilshere came back from a friendly with a season-ruining injury?
Speaking of training staffs, let's tip out hats to Shad Forsythe, who kept the Gunners healthier than they've been in a while (I haven't seen the stats on it, so maybe I'm wrong). You can't count Rosicky or Wilshere; they'd get injured walking to the mailbox. Cazorla's was the really damaging injury, and he's at the age where something that serious doesn't heal quickly (he was left on the field too long after his injury too).
Our problem this year was pretty obviously down to our being the only club in Europe's top five leagues that did not buy an outfield player. It was inexplicable at the time and it still is. Top strikers are expensive, yes, but so is not having one. I love Olivier Giroud, but he was never in Aguero's class (for instance). Another dozen goals and Arsenal would have won the league.
Roma won yesterday too, so they will join champions Juve and runner-up Napoli in Champions' League, and Fiorentina will be in Europa League. (Like last year.) So Italy has made me happy. I will do a short tribute to Juventus in a future post; they had a truly remarkable season, coming within a couple minutes of eliminating Bayern from the Champions' League in addition to their domestic exploits.
Tuesday, May 3, 2016
Sunday, May 1, 2016
Good Weekend!
Despite our playing poorly yesterday, this weekend saw us increase our lead over United by two points (to seven) and establish a lead of three points over City. City still has a five-goal advantage on us in goal difference, and United has a game in hand, albeit a vastly inferior goal difference. Our odds of securing Champions' League qualification, already good, just went up. All we have to do now to secure 4th is win one more game. 4 points gives us 3rd; I think even two points would do that. Ideally, we'd beat City, but a draw should be enough, given that we play Villa at home on the last day.
The Leicester-Man U game was an excellent spectacle, wasn't it? It was truly end to end, possibly because one point was really not much good to either side. Both teams were up for it, and it was a tough game to officiate. I can't understand how Marouane Fellaini stays on the field. He's dirty, aggressive, and so ugly you'd think referees would red card him just to avoid having to look at him anymore. Besides his assault on the not-entirely-innocent Robert Huth, two pivotal fouls were not called (one on each side) and they spotted a late free kick just outside the Leicester area when it happened just inside. The ref (Oliver?) lost control of the game in the first half and despite handing out yellows like crazy he couldn't get it back in the second. But the result was a fair one, I thought.
For City, I hope we don't start Giroud. Welbeck's movement would make him far more useful. I also would start Coquelin in place of Ramsey. I assume Per is gone for the season with hamstring problems, so it's Gabriel and Koscielny at the back. I wouldn't mind seeing Campbell get a run-in if Iwobi or Alexis are deemed too out of form. Joel plays both ways, and we will need that.
The Leicester-Man U game was an excellent spectacle, wasn't it? It was truly end to end, possibly because one point was really not much good to either side. Both teams were up for it, and it was a tough game to officiate. I can't understand how Marouane Fellaini stays on the field. He's dirty, aggressive, and so ugly you'd think referees would red card him just to avoid having to look at him anymore. Besides his assault on the not-entirely-innocent Robert Huth, two pivotal fouls were not called (one on each side) and they spotted a late free kick just outside the Leicester area when it happened just inside. The ref (Oliver?) lost control of the game in the first half and despite handing out yellows like crazy he couldn't get it back in the second. But the result was a fair one, I thought.
For City, I hope we don't start Giroud. Welbeck's movement would make him far more useful. I also would start Coquelin in place of Ramsey. I assume Per is gone for the season with hamstring problems, so it's Gabriel and Koscielny at the back. I wouldn't mind seeing Campbell get a run-in if Iwobi or Alexis are deemed too out of form. Joel plays both ways, and we will need that.
Saturday, April 30, 2016
Arsenal 1 - 0 Norwich
In truth, we looked no better today than we did last game, but one killer play sent the three points our way. Giroud, who worked hard but looked off the pace for much of the game, cushioned a header perfectly into recent substitute Welbeck's path in the box and he lashed it between a defender's legs and past the goalkeeper. Norwich had more good chances, it seemed to me, but never managed to beat a very sharp Cech.
I did a lot of screaming again, especially in the second half after our goal, as time after time our men tried tricks and flicks, losing the ball, instead of controlling possession and working things for a good shot while pulling Norwich back and forth. They didn't have to boot it down field at every opportunity; they just had to make high-percentage passes. Coquelin shored things up. Ramsey was a frequent offender.
