Arsenal V Tottenham Post Match Chat

 Sabi boi:
Good evening gentlemen...how's your weekend been?personally?
Ekanem:
Good morning Sabi...well its been very relaxing; lots of good football to watch
OKEY:
My weekend has been good but the Arsenal win made it even better
Tosman:
Good evening guys....it has  been an amazing weekend...one that will live long in my memory
Tosman:
And It seems ekanem is using mecca time
OKEY:
Lol
Sabi boi:
@ ekanem-morning,must be very relaxing... and the Arsenal win...good good..My weekend has been okay.There were a lot of sounds/noise,comments coming from the north of London but the one comment or phrase I heard this weekend that I haven't heard in a while.."in wenger we trust"..so wenger is still the right man for Arsenal then?
Sabi boi:
Is this(against Tottenham) win the beginning of things to come?...is Arsenal back on winning ways for good or its a case of what if?what if there was no red card?
Tosman:
Oh yeah, Wenger will always be the right man for the job especially if they maintain their top four status every season but am not sure the fans would have been  singing if Adebayor wasn't sent off.
Ekanem:
Honestly I still think he is; but I have to say we shouldn't be carried away with this win just yet. Let arsenal not feel this is the beginning of better things to come. There were still problems with the team that showed despite the result
Ekanem:
The two goals were very avoidable. They were due to bad decisions made by arsenal players

Ekanem:
And  there will always be what ifs?  The bottom line is we got the 3 points. As the old football adage goes, you can only beat what is in front of you.

OKEY:
Wenger is the right man for the job but this team can't win the league without a few more additions during the january transfer window

Sabi boi:
What additions will help Okey?What positions do u think arsenal lack in?

OKEY:
I think a top striker and a good defender would be great and if arsenal can swap Walcott for Sterling as was in the news it would strengthen the team
OKEY:
But from the news report arsenal would have to pay extra to get sterling kinda like the Eto'o n Ibrahimovic switch

Ekanem:
@ okey I wouldn't support that switch at the moment
Sabi boi:
Sterling for walcott.....interesting..suarez for giround?
Ekanem:
Lol

Sabi boi:
@ ekanem,problems with the team how?and @ tosman..are u saying fourth place is all Arsenal wants for seasons to come...can't Wenger challenge for the title?

Tosman:
Judging from their past two or three seasons, it seems fourth place is becoming an achievement for them.


Sabi boi:
Since there will always be what ifs.What if Adebayo had stayed on the pitch..what do u think would have happened?And I ask again..u beat what was infront of you so what are the problems @ekanem

OKEY:
Well in the 1st 15 mins or there about the defending was quite shaky and Tottenham could have exploited those problems if Adebayor had been on the pitch
Tosman:
I think its hard to judge based on this result because of how spurs played before the red card but you still have to give credit to Arsenal because of the way they tore spurs apart afterwards
Sabi boi:
They tore a ten man team apart,the game was over once the red card was shown...and the shaky defence u speak about was just one man..per matersacker...so yes u have injuries but he was the weak link?
Ekanem:
One bad match doesn't make a player questionable. Every player has a bad day in the office

Ekanem:
He was punished for his mistakes in this match. But I don't think he was the only player that was nervy earlier on. And I want to point out that he has been arsenals best centre half so far this season
Sabi boi:
But if the best is questionable..wouldn't that say u have a lot of problems to consider?and how will u solve those problem?


Sabi boi:
If we judge from past seasons...united will always win the title...let's judge with what we have now...Why cant arsenal win the league?Why can't they challenge?And if they can't win the league why is wenger the man for the job?
Tosman:
Arsenal can't win the league because they don't have the players that can consistently beat teams even when they don't play well. Teams like Man utd and Man city do win even when they are poor and  Wenger is still the man because there are few available managers better than him right now.
Ekanem:
Its a tricky question to answer because its easy to think someone else would do better. But when you think about the limited resources at his disposal, I think he's still the man for the arsenal
OKEY:
Wenger is doing a good job. And in my opinion the better managers are not available at the moment
Sabi boi:
U say they are few manager better than him...so can't one from that few take his place?

Sabi boi:
Better managers like?can I have jus 2 names?
Sabi boi:
well 3 points for the Arsenal,Wenger getting his play right.What did Avb get wrong or right?
Tosman:
Avb didn't get his defence right. Gallas and Naughton shouldnt have played
Tosman:
Fine, Caulker was injured so Gallas can be played with Dawson and then Ventonghen should have played left back
Tosman:
Gallas has been showing signs that he is past his best since the season started

Tosman:
Walcott tore naughton into pieces

Sabi boi:
So your saying he started with the wrong defence line and as far as I know,walcott wasn't seen till the red card,are u being harsh on naughton?

Tosman:
Well, am saying based on what walcott did after the red card but still he started with the wrong defence
.
Sabi boi:
How about damage limitation?seeing that he has two of the best wingers in the league(argueable)..why not defend then attack?almost paying off still doesn't mean it did?
Ekanem:
Yes but he tried. Damage limitation doesn't reduce the points lost
Sabi boi:
So goal difference doesn't matter in the league?city won it with goal difference..damage limitation allows u defend and hopefully hit on the break...3 points lost is 3 point lost but am sure 4-2 is better than 5-2?

Ekanem:
Who knows...if they got the 3rd goal the outcome might have been different
Sabi boi:
We really can't do what ifs for a formation that didn't work..or can we?

Ekanem:
We actually can in some situations...with 10 men he had the options of being restrictive or going all out. He chose the latter. All I'm saying is there were signs that it could have worked.
Sabi boi:
Why would the option with ten men ever be to go all out?

