Bleacher Report - Articles by Alden Sing

Tottenham Spurs Put up Nine in Spectacular Performance

Alden Sing — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 09:58:11 -0500

Fans live for nights like this. It was an enrapturing night which fans witnessed nine goals in one half alone.

As the whistle blew for half time, Spurs fans had no inkling that they would be in for a treat in the second half.

Starting with the lanky Crouch and the diminutive Defoe, Harry Redknapp hit all the right notes.

Lennon was irresistible on the right. He was in full flow, charging down the right flank and delivering pin-point crosses that left Kirkland befuddled.

Defoe was the star of the night, helping himself to five goals. As Lennon prodded Wigan's defence on the right, Defoe ensured that his colleague's hard work was justly rewarded.

In a mere seven minutes, he completed a devastating hat-trick.

It was a night where Spurs welcomed back their long term casualties. Dawson, Woodgate, and Peter Crouch finally got their rare first starts.

By doing away with the diamond formation, Redknapp reverted to a formation familiar to many Spurs fans—that of a big-small striker combination.

After a harrowing experience in mid-week, Keane was left out to recuperate on the bench. Crouch fitted in like a glove.

The newly minted 4-4-2 gave Kranjcar a chance to shine on the left.

Wigan, on the other hand, fielded a side which had dutifully delivered thus far.

But it all went awry in the second half, as the Wigan backline went AWOL and Kirkland was left alone to face a firing squad in the form of a rampant Spurs side.

I lost track of the number of times I saw Wigan defenders ball-watching.

With a backline that boasted experienced hands like Boyce, Edman, Bramble, and Melchiot, Wigan were surprisingly poor.

When Edman shockingly failed to control a routine long punt, I knew that Wigan were in for a hiding.

But take nothing away from this Spurs side. Not many teams in the EPL today can score nine goals. Even fewer teams will ever allow nine goals to sail pass them.

Like the full sun eclipse and shooting stars, footballing Gods allow such freak results to happen only once in a blue moon.

Plundering nine goals pass Wigan does not make Spurs a top four team overnight. Similarly, a good thrashing away from home does not make Wigan relegation material in an instance.

In a long and hard season which still has about three quarters to go, one result changes nothing.

However, this will definitely be a night to savour for Spurs fans. For the skeptics, this is why football is the indisputable "beautiful game."

Still A Bridge Too Far For Tottenham?

Alden Sing — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 05:06:25 -0500

49 seconds. That was how long it took the Gunners to stamp their class over their bitter rivals, Tottenham.

Before Robbie Keane had any time to reflect on his ambitious pre-match comments, his Tottenham side collapsed in astonishing fashion.

Two quick fire goals left Tottenham chasing an impossible game.

And when in form striker Robin Van Persie added the third, one could sense the boastfulness of Robbie Keane diminishing along with the dissipating Tottenham crowd at the Emirates Stadium.

For good measure, Redknapp started David Bentley, no doubt with the feverish hope that he can reproduce that majestic 40 metre strike which silenced the Gunners’ fans in the same fixture last year.

Alas, Bentley only had a ferocious free kick in the second half that brought out the acrobat in Almunia.

For much of the game, it was pretty much one way traffic for the Gunners. With Fabregas dominating in the midfield and Van Persie in red hot form, it was certain that a repeat of last season’s 4-4 drama was impossible.

Credit to Tottenham though. They matched Arsenal stride for stride in the first 40 minutes before Van Persie ghosted in behind King to draw first blood for the Gunners.

What followed thereafter was a comical chain of events which culminated in a Fabregas wonder goal. I strongly recommend that Redknapp tape this episode down and hand it on to the next author who wants to write a book on Basic Defending in Football.

It started with a sloppy pass from Palacios and he might as well had gift-wrapped the ball in glossy paper because Fabregas needed no second invitation to weave pass a static Tottenham defence to thump a scorcher pass Gomes.

More comedy ensued after half time when the Tottenham defenders forgot the basic rule of playing to the referee’s whistle. A low cross by Sagna completely eluded the diving Gomes and the lunging King and Van Persie gleefully tucked it away into the empty net.

Indeed it was now well and truly over for this courageous Tottenham side. They have now lost to three of the 'Top Four' – Man Utd, Chelsea and Arsenal.

If Redknapp is serious about turning Tottenham into a top four side, he has to rid his team of such mediocrity.

It is not the quality of Tottenham’s players, rather more of lack of ability to step up in a big match that is costing the team both their top four status and derby bragging rights.

Who Are These Reserves, Rafa?

Alden Sing — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 05:01:47 -0500

Rafa Benitez likes to tinker. So much so that he even tinkers with the substitutes on his bench.

Yes. You see it right. On the bench last night for Liverpool were as follows: Dossena, Babel, Plessis, Gulacsi, Spearing, Eccleston, and Ayala.

If you are wondering who on earth these players are, rest assure. You are not alone.

The more pertinent question here would be, which one of them could have made a difference to last night’s horror show at Craven Cottage?

The awful truth: No one.

For all the column inches that have been written about Benitez’s rotation policy on the pitch, the same must be said about his substitute bench as well.

Liverpool may not have a world class striker in the form of David Ngog. But I am sure he is a better option than Nathan Eccleston.

Daniel Sanchez Ayala may share the same last name as a more illustrious defender whom plied his trade for Valencia before, but that doesn’t mean that they share the same talent. I am pretty sure that Martin Skrtel and Daniel Agger would have agreed.

And let’s not even start on Plessis, Spearing and Babel. They have had their day in the sun but have failed to justify their cause in the famous red jersey.

Benitez reminds me a lot of my Football Manager experience. When faced with a long list of injuries, I often dip randomly into my reserves just to fill up my quota of seven substitutes.

And I have a hunch that Benitez thinks exactly like me.

The only difference now is that, Benitez actually had better options than those that he had named on his bench last night.

When he withdrew the tiring Torres last night, the sensible option would have been to introduce Ngog.

Babel in turn could have came on for Benayoun, though removing your only creative spark when chasing a game is akin to waving the white flag during a war.

And to fill the void left by the bumbling Carragher, certainly Srktel or Agger would have been more suitable.

I am not too sure if Benitez sees things in this manner.

Maybe he actually believes that his youngsters can mirror their counterparts over at Arsenal.

I hope after last night’s shambolic display, Benitez can actually see that this is not the case.

Rafael Benitez: Why Such a Sore Loser?

Alden Sing — Mon, 18 May 2009 06:53:32 -0400

It never feels good when a team which was seven league titles behind not too long ago, is now on par with yours.

Especially after a tumultuous season where euphoria exploded one fine afternoon with a 4-1 victory, only for it to fizzle out like a vitamin C tablet in a glass of water, just one match before the end of the season.

Liverpool were hanging on to a miracle just two days ago. They prayed that Arsenal would somehow, against all insurmountable odds, overcome the big red machine called Manchester United.

Indeed, Arsenal put on a brave fight. With Man Utd in a party mood, the young Gunners took to the field to make them sweat for their point to win the League.

Wenger was conciliatory after the draw. Not so Benitez, who believe that Liverpool just passed up one of their biggest chance to wrestle the crown from the reigning champions.

Benitez said: "I will say congratulations to Manchester United. They have done well, but i do not want to say too much. I prefer just to say well done to the club, a big club, a good club."

These comments were laced with more jealousy than an ex-boyfriend wishing his jilted lover a happy marriage with her current lover.

The contempt for Ferguson was palpable.

I can only say that the pressures exerted both internally and externally is taking its toll on Benitez.

What is it like for a manager who is under such immense pressure to deliver the league title for Britain's greatest football club?

I guess as fans we will never know the cycle of emotions that Benitez has been through in this title race.

The Champions League, League Cup and FA Cup have already been delivered but yet the fans clamour for more. The title is what they want.

After 19 long years, it is time this elusive trophy return to the cabinets of Liverpool football club.

Whether Benitez will be the right man to deliver this remains to be seen.

But one thing for sure, the theatrics shown by Benitez's petulance so far can surely be put into better effect elsewhere.

Like for one, start planning for a squad that is less reliant on Gerrard and Torres.

It Is All Over: Manchester United Are Champions

Alden Sing — Tue, 12 May 2009 12:20:14 -0400

As the season ebbs away, there is a timer on countdown.

It stood at seven points earlier—but after the weekend, it now stands at four.

That is the number of points Manchester United needs to lift the coveted Premier League trophy for the third time in a row.

More importantly, this time around, Manchester United will also match Liverpool's record of 18 league titles.

After a convincing 2-0 win for Manchester United over their city rivals during the weekend, it looks like the inevitable is near.

While Liverpool fans were envisaging a slip up, the 'B' list Manchester United team led by Tevez extinguished that glimmer of hope early on in the game.

The Manchester United engine room is well-oiled. As Rooney, Carrick, and Ferdinand sat out of the clash against Manchester City, the likes of Tevez, Giggs, and Evans stepped up and ensured that not a single chink was out of place in the Red armour.

Before Manchester City could settle down into their tempo, United displayed their ruthless nature through a typical Ronaldo free kick—what else—to ensure that the Old Trafford faithful can start their countdown.

Next, Tevez showed why he should be retained next season by finishing off a delightful Berbatov cut back. His curling shot deflected off the crossbar and into the net as Given was left with no chance.

Even as Manchester United took their foot off the gas pedal in the second half, withdrawing Ronaldo, Evans, and Ji-Sung, the reigning champions did not show any signs of slipping up.

Liverpool now has two more games to play. If they win both, they will have a total tally of 86 points.

Manchester United has three more games to play, and they have already amassed 83 points.

Next up, Wigan and Arsenal entertain the champions, in what will be the deciding fixtures that determines the season.

Nobody would bet against them picking up a win against struggling Wigan on Wednesday to match Liverpool's maximum number of points. And all that Manchester United needs is a draw against Arsenal to lift the trophy on Saturday. Judging by current form, it is unlikely that Arsenal will offer much resistance.

Even if all goes wrong, there is still a game against Hull City in the final round of Premier League matches.

I am not sure about your guys, but the odds seem to favour Manchester United heavily. Picking up four out of their remaining nine points should be a routine for a team which has performed at such a high level and with such consistency throughout this whole season.

What Liverpool need is a miracle.

Their captain Steven Gerrard may proclaim that there is still a title race going on—but from the looks of it, this perception is entirely one-sided.

Unless something drastic happens, Manchester United looks set to lift their 18th Premier League trophy at the end of this week.

And leave the rest of the pretenders trailing in their wake.

This may perhaps be the fitting conclusion for the world's most popular football club.

The question for all is—how long more will this last?

Arsenal: In Need of SOS

Alden Sing — Mon, 11 May 2009 04:57:12 -0400

Someone needs to help Arsenal. Two thrashings, an obstinate manager and a hat-trick of misses by Theo Walcott later, Arsenal's season is well and truly over.

