Koscienly Bosses Arsenal to the Champions League

After all the melodrama and permutation, the final day of the season came on sunday with 3 fixtures having more significance than the rest because of champions League football at stake. Chelsea needed a win to secure 3rd spot, Arsenal needed a win to secure 4th and maybe 3rd but Spurs needed Arsenal to falter to have a chance at 4th.

Wenger decided not to change the Wigan winning side with Arteta assumingly passing a late fitness test to make the starting 11. The stand-in captain wobbled off mid-way in the 1st half for the Ox to strut his stuff.

A poor 1st half was to emerge with the gunners having no clear cut chance despite Newcastle fielding a 3rd choice retiring Harper to man the post. Newcastle, probably spurred by Ashley’s 1million pounds promise to the back-room staff, caused a lot of problems but failed to make good use of their chances. They showcased their strongest side with Demba Cisse, Guitterez, Guoffran, Ben Arfa and the other french entourage.

When the attackers failed to convert, koscienly positioned himself to rift an acro-goal past hapless harper to send the red half of North London to ecstasy. Walcott had delivered a cross from a free kick and the ball found its way to Koscienly’s path and the boss who had missed a header earlier on wasted no time to fire past the goalie. Koscienly went on to deny Newcastle of chances with his tackling, sliding and bossing .

I owe Arsenal’s resurgence to Koscienly’s involvement in the defense. His partnership with metersacker has yielded defensive fruits since after that lose to spurs at White Hart Lane. With just a yellow and a red card, He is my Arsenal Player of the Season. Ramsey too should be applauded for his performances. He has improved well enough.

So why we led at st. James Park, Spurs had hard luck against themselves but Bale scored late on to beat 10-man sunderland to send White Hart Lane to ruptures. Well, did they think that Arsenal were losing? I feel for them because AVB has done so much but North London is red. Arsenal finishes above Tottenham for the umpteenth time. I wonder what would be going on in Bale’s mind: Best Player, Best season, Behind Arsenal, Back to Europa League.

While Everton couldn’t hold Chelsea at stamford bridge, Arsenal would make do with the champions League group stage play-offs than play in the less glamorous Europa League that fetchs as much as cash for winning it as for winning a mere group game in the Champions League (€9.6m).

So the 38 series soap opera ends with Arsenal being the 4th placed team on the Log, 3rd best strike force, 2nd best defense, and Best fair play team in England. We can spring forth from this position hoping to chase the Black widow spider and win Silverware by this time 2014.

So Sir Alex Ferguson managed his 1500th game with a 5-5 draw at the Hawthorns. Kudos to Westbrom for the turn around from 4-1.

So all you gunners, Enjoy your St. Totteringham Day(s) and Mind the Gap.

The 2012/13 Last Preview and the 39th Game

So we have turned the last corner of the 2012/13 season and we approach the finishing line with neck-break speed like Usain Bolt. The season might have been a marathon like Mo Farah’s races but this last game would determine our final league standing and our possible next season set-up.

At the beginning of this campaign, i tweeted at goonerdaily that Arsenal could win the quadruple. That was the optimistic me expressing immense desire to banish the 7years trophylessness to hades. I was to be disappointed for the umpteenth time only to see Arsenal chasing top4 till week 38.

On Tuesday, we sent Wigan down and reclaimed 4th spot but we need to deliver the position on Sunday against Newcastle. Only 3 matches in the EPL is of importance and all 3 involves 3 London teams: Newcastle vs Arsenal, Everton vs Chelsea, Tottenham vs Sunderland.

The last time we met the Toon Army, it was the last match of 2012 at the emirates where Walcott got a hattrick and Giroud was a goal shy of his hattrick. We won 7-3. Newcastle has plummeted since then with sale of Demba Ba to Chelsea and the mediocre performance of the French imports.

I expect Giroud to be sent back to the starting 11 with Podolski relegated to the bench. If Arteta fails his late-fitness test, the trio of Ramsey, Rosicky and Cazorla would man the middle while Podolski returns to the left. The remaining positions should remain unchanged from the side that beat Wigan.

