QUIZ

CONGRATULATIONS TO:

MINHAAL NATHOO

FOR EMERGING AS THE WINNER OF OUR QUIZ COMPETITION!

MjKassam

One Month Anniversary!

HAPPY 1 MONTH ANNIVERSARY

Dear Reader(s),


The 21st of February marked the beginning of this blog which contains a writing of my passion- Soccer. As we approach to complete a month since this piece of literature was put up, I would like to offer my sincere appreciation and thanks to The Almighty Allah(swt) for whose strength, guidance and belief has helped me achieve this.

My heartfelt gratitude goes to my family, who have supported me in every step throughout this month, by either helping me in editing or giving me ideas. 

A special mention to my best friend, a brother and a Uni companion- Ali D for his help in designing, editing and discussing various issues regarding this blog.

I take this opportunity to Thank you all for you support, kind words, comments, feedback and most of all- your time! If it wasn't for your effort, I would have never achieved this milestone, which God willing is one of many more to come. 


The main reason I have referred to this blog as "we" is because this blog doesn't belong to me only. It belongs to all of us, it belongs to you all.   


To celebrate this milestone, we have set up a Quiz for you all to participate in and the lucky winner gets their interview published on the blog!


To participate in this quiz, simply go to the Quiz tab on the top of the page and follow the instructions.
The competition begins on 19.03.2012 and ends on 20.03.2012 at 12 midnight (GMT).


Once again, I thank you all for your support and hope it continues the same way.

Gracias!

Mj Kassam

GOOD LUCK FOR THE QUIZ! 

Frédéric Kanouté: Football is a sport of humble countries, not rich nations!

Date Of Birth: 02/09/1977

Place Of Birth:Sainte-Foy-lés-Lyon

Age: 34

Martial Status:Married,Father of 3         Nationality: Mali

Height: 1.91m

Weight: 82 kg

Previous Clubs: Olympique Lyon, West Ham, Tottenham Hotspur

Current Club: Sevilla Fc

Achievements: African Footballer of the Year 2007 UEFA Cup, Copa Del Rey, UEFA Super Cup, Supercopa de Espana 

Frederic Oumar Kanoute, lives in Sevilla(Spain) with his wife and three children. A French born Mali International, Kanoute announced his conversion to Islam in the year 1999 and named himself as Frederic Oumar Kanoute. Since then, Kanoute has been a devoted Muslim and has practised it hand in hand with his football career. 

He started his football career at Olympique Lyon's academy and was later promoted to the first team. Having played for a year at Lyon, Kanoute did not experience the best of relations with then Lyon coach Bernand Lancombe and that hastened his loan move to West Ham United.
 

Kanoute initially joined West Ham on Loan

 Kanoute was an instant hit at Upton Park as he scored on his début against Wimbeldon and scored in the 5-0 win over Coventry. His partnership with Di Canio was proving to be deadly and that persuaded Harry Redknapp to sign him permanently. 

Kanoute's goal celebrations seem simple but are very unique. He would always raise his right index finger up and look up a little as a gesture to always remember God. He would open his palms marking the movement of Muslims during prayer. 

Kanoute scored 12 goals in his first season, but that didn't prevent West Ham from being relegated from the Premier League in the year 2000. That however, did not demotivate Kanoute and he bagged a total of 17 goals for West Ham in the next 2 years and started attracting interest from Tottenham Hotspurs, who at the end of the 2002-2003 season, signed him for £3.5million. 

Kanoute at Spurs...

Kanoute's career at Spurs was a mixed affair, he bagged a total of 12 goals in all competitions in his first season. This earned him  his first international call up for Mali and he was part of the team that represented Mali in AFCON. He was the joint top scorer for Mali having scored four goals in four games and led his team to the Semis where they eventually lost to Morocco.

On his second season as a Spurs player, Kanoute managed to score a total of 9 goals in all competitions having played 41 games. This wasn't received well by the supporters and the managers, hence his stay at Spurs was nearing an end, and he was eventually sold to Sevilla in 2005 for €6.5million.  

Kanoute joined Sevilla after a disappointing season at Spurs

Kanoute's transfer to Sevilla meant he had changed three clubs over a span of seven years. The move to Sevilla seemd to be ideal at that time and he was tipped to great success by many. 