I cannot believe Arsenal could have conceded four goals yesterday. After an opening spell of great passing and movement, Arsenal fell to another sucker punch—yet again.

This time, a free kick was delivered over the top and Alex had all the time in the world to power a header beyond the hapless Fabianski.

It was another case of deja vu. Except this time round, the time taken to knock the wind out of a fanciful Arsenal beginning was longer.

There is no doubt that this Arsenal team can pass. The off the ball movement, the flicks and tricks no doubt frighten teams.

Yet, this ambitious play goes nowhere against big clubs. The finishing by Arsenal in recent games has been nothing short of horrendous.

I have maintained that Walcott is rubbish and he has shown just why he does not deserve another chance in an Arsenal jersey for a big game ever again.

The amount of times Walcott failed to provide that final touch to turn a series of passes into a goal is shambolic.

I cannot understand why Wenger continues to persist with him when it is obvious he is not ready for the big games yet.

In true form, Wenger said in the aftermath of the Chelsea thrashing: "It is more a question of balance in the team rather than individuals. At the moment, I don't know what funds will be available.

"I will be told by the club. We have to continue to improve, but in the areas where it is right. It is not necessarily about quantity of money.''

These comments show that Wenger still has wool over his eyes. He cannot see what the fans can see—that Arsenal need experience. The more the merrier.

This is turning into a tiresome diatribe against Wenger. His policy is capitulating in front of his face and, instead of admitting that Arsenal need help, he merely continues to stick his face in his hands.

Arsenal fans are frustrated. Say all you want that we are a spoilt lot, but how I wish I could turn back time and bring back the likes of Pires, Wiltord, Ljungberg, Vieira, Henry, and Bergkamp again.

With this lineup, the scoreline last night could well have been the reverse.

Who Should Go, Who Should Stay for Arsenal (Part 2)

Alden Sing — Sat, 09 May 2009 10:57:41 -0400

A few days ago, I wrote about who should go and who should stay in the current Arsenal line up. I did Part One and now for Part Two.

This section will examine the reserves that Arsenal regularly use and will determine who should stay and who should go.

Theo Walcott

Walcott has just signed a new deal that will keep him at the club till 2013. So this section on him seems a bit redundant.

Yet, a new deal cannot stop us from giving him a fair assessment of his future at this club. Walcott is a great player, don't get me wrong.

His hat-trick for England recently has proven that he is a gem. When Wenger swooped for this youngster from Southampton, many Arsenal fans wondered "Theo-who?". Now he wears the legendary No. 14 jersey left behind by fan favourite, Thierry Henry. But is he as good as Henry?

It is still too early to tell but in this season, Walcott has only shown occasional glimpses of Henry. His physique has frustratingly impeded his development into a world class player.

And his recent invisible performance against Man Utd did not help his cause. He is blessed with pace, technique and skill.

But if he doesn't turn out to be Henry one day, we know that it is because his performance is just not consistent enough.

He is certainly not a player that can yet break into Arsenal's first team on a regular basis yet. Not with Arshavin around anyway.

Outcome: Loan him out

Nicklas Bendtner

This lad with the pink boots better buck up. As if his on pitch performances aren't bad enough, he decided to go on a drunken revelry in the immediate aftermath of the rape by Man Utd.

In all honesty, I would want Bendtner to succeed. He is a huge potential and has the ability to be a fantastic target man. However, his ability to frustrate in front of goal is only second to Emmanuel "Are you Andy Cole in disguise" Adebayor.

He is another player whom Arsenal cannot depend on to turn the game around if he is on the pitch. However, he can still learn.

Arsenal still needs a reliable target man. He fits the bill to stay, but only just. A few more abysmal performances and Wenger should really reconsider this talent.

Outcome: Keep

Carlos Vela

The joke circulating around when he did not even make it to the bench against Man Utd was that he had Swine flu. Jokes aside, I have not seen enough of him this season to justify the pre-season hype about him.

If anyone plays Football Manager, you would have realized how good Vela is in the game. However, in reality, Vela has only shown occasional glimpses of his talent.

Nobody can forget that spectacular chip against Wigan in the League Cup. Yet sadly, that is the only thing I can remember about him this season.

He has a blessed left foot but again not a player that Arsenal can rely upon immediately to change the game. The saving grace is that he is a young upstart and there is definitely more from him to come.

Outcome: Keep

Lukas Fabianski

All Polish keepers seem to be plagued with the same disease. They just can't catch crosses. When a high ball is punt into the box, Fabianski inspires as much confidence as a 13 year old kid addressing a congregation on his first day in school.

Don't get me wrong, he has brilliant reflexes and he has proven time and time again that if you blast the ball at him from close range, he can claw it out like a cat. But this reminds you of another bungling Brazilian down at the Lane, isn't it?

Fabianski certainly can't hold on to a first team place now at Arsenal. I hate to say this, but Almunia is just too good for someone of Fabianski's ability to displace.

Outcome: Loan him out

Johan Djourou

After his loan stint at Birmingham, Wenger is depending on him now to shore up Arsenal's porous defence. The only problem is that he is just not good enough.

After seeing his compatriot Phillipe Senderos been shipped to Milan, you wonder when Wenger will lose his patience with Djourou.

He is a good strong centre-back but he won't be much better than a squad player that he already is.

Outcome: Sell

Kieran Gibbs

Imagine you are only 18 and you are thrown out to survive amongst the sharks in the Pacific Ocean. That is what happened to Gibbs not so long ago.

He started off originally as a winger and Wenger, with the magical ability to turn all attacking players into defenders, ambitiously switched him to left back. This move was most likely undertaken to replace Armand Traore as a cover for Gael Clichy.

Nobody can blame him for that fatal slip up against Man Utd. His jitters as a 18-year-old was laid bare for the world to see; thank goodness Wenger took him out at half time. This lad has a future and he is definitely worth keeping.

Outcome: Keep

Alexandre Song

Song must have been thanking his lucky stars after Flamini and Diarra decided to leave Arsenal. This just goes on to show how far down the pecking order Song is to be considered as a defensive midfielder for Arsenal.

Even when these two were no longer around, he still had to contend with Denilson, a creative player, for his place. This suffices to explain how good Song is.

Outcome: Sell

Mikael Silvestre

I still cannot get my head around as to why Wenger would want to sign Silvestre. Sure, he is French, but that is about all the connection I can make.

He has provided adequate cover for Arsenal this season but there are so many defenders out there to turn to and yet Wenger had to ruffle through the bench warmers at Man Utd to convince Silvestre that he is deserving of a place here at the Emirates.

He has done nothing this season to repay Wenger's faith, apart from providing him more nightmares and face-in-hands moments. I lost count of how many times Man Utd fans have laughed at this incredible transfer.

Outcome: Just free transfer him

Emmanuel Eboue

Where do I even begin when I conduct my assessment on him? He has played right back, left back, right wing and possibly even defensive midfield. But he just screws up every time.

Currently, his red card count has exceeded the number of shots and assists he has provided for Arsenal in this season. His "amazing" talent has not gone unnoticed and he now rightfully, takes his place on the bench.

Outcome: Sell

Eduardo

After that sickening injury which he suffered last season, he has not been at his best again. He has bags of skill on display when he plays, and he is definitely justifies his price tag. Just not enough of him has been on display this season.

Outcome: Keep

Abou Diaby

He is big, tall and has a presence to dominate the midfield. And there has even been talk that he will take over the defensive midfield. Yet for most part of this season, Diaby has found himself stuck out wide on the left.

How Wenger sees him performing at that position is beyond me. As a result, his performance has been disappointing the whole of this season.

He doesn't stand out, doesn't dominate and doesn't even shoot. He just cuts a periphery figure down on that desolate left wing.

Outcome: Revert him to central midfield; if not sell him

Aaron Ramsey, Jack Wilshere, Amaury Bischoff

Wilshere is a gem if he keeps doing what he is doing. But with Fabregas nowhere near retirement, it will be hard to see him rising up to replace Arsenal's captain anytime soon.

Ramsey is good but he hasn't had much chance to show what he is capable of. And let's not even go to Bischoff. I don't even think he has played a minute in the Arsenal jersey this season.

Tomas Rosicky

When he starts playing, this space will be filled.

Who Should Go, Who Should Stay For Arsenal (Part 1)

Alden Sing — Thu, 07 May 2009 08:52:02 -0400

Before the 1960s, football clubs had a list to update at the end of every season. It was called the 'retain and transfer' list. Clubs choose the players to keep and the players to place on transfer. Players were traded and bought like pieces of meat.

George Eastham, who subsequently contested this system and won, said that players were effectively under a slavery contract.

One wonders if clubs should return to such a system now. With this in mind, I will sketch out what Arsenal could probably do if they still had access to this list.

Goalkeepers

Manuel Almunia

He was second fiddle for a long time. Not till the last two years has Almunia finally established himself in the Arsenal line-up. This season has seen Almunia really mature as a goalkeeper.

In fact, he has been one of Arsenal's better performing players thus far in this season. He is consistent in goal and has performed in big matches. He recently kept Arsenal's champions league dream alive when he single-handedly kept Manchester United at bay during the first leg encounter.

Yet, there is a need to pause for a second and consider whether he is a player Arsenal needs, going forward. Sure, he should definitely stick around. However one feels that he is as good a player as he is now.

Outcome: Keep Him

Defenders

Bacary Sagna

Like his floppy neon hair extensions, his performance this season has been the bright spot in the poor Arsenal backline. He has been consistent and his bombing runs forward has created panic for Arsenal's opponents. Always dependable to provide a strong performance, Sagna is certainly a player Wenger should consider retaining.

Outcome: Keep at all cost.

Kolo Toure

Sometimes you wonder if Toure is better suited as an attacking player. Blessed with pace, skill and a bombing shot, Toure would be better suited as a deep lying midfielder which can take the ball forward if necessary.

Alas, Wenger decided to convert him into a centre back. And my opinion is that Wenger has wasted a promising attacking talent. Toure is not a centre back and I don't think he will ever be comfortable playing there.

He looks better going forward and I lost track of how many times Arsenal fans get a sense of anticipation whenever Toure touches the ball in the opponents' penalty area.

Outcome: Keep him and reconvert him back into a midfielder.

William Gallas

Enough is said about his shambolic outburst this season. One of the best EPL defenders just a few seasons ago, you wonder where the real William Gallas might have went. Certainly, he is not wearing an Arsenal jersey now.

The number of uncontrolled outbursts and lapse in concentrations has dodged his defensive performance this season. He just isn't the same guy Wenger thought he was anymore. Somebody give Sol Campbell a ring. At least he helped Arsenal win the title before trying any funny antics.

Outcome: Sell, sell, sell.

