Arsenal lost their first two games of the season against Sarri's Chelsea and Pep's Manchester City, two teams that are in realistic contentions to win the league this season. Since those two defeats Arsenal has won 7 straight matches in all competitions, they went undefeated for the month of September. Arsenal are in good hands.
I had a few friends, Arsenal supporters, ask me about Unai Emery. I responded with a stereotypical safe answer "That he is a good coach and will play more structured than his predecessor, Wenger. To expect more emphasis on wins and points over style." I was asked, I am assuming, because most of my inner soccer circles know that I support the Spanish club Valencia, and wondered who Emery really was. I reassured them that he is good coach that can work within limits and punch above his team's weight every season.
A quick Recap on Emery's career, he started coaching Almeria who he took to the first division in Spain and finished in the top 10 the following season. Valencia hired him as the club needed fresh ideas and a coach that would not burden their already dire financial situation. In his four seasons leading the helm in Valencia Emery finished 3rd three times following a 6th place finished in his first season.
Why does this matter? Because there a similarities that might bring hope to Arsenal fans. Take a historical note for some context, when Emery was in charge of Valencia for those four years (2008-2012) it was during Pep's dominance with Barcelona and Real Madrid's acquisition of Cristiano Ronaldo. This means that Emery with a cash restricted budget and forced to sell players such as David Villa, David Silva, and Mata guided Los Che to win the "other league"- the Spanish Media dubbed the 3rd place team as the "other winner" due to Barcelona and Real Madrid's dominance.
The similarities I see with Arsenal are clearly mental fabrications with the only focal point being Unai Emery, but humor me. The English Premier league at the moment has two really good sides in Pep's Manchester City and Klopp's Liverpool, with Sarri at Chelsea having a really good start to the season as well. But the first two are the one's who have had time to mold their team and anything less than winning the league will be considered a failure. Where does this leave Arsenal? Well to Emery, in a very familiar situation.
I am not disregarding Emery's other past work, in fact he replicated his understanding of coaching in La Liga when he returned from a horrible Stint in Russia to lead Sevilla to Europa League dominance while finishing in the top 5 in two of his three full seasons in charge. His time at Paris Saint-Germain is what probably exposed him to the rest of the footballing community that didn't follow La Liga aside from Barcelona and Real Madrid. I considered his time at PSG as an enigma due to the ridiculous expectations of a club attempting to splash their way to a Champions league with no real soccer foundation to sustain it.
Arsenal will definitely not go undefeated for the rest of the year, but I wont be surprised if they can clinch a top 4 finish. At the start of the season, I was excited for the English Premier league more than usual due to the top 6 teams' managers. Pep at Manchester City, Klopp at Liverpool, Sarri at Chelsea, Pochettino at Tottenham, and Mourinho at Manchester United. In my mind Emery at Arsenal was the biggest improvement in relative terms as I consider him a top manager.
Unai Emery doesn't have the budget restrictions at Arsenal he has had in Spain or the over the top expectations implemented at PSG. He acquired two young center midfielders that fit his approach to the game. Lucas Torreira and Matteo Guendouzi, who will work hard in the midfield of the pitch and that is what Emery wants. Emery is meticulous in his approach to managing the game and expects his team to work just as hard. With this approach Arsenal may not be the same free flowing stylistic team most fans associate with the badge, but they will be in the top 4 competing every year Emery is in charge.
I know this may not be good enough for some Arsenal fans, but believe me when I say, it is better to have a ship navigated by a captain that can complete the voyage than a captain that will sink that ship to the depths of the ocean pretending to know where shore lies. Still not good enough? (Please see Manchester United.)
Tuesday, October 9, 2018
Tuesday, October 2, 2018
The Old Trafford woes continue
Manchester United and the Spanish side Valencia finished in a 0-0 draw. The red devils hosted the match, which their bus happen to be late arriving to, at Old Trafford. Either side could have taken 3 points, but at the end of the match a draw was what both teams could muster and deservedly so. Valencia in the first half attacked down the left flank with the Guedes and Gaya connection, but wasted plenty of crosses and build up play for the majority of the match.
