Rob Green had his moment; the following day Algeria keeper Faouzi Chaouchi had his. And then on Monday, Paraguay goalie Justo Villar, miscued to cost his team a couple of points against defending World Champs, Italy. Once is a fluke, twice is a coincidence, but three times means we’re getting into a habit.
2. Players appear to be getting stupider
Uruguay saw substitute Nicolas Lodeiro being sent off for two bookable offences (well, the second challenge was worthy of a red card on its own) against France. Then Algeria, again, get in on the act with an even more inexplicable red card as Abdelkader Ghezzal handled the ball needlessly. Serbia’s Zdravko Kuzmanovic continued the pointless handball motif and on Monday I was certain Nigel de Jong would be sent off for similar stupidity. But, somehow, his two-footer went unpunished and he only received a booking later on in the match. Instead it was the nature of Holland’s opening goal that left me wondering just what is going on at the moment at this World Cup.
3. Vuvuzelas get their first questioning in a match
Robin Van Persie claimed he couldn’t hear the whistle when he was offside and finished cutely past Denmark’s goalkeeper. The Arsenal man didn’t look best pleased when signalling about the noise of the plastic horns. But then again it could just be an excuse because he ignored the whistle.
4. The Dutch need width on the left
It was obvious for everyone to see that Holland played far too narrowly. But what’s unclear is whether it was due to the coach’s instructions or Van der Vaart’s stubbornness to impinge on Sneijder’s territory. Whilst in possession Holland’s central tendency congested the forward line; Van der Vaart was the main culprit as he moved central leaving Sneijder with less space to operate and Van Persie was subsequently starved of service and forced to pull wide left more often to compensate (ironically it was his drifting left that led to the opening goal). Elijero Elia provided some natural width and may have a case to start should Robben not be fit enough for their second match. I would have thought Van der Vaart coming off the right, tucking centrally, allowing van der Wiel to overlap would be far more fruitful than leaving the veteran captain, Van Bronckhorst’s flank without midfield cover.
5. Italy lack creativity
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There is a blatant lack of pace running through the team but more worrying than that is last night’s inability to create. Though they waltzed through qualification and were drawn in a largely simple group they remain outsiders to retain their crown. I was surprised not to see Di Natale starting and equally shocked to see the defence playing a high line. But the forwards really do fail to inspire any Italian fan, let alone neutrals. Pirlo’s injury has caused some problems for the deep sitting playmaker’s role but what Italy are lacking more than that is a position they have, historically, provided so well; the classic number 10. Being without Totti for the first time since 1998 means there is no inspirational creative figure in the team. The trequartista position is key in creating for Gilardino’s intelligent movement. We’ll see what Lippi has in store for their next match considering how much better they played in a 4-4-2.
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Having seen star striker Fernando Torres collapse during Spain’s World Cup Final victory over Holland, Liverpool fans could be forgiven for cursing their luck yet again. However, club doctors have allayed fears over Torres’s fitness, claiming that the Reds’ number nine could be fit in time for the start of the new Premier League season. Speaking to the club’s official website, Liverpool’s head of sports science and medicine Peter Brukner said: “He had an MRI scan yesterday which confirmed a small tear. He should be able to resume training within two to three weeks and be able to play again within three to four weeks.” Given Torres’s chequered history with injuries, manager Roy Hodgson will be keen to ensure that the Spaniard is treated with the requisite level of care needed to play frequently next season. In order to do this, the club must not rush Torres back into action too soon.
Since arriving at Anfield in the summer of 2007, Torres has participated in three straight summers of international football competition. In these three international tournaments (Euro 2008, Confederations Cup 2009 and World Cup 2010), his side, Spain, have reached the final round of each competition. Whilst one could argue that several of his Spanish international team-mates have also done so and been less susceptible to injury, Torres is the only outfield player in the Spanish squad apart from Cesc Fabregas (the Arsenal skipper has himself averaged less than 25 league starts over the last two seasons) to have spent the seasons prior to each tournament competing in the physically demanding Premier League (former Liverpool team-mates Xabi Alonso and Alvaro Arbeloa each spent 2009/10 at Real Madrid).
Liverpool’s overreliance upon Fernando Torres up-front is all too apparent. The dearth of quality alternatives available in his absence means that former manager Rafael Benitez was often forced to deploy the services of a less-than-fully-fit Torres on several occasions. This fact, in conjunction with the fact that Torres has not had a summer off since moving to Merseyside, has meant that the Spaniard has yet to undertake an extended period of rest and recuperation. Including the thigh strain sustained in last Sunday’s World Cup final, Torres has sustained three separate injuries since January of this year; a worrying and startling statistic.