I think everyone in the park but Wenger would have started Welbeck. I love Giroud, but he's been flat for pretty much the whole calendar year. Iwobi wasn't really clicking either. Alexis did what he could, but it wasn't his day. The defense was solid and had to be, given the toothless offense. Ozil keeps putting good balls in, but we can't do anything with them.
We needed this win. It should have been a lot easier. But assuming a win at home against Villa, Man U would have to be perfect to nip in ahead of us even if we lose to City. They have a couple of really tough games coming up, and 4-0-0 is asking a lot. But since it's possible, getting at least a point at the Etihad is vital--and I don't see why we shouldn't go there to pinch three.
I did a lot of screaming again, especially in the second half after our goal, as time after time our men tried tricks and flicks, losing the ball, instead of controlling possession and working things for a good shot while pulling Norwich back and forth. They didn't have to boot it down field at every opportunity; they just had to make high-percentage passes. Coquelin shored things up. Ramsey was a frequent offender.
I think everyone in the park but Wenger would have started Welbeck. I love Giroud, but he's been flat for pretty much the whole calendar year. Iwobi wasn't really clicking either. Alexis did what he could, but it wasn't his day. The defense was solid and had to be, given the toothless offense. Ozil keeps putting good balls in, but we can't do anything with them.
We needed this win. It should have been a lot easier. But assuming a win at home against Villa, Man U would have to be perfect to nip in ahead of us even if we lose to City. They have a couple of really tough games coming up, and 4-0-0 is asking a lot. But since it's possible, getting at least a point at the Etihad is vital--and I don't see why we shouldn't go there to pinch three.
Sunday, April 24, 2016
Sunderland 0 - 0 Arsenal
It was a limp display from Arsenal as they never found a final product despite their usual dominance of possession. Alexis looked like the only Gunner who was likely to score, and he almost did on a free kick. But time and again, I'd be screaming at my TV, "SHOOT!" and someone would make one more little pass six or eight yards out that was blocked or ended in an offsides call. Sunderland was delighted to get a point, with their games in hand on Norwich, and they were unlucky not to get three. Mertesacker would have been called for handball by some officials, but Mike Dean of all people didn't blow his whistle. Van Aanholt hit the angle with a free kick. And several good chances went begging through a lack of poise or ability from a Sunderland player. Our best chances were either spurned in favor of an extra pass or blocked or sliced badly. Mannone made one or two difficult saves, but was not worked sufficiently. He looked nervous, too. (Fabianski, Szczesny, and Mannone all start today for top-flight teams. Our keeper situation was not a problem.)
Ozil did not look at all sharp, but I reserve my harshest criticism for Ramsey. He allowed Sunderland to steal a throw-in from him that nearly became a goal, and he misplaced several passes. He overelaborated in attacking positions. And his defense was once again not sure. Iwobi blew a couple of our best chances, but he's a young guy and has been playing well. Giroud was ineffective, and drifted too far wide on a few occasions. Monreal put in some truly dreadful crosses that could have amounted to something. Bellerin continued his run of ordinariness. Alexis was a cut above everyone else on the field, but as soon as he was blocked off on an attack, the threat eased.
We really could have used this. I expect we'll do better against Norwich, and ought to beat Aston Villa, so it all comes down to the Manchester City game. Unless they manage to drop some more points (and they're inconsistent enough to do it, especially with their semifinal ECL tie with Real looming), we have to win. We're level on points, but a daunting 8 worse on goal differential. Manchester United can also pass us if they're perfect and we lose once. If Liverpool wins Europa League, the new rules, as best I can figure out, mean that they qualify for Champions' League but do not take away the fourth-place EPL team's slot in the ECL play-in. If City wins ECL too, it doesn't really matter unless they finish fifth in the EPL. In that case, the fourth place team is bumped out, because there are a maximum of five ECL slots for any national league. What all this means is that if we can finish fourth, we get the play-in slot. Say both Manchester clubs and Arsenal win all their games except for a draw between Arsenal and City. They'd all have the same number of points, but City would be third on GD and Arsenal fourth. United will be happy with their FA Cup. If Arsenal lose to City we're in Europa League. United actually has a reasonably tough run-in, facing Leicester and West Ham, so perfection is not going to be easy. But the key is that if Arsenal win its last three, which frankly looks unlikely, they have third place. It's in our hands.