Manchester United did not have a clear idea when it came to the attack, relying heavily on the long ball. Their most dangerous moments seemed to come via dead ball, whether it be from a corner or free kick. Pogba did what he could to deliver dangerous and effective passes, but the team as a whole seemed out of sync. So much that I forgot Alexis Sanchez was on the pitch.
Neto, the Valencia goalkeeper had a decent night with a few saves for the night. I enjoy the center back pairing between the Argentine, Garay, and the Brazilian, Paulista. I think when fit that is the best defensive pairing for Los Che. Garay was solid winning long balls in the air and putting his body in front of the ball to prevent any Manchester United player shot from reaching his Keeper.
Gaya, the left back, had an excellent game on both ends. Completed his defensive duties as well as timing his runs forward effectively overlapping Guedes where the two seem to play well off one another. Guedes had a mediocre game for his standards. From what I saw last year, this looked like Guedes has some preseason rust on him still, but was the most threatening player on the pitch for both teams when it came to attack in open play.
As a whole the Valencia side were much better in the build up attack and noticeably had a plan on moving the ball forward and attempted to control the midfield via passing than using the long ball approach. But, overall the team was wasteful in the final aspect of the attack. plenty of crosses from beautiful build up wasted. However, this Valencia side looked better than the way they started this season's campaign. If this can build off this performance moving forward they can easily challenge for a spot in the knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League tournament. At the end of the day a point at Old Trafford is not a bad result even given how poor the home side's form as been.
Manchester United did not have a clear idea when it came to the attack, relying heavily on the long ball. Their most dangerous moments seemed to come via dead ball, whether it be from a corner or free kick. Pogba did what he could to deliver dangerous and effective passes, but the team as a whole seemed out of sync. So much that I forgot Alexis Sanchez was on the pitch.
Neto, the Valencia goalkeeper had a decent night with a few saves for the night. I enjoy the center back pairing between the Argentine, Garay, and the Brazilian, Paulista. I think when fit that is the best defensive pairing for Los Che. Garay was solid winning long balls in the air and putting his body in front of the ball to prevent any Manchester United player shot from reaching his Keeper.
Gaya, the left back, had an excellent game on both ends. Completed his defensive duties as well as timing his runs forward effectively overlapping Guedes where the two seem to play well off one another. Guedes had a mediocre game for his standards. From what I saw last year, this looked like Guedes has some preseason rust on him still, but was the most threatening player on the pitch for both teams when it came to attack in open play.
As a whole the Valencia side were much better in the build up attack and noticeably had a plan on moving the ball forward and attempted to control the midfield via passing than using the long ball approach. But, overall the team was wasteful in the final aspect of the attack. plenty of crosses from beautiful build up wasted. However, this Valencia side looked better than the way they started this season's campaign. If this can build off this performance moving forward they can easily challenge for a spot in the knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League tournament. At the end of the day a point at Old Trafford is not a bad result even given how poor the home side's form as been.
Friday, September 7, 2018
What the Heck is a UEFA Nations League?
Yesterday the first games of the UEFA Nations league kicked off. Gareth Bale scored a stunning goal for Wales as they dominated a an Irish side that was not at their best. The UEFA Nations league is a new international soccer (football) tournament with a format that seems simple enough, but complications quickly follow when attempting to address qualifications for the Euro 2020. The 55 teams and members of the UEFA confederation are split into four leagues, A, B, C, and D.
League A and B both have 12 teams that are divided into 4 groups of 3 national teams. League C is made up of 15 teams that are broken down into 3 groups of 4 teams and 1 group of 3 teams. And League D is made up of 4 groups that consists of 4 teams in each. The teams were placed in each league based on their UEFA rankings. For example, the top 12 teams are in League A and the next 12 teams are in League B and so forth.
There will be teams that are promoted and other teams that will be relegated. The last teams in League A get relegated to B, the last placed teams in B get relegated to C, while the top teams in League B, C, and D will get promoted to the respective leagues above them. In League C the worst 3rd placed team will be relegated to League D. Each team will play their opponents in their group twice, home and away.