During his time at Liverpool, Torres’s fitness woes have mainly consisted of strain injuries, with the former Atletico Madrid man suffering knee, hamstring, thigh and groin strains. The nature of such strain injuries means that rest is imperative for the sake of recuperation, and Torres clearly hasn’t had the chance to do. Additionally, strain injuries (particularly those concerning the hamstring) tend to have high recurrence rates, recurrence rates which are increased by the failure to recover from previous injuries.
Unfortunately, statistics vindicate Torres’s reputation as one of an injury-prone player. Since the start of the 2007/08 season, Liverpool have had 170 competitive fixtures and Torres has featured in 116 of them (68.2%). Whilst his susceptibility to injury may be something that his club cannot cure, the club must seek to better manage Torres’s injuries. Affording him much needed rest is certainly the best way of doing so.
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Click on image to see a gallery of the BEST BABES at the World Cup this summer
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Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has denied making a move to sign Dutch World Cup ace Wesley Sneijder from European champions Internazionale.
The 26-year-old former Ajax and Real Madrid schemer has been one of the players of the tournament in South Africa, sparking talk of a big-money move to Old Trafford later this summer.
However, Ferguson told the Sunday Mail:"I believe the squad is stronger than last season, with the younger players having another year under their belts.
"I don't know where those reports about Sneijder came from. How can anybody turn me down when I haven't even made a bid?"
Inter president Massimo Moratti had previously told Sky Sport Italia: "The interest from Manchester United in Sneijder is real, but I didn't look into it in an attempt not to fall into temptation."
Sneijder himself pledged to remain at the San Siro, even if a bid from United was eventually forthcoming.
He added:"It is correct that Manchester United have approached Inter about my availability, but I don't have the intention to leave Inter any time soon.
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"My heart is with Inter. I've won almost everything with Inter that we could win last year and I'm looking forward to winning even more titles here.
"I have set my sights on the Italian Super Cup, the European Super Cup and the Club World Cup. Therefore, I will stay at Inter."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email
With Martin O’Neill’s shock departure from Aston Villa leaving the footballing world, well, erm…shocked, speculation about his successor is already rife, with the rumour-mill going into overdrive. The leading candidates so far have been David Moyes, Sven Goran Erikksson, Bob Bradley and Martin Jol.
Moyes has already ruled himself out of the running stating he’s more than happy at Everton and that he feels the current squad he’s got is his strongest ever. You can’t really blame Moyes for wanting to stay at Everton, after all the Premier League’s third-longest serving manager has seen injuries blight his last two campaigns and with a fully fit squad this season he may way believe he can repeat his feat of 2005 and get Everton into the Champion’s League or at least add a bit of silverware to his glowing reputation.
That leaves just Eriksson, Bradley and Jol as the three front-runners, with the former currently the bookies favourite to take over from O’Neill. Eriksson has a somewhat mixed reputation on these shores. He’s often been more favourably looked upon due to the failures of his successors rather than any real achievements he has made- at least in England. As national coach his time was considered a decent effort but not quite good enough- especially considering his mammoth salary. However Steve McClaren made Eriksson’s tenure seemed like a golden age as he failed at the first hurdle to even qualify for Euro 2008. Fabio Capello may have done a better job than the ‘wally with the brolly’ but his side’s inept performance during the World Cup not to mention the hammering they received at the hands of Germany, made Eriksson and a certain 5-1 look all the more glorious.
It was the same at Manchester City for the former Gothenburg, Benfica, Sampdoria and Lazio man. Finishing ninth may not have been all that great but a double over derby rivals Manchester United plus the fact that his successors have spent practically ten times the amount Eriksson did and achieved very little makes him look less of a failure than previously thought.
Eriksson’s problem may be his reputation of being something an expensive gun-for-hire, his recent time in charge of the Cote D’Ivoire did nothing to remove that tag. $3 million for three World Cup games- which saw only one victory against North Korea- was hardly seen as value for money, although to be fair to the Swede he was in the so-called group of death with Portugal and Brazil.
Eriksson was caught in controversy four years ago with the fake sheikh scam by a tabloid newspaper where he claimed he was ready to become manager of Villa as part of a takeover. While that scandal did nothing to enhance his reputation it’s interesting to see that the midlands club was in his thoughts even when he was manager of England.
