Arsenal: curious case of an opening day accident

When Arsenal lost 1-3 to Aston Villa in the opening match of the 2013/2014 Premier League season at the Emirates despite the fact that Arsenal scored first through Oxlade-Chamberlain, there was mass hysteria from sections of the fan base as the fans called on Arsene Wenger to dip into the transfer market to strengthen the squad with just Yaya Sanogo on a fee transfer as the only signing Arsenal had made at that moment.

But for all the outburst and reaction that followed that defeat three years ago, a situation that was heightened by the club’s lack of transfer activity at the time, that performance was still better than what Arsenal served up on Sunday August 9, 2015. The defeat against Aston Villa three years ago was littered with midfield and defensive issues as an axis of Jack Wilshere and Aaron Ramsey could not provide adequate defensive cover for the back four, and the sending off of Laurent Koscielny exacerbated the situation on the day. Yet that team showed some fighting spirit, and they had moments in that match. They took the lead on the day before they lost their way.

However, what happened on Sunday was a complete contrast of what transpired three years ago, there was absolutely no moment to speak off in the entire match, as unforced errors littered most of the match, players went about giving the ball away throughout the match. The performance was lethargic and at times even the basic act of passing to a teammate became an issue.

The tone for the match was set in the make up of the midfield where Aaron Ramsey started alongside Francis Coquelin in central midfield. And Arsenal struggled throughout to keep possession on that side of the pitch. It is difficult to decipher why Arsene Wenger decided to ditch a tried and trusted central midfield formation of Santi-Coquelin which was the foundation on which Arsenal’s renaissance was built on in the second half of last season? With the Spaniard absent alongside Coquelin before he was substituted, he struggled in possession as his simplicity of passing it short to Cazorla was absent as the decision to go long on several occasions led to passes going astray.  It was not a surprise that the midfield was largely dysfunctional for most of the match, as it was essentially a new partnership, as Cazorla was deployed on the left side of midfield.

The same situation played out last season when Arsene Wenger tried to play a 4-1-4-1 formation with Jack Wilshere in the middle, and Mesut Ozil shifted to the left side of midfield, it was a formation Arsenal struggled with in the opening part of last season.

The opponent on the day West Ham could not have been accused of parking the bus, as they played an expansive game as much they could. Arsenal gave the East Londoners a free reign to transit from their half of the pitch with the freedom of the Emirates without putting pressure on the ball or pressing their opponent. Whether the players thought they only needed to turn up to win on the day nobody knows as the performance was lacking in conviction and zest on all grounds without an ounce of urgency on the day.

Yet for all the lethargy that was on display on the day. It still does not legislate for why the defensive performance that was put up by the back four to be error strewn as if the players were trying to outdo Senderos in the act of how not to defend. The marking for the free-kick was poor to say the least, as Kouyate had virtually no player close to him as he had what was practically a free header,

Arsenal’s right side of defence was never convincing on the day. Mathieu Debuchy was still rusty and he showed why Hector Bellerin has kept him out of the side. The French international was largely off the pace and his crosses were not better either, He also gave the ball away on several occasions. And Per Mertesacker seem to struggle with Debuchy by his side as they have not played together in a competitive fixture for months, the last being the FA cup semi final against Reading. The former Magpie showed he was still not match fit with his poor display on the day.

While the last man of the defence, Petr Cech had a debut to forget as he was at fault for the first goal. He could have caught that ball if he had stayed on the line or at least punched it to safety, but rushing out meant there was no chance once he missed it.

Arsene Wenger described the result as an accident and stated his players were nervous. For all the talk of it being an accident, that was not an excuse for the team to lack creativity on the day, as the West Ham goalkeeper was practically on holiday for most of the match. The team could not build up any pressure as they were just disjointed.

The display of the team was typified by a passage of play that happened before the 85 minute mark after a West Ham attack had come to an end. Per Mertesacker brought the ball forward, and there was no midfielder that made himself available to pick the ball, and the groans from the crowd was audible as a result, Mesut Ozil eventually came to take the ball off Mertesacker, as just like the theme of the entire match, the long pass ended up with a West Ham player.

There has been talk of the team’s ability to bounce back from the opening day defeat, with reference made to what happened in 2013 after the opening day defeat to Aston Villa was followed with a succession of wins which eventually saw Arsenal at the summit for months. Yet the Premier league is different from three seasons ago, as there is little room for error as last season showed. The defeat was term as an accident by Arsene Wenger, who is to legislate that such an accident will not occur again?