Gael Clichy

He is such a promising left back. His attitude is so much better than Ashley "cash" Cole. If Arsenal wants to win anything, they have got to keep him. Like Sagna, his forward runs are impeccably timed. He always provides that added dimension for Arsenal in attack. Sometimes he tries to hard and slip (ask Spurs how they benefited), but overall he is a player to keep. Outcome: Keep.

Midfielders

Andrei Arshavin

If Wenger intends to get rid of him in the summer, it is better he leaves together with him as well, because Arsenal fans would torch his car if he returns. Probably the best player wearing the Arsenal jersey now.

Whenever he plays, he makes Arsenal fans forget that we ever had Henry in our jersey. His four goals against Liverpool showed why Wenger paid so much money for him. He is worth every single penny.

One wonders what he could have done if he could have started for Arsenal against Manchester United in the champions league.

Outcome: Keep at all cost.

Cesc Fabregas

When he is at his best, there is hardly anyone in the world that can pass the ball better than him. However, when he decides to disappear, nobody can do a better job than him as well. Don't get me wrong, Cesc is a wonderful player. A delight to watch.

To contemplate selling him is blasphemous. At 22, there is still a lot of him Arsenal fans have not seen. Let's hope he will be much better.

Outcome: Keep.

Denilson

Let's face it. Denilson is good but I cannot see him being more than a squad player. Somehow, he doesn't have the physique to play as a covering midfielder. He is a creative player masquerading as a Gattuso.

Yet, he is not creative enough to displace Cesc from his slot. He is good cover, but he would not be the answer to Arsenal's woes at the moment. Outcome: Sell.

Samir Nasri

Nasri's arrival certainly raised many Arsenal fans expectations. He can dribble, pass, shoot and is considered the next Zinedine Zidane for France. Yet, we have hardly seen that level performance from Nasri this season.

He was suppose to be the player that can single-handedly change the game but he has yet to prove he can do that. Perhaps, this is just the first season so let's give him the benefit of the doubt. I am sure there is more to come from him. Outcome: Keep.

Strikers

Emmanuel Adebayor

I still cannot fathom why when A.C Milan was rumoured to have offered 35 million pounds for him, Wenger did not ship him off in an instance. I have never been a fan of Adebayor, he reminded me too much of Andy Cole.

He needs too many chances to score. And like Fabregas, he disappears during big matches too. I am not even sure if he can command such a price tag now, judging by this season's abysmal performance. Nevertheless, he could still fetch a good price. Outcome: Sell

Robin Van Persie

He wasn't like that before. Before he started picking up injuries regularly, Van Persie was touted as the new Dennis Bergkamp. Now Van Persie is still a gem but he has yet to regain that form.

He has a sweet left foot but somehow, he hasn't been able to terrorize defenders with his dribbling as he used to anymore. Maybe his ability got stunted by Wenger's passing game. But he still one player that deserves a chance to stay. Outcome: Keep.

I will do the reserves list sometime soon. Look out for it.

Manchester United: Masters of The Sucker Punch

Alden Sing — Wed, 06 May 2009 03:35:13 -0400

After such a solid display against Ronaldo in the first leg, Kieran Gibbs must have thought that his fledgling career had well and truly taken off.

Fast forward one week and Gibbs looked like he wanted to run off somewhere to dig a hole so he could stick his head in it.

Faced with a crucial crunch tie, Arsenal could not afford any slip ups. But slip he did, in every literal sense, at the crucial moment when a tantalizing Ronaldo cut back had to be cleared.

Park pounced on that mistake and it was almost well and truly over for the Gunners.

The first goal effectively killed off any hopes of an Arsenal comeback. In all honesty, nobody would have expected Gibbs to have lost his footing at that crucial moment.

The delirious flag waving Arsenal fans' mood suddenly darkened and it was not even 10 minutes in to the game.

Just before the Arsenal fans could get over cursing the young left back for his mistake, Ronaldo struck another stunning blow.

It came out of nowhere. From a position that even David Beckham would have hesitated, Ronaldo struck his free kick with so much venom that the ball dipped and swerved in response, and left Almunia clutching at thin air.

The arrogance on Ronaldo's face after that fortuitous strike only served to rub it into the deflated Arsenal fans, who came here unaware that this tie would be all but over in a mere 10 minutes.

Well, truth be told, the Arsenal team that took to the field last night looked lost again. Throughout this season, I have always reiterated that Arsenal need a player who can change the game by himself.

Wenger knows this as well, so he went out to get Arshavin.

However, I fail to understand how amid all the promising youngsters that were out there, not a single one of them could have stood up and changed the complexion of the game.

Wenger said in the post-match interview that he will reflect long and hard at the season that went by, stating that he has to evaluate why the team cannot win when it matters.

The answer can be found without going through any such pains. The fact that Manchester United can beat Arsenal with their game of counter-attack says everything.

Wenger's obsession with turning his youth team into championship winners is going overboard.

He has seen in the last four painful trophy-less years that his policy to play boys against men has failed.

This long and hard reflection should have taken place a few years ago, not now in the aftermath of an imperious Manchester United performance.

Arsenal need to revamp their structure, their policy, and their transfer signings.

What this team needs is a few more world class signings. Wenger's youth policy has created a squad of players worthy of the Premiership but hopelessly short of that championship edge.

I applaud you Wenger for keeping faith in youths when the footballing world around you has moved on to splashing ludicrous amount of cash on top players.

However, it is time that you realize that this faith can only get you so far. The youths have already achieved what they can.

It's time to bring in the men who can win Arsenal something.

Arsenal Needs Lady Luck To Be Smiling

Alden Sing — Tue, 05 May 2009 14:19:07 -0400

Arsenal fans are no slouches. But they will certainly need to be at their very best again tonight to be the proverbial "12th" man for this titanic clash between the two English heavyweights.

Without Andrei Arsharvin in the lineup the spark was strangely missing in the first league tie at Old Trafford. It does not take a rocket scientist to figure that it has been the diminutive Russian that has made Arsenal the Arsenal that the fans have come to known throughout recent years.

Tonight, the Russian will take his place in the stands again as he is cup-tied for the Champions League.

However, the Arsenal team is still overflowing with talent, with Van Persie making a welcome return back to the Arsenal starting line-up after injury. The regular key men, Cesc Fabregas, Samir Nasri, Emmanuel Adebayor and Manuel Almunia need to be at their best again tonight in order for Arsenal to get anything out of this game.

Yet, Manchester United is no ordinary team.

There are not the champions for nothing. Any player in their line up can plunge a dagger into Arsenal’s Champions League final dream tonight. John O'Shea provided a painful reminder of this only one week ago.

This is where luck needs to come in.

Coupled with the vociferous Emirates crowd, this will be defining element that Arsenal needs.

I have to be honest and admit that without luck and the "12th" man, Arsenal will lose this match. Thank goodness the game tonight is at Emirates Stadium. And this is where it is evident that luck has swung favourably for the Gunners early on.

If the first league performance was anything to go by, Arsenal does not deserve a place in the finals. They were cowered by their opponents and gave them too much respect, save for Almunia.

Repeat that again tonight and Arsenal will finish a remarkable five years without a trophy.

Nevertheless, remember the earlier EPL match against Manchester United this season. Arsenal gave them a footballing lesson in front of their own fans. Samir Nasri was in his own element that afternoon. Without Arshavin tonight, this type of quality performance is necessary again.

Arsenal fans are eager for success and the Champions League final is 90 minutes away. It is time for this young team to show the world why Wenger places so much faith in them.

Manchester United can be stopped. Arsenal fans, grab your centurion caps and get ready to siege the Eternal City, because that will be where we are going after tonight.

There are just those pesky Manchurians in the way.

Arsenal: Same Old?

Alden Sing — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 21:56:24 -0500

I wanted to start off writing this piece about how shambolic Arsenal was.

I also wanted to start off writing about how Arsenal needs another defensive midfielder.

I then decided that I shall write about how Arsenal cannot afford to drop any more points for the remainder of the season.

But I decided these comments are done to death. And there is just nothing else new to add to these obvious observations anymore.

It is the same old, same old Arsenal again.

What is there left to point out that you fans out there don't already know?

I can't think of any.

Arsenal's league season is effectively over. With Aston Villa picking up full points last night, Arsenal are even struggling to finish in the top four.

Then there is the small problem of Liverpool next week.

I have no fear about Arsenal taking on the stronger teams. I worry about the small ones.

And I still cannot stop worrying.

If an Arsenal fan with a web presence of a fly is this worried, I wonder how worried Wenger will be.

No wonder he shook his head in disappointment last night before storming off the field.

He knows it. Arsenal fans know it. Arsenal simply can't motivate themselves against smaller teams.

Fulham, Stoke, Hull, Man City, Aston Villa, and now even Middlesbrough have taken points off Arsenal.

What is the point of beating Manchester United and Chelsea?

I can't find an answer to this predicament that Arsenal is in now.

And I suspect neither can Wenger.

Where Lies The Reputation of a Sports Journalist?

Alden Sing — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 20:33:33 -0500

I know many of you peeps out there who are writing articles for this community aspire to be sports journalists.

Contrary to popular belief, however, sports journalism isn't as glamorous as it seems to be.

In fact, many people have very poor opinions of sports journalists.

Stereotypes ranging from sloppy, lazy, low prospects, easy, and even intrusive have been banded around to describe the sports journalist.

How many times have we flipped over a sports page, saying, "Does this writer even know what he/she is talking about?"

Certainly, tabloids like The Sun and The Mirror in England have contributed to the notion that sports journalists are just a bunch of sensationalists who have no regard for checking the validity of their sources.

In fact, Raymond Boyle, in his book, Sports Journalism: Context and Issues, posited that sports journalists have traditionally been positioned at the bottom end of the journalism hierarchy.

Such is the impression formed of sports journalists that many aspiring club reporters refuse to enter this section of the newspaper for the fear that it may be a graveyard for their career.

Sports journalism may seem like a heaven for any sports fan. In fact, it is about every sports enthusiast's dream job. Who wouldn't want to be paid for writing about their favourite team, or for that matter, getting up close with their sporting heroes for an exclusive interview?

The truth is, this glamour comes with the pain of meeting extremely tight deadlines.

Richard Williams, the chief sportswriter of The Guardian, describes vividly the pain of being a sports journalist. "I had to file a 850-word piece 10 minutes before the final whistle," he says.

"I had to write a piece that couldn't be invalidated by anything which happened in the last 10 minutes, sometimes that is very hard to do."

Williams goes on to explain how the match between Manchester United and Bayern Munich in the 1999 European Champions League final totally made a mickey out of him.

"I remember the 1999 Champions League final, a goal in the last minute, and we had all filed, then you have five minutes to turn the piece on its head, and then they scored again."

