Arsène Wenger admits Marouane Chamakh’s form has dipped recently but is confident he will be back to his best sooner rather than later.
If anything, the Moroccan striker has been the victim of his own success after raising expectations with a flying start to his maiden Premier League season.
The summer signing led the line tirelessly in the absence of Robin van Persie and Nicklas Bendtner in the notoriously demanding top flight and scored ten goals in his first 17 starts for Arsenal.
Chamakh’s last goal came in the 4-2 win over Aston Villa on November 27 and Wenger expects him to rediscover his scoring touch soon.
“I think he had a little dip very recently because he gave a lot since the start of the season,” said the manager. “But he will come back very quickly.
“He played most of the time on his own up front fighting for every single ball.
“He was highly decisive in many games and of course that’s why in the last two games he was a little bit jaded and had less capacity to make a sprinting difference.
“I’m very happy we have him at the Club.”
Monday, December 27, 2010
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Mid-Season Update
The 19th week it's of the EPL season is upon us and that means the teams will be pushing to finish strong in the second half of the long season.
Arsenal have had many ups and downs and Marouane has done very well for his first season with the Gunners. They haven't finished the first half like they wanted to, dropping too many points and losing a match at Old Trafford, which conceded the lead to United. The Gunners have a huge matchup with Chelsea after Christmas.
But the season still has many games left and it's no team as of yet has pulled away from the pack.
With the Champions League knockouts to begin in February, and Arsenal still playing for the Carling Cup, the schedule will get tight.
Recent snow cancellations will not help with the schedule, and Marouane should know this after Bordeaux' slide at the end of last season due to their jammed schedule.
I'm very pleased with Marouane at Arsenal, although I still miss seeing him with Yoann. A Chamcuff reunion would be very nice!
Here is a Holiday greeting from the Arsenal bunch...Marouane appears a couple of times, but the end piece is hilarious with his hat!!!! Enjoy!
Happy Holidays to my readers...and many blessings for the New Year!
Arsenal have had many ups and downs and Marouane has done very well for his first season with the Gunners. They haven't finished the first half like they wanted to, dropping too many points and losing a match at Old Trafford, which conceded the lead to United. The Gunners have a huge matchup with Chelsea after Christmas.
But the season still has many games left and it's no team as of yet has pulled away from the pack.
With the Champions League knockouts to begin in February, and Arsenal still playing for the Carling Cup, the schedule will get tight.
Recent snow cancellations will not help with the schedule, and Marouane should know this after Bordeaux' slide at the end of last season due to their jammed schedule.
I'm very pleased with Marouane at Arsenal, although I still miss seeing him with Yoann. A Chamcuff reunion would be very nice!
Here is a Holiday greeting from the Arsenal bunch...Marouane appears a couple of times, but the end piece is hilarious with his hat!!!! Enjoy!
Happy Holidays to my readers...and many blessings for the New Year!
Friday, December 3, 2010
Chamakh Has Heart; Sets Sight on More Goals
by Chris Harris of arsenal.com
Marouane Chamakh believes that Arsenal's fans have taken him to their hearts because he puts his heart into his performances.
The Moroccan striker has been a revelation in his first season in English football, scoring ten goals in 17 starts for his new club, including four in his last five games.
Chamakh's aerial ability has given Arsenal another route to goal and he clearly relishes the physical challenge of the Premier League. The 26-year-old thinks this has helped endear him to the supporters.
When Arsène Wenger swooped for Chamakh in May, no one described him as 'prolific' - sure, he scored his fair share of goals but his role was as much about linking play and creating space for others. That reputation will need reviewing if the Moroccan continues his current run and, having reached double figures already, Chamakh has set himself a personal target before the end of the season.
"Personally, I've never been a great goalscorer, I've never scored more than 20 goals a season, but it's up to the manager as to how he uses his players," he said.
"For me, if I can weigh in with 15 to 20 goals, it would be a very, very good season. Whatever happens I hope to continue my progress, which went really well under Laurent Blanc [at Bordeaux] and long may it continue.
"It's gone really well with the set-up here, I hardly knew anyone when I arrived but they've all made me feel very welcome. It has been easy to settle in and this has allowed me to express myself and that's very important.
"Personally, I'm happy. I can do better but yes, I am happy."
Marouane Chamakh believes that Arsenal's fans have taken him to their hearts because he puts his heart into his performances.
The Moroccan striker has been a revelation in his first season in English football, scoring ten goals in 17 starts for his new club, including four in his last five games.
Chamakh's aerial ability has given Arsenal another route to goal and he clearly relishes the physical challenge of the Premier League. The 26-year-old thinks this has helped endear him to the supporters.
"I think the fact that I give everything [is why they have taken to me]," he told Arsenal.com.
"I give 200 per cent, I play with my heart, I've got guts, I give everything I've got. I don't cheat or cut corners, that's my strength, my character and I think that they like me for it."
When Arsène Wenger swooped for Chamakh in May, no one described him as 'prolific' - sure, he scored his fair share of goals but his role was as much about linking play and creating space for others. That reputation will need reviewing if the Moroccan continues his current run and, having reached double figures already, Chamakh has set himself a personal target before the end of the season.
"Personally, I've never been a great goalscorer, I've never scored more than 20 goals a season, but it's up to the manager as to how he uses his players," he said.
"For me, if I can weigh in with 15 to 20 goals, it would be a very, very good season. Whatever happens I hope to continue my progress, which went really well under Laurent Blanc [at Bordeaux] and long may it continue.
"It's gone really well with the set-up here, I hardly knew anyone when I arrived but they've all made me feel very welcome. It has been easy to settle in and this has allowed me to express myself and that's very important.
"Personally, I'm happy. I can do better but yes, I am happy."
Marouane confers with new manager, Arsene Wenger
Scoring a well-earned goal against Spurs
Monday, November 29, 2010
Chamakh Man of the Match vs. Aston Villa
For the fifth time this season, Marouane has been voted Man of the Match. He garnered 41% of the votes, and edged out Andrey Arshavin (37%) for the award. Samir Nasri was a distant third with 11%.
CONGRATULATIONS, MAROUANE!!!!! Well-deserved in my opinion.
Arsenal will play a Carling Cup match tonight...but Marouane will not be playing. Wenger has decided to rest him.
CONGRATULATIONS, MAROUANE!!!!! Well-deserved in my opinion.
Arsenal will play a Carling Cup match tonight...but Marouane will not be playing. Wenger has decided to rest him.
Marouane Playing With Injuries
Marouane has said repeatedly that the Prem League is much tougher than Ligue 1. Apparently he has been playing with niggling injuries since his Arsenal debut. It hasn't hurt his goal tally, though. Last year for Bordeaux he only scored 16 for the season...but he has scored 10 already for the Gunners.
Read the article here:
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/3250043/Marouane-Chamakh-struggling-with-injuries.html
Read the article here:
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/3250043/Marouane-Chamakh-struggling-with-injuries.html
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Arsenal Victors at Villa Park; Chamakh Scores His Tenth!
Having come off two successive losses, the Gunners had to be on target at Villa Park if they wanted to stake their claim for the Barclay's title.
A devastating home derby loss to rivals Tottenham, after leading 2-0 was followed closely by a 2-0 defeat at SC Braga in Portugal.
But Wenger must have rallied his troops because they came out blazing today with a lot of aggressiveness. Missing Captain Cesc Fabregas to injury, Wenger chose Rosicky, Wilshere, Nasri, and Arshavin to feed Marouane Chamakh up front. It paid off.
Although Wilshere and Rosicky were woeful for most of the match, Arshavin was on song as well as Nasri. The Russian scored the first goal after juking the defense. It got a lucky touch from Villa keeper Brad Freidel, but it was probably going in anyway.