The squad now have one week to interface and study the horror show that was the match against West Ham, before the visit to Selhurst Park where Crystal Palace is expected to give Arsenal a stern examination. The team has thrown its fan base back to cautious optimism after Sunday’s performance, and the oscillating blade of unpredictability and not knowing what to expect seem to have descended on the horizon once again as the clouds are now hazy, it would only become clear after what Selhurst Park will serve up this weekend.

Premier League Preview: Who can dethrone Chelsea?

                        

The English top flight returns on Saturday after a two months break. It seems like the time just flew by as the last game of the domestic season in England was the FA final between Arsenal and Aston
Villa in a sun bath Wembley in May. But the season begins again in earnest after a short break. A preview of the new season from the angle of the top five clubs in the Premier League.

CHELSEA

This time last season many tipped Chelsea to win the Premier League title because of the business they conducted in the transfer market. A piece of business that involved the capture of Cesc Fabregas and Diego Costa. Both players eventually played key roles as Chelsea rode to the title almost unchallenged on the strength of their strong start to the campaign. Although this summer, they have done little business in the transfer market, they still stand as overwhelming favourite to retain their title. The core of the side still remains, although it remains to be seen whether John Terry can retain is imperious form from last season which saw him play in Chelsea's 38 league matches. Jose Mourinho is still expected to bring in some signings before the transfer window shuts. The Stamford Bridge outfit had a missed pre-season campaign which saw them lost their last two matches to Arsenal in the Community Shield on Sunday and to Fiorentina on Wednesday. The departure of Petr Cech to Arsenal would reveal whether Courtois can maintain his impeccable standard without pressure with the Czech international no longer at the club.
The most important thing would be for Chelsea to keep Diego Costa fit as the 26 year old continues to struggle with recurring hamstring injuries. Its is doubtful whether Loic Remy or Radamel Falcao can offer what the Spaniard does. Yet, Jose Mourinho's side remain overwhelming favourite as they kick off their campaign against Swansea on Saturday.

MANCHESTER CITY

The citizens put up a limp title defence last season, the second time they have done so in four seasons. The future of Manuel Pellegrini was in doubt with just a year left on his current deal, but with a contract extension signed until 2017 on Friday, it quells any rumours of Pep Guardiola coming in next season at least for now. The Etihad outfit had a pre-season frost with defensive frailties, a situation that was the reason they struggled last season as Vincent Kompany was a shadow of his best form. They have cut lose certain attacking players with Stefan Jovetic and Edin Dzeko leaving for pastures new in Italy. Although, Raheem Sterling and Fabian Delph were brought in to refreshen the squad. They are still expected to reinforce their attack with Sergio Aguero the only key striker left. Manchester City finished last season strongly with five wins in a row,
whether they can translate that to this season remains to be seen. West Brom are the opponents on Monday. And the two times they started their league campaign on a Monday they won the Premier League title.

ARSENAL

Arsenal have been installed as the team with the closest chance to challenge Chelsea for the title this season. Arsene Wenger's side finished last season strongly winning a second FA Cup in a row, they defeated Chelsea last week in Community Shield in a back to the walls performance. Yet despite the addition of Petr Cech which is a huge upgrade on the goalkeeping department at the club, there is still that niggling doubt whether the current expectation of a sustained title challenge can be translated into reality. They would expecting to avoid the pitfalls of last season where won just two of their opening eight matches, and ended up being out of
reckoning for the title in October. With West Ham the visitors on Saturday, a fast start is imperative if a title challenge will materialise. Wenger has opted for squad stability over signings, it remains to be seen how far squad solidarity can go this season with a renewed expectation around the Emirates.

MANCHESTER UNITED

Louis van Gaal starts his second season as manager at Old Trafford with the expectation this time that there should be a title tilt. The Red Devils have brought in exciting players in Morgan Schneiderlin, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Memphis Depay. The departures of Robin van Persie and Angel di Maria seem to have put a damper on the business conducted so far. Although armed with £45million from the Di Maria sale, a
dip into the transfer market is inevitable especially defensive reinforcement. The Dutchman confirmed that David de Gea will sit out the opening match against Tottenham Hotspur. The Spaniard not being in the right frame of mind to play after continuous transfer speculation linking him to Real Madrid. With a Champions League play-off to negotiate against Club Brugge latter this month, Manchester United would be keen to build on last season where they finally returned to the summit of European football after a year's absence.

