- Let’s talk beautiful football, cousins!
One of the most difficult topics to write about is the game between Arsenal and Barcelona. It is more than just a game between two European giants competing for a title. Titles come and go every season. Classics are events to stamp in memories. I was a bit unlucky in the last two weeks as the work pressure prevented me from contributing and following the warm up articles introducing this game. It’s more like a football carnival than a Champions league night.
What are the most inspiring moments in football history that made you such a passionate fan and made this sport the most popular in the globe? The Netherlands of 1974 ? The Brazilians of 1982 ? Watching Higuita having fun? The joy of Francescoli magic? Cantona? Zidane? Rivaldo? Bergkamp? Or Andoni Goikoetxea? Or...Even THIS ! Or Greece 2004? and Italy 2006?
kamikaze kontiki Said,
Great Preview Ramzi. Really enjoyed this one. You have covered footballing culture as opposed to just football from Anglo-Saxon individualism to Soviet collectism and Lobanovsky to Total Football and Catalan self-expression. Loved it.
(Mental Note: Get started on that project tracing Barça's footballing roots to the Aragonian Anarchistic movement of the 30s :0)
Also agree about Wenger not quite being the tactical genius that many credit him with being. Things seem to have changed in the last few days. Initially it seemed Arshavin wasn't fit. Now it is Cesc who is certain to be out.
Arsenal need to cover Barça's right flank. Without Arshavin I was arguing that Wenger's best option was Eboue at LM. Arshavin playing would be even better and I really think he will be Barça's biggest threat.
Got to agree with the rest of what you had to say about Arsene's options though I might add that Gallas is now available for selection so it may not be necessary for either Sol or Song in defense. And you have absolutely not even mentioned my favourite Arsenal player Rosicky.
About Barça's options Puyol at LB is an interesting idea for the reasons you have elaborated. But instead of Carles why not Gabi Milito who is left footed.
Regarding the forward line though I dont expect to see this on the pitch I would like Pedro-Henry-Messi. I like the way they combined against Valencia and Stuttgart. Henry was able to play the dual role of threatening to break as well as setting up Pedro and Messi to break clear of the defense. If and only if Arsenal set up a very effective midfield wall which does not allow Xavi to link well with the front 3 (and I haven't seen this happen too often against Barça) would I want to change things around and bring Ibra on.
Anyway, here's hoping for a great game.
Posted on March 31, 2010 at 5:32 AM
Ramzi Said,
Good feedback, Kami.
- Rosicky would have been one of the best midfielders in the world if he wasnt injury prone. Its a shame. That reminds me of another impressive talent: RVP. Arsenal will miss him most for this game. He is their best player when he is in form.
- If Galas is fit, he will be the most likely option. I can also sense a surprise in that striker position for Arsenal. Thats if wenger decided to be a bit more creative.
- In the match against Mallorca, there were moments where Milito actualy showed great quality as a left Back (he didnt play there but he moved the ball forward from the left many times). The reason why I put Milito in the center because (for me) he is in a better form than Puyol. And you want the most solid center backs to gaurd the area. And secondly because Arsenal's wings like to cut inside more than hugging the lines (especially if Pique contained bendtler-if he played), which give a right footed defender an edge to intercept. But its a close call anyway.
- Regarding Ibra, I see your point. But I want Messi to play closer to Arsenal defense rather than getting too envolved helping the midfield. I think Ibra is better than Henry to play BEHIND Messi and provide killer passes to both messi and Pedro who like to make the diagonal runs behind the defense. But I cant exclude your option as well.
Oh, regarding the mental note...Let's hope we take revenge for Buenaventura Durruti in the follwoing Classico.
Posted on March 31, 2010 at 10:18 AM