Greece vs. Czech Republic
1-2
Tomas Rosicky played a huge part in the Czech Republic win against Greece. The captain was behind both goals (and pretty much everything the Czechs created) and led the team superbly with an excellent and tireless performance. The two goals for the Czechs came within the first five minutes, making the came rather comfortable for them until the Greeks pulled one back in the second half. However, The Czechs prevailed and recorded their first victory and their first three points in the tournament.
Poland vs. Russia
1-1
As you'd already know, Wojciech Szczesny was not allowed to play in this game due to his red card in the first game, but Andrey Arshavin once again captained the Russians. He has been brilliant so far in the tournament and put in yet another brilliant display against Poland.
Denmark vs. Portugal
2-3
Nicklas Bendtner was set to become the hero of the day for the Danes, when his brace equalled the scoreline against Portugal, however, a late goal from the Portuguese rendered his goals useless. Portugal started the game the best and found themselves two-nil up before long. Just before half-time the Danes pulled one, oh so important goal, back when Bendtner headed the ball into the back of the net from close range. Denmark then upped their game in the second half and Nicklas scored a powerful header, that bounced off both keeper and post before smashing into goal! However, it was not to be a lucky day for the Danes (like it was against the Netherlands) and in the final minutes they lost the game.
Netherlands vs. Germany
1-2
Things are not looking good for the Netherlands after this defeat, meaning that they have zero points ahead of the last game on Sunday. Robin van Persie and Lukas Podolski both played the entire game, whilst Per Mertesacker found himself on the bench once again. Germany were the better team throughout the entire game, van Persie got little if not no support up front. After the first half the Germans were two-nil up, but in the second half the Dutch upped their game slightly. However, it was a moment of brilliance from our skipper that granted the Netherlands a way back into this game. With seventeen minutes left the striker made his way towards the goal and fired away a sizzling shot! He had had several decent shots saved earlier in the game, but this one proved impossible for Neuer to grab and it meant that Robin opened his account in this tournament. Sadly, it will most likely be a short tournament for the Dutch. Since they failed to find the back of the net again they have zero points from the last two games, meaning that they have a very slight chance to go through. If Germany beats Denmark and the Netherlands beat Portugal by at least two goals, they will go through along with Germany. The group of Death proves deserving of its name.
Thursday, June 14, 2012
Monday, June 11, 2012
UEFA European Championship - Update 3
France vs. England
1-1
Not many people would have guessed that Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain would start the game against France, but he did and he did it with style! Theo Walcott came on in the 90th minute, which to be fair really isn't enough playing time for an established player like the young winger. Laurent Koscielny spent the entire game on the bench.
It was an even game, it was predicted ahead of the game by none other than Bacary Sagna that the game would be similar to a derby, and in that respect the game was rather disappointing. It was obvious that no team wanted to lose, since the game was really careful and passive at times. Chamberlain did well in his first game in a major tournament for the Three Lions. He offered speed and creativity throughout the game, something that the English were in a shortage of, and was replaced midway through the second half. An early goal scored by Lescott from a corner created a perfect situation for England. However, before the first half ended Samir Nasri equalised for France and that proved to be the final scoreline.
(For all those interested in ex-Arsenal players I can report that our former skipper Cesc Fabregas scored for Spain in their 1-1 draw with Italy yesterday).
1-1
Not many people would have guessed that Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain would start the game against France, but he did and he did it with style! Theo Walcott came on in the 90th minute, which to be fair really isn't enough playing time for an established player like the young winger. Laurent Koscielny spent the entire game on the bench.
It was an even game, it was predicted ahead of the game by none other than Bacary Sagna that the game would be similar to a derby, and in that respect the game was rather disappointing. It was obvious that no team wanted to lose, since the game was really careful and passive at times. Chamberlain did well in his first game in a major tournament for the Three Lions. He offered speed and creativity throughout the game, something that the English were in a shortage of, and was replaced midway through the second half. An early goal scored by Lescott from a corner created a perfect situation for England. However, before the first half ended Samir Nasri equalised for France and that proved to be the final scoreline.
(For all those interested in ex-Arsenal players I can report that our former skipper Cesc Fabregas scored for Spain in their 1-1 draw with Italy yesterday).
Sunday, June 10, 2012
UEFA European Championship - Update 2
The Netherlands vs. Denmark
0-1
This Championship is full of surprises! Who would've thought that Denmark would beat the Netherlands in the opening game of Group B? Our two men in this game, Robin van Persie and Nicklas Bendtner, both led the line for their respective teams, being the two centre forwards.