While we are hoping and aiming to beat Newcastle to confirm Champions League for next season, there is a small matter of the possibilty of coming 3rd. If Chelsea, jaded by their Europa League win, draw with Everton, Arsenal could come 3rd by winning Newcastle by more than a goal margin and avoid the play offs. I believe Arsenal would run roit over Newcastle but can Everton give David Moyes a befitting sendforth victory? I am not even worried about Spurs.

The Probability of the 39th game between Arsenal and Chelsea is little but a combination of results may bring the play-off to limelight. I really do wish to avoid it but sunday would determine. The FA have fixed May 26th and Villa Park for the match. The play-off will be to Arsenal’s advantage because chelsea were better head-to-head.

So I wait tomorrow but I am basking in Mourinho’s cup lose from lastnight. He has gone trophyless this season and I enjoyed Athletico painting Madrid Red. Yaya sanogo’s news is weird and i am indifferent for now.

Lets win big and start next season strong.

Cazorlic Arsenal send FA Cup Down as Wigan Lose Relegation War

3 goals in 8 minutes sent the 2013 FA cup champions to the championship in the 2nd half of their visit to the emirates stadium. Wigan, basking with their FA cup glory 3 days ago against the Citizens of Manchester, came to North London hoping to usurp Arsenal’s Champions League chase and win their relegation war.

I feared for a state of emergency at the emirates if the gunners dont pick up 3 points but they put my fears to rest by going one further than i predicted. Nigeria’s GEJ had declared a state of emergency in 3 states about 30mins before the kick off. There would be none at ashburton groove as the game ended 4-1.

Wigan have craved for themselves a niche of fighting relegation every season and last year they stole 3 points from the emirates and did same to Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle. Facing Wigan at the tail part of the season is like facing Bayern Munich with the form that despathhed Barcelona.

Podolski grabbed a goal within 10mins before Mike Dean awarded a soft free kick for Maloney to beat Szczesny on the stroke of half time. Szcsesny saved arsenal earlier on in the 2nd half from Kone’s shot before the 8 minutes gaols fiesta started: Walcott with his 21st of the season, Podolski with his double for the night and Ramsey for his 1st premeir league goal of the season. (who dies next?)

only one player has featured in all 37 league matches for the gunners: Santi Cazorla. In recent games, resurgent Rosicky has displaced the spanaird from the AMF role to the left wing with Podolski seemingly off form. Santa Santi Cazorla was my MOTM with 4 assists for the night. His corner gave the 1st, his low cross gave Walcot his, his heas-on gave podolski’s flick-on goal and he laid the ball for Ramsey to aplomb.

The team played very well especially in the 2nd half. Sagna and gibbs were on to nullify espinoza and Mcmanaman; Kos was the boss as ever partnered by the gentle german giant, as they snuffed Kone of chances. Ramsey choked McArthur and tackled on as Arteta was Arteta. Szczesny responded well and caused the 3rd goal; Rosicky twisted and Walcot ran and Podolski did his job. For the first time since 2002, more than 3 arsenal players have double figures on goal.

For Wigan, we aren’t City, Gibbs isn’t Clichy and we have Rambo and Kos the boss. The Lactics have survived for 8 seasons and I personally feel sad like wenger that the 9-lives cat has lost his life finally. I feel for Roberto Martinez but they would be in Europe next season thanks to the FA cup in their cabinet. Football is a drama series.

Now we can focus on our last game against Newcastle and maybe surpass Chelsea. Hope Everton give Moyes a sendforth victory over Chelsea and Sunderland pay us back by thrashing the white Hen at the 5th Cage.

I support Benfica tonight but I would follow the week 12 fixtures of the Nigeria Professional Football League in the evening.

What a night.

