After Everton, What Next? Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup Permuations

Wow! Tra-lala tra-lala.  A great Sunday it is. We dispatched Everton and are now one game away from, at the very least, a runners up medal. If the Premier League is Chelsea’s to lose, the FA cup is ours. It has felt that way at least. The luck of consecutive home draws against top sides, coupled with the relative ease at which we surmounted these hurdles, at the bare minimum reveals that the Arsenal fraternity fancies this cup.

Enjoy the Sunday, you know what's coming in the horizon

Thinking about it, there has been no trace of trepidation at any point in the knockout stages. The swag is back; hell we even saw an invincible-esque counter attack goal yesterday! The walk of Champions I must add. The beauty of this win against Everton was that for the first time in a long time, we appeared to have so many gears that we could still engage, and yet never really needed to.

Come the FA cup this season ,It is like we leave it all behind: the desertion of luck in the Champions League that has seen to it that we land unfavorable round of 16 draws in the past couple years, and the dogged inconsistency that stalks us in the Premier League.

Whoever the opponent, the Arsenal players put on their game face on, consciously aware that we are the joint most successful team in Europe’s oldest cup competition. However, it is universally felt that the silver than lines the dark Arsenal cloud over the past 8 years, should be of the EPL variety.

These are understandable wishes, given the fall from grace of this competition, though on a personal level, I wouldn’t mind Arsenal picking it up from where they left it with the FA cup. For the league, I embrace the spirit of the Luganda saying  that translates to “whoever chases after the free range chicken is rewarded upon slaughter even if it is by the token of a pair of chicken legs.”Meaning, I would gladly take 2^nd or even 3^rd spot.   

Not to mistake me, I’d hate it for Chelsea to be EPL 2013-14 champions, of the two evils I’d rather Manchester City lift their second EPL title. Going by the Tottensh*t debacle yester night, it seems that any chance of upsetting Chelsea, Manchester City and Liverpool in the title race more than ever lies in the match-ups among us.

What an orgy fest!

Assesing Arsenal Title Chase: Lessons From Shaun Of The Dead & Why Celebrating World Wildlife Day Will Do Us Some Good

Monday blues? Tuesday’s grey? Well, today’s post is all about urging all you Arsenal Damu to assume an extra-corporeal mindset. Translation: for a change, get over yourself. 72hrs later, I have some gooner pals yet to come around over some mundane stats such as our conceding of two goals, one each, in two consecutive games from shots outside the area. I mean (!?) spare a thought for Ukraine, Egypt, Taiwan, Venezuela and The Central African Republic.

To that, add other 21^st century societal struggles like the LGBT divide-that assumed new levels the past 24 hours with the Ugandan presidential assent to a law that outlaws same-sex relations. Some insist that Whatsapp recent system blip ranks up there with that. Mix it all up and you have the perfect storm. In no way are these simple ugali and  mrenda issues. I tell you, things are elephant! A friend recently quipped “gay rights and Africa…” and left it at that. I’ll follow that cue and….

Picking up the wildlife theme, do mark the 3^rd of March 2014 on your Google calendars. No, it’s not the day the double whammy of Ramsey and Walcott (complete with a Diaby special) turns on its head as the duo (plus Diaby special) burst back into full training just in time for the March Madness fixtures.

This  happens to be the day of the adoption of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), as the UNEP website so eloquently puts it; in simple speak, it is the first ever World Wildlife Day.

Let’s all drum up the day, wind up your boss by naively asking if it means that there will be no clocking in the 3^rd of March.  Insist that being a fundamentalist- animal- lover -environmentalist, World Widlife Day is as good as Christmas. Come on! Give it a try, besides, there is a chance to that your boss is half as asinine as you secretly think he is. I am yet to know of the ribbon colors that would signify your support for the protection of the world’s flora and fauna, but in the Utopian world of football, it’s all Mars-red.

Forget Project Youth, Enter The Second Invincibles Project

Arsenalii has a sister blog ,A.S.I Sportswire, a dedicated sports blog that is less of a sports discipline specialist or brand focused like Arsenalii; with a wider sports banquet inclusive of Formula one, Tennis, IRB Rugby etc.

In naming the blog, the creators of these sister websites- Lwandaz Tales media, were inspired by a Wenger quote on the three qualities need for a player to be a one off of the mould of Messi, both Ronaldos or Van Persie: athletisim, skill and intelligence.

These attributes couldn't be better illustrated by the fortunes of the best center forward seen recently, 'fatboy' Ronaldo and the one threatening to be the best yet in recent memory, Robin Van Persie.

The New Arsenal...In Their Eyes

On a night when the moon nears the full lighting up the African savannah

Arsenal   Starting  11? 