League Finals is a 4 team knockout tournament that consists of 2 semifinal games, a 3rd place game and a Final to determine 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th place.
Jonathan Wilson presents perhaps a better explanation than myself as I attempt to really communicate at a simplistic level.
Teams are in the current groups and leagues, but the positions teams are in their group is random as most teams have not played a game. Teams in promotion and relegation spots are not concrete.
| League A | ||||
| Group 1 | Group 2 | Group 3 | Group 4 | |
| France | Belgium | Portugal | Spain | Qualify to League Finals |
| Germany | Switzerland | Italy | England | |
| Netherlands | Iceland | Poland | Croatia | Relegated to B |
| League B | ||||
| Group 1 | Group 2 | Group 3 | Group 4 | |
| Ukraine | Russia | Austria | Wales | Promoted to A |
| Slovakia | Sweden | Bosnia & Herzegovina | Denmark | |
| Czech Republic | Turkey | Northern Ireland | Republic of Ireland | Relegated to C |
| League C | ||||
| Group 1 | Group 2 | Group 3 | Group 4 | |
| Scotland | Hungary | Norway | Romania | Promoted to B |
| Albania | Greece | Bulgaria | Serbia | |
| Israel | Finland | Slovenia | Montenegro | Possible Relegation to D |
| Estonia | Cyprus | Lithuania | Relegated to D | |
| League D | ||||
| Group 1 | Group 2 | Group 3 | Group 4 | |
| Georgia | Belarus | Azerbaijan | Macedonia | Promoted to C |
| Latvia | Luxembourg | Faroe Islands | Armenia | |
| Andorra | Moldova | Malta | Liechtenstein | |
| Kazakhstan | San Marino | Kosovo | Gibraltar |
Wednesday, August 15, 2018
2018 UEFA Super Cup Recap
An intense match that consisted of plenty of goals with the Diego Costa versus Sergio Ramos match up made for an entertaining UEFA Super Cup. Real Madrid who are coming of their third UEFA champions league winners faced off against the Europa League winners. The Europa League winners happen to be Real's crosstown rival, Athletico Madrid. The night ended with an Athletico Madrid victory after extra time was needed to separate the two teams. In the end, Real Madrid failed to hold onto their 2-1 lead as the match ended 4-2 in favor of Athletico.
A few thoughts that crossed my mind as the match progressed focused mainly on Real Madrid. Los Galacticos allowed a goal in the first minute from an error and miscommunication between Sergio Ramos and Varane. Diego Costa's shot sizzled past the Costa Rican goalkeeper, Keylor Navas, as the shot went in near post. A shot that a goalkeeper at the highest caliber should make. The second goal was due to Marcelo keeping the ball in play only to put him in a disadvantage position over his opponent. The left back's error went on to cost the team that allowed the sequence of passes for the second goal to be scored tying the match at 2-2. The third goal-oh what a beauty!- was due to Varane holding onto the ball way too long on his own end. School boy error to say the least. The fourth goal was due to Real Madrid being stretched on the counter and most likely not being tactically aware of their poor positioning as Real Madrid had 5 defenders in the box covering two players only to have Vitolo and Koke show up at the edge of the box to combine for the fourth goal.
Why do I bring this up? Mainly because I enjoy watching and analyzing the sport I love, but also to fuel my bias. I am a fan of Keylor Navas and have a bit of disgust on how Real's board treats their players even club legends such as Raul, Guti, and Casillas. To be fair, any team can upgrade and should, that's part of the game. However, these goals demonstrate that the issue is on the back line more so than the goalkeeper. This summer Madrid went on to purchase Courtois from Chelsea. Which is not bad, he is an excellent goalkeeper and much younger than the 3 time champions league winner Madrid currently have guarding the posts. The purchase would seem ideal if the team followed up with a defender or two. The transfer deadline is coming to a close soon in the up and coming days and any signing would seemed rush, especially after this defeat. I would have prioritized a center back (Bonucci) and a right back (Pavard), but I am not the Real Madrid board and aren't clear what their future intentions are. Today's match I saw a Real Madrid that looked vulnerable at the back and it wasn't due to the goalkeeper. I understand that this is a sort final that falls under the preseason category, but it still reveals a lot about the teams that participate in it.