However the Cote D’Ivoire job, plus the Notts County debacle not to mention a highly unsuccessful stint in charge of the Mexican national side may make more than a few Villa fans a little sceptical of his value as manager. At the age of 62 and with five employers in the past three years he may not exactly be the man who could bring stability or even long-term vision to the club.
Martin Jol on the other hand is a manager who has a reputation of being one of football’s good guys and his time in England with Tottenham is still looked upon fondly by many Spurs fans. In his three seasons at White Hart Lane Jol guided Spurs to two top five finishes and if it wasn’t for some dodgy lasagne may well have taken them into the Champion’s League. It wasn’t just results that Jol delivered, his side often played attacking football that was a joy to watch, while maintaining a stable defence and many of his signings were inspired- although there were rumours that not all signings were directly up to him.
Like Eriksson Jol’s successor put his tenure in perspective, new manager Juande Ramos may have delivered the Carling Cup but he then oversaw the club’s worst league start ever, making Jol’s time at WHL seem all the more triumphant.
Since leaving North London the Dutchman has had a fairly mixed times, taking Hamburg SV to the top of the Bundesliga only to end up fifth and also guiding them to a UEFA cup semi-final. Last season he was at Ajax overseeing a league campaign that saw the –former- wally with the brolly’s FC Twente side pip him to the title but he did gain a little consolation by lifting the Dutch cup.
Jol was heavily linked with the Fulham job but decided to stay at Ajax apparently after being offered more money to spend in the transfer market or simply better terms depending on which reporter you believe.
Villa may be a more difficult prospect to turn down for Jol, after all no disrespect to Fulham but they are a bigger club with a strong squad and despite the problems O’Neill felt he had with Chairman Randy Lerner’s frugality, Jol may feel the club is in a good position to move forward.
It’s Randy Lerner’s nationality which has led to the rather surprise inclusion of USA national ‘soccer’ coach Bob Bradley into the Villa managerial mix. Bradley first shot to fame as a national coach of some repute by taking Uncle Sam to the final of the 2009 Confederations Cup, ending Spain’s 35-game unbeaten run along the way with a two-nil, sorry two –zero ,win.
Following this Bradley took his team to the Wold Cup finals where they became the only side in the competition’s history to ‘win’ by a 1-1 draw with England before succumbing to everyone’s second team Ghana in the second round.
Bradley would for me represent the biggest gamble of all the aforementioned managers having no Premier League experience and only managing at club level in the MLS, although a plus point is at least him and Lerner both speak the same language.
One name that hasn’t been bandied about much is that of Gianfranco Zola. The former West Ham man and Chelsea’s ‘greatest player ever’ hasn’t been linked with many clubs since being unceremoniously sacked by ‘local boys done good’ Davids Gold and Sullivan, only two days after the season’s end. Zola’s time at West Ham may have ended with the club only five points above relegation but he had practically no money to spend, saw his star striker injured for much of the campaign and also had a takeover looming over him, with the new chairmen immediately interfering with team matters by transfer-listing nearly all his squad and making a stream of often silly and unnecessary statements.
Despite all this drama, the little Italian went about his job with the usual dignity and charm he’s well known for and fundamentally did the job required of him by keeping his team up.
Let’s not forget that the previous season with another shoestring budget Zola had guided the Hammers to ninth place, playing some attractive football along the way, missing out on a Europa League spot by two points- and a bit of goal difference.
The fact is of all the candidates mentioned Zola is the one with the most recent Premier League experience is used to working with little or no money and has a preference for playing football the right way- arguably something that’s been missing from Villa Park recently.
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Whether Lerner would be willing to give the Italian a chance is debatable but I’d also expect his salary to be a lot less than that of Eriksson’s or even Jol’s. In Steve Clarke, Zola would also bring an assistant who has a reputation for being one of the best in the business. He may not be the bookies favourite but if I were a Villa fan I’d be far from disappointed if he was the surprise choice.
Read more of Justin Mottershead’s work on his blog ‘Name on the Trophy’
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With the PL season nearly upon us, let’s see the WAGS that will be keeping the players on their toes. Click on image to VIEW gallery
Steven Pienaar has reiterated his desire to stay at Everton and insists he has never asked to leave Goodison Park.
The South African's new contract negotiations had appeared to have stalled with Pienaar's agent hinting earlier in the month that his client was agitating for a transfer.
However, Pienaar said:"There's been a lot of speculation about a transfer but I've never once said that I want to leave Everton.
"I love playing for Everton. It's a great club with real tradition and history.