Nasri made it two on a very fortunate shot. Struck hard from the top of the box on a bounce from a lobbing pass, Nasri buried it in the net. At 0-2 the Gunners looked to be cruising, but with recent memories of blowing leads, their fans and manager could not have been resting easy. They had good reason to be frightened. The Villains clawed their way back into it with a Ciaran Clark strike. The sad part was it should have been called offside, as John Carew was standing in the box blocking the goalkeeper. At 1-2 Villa now seemed to be alive and they were on the attack. But their attack left the back open a bit and Marouane Chamakh pounced outstretched on a feed from Arshavin and tucked it under the onrushing Freidel. 1-3 Arsenal.
They seemed to have turned the corner, but Villa was having nothing of it. They once again closed in on the Gunners with another Ciaran Clark goal. 2-3. Gerrard Houllier's men looked very dangerous and with several corners could have equalized. The Gunners on the other hand seemed to be on their back feet, as they often do when in fear of losing. But late in the game Chamakh took a ball from Rosicky, passed it back to him and Rosicky shot. The blocked ball landed at Chamakh's feet and he calmly lobbed it over the box to a waiting Jack Wilshere, who headed home for the fourth goal. That was the ending score, 2-4.
Nobody looked as relieved as Arsene Wenger, who has taken it from all sides in the press this week, and even had a war of words with Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho. The former had said Mourinho's tactics in the 4-0 win over Ajax in their Champions League match made los Blancos look "horrible." UEFA agrees and has charged J-Mo and Ramos, Alonso, Dudek, and Casillas with unsportsmanlike conduct.
When Mourinho heard what Wenger had said, the Portuguese firebrand called Wenger a "loser," and said "his fans should be asking their manager why they haven't won a trophy since 2005."
The Gunners' win today puts them atop the league for a few hours, as Manchester United can take an outright lead with a win against Blackburn. Chelsea do not play until tomorrow but will be away to a pesky Newcastle side. The Blues have lost 3 of their last 4...here's hoping Toon can make it 4 out of 5!
To view all the goals click this link, then scroll down to watch each goal. You will have to watch a short commercial first.
Photos of Marouane:
A devastating home derby loss to rivals Tottenham, after leading 2-0 was followed closely by a 2-0 defeat at SC Braga in Portugal.
But Wenger must have rallied his troops because they came out blazing today with a lot of aggressiveness. Missing Captain Cesc Fabregas to injury, Wenger chose Rosicky, Wilshere, Nasri, and Arshavin to feed Marouane Chamakh up front. It paid off.
Although Wilshere and Rosicky were woeful for most of the match, Arshavin was on song as well as Nasri. The Russian scored the first goal after juking the defense. It got a lucky touch from Villa keeper Brad Freidel, but it was probably going in anyway.
Nasri made it two on a very fortunate shot. Struck hard from the top of the box on a bounce from a lobbing pass, Nasri buried it in the net. At 0-2 the Gunners looked to be cruising, but with recent memories of blowing leads, their fans and manager could not have been resting easy. They had good reason to be frightened. The Villains clawed their way back into it with a Ciaran Clark strike. The sad part was it should have been called offside, as John Carew was standing in the box blocking the goalkeeper. At 1-2 Villa now seemed to be alive and they were on the attack. But their attack left the back open a bit and Marouane Chamakh pounced outstretched on a feed from Arshavin and tucked it under the onrushing Freidel. 1-3 Arsenal.
They seemed to have turned the corner, but Villa was having nothing of it. They once again closed in on the Gunners with another Ciaran Clark goal. 2-3. Gerrard Houllier's men looked very dangerous and with several corners could have equalized. The Gunners on the other hand seemed to be on their back feet, as they often do when in fear of losing. But late in the game Chamakh took a ball from Rosicky, passed it back to him and Rosicky shot. The blocked ball landed at Chamakh's feet and he calmly lobbed it over the box to a waiting Jack Wilshere, who headed home for the fourth goal. That was the ending score, 2-4.
Nobody looked as relieved as Arsene Wenger, who has taken it from all sides in the press this week, and even had a war of words with Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho. The former had said Mourinho's tactics in the 4-0 win over Ajax in their Champions League match made los Blancos look "horrible." UEFA agrees and has charged J-Mo and Ramos, Alonso, Dudek, and Casillas with unsportsmanlike conduct.
When Mourinho heard what Wenger had said, the Portuguese firebrand called Wenger a "loser," and said "his fans should be asking their manager why they haven't won a trophy since 2005."
The Gunners' win today puts them atop the league for a few hours, as Manchester United can take an outright lead with a win against Blackburn. Chelsea do not play until tomorrow but will be away to a pesky Newcastle side. The Blues have lost 3 of their last 4...here's hoping Toon can make it 4 out of 5!
To view all the goals click this link, then scroll down to watch each goal. You will have to watch a short commercial first.
Photos of Marouane:
Marouane battling with former Gunner Pires
It was a physical game...but Marouane is up to it
Number 29 in action
Working against Pires again
Marouane takes a feed and slots it under Brad Friedel
Goal number 10 of the year for Marouane! (and it's only November)
Marouane's goal deflates the Villa fans but excited Rosicky (7)
Who then celebrates with Marouane
Marouane could have scored another, but lobbed a beautiful pass to Wilshere, who scored his first Premier League goal with his head.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Another Loss; Braga Win in Late Flurry
All the Gunners needed was a draw. Wenger had chosen a less-than-powerful first XI to play against Braga in Portugal. EPL teams have not faired well, historically, in Portugal. And Arsenal had not won there in many tries.
The commenters on fora are not happy with Wenger at the moment. He blamed the loss on horrific refereeing (I agree with that assessment...complete donkeys), but he has to take some of the blame with his choice of players.
When you have a player who is a prolific goal-scorer in the Champions League, then why would you leave him on the bench to start the match? That's what he did to Marouane. And Wenger also left Samir Nasri there as well.
The Gunners were playing boring ball and seemingly looking for the draw, but Fabregas and Wilshere in particular couldn't keep possession at all. I lost count how many times each of them passed to the other team!
While stretching for a ball in the box, Fabregas aggravated his hamstring...again...and subbed himself off (leaving the side to 10 until Nasri could come on). When Wenger put on Vela and Chamakh with 13 minutes to play, taking off Walcott and Bendtner, both of whom were useless, it was too late. They changed the tempo of the match and brought life to the dull side and should have garnered a penalty taking the score to 0-1. Chamakh nodded down a ball to Vela in the area and he was clearly taken to the ground by Rodriguez of Braga. But the donkey ref gave Vela a card for simulation. Unbelievable. The Gunners seemed to unravel from there and Braga scored two late goals, both of which were given up by the soft defense.
One very true comment that came from the soccernet Gamecast commentary:
"Chamakh comes on for Bendtner, who really did little to justify the inflated opinion he has of himself."
Bendtner has been on about not getting enough time and basically saying that he should be playing in place of Chamakh. So Wenger benched him for a match. Then he started against Braga, and DID NOTHING AT ALL. He was never where he should be (to receive crosses) and just loped about the pitch. But Wenger should shoulder the blame for not replacing him earlier.
What does the 2-0 loss mean? That Arsenal are even on points with Braga and must equal Braga's result in the last match. The Gunners could still top the group if Braga beats Shakhtar Donetsk, but a loss or draw by Wenger's men in that case would mean they finished third in the group and their Champions League dream would be over.
The commenters on fora are not happy with Wenger at the moment. He blamed the loss on horrific refereeing (I agree with that assessment...complete donkeys), but he has to take some of the blame with his choice of players.