The Dutch dominated this game from start to finish, and our prolific goalscorer created plenty of opportunities. However, it was not to be the Dutchmen's day. The Danes shocked the entire stadium, if not the entire continent of Europe, by taking the lead in the first half, after being thoroughly outplayed by the Dutch. The pressure from the Netherlands was immense, but, as mentioned, it was not their day. They had two claims for hand ball in the penalty area discarded by the ref, which was rather harsh. Focusing on the two Arsenal players, they both did well. Of course, since the Netherlands failed to score it was not a very good day for Robin, but I felt that he did all that he could, towards the end he was virtually the only one putting pressure on the Danes and chasing after the ball. On the other side of the pitch, Bendtner didn't get many opportunities, but he worked tirelessly up front, pressuring the centre halves.
Germany vs. Portugal
1-0
It was a day of narrow wins in Group B yesterday. The clash between Germany and Portugal was tight, but a late goal from Gomez claimed the win for the Germans. We had one Arsenal player (well, close enough) in this game in Lukas Podolski (since Per Mertesacker was on the bench). This was the first real good look I got of the new signing, and I thought he looked like a real team player. He worked really well on the left-hand side, seemingly really quick and clever. I certainly look forward to seeing more of him in the future.
0-1
This Championship is full of surprises! Who would've thought that Denmark would beat the Netherlands in the opening game of Group B? Our two men in this game, Robin van Persie and Nicklas Bendtner, both led the line for their respective teams, being the two centre forwards.
The Dutch dominated this game from start to finish, and our prolific goalscorer created plenty of opportunities. However, it was not to be the Dutchmen's day. The Danes shocked the entire stadium, if not the entire continent of Europe, by taking the lead in the first half, after being thoroughly outplayed by the Dutch. The pressure from the Netherlands was immense, but, as mentioned, it was not their day. They had two claims for hand ball in the penalty area discarded by the ref, which was rather harsh. Focusing on the two Arsenal players, they both did well. Of course, since the Netherlands failed to score it was not a very good day for Robin, but I felt that he did all that he could, towards the end he was virtually the only one putting pressure on the Danes and chasing after the ball. On the other side of the pitch, Bendtner didn't get many opportunities, but he worked tirelessly up front, pressuring the centre halves.
Germany vs. Portugal
1-0
It was a day of narrow wins in Group B yesterday. The clash between Germany and Portugal was tight, but a late goal from Gomez claimed the win for the Germans. We had one Arsenal player (well, close enough) in this game in Lukas Podolski (since Per Mertesacker was on the bench). This was the first real good look I got of the new signing, and I thought he looked like a real team player. He worked really well on the left-hand side, seemingly really quick and clever. I certainly look forward to seeing more of him in the future.
Saturday, June 9, 2012
UEFA European Championship - Update 1
Poland vs. Greece
1-1
This tournament couldn't have started much worse for Wojciech Szczesny. Our young Polish goalkeeper saw himself sent off in the second half of the game. The first half was rather uneventful for the 'keeper, and Poland found themselves 1-0 up at half-time. However, the Greeks looked a different team in the second half and levelled the scoreline at the 51st minute. There was quite some chaos in the box and a Greek managed to convert a cross. Not long after that Szczesny found himself on a one-on-one situation and was unlucky to bring down the player. Penalty was awarded and a red card to the young 'keeper, which might have been a bit harsh, but that means that he will miss Poland's next game against Russia. Greece failed to score from the penalty and the game ended 1-1.
Russia vs. Czech Republic
4-1
Both captains for their respective teams, Andrey Arshavin and Tomas Rosicky starred in this game. They truly were key players for their teams, but the Russians proved to be the stronger side. The scoreline at half-time was 2-0 to the Russians, where Arshavin delivered a great assist for the second goal. Early on in the second half the Czechs scored one, and found themselves back in the game. However, they did not manage to find a second goal and late on in the game the Russians scored twice to ensure their victory. Rosicky provided pretty much everything that the Czech Republic had, going forward, and the same can be said of Arshavin for the Russians.
1-1
This tournament couldn't have started much worse for Wojciech Szczesny. Our young Polish goalkeeper saw himself sent off in the second half of the game. The first half was rather uneventful for the 'keeper, and Poland found themselves 1-0 up at half-time. However, the Greeks looked a different team in the second half and levelled the scoreline at the 51st minute. There was quite some chaos in the box and a Greek managed to convert a cross. Not long after that Szczesny found himself on a one-on-one situation and was unlucky to bring down the player. Penalty was awarded and a red card to the young 'keeper, which might have been a bit harsh, but that means that he will miss Poland's next game against Russia. Greece failed to score from the penalty and the game ended 1-1.