LIVERPOOL

Brendan Rodgers starts his fourth season as Liverpool's manager with a new pressure. This time the pressure is to finally deliver. The club has done huge business in the transfer market by bringing in players
that are of a different quality to the players that were signed in previous seasons. Christian Benteke, Roberto Firmino, Nathanel Cylne and James Milner should be key players for the Merseyside outfit in the new season. It remains to be seen whether the Anfield outfit can build on the signings they have made by starting the season on a good footing. the departure of Steven Gerard changes the dynamics at Anfield as their talisman carried them for so long during his time. While Raheem Sterling's move to Manchester City should add some spice to the ties between both clubs.
A lot would depend on how Brendan Rodgers' signing fare this time around, as the signings from last season did not inspire much confidence.
They return to the Britannia Stadium to play Stoke in their opening match, the scene of their 6-1 defeat on the final day of last season.

Arsene Wenger confirms Jack Wilshere's leg break

The reports which emerged on Wednesday that left many in the Arsenal stables lamenting not again that Jack Wilshere was facing a long time out after he suffered a hairline fracture of his fibula in training has finally been confirmed by the club.

Arsene Wenger confirmed the report swirling around when he spoke to the official club site ahead of the season opener against West Ham on Sunday.

"The information you have heard about Jack Wilshere is right," he said
"I had a bad surprise because it is a hairline crack in his fibula
that makes him a few weeks out.
"There is minimal damage apart from the bone damage – there is no
damage at all apart from that. It was a collision in training and it
was all completely accidental."

The injury comes at time the player himself was looking ahead to a new season with renewed vigour after he spent much of last season on the sidelines. It means his last two seasons have been puctuated by long term injuries, when this season is added, it becomes three seasons in a row that he has had to sit out a number of months, unfortunately for the 23 year old all these injuries have stem from a tackle.

Going by the fact that he does not need a surgery to fix the fracture, he is expected to miss at least 6-8 weeks of the first months of the season, with two months the minimum.
It is indeed a setback for a player who has unfairly been labelled as injury prone, and after this latest incidence, which is purely down to bad luck, he would hope to again begin the difficult road of working his way back to fitness.

Jack Wilshere facing months out according to reports

 

Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere has suffered a hairline fracture to his left fibula reports English daily, The Mirror. If confirmed the injury is expected to keep him out for months.

Arsene Wenger had confirmed after Sunday's match against Chelsea that he was expected to be out for days, after he missed the match through injury. With this report of a long term absence for the 23 year old England international, it will come as another blow for a player who has been plagued by series of injuries since he broke into the Arsenal first team in 2009.

Last season he missed over four months after he injured his ankle following a tackle from Paddy Mcnair in the match against Manchester United in November. The previous season he was also injured on England duty in a friendly match against Denmark after a collision with Daniel Agger.

He has had an interrupted injury career so far at Arsenal. With another injury to his ankle following a tackle from teammate Gabriel in training, it again raises the question whether those ankles can take certain contacts through tackles as most of his injuries have stem from bad tackles to his ankles.

For a player who was looking to work his way into first team reckoning this season after injuries meant he is no longer first choice in central midfield, it would be a disappointment, particularly for a player who has spent more time injured in the last one year than playing actual football.

Arsene Wenger's first pre match conference will take place later this week when he is expected to give an update of the situation when he addresses the press.

Chelsea lose again

English Premier League champions Chelsea suffered their second defeat in three days after they fell 0-1 to Seria A side Fiorentina at Stamford Bridge in their final pre-season friendly before the start of the new season. The EPL champions were not at their fluent best as Jose Mourinho made wholesale changes to the team that started in the Community Shield defeat to Arsenal on Sunday.

Amongst those that came in from the start were Asmir Begovic, Radamel Falcao, two youngsters at full back, academy product Ola Aina at right back, Betrand Traore at left back, which is not his natural position. Both Mikel Obi and Victor Moses started the match, while Oscar and Rueben Loftus-Cheek, John Terry and Kurt Zouma were in the first eleven on the night.

Fiorentina got the only goal of the night in the 34th minute through captian Rodriguez, after putting in a rebound from a lose ball in the penalty area.

Jose Mourinho's Chelsea have had an indifferent pre-season, losing to New-York Red Bulls, drawing with Barcelona, losing to Arsenal, before tonight’s defeat to the team that finished fourth in the Italian top flight last season.

While this piece explained the likely weaknesses in the Chelsea team and by extension its squad, this was obvious on Wednesday by the players Mourinho used to start in the full back positions. And the nature of the squad creates a picture where the first eleven represents a position of strength rather than the entire squad.

