Eat, Sleep, and Play Football

What started from a enthusiastic idea, a hopeful outlet for our simple but yet amazing little passion, has become an idle web page. What happened lah bros? This is a prime example of "cakap lebat"...Haha. But because i'm bored, I'll add another post, so that now, it can be idle with an extra post on it.

Anywho...the transfer market has been buzzing in the past couple of months, with some shockers, nothing overly jaw dropping but still significant movements. The biggest rumor after Euro 2008 Championships has to be Andriy Arshavin, the Russian firecracker that made all the big clubs in Europe check their Football Manager database. I can safely say that he's that good in the game as well. haha. High on the list to sign him are Arsenal and Barcelona. I honestly was excited at the prospect of him playing at Arsenal after what i've seen of him during Euro, but after a couple of weeks tracking his progress, I thought he was a wanker. First he says he was looking forward to playing for Arsenal, then literally the next day, he says Barcelona is his dream team. Then when Barcelona lost interest in him, he says Arsenal are his dream team. What?? I mean I know the media twists words and I know it might not be him that is rejecting offers, but just don't say things, then the press won't have anything to twist. Now it seems Tottenham are the most likely to sign him. Well, on the positive side, the premier league would be more exciting if he strings out performances like he did during Euro.

Sunderland are worth a mention, signing wantaway players from Spurs and Bolton, and really on papers, looks very solid. With the already immense keeper in Craig Gordon, they have signed Pascal Chimbonda who will sure up their defence, and also have Malbranque, and Diouf, both sure to add that pace and creativity in midfield.

Arsenal have been pretty quiet. It looks a very young team. My fears have been realized, when Gilberto left for Pananthiakos, and Hleb for Barcelona. It is more of a loss in Gilberto actually, as now there would be no one experienced that will slot in along side Cesc Fabregas in the center of midfield. Reports have been saying that Arsene is looking for one more player, and I am sure it would be to fill in that midfield spot. He has squashed rumors of Gareth Barry, which is alright with me, and links to Xabi Alonso is exciting. Spanish midfield in the center doesn't sound bad to me. Although Xabi is not that tough tackler like Gilberto or Flamini, I would rather have him than Barry. But as Arsene Wenger responded when a reporter asked him "Can we expect new faces for Arsenal in the coming season?" when Arsene replied "You can expect..yes.." giving out a subtle laugh after saying it. Haha. He's tight lipped on who is coming or not coming, but I hope someone does come in just to add depth as the team now looks very very inexperienced. On a very positive note, Carlos Vela the Mexican has been impressive in pre-season, along with Nicklas Bendtner. The two have linked up well and looks like a very fruitful strike partnership for Arsenal this coming season. Look forward to seeing them in the coming months.

Chelsea have again dropped in the news with naming Phil Scolari as their new manager. That prompted the media to link all his former national team players to Chelsea, Ronaldinho and Kaka just to name a couple. Scary to think of Chelsea having 2 world players of the year in their...excuse the pun "Arsenal". It didn't happen...yet, because this season Ronaldinho has joined AC Milan, with Kaka staying there as well. But thats the Serie A's problem. Haha. However, Deco has joined Chelsea, and adds to the immense midfield that they already possess. They have let go of Makalele, which is a loss in my opinion, but has Lampard, Ballack, and Essien, which is not to shabby. Chelsea looks to challenge hard again this year.

The three teams that were promoted are West Brom who is a yo-yo team, as they always get up and drop again, Hull City as well as Stoke City, who I have never seen in the premiership in my lifetime. I predict West Brom to be favorites to stay up, but because its football and because its so beautiful, I wouldn't bet on it just yet.

So, I have babbled on for a few paragraphs now, and will add more posts as I get bored, or when my fellow contributors start posting as well, whenever that may be.

This sucks. Another season of watching Manchester United lifting the trophy, the trophy which should have been ours. Seriously...

We were smooth sailing at one point, from which I thought I felt we had the magic of the "Untouchables" again...but alas, it was just an itch.
Arsenal started the season with everyone saying we had a low chance of winning the title. They, whoever they are must be grinning and (while pointing)...telling everyone.."hahaha...told ya so". We did prove them wrong early in the season, going unbeaten and giving hope to Arsenal fans all over the world. Add to that, we had a team with virtually no big names, only upcoming stars. But yeah, we were flying early in the season, and I was smiling. But somehow, somewhere it all went wrong.....

It started with the game with Birmingham, when Eduardo lost a leg, and we lost 2 points. I'm still wondering is it really the psychological impact of a team mate in pain like that that made the team draw the next 5 games, and consequently lost to Chelsea, and Man United? Scientifically...it is possible, but I would think they have club psychologists to deal with players emotions.

I blame myself for jinxing the team. I think any true fan that is fairly superstitious would blame themselves for their team not performing for some reason. They were doing fine when I was still in NZ, then started to show cracks when I went back to Malaysia, and suffered more when I went back to NZ. I think the travelling made the luck fade away. Also, I think Arsenal were mad at me because i didn't watch their matches live for a certain period, so they got my attention by playing badly....haha...anything to not admit the truth which is..

"WE LOST THE DAMNED PLOT!!!"