When you have a player who is a prolific goal-scorer in the Champions League, then why would you leave him on the bench to start the match? That's what he did to Marouane. And Wenger also left Samir Nasri there as well.
The Gunners were playing boring ball and seemingly looking for the draw, but Fabregas and Wilshere in particular couldn't keep possession at all. I lost count how many times each of them passed to the other team!
While stretching for a ball in the box, Fabregas aggravated his hamstring...again...and subbed himself off (leaving the side to 10 until Nasri could come on). When Wenger put on Vela and Chamakh with 13 minutes to play, taking off Walcott and Bendtner, both of whom were useless, it was too late. They changed the tempo of the match and brought life to the dull side and should have garnered a penalty taking the score to 0-1. Chamakh nodded down a ball to Vela in the area and he was clearly taken to the ground by Rodriguez of Braga. But the donkey ref gave Vela a card for simulation. Unbelievable. The Gunners seemed to unravel from there and Braga scored two late goals, both of which were given up by the soft defense.
One very true comment that came from the soccernet Gamecast commentary:
"Chamakh comes on for Bendtner, who really did little to justify the inflated opinion he has of himself."
Bendtner has been on about not getting enough time and basically saying that he should be playing in place of Chamakh. So Wenger benched him for a match. Then he started against Braga, and DID NOTHING AT ALL. He was never where he should be (to receive crosses) and just loped about the pitch. But Wenger should shoulder the blame for not replacing him earlier.
What does the 2-0 loss mean? That Arsenal are even on points with Braga and must equal Braga's result in the last match. The Gunners could still top the group if Braga beats Shakhtar Donetsk, but a loss or draw by Wenger's men in that case would mean they finished third in the group and their Champions League dream would be over.
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Chamakh Scores But Arsenal Fall to Third
What a difference a few days make. On Wednesday, Marouane Chamakh scored an all-important goal for Morocco's National Team, securing victory. On Saturday he scored against Spurs in the North London derby, but it wasn't enough for the Gunners.
Arsene Wenger's side started off brightly enough opening the scoring with a gritty strike from Samir Nasri. The French national, who also featured for his national team midweek, took on two defenders and the keeper and just barely squeaked the ball into the net from an impossible angle. The goal was all his and jumpstarted the Gunners.
It wasn't long after Nasri's opener that Chamakh took a feed from Arshavin and outstretched Younes Kaboul and poked it past Gomes. 2-0 Gunners.
It's often said that 2-0 is the most dangerous score to lead by, and unfortunately for the Gunners' title hopes, it proved correct today.
The Gunners seemed to take their feet off the gas, and all were guilty of missed chances that should have been goals. Their passing became less effective and the midfield broke down. With no midfield, the strikers were devoid of clear chances.
Tottenham took full advantage of Arsenal's lack of focus.
In the second half, the Gunners came out flat and the Spurs turned up the heat. In the 50' Gareth Bale jumped on a pass from Rafael van der Vaart and pulled one back for the visitors. 2-1 Arsenal.
Spurs could now smell the blood in the water and it took a monumental mistake from the Gunner captain, Cesc Fabregas to level the match. As van der Vaart took a freekick, Fabregas and Chamakh raised their arms to protect their faces and the ball hit Fabregas' arm. Referee Phil Dowd pointed to the spot and van der Vaart scored a penalty. 2-2.
So Arsenal's chance to jump ahead of Chelsea in the standings (until the Blues' later match) looked in danger and the Gunners would be lucky to take a point.
Both sides had chances, but the Spurs were running the show now. And in the 85' Younes Kaboul, who had allowed Chamakh to score in the 27', headed in a freekick from van der Vaart. Arsenal 2-3 Spurs. An historic win for Tottenham, and a real slipup from the Gunners. The result put them third in the table, with United level on points with Chelsea after the Blues lost at Birmingham.
The Gunners will have to play more focused if they're going to reignite their title run.
Arsene Wenger's side started off brightly enough opening the scoring with a gritty strike from Samir Nasri. The French national, who also featured for his national team midweek, took on two defenders and the keeper and just barely squeaked the ball into the net from an impossible angle. The goal was all his and jumpstarted the Gunners.
It wasn't long after Nasri's opener that Chamakh took a feed from Arshavin and outstretched Younes Kaboul and poked it past Gomes. 2-0 Gunners.
It's often said that 2-0 is the most dangerous score to lead by, and unfortunately for the Gunners' title hopes, it proved correct today.
The Gunners seemed to take their feet off the gas, and all were guilty of missed chances that should have been goals. Their passing became less effective and the midfield broke down. With no midfield, the strikers were devoid of clear chances.
Tottenham took full advantage of Arsenal's lack of focus.
In the second half, the Gunners came out flat and the Spurs turned up the heat. In the 50' Gareth Bale jumped on a pass from Rafael van der Vaart and pulled one back for the visitors. 2-1 Arsenal.
Spurs could now smell the blood in the water and it took a monumental mistake from the Gunner captain, Cesc Fabregas to level the match. As van der Vaart took a freekick, Fabregas and Chamakh raised their arms to protect their faces and the ball hit Fabregas' arm. Referee Phil Dowd pointed to the spot and van der Vaart scored a penalty. 2-2.
So Arsenal's chance to jump ahead of Chelsea in the standings (until the Blues' later match) looked in danger and the Gunners would be lucky to take a point.
Both sides had chances, but the Spurs were running the show now. And in the 85' Younes Kaboul, who had allowed Chamakh to score in the 27', headed in a freekick from van der Vaart. Arsenal 2-3 Spurs. An historic win for Tottenham, and a real slipup from the Gunners. The result put them third in the table, with United level on points with Chelsea after the Blues lost at Birmingham.
The Gunners will have to play more focused if they're going to reignite their title run.
Chamakh v Kaboul
Former Gunner William Gallas pulls down Chamakh
Chamakh misses out on a chance when Gomes clears the ball
Chamakh pokes home their second goal around Kaboul
Marouane and Cesc raise their arms and the VDV freekick hits Fabregas' arm.
Wenger can't watch as his Gunners give up a two-goal lead and lose at home once again.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Northern Ireland 1-1 Morocco; Chamakh Scores!
Marouane is using his skills as an Arsenal striker to pounce on loose balls in the box. He did that today in a friendly against Northern Ireland. A mistake by the keeper put a ball near Marouane, and he killed it to put the Atlas Lions up 1-0 in the 55'.
But a lame penalty given to N. Ireland late in the match meant Morocco would have to settle for the draw.
But way to go, Marouane!
But a lame penalty given to N. Ireland late in the match meant Morocco would have to settle for the draw.
But way to go, Marouane!
Marouane celebrates his goal against Northern Ireland
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Wenger: Marouane in Good Form, Bendtner Can Wait
Arsene Wenger has hit back at Nicklas Bendtner's apparent threat to quit Arsenal if he doesn't get more game time, insisting the striker must be patient for his chance in the Gunners' competitive frontline.
Bendtner, 22, has just returned from a groin problem which sidelined him since the World Cup, with five substitute appearances in the Premier League but no starts.
Bendtner - who scored against Manchester City and in the Carling Cup win at Newcastle - claims he is in the best shape of his life and lamented during an interview to a Denmark newspaper he was "wasting my time on the bench'' suggesting he could look elsewhere for regular first-team football. Wenger, though, has heard it all before and would expect nothing less of a confident young man.
"Have you ever seen a player who is on the bench and not frustrated?'' the Arsenal manager said. "When you try to convince a player that he has to be patient, then you waste your time, but that is what you have to do. You ask a player if he is fit after two training sessions and he says 'yes'. That is normal. I was the same.