Kanoute made his debut for Sevilla as a second half substitute in 2006 UEFA Cup Final against Middlesbrough and scored in the 89th Minute. Sevilla won the game 4-0 and were crowned UEFA Cup Champions. 


From then on, there was nothing that could stop Kanoute, his performances were impressive as he scored vital goals for Sevilla, not forgetting the penalty against Spurs that won Sevilla the game with a 4-3 scoreline. 

Sevilla's kit sponsors were 888.com, a gambling institution, something that is prohibited in Islam. This forced Kanoute to abandon wearing the jersey, which meant that the club had to give him a brand-free jersey every match, until he accepted wearing the sponsored jersey in return for money to an Islamic charity. The club agreed to exclude him from any promotional campaigns that involved the gambling firm.

Kanoute on his sponsor free jersey

In the year 2007, Kanoute was awarded the African Player Of The Year. He was the first foreign born African player to win this accolade. In October, Kanoute and his Mali teammate Mamadi Sidibe were attacked by irate Togolese fans after Mali knocked out Togo from the 2010 AFCON. 

Kanoute receiving the African Player Of The Year Award

It was in the same year (2007) whereby he saved the only mosque in the southern Spanish city of Seville from closure. Kanoute paid 510,860 euros (some $700,000) so that fellow Muslims in Seville would not find themselves without a mosque.

The privately owned mosque was due to be sold after a contract to use the premises by the local Muslim population had expired. But Kanoute stepped in to purchase the building. The striker has not made any comment on the matter. But city authorities confirmed that the property has been registered in Kanoute's name, according to the BBC Sport. It is estimated that Kanoute has spent almost a year's salary to buy the mosque.


In the year 2008, Kanoute scored a total of 25 goals in all competitions and helped Sevilla clinch the Super copa de Espana. He represented Mali in the 2008 AFCON and scored one goal in three matches played.

In 2009, during Sevilla's game against Deportivo La Coruna, Kanoute scored the second goal and marked his celebrations in style. He lifted his jersey and displayed a black shirt underneath that read "Palestine." The word was written in various languages and was meant as a message of support for those Palestinians in Gaza who continue to come under fire from an Israeli military offensive in the region. 
The Spanish football federation handed Kanoute a fine of 3,000 euros (£2,677). When asked about his actions and what he had to say about the sanction on him, he replied by saying: 

"It was something that I felt that I should do, Everyone should feel a bit responsible when there is such a big injustice. I am 100 per cent responsible for what I did and I don't care about the sanction. 


His celebration was greeted well by soccer lovers around the world, especially those in the Middle East. Iran's premier league side Zob Sahan issued a statement stating that it was willing to pay the fine imposed on Kanoute by the Spanish Federation. They contacted Kanoute through his official webiste (www.kanoute.com) and requested Osasuna's Iranian national- Javed Nekounam to inform Kanoute  of the decision by Zob Sahan."

Kanoute's Goal and Celebration

In 2010, he scored a total of 21 goals in all competitions and helped Sevilla win the Copa del Rey. He inspired Mali to a dramatic comeback against Angola in their opening AFCON group game. They managed to draw the game after trailing by 3 goals up to half time. Mali's elimination from the AFCON was a major setback for Kanoute and he decided to retire from international football.

Kanoute was once interviewed by Goal.com regarding fasting in the month of Ramadhan, something that many players find it difficult due to intensive training and a run of matches. He replied by saying:

"Personally, having faith helps my football and football helps me to be healthy and strengthens me,"

"There is no conflict because people who know about Islam, they know that fasting empowers and does not weaken the Muslim. I try to respect my faith and follow it as best I can. It is sometimes harder to keep the fast because here in the south of Spain it is very hot, but I can do it, thank God."

Kanoute wishes to see the emergence of African footballers in Europe and has no doubt in their abilities. In an interview which can be read on www.fourfourtwo.com, Kanoute described what football meant to Africa and the challenges the continent faces. 


"You will always have this tidal wave of good African players moving to Europe- because football is a sport of humble countries, not rich nations."
In Africa, we still have much of what is lost in Western Europe, in Africa everyone plays street football. It's unbelievable. That thrill of the ball and what you can do with it is being undermined in rich European nations.
"Food, medicine and education are the priorities across Africa, but when our nations get the facilities to develop our football- we will be incredible!" 

Apart from his football career, Kanoute has been an avid supporter of many humanitarian causes. He established Kanoute foundation to promote causes close to his heart. The charity foundation which has branches in Spain, Mali and France, has opened its flagship to the Sakina Children's village in Mali.