Sabi boi:
And we are talking about spurs..the principle of playing to your strengths shd always be there...why go all out when you know there's more harm?


Tosman:
playing with ten men can only be an option only if you are playing to win a championship or fighting a last day relegation battle
Ekanem:
Well it has worked for some teams
OKEY:
Its risky to go all out with ten men but considering the game and the timing I think it was the wrong decision but it has paid off on some occasions
Sabi boi:
As it didn't work for spurs,with ten men going for the win..then avb got it worng?

Ekanem:
He definitely got it wrong. I'm just applauding his bravery

Sabi boi:
And why applaud bravery when it shares a room with being daft? or the fan in you is happy he was daft?

Tosman:
I actually thought that spurs could hold their lead till half time or maybe on level terms but what happened didn't look good on the manager's part, maybe he should have told them to be  a bit defensive

OKEY:
Avb did well with the players he had but playing Adebayor was bound to be either good or bad
Sabi boi:
@okey,u don't think good or bad as a manager,if there's an element of bad,why play him then?

OKEY:
I think most manager would have played Adebayor against Arsenal because of his record against àrsenal and his history with the team but this time the gamble didn't pay off
OKEY:
Adebayor is a good player and was definitely played for that but I believe manger also consider certain players records against certain team before they are played

Tosman:
I don't even consider playing adebayor as a gamble because he should be in their first team whether against arsenal or not
Sabi boi:
So okey,adebayo wasn't played for what he can do skillfully but because of his track record...should spurs buy drogba because of his record against arsenal?

Ekanem:
As a manager you can only prepare your team and hope it goes according to plan. He couldn't have planned for Adebayor to be red carded. I think he made a bold move in the 2nd half by taking his wing backs off and it nearly paid off

Sabi boi:
Once again...ur saying he didn't play adebayo thinking he could impact the game and help spurs win but he just wanted to be adventurous?@ekanem

Sabi boi:
Man of the match for u and why?@everyone
Tosman:
Man of the match was Carzola. Ran the show for arsenal plus an assist and a goal. Walcott did well I must mention
OKEY:
Man of the Match for me has to be Carzola because I think he contributed the most to the win and really controlled the game and also a goal and an assist doesn't hurt too
Ekanem:
Cazorla for me. He dictated the play and gave arsenal the impetus to attack
Sabi boi:
So with carzola..is the understanding between him and wilshere coming good now?
Ekanem:
Yes very much so. They switch positions better and I suspect jack has accepted that they can't both play the same roles.
Tosman:
Wilshere and Carzola combination can't be judged after this match. Time will tell bt I think they will come good
Tosman:
With two good players, one would think that they will try and work on their partnership the more and by playing together more often, one should hope so

Sabi boi:
But how do we know the understanding will continue,u just told me u can't judge from one match?
Ekanem:
I was cautious of saying that..but since you brought that up...yes I was glad

OKEY:
I think Carzola and Wilshere will certainly grow together with the right amount of games
Sabi boi:
Right amount of games?@okey are there wrong ones?
OKEY:
Yeah I think its too early to judge their partnership yet they need more games to gel properly
Sabi boi:
Giround as a striker....75 minutes one goal...walcott as a striker...5 mins one goal...not comparing but walcott as a striker..why not?
Tosman:
You cannot judge them like that. Walcott has a good scoring ratio when he plays as a striker but you can't just play him there because of that. For example. In madrid ronaldo would probably score more than benzema and higuain if he plays as a striker bt mourihno still play him as a winger because he knows he is more suited there. Am not trying to deviate though
Ekanem:
It would be unfair to use those statistics because walcott was moved to that position when the game was stretched. He has the potential to be a striker, I just don't think he should start games as one just yet. And remember he's one of the few natural wingers we have so I think he's more useful at the wings for now
OKEY:
I just think Walcott is more suited on the wings and can do real damage from the wings and Giroud cannot be compared to Walcott based on just this match
OKEY:
Based on the time of the goals
Sabi boi:
Walcott against reading...down the middle.hatrick!
Sabi boi:
First capital one game...walcott down the middle..hatrick...so why not...ekanem is worried he will loose him as a winger and okey thinks he not good as a striker....goals determine the wins right..if he can get the goals through the middle..then I ask again..wlacott as a striker..why not?
Ekanem:
Don't remember him playing down the middle...was an emotional game for me so I might be wrong

Ekanem:
And he's also getting the goals and assists from the wings
Ekanem:
Playing from the wings allows him to be more flexible because he can drift into wide positions or cut into the middle
Sabi boi:
So he shouldn't play as a striker cos he is suited more as a winger?how do u know where he is suited more when u don't play him as a striker?and I repeat,henry always came in from the wings...
Ekanem:
Henry played in a different system most of his arsenal career. It was a rigid 4-4-2 system where he had the freedom to drift in from the left side. The current system requires the forward to be able to hold the ball and have fluid movement around the box; 2 qualities i don't think walcott has mastered at the moment
Ekanem:
He should be tried in the traditionally smaller games or when the match is all but over like the North London derby. But wenger is not in a position to experiment at the moment
Sabi boi:
How can the formation be rigid but he still had the freedom?and please what movement are we talking about?
Ekanem:
Well I referred to rigid because it was the standard formation in the EPL at that time
Ekanem:
And the movement in the box I'm referring to is making intelligent runs behind or around defender. I agree walcott posseses speed but he sometimes lacks the awareness to perform some of those duties
Sabi boi:
And wenger is in no position to experiment?am sure gervinho has played down the middle this season..let me guess..he's better suited?