"I have been very pleased with Nicklas' attitude and spirit. He has to continued to work, and when he is completely match fit he will play. I can understand because he has put a lot of effort in. Now he has to be a little bit patient. Nicklas has a good level of confidence and that is not bad, but you have to justify it on the football pitch. He is getting sharper in training. He will play games. But we are a big club and we have big strikers - you cannot start the season with one striker. You decide and, unfortunately, you can only play 11.''
Part of the reason Bendtner has found himself on the bench is the continued form of Marouane Chamakh. The free transfer summer signing from Bordeaux has adapted quickly to life with the Gunners and his brace at Wolves made it eight goals from 17 appearances. With Theo Walcott and Robin van Persie also now back in the frame, Wenger has plenty of attacking options as he prepares for Sunday's trip to Everton.
"When you look at the number of times Chamakh was decisive, you can only say that if you are not happy you must be very difficult to please,'' Wenger reflected. "I am extremely satisfied I signed him. Chamakh is a guy who gets others involved, who creates chances, who is collective in the final third. He is a very collective player and even if he doesn't get 20 goals I am sure the players around him will score because of him.''
The Morocco striker has, though, drawn some criticism for the way he is perceived to go down too easily in the penalty area, most notably away in the Champions League to Partizan Belgrade and also against Birmingham. Wenger, however, insisted Chamakh was no diver.
"I spoke with him and said, 'In England it is not tolerated, the English people become very aggressive about it','' the Arsenal boss revealed. "He said 'I don't dive. Since I was young people ask me why I dive, but I don't even know the way I go down and when I do it is because I have been unbalanced'.''
[end story]
Well put, soccernet. Marouane is playing well so why would you change that? Bendtner has always been up and down and never consistent. Some Arsenal fans screamed last year to sell him.
Wenger is smart enough to understand that with Marouane's form and maturity, he can influence he game much more than a prima donna striker who feels he is he cat's meow.
Bendtner, 22, has just returned from a groin problem which sidelined him since the World Cup, with five substitute appearances in the Premier League but no starts.
Bendtner - who scored against Manchester City and in the Carling Cup win at Newcastle - claims he is in the best shape of his life and lamented during an interview to a Denmark newspaper he was "wasting my time on the bench'' suggesting he could look elsewhere for regular first-team football. Wenger, though, has heard it all before and would expect nothing less of a confident young man.
"Have you ever seen a player who is on the bench and not frustrated?'' the Arsenal manager said. "When you try to convince a player that he has to be patient, then you waste your time, but that is what you have to do. You ask a player if he is fit after two training sessions and he says 'yes'. That is normal. I was the same.
"I have been very pleased with Nicklas' attitude and spirit. He has to continued to work, and when he is completely match fit he will play. I can understand because he has put a lot of effort in. Now he has to be a little bit patient. Nicklas has a good level of confidence and that is not bad, but you have to justify it on the football pitch. He is getting sharper in training. He will play games. But we are a big club and we have big strikers - you cannot start the season with one striker. You decide and, unfortunately, you can only play 11.''
Part of the reason Bendtner has found himself on the bench is the continued form of Marouane Chamakh. The free transfer summer signing from Bordeaux has adapted quickly to life with the Gunners and his brace at Wolves made it eight goals from 17 appearances. With Theo Walcott and Robin van Persie also now back in the frame, Wenger has plenty of attacking options as he prepares for Sunday's trip to Everton.
"When you look at the number of times Chamakh was decisive, you can only say that if you are not happy you must be very difficult to please,'' Wenger reflected. "I am extremely satisfied I signed him. Chamakh is a guy who gets others involved, who creates chances, who is collective in the final third. He is a very collective player and even if he doesn't get 20 goals I am sure the players around him will score because of him.''
The Morocco striker has, though, drawn some criticism for the way he is perceived to go down too easily in the penalty area, most notably away in the Champions League to Partizan Belgrade and also against Birmingham. Wenger, however, insisted Chamakh was no diver.
"I spoke with him and said, 'In England it is not tolerated, the English people become very aggressive about it','' the Arsenal boss revealed. "He said 'I don't dive. Since I was young people ask me why I dive, but I don't even know the way I go down and when I do it is because I have been unbalanced'.''
[end story]
Well put, soccernet. Marouane is playing well so why would you change that? Bendtner has always been up and down and never consistent. Some Arsenal fans screamed last year to sell him.
Wenger is smart enough to understand that with Marouane's form and maturity, he can influence he game much more than a prima donna striker who feels he is he cat's meow.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Chamakh Man of the Match vs. Wolves
Once again, Marouane is the Man of the Match for Arsenal...his fourth time this year.
http://www.arsenal.com/match-menu/3293518/first-team/wolverhampton-w.-v-arsenal?tab=motm
Congratulations, Marouane! Well-deserved!!!
http://www.arsenal.com/match-menu/3293518/first-team/wolverhampton-w.-v-arsenal?tab=motm
Congratulations, Marouane! Well-deserved!!!
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Arsenal Downs Wolves; Chamakh Bookends Two!!!
Bravo, Marouane!!!! What a great day at the Molineux for Marouane Chamakh. He didn't waste any time putting the Gunners ahead, when he headed in a cross from Song. They must have been reading my blog, because I have heavily criticized the Gunners for being poor crossers/cornertakers. I didn't see the rest of the match, but Marouane secured the win in the 90' when he right-footed a ball in the box after a breakaway by Fabregas.
So happy for my favorite French-Moroccan! Tres bonne.
So happy for my favorite French-Moroccan! Tres bonne.
Marouane scores Arsenal's fastest ever goal in the Prem League in the 1'
Another angle of the goal...
Marouane celebrates with assist-man Cesc Fabregas for his second goal in the 90'
Congratulations, Marouane! So proud of you!
Sunday, November 7, 2010
A Bad Day in London; Arsenal Fall to Toon
Many people at the beginning of the season were seeing a new Arsenal, one with vigor. Hampered by injuries last year and a certain lack of polish, Wenger's boys seemed to have a new life and some new blood at the Emirates.
But today it all fell apart, horribly. I didn't watch the entire match. As you know, I'm not an Arsenal fan. I am a Marouane Chamakh fan. I've been a diehard Manchester United supporter forever, and that will never change. But I followed Marouane at Bordeaux and couldn't give up supporting him even though he transferred to a team who vie against mine for the EPL title.
How can I do that? Well, it's easier than you think. I just hope for Marouane to play well, but in the end I want Manchester to win the title.
As I said above, Arsenal looked to be a big contender, but in recent weeks they seem to have lost their steam.
When Marouane exited before the hour mark today, I stopped watching the match. He seemed frustrated from the opening whistle, and I don't blame him.
His forte has always been to be a physical player (even in France, where finesse is the name of the game), strong in the box and in the air. Arsenal have been a "short" team, which doesn't serve a team well when they're knocking about in the box with bigger players. So when Arsene got Marouane on a free this summer, their chances during set plays increased ten-fold. But...
To be successful they have to have good crosses and great cornering skills. They have neither. At the start of the season, Marouane was doing well to head in balls (even when they weren't he best). But in recent weeks he hasn't scored and that is because he doesn't have any help!
Wenger has left him languishing as a center-forward with no help on the wings! Their crosses are pitiful and their corners are even worse. When you have a tall player with exceptional heading abilities in the box, you need to get a high lobbing ball into him so he can bang it home. But instead, their corners consist of line-drives straight to the near post. Marouane has no chance at all to get to the ball, unless he were on all-fours. What a waste!
What I hate about it most is that as a striker, Maroune is expected to score. So when he doesn't it is noticed and then the fans start to say "put someone else in." But it doesnt' matter, because they don't have any help either. And today they scored 0 points, despite changing lineups in the second half.