This may sound exhilarating in hindsight, but it is obvious that this industry requires quick thinking and imagination to meet deadlines.

Then there is always the quality of the publication you work for. Big and popular broadsheets like The Independent and The Guardian often don't devote as much space to sports as compared to tabloids like The Sun and The Mirror.

As Patrick Barclay of The Sunday Telegraph fame noted, when he worked in The Independent, there was only one meeting with the newspaper editor in which he discussed an article that would appear on the front page. And that was concerning an article about the Hillsborough Stadium disaster that claimed the lives of 96 Liverpool fans.

It is a clear statement that broadsheets do not hold sports journalists in such high esteem.

Of course, in recent times, the image of sports journalism has evolved. Sports is no longer merely confined to action on the pitch. Instead, there has been an increasing number of instances in which sports has been interlinked with supposedly more important issues like politics and the economy.

Take the recent coverage of the Beijing Olympics for example. The hype that surrounded this recently concluded event did not merely centre upon the preparation of the athletes. Instead, the political climate, economic consequences, and environmental aspect were widely discussed as well.

Ditto for the upcoming London Olympics in 2012.

Sports no longer affects just the fans and players. It has increased focus on politicians and economists.

Nevertheless, it is often the case that writing about such interrelated issues with politics and economics at the core would be tasked to either the politics or economics correspondent. This, once again, condemns the sports journalists to the periphery.

As Boyle notes in his book, sports has often been categorized with entertainment and lifestyle journalism. Hence, the journalists who write for these sections often do not possess the capacity to embark on any of the serious issues that affect politics, the economy, and society as a whole.

Invariably, sports journalism is suffering from its paradox. Almost every newspaper in the world has a section devoted entirely to sports, yet the people who write about it are subjected to much disdain.

And the glittering prospect of having your own space in a newspaper to rant and rave about sports is about as possible as having your own home on Mars.

The very best make it there, but that doesn't mean you will still be held in high regard.

Arsenal: A Team Digging Their Own Grave

Alden Sing — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 14:40:43 -0500

The reasons as to why William Gallas launched that astonishing tirade against his own team-mates when the team is in the deepest abyss will probably remain unknown.

Perhaps, Gallas believes that he can mimic Roy Keane and give his lads a kick up their bottoms to get things going again.

Perhaps, Gallas just wants to take advantage of the current situation at Arsenal and use it for his own selfish reasons. This is especially so as his comments in midweek coincided with the launch of his autobiography.

Perhaps also, Gallas is just true to what most critics claim—a temperamental individual prone to emotional outburst, totally unfitting of that captain's armband.

But it doesn't really matter doesn't it?

As Wenger said in the post match interview after last night's game, "He [Gallas] is a player who did not play today, so what can he do? Nothing."

Like it or not, there was a certain element of truth in Gallas' claims. And it was evident with Arsenal's shambolic performance against Manchester City last night.

That defeat took Arsenal to their first back-to-back losses in 58 outings.

And five league defeats in the league.

Throughout the week, many Arsenal fans in this community and elsewhere have commented that Arsenal is not in a crisis.

But after last night's defeat, this claim is getting more ridiculous by the day.

Arsenal is a good team. Take nothing away from it. I remembered earlier this season when Arsenal strolled to a 3-0 victory over Newcastle, the match commentator stated that there cannot be a better time to be an Arsenal supporter, just sit back and enjoy the football they dish out.

Yet, with the season merely a third gone, this is really a bad time to be an Arsenal supporter.

How did it go so wrong?

I am still sticking to my belief that the root of the problem in this Arsenal team is not the manager nor the lack of experience.

Instead, the team is just purely suicidal.

What do I mean by that? All too often this season, this Arsenal team has been undone by their own arrogance.

Throughout this season, this Arsenal team has been capable of some really outstanding football.

For such a young team, lacking a capable leader on the pitch, their ability has led to arrogance.

Consider why this is so.

Arsenal remarkably finished third last season. In a season where everyone expected them to fail after the departure of talismanic striker Thierry Henry, this bunch of talented youngsters defied all odds to lead the pack for most of the season before finishing a credible third.

This season, Arsenal started the same way and picked up wins. Barring a lost to Fulham, it was a confident start from the Gunners.

But it all went wrong when Arsenal played their London rivals, Spurs.

With Spurs wallowing at the bottom of the league, Arsenal went into the match with so much arrogance and confidence that would put even Jose Mourinho to shame.

Some of the pre-match talk was also similar to something which Mourinho would say.

Fabregas told the press that the current Spurs side were incapable of even beating the Arsenal Ladies team.

On the pitch, after Van Persie scored his goal, his celebration with Adebayor in front of the Arsenal fans bordered on outrageous.

There was even time for Gael Clichy, ever the reliable defender, to taunt Jermaine Jenas with some fancy footwork.

Alas, everything fell apart with aplomb when Spurs snatched a sensational 4-4 draw.

This scenario repeated itself again after the win against Man United. After confounding critics with a remarkable win, Arsenal were again full of themselves and lost the subsequent game to Aston Villa at home.

In between all this, Adebayor and Gallas took turns to blast the attitude of this Arsenal team.

Undoubtedly, being young and rash meant that this Arsenal team will not be too welcoming of criticisms, especially from their own captain, William Gallas.

The truth is this Arsenal team is arrogant and pompous. But it doesn't like to be told that it is so. When Gallas told the press that there were younger players in the Arsenal ranks rising to speak up against older players, you could imagine that there was a level of arrogance belonging to petulant youngsters.

And like a principal disciplining the rowdy school boys, Gallas' comments were aimed directly at the root of the problem.

Indeed, Gallas is the victim of his own frankness.

His stirring tirade in midweek could work if the team was filled with experienced heads. However the same speech, on an Arsenal team that is filled with youngsters who believe that they are "accomplished", falls flat.

And we are now back to square one again.

This is a young side that needs no strong words but compliments to boost their fledgling egos.

To call this Arsenal team arrogant may be a bit too much for some Arsenal fans. Yet, I cannot help but point out that this may be the reason why Arsenal is failing this season.

As such is the nature of this Arsenal squad, a character like Gallas will only undermine the team's aspirations. What they need is someone like Wenger, who doesn't rebuke but find only the positives in their play.

Only this method will motivate the Gunners and spur them to scale greater heights.

However, a lack of such an individual like Wenger on field is causing this Arsenal squad their title.

If this problem is not rectified soon, Arsenal will continue to dig their own grave.

David Beckham Reaches the End of the Road

Alden Sing — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 04:24:38 -0500

After seeing almost every qualified English midfielder ruled out of today's game against Germany, David Beckham must have thought that he would finally get a chance to don those English colors.

After all, he has 107 English caps to his name, one short of equalling that famous Bobby Moore record of 108. And, with this being a friendly match, surely Fabio Capello would be kind enough to hand him such an honor.

Alas, it is a pity that Capello is running a football team and not a charity organization.

Beckham will not expect any favors from Capello today. With Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard, Joe Cole and even young upstart Theo Walcott out, Beckham's mobile still did not reflect a call from the England coach.

If this isn't a sign of a career in its twilight, I don't know what is.

Once considered an indispensable member of the England national team, Beckham's name has been a notable omission from England's list in recent times. And it doesn't help that Beckham has had an acrimonious relationship with the new England boss, Capello.

Anybody who follows football will remember how Capello did not have a very favorable view of Beckham back in Real Madrid. After Beckham signed a blockbuster £128million ($250 million) five-year deal with the LA Galaxy in January 2007, Capello announced that Beckham will never again play for Real Madrid.

However, Beckham went on and played for Real Madrid again. In recent days, Capello did tell A.C. Milan that Beckham will make a "great acquisition."

Beckham has a great work rate and professionalism. Even Capello recognizes this. Hence, his omission from the squad today has no reason to do with Capello. If Beckham plays, England can be sure that he will give his 110 percent.

So what is the cause?

I suspect the most obvious reason will be the fact that Beckham is not getting any younger. At 33, he is no spring chicken. After watching the likes of Gabriel Agbonlahor and Ashley Young shred Arsenal's defence to pieces, Capello has options after all and he doesn't need to rely on Beckham.

Besides, Capello has seen enough of him. Beckham's illustrious England career speaks volumes.

But to discuss this further will be to obfuscate the bigger picture that is—Beckham should hang up his boots.

Beckham is fast becoming a liability for England. By prolonging the inevitable end, Beckham is merely using England for his personal satisfaction of seeing his name in the record books. So what if he is capped more times than former England captain Moore?

The truth is in the last 10 or so matches leading to this record, Beckham has not been effectively contributing to the progress of this England squad. Worst still, by remaining in the side, he is actually denying a potential young upstart from breaking into the ranks of the England national squad.

As 1966 World Cup winner Martin Peters said, "David Beckham has been great for the country and has been a great captain, but I think it is the time to maybe look elsewhere, to the future."

And nothing can be further from this truth.

Yes, Beckham has been great for England. That memorable free kick against Greece from 35 yards out to help England qualify for the World Cup is still replaying in the minds of many English fans.

However, anymore second fiddle performances will erase whatever pleasant memories that we have about Beckham. And in its place it will be filled with a brooding and pathetic figure who would have been better off having a drink by the beach in the Bahamas watching a replay of all his past performances.

So Beckham, thanks for your contribution to England. You have already achieved legendary status.

Just do all England fans a favour, read this latest omission from the England squad as a sign that you are already a surplus to requirements and gracefully make your exit.

I am pretty sure that fans will love you more.

A Letter to Arsene Wenger

Alden Sing — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 02:51:38 -0500

Attn:Manager of Arsenal F.C

Subject: For Manager's Eyes only

cc: Refer to above

Dear Monsieur Wenger,

As you know Monsieur, Christmas is coming. Yes, with all those bright, glittering lights and snow flakes accompanying it. But all these will mean nothing to me if my beloved Arsenal is not sitting pretty on top of the English Premier League.

Monsieur Wenger, I know you are a busy man.

But I am an anguished fan.

Please take time to read this letter Monsieur. Knowing that you will be reading this letter will at least make me fell less disheartened.

You see, I have been a supporter of Arsenal F.C for many, many years. I intend to make my son, and his son, and all my subsequent descendants follow my path as well.

I haven't been to your wonderfully constructed Emirates Stadium but I have squeezed in the packed terraces of Highbury to see you transform that "boring Arsenal" under George Graham into a beautiful, fast flowing red machine.

Monsieur, I take my hat off you for your ability. When I first heard that you were coming from Japan, the land of the rising sun, I never thought you had the ability to make Arsenal rise to where they are today.

When Sir Alex Ferguson said that you should keep your opinions to yourself and confined to the Japanese league, I must admit that I was actually nodding in agreement to that comment.

Sorry Monsieur. After what you have done, I eat my humble pie and apologise.