"You can see that at Goodison Park, an old stadium which is always full and where the fans really know their football. And you read about the history of the club too, the trophies and the old stars.
"We have a good team and the manager is a superb influence.
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"I'll be honest. I have a year left on my contract. I'm happy to sign a new one but, at my age, it has to be right and fair. The only difference I've had with the club has been over what's right."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email
Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti has told Russia international wing-back Yuri Zhirkov to improve to secure a long-term future at Stamford Bridge.
The 27-year-old struggled during his first season with the Blues following his arrival from CSKA Moscow and recently hinted that he may move on as early as next January.
However, Ancelotti is determined to keep Zhirkov, while driving him on to challenge for a regular starting spot.
The Italian told reporters:"I don't need to speak with him about the future. That is because his future is here with Chelsea.
"He is a good player. He knows in this club, in the top teams, there is a lot of competition to play and for this reason he has to improve.
"But I think that he will have the possibility to play a lot of games this year, because we are involved in a lot of competitions. We need to have all the players fit and ready to play."
The versatile Zhirkov had earlier stated:"I'll certainly get a chance in the next few months and I'll try to use it.
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"Then, in the winter, everything will probably depend on whether I get a chance and how I use it.
"Chelsea are currently in brilliant form and getting past Florent Malouda and Ashley Cole is the problem. You can be on the bench for a long time, but I will definitely get a chance."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email
Arsene Wenger has reiterated that he expects Arsenal captain and all round midfield general Cesc Fabregas to stay with the club for a few more years. This is all in reference to the Spanish Giants Barcelona publicly admiring Fabregas, affirming this in producing two bids last summer to try and dislodge him from Arsenal’s clutches. But in making this valiant assertion, can Wenger in his shining armour of football philosophy really fend off the monster that is Barcelona when it comes swaggering through to kidnap the fair maiden Fabregas? Will Fabregas forgo the opportunity to return to the home of his birth and win future trophies?
We must first examine the context in which Wenger’s statement was given. He was addressing shareholders at Arsenal’s AGM and stated that “…I’m not pessimistic. I’m confident we will keep him for a few more years.” But when you address the shareholders you want to create a sense of confidence and reassure them that your biggest asset won’t be lost in the next 10-12 months. As a manager in today’s football environment you must have within your constitution a certain degree of business acumen and Wenger certainly does with sound bites such as this. Wenger has a knack of issuing these types of platitude; with the other being that Arsenal have money to spend without doing so. This all bodes well from a financial aspect and depicts a rosy façade, but what of the cynical standpoint?
The cynic would decree that Fabregas won’t be around for ‘a few more years’ and Arsenal will even struggle to keep him when the next summer transfer window reemerges to the dismay of Wenger. Arguing from the previous observable evidence, which included Fabregas seen in a Barcelona shirt, crying whilst speaking to fans of his future and his Grandma stating he would play for the Catalan club sooner rather than later, these, amongst others, prompt a pessimistic view. Another miserable and reoccurring fact is that Arsenal haven’t won a major trophy since the F.A. Cup in 2005, five years without silverware will create a yearning for Fabregas that he can realise instantly at Barcelona.
Fabregas has been stipulating that a move to his homeland would be attractive and a dream come true, to counter these claims he has reiterated his commitment to Arsenal this season, but that is all. He hasn’t pledged his future to the club or made statements that would expel these types of article. Fabregas explained that “I owe a lot to the club, manager and the fans and I will respect their decision and will now concentrate on the new season ahead with Arsenal.” It demonstrates the time he is biding, he is under contract and Arsenal refused to sell in the summer, but it appeared to be in the balance at times. A further piling on of pressure upon Arsenal to release Fabregas will certainly test the resolve of all parties, the former more so.
The breaking news that Wayne Rooney has signed a new five year contract extension from the precipice of a move and what appeared an irrevocable position has certainly astounded everyone save Rooney and his agent. This may also be comparable to Fabregas and he may decide to pledge his allegiances to Arsenal for ‘a few more years’. I for one believe Barcelona will remain obdurate in pursuit of Fabregas and secure his signature in the summer. One certainty is that Fabregas has much more respect for Arsenal in his deportment than Rooney for Manchester United and would conduct himself far more respectably when the time comes.