Ekanem:
Yes he is....as erratic as he can be,he has good movement around the box
Tosman:
Walcott has actually shown that he can do a job but I don't think wenger is convinced that isposition for him and seeing gervinho play as a striker, maybe walcott will be given a chance to stake his cliam fully very soon
Sabi boi:
Strikers can be said to be in box or out box strikers..could it be he is not an in box striker..henry wasn't an in box striker...so walcotT,why not?

Ekanem:
Henry was was a more intelligent player and read the game around him better than walcott has been

Sabi boi:
And the measure of intelligence is by what we see on tv right?
Ekanem:
Every form of intelligence is based on result or effect..and it football its by what we see on tv..so yes

Tosman:
Henry is actually a far better player and had a very good footballing sense than walcott. Am nt saying gervihno or giroud are better with their footballing sense but henry was very good
Tosman:
Oh yeah, we can only judge a player's intelligence by what we see
OKEY:
Henry has a better understanding of the game compared to walcott. Even during the Tottenham match when walcott played as a striker he looked lost on a few occasions
Sabi boi:
He looked lost and scored...if he was focused then hatrick?
Tosman:
Lol
Ekanem:
Four goals actually
OKEY:
Lol  He had a chance he would have taken instinctively but he dragged it and only got a corner. Walcott is at his best as a winger the records show that too
Tosman:
@okey, the records has also shown that walcott can perform as a striker
OKEY:
@Igwe but better as a winger. Wenger knows that too that's why he plays him on the wings. It in the best interest of Arsenal that players play in the best position they can
Sabi boi:
WeLl time will tell but we would never know tiLl he is played there..
Sabi boi:
The week begins again...in wenger we trust being the echoed sound..its dinner time boys..have a gOod evening..
Sabi boi:
Or morning with ekenam
Tosman:
Nice one guys
Tosman:
Yeah dinner awaits
OKEY:
Same here
Ekanem:
Lol good night guys

United,well entertained.....

If anything makes a win sweeter or even more beautiful than it is, it’s when your opponent admits that they deserved to lose. After United lost to Norwich, Sir Alex said in his post match interview that the 3 points were very well deserved, so there is no doubt who the better team was on the day. Delia Smith's cooking continues to push the canneries as they have gone 5 premier league games without a defeat and they just added Manchester united to that list. If questions were raised about their victory over Arsenal, the simple answer will be do not mistake luck for skill. The guiding principle as I said before is to play to your strength and your ability and Norwich proved that was all they needed. Naturally, there are a few questions you could ask about United, yes Rooney was not available as he was nursing an ankle problem and has tonsillitis but the quality of Hernandez and Van Persie should be enough right? Is Chicarito better coming in from the bench? United have qualified for the champions league, so why not play your strongest midfield..you could say Giggs can do the job in the middle but why use a broom when you have Dyson? Regardless of the answers, it was a good day and a win for Norwich.

The game started slowly as Norwich took the cautious approach of 4-5-1, looking to hit on the counter; United maintained the 4-4-2 formation that they have been using to great effect recently. There were not many chances created but it was good open play from both sides. The Norwich players were taking the game like a cup final and United looked like they were playing a pre-season game in the Far East. Robin Van Persie,kicked the air when he was picked out by Giggs ,Rvp must have been feeling the effect from leaving his car in the disabled parking area at the Manchester airport..maybe he was trying to tell us something...

In the second half, the game started as it finished, United not starting with any urgency and Norwich still thinking there were in Wembley....then the key moment in the game happened, when a cross from the former Man city defender Garrido found Anthony Pilkington in the United area, a cushioned header guided the ball past Lindergaard and gave Norwich the lead.Pilkington, an ex United youth team player before he was let go years ago. Moments before the match, Sir Alex was asked if he knew him, his reply was simply “I don't remember him". However, with his sublime goal, I am sure he will not be forgotten, at least till the end of the season. United being the come back kings of the season, the game was far from over but from what I could see, and what the travelling fans could see, this wasn't the comeback Manchester United, more like the Hangover United. The familiar story of coming back to win matches looked more like a myth. Worthy of note, the Norwich goal keeper made two fine saves at extra time but that came after Norwich had the chance to make it 2-0...but 1-0 it ended.

United have not drawn any game this season but have lost 3 and are a point behind Man City. City haven't lost a game in the league this season...the all or nothing approach from United creates spaces and allows the other teams to score at least one goal. Yes the strike force has bailed them out on many occasions but as it failed to work against Norwich..maybe a new approach should be taken. Sir Alex feels Manchester United must rediscover their urgency after losing (u think!).A happy belated birthday to Paul Scholes who turned 38 on Friday...maybe a late party affected the players...so watch out because Giggs celebrates his 39th on Friday the 23rd,let's hope he hosts the boys with energy drinks so they can be fresh come Saturday....