We were leading the table, then they drew with teams which we should have won. Had we won those games, we would have been way ahead, and wouldn't mind (mathematically) being beaten by Man United or Chelsea. But we did draw those games, and we did lose to Chelsea and Man United.I was heartbroken until now from what happened this season. It was ours, seriously. I told everyone, when it was still mathematically possible for Arsenal to win, that if they did win, it wouldn't have been as sweet, because I was heartbroken.Well, that was the season for Arsenal. Ended it with a disappointing 3rd place.What did we do right this season? We made a statement. Youth can prosper, with guidance and hard work. Our team was young, arguably unknown, and we still played the beautiful game beautifully. Our game play, being the envy of the footballing world. Sometimes I wonder how Monsieur Wenger gets it right, and how wrong he is at the same time. He preaches that we don't need to win trophies, and it only matters how we play the game. I agree to a certain extent. To do anything just for the sake of it, is always a beautiful thing, but this is also a business, a business of winning.

Alright, enough with the views for last season. Its time to award the players.

For the most improved player (drum roll)....


Mr Mathieu Flamini

Flamini was immense in my opinion this season. He dominated the midfield with his intensity, grit and determination. He proved that Arsenal picked the best players and does not choose who is more popular when he kept Gilberto Silva out of the team for the virtually the whole season. It is sad to see that he opted for signing with AC Milan, instead of signing on with Arsenal. I think he will do well for them, seeing that he would be one to revitalise the ageing side. Wish him all the best and hope the future get to prove him wrong by beating Milan again in the future.





For worst new signing

Mr. Eduardo Da Silva

In all fairness, he really didn't do that bad. Its just that Arsenal only made 2 significant new signings last season, and Sagna was the best signing, so he automatically is the worst. He came with a big reputation, and did show signs of that exponentially, but that terrible tackle that left him with a broken leg stumped his progress. Hope he recovers soon, and prove his worth next season.



For Best New Signing


Mr. Bacary Sagna

He fit into the team immediately. He gave Wenger a headache firstly with his choice of hairstyle, secondly with his solid performances playing right back, and forced Wenger to push Eboue up to right wing. Strong tackler, quick and good in the air, he will undoubtedly get even better next season, and will fight to keep his place at right back.









For Worst player of the season

I have looked through the list of Arsenal players, and I cannot really pick a worst player. Its probably a close tie between Phillipe Senderos, and William Gallas. But then again, Phillipe didn't really feature in the first team that much, but did make mistakes especially against big teams. He should be able to withstand pressure by now. William Gallas is not the rock that made him one of my wishlists players when he was at Chelsea. Our captain last season, he has shown flashes of brilliance and leadership, but still he could be more consistent. But again, other players has had bad patches throughout the season, and contributed to the disappointing 3rd place finish.



For Player of the Season
None other than Cesc Fabregas. He was immense in the early stages, playing out of his mould of just the passer, and started scoring for fun. He was vital for the team in every match, controlling the tempo in midfield, stringing passes and making those beautiful through passes for the strikers to collect. I might be a bit biased, and Adebayor deserves a shout for best player, but really, it was Fabregas that provided the goals for Adebayor. So the award hands down goes to the spaniard, Cesc Fabregas.


Best Starting Eleven

In goal, it has to be Manuel Almunia. Even though he's not the best in the world, I would rather have him between the posts rather than Jens.

Bacary Sagna on the right, the excellent Gael Clichy on left back. The ever spirited Kolo Toure with the captain William Gallas in the backs.

On the left, Aleksander Hleb, who again dazzled us with his close control last season. On the right, I'm putting Theo Walcott, just for that amazing run against Liverpool in the champions league. In the center, of course, the excellent pairing of Mathieu Flamini and the ever excellent Cesc Fabregas.

Up front, Emmanuel Adebayor who proved his worth despite losing his best friend Henry to Barcelona. He scored more than any of us expected. His strike partner, I would pick Nicklas Bendnter, for firstly being the only one who was fit enough to play that many times with Adebayor, and for scoring important goals from the bench. It would have been Van Persie, but he was out for most of the season to be in the best eleven.

Transfers

Flamini has already left for Milan, which is a loss. The rumours last season were about Gilberto Silva leaving because of Flamini, but it is still unclear now since Flamini left, would Gilberto leave anyway just because he was shut out last season. Adebayor has stated he's staying put. Fabregas have committed to the team,which is a signing by itself.

Wenger has stated on the official website that new signings are coming soon, and he's buying at least one who has already played in the premiership. I can think of no one I want other than Dimitar Berbatov if is meant to be, but its more likely that Manchester United will get him if he decides to leave. Rumours also are circulating of Samir Nasri from Marseilles which is an exciting prospect and also Niko Krancjar from Pompey saying he wants to move to a big club. The mexican wonderkid Carlos Vela who Arsenal have been loaning out to spanish clubs is also said to be in his plans for next season. Only having seen him in action in my Football Manager games, he looks good. I trust in Arsene on his judgement, so having Vela is an exciting prospect.

Next season predictions

2 Words. The Premiership. Above all else, I want Arsenal to focus on the premiership and win it with the style and grace that I know they possess. We already set the pace for last season, but ran out of steam towards the end, so another thing needing improvement would be consistency. Other cup competitions are an added bonus. I expect them to win the premiership next season, and would be extremely delighted if they won other cups.

From me the Gunner, the Gooner, the simple fan of the beautiful game, I will catch you guys later when the season starts again, and friends become foes for those 90 minutes of football.

Welcome to the official inauguration entry of the newly established football blog, ESPfootie.