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Tottenham Hotspur is a club with a history of playing aesthetic, passing football. From Arthur Rowe’s implementation of the short passing game we can see Spurs were radical in their pursuit of a crowd pleasing style. Under the legendary Bill Nicholson the club excelled both domestically and in Europe and can boast being a club of prestigious firsts: the first team to do the domestic double in 1960-1961, the first English club to win a major European honour (UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup in 1963) and the 1972 inaugural winners of the UEFA Cup. Here are some highlights since Arthur Rowe’s appointment in 1949 and some of the key figures who have more than played their part…
Click on the White Hart Lane gates to see Tottenham’s greatest moments in pictures
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With Manchester United being the talk of the transfer market at the moment, with speculation over players coming in and out almost every day, Manchester United must not forget a gem they have in their ranks – Park Ji Sung. Park Ji Sung is a firm fans favourite, a player that plays for the jersey. Park is a player for the big games and have proven his worth to Manchester United since his move from PSV in 2005. With Antonio Valencia out until the new year, is it time for Sir Alex Ferguson to place more faith in Park Ji Sung.
Park netted only his second goal of the season in Manchester United’s 3-2 Carling Cup win over Wolves on Tuesday. Speaking to Sky Sports, Park Ji-sung spoke of Manchester United’s win.
“The win (over Wolves) was a satisfactory result and I am happy with my performance. “My recent form hasn’t been that good so it’s good to see progress.”
Park Ji Sung offers Manchester United a great deal. His attitude and fitness are second to none in the squad. Park has an engine and never stops working for the team. He is a selfless individual who put his team before individual goals and accolades. The midfielder has proven himself a class act in his attitude at Old Trafford. He accepts his managers decisions – without fuss nor drama. There have been times where Park has undeservedly been dropped but he has got on with it and has come off the bench and shown his talent on the pitch – not the media room. This is why he is a cult hero at Old Trafford. Park Ji Sung offers nothing less that 100% for his club. Park is clearly very proud to play for a club like Manchester United and its great to see humility from a professional footballer today.
The problem is do Manchester United fans truly believe that Park can ever offer Manchester United more than a consistent, reliable performance. Park has many top class attributes but will he ever be a match winner on a consistent basis for Manchester United. Where Nani, and to a certain degree Valencia have blown hot and cold at Old Trafford, they have produced magic to either set up winners or score them, themselves. Is this ultimately Park’s downfall?Does he have enough about him to command a regular place in the United first team. Most fans would agree that Park Ji-Sung should score more goals. He gets into some very good positions but a combination of either a lack of ability in front of goal or lack of composure has let the South Korean captain down at times.
Manchester United’s destruction of Arsenal in the 2009 Champions League semi final has been Park’s finest game for Manchester United. Park scored the opening goal that night and imposed his style on the game. His link up play with Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo was impressive and he was given glowing praise from Arsene Wenger. Wenger after the game spoke to Sky Sports about Park Ji-sung.
“When you play against him, he’s a very hard working player who sacrifices for the team but as well has good skill and scores important goals, unfortunately, against us. I’m convinced by his quality. He has a top level attitude.”
Park’s work ethic and commitment to the game doesn’t go unnoticed outside of Old Trafford – and that is good too see. There has been speculation that Park could be a spare part in a deal for Tottenham’s Gareth Bale in the summer. It seems highly unlikely that Manchester United would sell Park at the current time. Commercially, Park is too important to Manchester United, more importantly you can’t put a price on his attitude. Youngsters at Old Trafford would do well to learn from Park Ji Sung
Park Ji Sung is a very talented footballer and is looking to reinvent his Manchester United career in a new central role. Park’s form along with Manchester United’s needs to improve. For now, Park has the abilities to replace Antonio Valencia. The South Korean has an ideal opportunity to cement his place in the team. If he can do this, he could end his career at Old Trafford. It is time for Park to stand up and show the Premiership his true qualities.
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Five years without a trophy. It can be tough to be an Arsenal fan sometimes. However, the last decade has had a number of highpoints. Of particular prominence are a masterful Frenchmen, unforgettable European nights, and Premier League and FA Cup glory. Do away with all the doom and gloom and let’s countdown the top 10 greatest Arsenal related moments of the decade.
10. Henry inspires 5-1 win over Inter Milan
On November 25, 2003 Arsenal inflicted upon Inter Milan their heaviest home defeat in 47 years of European football. Had Arsenal lost, they would have been eliminated from the Champion’s League. But far from losing, they tore Inter Milan apart in one of the most memorable European performances of the decade. At the centre of the rout was Thierry Henry who grabbed a hat-trick.