In more words to come..Sabi Boi

Arsenal V tottenham Pre-Match Chat

 Sabi boi:
Morning boys...
Sabi boi:
How we gearing up?
OKECHUKWU:
Morning Sabi
Ekanem:
Morning boys.....lovely day outside
Sabi boi:
Not lovely here(london),fog,no mini skirts...jackets all around....but for once tell me u enjoyed the international week becos of the man called zlatan!!
Tosman:
Morning guys....
OKECHUKWU:
Its a beautiful day here too in Abuja
Tosman:
Its just too sunny in this side of d city....and yeah I rili enjoyed Zlatan's show yesterday, not least his last goal...world class
OKECHUKWU:
I couldn't agree more Zlatan is definitely world class
Sabi boi:
Well he's always been criticised for being too lazy,attitude,bla bla bla but gave the sweden and england 4 reason to be happy and sad respectively...am sure one or maybe two of you will be hoping giround takes a lesson off him against tottenham on saturday..can he?
Ekanem:
He has always had that in him....he posses the strength and skill to make it anywhere
OKECHUKWU:
I certainly hope Giroud does but I've learnt to expect the least from him. I'd rather be surprised than disappointed
Tosman:
I think Giroud could be better than he is right now. His movement off the ball is very very good and he gets chances bt I have been a bit surprised that he hasn't taken most of them. Wenger Certainly did his homework before signing him but he will come good I think
Sabi boi:
Well,if he's as good as u describe him...why is he goal shy?does the blame fall solely on him or his team mates?or is the entire teams form wengers fault?giroud scored 25 goals for current french champions montepellier last season..what has changed...and okey,why would you u surprised that a STRIKER scores?
Sabi boi:
And mr Ekanem,what can giroud learn from zlatan..hahaha
OKECHUKWU:
Well, Sabi, I think Giroud could be way better than he is right now but he still needs some time to adjust into both the Arsenal style of play and English football and also I think people are expecting way too much from him at the moment
Tosman:
With his two goals against fulham and his lone strike against fulham, I think maybe he is getting his game back and who knows what saturday holds for him....am not sure his form is down to his teammates because he has missed some sitters..if we go back to d first match of the season when he missed a glorious chance against sunderland, maybe that really affected him much more than we think.
Ekanem:
I agree with tosman in one regard giroud is a talented player. We should remember he's new to the league and has to adapt to the pace and style of it.
Ekanem:
He would definitely improve.his conffidence infront of goal is improving
Sabi boi:
We buy players to improve our teams?and after loosing RVP,giroud was seen as the man to take the torch....so will it be correct to say its understandable why people will not be patient with him....cazorla has settled in from day 1..so if giroud is a top player,shouldnt he settle as quick?
Tosman:
The teams form is down to the manager...selling your best player and captain and striker of van persie's calibre, you should know that u would struggle for goals unless you replace him or the rest of the team contributes more. Carzola and Podolski are good players but they have adapted to the pace of the league but wenger should have added more quality players especially in attack and in defense
Sabi boi:
In order words igwe...u saying he did not get it right with giroud?
Ekanem:
Its different bcos they play in diff positions. Cazorla sees more of the ball...and play goes thru him. Its different for a striker,a lot of his game depends on the supply from midfield or thru the wings. He can make good runs all day but if the supply isn't gd enuff it won't matter
OKECHUKWU:
I agree with ekanem the difference in positions played by Giroud and Carzola matters too but at the same time I think the main blame rest on the head of Prof. Wenger who has constantly sold Arsenal's best players season after season and by some magical means thinks he would win its simple logic great player make great teams and great players take time to settle in a team and when u sell your best player who has been with the team for so long what do u expect?
Sabi boi:
But strikers are judged on goals and goal ratio....shouldn't he take what chance he has?and regardless of supply,shouldn't a top striker create some of his chances?
Ekanem:
We also have to remember that RVP took some time to become the player he is tday....so we shd give Giroud some time
Sabi boi:
Ekanem But rvp didn't start as a top striker?
Ekanem:
Sabi not all strikers are wired that way. all I'm saying is that he shouldn't be judged by 10 or 15 games. And Giroud cannot be classified as a top striker either
Tosman:
Well, he took a gamble on Giroud and he might come good later on bt @ the moment he is struggling and giroud doesn't look the type that will create goals for himself. He relies mostly on thru balls and crosses to make his mark.
Ekanem:
He's had 2 good seasons in france...dat doesn't make u a top striker
Sabi boi:
So if he's not a top striker,why buy him especially when you have a track record of always having quality leading your attack line apart from fox in the box jeffers.
Ekanem:
Well dats for wenger to answer...wasn't one of his best judgements
Ekanem:
I think he'll come gd..just not immediately
OKECHUKWU:
I think giroud could be a top striker but again it takes time
Tosman:
Wenger is probably looking at this way, many of his players have the potential to be top players bt the questions we the fans are asking is when will that be......only carzola and maybe vermeleun and sagna can be considered as top players for now.
Sabi boi:
So why give giroud that chance,since we think he will come good and not give the likes of walcott or podolski?
Ekanem:
Well he needs games to fulfil dat potential. The only time podolski played there,he was non existent, and I don't think walcott is ready for dat role quite yet
Sabi boi:
But as u say podolski has played there once,should he judged by one performance?...besides he has proven he can play there like giroud when he played for cologne.is girouds potential bigger than podolski..and walcott isn't ready?why?when will he be?
Tosman:
Giroud should be given a chance because of what has done in france and what we think he can do for arsenal. He gives arsenal different options. He has the potential of being a top striker that can hold the ball, score goals from crosses with his height and has good movements and he has shown glimpses of it. Podolski hasn't played much in central much of his career and I don't think he can play that role and for all walcott's goalscoring ability in one on one situations and maybe some the odd brilliant goals, he can't do dat in the premeirship. Its nt that easy wit the tough tackling and things
Sabi boi:
But igwe,walcott has only played in the epl apart from his early days with southampton..podolski has played as a striker In germany...so what's the difference...anyways boys,seeing as its not just about giroud(atleast we hope so)..arsenal v tottenham...saturday,emirates....wenger or avb.who has lost the plot more?and who needs the 3 points more?
Ekanem:
The thing with podolski is he has fit into the left side seamlessly and has built a gd understanding with gibbs....I don't think wenger wd want to sacrifice him for that position. Walcott needs a little finetuning bfore he can lead the line as a lone striker. His awareness is still flawed and he needs to wrk on it
Tosman:
Podolski played just a season as the main striker in Cologne but I stil prefer Giroud and walcott should stick to his wing play and leave the striking role...I might be wrong bt walcott shouldn't be played as a striker. Can Walcott hold the ball for his teammates if he is played as a lone striker against teams like chelsea?? Am nt sure
OKECHUKWU:
Walcott still needs a lot of work before he can start aspiring to be a lone striker and Podolski on the other hand is better suited to play on the flanks than from a more central role. In my opinion I think Arsenal still needs another striker mayb then giroud may finally step it up.
Sabi boi:
Podolski plays well with gibbs because he doesn't have to run back and defend....his inability to help his defence showed when he couldn't help santos against schalke at the emirates,yes the brazillian had a bad game but he goes up to support podolski in attack but gets no help from podolski in defending.and arsenal plays 4-3-3 normally and most of the time they never change their style of play...how many strikers have they had that had to hold the ball down...henry,which walcott is a mould off..used his pace,brain to lead the line..why can't walcott do the same?but let's talk about the north london derby for now...hahahah..loving this love for giroud boys..
