Tag: FIFA

WENGER DEFENDS GUARDIOLA

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Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has raised an opposing voice against those of critics bashing Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola after his side’s disgraceful performance at the King Power Stadium against defending champions Leicester City.


The Blue Mancunians conceded 3 goals in the opening 20 minutes and would go on to finish the game at a 4-2 deficit with Aleksandar Kolarov’s and Nolito’s late consolation goals serving as nothing more than papering over a shameful night.

The Spaniard, aside being mocked as majority of EPL fans quietly lurk behind his shadows waiting for him to fail his Abu-Dhabi masters so the drums of the English league’s superiority to others could be rolled out, was specifically singled out for saying that he was not “a coach for the tackles.”

For Wenger though the criticisms shelled out on top the former Bayern Munich coach’s head is “unfair.”

“Pep Guardiola, like myself, we are for offensive football. And when you don’t win, people question that. And that’s as simple as that. I believe that he doesn’t forbid his players to tackle,” said the 67-year-old.

Claudio Ranieri’s men increased doubts surrounding the likelihood of Pep Guardiola delivering to the Etihad faithful what both Roberto Mancini and Manuel Pellegrini failed to during their reign and most especially the trophy that’s time and again proved to be out of their reach –the UEFA Champion League title. Continue reading “WENGER DEFENDS GUARDIOLA”

Robert Pires Of Arsenal To Join Champions Game

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A match of the Arsenal legends is being planned. Figures like Robert Pires, Dennis Bergkamp and Thierry Henry are being considered for the match at the Emirates Stadium.

There are other stars who are being considered for the match which will be held in September.


Among the legendary players Robert Pires is among the names being considered who would play the match. It would be the beginning match of the 2016-17 season of the Premier League. The others would be Cafu, Filippo Baresi, Paolo Maldini and others. They are all expected to be part of the match to be held on 3rd September. London would be the venue for the match.

The tickets are already on sale, being priced around 20 Euros or at a concession rate of 10 Euros where the net proceeds of the game would go towards Arsenal Foundation. This is an organization formed in 2012 which aims to help young people who are disadvantaged in many ways.

Pires has won about five trophies while he played at Highbury. He had helped the club during the 2006 finals of the Champions League. He stated that he is looking forward to the game. It would be a chance to meet up old friends and to play for a cause. Pires, a Frenchman, stated that, he and others were excited about the match. The hone would be great to play in front of the fans of Arsenal, those who would love to see them back on the field. They would be playing with old friends and teaming up against legendary players of Milan. The chance to raise funds for the Foundation would also be a great honor. The chief executive of Arsenal also voiced his opinions. He stated that the match would be excellent to bring back legendary players on the field for the fans, for whom it would be a treat indeed.

  • 1/14 Player Ratings

Who impressed at the Etihad?

  • 2/14 Petr Cech: 5

Once more Cech was beaten low at his near post by an effort that it would certainly be generous to describe as venomous. Just a few weeks on from his mistake at Palace this is becoming a worrying trend for Arsene Wenger.

  • 3/14 Hector Bellerin: 6

He may not always have got the better of Kevin De Bruyne, but Bellerin consistently looked like giving City’s star Belgian a thorough examination. That was until he failed to stay with him as the midfielder burst through to drive in a low effort.

  • 4/14 Gabriel: 5

Not convincing in the air, and rarely composed with the ball at his feet. Another with serious questions to answer over De Bruyne’s goal, where he gave the scorer far too much space.

  • 5/14 Laurent Koscielny: 6

Seemed to be in place whenever Navas got to the byline, cutting out a string of well-placed low crosses. Hard to remember an occasion when he put a foot wrong, not something that could be said of his team-mates.

  • 6/14 Nacho Monreal: 5

Particularly struggled with the pace and running of Jesus Navas on a rare on-day for the City winger. What should have been an easy task for the Spaniard turned into a hellish afternoon for Monreal.

  • 7/14 Mohamed Elneny: 5

Arsenal spent most of the game without possession, and it really didn’t suit Elneny. He is not entirely convincing when called on to win the ball back though he did earn an assist for Giroud’s goal.

  • 8/14 Aaron Ramsey: 7

Made a string of impressive tackles in his own half as City poured men forward in the opening minutes and was often the man kick-starting Arsenal’s counters.

  • 9/14 Danny Welbeck: 6

Did his fair share of diligent work in defence over the 24 minutes he managed on the field, tucking in neatly, stealing the ball and providing a threat on the counter. Another knee injury will be a source of serious concern to Wenger.

  • 10/14 Alex Iwobi: 5

Rather too blase in possession, hardly the most helpful of attributes when Arsenal had so little of it to work with. One kamikaze pass in the direction of Aguero summed up a disappointing day for the youngster.

  • 11/14 Alexis Sanchez: 7

Sanchez was full of the drive and purpose Arsenal needed, consistently forcing the impressive Gael Clichy to make a decision. Nowhere was this more apparent than his goal, when he dovetailed impressively with Giroud in a way many Arsenal followers doubted he ever could, driving on to the Frenchman’s lay-off and slotting home.

  • 12/14 Olivier Giroud: 8

His ongoing inclusion after his recent travails constituted something of a surprise at kick-off but his robust physicality was exactly what Arsenal needed on a day when they were forced to play on the break. Showed intelligence for a well-taken goal but his touch for Sanchez’s strike was nothing short of sumptuous. Continue reading “Robert Pires Of Arsenal To Join Champions Game”

Arsene Wenger may get Arsenal in January Transfer

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Arsenal may be forced to step into the transfer market in January after Arsene Wenger witnessed yet another major injury trouble for one of his defenders after the match against Stoke City.

The gunners managed a positive 3-0 victory, but this return of three points was not without its disadvantages. Mathieu Debuchy, who was signed in the summer from Newcastle for around £ 10 million, was expected to be a major player for Arsenal. He was the replacement for Bacary Sagna, who left the club on a free transfer to Manchester City. Continue reading “Arsene Wenger may get Arsenal in January Transfer”