It's not too early to opine that this has been a very disappointing season. Chief among those poor moments:
Ozil did not look at all sharp, but I reserve my harshest criticism for Ramsey. He allowed Sunderland to steal a throw-in from him that nearly became a goal, and he misplaced several passes. He overelaborated in attacking positions. And his defense was once again not sure. Iwobi blew a couple of our best chances, but he's a young guy and has been playing well. Giroud was ineffective, and drifted too far wide on a few occasions. Monreal put in some truly dreadful crosses that could have amounted to something. Bellerin continued his run of ordinariness. Alexis was a cut above everyone else on the field, but as soon as he was blocked off on an attack, the threat eased.
We really could have used this. I expect we'll do better against Norwich, and ought to beat Aston Villa, so it all comes down to the Manchester City game. Unless they manage to drop some more points (and they're inconsistent enough to do it, especially with their semifinal ECL tie with Real looming), we have to win. We're level on points, but a daunting 8 worse on goal differential. Manchester United can also pass us if they're perfect and we lose once. If Liverpool wins Europa League, the new rules, as best I can figure out, mean that they qualify for Champions' League but do not take away the fourth-place EPL team's slot in the ECL play-in. If City wins ECL too, it doesn't really matter unless they finish fifth in the EPL. In that case, the fourth place team is bumped out, because there are a maximum of five ECL slots for any national league. What all this means is that if we can finish fourth, we get the play-in slot. Say both Manchester clubs and Arsenal win all their games except for a draw between Arsenal and City. They'd all have the same number of points, but City would be third on GD and Arsenal fourth. United will be happy with their FA Cup. If Arsenal lose to City we're in Europa League. United actually has a reasonably tough run-in, facing Leicester and West Ham, so perfection is not going to be easy. But the key is that if Arsenal win its last three, which frankly looks unlikely, they have third place. It's in our hands.
It's not too early to opine that this has been a very disappointing season. Chief among those poor moments:
- The FA Cup loss to Watford. Holding the Cup would have been the saving grace. Exiting like that was an awful slip-up.
- The League Cup ouster at the hands of Sheffield Wednesday. Not only were we embarrassed 3-0 by a lower league side, we had two key players seriously injured.
- Inexplicably poor performances in 2016 against West Brom away, Swansea and Palace at home, United at Old Trafford, Norwich away, and Sunderland today, among others. A ridiculous number of points were essentially thrown away to opposition that should have been beaten relatively easily.
- The by turns comical, inspiring, and annoying Champions' League experience. First Giroud and Ospina put us in a huge hole due to epically stupid acts, then they beat Bayern at home and Olympiacos away to get through to the round of 16, then we lose badly to a Barcelona team that soon showed it was not the equal of last year's.
- The two Chelsea games may be the most galling. Poor discipline and a lack of fortitude equal a bad result. Gah. We couldn't take a point from those guys this season? Pathetic.
With all that, we're still in our accustomed position (fourth). High points are beating league leaders Leicester twice, coming back short-handed to take a point against Tottenham, the aforementioned ECL heroics, and some other things that I don't want to remember because then I'd wonder why we couldn't do more of that good stuff when it counted.
Well. Three games to go. Win 'em all, boys. Simple, right?
Stan Kroenke is probably concentrating his mind and resources on moving the Rams back to LA. He's not going to suddenly go all Sheik Mansour and buy a couple top class players. Jack's back! It's like a new...
Hey, DC United won big last night. I like what I'm seeing from this team. I think it'll be a good season. And Juve is having a season to remember--I'll do a post on that in a couple weeks. It could be worse--I keep thinking about a Notts County supporter I met in New Zealand. And speaking of the fourth division, York City is about to be dumped from League Football. Try finding those games on cable.
Thursday, April 21, 2016
Arsenal 2 - 0 West Brom
This was a win so dominating that it makes me wonder how we could lose to those guys the last time we played them. Of course, we don't always beat teams we dominate either. It's great to see Alexis having fun out there. While it was fantastic to see Arsenal pinging it around and launching wave after wave of attacks, I can't help but think that West Brom looked like a team with nothing to play for. I also thought the lack of end product was not encouraging. We'll have to take more of our chances if we're going to get the 10 or 12 points that see us into third place. I'm thinking that the game at the Etihad is going to be a great game to watch, with end-to-end action. Hart and Cech will probably be busy.
I like Ozil a lot. But one first half sequence today is all too typical for him. He made a poor pass under pressure, then went to ground as though trying to get a foul call. Giroud fought hard to get the ball back, and would have had Ozil gotten to his feet instead of sitting and complaining. When he did pop up and challenge for the ball Giroud knocked loose, he was late and came in with his boot high, and the foul was on him. If he'd just kept playing he'd have been there first. He does a lot of things really well. I especially like the way he does the simple thing with the ball to keep a move going. But he has to up his intensity.