Ekanem:
well both managers lost big players in the summer and had to make up for those losses. There where early season signings dat they had done dat but I'm guessing the reality of things is dawning on them. I think the pressure is more on wenger bcos of his reputation and that of his team. Arsenal have always been up there so the expectations a slightly higher for them than spurs
Tosman:
I just do not understand Avb, its clear that gallas is becoming weaker bt he is still playing him and why did he sanction the purchase of lloris and he is still keeping him on the bench. U do nt buy a quality keeper like Lloris and bench him. He also bought adebayor and didn't start him until against mancity and dt means benching Defoe dt has been on fire. He should be playing both of them in my opinion. He has definitely lost the plot more than wenger.
Ekanem:
Sabi we have to remember that despite penchant for speed henry had a frame that enabled him use his body well. Walcott on the other hand doesnt
Tosman:
Sabi I think the only thing u can compare henry n walcott is his finishing ability, other than that both of them can't be compared. Henry had sense while walcott has just an empty head
Sabi boi:
So who needs the 3 points more on saturday?and @ekanem, wenger shd be on more pressure but harry redknapp left spurs in a good condition and at a level of high expectancy...doesn't that leave avb on pressure @igwe...the sale of players and all,shouldn't levi take some of the blame?should have let modric go early so the funds could have been used to bring in quality plays like jao moutinho?
Sabi boi:
@igwe walcott also has pace if not faster than what henry had at similar age..
Ekanem:
Well I think arsenal need it more. They seem to be sliding into mediocracy and a derby win might be jus wat they need to kickstart their season
Ekanem:
as for the case for avb...I admit he's under pressure but a 4th to 6th place finish wd be acceptable for spurs....don't think dats d case for the gunners
Sabi boi:
I know the form guide doesn't matter with a derby but tottenham have played 11 games,won 5,drawn 2 and lost 4..leaving them with 17 points but have won more away from home..arsenal have played 11,won 4,drawn 4 and lost 3...16 points and won just 2 at home..both play a similar formation of 4-3-3....who do u think will win?
Sabi boi:
And 4th to 6th,that can't be acceptable for the spurs fans? after playing champions league 2 seasons ago and just missing out on champions league because chelsea won it...acceptable ekanem?
Tosman:
Hahahahaha @sabi walcott is faster for sure and ofcourse levy takes most of the blame for selling modric late and it would have been nice if modric was around to see wat avb would do wit him bt still spurs have other gud players in bale and lennon and even dembele who is injured. I hope he comes good because am a fan of his . In other case, arsenal need the 3 points more bcos of their own aspiration. They have become so weak that u can even bet on them even against weaker oppositon(not spurs). They r @ home and it would hit them If spurs going thru their own change come over n beat them. Spurs would panick much if they lose bcos thats what many would predict bt actually I think they have a better team than arsenal
Ekanem:
They'd handle it better than the arsenal fans who are used to more.
Sabi boi:
So are the arsenal fans used to not winning trophies?iare u learning to handle it better?
Ekanem:
I'd go for a draw bcos these are 2 teams dat desperately need points. I would like to think it wd be a tight and calculated game,but with these two teams we might have a goalfest
Tosman:
I reckon it will be a draw. Last season arsenal won thanks to van persie's ability bt it will be closer this time.
Sabi boi:
Adebayo returns to the emirates,am sure he will be welcomed with open arms..hahaha,he has started just one game this season but that was frowned upon as defoe was dropped even with his form....would you play both of them upfront?avb with a fully fit squad will pack the midfield with bale,lenon,dembele,dempsey/scott parker and sigursson...will u compromise that midfield to play 2 strikers especially against arsenal?
Ekanem:
I think playing 2 strikers wd be a bold move that wd leave spurs exposed in the middle of the pack. I doubt AVB wd be dat adventerous. I think he shd mimic the arsenal formation
Tosman:
if I was Avb, I would play both of them. Adebayor is coming up against and we kno that players r always motivated wen they play their former clubs and wit defoe on form, I 'd play them two and maybe drop dempsey who is a gud player bt hasn't shined as much 4 his new club. Defoe and adebayor will be alternating who drops deep to help the midfield wen the need arises.
Ekanem:
I think playing adebayor wd suit spurs cos his exactly d kind of player the arsenal backline don't like coming up against
Ekanem:
He'll surely cause dem some problems
Sabi boi:
Who has a more stable back 4?spurs have conceded 16 goals in the league this season and arsenal have conceded 11 but there are a lot of question marks on both defense lines right?
OKECHUKWU:
@sabi very true both back lines haven't been in the best shape this season but I think Arsenal has the better back four at the moment now
Ekanem:
Yes there are. The standout defenders for me have been vertoghen and metasacker. Arsenal have had to shuffle a lot this season and seems to have affected the commnication and concentration levels of the backline. I honestly haven't seen much of spurs this season but the stats of conceding 16 says it all. One things for sure,the team with the better defense wd edge the game
Tosman:
I watched both teams to a certain level and I think arsenal's problem has been their left back and that has been when gibbs is nt playing and spurs weak link has been gallas. Most of the goals has come thru his mistakes but arsenal has obviously defended far better as a team than spurs
Sabi boi:
@ekanem Better defense or better attack?
Sabi boi:
In terms of edging it?
Ekanem:
I think both teams attack well...it wd be the team dat deals better wit the others attack dat wd edge it
Sabi boi:
In attack terms..arsenal has scored 23 goals compared to spurs 15 goals but defoe scoring 5 compared to girouds 3
Sabi boi:
Will it be a game decided by strikers?
Ekanem:
I don't think so.they'll have big roles to play if selected, but the defence and midfield areas wd be more decisive in this game
Tosman:
I think it will be d midfield dt will decide. It will be an open game and I won't rule out strikers making the headlines
OKECHUKWU:
I think the midfield would be the major difference in both teams. The level of creativity from the midfield would in my opinion decide who wins ultimately
Sabi boi:
Speaking about midfield,jack is back and everyone hoping he gets back to his old self but since he's come back into the squad,he has kinda shadowed or slowed down cazorla play...why is that?who commands the midfield?
OKECHUKWU:
@ sabi its carzola for me because of his experience and his performance this season. I think both players have what it takes to command the midfield adequately but jack isn't at this best yet
Sabi boi:
But if jack isn't ready,why has cazorlas performance gone down,against qpr,jack ran the show and cazorla was quiet...carzorla only came to life when wilshere was red carded against man united...I ask again..who should command,can't they both command?
Ekanem:
I agree wit sabi....cazorla has been a bit subdued since jack returned. I want to believe there's a clash of roles as they are not particularly sure abt wat they shd do on the pitch. I believe the understanding wd grow after more games together. At d moment cazorla is a more experienced player and shd command d midfield
OKECHUKWU:
yh I noticed it too his performance has dropped a bit
Ekanem:
They have to compromise at times. Share d responsibilities.cazorla has been trying to hard in recent games and needs to keep it simple and share the responsibility
Sabi boi:
well let's hope the potential u all see in giroud and typical north london clash gives us a good game...last questions boys.....who's ur possible match winner? And final predictions?
Tosman:
Predictions - arsenal 3 vs spurs 3. Possible match winner is adebayor as he returns to his former club fully motivated to open his league account this season
Ekanem:
Ill go for 2-2 draw
OKECHUKWU:
I'll go for a 2-1 win for Arsenal and Carzola is my match winner.
Sabi boi:
Okay boys...its lunch time for me...by 3pm come saturday...we shall see who runs north london atleast till the return leg...good afternoon boys..
Tosman:
Cheers mate
OKECHUKWU:
Nice 1 boys
Ekanem:
Cheers guys

