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.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
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!!!
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