Russia vs. Czech Republic
4-1
Both captains for their respective teams, Andrey Arshavin and Tomas Rosicky starred in this game. They truly were key players for their teams, but the Russians proved to be the stronger side. The scoreline at half-time was 2-0 to the Russians, where Arshavin delivered a great assist for the second goal. Early on in the second half the Czechs scored one, and found themselves back in the game. However, they did not manage to find a second goal and late on in the game the Russians scored twice to ensure their victory. Rosicky provided pretty much everything that the Czech Republic had, going forward, and the same can be said of Arshavin for the Russians.
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
UEFA European Championship
The European Championship kicks off on Friday, so I figured that it's about time for an update on all the Arsenal players that will feature in the tournament.
Laurent Koscielny is in the French squad. He has featured in both friendlies where France has kept a clean-sheet ahead of the tournament, so it's looking good for our centre-half.
Robin van Persie will feature for the Netherlands up front. Our skipper has played in all of the friendlies, scoring three goals and making two assists along the way. Needless to say, he is keeping up the fine form.
Theo Walcott and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain have both made it into the England squad. It was quite a surprise when Oxlade-Chamberlain was picked by Roy Hodgson, but it will no doubt provide some valuable experience for the young midfielder. Both players have featured in the two friendlies that England has played, and they have showcased their speed and other qualities very well.
Wojciech Szczesny is the first-choice 'keeper for the Poles. He has occupied the goal in both of Poland's friendlies ahead of the European Championship, and he has kept two clean-sheets.
Nicklas Bendtner will be the man up front for Denmark in the tournament. He has played in both of Denmark's friendlies, scoring once.
Andrey Arshavin has played in all three of Russia's friendlies. The midfielder is a centre-piece in the Russian squad, and has been that for many years now.
Per Mertesacker will feature for the German team. The centre-half will be joined by Lukas Podolski, and this will be the first time for many Arsenal fans to get a good look at the new signing.
Tomas Rosicky is the captain of the Czech Republic team, however, the creative midfielder has missed both of the friendlies ahead of the Championship. Hopefully he will recover from his injury in time for the first game.
As you might have noticed, we have quite a lot of players to keep track of in the tournament. Therefore I will write updates on our players as often as possible!
Laurent Koscielny is in the French squad. He has featured in both friendlies where France has kept a clean-sheet ahead of the tournament, so it's looking good for our centre-half.
Robin van Persie will feature for the Netherlands up front. Our skipper has played in all of the friendlies, scoring three goals and making two assists along the way. Needless to say, he is keeping up the fine form.
Theo Walcott and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain have both made it into the England squad. It was quite a surprise when Oxlade-Chamberlain was picked by Roy Hodgson, but it will no doubt provide some valuable experience for the young midfielder. Both players have featured in the two friendlies that England has played, and they have showcased their speed and other qualities very well.
Wojciech Szczesny is the first-choice 'keeper for the Poles. He has occupied the goal in both of Poland's friendlies ahead of the European Championship, and he has kept two clean-sheets.
Nicklas Bendtner will be the man up front for Denmark in the tournament. He has played in both of Denmark's friendlies, scoring once.
Andrey Arshavin has played in all three of Russia's friendlies. The midfielder is a centre-piece in the Russian squad, and has been that for many years now.
Per Mertesacker will feature for the German team. The centre-half will be joined by Lukas Podolski, and this will be the first time for many Arsenal fans to get a good look at the new signing.
Tomas Rosicky is the captain of the Czech Republic team, however, the creative midfielder has missed both of the friendlies ahead of the Championship. Hopefully he will recover from his injury in time for the first game.
As you might have noticed, we have quite a lot of players to keep track of in the tournament. Therefore I will write updates on our players as often as possible!
Sunday, May 20, 2012
Signing: Lukas Podolski
I know I've mentioned it in an earlier post, but since the season is over and I'm growing weary of not writing I've decided to give some further information of our new signing from Germany, Lukas Podolski.
My personal earlier experiences of the striker are few, I can recall watching him in a couple of games for Germany, but no more than that. He is currently 26 years old and has played 95 games for Germany, which means that he's got plenty of experience! He's also been a prolific goalscorer with 43 strikes for the national team.
Hopefully he will add a lot to the team and relieve some of the pressure from Robin van Persie (who is still having negotiation-talks with the club, making us all more nervous by the day!).