As a United fan, this is wonderful news. But as a Maroune fan, I am gutted. I hope he doesn't get down on himself, because it isn't his fault. Yes, at times he could be more aggressive in the box when others have the ball (anticipating the pass), but most of the time he is waiting, waiting, waiting, for someone to take the initiative (other than an Arshavin, Nasri, Fabregas, or Walcott BLAST over the net from long range).
If they keep this up, again they will be back in third or fourth place, wondering where it all went wrong.
Sorry, Marouane! I wish you had come to United!
But today it all fell apart, horribly. I didn't watch the entire match. As you know, I'm not an Arsenal fan. I am a Marouane Chamakh fan. I've been a diehard Manchester United supporter forever, and that will never change. But I followed Marouane at Bordeaux and couldn't give up supporting him even though he transferred to a team who vie against mine for the EPL title.
How can I do that? Well, it's easier than you think. I just hope for Marouane to play well, but in the end I want Manchester to win the title.
As I said above, Arsenal looked to be a big contender, but in recent weeks they seem to have lost their steam.
When Marouane exited before the hour mark today, I stopped watching the match. He seemed frustrated from the opening whistle, and I don't blame him.
His forte has always been to be a physical player (even in France, where finesse is the name of the game), strong in the box and in the air. Arsenal have been a "short" team, which doesn't serve a team well when they're knocking about in the box with bigger players. So when Arsene got Marouane on a free this summer, their chances during set plays increased ten-fold. But...
To be successful they have to have good crosses and great cornering skills. They have neither. At the start of the season, Marouane was doing well to head in balls (even when they weren't he best). But in recent weeks he hasn't scored and that is because he doesn't have any help!
Wenger has left him languishing as a center-forward with no help on the wings! Their crosses are pitiful and their corners are even worse. When you have a tall player with exceptional heading abilities in the box, you need to get a high lobbing ball into him so he can bang it home. But instead, their corners consist of line-drives straight to the near post. Marouane has no chance at all to get to the ball, unless he were on all-fours. What a waste!
What I hate about it most is that as a striker, Maroune is expected to score. So when he doesn't it is noticed and then the fans start to say "put someone else in." But it doesnt' matter, because they don't have any help either. And today they scored 0 points, despite changing lineups in the second half.
As a United fan, this is wonderful news. But as a Maroune fan, I am gutted. I hope he doesn't get down on himself, because it isn't his fault. Yes, at times he could be more aggressive in the box when others have the ball (anticipating the pass), but most of the time he is waiting, waiting, waiting, for someone to take the initiative (other than an Arshavin, Nasri, Fabregas, or Walcott BLAST over the net from long range).
If they keep this up, again they will be back in third or fourth place, wondering where it all went wrong.
Sorry, Marouane! I wish you had come to United!
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Arsenal Fall to Shakhtar Donetsk; Eduardo Seals the Win
Former Gunner, Eduardo, put the final nail in the coffin against his former team today. Playing at home, Shakhtar dominated the Gunners in the second half, coming from behind to win it 2-1 after Theo Walcott had scored an early goal.
Wenger's team selection was curious, leaving out Marouane Chamakh (he was rested for last week's Carling Cup tie as well) in favor of unfit Nicklas Bendtner, who was left alone up front.
Why leave out the man who has scored in all 6 of his last Champions League matches? Wenger subbed in Marouane with a few left to play, but without Nasri and Fabregas, he didn't find many chances. He created a few for others, but they couldn't finish.
The loss now means the Gunners will have to wait to secure their advancement into the next round.
Wenger's team selection was curious, leaving out Marouane Chamakh (he was rested for last week's Carling Cup tie as well) in favor of unfit Nicklas Bendtner, who was left alone up front.
Why leave out the man who has scored in all 6 of his last Champions League matches? Wenger subbed in Marouane with a few left to play, but without Nasri and Fabregas, he didn't find many chances. He created a few for others, but they couldn't finish.
The loss now means the Gunners will have to wait to secure their advancement into the next round.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Gunners Outlast Hammers
Today's match at the Emirates was anything but entertaining. West Ham, who are the Prem League's last place team, came out of the blocks in a sprint and looked to open the scoring several times in the first few minutes.
Arsenal again lacked good midfield passing. Nasri and Fabregas were poor, both losing possession too many times.
Without the crisp passing in the midfield, Marouane had no chance for a good ball in the final third. Couple that with their poor crosses (open play and corners) and they were wasting chances left and right. They haven't seemed to capitalize on Marouane's height and heading prowess since the first matches of the season. That could prove costly down the road.
Marouane received a yellow card after a touchline tussle with Da Costa. The latter had been very physical all afternoon. During a previous corner, he had pulled down Marouane in the area and he was furious not to be awarded a penalty. On the touchline, he was pushed, tugged at, and impeded by Da Costa, who then flung himself to the ground. Marouane received the yellow, but the words between the two kept flying and they had to be separated. I have to agree with Marouane because Da Costa had been a thug throughout most of the match and hadn't been penalized.
The match remained 0-0 at the half and the second-half was more of the same. It wasn't until the 87' that anyone could find a clear chance to score. Alex Song thumped in a close-range killer and Arsenal lead 1-0. That was the ending score and quite honestly, I don't think the Gunners deserved the three points. West Ham played just as well and should have gone away with at least 1 point.
Arsenal again lacked good midfield passing. Nasri and Fabregas were poor, both losing possession too many times.
Without the crisp passing in the midfield, Marouane had no chance for a good ball in the final third. Couple that with their poor crosses (open play and corners) and they were wasting chances left and right. They haven't seemed to capitalize on Marouane's height and heading prowess since the first matches of the season. That could prove costly down the road.
Marouane received a yellow card after a touchline tussle with Da Costa. The latter had been very physical all afternoon. During a previous corner, he had pulled down Marouane in the area and he was furious not to be awarded a penalty. On the touchline, he was pushed, tugged at, and impeded by Da Costa, who then flung himself to the ground. Marouane received the yellow, but the words between the two kept flying and they had to be separated. I have to agree with Marouane because Da Costa had been a thug throughout most of the match and hadn't been penalized.
The match remained 0-0 at the half and the second-half was more of the same. It wasn't until the 87' that anyone could find a clear chance to score. Alex Song thumped in a close-range killer and Arsenal lead 1-0. That was the ending score and quite honestly, I don't think the Gunners deserved the three points. West Ham played just as well and should have gone away with at least 1 point.
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Arsenal Down City; Chamakh Felled Again
If anyone was doubtful about the penalty won by Marouane last week, there couldn't be any question about Boyata chopping him down in the area this week in Manchester. Unfortunately for Man Poo, it happened in the 4' and he was the last man. RED CARD. So the boys in blue played the majority of the match one man down.
Although, the sending off seemed to spur them on a bit, especially after halftime. But each time, the loss of the man meant they couldn't quite finish the deal.
Samir Nasri opened the scoring with a gutsy strike in the 20'. Then in the 40' Fabregas was taken down in the area and a penalty was awarded. Fab stepped up to take his own and kicked a predictable shot that Joe Hart had no problem saving.
Referee Mark Clattenburg gave out many cards in the match, most notably four yellows to Arsenal, which put the Gunners on alert that they could also go down a man if they weren't careful.
Marouane played very well and was dangerous several times, but didn't find the net, although he provided the assist for Song's goal in the 66'. The pass play between the Gunners was fun to watch, but it was due to the fact they didn't have a full opponent. Chamakh was substituted off along with Fabregas in the 69' for Bendtner and Walcott. Bentdner made good when a tired Man Poo back four couldn't keep up with his fresh legs and he slotted home the third in the 87'.