Kanoute Unveiling The Sakina Children's Village Plaque

  

Water At The Sakina's Children Village As of now, Kanoute still plays for Sevilla and remains one of their important players. He has scored 7 goals in 28 appearances this season. At the age of 34, Fredi is always determined and ever ready to help Sevilla achieve their ambitions.    Frederick Kanoute is undoubtedly one of the finest African strikers to have ever played in Europe. He shall be remembered for his contribution on the pitch and as an avid supporter of humanitarian causes in Africa and other parts of Europe.   To me, Fredi remains as a perfect role model to all African players both on and off the field. His career has clearly defined the concept of using football to promote your religion and a reminder to care for humanity. Viva Fredi! Su hermano de Africa, Mj Kassam

Adios Europa!

Ola!

Manchester United's journey in Europe, ends from where it began- Old Trafford! They travelled across five countries in search of European glory, but return back home empty handed!

Manchester United's performance in Europe has been awful, they managed three wins out of ten games in Europe, only one at Old Trafford. 

Manchester United have been struck by B-phobia and stripolisis virus. They have lost all their games in Europe against teams with their starting letter being B. 

Benfica, Basel and now Bilbao! The stripolisis virus has spread in the highest manner at Old Trafford. Barcelona, Basel and now Bilbao!

Who is to blame for United's exit in Europe? Should Fergie make additions to his squad? Is it time for Fergie to retire? 

Well, let's look at some facts, results and answer the above questions that have been the talk of the town!

Champions League:

Form Guide: D D W W D L

Manchester United began their Champions League campaign with a hard earned draw against Benfica and followed by a dramatic draw at home against Basel thanks to birthday boy Ashley Young's equaliser in the last minute. 

United recorded wins against Galati both away and at home. The wins didn't last long, as De Gea's mistake cost United and resulted to an equaliser from Benfica. The draw meant that United had to win/draw their game against Basel. 

Man United were favourites to win the game, but their poor form continued and Basel recorded a win that sent United packing!

Sir Alex was stunned, he couldn't believe what he just witnessed! The runners up of last year's final were the first team to go to Europa League!

SAF's squad shuffling cost United their Champions league place and led them to Europa League. At times he was forced to shuffle his squad due to injuries. Tom Cleverley, Vidic, Nani, Ferdinand, Anderson never played in all the games. The absence of a constant back four was the reason United conceded goals way easily. 

On the other hand, SAF has a tendency to sometimes slightly under estimate his opponents and would therefore gamble with his squad. Gambling is a game of chance, you can't hit the jackpot every time. Unfortunately, Ferguson didn't play his cards right and cost him the jackpot!

Europa League:

Form Guide: W L L L 

Sir Alex had promise to take the Europa League seriously and he fielded a strong squad against Ajax. Despite an average performance, United cruised to a 2-0 win. 

The return leg at OT was full of drama. Despite taking the lead in the game, United were defeated by Ajax but still managed to go through to the next round. 

Athletico Bilbao were drawn against United for their round of 16 game, with the first leg to be played at OT. The Spanish opposition came with high spirits and outplayed United and left the stadium with a 3-2 win over United! 

Manchester United's European dreams hanged by a thread, they needed a two goal win in Spain to go through to the next round. 

United have only won two out of their sixteen games in Spain and that was enough to prove that they had a big task ahead. Bilbao once again outclassed United with slick passing and should have won the game by 7 goals had they taken their chances well. Bilbao won the game 2-1 and recorded a 5-3 aggregate victory over United. 

The 19 time Premier League Champions were sent back home in the most disgraceful way. 

Sir Alex was again to be blamed for his squad selection in the first leg against Benfica, where he chose to play Park and Jones in midfield. On the other hand, Smalling and Evans couldn't keep Llorente quiet, whilst Rafael had nightmares with Munian on his wing.

Bidding farewell to Europe....

 

Should Fergie Invest In His Squad?

Manchester City's spending spree has made United's fans envious of their neighbours and have been calling for SAF to follow suit. 

Sir Alex has been at United for 25 years, he has seen the likes of Leeds, Newcastle, Chelsea and now Man City enjoy financial power but are yet to be as successful as Fergie!

Sir Alex doesn't need a major overhaul of the squad, instead he needs to replace Paul Scholes and bring in a defender similar to N. Vidic. That is the only area United need to invest. 