You have created a great team. You have won us so many titles and cups. You are the reason why Arsenal is now on the world football map. You are the person that has spoilt so many Arsenal fans in the years you have been in charge.

Now these fans hate you Monsieur. If I can correctly phrase this idiom, they are now biting the hand that fed them.

Monsieur, after you made this Arsenal team so silky smooth, so aesthetically pleasing to watch, these fans have learnt to expect.

They now believe that it is their divine right to be winning title after title each year. They believe that Arsenal has no right to be below Manchester United, much less Chelsea. With you in charge, they believed that Arsenal are streets ahead of any team in London. They now cannot tolerate failure Monsieur.

The Arsenal team that you have recently assembled Monsieur, is very poor in their opinion. No, let me rephrase that. The team is inadequate. Yes, we have a team of very bright and promising talent. We have Fabregas, Walcott, Bendtner, Clichy, Vela, Fabianski, Wilshere, etc, etc.

Very impressive.

But Monsieur, in this world, everything is relative isn't it? Arsenal can be strong in their own right but relative to the other 19, no, make that three teams in the English Premier League, we are woeful.

How do I define woeful? Woeful is a word used to describe a team which cannot compete with these three other teams, namely; Manchester United, Chelsea, and Liverpool, to win the league every year.

Woeful is also used to describe a team that is hopelessly inconsistent. Brilliant one day against Manchester United but silly enough to give it all back against Aston Villa a week later.

Monsieur, Alan Hansen once said that, and I paraphrase, you cannot win anything with kids.

I wonder Monsieur, if you take his words with a pinch of salt. After all, that knighted man in black suit and chewing gum proved that Scotsman wrong. What does Hansen know about football anyway? You have seen a living and breathing team filled with kids win title after title.

No one is going to fault you now for copying that dream team.

But Monsieur, you have to understand. Much as you have unearthed gems like Fabregas, Walcott, and Vela, other teams around us have spent millions and one, billions, on superstar players.

Monsieur, the league is not as it used to be. When wily old Fergie had his kids, you didn't see a Russian billionaire buy up Chelsea. You also did not see American sports giants doing board takeovers at Liverpool. Neither did you see mid table clubs like Tottenham, West Ham, and Aston Villa spending big to bolster their squad.

The world is now a very different place, Monsieur Wenger.

You have to spend to survive.

Much as I trust your acumen in footballing matters, I cannot deny that this trust is ebbing away with each painful defeat.

Monsieur, I write to you today in my bid to ask you to spend Monsieur and find that balance. Youngsters are good.

Look at Manchester United over the weekend. Gibson, Welbeck, Evans and Manucho. But it was not these players that destroyed the spirit of Stoke, Monsieur. It was Cristiano Ronaldo, Dimitar Berbatov, Carlos Tevez, and even 37-year-old Edwin Van Der Sar doing the job for United.

Monsieur, I am no footballing expert. But I must still ask you to look. Look at that balance please.

My dream of seeing Arsenal at the top of the table come Christmas may be a distant dream now. But if you tell me that you you may be investing in a few experienced players over January to boost the squad, Monsieur I will be very, very pleased indeed.

Thank you for taking time to read my letter, Monsieur Wenger.

You have brought joy to countless Arsenal fans. The pain now is especially excruciating because Arsenal now cannot meet the high standards that you have set.

With that said, let me assure you Monsieur that I will be behind you always.

Wenger Knows Best.

Yours Truly,

Alden

Are You a Glory Hunter?

Alden Sing — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 11:29:02 -0500

Imagine a world where every Sunday morning, you wake up with a smile on your face.

No.

Make that everyday, you wake up with a smile on your face, because your team is winning and winning again.

Is this Utopia?

No, again.

How many times have we, as faithfuls to our chosen club, wish that we will live to finally see the day where we will not be facing the prospect of ever losing?

The simple truth is, that day is not going to come.

What we are rewarded with for our loyalty to our club are days full of anguish, pain, and mockery by rival fans.

Manchester United fans, you must have had a rough season eh? Not only did your team lose to Liverpool, the latest sting you got was when the Red Devils crashed 2-1 at the Emirates Stadium to Arsenal.

You see what I mean?

In this modern and globalised world, everyone is looking for success. As a result of satellite football broadcasting nearly every game every week, we have a huge array of football on the menu to choose from.

Sick of watching Arsenal play? Flick. Let's watch Newcastle.

Oh wait. Newcastle is crap. Flick. Let's watch Liverpool.

No wonder the world is breeding fans who switch allegiance in similar way to how they flick that remote.

These fans simply have no patience to watch a team screw up anymore. I mean, who can blame them? After all, by switching to a different channel, they can watch another team who can pass the ball better, score more goals and win more trophies.

And this problem has been exacerbated in the last decade or so by the pre-eminence of Manchester United. After their trophy-laden seasons, you would suddenly see many "born again" football fans supporting them.

When Arsene Wenger took over at Arsenal and transformed them into a side capable of effectively challenging Manchester United week-in and week-out, you could suddenly see the tide of Manchester United fans burning effigies and pledging their alliance to that swanky club in North London.

Also stemming from the prevalence of satellite football, many English Premier League football fans are now based overseas. Many of these fans have never stepped foot into England, let alone places like Yorkshire and Sir Matt Busby Way.

And some in places like Japan and China, they don't even speak the English language at all.

Yet, like all those English fans that throng the stadiums every week, they have the opportunity to watch English football.

And this is where the root of the problem lies.

We all know that the reason why many fans, especially English ones, remain loyal to their clubs because they originate from the area in which their club is playing. Hence, for example, if you come from Sheffield, you will most likely root for a team in Sheffield.

For these overseas based fans, they have no affinity or roots linking back to these areas and hence they don't feel compelled to stick by their first chosen clubs through thick and thin.

And hence now, more than ever before, there is a rise in fans chasing just successful clubs. And they even have a term for it.

Glory Hunters.

A search on Google will even bring you to a page on Wikipedia explaining to you the existence of Glory Hunters in various parts of the world.

In the UK, there is even a television programme named "I Am a Glory Hunter" on ITV. It is a show about this bloke who is a Spurs fan but decides that he should give his season ticket to his friend and embark on a journey of Glory Hunting.

His way of glory hunting will start with randomly picking a club from a hat and following that team till it eventually loses, before going on to support the team that won that match. This will go on and according to the programme, it is supposed to cure those disappointing nights attached to you loyally supporting your club.

It is ridiculous really.

Not only is there now a prevalence of Glory Hunters, the media is also not helping by actually promoting it.

It seems that by staunchly supporting one club for the rest of your life is now a traditional and backward idea, which should be consigned to the dustbin.

The "in thing" is now to switch clubs at will and chase successful clubs.

I know there are still many fans out there who will still cry out foul play over such a modernistic "idea" of switching clubs at will.

But I have to admit that I have increasingly seen more and more people adopt a more successful second team. And this worries me. It signifies that fans now believe that it is okay to move beyond their first chosen team and actually consider another one. Sure, they may not have switched clubs entirely but they are still sharing their allegiance between football clubs.

And indeed, in my opinion, this makes a mockery out of good old traditional fan support for a club.

As Roy Keane once famously said, and I paraphrase, fans at Old Trafford are now more interested in eating their prawn sandwiches than cheering their team on.

I wonder if this has got anything to do with the idea that it is okay not to remain a diehard after all?

The trend is now shifting towards supporting Chelsea. After their run of success in the last few years, more and more people are taking up the Blues as their favourite team.

With that said, I don't envision this trend ending any time soon.

The easy availability of satellite football and the promotion of glory hunting in the media is not going to aid things.

My last wish now is for this world to still contain a core group of loyal fans for their chosen clubs, regardless of the type of sport.

David Norris and His Controversial Goal Celebration

Alden Sing — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 16:30:45 -0500

For those who are unaware and unsure of who David Norris is, let me enlighten you.

Over the weekend, David Norris, an Ipswich Town midfielder, celebrated his goal against Blackpool by making a "handcuff" gesture. At first sight, this gesture was a harmless goal celebration which would have meant nothing for fans who were unaware of his intentions.

However, like most unconventional football celebrations, this gesture had a covert meaning.

It was alleged that Norris made this gesture in support of his good friend Luke McCormick, a former Plymouth goalkeeper, who was jailed for seven years after causing the death of Arron and Ben Peak. When they died, the two were 10 and eight, respectively.

Norris' goal celebration sparked off an avalanche of criticism amongst fans and most notably the victims' mother, Amanda Peak, who labeled Norris' celebration "disgusting" and "disrespectful."

Norris' insensitivity somehow reminded me of Craig Bellamy's infamous golf swing at Barcelona just last year, Robbie Fowler's cocaine-snorting action after scoring against Everton, and Tim Cahill's "handcuff" celebration aimed at his brother who went to jail for a vicious attack.

Now, is it right for footballers to express their personal lives through their goal celebrations? Especially if their celebrations are potentially controversial?

Norris has since been disciplined by his club. He was given a fine and warned against any such conduct in the future.

Norris also apologised, while vehemently insisting, “It wasn’t a handcuff sign, it was a private message but I can see why people have seen it like that. I apologise if anyone was offended by it.”

Somehow I remain unconvinced, not only with his apology but with his denial that his goal celebration had anything to do with his friend in jail.

Football and private lives, especially controversial private lives, should never be mixed. It is alright to remember a good friend and dedicate a goal to him. But handcuff gestures, cocaine-snorting, "dentist chair" gestures, and golf swings are all definite no-nos.

To deny ever having any intention to accompany these actions makes it even worse. What does Norris take football fans for? All a bunch of five-year-old kids? Anyone who was aware of what happened to Luke McCormick and his friendship with Norris can put two and two together.

Such insensitivity also mocks the victims involved. Imagine how Amanda Peak must be feeling?

Football is a sport every single member of the family can enjoy, regardless of age or gender. Hence, anyone watching football will expect only football related controversies. There is simply not a need to mix anything else with it.

With fans paying such exorbitant prices to watch a game nowadays, what they want is merely some good clean entertainment where they can cheer on their heroes. The last thing a football fan needs is another trite goal celebration that serves no purpose other than to glorify the misdeeds of footballers themselves.

It is important that the FA act to keep such nonsense off-field permanently and ban players like David Norris, whose action has provoked both unnecessary controversy for fans and misery for the victims who were involved.

Harry Redknapp's Tottenham Hotspur are a Hard Team to Stop

Alden Sing — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 22:26:44 -0500

As Man City will find out later on today, Tottenham's position in the league table is deceptive.

Indeed underestimate Tottenham at your own peril.

Tottenham are flying high at the moment. Just a few weeks ago, you would have been able to strike up a conversation with any football fan by cracking a Spurs joke.

Not any more.