As for Man Poo, their supporters were hopeful that they could keep their lucky streak and second-place table spot intact, and Carlos Trollvez came out running like a chicken with his head cut off (as usual) but then faded down the stretch and was substituted off. The Blues had a few chances to score, first in the 27' with Micah Richards blasting high and wide, and then Vincent Kompany heading over in the 41' with an open net. But the Blues took the foot off the gas, even after former Arsenal striker Adebayor came on. He livened the side up a bit, but couldn't get anything substantial together and the final score was 0-3.
The win means, along with United's win earlier today, that both teams jump ahead of Man Poo in the table on goal differential.
Arsenal host bottom-feeders West Ham next Saturday after going away to Newcastle for the Carling Cup on Tuesday.
Comments:
Arsenal still need to work on their crosses. With Chamakh's height and heading ability, they should be getting more balls in to him. They wasted several chances today that could have spelled disaster had Man Poo leveled. They also need to solidify the backline more. Fabianksi saved many balls that should have been cleared by the defenders. You could see his frustration with the back four, who let Trollvez and others through too many times for comfort.
Although, the sending off seemed to spur them on a bit, especially after halftime. But each time, the loss of the man meant they couldn't quite finish the deal.
Samir Nasri opened the scoring with a gutsy strike in the 20'. Then in the 40' Fabregas was taken down in the area and a penalty was awarded. Fab stepped up to take his own and kicked a predictable shot that Joe Hart had no problem saving.
Referee Mark Clattenburg gave out many cards in the match, most notably four yellows to Arsenal, which put the Gunners on alert that they could also go down a man if they weren't careful.
Marouane played very well and was dangerous several times, but didn't find the net, although he provided the assist for Song's goal in the 66'. The pass play between the Gunners was fun to watch, but it was due to the fact they didn't have a full opponent. Chamakh was substituted off along with Fabregas in the 69' for Bendtner and Walcott. Bentdner made good when a tired Man Poo back four couldn't keep up with his fresh legs and he slotted home the third in the 87'.
As for Man Poo, their supporters were hopeful that they could keep their lucky streak and second-place table spot intact, and Carlos Trollvez came out running like a chicken with his head cut off (as usual) but then faded down the stretch and was substituted off. The Blues had a few chances to score, first in the 27' with Micah Richards blasting high and wide, and then Vincent Kompany heading over in the 41' with an open net. But the Blues took the foot off the gas, even after former Arsenal striker Adebayor came on. He livened the side up a bit, but couldn't get anything substantial together and the final score was 0-3.
The win means, along with United's win earlier today, that both teams jump ahead of Man Poo in the table on goal differential.
Arsenal host bottom-feeders West Ham next Saturday after going away to Newcastle for the Carling Cup on Tuesday.
Comments:
Arsenal still need to work on their crosses. With Chamakh's height and heading ability, they should be getting more balls in to him. They wasted several chances today that could have spelled disaster had Man Poo leveled. They also need to solidify the backline more. Fabianksi saved many balls that should have been cleared by the defenders. You could see his frustration with the back four, who let Trollvez and others through too many times for comfort.
In the 4' Dedrych Boyata hauls down Marouane in the area
Song received a backheal from Chamakh, then buries it for the second goal
Marouane, Samir, and Cesc celebrate with him
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Chamakh 6 for 6 in Champions League; Arsenal Rout
Shakhtar Donetsk never had a chance in this match today at the Emirates. With former player, Eduardo, returning, the game had an added flavor.
But the Gunners put the hopes of the visiting team away very quickly and ended up with a 5-1 win.
Ironically, Eduardo scored the only goal for the visitors, but didn't celebrate out of deference to his former supporters.
But the real news...MAROUANE SCORED AGAIN!!!! It's his 6th goal this year for the club, and his 6th consecutive goal in Champions League play (3 for Bordeaux last year and 3 for Arsenal this year).
The Man of the Match voting is very close right now, with a head-to-head duel between Marouane and Jack Wilshere.
Since I didn't get to watch the match, I am copying the soccernet post-game report:
The Ukrainians had brought an impressive record to Emirates Stadium, defending a 100% return so far in Europe, not to mention 15 wins from 17 games at home.
However, Arsenal made them look ordinary, barely getting out of second gear as Alex Song was gifted an early goal following a terrible fumble by Shakhtar keeper Andrei Pyatov - and Arsene Wenger's men never looked back.
In-form winger Samir Nasri smashed home his second goal in three days to make it 2-0 before the break, with Fabregas' spot-kick ending the game as a contest on the hour while Jack Wilshere and Marouane Chamakh completing the rout.
Croatia striker Eduardo, sold during the summer, netted a fine consolation goal on the return to his former club with seven minutes left, which brought a round of applause from the home fans.
Arsenal now head out to Donetsk in a fortnight knowing a point from their remaining three matches, one at home, would probably secure a top-two finish.
The Gunners had already chalked up some nine goals in the Champions League, hitting new boys Braga for six in their opening match.
However, it was not expected to be an easy ride against the Ukrainian champions, who had lost only one of their last 26 matches in all competitions.
Following the anticipated cagey start, Arsenal created an opening when Fabregas - out since mid-September with a hamstring problem - floated the ball just over Chamakh.
Shakhtar, however, were breaking up play well in midfield before defender Razvan Rat sent a 25-yard effort wide.
Arsenal then took the lead on 19 minutes with a scrappy goal, following a terrible error by the Shakhtar goalkeeper. Pyatov was under no pressure when he came to collect a corner, but contrived to drop the ball in the six-yard box.
Emmanuel Eboue reacted quickly to stab the loose ball goalwards, which Song flicked on, before Olexander Kucher's clearance ricocheted back off the Cameroon midfielder and over the line.
Nasri almost made it 2-0 moments later with a long-range effort which flew straight at Pyatov and this time the Shakhtar keeper just about held on.
Wilshere - serving a three-match domestic suspension after his much-talked about red card against Birmingham - was late with a challenge on Tomas Hubschman which left the Shakhtar midfielder in a heap. However, Norwegian referee Svein Oddvar Moen deemed a stern lecture the only action needed.
Shakhtar had a couple of long-range efforts which failed to hit the target.
It proved costly as Arsenal doubled their lead on 42 minutes.
Eboue and Song worked the ball down the right, before the midfielder sent a cross into the penalty area, which deflected through to Nasri on the far side.
The in-form French winger sidestepped Darijo Srna before smashing the ball past Pyatov.
Shakhtar could have reduced the deficit at the start of the second half when Song lost possession and Henrik Mkhitaryan fed Luis Adriano, who sprinted into the box, but Lukasz Fabianski made a smart save.
Arsenal were then gifted a third goal from the penalty spot on the hour after Adriano had wrestled Johan Djourou to the ground.
Fabregas stepped up to smash the ball into the top-left corner - and lifted up his shirt to reveal a Catalan birthday message for his mum. With the job done, the Spanish World Cup winner was given a rest as Brazil youngster Denilson came on.
There was then a standing ovation from the home fans as Eduardo - who had battled back from an horrific broken leg and dislocated ankle at Birmingham in February 2008 - was introduced for Adriano.
It was exhibition stuff from Arsenal now, as Chamakh and Tomas Rosicky exchanged passes to release Wilshere into the area, and he chipped in number four on 66 minutes.
Morocco striker Chamakh then sprang the offside trap, played on by the full-back, to slot home his sixth goal of the campaign.
With 20 minutes left, Arsenal sent on Andrey Arshavin and Theo Walcott - making his first appearance since injuring ankle ligaments when paying for England during September.