Supporters should take in mind that Tom Cleverley, Paul Pogba, F. Macheda, D. Welbeck will play a vital role next season should they remain injury free.

Paul Scholes Called Off Retirement To Help Man Utd!

 

Is it time for Fergie to retire?

Well, I personally would disagree with anyone who calls in for Fergie's retirement. Supporters need to understand that SAF is building a team, this is his fourth building team in 25 years. 

From the Class of 94, to the Treble winners of 98/99 and the  Vintage of 2008, Manchester United have been the powerhouse in England. 

If this team would be given to any other manager, there would be no way that United would be at the top of the premier league. A squad of injury struck players with most of them being youths, challenging the title against a 400 million pound team is what defines Manchester United as the greatest team in England. 

The likes of Arsenal, Liverpool who had a squad re enforcement of 100 million pound, Tottenham who have spent wisely in the transfer market and star studded Chelsea have failed to chase Man City all season. The only team that has has managed to put City under constant pressure and finally pin them down is not Manchester United, but it is Sir Alex Ferguson. He is the team, he is the master mind and the greatest coach in footballing history. 

No man is perfect, and that has been visible in SAF's decisions this season. He has made some risky gambles in his squad selection which has cost him in Europe and the EPL. 

However, let the bad not overshadow the good. Let's look at the positives from this season, although there seems to be no positives from Europe. 

If Manchester United do win the EPL, then they have done it with a squad of 11 players and not the required 23 men squad. Manchester United have never had their full team all season but have shown the spirit of Champions.

Title No. 20 is on sight!

 

Hence, we can say that United have been poor in Europe and have no one but themselves to blame and to an extent the blame can be pushed towards the injury crisis that the team has faced all season. However, SAF needs to avoid squad shuffling time and again and take his oppositions seriously. 

Much will be said, much can be said and Manchester United will be on the receiving end of criticisms. They do deserve constructive criticisms for their poor run in Europe but at the same time do require some sympathy for their injury crisis. It's time for Fergie to go back home and make sure he brings title No. 20 to OT

Adios Europa,

tu,

el Manchester United!

Mj Kassam

Preview: Athletic Bilbao vs Manchester United

Date: 15.03.2012

Time: 18:00 GMT

Venue: San Mames

Hola!

As I sip in a cup of coffee whilst writing this blog, I tend to ask myself a question: Can Manchester United conquer Spain? Its the first time I will doubt United's ability to win a game and go through to the next round. However, United have always proved themselves at the most difficult of situations!

Spain has been a tough place for Manchester United,they have managed two wins out of sixteen games, the last win coming last season. Manchester United go to this fixture having a poor record in Europe this season whilst Bilbao boast a fantastic home record, having lost only two out of their sixteen games at home all season.

Athletic Bilbao's fans were at their best in OT; United should expect a noisy atmosphere at San Memes.

 

Team News: 

Fernando Armerobeita is back from suspension for Athletic Bilbao and that completes Bilbao's full squad. 

Manchester United meanwhile welcome Antonio Valencia, Cleverley but will miss the services of Anderson (hamstring), Jones(flu) and long term absentee Vidic!

Form Guide:

Athletic Bilbao: W D W W L

Manchester United: W W W L W

Men To Watch:

Ilker Munian and Llorente remain the biggest threats to United's defence which however will be boosted by Rio Ferdinand's presence alongside Jonny Evans. 

Llorente and Munian partnership will be a thorn to United's Defemce!

 

Manchester United meanwhile will depend on the class of Paul Scholes to revive their European hopes. Well, he is capable of anything on a big stage!

There's only 1 Paul Scholes!

 

Approach:

Bilbao would fancy an attacking approach with Munian and Llorente pulling the strings. They will prefer to pass the ball around and possess the ball which would frustrate United and probably give them the win that would take them through.

I would favour a 4-5-1 approach by United with Rooney, Scholes, Carrick, Valencia and Ashley Young in the midfield, Welbeck as the lone striker while Ferdinand, Evans, Evra, Rafael and De Gea will be the heart of United's defence.

Predictions:

With United's splendid away form, I would fancy a 2-1 win  to United which would however not be enough to take them to the next round. 

Fingers crossed, may the best team win!

Salud!

Mj Kassam

Round Up: 8th March - 13th March

Merhaba!


