Can Arsenal beat Barcelona?.... They certainly think they can

In the 2010/2011 installment of the Champions League, Arsenal finished second in Group H. As fate would have it; it would be only a matter of time before they once again faced Barcelona. Robin Van Persie, Arsenals lethal hit man, said "As a football fan I would fan I would like to see or be involved in the Champions League against Barcelona or Real Madrid." for a second consecutive season Arsenal welcome Barcelona to the Emirates. This classic encounter sees two darlings of European football battle it out for a place to the next round.

Was Robin Van Persie really serious when he claimed his side wanted to face Barcelona?  Let's take a look at Arsenal's first eleven performance against Wolves and see if Arsenal can pull off a win against the Catalan Giants.

In goal Wojciech Szczensy may as well have been having tea with the ball boys. Didn't have much to do all afternoon. However, do not let this take away from the fact he made some excellent saves throughout the game. Szczensy certainly has a birght future at Arsenal and will be a safe pair of hands for the Guneers.


In defence, Bacary Sagna performed remarkably well, and it's a shame for Arsenal fans out there that he will not feature in the first leg clash - Emmanuel Eboue, Arsenal's versatile man will replace him. Eboue has not had too much game time this season and with a certain Lionel Messi at the top of his game Gunners will be hoping he is in top form against the Argentinian.
Laurent Koscienlny had a good game against Wolves - standing his ground and clearing balls often - keeping a Clean sheet is always also a good sign. The Wolverhampton attack was dealt with comprehensively by the Arsenal centre back pairing. Johan Djourou certainly is turning out to be Arsene Wenger's trusted man in central defence. Djourou hasn't put a foot wrong this year, and against Wolves he was no different. He was especially dominant in the air, using his height to good advantage.
Gael Clichy supported Arshavin with his pacey runs. He was a constant threats to the Wolves right back position. Clichy out ran the Wolverhampton wingers on many occasions, and there seemed to be no threat in return on his side.

In midfield, Alex Song was heavily missed last weekend and he proved why against Wolverhampton. His presence in front of the defence removed a heap of pressure off the centre backs. Dominant in midfield, crushing anything that Wolves conjured up in the middle of the park. Jack Wilshere continues to amaze. He was brilliant as usual. Made a countless driving runs into the heart of the Wolves defence which almost paid dividends on a number of occassions. Captain Cesc Fabregas set up Van Persie for the first goal in the 16th minute. He was driving the midfield as usual and superb as always. How he didn't get on the score sheet is still a question begging to be answered. Theo Walcott has certainly grown of age this season. Quick - as usual - he left the Wolves defence - and the linesman -  in shambles. Wacott is certainly a threat that the Barcelona defence will look to quell early on. At some point this season many were asking whether Andre Arshavin forgot how to play football. Clearly coming of a form slump Arhsavin put in a solid performance to get a few critics - including PTA - off his back.

Upfront, Robin Van Persie seems to be scoring for fun right now, which will surely come as good news to the Ashburton faithful. Unlucky not to get a hattrick on the weekend, two goals not even summing up his performance!

To sum it all up Wolverhampton Wanderers were destroyed by a rampant Arsenal side. 5-0 might've been a more accurate scoreline. Arsenal are growing in confidence and they are playing some wonderful football. The defending pair of Djourou and Koscielny is pretty solid. If Barcelona aren't careful they'll be in for harder task than they are expecting.


Written by Stanley Mlenga - (Facebook Follower) - A Massive Arsenal supporter!

A-League 2010/2011 Finals Series - Brisbane Roar - Preview

After a below average season in the 2009/2010 installment, which resulted in them finishing second last, expectations for the 2010/2011 were simple, qualify for the finals! With the loss of Sergio Van Dijk early in the season to rivals Adelaide it was predicted that the Roar would finish last.



However a host of signings (Broich and Solorzano just a few) brought new talent to the club as well as an entertaining brand of football. The unredictability of the Roar quickly pushed them towards the top of the table. The Roar were rampant against anyone they faced, scoring in nearly every encounter. They ended Wellington's 24 game unbeaten streak at home.