But perhaps fittingly it was Eduardo who had the final say, volleying home a well-taken effort in the closing stages, which he did not celebrate while receiving applause from the home fans.
But the Gunners put the hopes of the visiting team away very quickly and ended up with a 5-1 win.
Ironically, Eduardo scored the only goal for the visitors, but didn't celebrate out of deference to his former supporters.
But the real news...MAROUANE SCORED AGAIN!!!! It's his 6th goal this year for the club, and his 6th consecutive goal in Champions League play (3 for Bordeaux last year and 3 for Arsenal this year).
The Man of the Match voting is very close right now, with a head-to-head duel between Marouane and Jack Wilshere.
Since I didn't get to watch the match, I am copying the soccernet post-game report:
The Ukrainians had brought an impressive record to Emirates Stadium, defending a 100% return so far in Europe, not to mention 15 wins from 17 games at home.
However, Arsenal made them look ordinary, barely getting out of second gear as Alex Song was gifted an early goal following a terrible fumble by Shakhtar keeper Andrei Pyatov - and Arsene Wenger's men never looked back.
In-form winger Samir Nasri smashed home his second goal in three days to make it 2-0 before the break, with Fabregas' spot-kick ending the game as a contest on the hour while Jack Wilshere and Marouane Chamakh completing the rout.
Croatia striker Eduardo, sold during the summer, netted a fine consolation goal on the return to his former club with seven minutes left, which brought a round of applause from the home fans.
Arsenal now head out to Donetsk in a fortnight knowing a point from their remaining three matches, one at home, would probably secure a top-two finish.
The Gunners had already chalked up some nine goals in the Champions League, hitting new boys Braga for six in their opening match.
However, it was not expected to be an easy ride against the Ukrainian champions, who had lost only one of their last 26 matches in all competitions.
Following the anticipated cagey start, Arsenal created an opening when Fabregas - out since mid-September with a hamstring problem - floated the ball just over Chamakh.
Shakhtar, however, were breaking up play well in midfield before defender Razvan Rat sent a 25-yard effort wide.
Arsenal then took the lead on 19 minutes with a scrappy goal, following a terrible error by the Shakhtar goalkeeper. Pyatov was under no pressure when he came to collect a corner, but contrived to drop the ball in the six-yard box.
Emmanuel Eboue reacted quickly to stab the loose ball goalwards, which Song flicked on, before Olexander Kucher's clearance ricocheted back off the Cameroon midfielder and over the line.
Nasri almost made it 2-0 moments later with a long-range effort which flew straight at Pyatov and this time the Shakhtar keeper just about held on.
Wilshere - serving a three-match domestic suspension after his much-talked about red card against Birmingham - was late with a challenge on Tomas Hubschman which left the Shakhtar midfielder in a heap. However, Norwegian referee Svein Oddvar Moen deemed a stern lecture the only action needed.
Shakhtar had a couple of long-range efforts which failed to hit the target.
It proved costly as Arsenal doubled their lead on 42 minutes.
Eboue and Song worked the ball down the right, before the midfielder sent a cross into the penalty area, which deflected through to Nasri on the far side.
The in-form French winger sidestepped Darijo Srna before smashing the ball past Pyatov.
Shakhtar could have reduced the deficit at the start of the second half when Song lost possession and Henrik Mkhitaryan fed Luis Adriano, who sprinted into the box, but Lukasz Fabianski made a smart save.
Arsenal were then gifted a third goal from the penalty spot on the hour after Adriano had wrestled Johan Djourou to the ground.
Fabregas stepped up to smash the ball into the top-left corner - and lifted up his shirt to reveal a Catalan birthday message for his mum. With the job done, the Spanish World Cup winner was given a rest as Brazil youngster Denilson came on.
There was then a standing ovation from the home fans as Eduardo - who had battled back from an horrific broken leg and dislocated ankle at Birmingham in February 2008 - was introduced for Adriano.
It was exhibition stuff from Arsenal now, as Chamakh and Tomas Rosicky exchanged passes to release Wilshere into the area, and he chipped in number four on 66 minutes.
Morocco striker Chamakh then sprang the offside trap, played on by the full-back, to slot home his sixth goal of the campaign.
With 20 minutes left, Arsenal sent on Andrey Arshavin and Theo Walcott - making his first appearance since injuring ankle ligaments when paying for England during September.
But perhaps fittingly it was Eduardo who had the final say, volleying home a well-taken effort in the closing stages, which he did not celebrate while receiving applause from the home fans.
Marouane scores!!!
From another angle...
Yes, I saw you! :)
Awwww...Marouane appreciating Jack's goal
Another pic of the goal
Not sure who this mug is, but he needs to get out of the way! :)
Ummm, are you not listening? GET OUT OF THE WAY! :)
THANK YOU! FINALLY! :)
Monday, October 18, 2010
Marouane in the News
Marouane has been quite the talk of the town recently after his performance on Saturday. Some think he is a hero for earning a penalty and scoring a goal, while others (namely the Birmingham players) think he is an "embarrassment" to football.
Here are a few articles...you can weigh in on the debate.
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=833436&sec=england&cc=5901
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=833402&sec=england&cc=5901
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/3184066/Arsenals-Marouane-is-already-Makh-the-knife.html
http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/wenger-chamakh-s-quiet-style-works-for-us
and Marouane picked up another award:
http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/man-of-the-match-against-birmingham-chamakh
Arsenal tee up tonight against Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League at home. Good luck, Marouane! Let's make it 6 for 6!
Here are a few articles...you can weigh in on the debate.
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=833436&sec=england&cc=5901
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=833402&sec=england&cc=5901
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/3184066/Arsenals-Marouane-is-already-Makh-the-knife.html
http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/wenger-chamakh-s-quiet-style-works-for-us
and Marouane picked up another award:
http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/man-of-the-match-against-birmingham-chamakh
Marouane gets an earful after earning Arsenal a penalty
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Arsenal Edge Birmingham; Chamakh Scores
Arsenal managed to hold on to a narrow lead despite losing Jack Wilshere to a red card in extra time after a stupid tackle.
The Gunners have been prone to giving away leads in the waning minutes of the match, but secured all three points today.
With Fabregas, van Persie, and Walcott still out due to injuries, Arsene Wenger was thrilled to see Samir Nasri return to action after a few weeks out. He paired with Arshavin on the wings to support Marouane as the lone striker.
Marouane played very well today, being responsible for the penalty scored by Nasri in the 41', which helped Arsenal get back on track after going down 0-1 in the 33' when Nikola Zigic put the Blues ahead. The Blues were furious at Marouane, saying he dived. Others have said he went down pretty hard after being tapped lightly, but I didn't see it so I can't comment on that.
His brilliant link-up play, though, was overshadowed by the Gunners' inability to finish in the net. Het set up numerous chances for everyone, but they couldn't convert. Soooo...he did it himself. Wilshere teed up a nice shot for Marouane on the left side of the 6-yard box, and he slotted home the winner!
Marouane didn't play the entire match, and was subbed off in the 79' for Bendtner, who is making his return after a lengthy injury spell.
But Wilshere's red card in the last minutes of the match most-assuredly made Wenger fume. He said in his post-match interview that Wilshere, "said he mistimed his tackle and touched him on the ankle and deserved the red card."
He won't have young Jack for the next three matches. It's a shame for him because he has shown some good form after being slated last year for being too green. Wenger has been quoted many times about getting rid of the thugs in the Premier League, but several comments I have seen today say he can't say anything after Wilshere's reckless tackle on Zigic.
This makes Arsenal tied on points with United (who dropped two today against WBA...the team Arsenal lost to), but ahead by one goal differential point.