Chris,we have visitors.......

Norwich v Manchester united...Saturday..5:30pm

Ladies and gentlemen, I greet thee. I apologise for my break in transmission as I was caught up in a situation that prevented my fingers from connecting to a keyboard but have no fear, Sabi is here and I have missed you, (yes you!) A lot more than you have missed me...and I will make it up to you. Assuredly, kindly go to any bar/pub/ restuarant,order what you want and tell them Sabi will come and pay....it will be fine, have no fear...

 
While you are enjoying my fine treat let me tell you this. Our character is formed by our habits. Our habits are formed through repeated actions. Our actions come from motivations such as desires, fears, loves or hates. These are formed from our beliefs and our values. Success is built on values....this is what I imagine Chris Houghton's team pep talk would be like. I should say that the one principle most managers of supposedly smaller clubs have is to play to their strengths and leave the rest to lady luck and Norwich is no different. Chris Houghton, a fantastic manager that he  is, has no illusions that he can emulate Barca or create  Fifa's best player at Norwich, he simply(not so simple) plays the best formation to help his team earn at least a point and on occasion even better,3 points. He undoubtedly intends to do that against Manchester united come Saturday.
 
The season started slowly for Norwich but Delia Smith ( Norwich ’s owner) has probably cooked up a meal to help her boost the teams’ confidence and play...And from their latest results, the boys are well fed. Whatever she has fed them started taking effect when they beat arsenal 1-0 thanks to a goal from Grant Holt...excuses were made for a below par Arsenal team, excuses as interesting as jet lag from a 14 minute flight from London to Norwich. But the game is like a war and Chris Houghton's men did what they had to do to win...And United is the next enemy at their battle ground. The battle at carrow road.

