Dreaming of Cup Glory

Liverpool Trapped in their Past

Anfield, the home of the mighty Liverpool Football Club has seen little success in recent seasons due to the ever changing, money flowing ways of the Premier League. Liverpool’s recent success in the Carling Cup has been used to justify the incredible sums of money spent by manager Kenny Dalglish, however this season can now only be billed as a failure due to their lack of progression in the league; their main priority this season.

Liverpool spent over £56 million in the off-season to continue the rebuild that began under Roy Hodgson after Rafa Benitez was relieved of his duties in June 2010. Although Hodgson was eventually given his marching orders in January 2011 he was never given the kind of resources that Dalglish has been allowed. Within weeks of his arrival back to Anfield he was afforded the money to purchase big money flop Andy Carroll (£35m) using the money generated from the sale of Fernando Torres to Chelsea (£50m), while Kenny also signed Luis Suarez on deadline day from Ajax for a sum of £23 million.

Carroll was enjoying his first season in the top flight and was a shining light for Newcastle in their first season back from the Championship, he was seen as the future and would lead the line for Liverpool for years to come. Suarez was signed after an impressive as well as controversial 2010 World Cup and came with high regards however has since covered himself in more strife than glory. Despite this Liverpool were able to finish 2010/11 in 6^th place 22 points off champions and bitter rivals Manchester United, however it was during the off-season where Liverpool attempted to gain ground on the leading pack with more new signings.

2011 Summer Signings

• Stewart Downing - £20m
• Charlie Adam - £7m
• Jordan Henderson - £16m
• José Enrique - £6m
• Sebastian Coates - £7m

Total - £56m

With £56m spent in the off-season it was a signal of intent by the Reds that new owners  and manager Kenny Dalglish were pressing for ‘their place’ back in the top 4. The signings were a view into the style of football Dalglish wished to implement, an old-fashioned brand of football based on wing-play. The central midfielders providing a threat from range as well as being able to release flying wingers to aim pin-point crosses into the area for the target-man to head home, or the poacher to tap in. Simple really. How English football used to be, get it to the creator in the centre, hit it wide, cross it in, GOAL!

It’s not that simple any more. English football has changed. Money = power. Chelsea changed the game all those years ago, Manchester City have come along to reiterate that point. Dalglish’s intent is out-dated; so far the only change he has made to the side is trying to spring counter attacks rather than build up the wing play, which again has failed. A 4-5-1 formation with two holding midfielders has left them tight in the back, conceding only 25 goals in 26 games, but they have been unable to score goals. In fact their most prolific striker, Craig Bellamy, has only scored 6 goals and arrived on a free transfer in the off-season.

Dalglish’s appointment was a brilliant, inspired choice at a time they needed something to spur them on after Roy’s tenure, however appointing him long term was a mistake that Liverpool won’t admit they are dreading at this point in time.

Dalglish was never the man to lead Liverpool onwards, his time has gone, his tenure should have stopped at the end of last season when he was only care-taker manager. However now that he has been allowed millions to spend and time to mould the team he has been unable to prove to anyone why he should be allowed to carry on beyond this season. His methods are out dated and England’s most expensive player sits among the substitutes each and every week.

This season despite the Carling Cup success can only be put down as a write-off in Liverpool’s continued rebuilding. The players have spoken about how the Carling Cup has made them hungrier for success but there simply won’t be more success under Dalglish. Liverpool must now see out the season with their place in the Europa League secure from their cup win; however their attempt to finish in the top four has ended.

The season may end bleakly however with their arsenal of new players and their rich trophy ridden hisdtory, Liverpool is still an attractive club for any manager. José Mourinho has all but announced he will leave Real Madrid at seasons’ end and England is where his future lies. Mourinho’s success at Chelsea was not entirely based around high-profile signings, it is his tactical knowledge and tinkering that brought success to Chelsea. Another option that has come available just this morning is the most recently departed Chelsea manager André Villas-Boas.

AVB was not afforded the time he needed to mould the Blues into how he wanted and Abramovich cut short his spell at the helm, if Liverpool can be patient and provide the funds necessary he could be the man to lead Liverpool forward. His time at Porto, much like Mou’s before him, was successful with his wonderful use of attacking football which could make Liverpool a successful side and most importantly one who are good to watch.