Benteke and Adams fail to Ease Arsenal’s Pressure

Benteke gave Arsenal hope by scoring in the first half against Chelsea and there was wide spread jubilation at the red half of North London as Ramires, the African-looking Brazilian saw red. Unfortunately Benteke fell from hero to zero as his matching orders spurred Benitez’s Blue army to rally back to win 2-1 no thanks to Lampard’s double.

With 3rd spot almost lost with chelsea 5 points clear, Arsenal looked forward to Sunday hoping for Spurs to stutter at Stoke. Charlie Adams saw red to inspire Spurs to win 2-1 over Rugby FC. I expected Stoke to poke Spurs but well, AVB had other plans and former gunner Adebayor executed as directed.

These two victories to our 2 London rivals on the top4 chase taste sour on Arsenal taste bud and we could only find ourselves 5th, 2 point behind spurs with a game in hand against FA cup champions Wigan.

Yes, Wigan are the newly crowned FA cup winners, giving the blue half of manchester a sucker punch in the 90th minute. It was a match of 2 blues, 2 Robertos and 2 types of budget. The spanish Roberto became victor as the Italian Roberto could only ponder on his future with Pellegrini lined to replace him.

So Wigan would visit the emirates with the air of champions and I hope there will be Guard of Honour. I pray they party long enough to be so tired to put up resistance against Arsenal.

Whatsoever it may be, Arsenal’s fate lies squarely in their hands: Beat Wigan, come back 4th. Alan Pardew wants Newcastle fans to just enjoy their final match and doesnt care if Arsenal win 4-0 since they are safe already.

Finally, our world best Bendtner won a league medal with Juventus. He got his serie A medal on sunday despite playing just 8 games. Even Anelka who played thrice got a medal.

Would Wenger add Roberto to his name to win the next FA cup? I await Wigan.

Merci

Arsenal win at QPR in 20 seconds but Top4 slips away silently

20 seconds after the kickoff, Theo Walcot gave Arsenal a hard fought victory over Harry’s relegated QPR at Loftus road. Arsenal had never won at loftus road and the scoreline indicated how edge-y the game was.

A lot of chances were missed from both London sides. They both justified why they should be in their current position on the log: chasing Top4 and being relegated. I had a glimpse of Remy, did you?

Kudos must be given to Walcott who scored the record breaking fastest goal in the premeir league history. It was his 200th League appearance and Arsenal’s 100th goal of the season. Green and the post denied him from increasing his tally.

BFG and Kos continued their impressive partnership (verm vex) as they kept a clean sheet. My MOTM is the young pole at goal. The score remained 1-0 because of the reflexes of szczesny. That 3 weeks break/drop has really brought forth good fruits.

I did miss Giroud; Podolski did well enough but didnt deal well with the aerials and link-up plays. Are we even meant to play “cross and nod”? We rarely do penetrate like the bergkamp/Henry era. We are now fond of swish-swashing to the wings aiming to pull out a cross and yet Sagna has plummeted in his crossing duties, if not all duties. A corner won is a corner lost because I cant remember when we scored from one. Oh, I remember Kos in Munich. If only we had Lewandowski. Dreams.

Well, we are 3rd. Error, back to 4th. United decided to switch off as Chelsea won 1-0 at Old Trafford. That United loss was a loss to Arsenal and even spurs. Odd. We are a point behind Rafa’s Blues with Chelsea having an outstanding game against Spurs on wednesday.

Wednesday; Arsenal’s season may/should be decided on that night. A Spurs win would spell doom; A blue win makes 3rd unreachable and a draw would be dicey. How much we await wednesday, the day of reckoning.

Whatsoever the outcome may be, lets win Wigan and Newcastle. I hope we finish in the top 4; but even if we dont, the Europa League may be a wake up call and a true fan wont stop supporting.

Happy new week.

Follow on twitter: http://www.twitter.com/soccergunz

Arsenal weak-end lessons

The chase for the Champions League football continued its twist and turns as the London clubs fight to the finish line. Spurs drew at Wigan 2-2 while Chelsea beat Swansea 2-0.