I'm still annoyed at Watford's beating us in the FA Cup.
Four games to go. Win them, and the only way we don't play Champions' League is if both Liverpool and Man City win their European cups. Sunderland and Norwich may be poor, but they're fighting to avoid relegation. City will be tough. Villa will be loose, and are just the sort of team we slip up against this year. But it's the last game and everyone will be focused.
Leicester-West Ham was one of those games in which the referee (Jon Moss, the guy who called our game today) made himself the star. I hate that. Fair result? Maybe--we'll never know.
I like Ozil a lot. But one first half sequence today is all too typical for him. He made a poor pass under pressure, then went to ground as though trying to get a foul call. Giroud fought hard to get the ball back, and would have had Ozil gotten to his feet instead of sitting and complaining. When he did pop up and challenge for the ball Giroud knocked loose, he was late and came in with his boot high, and the foul was on him. If he'd just kept playing he'd have been there first. He does a lot of things really well. I especially like the way he does the simple thing with the ball to keep a move going. But he has to up his intensity.
I'm still annoyed at Watford's beating us in the FA Cup.
Four games to go. Win them, and the only way we don't play Champions' League is if both Liverpool and Man City win their European cups. Sunderland and Norwich may be poor, but they're fighting to avoid relegation. City will be tough. Villa will be loose, and are just the sort of team we slip up against this year. But it's the last game and everyone will be focused.
Leicester-West Ham was one of those games in which the referee (Jon Moss, the guy who called our game today) made himself the star. I hate that. Fair result? Maybe--we'll never know.
Sunday, April 17, 2016
I Can't Fucking Believe It. OK, I Totally Believe It.
What a limp performance today. Palace was really crap, and should have been blown away. All the possession we had in the first half produced very few real chances, then a superb looping header from Alexis resulted in the goal that really should have just been a launching point for a plastering of a very passive Palace. We actually looked better in the second half, but again, could not make that final ball count. Hennessey didn't have to do anything out of the ordinary, either. Their goal was very well struck, but who was closing down their most dangerous man as he cruised across with the ball on his right foot?
We've seen this so many times before, just this season. I love this team, but boy are they soft. The dishonor roll today has to be topped by Ozil and Bellerin, both of whom had really poor games. Elneny looked underwhelming too. I can't fault Gabriel this time, but why is Per not getting any games? Wenger ought to be able to prepare them for games like this (and the last one, etc. etc.) in which they are in control and have to see things out. He has to make some tactical changes. I liked bringing Giroud in; he's great on defensive headers and can hold the ball up. But Ramsey was not an inspired choice, to say the least. Taking out a defensive mid for (in essence) an attacking one was precisely the wrong way to go. Throwing Walcott in to try to win the game was an obvious move but he does not look particularly strong these days.
I have a lot more opinions on what went wrong, but I just want to forget about this game and this season. We absolutely need a win at the Etihad now, as well as to win the other games, but who thinks we're going to do it? Not me. United may well pass us too, and if they don't, Liverpool may win the Europa League to snatch the fourth place "trophy" away.
If ever a squad needed a tough manager, it's this one. Ozil was jogging around when we didn't have the ball (and sometimes when we did) There have been stories that he's "worked on his body language" to convince the fans he's giving 100%! What bullshit. He's obviously not doing his full job, and needs to be taken to task for it. He's better than that, or he should be. It's no fluke that he's not getting more assists. He's just not that dangerous anymore. Ramsey had fresh legs; with a one-goal lead, he should have sprinted back and clogged the middle to prevent the tying goal. I didn't look for him, but I bet he was still upfield. (Apologies if he at least tried and failed.)
If there's no Champions' League, it gives plenty of reason to can Wenger, and the coaches he's surrounded himself with as well. Steve Bould may be a legend, but he has not stiffened the defense. Clean house a bit, as Tottenham did, and cut Walcott and Wilshere loose. Another solid CB is a good idea. (Chambers has to start producing or he's surplus to requirements as well.) What the offense needs is concentration. Crosses in particular seem to be a lost art for us.
Ah...it's a really nice day...outside.
Fuck.
We've seen this so many times before, just this season. I love this team, but boy are they soft. The dishonor roll today has to be topped by Ozil and Bellerin, both of whom had really poor games. Elneny looked underwhelming too. I can't fault Gabriel this time, but why is Per not getting any games? Wenger ought to be able to prepare them for games like this (and the last one, etc. etc.) in which they are in control and have to see things out. He has to make some tactical changes. I liked bringing Giroud in; he's great on defensive headers and can hold the ball up. But Ramsey was not an inspired choice, to say the least. Taking out a defensive mid for (in essence) an attacking one was precisely the wrong way to go. Throwing Walcott in to try to win the game was an obvious move but he does not look particularly strong these days.