Kenny Dalglish’s Liverpool never looked a side who were truly ready to step up and press their claim to being a top four contender this season. New belief needs to be instilled into the likes of Carroll and Henderson, while Suarez needs a manager who can curb his enthusiasm, Kenny hasn’t provided this and the only solution now could be a ’Special One’.

This City is Ours

As the home fans proudly sung “2-0 and you f***ed it up” mockingly to Spurs supporters last night, I was sitting on the couch trying to hold in screams of joy as Arsenal did something they’ve rarely done in recent years, came back and won a game.

Arsenal were impressive throughout the match, despite conceding two goals early, it is this style of play the fans have been crying for. Vermaelen was immense in defence winning every aerial duel he was involved in, while Walcott put his poor first half behind him and shut his critics up with a well taken brace.

After conceding a very cheap opener to Louis Saha after only four minutes it looked as though broken cannons would be released around the world. Arsenal would suddenly lose all their history making them a worse club than Tottenham while also making them lose their grip as North London’s dominant side.

The English press are a good laugh, Spurs have one good season and suddenly they’re the darlings of world football. Never mind the diving Bale, he is the world’s finest left sided player. Scott(y) Parker is the best midfielder in England at the moment most pundits would have you believe; despite the fact his partner in crime, Luka Modric, is a better player. Modric really is a “top, top player” as ‘Arry would say but the amount of hype surrounding Parker this season has been over the top. The story of Arsenal’s interest in him has been publicised time and time again, and I am not saying he is a bad player, he isn’t, but Parker isn’t England’s saviour. I wish for the Poms sake I could say Mikel Arteta is.

In recent weeks the Spaniard has come under some off-the-mark criticism claiming Wenger ‘cheaped out’ and should have opted for Parker instead (although Arteta cost more, I think). I will go out on a limb and say Arteta has been in Arsenal’s top three players so far this season, behind RvP and Koscielny respectively. Arteta was one of the key factors in Arsenal’s run just after a torrid start to the season and his performance against Spurs showed his quality. He bossed the midfield alongside Alex Song and Tomas Rosicky, who were both impressive themselves. Arteta has this ability which allows Arsenal to defend while retaining possession.

His passing is smart, accurate and always give the receiver time and space to press forward. An impressive 93% passing accuracy including 3 key passes and an assist show how vital he was in the midfield battle. Arteta’s subtle touches, and hockey assists go unnoticed; without him I fear Arsenal would have had an even worse season thus far. His work-rate and positional sense playing in a deeper role than he did during his time at Everton has been exceptional. With Wilshere set to return next season, Arteta and Song shielding the back four will allow the Englishmen to play further up the role in his more natural attacking midfield position. 

There have been off the mark calls claiming that Arteta has been worse for Arsenal than Parker has been for Tottenham however despite the press carrying on about how great Parker is, Arteta has done the subtle things well during a tough debut season for Arsenal.

The pressing higher up the park made the game become a half-court style game taking place in Arsenal’s attacking favour. Tottenham were forced to resort to counter-attacking football rather than their more natural flowing pass-and-move game, although Arsenal’s defence was a shambles in some instances. Modric was unable to take control of the game as he so often does, Song’s harassing and niggling challenges troubled the Croatian throughout the match forcing Modric into uncharacteristic mistakes.

The pressing style of football is more like Barcelona’s where the attacking trio are encouraged to press their man forcing turnovers and stray passes, too often in recent weeks Arsenal has allowed the opposition to play the ball out of the back without pressure. This added pressure forced the very average Assou-Ekotto into making countless mistakes as Sagna continued to bomb forward and pelt balls in from deep. While on the opposite flank Kyle Walker was unable to make his trademark forays forward as Gibbs pressed up to contain possession within Arsenal’s half. Whether the added pressing was a deliberate ploy by the manager or came about due to the players need to step up, it was effective. My fear now is that it won’t be seen again this season which would be a shame. This is how Arsenal should be playing EVERY week without fail whether the opposition is Tottenham, Manchester United or even Stoke.