 
"Okay boys, you know what they are about, you have been here before, lets try not to make things difficult because I am tired of all this come back business, not good for my heart, am 70 for crying out loud, get stuck in, get the 3 points and let's get home in time for match of the day" and that’s what I imagine Sir Alex's team talk will be and of course in a Scottish accent that most of the united players don't understand....supposedly big teams just want the win because their principle is based on winning.......United are the all or nothing team this season, taken no draws, just wins and losses  and are certainly the come back kings so far after rescuing maximum points after falling behind  in 8 games this season. The strike force for united keeps getting the headlines but with Smalling back in the squad and Jones back in training, the defence line should follow with clean sheets. Norwich hasn't lost their last 4 premier league games and will be hoping to continue with that form, they will be buoyed by the fact that united has failed to keep a clean sheet in their last 3 premier league games. And Sebastian Bassong says the difference between his team and other teams is that they ( Norwich ) will not be scared to play Manchester United-told you it was a war. United took all 6 points last season but only the brilliance of Ryan Giggs got them the win as he celebrated his 900th game for united.
 
Robin Van Persie, returning from what was possibly the biggest disappointing game of the week when Holland hosted Germany and there were barely any shots on target. He will be looking to add to his 8 premier league goals so far. The striker has been criticised for leaving his car in a disabled parking area for 3 days at the Manchester airport but the united fans will be happy to know he doesn't need signs to hit the back of the net...or maybe Grant Holt (ex tyre fitter) can help with his car. He as well doesn't need signs...Sir Alex said last week after Chicarito gave United the win, that he had played himself into a starting position so it will be interesting to see what formation United goes for.
 
Anyway I have to leave now and meet you guys at the bar/pub/restaurant. Norwich  hosts the top of the table team on Saturday, United have a strike force to rely on but the simple principle of playing to our strength may prove to be enough for Chris Houghton's men. In a week that Zlatan Ibrahimovich has set the standard high in goal scoring terms. Let’s see what the return of the premier league has in store for us.
 
In more words to come...Sabi Boi.

Manchester United v Arsenal..Just Another Fixture

When the team list was being announced at old Trafford,there was a massive roar when the number 20 was called. The United fans chanting oh Robin Van Persie,oh Robin Van Persie,so loudly that the players name on the list after him could not be heard.It is hard to believe that this is the same man that was insulted and cursed by these same fans less than a year ago.You could say,he has been welcomed and accepted by the United fans or you could also say the roars were to remind the arsenal fans that Podolski,and Olivier Giroud probably can't even lace his boots.Before the players walked out on the pitch,Van Persie was being friendly,hellos all around as he greeted former team mates but as we all know the friendship always ends as the whistle blows..
 

It was a good game of football especially as nothing other than football is being discussed(post match),the referee had a good game,no racism just 90 minutes of spectacular play.On my way up to Manchester with the lads..there was a particular discussion that went on,and it wasn't about the pretty girl sitting in the other coach but rather how over the years Sir Alex and Wenger have  become friends(kinda).With all the possible reasons that may have created this friendship,the major reason is simple...There simply is no competition between both clubs anymore,Wengers Arsenal no longer goes for the title but only contributes to the league play.The satisfaction of a top four finish,champions league and a good profit margin yearly seems to be the platform of success at the Arsenal . So it is safe to say that the fixture of Manchester United v Arsenal is no longer a rivalry..just another match in the Epl.
 
From the kickoff,United dominated play and went 1-0 up when the ball was put in the 18 yard box,Vermalean failed to clear it and his mistake set the ball for Robin Van persie who made no mistake putting it in the left hand corner with his right foot...he scored in front of the travelling Arsenal supporters. He respectfully did not celebrate the goal even if it would have been good to see him do an Adebayor ...maybe at the emirates...
 

Arsenal in their usual way,held the ball and maintained possession but nothing was created.Jack Wilshere and Santi Carzola are wonderful players but haven't been able to blend wonderfully.I know it only their 2nd game together but there is no understanding for who is meant to command the midfield and so far since Jack's return,Carzola  seems to have calmed down but time will tell...Arsenal had no shot on target and their major highlight was a reckless challenge on Cleverly by Wilshere. United continued to dominate and got 2 saves from Mannone ,shot from Wayne  Rooney and Van Persie. United would have been 2-0 before half time but a missed penalty from Wayne Rooney left it at 1-0. Carzola handled the ball stopping a cross from Ashley  Young.

The second half started brightly and United continued with their dominance.Van Persie continued to probe the Arsenal defence and only failed to double his lead after another fine save from Mannone. From the resulting corner,United  doubled their lead after a Wayne  Rooney cross found Patrice Evra,making it 2 goals in the league for the defender. A better tally than his french team mate,Mr Giroud. The  united fans were singing cheerio cheerio cheerio to Wilshere after he was sent off following a harsh tackle on Patrice Evra. Now Arsenal down to ten men,United dominating,game over. Arsenal did score with a fine shot from Santi Carzola,his shot was the last kick of the game.

 
It was a better result for Arsenal seeing as they were beaten 8-2 last season but 15 points from 10 games,the worst start to a season Under Wenger and no positives can be taken from this weekend. The Arsenal Man United games have lost its spark,maybe because there's no Keane or Viera ,maybe because there's no Ashley Cole and Ronaldo,maybe because Keown  stopped bullying Van Nistelroy or probably because Wenger just failed to build on his previous success that made Arsenal a top team in England. Tactics maybe questionable, why Ramsey is on the right with Walcott on the bench,why Mertesacker  and no Kocielny. left Wilshere on the pitch knowing he was one tackle from a red card but I believe he knows what he's doing. He's  been doing it for over 15 years.Besides this was a weekend that  there was no victory for any of the London clubs.. But United players and fans don't mind that over the years they have had the upper hand,United have won 9 of their last 11 matches against Arsenal,lost 1 and drawn 1 in all competitions and even  took their best player from them(Arsenal)..I wonder if the small boy in him was screaming on Saturday.The United fans were definitely singing.."oh Robin Van Persie,Oh Robin Van Persie" 

In more words to come..Sabi Boi

Undeserved names on FiFA's shortlist.....