That being said, Athletico Madrid looked better organized and are a team that can contest Barcelona for the La Liga crown. Diego Simeone has had a lot more time at the reigns compared to Real Madrid who seem to be on a rebuilding cycle. But, this time around Ronaldo isn't here to make up for the aging back line.
A few thoughts that crossed my mind as the match progressed focused mainly on Real Madrid. Los Galacticos allowed a goal in the first minute from an error and miscommunication between Sergio Ramos and Varane. Diego Costa's shot sizzled past the Costa Rican goalkeeper, Keylor Navas, as the shot went in near post. A shot that a goalkeeper at the highest caliber should make. The second goal was due to Marcelo keeping the ball in play only to put him in a disadvantage position over his opponent. The left back's error went on to cost the team that allowed the sequence of passes for the second goal to be scored tying the match at 2-2. The third goal-oh what a beauty!- was due to Varane holding onto the ball way too long on his own end. School boy error to say the least. The fourth goal was due to Real Madrid being stretched on the counter and most likely not being tactically aware of their poor positioning as Real Madrid had 5 defenders in the box covering two players only to have Vitolo and Koke show up at the edge of the box to combine for the fourth goal.
Why do I bring this up? Mainly because I enjoy watching and analyzing the sport I love, but also to fuel my bias. I am a fan of Keylor Navas and have a bit of disgust on how Real's board treats their players even club legends such as Raul, Guti, and Casillas. To be fair, any team can upgrade and should, that's part of the game. However, these goals demonstrate that the issue is on the back line more so than the goalkeeper. This summer Madrid went on to purchase Courtois from Chelsea. Which is not bad, he is an excellent goalkeeper and much younger than the 3 time champions league winner Madrid currently have guarding the posts. The purchase would seem ideal if the team followed up with a defender or two. The transfer deadline is coming to a close soon in the up and coming days and any signing would seemed rush, especially after this defeat. I would have prioritized a center back (Bonucci) and a right back (Pavard), but I am not the Real Madrid board and aren't clear what their future intentions are. Today's match I saw a Real Madrid that looked vulnerable at the back and it wasn't due to the goalkeeper. I understand that this is a sort final that falls under the preseason category, but it still reveals a lot about the teams that participate in it.
That being said, Athletico Madrid looked better organized and are a team that can contest Barcelona for the La Liga crown. Diego Simeone has had a lot more time at the reigns compared to Real Madrid who seem to be on a rebuilding cycle. But, this time around Ronaldo isn't here to make up for the aging back line.
Monday, July 9, 2018
Beyond the Game
The 2018 men's FIFA World Cup is coming towards the final 4 games. The 2 semifinals match, where the winners advance to the finals and the losers play to be recognized as the third best team in the tournament. Instead of breaking down Belgium vs France or England vs Croatia as most articles will tend to do I want to focus on three stories that caught my attention. These 3 stories are not related nor have an agenda as their are other stories that occurred that are just as fascinating to others. What these stories to share is that they are related to the World Cup except they don't necessarily involve the game itself.
Mikel John Obi is a Nigerian player who has represented Nigeria in multiple international tournaments for his country. It was revealed that before Obi played the third group stage match against Argentina his father had been kidnapped. Obi's father was rescued from his captors, but was sent to the hospital for medical treatment.
Switzerland playing against Serbia in a group stage match doesn't really excite most fans from the stateside. But those who enjoy international politics were in quite of a treat. The split of Yugoslavia was not pretty and tension has remained in the post years. Two Switzerland players, Granit Xhaka and Xherdan Shaqiri, celebrated their goals by using their hands to make a two headed eagle. A symbol that is on the Albanian flag. Both players have ties to Kosovo due to their ethnic Albanian heritage. Kosovo is a former Serbian province that declared independence in 2008. Tension remains high between Serbia and Kosovo as Serbia doesn't recognize it as an independent state.