At this writing, Marouane is wayyyyy ahead in the Man of the Match voting for Arsenal. Well-deserved in my opinion. His manager had good things to say about him:
The Gunners have been prone to giving away leads in the waning minutes of the match, but secured all three points today.
With Fabregas, van Persie, and Walcott still out due to injuries, Arsene Wenger was thrilled to see Samir Nasri return to action after a few weeks out. He paired with Arshavin on the wings to support Marouane as the lone striker.
Marouane played very well today, being responsible for the penalty scored by Nasri in the 41', which helped Arsenal get back on track after going down 0-1 in the 33' when Nikola Zigic put the Blues ahead. The Blues were furious at Marouane, saying he dived. Others have said he went down pretty hard after being tapped lightly, but I didn't see it so I can't comment on that.
His brilliant link-up play, though, was overshadowed by the Gunners' inability to finish in the net. Het set up numerous chances for everyone, but they couldn't convert. Soooo...he did it himself. Wilshere teed up a nice shot for Marouane on the left side of the 6-yard box, and he slotted home the winner!
Marouane didn't play the entire match, and was subbed off in the 79' for Bendtner, who is making his return after a lengthy injury spell.
Marouane goes down in the area and Nasri equalizes with a penalty
He won't have young Jack for the next three matches. It's a shame for him because he has shown some good form after being slated last year for being too green. Wenger has been quoted many times about getting rid of the thugs in the Premier League, but several comments I have seen today say he can't say anything after Wilshere's reckless tackle on Zigic.
This makes Arsenal tied on points with United (who dropped two today against WBA...the team Arsenal lost to), but ahead by one goal differential point.
At this writing, Marouane is wayyyyy ahead in the Man of the Match voting for Arsenal. Well-deserved in my opinion. His manager had good things to say about him:
"Since the beginning of the season you look at how many times he has been decisive at 0-0 or 1-1, you will be surprised how influential he is in the team."
Slotting the equalizer around keeper Ben Foster
from another angle
and another angle...
Marouane celebrates...is that a new short haircut?
I believe it IS a new short haircut!
The Gunners celebrate with their Man of the Match
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Maroc Top Tanzania
The Atlas Lions topped the homeside Tanzania 0-1 today in an African Cup of Nations qualifier. All I know about the match is Mounir El Hamdaoui (Ajax) scored in the 43' after Marouane headed him the ball. I have no other details from the match. Congratulations Marouane and the Atlas Lions!
Not from today, but who cares! Any photo of Marouane is good!
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Chamakh: Laurent Blanc Gave Me Confidence
Marouane Chamakh may be a proud Moroccan international but he credits the current France coach with making him the player he is today.
The Arsenal striker worked under Laurent Blanc at Bordeaux until last summer when both men left the Ligue 1 club for new challenges.
Chamakh moved to North London to make his mark in the Premier League while his old boss replaced Raymond Domenech after Les Bleus' World Cup implosion in South Africa.
According to Chamakh, Blanc's footballing philosophy echoes that of his new club manager, Arsène Wenger.
"Absolutely," he told Arsenal TV Online. "To me it was clear that Blanc’s main objective was to send us out and play football. He wanted us to express ourselves and enjoy ourselves, as that mean we would create chances and score goals. It worked really well.
"He [Blanc] gave me lots of confidence. He wasn’t the sort of coach that made me work ten hours a day. Just a few words here and there from him were enough to improve me as a player sometimes.
"It wasn’t long since he had retired from playing himself, and you could tell that he was still instinctively a footballer and felt the game as we did. I gained a lot of confidence during the three years I worked under him. Thanks to the confidence I got from playing for him, I tried things out on the pitch that I wouldn’t have done otherwise."
The Arsenal striker worked under Laurent Blanc at Bordeaux until last summer when both men left the Ligue 1 club for new challenges.
Chamakh moved to North London to make his mark in the Premier League while his old boss replaced Raymond Domenech after Les Bleus' World Cup implosion in South Africa.
According to Chamakh, Blanc's footballing philosophy echoes that of his new club manager, Arsène Wenger.
"Absolutely," he told Arsenal TV Online. "To me it was clear that Blanc’s main objective was to send us out and play football. He wanted us to express ourselves and enjoy ourselves, as that mean we would create chances and score goals. It worked really well.
"He [Blanc] gave me lots of confidence. He wasn’t the sort of coach that made me work ten hours a day. Just a few words here and there from him were enough to improve me as a player sometimes.
"It wasn’t long since he had retired from playing himself, and you could tell that he was still instinctively a footballer and felt the game as we did. I gained a lot of confidence during the three years I worked under him. Thanks to the confidence I got from playing for him, I tried things out on the pitch that I wouldn’t have done otherwise."
Marouane laughs with Laurent Blanc (L) and teammates in training at Bordeaux
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Chamakh Wins Goal of the Month
Marouane won the September Goal of the Month for Arsenal. His shot against Braga in the Champions League was the winner. Click on the link and play all of Arsenal's goals for the month.
http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/free-video-september-goal-of-the-month
Congratulations, Marouane!!!
http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/free-video-september-goal-of-the-month
Congratulations, Marouane!!!
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Arsenal Put Gravediggers Under; Chamakh Scores
With a sign in the stadium in Belgrade of "You have been run over by a steamroller," I'm not sure who the host Gravediggers were talking about, but they certainly were steamrolled under by Arsenal.
Bosting 71% possession, the Gunners went to the top of the table with a perfect 6 points, thanks to their demolition of Sporting Braga in the first match.
Andrei Arshavin started off the scoring in the 15'. Though the Gunners came close a few times, it wasn't until the 57' when Chamakh was hauled down by Marko Jovanovic in the area that they got another chance to score. Jovanovic was given a red card for being last man, but Arshavin missed from the spot, which meant the score remained 1-1 after Cleo had levelled for Partizan in the 33' with a penalty of his own.
Marouane made up for Arshavin's poor penalty by rebounding his own header that Stojkovic tapped on to the bar. The rebound fell to Chamakh first and he headed home from close range.
In the 82' minute, new signee Sebastien Squillaci headed in a corner from Samir Nasri that put the Gunners up 3-1. But the match wasn't over as Cleo was given a chance to score a penalty when it was ascertained that Kieran Gibbs had tripped Ivan Stevanovic in the area. Fabianski saved the penalty so the score remained 3-1 Gunners.
With Marouane's goal, this means he has scored in the last five Champions League matches he has played (3 for Bordeaux and 2 for Arsenal). Way to go, Marouane! :)
Enjoy the photos of Marouane:
Bosting 71% possession, the Gunners went to the top of the table with a perfect 6 points, thanks to their demolition of Sporting Braga in the first match.
Andrei Arshavin started off the scoring in the 15'. Though the Gunners came close a few times, it wasn't until the 57' when Chamakh was hauled down by Marko Jovanovic in the area that they got another chance to score. Jovanovic was given a red card for being last man, but Arshavin missed from the spot, which meant the score remained 1-1 after Cleo had levelled for Partizan in the 33' with a penalty of his own.
Marouane made up for Arshavin's poor penalty by rebounding his own header that Stojkovic tapped on to the bar. The rebound fell to Chamakh first and he headed home from close range.
In the 82' minute, new signee Sebastien Squillaci headed in a corner from Samir Nasri that put the Gunners up 3-1. But the match wasn't over as Cleo was given a chance to score a penalty when it was ascertained that Kieran Gibbs had tripped Ivan Stevanovic in the area. Fabianski saved the penalty so the score remained 3-1 Gunners.
With Marouane's goal, this means he has scored in the last five Champions League matches he has played (3 for Bordeaux and 2 for Arsenal). Way to go, Marouane! :)
Enjoy the photos of Marouane:
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