I have a lot more opinions on what went wrong, but I just want to forget about this game and this season. We absolutely need a win at the Etihad now, as well as to win the other games, but who thinks we're going to do it? Not me. United may well pass us too, and if they don't, Liverpool may win the Europa League to snatch the fourth place "trophy" away.
If ever a squad needed a tough manager, it's this one. Ozil was jogging around when we didn't have the ball (and sometimes when we did) There have been stories that he's "worked on his body language" to convince the fans he's giving 100%! What bullshit. He's obviously not doing his full job, and needs to be taken to task for it. He's better than that, or he should be. It's no fluke that he's not getting more assists. He's just not that dangerous anymore. Ramsey had fresh legs; with a one-goal lead, he should have sprinted back and clogged the middle to prevent the tying goal. I didn't look for him, but I bet he was still upfield. (Apologies if he at least tried and failed.)
If there's no Champions' League, it gives plenty of reason to can Wenger, and the coaches he's surrounded himself with as well. Steve Bould may be a legend, but he has not stiffened the defense. Clean house a bit, as Tottenham did, and cut Walcott and Wilshere loose. Another solid CB is a good idea. (Chambers has to start producing or he's surplus to requirements as well.) What the offense needs is concentration. Crosses in particular seem to be a lost art for us.
Ah...it's a really nice day...outside.
Fuck.
Thursday, April 14, 2016
Incredible Night in Europe
I like Dortmund, I don't like Liverpool, and I definitely do not want an English team to win the Europa League and take one of the EPL's four Champions' League spots. So I am not happy with the result at Anfield. But mein Gott, what a game! I could tell there were going to be a lot of goals in the game, but seven? I have to hand it to the Liverpool supporters. They groaned when corners didn't clear the first man or the ball was given away, but they never gave up on their team even when they needed three goals in a half hour. The traveling fans were stunned when it happened.
This is the kind of home win that energizes a club, the sort that Arsenal doesn't often get (but remember the Leicester game?). Yeah, the Reds could still go out (I hope so), but they look pretty damned formidable at this point. We better finish above City and hope they don't win ECL.
I'm watching PKs to decide the Sevilla-Bilbao tie now:
...Sevilla, winner of the last two tournaments, nets all five penalties to win 5-4. Villareal and Shaktar Donestsk complete the semifinal cast of characters.
The Champions' League seemed almost sedate in comparison, despite the Real Madrid comeback at home against Wolfsburg, City's drab surprise win over PSG, and Barca's ouster by Atletico in front of a delighted throng at the Vicente Calderon. Suarez once again showed what a complete dick he is by elbowing and diving up a storm, and managing to evade punishment. How is that guy allowed to continue playing? Bayern is the fourth contestant in those semis.
And, of course, Man U beat West Ham in their replay to become the presumptive favorites for the FA Cup. I will never understand how we got beat by Watford.
A very entertaining week, even if it didn't bring the results I wanted (other than Barca going out). Let's hope we're focused Sunday and Palace is dreaming of FA Cup glory. We really need to win out, especially against City.
This is the kind of home win that energizes a club, the sort that Arsenal doesn't often get (but remember the Leicester game?). Yeah, the Reds could still go out (I hope so), but they look pretty damned formidable at this point. We better finish above City and hope they don't win ECL.
I'm watching PKs to decide the Sevilla-Bilbao tie now:
...Sevilla, winner of the last two tournaments, nets all five penalties to win 5-4. Villareal and Shaktar Donestsk complete the semifinal cast of characters.
The Champions' League seemed almost sedate in comparison, despite the Real Madrid comeback at home against Wolfsburg, City's drab surprise win over PSG, and Barca's ouster by Atletico in front of a delighted throng at the Vicente Calderon. Suarez once again showed what a complete dick he is by elbowing and diving up a storm, and managing to evade punishment. How is that guy allowed to continue playing? Bayern is the fourth contestant in those semis.
And, of course, Man U beat West Ham in their replay to become the presumptive favorites for the FA Cup. I will never understand how we got beat by Watford.
A very entertaining week, even if it didn't bring the results I wanted (other than Barca going out). Let's hope we're focused Sunday and Palace is dreaming of FA Cup glory. We really need to win out, especially against City.
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