The third story involves a Croatian player. Croatia's defender, Domagoj Vida, scored the goal to give Croatia the lead in extra time against Russia. Croatia went on to win the match in penalty kicks. Vida posted a video with his former Dynamo Kiev teammate shouting "Glory to Ukraine" which is used as an anti-Russian slogan in Ukraine. FIFA has warned the Croatian defender.
Their are plenty of stories, a lot more uplifting, than these three stories that have come out of the world cup. I picked these stories not to set an agenda nor distract from the amazing tournament it has been this far, but to show that the game is so much more than just a 90 minute game. It is what makes the World Cup so fascinating. It is a gathering of fans all around the world to celebrate the beautiful game and cheer for their team that includes everything, the good, the bad, and the ugly.
Mikel John Obi is a Nigerian player who has represented Nigeria in multiple international tournaments for his country. It was revealed that before Obi played the third group stage match against Argentina his father had been kidnapped. Obi's father was rescued from his captors, but was sent to the hospital for medical treatment.
Switzerland playing against Serbia in a group stage match doesn't really excite most fans from the stateside. But those who enjoy international politics were in quite of a treat. The split of Yugoslavia was not pretty and tension has remained in the post years. Two Switzerland players, Granit Xhaka and Xherdan Shaqiri, celebrated their goals by using their hands to make a two headed eagle. A symbol that is on the Albanian flag. Both players have ties to Kosovo due to their ethnic Albanian heritage. Kosovo is a former Serbian province that declared independence in 2008. Tension remains high between Serbia and Kosovo as Serbia doesn't recognize it as an independent state.
The third story involves a Croatian player. Croatia's defender, Domagoj Vida, scored the goal to give Croatia the lead in extra time against Russia. Croatia went on to win the match in penalty kicks. Vida posted a video with his former Dynamo Kiev teammate shouting "Glory to Ukraine" which is used as an anti-Russian slogan in Ukraine. FIFA has warned the Croatian defender.
Their are plenty of stories, a lot more uplifting, than these three stories that have come out of the world cup. I picked these stories not to set an agenda nor distract from the amazing tournament it has been this far, but to show that the game is so much more than just a 90 minute game. It is what makes the World Cup so fascinating. It is a gathering of fans all around the world to celebrate the beautiful game and cheer for their team that includes everything, the good, the bad, and the ugly.
Thursday, July 5, 2018
World Cup Quarterfinals July 7 Quick Guide
The round of 16 concluded two days ago with England breaking their world cup curse and defeating Colombia in a penalty shootout. The 2018 World Cup has been exciting to watch, the drama is unmatched and it seems as if this world cup is scripted, the writers have no idea of continuity. There are 8 teams left after the round of 16 and the matches will only become more tense and dramatic. Russia, Croatia, Sweden, England, Uruguay, France, Brazil and Belgium are among the 8 world's best international teams in the 2018 world cup edition.
July 7
Sweden vs England
Saturday will be an all European affair. The first quarterfinal match of the day will be between Sweden and England. Sweden with their defensive approach to the game has taken this side to the quarterfinals. I see Sweden as a poor man's Italy and I don't mean it as an insult to either nation. Sweden defends tight and compact with 11 players, but lack the quality to create anything threatening to their opponent. The counter attack and pouncing on their opponents mistakes is what Sweden does well and have been doing since the qualifying stage.
England has finally one a penalty shootout in a World Cup! The curse is finally broken. Now to "bring it home." As mentioned earlier post I am not really sold on the idea that the English national team is one of the best in the world even in historical contexts. They are a footballing nation that has everything to be the best from money, infrastructure, and great players. They just are not the best. However, I like this English side and think the their coach, Gareth Southgate, has done a great job managing the English national team. I want England to go through. Yet, they have a poor record against teams that defend well (Italy) and haven't necessarily dominated Sweden in recent history either. England are favorites, but I am going to use my upset call on this match. I wouldn't be surprised at all if Sweden win sending home the English side with only their luggage in hand.