After comprehensively accounting for Adelaide 4-0 who are their closest rivals on the table, the Roar went on to break an A-League record 14 matches undefeated. This was a record in the A-League but not in football leagues across Australia. This soon to be no challenge as Brisbane broke South Melbourne's long standing record of 16 games unbeaten, stretching out the record to 23 games. They were announced premiers a remarkable two games before the conclusion of the regular season.

Lead by Solorzano and Barbarouses upfront the Roar have put a total of 58 goals behind opposition in the A-League. Matched by a solid defence who have considered less than half the amount, it would seem that Bribane is the most well rounded team in the A-League.



As is rightly deserved Brisbane will go into the finals favourites to take out the title. After taking claiming a first league title, the Roar will be confident that they can replicate their stunning for and claim a first A-League Premiership, marking the end of a remarkable turn around after a 2009/2010 season which put the club under alot of pressure from fans and sponsors alike.

The White Pele

Red Devils-bitter blues 2-1. 12-02-2011

Hodgson moves on to West Brom

Not very long after he was outed by Liverpool - after a very poor start to the season - Roy Hodgson has found a home at lowly West Brom. Albion sit just above the relegation zone, and the obvious goal would be to maintain this status.

This is Hodgson's first role after his unsuccessful stint at Anfield and he will be looking to a make good his damaged coaching reputation. He is the successor of Reberto Di Matteo who was relieved of his role at the club. His first game incharge will come this week, whilst the fine ends of the deal are finalised. Until then the squad is under the control of assistant coach Michael Appleton.

Hodgson's successor at Liverpool Kenny Dalglish has turned the club's fourtunes around witha solid few victories over the oast weeks. Hodgson attributed his poor run of form at Liverpool to the low transfer budget he was granted - and many fans will tend to agree with the former Fulham manager.

Rooney magic, leaves Joe Hart mesmerised

Contrary to our usual articles, which give in-depth analysis, we'll let Rooney's bicycle against Manchester City do all the talking. Enjoy the goal!



"It defies description" - Martin Tyler

Italian Serie A Round 25 - Juventus vs Inter - Preview

The two most successful teams in the history of the Serie A will face each other yet again in round 27 of the Serie A. The rivalry between the Bianconeri and the Neazzurri is one of the most intense in the world. It stretches far beyond the pitch into the ranks of management and with the fans. Recently Inter have asserted their dominance over the Turin giants, however a desperate Juventus side will look to go go one up this season after drawing their first match with the Milan side.

Last season the Derby D'Italia finished one game a piece with both games proving to be absolute crackers. Both teams have had mixed seasons. Juventus on one hand starting brilliantly, but fading off into obscurity, whilst Inter have just started to pick up the pace under new coach Leonardo. Both teams have made a host of new signings in the winter, with Pazzini and Matri about to get their first taste of the historic fixture.

Inter come into the game on a four game winning streak. After a stunning performance in a high scoring affair against Roma, a more defensive lineup is expected. They will also come into the match knowing that a Champions League clash against Bayern Munich is coming up.

Juventus' season is in shambles. With the chances of winning the Scudetto all but lost the Bianconeri will be hoping that they qualify in the top four positions, to ensure not only a Champions League spot but extra funding. Del Neri will also be under pressure, with a loss surely calling for his job to be put under review. Juve will hope that new signings Matri and Barzagli add a new dimension of play to the Turin side.

Juventus Team News: Quagliarella and Iaquinta will be missing upfront yet again, with Traore, Rinaudo and De Ceglie also missing from the squad. Alessandro Matri is expected to partner either Del Piero or Luca Toni upfront. After a good performance last week, Sissoko is expected to start along with Felipe Melo and Alberto Aquilani. Chiellini will be used a left back again after his stellar performances continue to make the flank a less vunerable part of Juventus' defence

Inter Milan Team News: Samuel and Lucio are two massive blows in defence for th Neazzurri. With Milito missing in attack it will be left to Pazzini to find the back of the net. Sneijder will control the midfield in the absence of Stankovic. Chivu is suspended after his terrible conduct against Bari. Rannochia and Zanetti are expected to be the Centre Back pairing for Inter.

As is similar to the Manchester Derby, a host of players will be missing from action. Nevertheless the game will prove crucial to both sides. Juventus will be looking to keep in contact with the top four, and Inter will want to break dow Milan's lead at the top. It is a game not to be missed and home advantage may just play a part.

Prediction - Juventus 2 - Inter 1

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