After an efficient performance against Bolton, a superb fightback against Arsenal and a Herculean effort to overcome league leaders Liverpool, Tottenham's season is effectively back on track.

To add icing to the cake, Harry Redknapp showed that Tottenham's form is not confined to domestic football as their mid-week 4-0 win over Dinamo Zagreb showed that they can make the rest of Europe tremble as well.

The rise of Tottenham has largely been directed at the brilliance of Harry Redknapp.

Termed "The Harry Redknapp Effect", football analysts have written countless columns and dedicated endless airtime to point out that good old 'Arry is performing his magic down at the Lane.

Tonight, the resurgent Tottenham face another difficult task. They meet fellow big spenders Manchester City, in what will be an interesting battle. Both teams have spent big with the intent of breaking into the esteemed top four.

Both teams now know that not everyone can be Chelsea.

Essentially, the core foundations of the football club still needs to be present. Money simply cannot propel a mediocre team into stardom overnight.

Still, Man City have been doing better than Tottenham. With Robinho pulling the strings, Man City have been impressing their fans with a series of impressive performances. Although they are still not championship winning material, the blue half of Manchester will undoubtedly be there or thereabouts in the top half of the league come the end of this season.

For Tottenham, the time has come for yet another big scalp to build on their single digit haul in the league this season.

After overcoming Liverpool, no one can fault the White Hart Lane crowd for having the same belief as those Obama faithfuls in America, adopting their slogan, "Yes, We Can".

Anything is possible under Barack Obama, oops, Harry Redknapp.

Redknapp has effectively brought about the change that Tottenham have so desired.

With this kind of belief firmly rooted in the Tottenham side, it seems hard to stop Tottenham Hotspur.

For Arsenal, Victory Never Tasted So Sweet

Alden Sing — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 03:32:10 -0500

Just when everyone thought that Arsenal was down and out, they responded in unison.

A hard fought and unified display against Manchester United showed that Arsenal's season is far from over.

Instead, it has just begun.

A stunning screamer from Samir Nasri showed why Arsenal paid 12 million pounds for this talented youngster. Nasri finally justified his price tag with his performance today—it was arguably the best since he arrived at the Emirates.

Before the match, I called on Cesc Fabregas to shoulder the burden of restoring Arsenal's season. Not only did Fabregas do so, Nasri showed that he could be depended upon as well.

It was a tense and nervy game, yet a game that was absorbing and entertaining, all at the same time.

Manchester United was undoubtedly out to capitalize on Arsenal's recent poor form.

My assertion that Mikael Silvestre is a Man Utd spy sent to infiltrate Arsenal's camp gained further weight when he made a criminal sloppy back pass to Manuel Almunia with barely two minutes on the clock. Almunia somehow fell for Silvestre's trick and accepted the back pass gratefully into his gloves.

The ensuing free kick in the penalty area was nerve-wrecking stuff.

Arsenal managed to recover from that howler and started taking the game to Man Utd.

The passing continued to encapsulate the nature of Arsenal. Despite having a morale that was in the pits, Arsenal simply could not stop playing the way they always have.

Nothing was more fancy than scoring the perfect goal. Regardless if it was going to cost the whole Emirates stadium to turn on them when things went wrong.

Manchester United were certainly no pushovers and it wasn't until Nasri struck the opening goal that Arsenal fans could stop gripping on to their seats.

It was a beauty of a strike that left the ineffectual Gary Neville watching helplessly as the shot took a deflection of him, before whizzing into the back of the net.

Oh how Arsenal needed that goal to lift the mood around the Emirates. The roar of relief was palpable.

The second half brought an even brighter smile to Arsenal fans.

After exchanging 15 passes which left the Man Utd players totally bewildered, Nasri hammered home a strike that would be worthy of a goal of the season contention.

Fabregas set him up for the final ball and Nasri needed no second invitation to pound the ball pass the helpless Edwin Van Der Sar.

Arsenal were two up, yet the niggling 'We F***-ed it up against Spurs' feeling did not go away.

Arsenal was in the lead, but could they maintain it?

The side of the club that came out against Man. U today wasn't going to make that same mistake.

A committed, all action performance saw Arsene Wenger even-throwing on Alex Song, and finally Kolo Toure to make sure that the gate was slammed shut.

It was obvious that Wenger was never going to allow that farce against Spurs to happen again.

Yet, like that big bad wolf in the fairy tale 'The Three Little Pigs,' United kept blowing and blowing.

And it almost toppled the brick house, when Rafael chested and struck a beauty of a shot pass the reserve goalkeeper, Lukasz Fabianski.

Alas, like all fairy tales, this had got to have a happy ending.

As Arsenal fans chewed off whatever was left of their fingernails, the referee blew the full time whistle, which was definitely sweet melody for Arsenal fans' ears.

Rafael's strike proved only to be a staccato in this fluid Arsenal performance.

Sure, Almunia got kicked in the face—Nicklas Bendtner is better suited for the Rugby Union.

But who cares.

Nasri's two lovely strikes has finally laid the ghost of that Tottenham Hotspur debacle to eternal rest.

Cesc Fabregas: His Role Against Manchester United

Alden Sing — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 18:39:59 -0500

Interestingly, the role of Cesc Fabregas has been underestimated in the buildup to the Manchester United game.

With Arsenal facing a crippling injury crisis, the time is now, more than ever, for Fabregas to step up and show the world just what he is capable of.

There has been talk about how Fabregas will soon take over the captaincy of Arsenal. With Gallas most likely out for the game against United, there is an opportunity for Fabregas to shine tonight.

Wearing that legendary No. 4 jersey, much is expected of Fabregas to display the similar mental and physical fortitude as his predecessor, Patrick Viera.

Somehow, this season has started off rather sluggishly for Arsenal's bright starlet. After a flying start to last season, including that memorable goal against Man United in the similar fixture at Emirates last season, Fabregas has mysteriously left his scoring boots at home this season.

Indeed, why is this so?

In an article in Arsenal's official website, Wenger came out and defended his 21-year-old Spanish star.

Wenger insists that "Personally, I don't see any drop in his performance, at the moment that's what people say, but I don't believe so."

Wenger pointed out how at a tender age of just 21, Fabregas has won the European Championship with Spain and the FA Cup with Arsenal. Compared to Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard, this is an amazing achievement at such a young age.

Wenger also went on to rubbish claims that Fabregas has intentions to leave Arsenal, reiterating again that the Spainard is 100 percent committed to Arsenal.

Perhaps the most important comments that Wenger made about Fabregas was how he has since emerged as the "leader" and how he is "trying even harder." These comments show that Wenger has very high expectations, and at the same time, a lot of faith in his young Spanish star.

Undoubtedly, the only way Fabregas can repay this faith in him is to give the performance of his life against Manchester United later today.

Arsenal is in dire need of a leader now. Against Man U, more so.

With the likes of Bendtner, Vela and Djourou most likely starting, Fabregas may be one of the oldest and most experienced players starting against United.

The question now is whether Fabregas can recognize that Arsenal needs him now more than ever.

Arsenal's fortunes this season has seemingly been tied to the ability of Fabregas.

If Fabregas can shine tonight, Arsenal will undoubtedly be able to overcome their crisis and give their fans a result that they can finally cheer about.

Arsenal: Why They Are Still Good Enough

Alden Sing — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 02:06:09 -0500

Contrary to what most fans think about Arsenal now, I reckon that Arsenal still have what it takes.

Here is why:

Arsene Wenger

I cannot believe that Arsenal fans here in this community and elsewhere, are calling for the sack of Le Boss. Personally, I am not a fan of chopping and changing managers the moment things go wrong. Wenger has been at Arsenal for a long time. He has guided Arsenal to three titles and two doubles. His record speaks for itself.

His policy in recent years has been the emphasis on youth. This is especially so after the emergence of big spenders like Chelsea, who are investing ridiculous amounts of cash to sign big name stars.

His policy has paid off so far. Players like Fabregas, Adebayor, and Walcott have benefited from his guidance and are now mainstays in the Arsenal first team.

Indeed, there are many Arsenal fans out there who are so used to their side winning trophies that they demand instant results from these current crop of players. Naturally, these fans cannot be faulted. The league is a cruel place and they only reward teams who get results, not fancy football.

Despite this, Wenger persists on sticking to his youngsters, and he should be lauded for doing so. In a few years time these youngsters will be playing together for so long that they can compete effectively on any level.

Any football manager worth their grain of salt will tell you that there is a need for a certain degree of consistency and unity in a team to win things. And winning the league requires these attributes.

Wenger is building a team that can eventually deliver this level of performance.

If there is anyone who does not want to be part of his setup, he is ready to let them go. This is evidenced from the departure of Mathieu Flamini. Wenger has no tolerance for players who put their own vested interest before team spirit. Hence, regardless of how good Flamini was for the team, he was allowed him to leave.

Now, Wenger is ready to give whoever that is willing to work hard and play for the team a chance in first team. Hence, the opportunities for the likes of Denilson and Alexandre Song.

Denilson has been one of the better performers this season and has rewarded Wenger's faith. Judging from the critics who have labelled him too lightweight, it is obvious that Denilson is far from being a finished article. But Wenger would rather stick to him and hope that he form a cohesive partnership with Fabregas, then risk bringing in another big name star who could potentially undermine the sense of unity and consistency that Wenger is seeking to achieve.

In the light of understanding Wenger's underlying motives, it is important that Arsenal fans stay patient and get behind Le Boss. It is definitely painful to watch this young team struggle now but Wenger is very much aware of the potential that this team has.

And it is essential that Arsenal fans are aware of this as well.

Experience

Much has been said about the lack of experience in this side.

I beg to differ.

Arsenal do have experienced heads on their side. Yes, I know fans will be telling me "were you sleeping through the Spurs match?"

It is a one off incident really.

If you watched the Man Utd game over the weekend, you will realize how the champions were almost run over by a feisty Hull side. Similarly, Spurs almost ran over Arsenal because they had a new manager at the helm and players are now more inspired to prove their worth to him, hence their renewed self belief and a desire to up their game.

How about Stoke? Honestly, in the aftermath of the Spurs game, Arsenal players were too shell shocked to realize what hit them. To exacerbate matters, insults, stories of unrest, and promises of a shake up were thrown around.

There was clearly an overreaction to the Spurs game.

Just because Arsenal failed to garner three points from their most hated rivals doesn't mean that they became a bad team overnight. Yet, the comments that flew around after the Spurs game would have left fans who have just returned from Mars thinking that Arsenal were relegated from the league after their draw with Spurs.

The truth is, Arsenal cannot become a bad team overnight.

As a result of such melodrama theatrics, Arsenal failed to recover in time for the Stoke game which was, ridiculously, played a mere two days after the Spurs one.

There was simply no time for Arsenal to recover from the after match reactions. Regardless of how hard they tried to pick themselves after the Spurs game, it was a matter of trying too hard, instead of not trying hard enough.