I won’t go as far as to say this is a turning point in the season and that we will go on to overtake Spurs, but I do hope this will make the side push on and claim the prized top four place. I hope to see this Arsenal, the Arsenal I love, once the Premier League returns from the International break.

Come on you Gunners! This city is OURS!

All my teams are letting me down

Carlton lost today, twice. That adds to the horror week or so in sport I’ve had, Arsenal can’t do anything right and we have our rivals in a couple hours. Melbourne Victory haven’t won a game in a while and even though they mathematically can make the finals they won’t.

It’s been a horror 2012 so far, none of my teams want to fulfill my dream of seeing one of them triumph.

Carlton’s season started today, preseason that is, although NO ONE cares about the NAB Cup there really is no excuse to lose to Port Adelaide, they really are just soooooo bad.

Although Carlton were pretty poor today there was no Judd, thus no Carlton. 

My main concern at the present isn’t Carlton, my concerns lay with the ‘Victory’ and my beloved Arsenal. Melbourne are chasing for the top 6 when with the team we have we should be aiming for the title, while Arsenal are struggling and trying to cling onto fourth spot. 

Melbourne Victory had Gold Coast United last night, the team sitting last on the ladder and with only one player over the age of 12. I actually didn’t get to see the game but after watching highlights it’s the same old thing, no one caring for 50 odd minutes, we concede and then decide to press on and try to win. They don’t. With rivals Heart winning games a looking safe in the top 6 this season could get worse for the Victory. 

Time to talk about the Gunners. After losing to Milan 4-0 we decided to come out and show what were worth against Sunderland in the FA Cup… in a 2-0 loss… So it hasn’t been great for Arsenal either. Calls for Wenger to be sacked are off the mark but the calls grow louder with each failing this season. Going into a clash against local rivals Tottenham in a couple hours I must say I’m not overly confident. It’s getting to the point where seeing some effort from players regardless of result would be change from the norm. A lack of effort has been Andrey Arshavin’s downfall since joining Arsenal and in an odd sort of fashion he has been loaned out with no chance to replace him. 

Arshavin is a talent, he honestly made me so excited during the 2008 Euros that I actually prayed for Wenger to spend the money to bring the diminutive Russian to London. When he joined the elation I felt was unprecedented. He really is the biggest signing I’ve seen since being a hardcore fanboy. Regardless, after starting off amazingly for Arsenal he became lazier and fatter and lazier some more. He became a luxury player, someone who would pick a sweet pass or smash a rocket top corner, but he would provide next to nothing defensively. He was so bad on the defensive side of the game that the fans would cheer whenever he did track the opposing player into our defensive half. 

However luxurious Andrey may have become his undoubted talent and knack for assists (refer to 92nd minute cross to Henry v Sunderland 2 weeks ago) has made his departure a loss. I hope he thrives on loan and can come back and provide more next season however I doubt he will be back. Going into tonight’s clash with a poor run of form and let’s be honest lack of talent, it would have been nice to have seen Arshavin make a cameo late on, running (even I giggled) at the Tottenham defense before smashing home the winner late. But unfortunately that won’t be happening. However let’s hope there is a winner for Arsenal and we can teach those Spurs scum who runs North London!

C’mon you Arsenal! Let’s win it tonight. 

Two Steps From Glory

Going into this morning’s Champions League clash against AC Milan I must admit I was confident of a positive result. By positive result I don’t mean a win, not even a draw, I was thinking more along the lines of a close 2-1 type affair. 4-0 never crossed my mind. I never imagined that they could play that well while we rolled over and took the beating.

Serie A isn’t my cup of tea, I haven’t watched any of Milan other than when they beat Liverpool in the Champions Leagues like 5 years ago or whatever it was, but from what I thought I knew about them they were good up top, resolute down back and kind of mediocre in the middle. How wrong I was, I’ve seen a lot of Kevin Prince Boateng (from now on referred to only as PRINCE) the last couple years and boy was he good!? Playing with flair, beating defenders at will and then having the touch to pick passes out for the unstoppable Zlatan Ibrahimovic. However the aging Mark van Bommel and the energetic Antonio Nocerino were the two that impressed me most despite Ibra and PRINCE’s dominance.

