Bleacher Report - Articles by Tanade Mohamed

Arsenal Vs Burnley Recap: Skipping To a New Tune

Tanade Mohamed — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 12:27:21 -0400

Arsenal played the Arsenal Way today. They kept the ball moving throughout the game with a confidence they have been lacking for quite a while, and they never stopped attacking.

In the first half, Carlos Vela scored a brilliant chip shot over the goalie after rushing past his defenders with his first touch. Though Arsenal dominated the first half, at the end of the half Burnley made an opportunity after a corner almost catching Fabianski outside of goal.

Second half saw Eduardo score a cheeky volley from Song's pass over the Burnley defense. Chances were coming for substitutes Walcott and Van Persie but neither was going to score today. The last goal of the game went to Eboue from Song's back heel pass that opened up space for the goal.

When all is said and done, it was a great match and, though the scoreline doesn't show it, Burnley played the game and gave a fantastic effort throughout.

My Man of the Match

Alexandre Song

Song was a huge defensive presence and (dare I say it?) looked dominant throughout the match. Song is truly coming into his own and, in my opinion, deserves a first team spot next to Fabregas. Unlike Denilson, Song can actually intimidate other players with larger build.

Cesc Fabregas: Arsenal's New Captain

Tanade Mohamed — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 03:38:42 -0500

Francesc "Cesc" Fabregas.

I always knew he would be captain but this is kind of unexpected. Gallas has been, in my opinion, very disappointing and expected the armband to go to Gilberto or Toure after saying bon voyage to Henry. He is, simply put, a hot head and that is the last thing we needed at Arsenal.

Fabregas is young, calm, collected, and cool in difficult situations. A foil to Gallas. Now that there has been a change in captain, I think a change in transfer policy is in order.

This squad has no depth. Song and Denilson were playing in the middle of the park against Manchester City, and Diaby was playing on the wing. Vela has been playing on loan for three years, why not give him a chance?

We need to get an established defensive midfielder and central defender. Fabregas is an attack minded player that needs someone to compliment that and Denilson, though talented, isn't the answer to this dilemma.

Johan Djourou may have potential to be a great defender but isn't there yet and when you have no choice but to put Gavin Hoyte against Robinho, it shows a club in need of personnel.

Fabregas is our new Captain and will hopefully lead us on the road to glory but that doesn't mean it is guaranteed.

He has become an Arsenal hero, but it is now time for his trial by fire.

What it takes to be a Real Fan

Tanade Mohamed — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 15:39:00 -0500

What makes a Real Fan?

I'm not talking about those flimsy ones that jump on any old bandwagon but the REAL fans, the ones that stay through thick and thin.

The ones like you and me.

Faith is what separates us from THEM. Faith that no matter what happens our club will come out better than before and show us why we support them in the first place. Faith that we can dish out something miraculous. Most of us aren't in the stands but are watching on our television sets cheering them on even though those on the field can't hear.

The true litmus test of a fan is struggle. Losing your favorite player, manager or a couple of games is disappointing but that is what makes winning all the more sweeter. Why do you think clubs from lower divisions get ecstatic over eliminating premiership sides?

Lower division fans are far better fans than those of the premiership, especially the big four. We have been spoiled by victories, trophies,and big name players. The worst part is we constantly demand more.

The following message goes to Arsenal Fans!

Four years without a trophy is disappointing for a club of our stature and we are sick of hearing "transition" season but that doesn't mean we have to start calling for Wenger's head. I still believe we can step and possibly win a trophy or two, if we're lucky, this season. The chance of winning the premiership looks bleak but there is still light in the tunnel and miracles do happen.

Another Loss: Lack of Consistency in Arsenal

Tanade Mohamed — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 11:00:40 -0500

I didn't watch the match.

I was having breakfast when I went to look at the results and I choked on my waffles.

Arsenal 0-2 Aston Villa

Another loss after beating our biggest rivals. This was supposed be our rise from the ashes, a chance for a serious run for the league.

I didn't watch the match or highlights but I have read a few articles on the loss. Each of them say we were completely outplayed by Aston Villa and that is, frankly, unacceptable. There seems to be no consistency in the first team.

Consistency is what is supposed to separate the Big Four from the rest, and we have lost it. What we need is a strong defensive midfielder. Also, we need to be more physical with our opponents because we are starting to become the lightweights of the Big Four.

What's even more worrisome are the next two league games, Man City and Chelsea. Man City is on a bad run and want to fix that fast. Their attack force has pace similar to that of Aston Villa. Chelsea is, obviously, title contenders and it is a must-win game for us; if we want to stay in The Big Four.