Hence, even if this was an experienced Arsenal side, the same would have happened.

It is absolutely necessary to stop pressuring this side. After last season's over-achievement, many Arsenal fans actually believe that this team is ready to win something this year. The truth is, and it hurts, they are not.

Hence, instead of reacting the way they did, Arsenal fans should have stuck in behind Wenger's side and view the Spurs game with more of a collected head.

It is safe to say Arsenal capitulated on Saturday due to the overwhelming emotional reaction to the Spurs game. Experience simply plays no part here.

The Future From Now

The immediate concern for this Arsenal side is of course Manchester United this Saturday. I am sure that Arsenal fans will be predicting a thumping, especially with the likes of van Persie, Adebayor, Walcott, and Sagna out for this Saturday's clash.

My frank opinion is: it doesn't really matter.

And it goes back to what I mentioned earlier. This time, Arsenal will have one week to settle down and reorganize themselves. After a period of ascendancy, Arsenal hit the brick wall against Spurs and subsequently, Stoke.

The squad will now have time to reflect on what went wrong and pick themselves up for the Man Utd game.

I am sure Wenger will ensure that his rattled players do not get distracted from the media circus and concentrate on getting themselves back in shape to get results.

Too much has been expected from this Arsenal side. After last season's performance, it is natural for people to expect this season.

There has been talk about how Arsenal simply cannot afford to drop any more points this season.

There has also been talk about how Clichy was crying in the dressing room after the Spurs game. All these reactions are adding to the pressure for this Arsenal side to perform.

With the media, and dare I say Arsenal's own fans, now writing them off from the title race and even the top four spots, the pressure is off.

It will be interesting to see how Arsenal perform when there is no pressure.

And I believe they will excel now and prove critics wrong come end of the season.

Do not write off Arsenal. They are still good enough.

Beginning of a New Era at Tottenham—Again?

Alden Sing — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 20:16:08 -0400

Anybody who watched the two Spurs games that Harry Redknapp took charge of in the last four days will realize that Tottenham are no longer the laughing stock of the English Premier League.

The question is, what will happen to the Spurs side in the long run?

If I remembered correctly, I argued recently that Spurs' former manager, Juande Ramos, will be sacked if results did not go Spurs' way in the beginning of this season.

I was right. Such is the nature of the Spurs' board of directors that a few wrong results will trigger them to push the "sack" button.

Look at how many managers Spurs have had over the last few seasons. Starting from Christian Gross, Spurs went through the management of George Graham, Glenn Hoddle, Martin Jol, Juande Ramos, and now Harry Redknapp.

It was almost impossible for a manager to settle down and work on a team that had promised so much, yet delivered so little.

Now Redknapp has a task that is seemingly insurmountable, considering the history of this capricious Spurs board. Redknapp may go on to win the FA Cup, League Cup, or even the English Premier League this season but if his Spurs side misfire again next season, he may well be out of a job.

In the build up to the Arsenal v. Spurs game, Wenger came out and defended Juande Ramos. Wenger mentioned that Ramos did not deserve the sack and given more time, he would have been able to get his ideas through to his Spurs side.

This is definitely a point to consider for the Spurs board. A manager is not a messiah. As the match commentator for the Arsenal v. Spurs game said last night, there are no messiahs in football. In such a highly competitive league, simply choosing the right players that look strong on paper may not necessarily deliver the right results.

I am pretty sure that given more time, Ramos would have steered Spurs' future for the better.

Yet, here we are now, discussing about the future of Spurs under Harry Redknapp.

Redknapp is a great coach. He knows the pressures of a big club stuck in relegation battles. I am sure he will bring Spurs out of the relegation zone and into mid table safety. Judging from his first two games in charged so far, my prediction seems to be on the right track.

But the question is no longer about this season.

To constrain the future of this illustrious club to merely this season will be to ignore the root of the whole problem.

Spurs is a team in need of long term stability. Whether Redknapp is the answer to this necessity, I am not sure. But if he is sacked again when the results don't go the way of Spurs, I am pretty sure that the rest of the footballing world will sigh, "here we go again".

Arsenal-Tottenham: Eight Goal Thriller at The Emirates

Alden Sing — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 11:49:33 -0400

I cannot believe the scoreline. But that's football isn't it.

Spurs were as pathetic as it gets. Yet, they somehow delivered.

As half of the away stands started clearing out, Aaron Lennon somehow latched onto a rebounded shot by Modric and punished Arsenal for their complacency.

Arsenal cannot win the league. It is simple really.

For all their style, swagger and swanky football, Arsenal have failed to find any consistency, and are now worse off than last year.

I guess that's the price you pay for putting so much faith in the youngsters. You can be totally blown away at the quality that they can produce at times, but you can also be left flustered when they start to make schoolboy errors.

Arsenal need to play like this sometimes, to let people know that they are run by a group of kids after all. All too often, we get too carried away and expect too much from them. But you can't always expect every 12-year-old kid to jump grades and get into Harvard right?

As I sat there watching David Pleat admonish his former club from the commentary box, I felt smug being an Arsenal fan.

Ooh, look how they always fall apart after they go ahead, I thought.

But Spurs fans are having the last laugh.

In truth, Almunia was as horrible as the blue-tights wearing Gomes in the other goal. Some breathtaking football by Arsenal covered up this fact. People must be thinking, Almunia can spill any shot he wants, but Arsenal can get back into the game and get another goal back.

Yes, that was what Arsenal did. But Almunia still can't hold on to a shot to save his life.

Take nothing away from the quality of Spurs' goals. Harry Redknapp employed a shoot on sight policy, after probably researching that there must be a reason why Almunia was a second choice Arsenal keeper for so long.

Bentley stunned the folks down at the Emirates with a fantastic 35-yarder. Again, Almunia was caught napping.

When Darren Bent clawed another back for Spurs, Almunia was at fault again.

I cannot imagine how Wenger can keep faith with him any longer. If his performance tonight was anything to go by, he is Wenger's second biggest mistake after not investing in a proper holding midfielder.

And this midfield problem was glaringly exposed against Spurs.

Spurs strung five across the midfield and kept faith in that formation throughout the game, choosing never to partner Bent and Pavlyuchenko. This gamble definitely paid off as Redknapp sought to exploit Wenger's stubbornness with his midfield.

As Arsenal played to hold on to their 4-2 lead, Spurs took it upon themselves to prove Pleat and Wenger wrong by seizing the game by its throat.

When Jenas struck a lovely curler past the hapless Almunia, I had a feeling that Spurs may get back into this game.

Suddenly, Arsenal lost the swagger and were running around like headless chickens. And this is where they need a holding midfielder to instill confidence in their midfield. A cigarette-waving centre back is just not going to do that.

Why Wenger refuses to invest in a holding midfielder is a question that only he can answer.

It was a thrilling game. Non-stop action to the end. Entertainment value aside, it was a performance that once again brutally exposed the inadequacies of this Arsenal side.

Arsenal: Are We Ready?

Alden Sing — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 15:27:42 -0400

Sometimes you wonder, how on earth can Wenger tolerate the capriciousness of his youngsters?

One moment, Arsenal were flying in the Premier League. With huge wins over Blackburn and Bolton, Arsenal fans were really believing that this could well be their season.

Who cares about the defeat to Fulham? That was considered a blip in this long and enduring season.

To paraphrase Wenger, Arsenal are humans and not machines after all.

But to ignore the defeat to Fulham will be to look at Arsenal from a very bias and myopic lens.

The weakness of this Arsenal team was laid bare for the world to see during Fulham. And unsurprisingly, it surfaced again when they played Hull.

No disrespect to Hull, but Arsenal were expected to win this game by a huge margin. This was especially so after Arsenal built their fans confidence over the past three games with some free flowing football.

Alas, Arsenal hit the brickwall again against a supposedly 'lesser' team.

The usual suspects again failed to inspire the team.

Van Persie like a tap, could turn his performance on and off in mere seconds. He was indeed back to his insipid form against Fulham a few weeks ago. He was hardly penetrating in any of his passes. Which ever few chances that came his way, he opted for a rugby conversion instead of hitting the back of the net.

That exasperating last gasp volley in the dying seconds of the game summed up his performance perfectly. And it also told Arsenal fans another thing, Van Persie isn't the same man that Arsenal could rely upon after he got his long term injury last season.

And indeed, Arsenal now looks heavily reliant on Cesc Fabregas. After selling Thierry Henry, Wenger sought to build football around a team and not an individual. However, Arsenal looks increasingly reliant on Cesc now. With his new dodgy hairstyle, Cesc reminded Arsenal fans that his performance can have their odd days too.

Cesc failed to get a grasp of this game. He was lacklustre, incoherent, largely invisible and sluggish to say the least.

Again, I find Cesc too one dimensional a player. A player that can only find the through ball. A player that all too often does not possess the ability to turn the game around the way Ronaldo or Deco can.

When not given the space, Cesc often struggles to find his rhythm. And this can only be bad news for Arsenal, who are now trying to run all their build up through him. Unlike Thierry Henry, you are frankly not going to expect Cesc to take the ball and start dribbling pass the whole defence.

For all his faith in the youth, Wenger still largely depend on Gallas to marshal his defence. Gallas is good, take nothing away from him. But his performance on the field has been lacking that consistency that he once had when he was playing for Chelsea. Now Gallas is famous more for his impetuous, more than his football.

It is very disheartening to be an Arsenal fan now. Yes, this team can propel you to the dizzy heights of football. But they can also drive a wrench through your heart with some really excruciating performances.

You can be yelling 'I love Cesc' one minute and the next you could very well be yelling 'I hate you Cesc, why can't you frigging just shoot!'

Liverpool: Two out of Two and It's Rock and Roll Time

Alden Sing — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 06:30:42 -0400

My friend John, a Liverpool fan, leapt off the couch and stomped on his laptop accidentally as Steven Gerrard powered home the winning goal against Middlesbrough last Saturday.

I guess that damage to his laptop was worth it after all.

Never in Rafael Benitez's reign have Liverpool picked up all six points in their opening two matches.

Well, it looked like Liverpool would not even get past three points, let alone gather six, when Mido scored a delightful strike in the 70th minute.

Now, though, Liverpool fans are not complaining. They are sitting just below Chelsea at the top of the table after two games, and this bodes well for Benitez and his lads. After spending so much money in the past few seasons, it finally looks like it is paying off.

Torres and Keane is potentially a very attractive strike partnership upfront, and Gerrard is still popping up every so often with those important goals. At the back, Carragher is marshaling the back line with all the tenacity of a Scouser.

Liverpool needs to maintain this run. Manchester United are already at 17 league titles. A repeat of their championship winning feats this season will see them lift the EPL title for the 18th time. And this is something which Liverpool fans will dread to see.