Van pierse lapped his Guard of Honour, set up Arsenal’s goal by Theo Walcott before Sagna pressed the self-destruct button to gift his former captain a penalty. The flying dutchman expectedly converted and the game wore on to end 1-1. 1 point gained or 2 points lost? A draw is better than a lose.

Lessons/points:
1. Podolski’s wrong deputy, didnt you miss Giroud?
The 3 match ban to Giroud paved way for Podolski to start as top striker for the second time in his Arsenal career. Just like his 1st experience as a top9, he was a peripheral figure. All ye gooners that gloried in Giroud’s red and pushing for a podolski start could see for yourselves. Podolski maybe isnt fit yet with surgery around the corner but I missed Giroud.

2. Arsenal love to self-destruct:
The quality of goals Arsenal has shipped in this season has been alarming and unacceptable. We have always shot ourselves in the foot and end up sharing or loosing the loot. Sagna just spoiled the party with that self-destruct button to epitome Arsenal’s defensive challenges. Virtually every defender has had his days of delf-destruction. If we must concede, let it be classic.

3. Arsenal need United, Chelsea and Themselves.
Manchester United would need to beat Chelsea for Arsenal if the gunners are to finish above the Blues. Chelsea in turn would need to beat spurs to better their chances and Arsenal’s. If spurs beat chelsea in their outsatanding, Arsenal would go 5th. Arsenal just need to win relegated QPR, Wigan and troubled Newscastle.

4. Ramsey, Koscienly ripens:
Fergie and Wenger fought for Ramsey’s signature and Arsenal won. Ramsey has been booed and scape-goated last season and early this season but he has been the most consistent player in the last 6-7 games. Koscienly is inarguably the best CB at Arsenal with his timely tackle and tenacity. He won 7 tackles against united higher than any player on the pitch with a 100% accuracy.

5. Ni PFA Gunner:
Gareth Bale won the PFA player and young player of the year while none of Arsenal’s army could make the PFA 11. United had 4 plaers, Chelsea 2, Spurs 2 with Liverpool, City and Everton having a spot each. Wilshere did make the PFA young player shortlist but the PFA 11 shows how low Arsenal have nose dived.

Wake up Wenger, wake up gunners.

See you all in spain for the german crusade.

RVP Returns as Champion to lap the Guard of Honour at the Emirates

The sale of RVP at the beginning of this season didnt go down well with many red blooded North Londoner. I had personally believed he would see off his 1 year contract left but I got a sucker punch. The little boy inside had decided.

£24million RVP scored a hattrick last monday to increase his tally to 24 goals averaging 1million per goal as United grabbed their 20th Premeir League title. This same RVP and his united pals would be at the emirates on sunday as champions with 4 games to spare.

Wenger agrees to give United the Guard of Honour,an English tradition which the shrewd Frenchman has benefitted from his United counterpart. The fans would be ired to see Van Pierse lap the glory of the guard of honour. It surely symbolizes that He made a right personal decision. I hope the sight of the GoH would spurr the gunners to win the EPL next season.

I dont care about the GoH, I care about the 3 points at stake. We are in the top4 chase with spurs and chelsea and there is no time to cry over spilt milk. 3 wins out of 4 games would keep Arsenal in top4 but United would like to break a certain record held by chelsea which requires them winning their last 4 games.

Even if fergie uses his fringe devils, we must take the game to them and hold them by the jugular. We were asleep in the 1st leg at Ols Trafford until Cazorla consoled us with a last minute goal to lose 2-1. The 8-2 bashing still lingers and its remembrance brings sourness to my tastebuds fuelling a hunger for revenge. If only we can pay back in that coin on Sunday.

For the flying dutchman, I hope Koscienly sends him to david jones’ locker by giivng him a good fight to tame his scoring demons. I wont be surprised if he scores. Id he does, he might unveil an undershirt that reads “I am Sorry” or “the little boy was right”.

Go gunners, grab 3 points, gun the devils down and lets move on.

Merci.