Russia vs Croatia
The host are still in it. Russia will attempt to beat Croatia to reach the semifinals of the tournament. I do not see that happening as I rank Croatia as a much better team than the awful Spanish side that the Russians defeated in the round of 16 on penalties. Russia can go through, this is why the game is played, however, the only way I can confidently say Russia will go through is if they hold the Croatian side for 120 minutes and force a penalty shoot out. From their I will favor the Russian side to go through due to the Croatian sides poor display in shooting penalties against Denmark.
Croatia are one of the better teams in this World Cup. They have a very talented midfield that can control the tempo of the match and dominate the other side. The only sides to score against Croatia in this world cup were Iceland and Denmark with a goal a piece. Croatia are clear favorites and I don't see any reason why they shouldn't be. The only way I will jump ship is if this match does to a penalty shootout.
Round 2, The Quarterfinals 2018 World Cup Quick Guide
The round of 16 concluded two days ago with England breaking their world cup curse and defeating Colombia in a penalty shootout. The 2018 World Cup has been exciting to watch, the drama is unmatched and it seems as if this world cup is scripted, the writers have no idea of continuity. There are 8 teams left after the round of 16 and the matches will only become more tense and dramatic. Russia, Croatia, Sweden, England, Uruguay, France, Brazil and Belgium are among the 8 world's best international teams in the 2018 world cup edition.
July 6
Uruguay vs France
The first match of the quarterfinals will be Uruguay and France facing off. This is an enticing match due to the quality of the teams. France destroyed the Argentina side to reach the quarterfinals. Kylian Mbappe demonstrated to the rest of the world that the next footballing star is here. The French side has talented players across the field from their veteran captain goalkeeper to Paul Pogba and Antoine Griezmann. I can understand why the sports websites I visit tend to favor the French.
Uruguay may share a border with Argentina but that's the only similarity that I can think of that their soccer teams share because of how far these two national teams are in terms of structure and consistency on the pitch. Uruguay is a team that is well organized and that can tactically defend any opponent that they face. Uruguay's head coach, Oscar Tabarez, has been in charge since 2006 and has implemented from the youth to the national team level on how he wants his side to perform. Do not let this confuse you into believing it's due to lack of quality. This is done with purposeful intentions and following their game plan. Uruguay's first goal against Portugal was the longest one-two between Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani that resulted in a beautifully executed goal. This match is worthy of a semi-final, but only one will advance. I do not understand the numbers I see in the sports websites that I visit in having France as clear favorites. Uruguay have a game plan and a coach who can adjust his team accordingly. I personally want and think Uruguay will win, but France are the favorites here. But the odds should be closer to 50-50 than 63-37.
Brazil vs Belgium
The next match later that day will be between two early tournament favorites, Brazil vs Belgium. Any time Brazil enters an international competition they can be easily be penciled in as tournament protagonist. The 5 time world cup winners pride themselves in their footballing abilities and their approach to play the game in a Brazilian fashion. That being said this Brazilian side share a very good defensive record this tournament. The Brazilians have only conceded 1 goal this world cup. The only other team left in the quarterfinals to do that is their South American neighbors, Uruguay.
Belgium has an insane overabundance of talent in their squad. Romelu Lukaku, Eden Hazard, and Kevin De Bruyne are the three intelligent and talented players that easily stick out on any roster sheet. This Belgium side is considered by some a "golden generation" that should be challenging to win the tournament and I can understand why. For me this talented Belgium side have not clicked or found a unison rhythm in their play. However, this team can definitely challenge tournament heavyweights. I don't have a clear bias in this match and can see Brazil winning the match. However, Casemiro is out for Brazil due to suspension. If Marcelo starts over Felipe Luis in this match I can see Brazil getting easily countered by the Belgium side. It won't be a 7-1 humiliation or necessarily a defeat, but I see it as a tactical mishap that increases Belgium's probability in winning the match.
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