It wasn't so long ago that the tag "the most successful club in Britain" was sitting snugly next to the Liverpool name. Now in a flash, this tag may soon disappear.

Liverpool are not a great team, but they are not absolutely horrid either. Their big name signings are slowly moving into gear as the season progresses.

Still, any astute football fan will tell you that quality alone is insufficient to win league titles. An element of luck is required as well.

In recent years, Liverpool has been sorely lacking in the quality department but had the luck factor shining upon them. (Remember AC Milan?) As evident from the Boro match, Lady Luck has shown that she will not be abandoning Liverpool this season.

Quality? Check. Luck? Check.

Will this finally be Liverpool's season? Stay tuned to find out.

Arsenal: Lacking the bite away?

Alden Sing — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 17:18:11 -0400

Just as Arsenal fans finished having a good laugh at the Spurs, laughter turned to disbelief as Arsenal went crashing down 1-0 to Fulham at Craven Cottage.

Under a new and experienced manager in Roy Hogdson, Fulham looked much better and more organized than the side that barely survived relegation last season.

With 10.5 million pounds signing Andrew Johnson looking on from the stands, Fulham still possessed the necessary firepower to beat Arsenal.

Arsenal were simply awful. After struggling to beat W.B.A at home, Arsenal's fallacies were all exposed in this away game.

Somehow, Samir Nasri failed to impose the similar style of dominance against Fulham. For large parts of this match, he was invisible as Arsenal move forward in attack.

With the commentator mentioning that Arsenal were not going through Walcott in their attacks, it signified the poor game that Walcott had again on Arsenal's right wing.

Perhaps the biggest culprit of the night was Robin Van Persie. He was lacklustre in all departments of his game. After being left out of the starting line up last week against W.B.A, Van Persie showed exactly why he deserved a spot on the bench with a woeful display against Fulham.

Van Persie looked like a shadow of his former self last night. His once potent freekicks were now reduced to harmless rugby conversions that will have a higher chance of injuring a Fulham fan than finding the back of the net.

If he didn't score a conversion, he was hitting the backside of Fulham players with his freekicks.

After dropping behind to fit a Bendtner and Adebayor strike partnership, his performance still did not improve.

Van Persie is either rusty or just having a really bad day in office.

More importantly, Arsenal's display against Fulham today exposed the lack of experience players in the Arsenal line up. With no such player to summon from the bench, Wenger resorted to bringing in Alexandre Song and Nicklaus Bendtner to rescue the game. It was evident that these two were not going to be effective in doing so.

I remembered writing that Arsenal needs one more quality midfielder to complete the team this season. And after last night's performance, my view is increasingly reinforced. Arsenal simply doesn't have a player that can control the midfield.

With Cesc Fabregas out, Arsenal really looked short of ideas. As an Arsenal fan, I really hope that his return will spell positive things.

If not, Wenger has to sign another midfielder.

With last night's defeat, he has to do so in a hurry.

Tottenham Hotspur: Why Are We Not Surprised?

Alden Sing — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 22:57:24 -0400

If I was a Spurs fan last weekend, I would have dug a 10 metre hole and put my head in it.

Against Middlesbrough, Spurs fans would have expected to have taken all three points. With hardly any recognizable new signings this season, Boro still relied largely on their stars of previous season, namely, Alfonso Alves, Sanli Tuncay and Mido.

In contrast, Spurs packed their line up with new signings like Giovanni Dos Santos, David Bentley, Heurelho Gomes and Luka Modric. These were "big name" signings which cost Spurs a whole load of cash. These were also the exact players which Spurs fans crowed about in pre-season.

As we all know now, Spurs capitulated against a mediocre Boro side.

In truth, Spurs deserved to lose. They were woeful in every department. Without Keane or Berbatov, Darren Bent struggled alone upfront. Gone was his outstanding pre-season form as he ran into the brickwall of Robert Huth and David Wheater.

Dos Santos was Spurs' response to Arsenal's Samir Nasri but his insipid performance reminded Spurs fans that he still has a long way to go before he can be fully settled down in the EPL.

The likes of Modric and Bentley were hardly visible in midfield. What has happened to all the "creativity" that Spurs fans were expecting of them?

At the back, Heurelho Gomes looked much better than Paul "Butterfingers" Robinson but he looked strangely out of sorts due to his defence in front of him. Without the injury prone Ledley King, Woodgate had his chance to shine but he faltered terribly infront of his former club.

Juande Ramos' selection of Didier Zakora on the right and Benoit Assou-Ekotto on the left drew even more puzzlement. As an attacking minded midfielder, Zakora looked like a fish out of the water as a right back. Martin Jol must have his reasons for not playing Ekotto and Ekotto's performance against Boro showed just why this was the case.

Indeed, Spurs looked hardly like a side that can challenge for the top four spots this season. Their players ran around like headless chickens, the new signings looked like they were playing with each other for the first time and Ramos' attacking philosophy failed to translate into his players' performances on the pitch.

It was definitely a game which Arsenal fans could use to rub it against Spurs fans. For all their money spent over the summer, Spurs still looks distinctly like that struggling side that finished 11th last season.

Ramos and Spurs must find some form of solution to their uninspiring performance last Saturday. It may still be early days yet in the EPL but we all know how fast the Spurs board loses confidence in their manager.

It may be adios Ramos if Spurs fail to deliver in the next few games.

Samir Nasri Inspirational In Arsenal's Opening Victory

Alden Sing — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 05:42:55 -0400

It is exciting times for Arsenal fans.

If today's performance is anything to go by, Samir Nasri is turning out to be a bargain buy. His outstanding performance today against West Bromich Albion (WBA) completely justified his 12 million pound price tag.

It was definitely very pleasing to the eye to see Samir Nasri orchestrating the play from midfield. Although he started at the left wing, his penetrative runs into the centre created endless havoc for the WBA defence.

It was this delightful run into the penalty box that got his name on the score sheet. His perfectly timed run rounded off a wonderfully capped Arsenal move.

Indeed, Nasri would not have cemented his name as the first player to score this season's first EPL goal on his debut if he did not perfect his run.

However, Nasri's standout performance came from his delightful passing ability. If there were any Arsenal fans who tuned in late for the game, they would have thought that Cesc Fabregas was starting for Arsenal. Undoubtedly, Nasri's passing ability matches Fabregas.

If anyone had any doubts about Nasri's passing ability, he quelled it entirely with a majestic defence splitting pass that released Emmanuel Adebayor through on goal. Alas, the finish was lacking from the lanky Togo striker.

As I am writing this piece, I still cannot get over that magnificent pass and how if Adebayor had finished it off, it would definitely had been a contention for the goal of the season.

Judging from his performance today, Nasri is indeed a wonderful signing. He displayed no signs of awkwardness and assimilated perfectly into the Arsenal setup. He dictated the tempo as if he was a seasoned Arsenal player.

Although these are early days yet, I would like to believe that his form will only go from strength to strength.

Arsenal fans will certainly be in for a treat when Fabregas returns. His partnership with Nasri will be definitely much eagerly anticipated.

What's The Plan Arsene Wenger?

Alden Sing — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 20:27:45 -0400

It is exasperating to be an Arsenal fan.

Just when Arsenal fans are eagerly anticipating an easy warm up match against Steve McClown's FC Twente side, we are hit by the news that our vital and beloved midfielder Cesc Fabregas is injured.

Nine. Nine players, Mr Wenger. We are not only missing Fabregas in midfield but Toure, Senderos, Rosicky, Eduardo, Song, Diaby, Nasri and Bischoff. This is a very serious problem we got here.

I cannot fathom why Wenger does not want to strengthen his team this summer with a quality signing. If you have read my previous rant, you will know that I anticipated such a problem for Arsenal.

But no one will expect this problem to surface even before the season starts!

As a result, Arsenal fans waiting to watch Samir Nasir and Cesc Fabregas pair up tonight, will have to contend themselves with young Aaron Ramsey and Denilson. Take nothing away from these two lads, but a top four EPL team does not leave their fate in the hands of a 17 year old lad!

This whole fiasco is really turning out to be a joke. I respect Wenger for the manager that he is. He has taken Arsenal and transformed them into an effective attacking machine. But his miserly policy is making Arsenal fans tear out their hair in frustration.

If Arsenal loses tonight to FC Twente, it will not be a catastrophe. Rather, it will be a reality check for Wenger, who has not heard the cries for signing a proven world class player.

If Arsenal loses this Saturday, our arch rivals in the EPL will be singing "You win nothing with kids."

Andrei Arshavin: Why Choosing Tottenham Hotspur Is The Wrong Choice

Alden Sing — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 01:59:43 -0400

"I'm just hoping that one fine morning the bosses at Gazprom will wake up in a good mood and say: 'We've had enough of Arshavin's whining—let's let him go.'"

I hope Arshavin was putting on his thinking cap when he made this statement. Arshavin is desperate. After an outstanding display at Euro 2008, Arshavin believes that playing for Zenit St Petersburg is no longer as glamorous as it used to be.

Arshavin is now regarding the the Russian giants and current UEFA cup holders like an ex-girlfriend that has just jilted him. To 'whine' constantly about leaving a club that has provided the foundations for his new found stardom is surely unbecoming of a football player.

Arshavin now prefers to ply his trade at a more illustrious club in the EPL. Preferably, he wants to play for Tottenham Hotspur. A club that has in the past few seasons came nowhere near the EPL title, changed a host of managers, and spent millions of pounds on players who fail to justify their huge price tag (I am talking about you Darren Bent, Michael Dawson, and Pascal Chimbonda).

Now, how is moving to Spurs a step forward from his current club?

Apparently, Arshavin thinks that Spurs are big enough for him, "Tottenham have a decent squad with (Luka) Modric, (Dimitar) Berbatov, and other players, and the club is fully capable of fighting for a place in the Champions League.''

Desperation is perhaps the best word to underscore Arshavin's desire to join any club in the EPL.

After seeing possible moves to Barcelona and Arsenal fall through, I can bet to my last dollar that Arshavin will even join Hull City if they can afford his transfer fee.

It just surprises me how desperate Arshavin is in leaving Zenit. At 27, I understand his worry that if he does not move, he will never ever get a chance again. I also understand that if he does not move to play in a better league, his footballing ability will stagnate.

But a move to Spurs is a step in the wrong direction. No offence to Spurs but they are no Barcelona, Arsenal, Man Utd, or AC Milan.

With his footballing ability, he could be better off at a bigger club.

Arshavin only has to look back in history to find out about how Spurs' last Eastern European league import did. Remember Sergei Rebrov? Of course not. After raising the expectations of many Spurs fans, he was not even given a look in by then Spurs manager Glenn Hoddle.

Will Arshavin end up the way of Rebrov?

We shall see...