My personal earlier experiences of the striker are few, I can recall watching him in a couple of games for Germany, but no more than that. He is currently 26 years old and has played 95 games for Germany, which means that he's got plenty of experience! He's also been a prolific goalscorer with 43 strikes for the national team.
Hopefully he will add a lot to the team and relieve some of the pressure from Robin van Persie (who is still having negotiation-talks with the club, making us all more nervous by the day!).
 |
| Lukas Podolski wearing the red and white. |
Monday, May 14, 2012
West Bromwich Albion vs. Arsenal
3-2, Premier League, The Hawthorns, 2012-05-13
Benayoun 4,
Santos 28,
Koscielny 54
We finally got the job done. After ninety minutes of withstanding agonzing nerves, we finally got the job done. Considering our start of the season a third place feels like a victory, especially snatching it from our neighbours! We have ensured another year of Champions League football (the fifteenth year in a row of top European football for us) and let's just hope that it's enough to ensure that the services of our captain will remain for more seasons to come.
The game started well for us, we played with confidence and scored early. The W.B.A 'keeper made a fatal error that Yossi Benayoun capitalised on. He snatched it from the hands of the 'keeper and scored with ease. After that you'd have thought that we could more or less ease through the game, yet that was not the case. Within the space of four minutes we found ourselves trailing, 1-2! The first goal should never have been allowed as the player was offside by at least a yard! Nervetheless, it was vital that we found ourselves back in the game before the end of the first half, and our very own Brazilian defender saw to that. During his first season at Arsenal, Andre Santos have proved to be a real attacking force, and the last game of the season proved to be no different. The left back made his way into the W.B.A half and fired away a sizzling shot!
In the second half we continued to push on and, ironically, our salvation came through a situation that has often been our ruin: a corner. A lack of communication between 'keeper and defender meant that Laurent Koscielny found himself in a position where he just had to tuck the ball into the back of an open net! The remaining minutes we held on, and only just about! Gibbs slided in with an excellent tackle in the final minute to deny W.B.A a golden opportunity to score, and in doing so he probably won the game for us.
So that's an end to yet another (trophy-less) season. However, we can feel nothing but joy at the moment, considering how barely we just saved that spot in the Champions League. It does feel that next season will bring something more with it. Granted, we need to keep Robin van Persie as well as make a few more signings, but it does feel like the team is growing up, fast.
Injury Update;
-Walcott came on for the second half, returning from injury.
-Sagna underwent surgery earlier in the week on his fractured leg, meaning that he (most likely) won't be back in time for the next season.
-Arteta and Mertesacker are both still out, but hopefully they'll be back for next season.
Benayoun 4,
Santos 28,
Koscielny 54
We finally got the job done. After ninety minutes of withstanding agonzing nerves, we finally got the job done. Considering our start of the season a third place feels like a victory, especially snatching it from our neighbours! We have ensured another year of Champions League football (the fifteenth year in a row of top European football for us) and let's just hope that it's enough to ensure that the services of our captain will remain for more seasons to come.
The game started well for us, we played with confidence and scored early. The W.B.A 'keeper made a fatal error that Yossi Benayoun capitalised on. He snatched it from the hands of the 'keeper and scored with ease. After that you'd have thought that we could more or less ease through the game, yet that was not the case. Within the space of four minutes we found ourselves trailing, 1-2! The first goal should never have been allowed as the player was offside by at least a yard! Nervetheless, it was vital that we found ourselves back in the game before the end of the first half, and our very own Brazilian defender saw to that. During his first season at Arsenal, Andre Santos have proved to be a real attacking force, and the last game of the season proved to be no different. The left back made his way into the W.B.A half and fired away a sizzling shot!
In the second half we continued to push on and, ironically, our salvation came through a situation that has often been our ruin: a corner. A lack of communication between 'keeper and defender meant that Laurent Koscielny found himself in a position where he just had to tuck the ball into the back of an open net! The remaining minutes we held on, and only just about! Gibbs slided in with an excellent tackle in the final minute to deny W.B.A a golden opportunity to score, and in doing so he probably won the game for us.
So that's an end to yet another (trophy-less) season. However, we can feel nothing but joy at the moment, considering how barely we just saved that spot in the Champions League. It does feel that next season will bring something more with it. Granted, we need to keep Robin van Persie as well as make a few more signings, but it does feel like the team is growing up, fast.
Injury Update;
-Walcott came on for the second half, returning from injury.
-Sagna underwent surgery earlier in the week on his fractured leg, meaning that he (most likely) won't be back in time for the next season.
-Arteta and Mertesacker are both still out, but hopefully they'll be back for next season.
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