Away from the flashing lights of the city, appreciate you get to,  the intimacy of nature that rural Africa offers. Not that our cities are the concrete jungles that the planners of 'first world' cities are ever so desperately trying to inject some serenity with multi-money green space projects, but more because one gets to appreciate change like the never before. Stealthy change like such events as the unfolding of the moon through the different lunar phases, a transformation that would otherwise have been lost to the nuances of life in any 21st  century city.

In a way, such changes of subtle nature-like the waxing and waning of the moon and its said effects on sea tides that bring about the unexpected rain -gives one a sense of the sneaky nature of progress.

Taking a walk home, having swallowed a few for the road at the solar lit  watering hole that happens to be  part of the two rows of permanent structures that constitute urban life in this part of the world- somewhere along the Equator,  in the shadows cast by the moon as its light falls on the Acacia trees, the black,white and gray of life are ever so distinct.

State Of The Gunner Nation: Time For Tough Love

It was one of those moments in life. You know those times when the sky seems to have fallen on your head and you happen to be taller than that guy in the Guinness book of records (the dude who surprised the world when he found love  in the mold of a significant other, who not by any standards can considered long legged ), and weight of  the burden on your head makes it  feel like your neck muscles are holding up the sky for the rest of humanity.

Lehmann back at Arsenal.Image:The soccerroom.com

State Of The Gunner Nation: Something Gotta Give!

I had to take a chill pill, let it sink in, mediate upon it if  you wish before breaking my silence on the state of the gunner world as I see it from my corner of the room. You see, I try not to be fanatical in my support for the gunners when writing as I take the view that loudness does not necessarily mean clarity.

I am tempted to say it has been a characteristic fortnight and a half for Arsenal-out of three competitions within days after failing to perform at the penultimate rounds (i.e) failing to deliver when it matters.

Is Portman Road,The Road That leads To Glory! Glory ! Glory! ?

Arsene Wenger fires his troops ahead of the Ipswich tie

" The pressure is on Arsenal and they have nothing to lose. That is part of being at Arsenal to deal with that and I accept that completely "

Arsenal continued its four prong trophy quest taking on Ipswich in the first round leg of the Carling Cup Semifinal. In the 1-0  defeat at Portman road, another chapter in  Arsenal's quest to end 'the trophy drought'  – not to insinuate that Arsenal are starved of honors as you shall read on- was written.  A story with an all to familiar recurring theme that loudly resonated in the manner of defeat

Death Of The Auto Tune Arsenal Style: Arsene Wenger's Team Repays The Faith and Floors Chelsea

Wenger before the Chelsea Must win Clash:

"The statistics are history and every game is a new start. Life is there for change; life is there for movement"

Arsene wenger. Image source Getty Images via Zimbio.com

When I started writing this post, my working title was 'Death Of The Auto-Tune'. A title inspired no less by the Jay-z hit song. Then, my obvious intentions were that the post was to be a my take on the gigantic London fixture when Arsenal host Chelsea at the Emirates today.

Manchester City V Arsenal Preview: The Only Thing I care About Is If Arsenal Will Wear Yellow

One thing on The Team Colors:

I would like for us to don the yellow away colors for the nonsensical reason that the brilliant yellow just makes the array on show more dazzling. With all the fluid gel like inter positioning between players, it is simply a treat for the eye. Being 4388 miles (7062 km) away [Manchester, England to Nairobi, Kenya- a 11hr 5 min flight via Amsterdam]  and devoid of the pleasures of the latest in 3D Television technology,  this makes a difference.Besides, yellow being the traditional away kit color, reignites beautiful memories like the Champions League Santiago Bernabu Clash where Cesc composed football musical akin to a Mortzart production.

While the yellow shirt reflects the Gunners' past, the redcurrant pinstripes and cuff-style sleeves echo design features further back in the Club's heritage to its Woolwich Arsenal days.

The reverse of the club badge on shirts reveals the motto ‘Victoria Concordia Crescit', which translates as ‘Victory Through Harmony', while redcurrant shorts and yellow socks complete the look. 