My apologies dear readers for not posting any articles the past week. It's been a hectic week, many will argue that United's defeat at the hands of Bilbao stopped me from writing any articles; well, that's not the case. Anyway, let's get back to business.


It's been a week full of mixed emotions, both Manchester clubs lost their Europa League 1st leg matches, United regained top spot in the EPL, Arsenal pile pressure on Spurs with just 1 point separating them and Stevie G defines the whole Liverpool FC.


Europa League:
Manchester teams seem to have bad luck in Europe as both teams were defeated in their 1st Leg. United were caught by surprise and Bilbao handed Fergie's men a lesson. Despite De Gea's solid performance in goal, Bilbao handed United a 3-2 advantage and go into the second leg with three away goals. The absence of Rio Ferdinand's experience could be seen clearly and that cost United their second consecutive defeat in Europe at OT. As stated in my preview regarding the match, Llorente and Ilkar Munian scored a goal each and raised various questions of United's defence. Man United therefore need a victory of two clear goals to progress through.


Premier League:


Swansea City maintained their perfect home record against the top four teams as they recorded a narrow 1-0 victory over title contenders Man City. Sinclair saw his penalty saved in the 6' of the game by Joe Hart who made up for his error which resulted to the penalty. Swansea have been playing one of the best football this season and kept City under constant pressure. That unsettled City and frustrations could be seen clearly on the faces of City players. Swansea had to leave it late and L. Moore was the hero. His goal in the 83' will be remembered by every Swansea and City supporter forever. For once, L. Moore was a hero in the Red Side of the City of Manchester.

Yaya Toure £28m, Balotelli £22.5m. ^^ Priceless! 

City's defeat meant that United's 2-0 win over West Brom was enough to send them top of the table. This was coming, but no one expected it so soon. Anyway, the table states United are top of the table and lead by a point. 

Tottenham suffered a third consecutive league defeat, this time at the hands of Everton at Goodison Park. It was a tight game, with Saha almost haunting his former side in the last minute, only to see his weak shot hit the post and collected safely by Howard. 

Liverpool have been having a funny season this time round, and their strikers lack the finishing touch in them. Sunderland once again surprised many as they managed to squeeze a 1-0 victory over Liverpool, with the courtesy of Pepe's Reina's head that allowed the ball to come off the post and enable Bendtner to score the only goal of the game. Is it time for King Kenny to quit? Or is the Carling Cup aftermath haunting Liverpool's Champions League ambitions?

Arsenal on the other hand, have been proving doubters wrong as they left it late against Newcastle United. Its something Arsenal were never known for, but suddenly the RVP factor is making an impact. The chase for the third place is still on and Spurs are just a point ahead of their local rivals Arsenal.

Mersey side derby had Steven Gerrard written all over it. The Captain fantastic inspired his under performing team to a much needed victory with three clinical finishes that destroyed David Moyes's 10th Anniversary (as the Everton Manager) celebrations.  

Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal and perhaps Newcastle will have to fight it up to the end to attain the fourth position , which has been the most anticipated position in the league table after the top position.

Captain Fantastic's hatrick Inspired Misfiring Liverpool to a victory over Rivals Everton! 

 

Well, that's all from me for the week's round up, I shall upload the the Athletic Bilbao vs Manchester United preview by tomorrow 2300 GMT.

Buenos!

MJ

Arsenal: So close yet so far. What stopped the Gunners?

Tuesday, 6th March 2012 was an extra ordinary day in London. The city was buzzing, Milan had come to put the final nail on the coffin whilst Arsenal wanted to be the Dead man walking. Red and white flags were to be seen in the afternoon, for some reason Arsenal fans were in the best of moods. The performances against Spurs and Liverpool gave the fans some hope, for once, Arsenal supporters thought they could overcome the four goal deficit. Not many believed Arsenal could win this as they expected Milan to humiliate Arsenal once more!


Arsene Wenger fielded a strong line up with a 5-men midfield, with Ox playing in the centre of midfield alongside Rosicky, Song, Gervinho and Walcott. RVP was assigned the task of scoring the goals whilst Koscielny, Vermaelan, Sagna and Gibbs made sure their territory was safe. Szczesny meanwhile had to make sure nothing goes into the net! 
Allegri had other thoughts, he went for a 4-3-3 formation with Abate, Thiago Silva, Mexes and Mesbah guarding Abbiati's goal.  Emanuelson played alongside Van Bommel and Nocerino in the midfield whilst Ibrahimovic, Robinho and El Shaarawy led the attack for Milan.


