“From London With Love” is back, in its second edition on your number one source for all Barça-related issues. In case you missed the first one, this feature provides weekly coverage of what is going on in the land of our next UEFA Champions League rival–Arsenal. Every Tuesday, guest writer (and a friend of our own writer, Hady) Hasan Noureldin, who happens to be an avid Liverpool and English Premier League fan, will be covering what’s happening in the Emirates Stadium in London. From match details to internal club and transfer issues, this is a chance to look at the upcoming encounter from a neutral’s point of view through a slightly sarcastic lens. We hope you enjoy this new feature in its second edition.
Why do Arsenal make it so hard for us to believe that they are good enough to win silverware? Perhaps it was seeing them struggle against Huddersfield, a team in League 1, the third tier of English football? A shameful performance from them and had Cesc Fabregas not scored a penalty in the 87th minute, they would have found themselves going to a replay for the second time. It was the biggest sign yet for Arsene Wenger that he needs reinforcements and fast.
Squillaci has been a revelation with him getting sent off for a clumsy challenge, leaving Arsene Wenger scratching his head with flashbacks of the day when he drank too much wine and signed him. Another significant problem is Samir Nasri’s injury, which is a heavy blow for Arsenal considering how brilliant he has been throughout this campaign. Denilson is still Denilson, so Wenger must hope that there isn’t an injury in midfield.
Optimistically though, Wenger has enough players in attacking areas to balance the defensive frailties. Walcott is improving drastically, Arshavin had a much better performance. Bendtner is having some glimpses of his talent, but he’s far too inconsistent to be in the first team. Chamakh is capable of holding up the play and is good aerially.
Nevertheless, Wenger must be sweating on Nasri’s injury, with him showing great combination play and breathtaking technique at times. As I’ve said before, he has been the Premier League’s best player and there isn’t a player at Arsenal who can replace him easily. Wenger however can see that he has players such as Rosicky and Arshavin that can give a different dimension. Arshavin will probably take Nasri’s place, with Walcott on the other side. Furthermore, Fabregas is a fantastic playmaker, and can maneuver throughout the pitch, him combining with Van Persie is crucial for Arsenal.
Arsenal were disappointing today [January 30th], but they are much better than that. They are a top class team with top class players. However, if their defending doesn’t improve, they shouldn’t expect to get the better of Barcelona in the Champions League in two weeks or have the chance to win the title ahead of Manchester United.
From London with Love…
Hady’s question to the readers: What do you guys think of Arsene Wenger, Arsenal’s long-time coach and a very well know manager, particularly his admiration for youth and possession football (similar to Barca’s style)? Personally, I highly respect this manager who has proven to be very smart and a great tactical expert, he might really cause some worry to our dear Barca. Would you agree?
Please share your opinion in the comments section and remember to be respectful of others’ points of view….
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