[youtube aKzkbMbTSPU]
9. Arsenal beat Real Madrid at the Bernabau
The Gunners became the first side to beat Real Madrid at the Bernabau on February 21, 2006. Despite being crippled by injuries, Arséne Wenger’s side often had Real Madrid on the ropes. In the end it was Thierry Henry’s astonishing solo goal two minutes after half time that decided the game. The belief that this result brought with it was enough to take the Gunners through to the Champion’s League Final.
[youtube mhRJYExkqQU]
Continue to PAGE TWO for more Great Arsenal Moments…
8. Henry becomes the club’s record scorer
Thierry arrived at Highbury from Juventus in 1999. Back then he was just another talented winger – who was to know he would become one of the greatest players to ever grace the Premier League? Not only was he an extraordinarily gifted and graceful player, but he also had a remarkable eye for goal. On October 18th when Arsenal played Sparta Prague, Henry beat Ian Wright’s (who scored 185 goals for Arsenal) goal scoring record to become the club’s top scorer. Henry went on to scored 226 Arsenal goals.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y1Eq4x5vQhM
7. The 2005 FA Cup Triumph
Who can forget the 2005 FA Cup Final penalty shoot-out? If Arsenal fans are honest, they were lucky to have made it into extra time with the score even. Arsenal’s opponents, Manchester United looked like they wanted it more. All the more disappointing for Sir Alex Ferguson’s men, then, that Arsenal were able to triumph in the resulting Penalty shoot-out. Scholes missed his penalty kick which was enough to ensure that United rued all their missed chances.
Continue to PAGE THREE for more Great Arsenal Moments…
6. Invincibles clinch title at White Hart Lane
It was inevitable that Arsenal would win the Premier League in the 2003/4 season. A remarkable run of form saw them go the whole season unbeaten. Towards the close of the season, it wasn’t so much a case of whether Arsenal would win the Premiership, but when and where. A 2-2 draw with Spurs at White Hart Lane was enough to clinch the title on April 25th 2004. Spurs fans will remember and loathe the chant “we won the League at White Hart Lane” for a long time.
5. Wiltord goal clinches the double
The Gunners pulled off a remarkable feat by winning their final thirteen Premiership fixtures in the 2001/2 season to clinch the title. Arsenal were beginning to play the quick, fluid, dynamic passing game that they would become renowned for. It’s a testament to their attacking spirit that the Gunners scored in every single league game that season. Even better for Arsenal, they made it to the FA Cup Final, where a single goal was enough to see off Manchester United and seal the double.
Continue to PAGE FOUR for more Great Arsenal Moments…
4. Arsenal wave goodbye to Highbury
For 93 years Arsenal were at home at Highbury. This all changed on May 7th, 2006, when Arsenal waved goodbye to their old stadium. The 2005/6 season wasn’t a great one for Arsenal in the Premier League, who were left to scrap it out with Spurs for the fourth and final Champion’s League place. Arsenal’s last game at Highbury was a scintillating 4-2 victory over Wigan Athletic who were undone by a Thierry Henry hat-trick. It was enough to secure the coveted fourth place in the Premier League table – what a way to say goodbye.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jW92gnTlizI
3. The Start of a new era at the Emirates
With Highbury consigned to the memory, it was time for Arsenal to move into their new home. On July 22, 2006, The Emirates stadium was host to its first game – Dennis Bergkamp’s testimonial. The Emirates stadium is without doubt one of the best football stadiums in the world and Arsenal are now begining to reap the financial benefits that come with the Emirates increased capacity.
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Continue to PAGE FIVE for the top 2 Great Arsenal Moments…
2. Arsenal make it to the Champions League Final
2006 was the year that Arsenal made it through to the Final of the Champion’s League for the first time in their history. This was mainly a result of good defending – the Gunners kept 10 successive clean sheets in that Champion’s League campaign – and good counter-attacking football. The final itself probably isn’t such a great memory for Arsenal fans. Arsenal were thirteen minutes away from winning the European cup, but they gave away two goals towards the end of the game.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DP4mJXDAvK4
1. Arsenal are ‘The Invincibles’
Between May 2003 and October 2004 Arsenal went unbeaten in the Premier League – that’s a total of 49 games without a single loss. That’s the kind of record that’s going to remain in people’s memories for a long time. This was a free-scoring, uninhibited team who played some of the best football in the game’s history. The run ended at Old Trafford in a 2-0 loss. By that stage Arsenal had played 49 games, won 36 and drawn 13. Here’s a commemorative video of the Gunner’s amazing feat set to overly heroic music.