 The Emirates Stadium was full, the crowd were behind their team, they had to be the 12th man and push the team to win this game. ?Banners and posters of Believe were to be seen, red and white flags were raised high and so were the expectations.


It was kick-off time, and the next 90 minutes would determine Arsenal's fate in the Champions League. Well, it wasn't too long for the game's first goal, surprisingly it came from Arsenal, Koscielny headed the ball into the net! Yes Arsenal were on their way to recovery. 1-0 to Arsenal, 3 more goals to take the tie to extra time.


The goal brought in some belief in the team, and Arsenal were all around the field, the pitch was supporting Arsenal's game play and they were moving the ball around comfortably. However, Milan's players possessed a better physique and many times would out muscle Arsenal players. Nevertheless, Koscielny and Co were doing a great job at the back. The offside trap seemed to work well on the night.


Ox and Song were a great force, they would break Milan's attacks and lead the attacks for their team. Walcott was giving Mesbah a nightmare, and it wasn't long enough before he made a difference. He charged down the wing and crossed it across, Thiago Silva's clearance was weak and there was Rosicky, he kept calm and fired the ball towards goal. Abbiati's weak palm couldn't block the ball from going in to the net. 2-0 to Arsenal! Game on!


AC Milan barely threatened to score until Robinho broke through the Arsenal defence and passed it to El Shaarawy who shot it wide. This would have ended Arsenal's hopes of a possible comeback.


Ox was terrorising Ac Milan, he was all over the field, it never looked like he is 18 years. It was Ox who contributed to Arsenal's third goal as he was brought down in the box by Mesbah. RVP stepped up and sent Abbiati the wrong way! Arsenal were in dreamland, they needed one more goal to take it to extra time and two more to go through! It ended 3-0 at half time.


The second half began with high hopes for Arsenal, as they were in search for the goal that would take them through. It almost came through when Gervinho's shot was saved by Abbiati and the ball fell to RVP, Abbiati was nowhere close to see the ball, RVP tried to chip it over the goalkeeper only to see Abbiati's hand stop the ball going through and safe into his arms! This was the moment for Arsenal, their best player of the season had just wasted the best chance of the game!


Milan couldn't keep hold of the ball, Song and Ox were once again forming a unit that was too hard to break. It didn't last long though, Ox was fouled, picked up and injury and was replaced by Chamakh. 
From there on, Arsenal's attacking force started to decline, Chamakh was nowhere to be seen and Emmanuelson was now enjoying the freedom in the midfield. 


Allegrini was smart to note the decline in Arsenal's midfield dominance and was quick to react. He sent in Acquillani to replace El Shaawky. It wasn't too long before Acquilani sent in a dangerous cross that found Nocerino on the far post, his weak touch however fell to Szczensy feet and he collected it easily. 


Arsenal's injury woes show no sign of decreasing as Walcott had to be replaced by Park after he picked up an injury. This was Wenger's last throw of the dice as he did not have any other attacking option on the bench. The cries of Thiery Henry could be heard amongst the hearts of Arsenal fans, perhaps had he been there he would have given them the goal they needed the most!


Arsenal's defence has always been under criticism lately, Koscielny has been responsible for own goals whilst the rest were always caught napping. Apart from the goalkeeper, they have always been criticised. It was a different affair this time though, Arsenal's defence was stronger than ever expected, Vermaelan and Koscielny combined well to keep Ibrahimovic and Robinho quiet. They deserve full credits for that.


Despite all that, Arsenal failed in their pursuit of the goal that would lead them to the Quarter Finals. It was all over, Arsenal were knocked out of the Champions League once again!


The question remains, "What went wrong for Arsenal?"


Arsenal have many times faced the wrath of poor refereeing decisions, and this seemed to be a similar night. The referee's decisions were poor and had an impact on the game. The foul on Ox and Walcott didn't produce any bookings and advantages were rarely given in the game.  


The inexperience of Arsenal's team was clearly visible in the last 5 minutes of the game, Alex Song couldn't keep the ball and failed to make a decision as to whom to pass the ball. He was tensed, the crowd was buzzing and both times he made errors which if weren't committed, they surely would have tried their luck in front of goal. 
Teams like Man United have the likes of Scholesy and Giggsy who have always been at the heart of their comebacks in recent games. Liverpool have always depended on Gerrard. This was something Arsenal lacked on the field, there was no Vieira to lead them, no Henry to inspire them. RVP was still recovering from his miss that would have buried the game by the 70th minute.


