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.
Monday, November 29, 2010
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.
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