If the first 45 minutes belonged to Chelsea's second string, the second half saw the introduction of the players that will start in the Premier League opener against Swansea on Saturday, although they could do little to turn the tie around on the night.

Nothing can be read into results in friendly matches, as Chelsea will likely turn it around when the season starts in earnest. Though, with the season starting in three days time, the players seem to be feeling the effects of their long pre-season trips in America.

With Swansea the visitors this weekend at the Bridge, all will be forgotten as Jose Mourinho will look to begin the journey to retain the Premier League title his team won last season.

While the season opens, it is clear that the West London outfit would be looking to bring in some reinforcements in defence before the transfer window shuts on September 1st.

Chelsea line up against Fiorentina

Asmir Begovic; Ola Aina (Ivanovic 46mins), Kurt Zouma, John Terry (Cahill 46), Betrand Traore (Azpilicueta 46); Obi Mikel (Matic 46), Rueben Loftus-Cheek (Ramires 58); Victor Moses (Willian 58), Oscar (Fabregas 58), Juan Cuadrado (Hazard 58); Radamel Falcao (Remy 58)

Does Mourinho’s Chelsea have a weakness?

Sunday's Community Shield defeat to Arsenal was a rarity for Chelsea. The Premier League champions do not suffer lots of defeat, least of all to an Arsenal team managed by Arsene Wenger whom they were unbeaten against in 13 previous matches, before Sunday's match.

With the 2015/2016 season kicking off this weekend, Chelsea have again been installed by the bookies and football pundit as the favourite to retain their title. Prior to their triumph last season, the team already had an existing core of players, and their strength was a settled defence. The additions of Diego Costa and Cesc Fabregas was the principal reason they won the title as it increased their attacking efficiency, together with the displays of Eden Hazard, who won both players’ of  the year award for his performance.

However, with Chelsea's inability to put the ball in the back of the net against Arsenal, and the fact that they are a different team without Diego Costa, the question then is whether they could be said to have a weakness any opposition can exploit?

On the face of it, it could easily be said that the team lacks a weakness in his first eleven when everybody is fit. Although, the continuous use of Caesar Azpilicueta as a left back when he is a natural right back, despite his solid performance in his unnatural position could count as a weakness especially as he could find it difficult to cut out certain balls that is diverted to his weaker left foot. This was evident by the way Oxlade-Chamberlain moved the ball to his left before letting fly to score on Sunday. Being a right footer, his ability to adjust his body quickly enough could have affected his reaction.

That aside, the quality of the backups at Chelsea calls into question whether indeed there is no weakness in the squad. It was clear on Sunday that the dynamism and nonchalance that Diego Costa brings to the front line was missing. Loic Remy and Radamel Falcao had 45 minutes to show what they could offer in the absence of the big Spaniard, but both did little to suggest that they could be adequate replacement for him in the event that he was sidelined for a long period. It was evident that there were few crosses from Chelsea in the absence of Diego Costa, apparently, oblivious of the fact that those on the field do not thrive on crosses. The few crosses that came in were instead met by Ramires whose runs from midfield were not picked up.

In the absence of Diego Costa, Chelsea lacks a striker who can sufficiently offer what he would, and opposition defences are bound to breath easy in his absence.

During Chelsea's post season tour of Thailand and Australia in early June, Jose Mourinho claimed that few players were better than Ivanovic, Matic and Diego Costa in their position. And he went further to assert that his Chelsea side was the best.

When the players he mentioned while the team was away in Asia are taken out of the equation, it becomes a different side entirely.

For all of Chelsea's solidity as a unit and a well drilled and organised team that comes from the manager, the team still relies heavily on the individual brilliance of Eden Hazard to unlock certain teams. When the Belgian is not on song, Chelsea usually struggles. While the addition of Cesc Fabregas last season offered more opportunity for that burden to be shared, Jose Mourinho's pragmatism means he has had to sacrifice some flair to bring defensive stability to his team. With Cesc Fabregas struggling at times to have an impact when he is played in the No 10 role, it means Mourinho would have to deploy him more in a deeper role alongside Matic, where he would be more influential, and that has its own negative effect, as the team would not be solid defensively as he Jose Mourinho would want.

Little wonder that Oscar has gradually become more of an impact sub, rather than a first team player, as the manager has opted for the energy and defensive qualities of the tireless Ramires and Willian. Both might not offer the goal threat that Oscar offers, but they are definitely sure starters in Mourinho's team.