Van Bommel broke up any momentum Arsenal tried to create by simply sitting in the space between his central defenders and midfielders. Whenever Arsenal attempted to press forward almost always van Bommel was there to break up the attack and then dish it off to those in front of him. 

Nocerino though surprisingly caught my attention, I hadn’t see anything about him, I hardly knew who he was before the game however his constant presence up and down the park, even when he wasn’t going to be involved in the play, was immense. He kept Milan tight at the back helping van Bommel then would spring forward in search of goals, had he had made better contact with a volley mid-way through the first half he could be the player everyone was talking about.

However despite these two impressing me I didn’t expect Arsenal to be as bad as they were. I couldn’t believe the effort, or lack thereof, in the display this morning. My initial fear of what could happen was sparked when Tomas Rosicky was in the starting line-up ahead of the impressive Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. I get that experience was selected ahead of an 18-year-old who has had just a handful of first team games however he already looks a better player than Rosicky is at this stage of his career. I know it’s harsh on the Czech and I’m a fan of his but much like Abou Diaby he won’t ever get back to what he could have been.

Moving on, after 15 or so minutes it became clear that ‘that Arsenal’ side had rocked up, the type that come every few games and play as though they are too good to try but too bad to actually win the game. It’s something that usually only comes up against the Wolves, Wigan’s and Birmingham’s (Carling Cup 2011) of England, not the bright lights of the Champions League. For it to come in a first round knockout stage of THE premier club competition was shocking. It was an embarrassment, yet it feels like one that’s been pending this the 8-2 loss to United. Arsenal’s season feels like it has a really bad low, then some kind of ‘ups’ like a decent domestic run, some Henry magic, something like that and then it comes to a grinding halt.

Whatever it is it always seems to be there ready to go off at any time.  Other teams know this fragility is there, Arsene Wenger knows it, the fans know it and I think the players know it but can’t stop it when it happens in matches. They suddenly all simultaneously play bad. All of them, no one steps up. Against Milan Henry and the Ox tried to spark some life into the contest, Robin van Persie was unlucky not to score but even then the team always seemed frail. A lack of leadership? Lack of quality? A bit of both? Most certainly.

Dennis Bergkamp said before the clash:

“You need a few strong characters who can get the team going, in training as well as matches.

“You also need a few players who can make a difference in terms of scoring goals. I don’t feel there are enough of them.

“You can’t only depend on one or two players. When they’re having an off day, you need someone else.”

There has been a perception that Arsenal lack leadership, that some of the players are not of the standard required. I could understand the view point but never bought into it. I understand we could have more vocal leaders but many of our players lead with their actions. My view was changed as soon as I saw the influence a 34-year-old Thierry Henry could bring. His desire to win was evident in his first game back for the club, and his goals since his return have shown he has a burning desire to win that not many of his teammates show.  At one stage against Milan he sprinted back to the defense to tell them to get their ass in gear. That’s real leadership. Who else in this squad would do that? Vermaelen? RvP? Szczesny? It’s a concern I have a 21-year-old listed as one of the leaders in a side that has experience in the likes of Arshavin (30), Rosicky (31) and Benayoun (31) least not forget Squillaci? (31)

This side worries me, infuriates me at times,  we always seem one step from failure, two steps from glory. After today’s results, January’s lack of transfer activity and the ongoing drama surrounding whether RvP and/or Theo Walcott will renew their contracts has had many people starting to ask the question; Can Wenger push this team to overcome those ‘two steps’?

A Place for Venting

After much deliberation and a lot of ‘can I be stuffed doing this?’, I’ve decided to come back to Tumblr to vent and write and vent some more. 

All I’ll really be doing is using this as an avenue to rage or praise things that happen with the various sporting clubs I support which are:

• Arsenal - English Premier League
• Melbourne Victory - A-League
• Carlton - AFL 
• New Orleans Hornets - NBA

That’s probably, and coincidentally, the order of their importance in my life as well.

As you can see from this illustrious list my sporting teams haven’t fared well in recent times (with the Victory being the most recent successors) so that clears up the name of the whole thing, me tearing about the whole failures of my teams. Hopefully an influx of success follows this and all my teams go on to be successful and win various things. Who am I kidding?

So I’ll leave it at that for now, I guess I’ll start writing stuff whenever I feel because I’m in control.