Midweek already, wow!!! That's great, one more working day and it’s the weekend...do I sound so excited? Oh yeah because am looking forward to another controversial premiership weekend..hahahaha.. Don't mind me...am just chilling with friends another wonderful encounter between Chelsea and Manchester United as they battled for a place in the last eight of the capital one cup. Surprisingly the pre match argument was not about the two sides last Sunday encounter, the argument is on this year's 23-man shortlist for FIFA Ballon d'Or which was announced by FIFA and, as usual, there are more than a few surprises.

The fact is that Lionel Messi is the reigning winner and will once again be the favourite to lift the trophy along with Cristiano Ronaldo..(one out of two of them must win it).. This we all know but what i clearly don't understand is the nomination of few out of the other 21 players because we don't know whether all of them deserve to be recognised in this list.

Another thing we know is that with numerous domestic champions, African nations cup and the European championship, international performances plus countless matches to review, it is impossible to expect a perfect list.

Am looking at five surprising choices made by FIFA and will also try to look at potential alternatives to those choices.

1) Wayne Rooney - He did not win the league title with Manchester United, and his immature behaviour plus temper  forced him to miss the opening two games at the Euros...some of you might say Rooney was the most important player for the United team that took the title race to the last game of the season and scored a career-best 27 league goals and that If not for him, Man United would have been nowhere near the title and, honestly, what have guys like Robin van Persie and Zlatan Ibrahimovic done to warrant a spot that Rooney hasn't?

2) Mario Balotelli - Super Mario as some call him was not the best player for Manchester City or even their best striker. In the league he only finished tied for 10th in goals scored. He also did not have an unbelievable Euro campaign, even though he did finish tied for most goals in the tournament. His play was inconsistent and he only had one great game against Germany. So its fair to say he doesn't deserve to be in that list

3) Gerard Pique - Yes he has become an excellent defender since he left Manchester United to Barcelona four seasons ago but of all the players on the shortlist, Gerard Pique has to be one of the most undeserving. Since the start of this 2012, Pique has spent more time on the injury table than on the pitch and even when he played was rarely at his best. His international play doesn't even earn him a place, either. He wasn't that great at Euro 2012 and if not for Sergio Ramos's heroics and his team’s possession football he would have been exposed badly. Now if FiFA wanted defenders on that list then they would have included Real Madrid's Pepe who is far more deserving of a spot though he isn't my favourite but he has had a wonderful year both with his club and country. He helped Madrid reclaim la liga and he put in a master class during his country's summer expliots. Another defender that could have been there is Juventus' Giorgio Chiellini. He helped make The Old Lady one of the strongest and best defense in Europe and kept them unbeaten last season. He was part of the italian team that surprised many as they got to the Euro 2012 finals. He is truly a great defender and probably the best defender around at the moment

4) Didier Drogba - Oh I am a big fan, and it’s surprising he is the only representative from the champions of Europe. Yes Chelsea won the European Cup last season but they were so bad in the league and were not even that great en route to their European cup victory.

Didier Drogba may forever be defined by his clinching penalty in the Blues' Champions League win over Bayern Munich. But beyond that match where he also scored the equalizer, he was never Chelsea's best player and certainly not one of Europe's best players of last season. He is definitely the wrong choice. I think Juan Mata and Petr Cech were far more influential to their team's success in each competition. Drogba had the defining moments of the penalty shootout, but it was his keeper who was even more responsible for the win as he got a hand on all but one of Bayern's shots and was almost unbeatable during his last champions league matches.

Drogba has moved to China meaning that his candidacy ended almost six months ago because Chinese football is nowhere near the best. Don't get me wrong though, am not saying that Drogba shouldn't be here but the point is that, his one month of play is hard to weigh against 8-10 months of great play from other stars, but it was a really great month and also if any Chelsea player should be picked then it should be Cech for his goal keeping heroics

5) Neuer - not saying  Neuer shouldn't be on that list but FIFA has typically ignored the great feats made by teams in clubs outside of England and Spain's big two and this year was no different. Manuel Neuer is the only selection from German League. Not a single player from the German champions made the list. Neuer himself is an odd choice. He is arguably the best keeper in football at the moment, but didn't win a major title last season. Bayern Munich failed to win the Champions League or Bundesliga, and Germany bowed out in the semi-finals of the Euros but still, Neuer's talent was on display for everyone to see all season, and it seems his individual effort was enough to warrant a spot on this list.

However it is nice to see Bayern's No. 1 on the shortlist, but there are plenty of other players from the Bundesliga who could have replaced the likes of Gerard Pique and Didier Drogba and to some extent Wayne Rooney, Mario Balotelli or Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Other Potential replacements from the Bundesliga are Mario Gomez, Marco Reus, Mats Hummels. Less I forget when a team goes undefeated in one of Europe's major leagues; players get loads of accolades and recognition for accomplishing such a rare feat. That is why it was a bit surprising to see only two Juventus players on the shortlist.

Truth be told as we all know that Serie A may not be as competitive as it has been in the past, but last season Juventus were one of the greatest teams in Europe. Unfortunately they did not have a chance to prove it. It is safe to assume that Gigi Buffon and Andrea Pirlo were taken for their national team play as their club play.

This is Just my own opinion, I would like to know yours...do u think the Fifa list shows this year's worthy champions???? Say something peeps!!!!... Capital one football...funny sponsor...