Ox's injury reminds me of the Manchester United vs Bayern Munich final in 1999 where Beckham made an intentional tackle on Lothar Matthaeus. It did earn Becks a yellow card but the impact of the tackle was too hard for Matthaeus. He sustained an injury and had to be replaced. From then on, United dominated the game and eventually won the final. The Ox effect was missing in the last half an hour of the game, was the challenge intentional or not is debatable, but it served Ac Milan's purpose. Ox's absence meant Ac Milan were to dominate the midfield. 


The Arsenal bench lacked the qualities of a European game bench. There was no player who could change the game, there was no super sub who could change the result. The likes of out of favour Chamakh and under performing Park will never fulfil Wenger's European dream. There was no contribution at all from Park or Chamakh. It's time the Professor invests in his squad and give RVP a reason to stay at Arsenal.


Despite all that, credit has to be given for Arsenal's fantastic spirit that never existed before. They have picked themselves up well and would be strong challengers for the third position in the league.


Man of the Match:


My man of the match is Ox Chamberlain. The youngster stepped in what could be described as the most important game in his Arsenal career so far. It was disappointing to see him pick up and injury and end his amazing performance in a memorable night at the Emirates.

Ox put in his best performance of the season so far!

Much can be said and much will be said, but the fact remains that Arsenal failed to make it to the Quarter Finals. For every Arsenal fan this will be a heartbreaking story, just when scoring four seemed possible, they fell short of one. Arsene Wenger will be proud of his team, RVP will be proud of his lads and every Gooner will stand up and pay respect to their brave army that almost conquered Rome in 90 minutes. It wasn't to be their day, but they left the stadium as heroes in the eyes of every Gooner!


Cheerios!
Mj Kassam

Preview: Man United vs Athletic Club Bilbao

Manchester United v/s Athletic Bilbao

Date: 08.03.2012

Venue: Old Trafford

KO: 20:05 GMT

Hola!

Its European night in the city of Manchester, this time its a Spanish opposition making their way to Old Trafford. Its Manchester United v/s Athletic Bilbao for the 1st Leg of the Europa League Round of 16. 

The last time the two teams met was 55 years ago, when Matt Busby's men travelled to Spain in January 1957, they were outplayed and lost 5-3. The second leg was at Maine Road (OT didn't have flood lights back then) and United did what they do best, they won 3-0 and eventually knocked their opponents out with just a few minutes to go. (Agg score: 6-5 to United). 

A few interesting facts about the game:

> Athletic Bilbao have never won on English soil (one draw, six defeats)

> It's the first time De Gea will face Spanish opponents since his arrival at United last summer.

> Man United have won only one out of their four European games at OT.

> Should Ryan Giggs feature in this game, he will equal Paolo Maldini's record of 902 games for one club (Ac Milan).

Form Guide: 

Manchester United: W D W W W

Atheltico Bilbao: L W W D W

Team News: 

Athletico Bilbao are expected to travel with their full squad except their long term injured players Aitor Ocio, Carlos Gurpegui and Xabier Castillo

Man United meanwhile are still without N. Vidic who will miss the rest of the season due to his knee injury. A.Valencia may be back for the next leg in Spain whilst Cleverley may feature this weekend. Meanwhile, Anderson and Owen could feature on Thursday after being out due to injury. 

Man to watch: 

Iker Munian- the youngest player to feature for Athletic Bilbao(16 years) in 2009, is one of their best players. He has netted three times this season including the winner against Lokomotiv Moscow in the last round. 
Fernando Llorente has been attracting interest from many clubs, Spurs being one of them. He is a threat to any defence, and has scored 20 goals in all competitions for Athletic Club.

Iker Munian.

Ashley Young meanwhile will be the main focus as he scored two against Tottenham and provided the assist for Rooney's goal. 

Manchester United go into this game having won their game against Tottenham despite a poor performance. Athletic Bilbao meanwhile come to this game with a high morale after defeating Real Sociedad in the Basque derby. 

Preditction:

I would settle for a comfortable victory to Man United despite the poor record at OT in European games. 

3-0 to Manchester United.

Adios!

Mj Kassam