It does not come as a surprise that Ramires has often played on the right wing when another attacking midfielder is brought in because of the protection he offers defensively.

While those of Chelsea persuasion would prefer for the team to bring in a natural right winger, it is unlikely to happen, as Jose Mourinho has displayed a penchant for selling players who he feels offers little defensively while bringing in players that he thinks can do that just like Mo Salah and Andre Schurrle were sacrificed for Juan Cuadrado.

Chelsea have one of the smallest squad amongst the top teams, and the fact that they had the fewest injuries amongst the top six last season meant the size of the squad was not an issue.

However, it remains to be seen whether there would be another safety neat of a largely injury free season in the new campaign.

With the transfer window still open, Chelsea's reinforcement might likely be in defence, a position they are already solid in. The pursuit of John Stones from Everton is still on, as well as a left back to replace the departed Felipe Luiz.

As it stands, it is difficult to identify any clear weakness in Chelsea's armoury, except when Diego Costa is absent. The weakness is more in the squad than in the team (first eleven) itself, where there might not be adequate replacement for some key first team players in the event of injury.

Van Gaal gradually erasing Ferguson’s relics

With Rafael da Silva the latest Manchester United player to leave for pastures new following his move to ligue un side Lyon, his departure continues a theme of a high turnover of players signed during the Ferguson era who have left the club in the last 18 months.

This summer alone, Nani and Robin van Persie have since left for Turkish side Fernerbache. Last season, Danny Welbeck left Old Trafford for the Emirates. Darren Fletcher joined West Brom in January, Patrice Evra left for Juventus last summer, Javier Hernandez was sent out on loan last season; the injury he suffered few months ago means no club has come to sign him permanently.

Louis van Gaal has been ruthless since he assumed the manager’s position at Old Trafford. The way he dealt with the Robin van Persie was a case in point. He stated during the club’s pre-season tour of the United States that he told his fellow Dutch national during a golf game that he was not part of his plans. Little wonder the former Feyenoord striker is now out of Old Trafford.

In spite of the fact that some players that were key furniture of the Ferguson era have now left the building because they are clearly not rated by Van Gaal, some other important players signed by the Scotsman still remain part of the manager’s plans, Wayne Rooney, Ashley Young and Micheal Carrick remains key components of the Dutchman’s team. The latter was offered a one year extension of his contract before last season ended after the existing one was due to run out this summer, while there are reports that Ashley Young is on the verge of signing a new contract.

Other players that Alex Ferguson signed that still remain part of Van Gaal’s plans are Phil Jones, Chris Smalling and Antonio Valencia. The fact that the latter featured prominently last season came as something of a surprise to many, but with the signing of Italian right back Matteo Darmian he might suffer from limited game time this season.

Two other signings of the Scots era whose futures still remain up the air by contrasting fortunes are David de Gea and Jonny Evans. For De Gea, the club wants to keep him, but with one year left on his contract, and the fact that the lure of Real Madrid still lurks around, it is one that is expected to run between now and the end of the transfer window.

Jonny Evans’ case is different with unconfirmed reports that the club is open to sell him. He was reported to have been close to a move to Everton last month, but Roberto Martinez dismissed it as untrue.

As Louis van Gaal continuous to build his own team with several signings this summer, the departure of Angel di Maria will leave a measure of disappointment for the Dutchman, for his inability to get the best out of the Argentine winger, who is now expected to sign for Paris Saint Germain after just a season at Manchester United. With Barcelona winger, Pedro expected to arrive at Old Trafford, it could mitigate for the departure of Di Maria.

The temperament of United’s manager is clearly different from that of Alex Ferguson, he has shown that he has little patience to keep players who does not fit into his plans, irrespective of whether there is a chance that they could improve or not.

Though the Ferguson era is now history, that he was able to get the best out of players like Rafael da Silva, showed the Scots qualities. Since his departure, the young Brazilian who spent eight years at Old Trafford was not the same right back he was under Ferguson. Although there was some measure of technical ability lacking in most Ferguson’s teams, however, what they lacked in technical ability, they more than made up for it with a combined will to win all the time. Something the Scotsman instilled in his players during his time as manager.

With the relics of the Ferguson era gradually giving way in terms of signings as more technically gifted players are now being brought in, it remains to be seen whether the new signings would bring the same level of success the signings made by Ferguson brought to the club.

With more players of the Ferguson era expected to leave, the question of how the Scotsman was able to get players who many agreed where not the best technically, but performed consistently would continue to remain unanswered particularly as other managers have not been able to get the same level of performance out of the same players.