Courtesy : usa.Arsenal.com 

Two Things On Andrei Arshavin Starting

• Just as it the case with many a genius, the little Russian draws polar reactions: A potent attacking force with the demeanor, stealth and absence of ado- except when he strikes- of a sniper in the battle field, or a uncooperative seemingly unwilling solider weakening the strength of the collective spirit that bands an army together-the "You die, I die mentality" ? In Arsenalii's team sheet, he gets the nod on the left attacking role not because of the statistics; but because in big games, match fitness comes calling first ahead of all else. I believe he is in a better frame than Theo Walcott at least mentally.
• Given the choice of Arshavin coming off the bench vis a-a vis Walcott, with Walcott on the bench, you have more options in the squad. This is because you can make have all the ingredients needed for a break through when disadvantaged/ in a deadlock:- The fresh pace of Theo coming in for defensively employed Diaby and the match aged mind of Arshavin should combine to some welcome end. Instead of Arshavin coming off the bench, it's better to have Rosicky fulfill the role of  the wild card as he did in the last trip to Eastlands. In this realm, I think Rosicky is a better candidate than Arshavin.

The Tale Of Three Hatricks

• After a reportedly huge spat with his new Manger over selection issues, Adebayor got his chance with the midweek UEFA Cup tie against Poznan, the Togolese fund his boots with a history breaking impressive hat trick. With his three fine goals, he threw his hat in the ring for selection from the choice of there hit men: Italian Mario Balotelli, Argentine Carlos Teves and himself.
• The action packed 4-2 loss at Eastlands early last year made it a hat trick of wins for Manchester City against Arsene Wenger's boys- turned-men (thanks to such and many more experiences) in the recent past. Rior to 2006, the record was 7-0 in favour of Arsenal at the Eastlands.
• With a win over Arsenal, City will make it three wins in a week : 3-2 win over Blackpool away and  Adebayor's maundering of Poznan in midweek making the other two. Arsenal is searching for an away win (1-8 is current dismal record) and also stand to stretch their winning streak to three in a week after beating Birmingham 2-1 at home last weekend and thrashing Shaktar 5-1 in the Champions League on Wednesday at The Emirates.

Four Opinions on the Manchester V City Clash: What They Said 

Arsene Wenger

" I expect them to play De Jong, Barry and Yaya Toure,” he said. “They are three midfielders who can both defend and attack. Even Yaya Toure is as well a creative player, he is not only defensive.”.......The big games are always decided by the first goal...In that match Manchester City scored the first goal and then they took advantage.......But in the big games you have to do first what you do normally. You always feel you are under special pressure to perform exceptionally but it is a matter of just focusing on doing well what you know you can do. We have to relax and play our game......For me, overall Manchester City are a side in the same level as Manchester United. "

Couertesy: Arsenal.com

Roberto Mancini

" We must recover after playing Poznan - Arsenal will be a very different game. They play very well, probably the best team playing in the Premier League, and they won their Champions League game in midweek 5-1......But we want to do good work on Sunday. It is a match between two top squads, and we must have a good balance against them.....We have a good team, but Arsenal have played together for several years, and we want to become better than them....In the end, we can be, but we must work hard because they have been together five or six years. We need them (those extra years) but we have a good chance - it depends on us....I am feeling good, the squad is feeling good, but it is only the start of the season. We must wait and continue to work. When you play every three days, it is a very long season. The game is important for us and for Arsenal "

Courtesy : Official Manchester City website

One Tale Of Two Spanish Boys 

"Cesc and I get on very well, we are good friends. We played together in the under- 17 for Spain and from then on we have become good friends...We talk and text each other. But I won't be sending him any texts before the game, because I don't want to tempt fate - and I hope that I will be passing on my sympathy to him afterwords" !

David Silva On Arsenal Captain Cesc Fabregas

Pundit

"City need to play with Carlos Tevez up front, three holding midfield players and two wingers. They beat Chelsea playing like that and it's the perfect formation for them to use against Arsenal.If they play 4-4-2 against Arsenal then they'll lose comfortably, but if they get the tactics right I think they'll win the game. If you are compact and strong then you can beat Arsenal.I think Arsenal are becoming a bit predictable and you know what's going to happen in this game. Arsenal will have all of the possession, like they did against Chelsea, and they won't look like scoring.I hope I'm wrong, but I think Arsenal have become a little bit too predictable and I think this will be a bit like the Chelsea game.Man City are not a team of kickers, but they're very well drilled and when they play with one up front they know their jobs. If they play 4-5-1 then Man City will win 1-0. If they play 4-4-2 then Arsenal will win by two clear goals."

Former Arsenal Midfielder Paul Merson

  

Five Players

The number of players who scored Arsenal's five goals in the Champions league 5-1 win over Braga.

1. Alex Song (19)  
2. Samir Nasri (42)   
3. Cesc Fábregas (pen 60)   
4. Jack Wilshere (66)   
5. Marouane Chamakh (69)

Six Points 

 The point gap that will stretch from three to six points in case Manchester City win as the bookies expect. With Manchester United seeking a win at Stoke, Arsenal may finish in sixth position in the premier league behind West Bromwich Albion and Tottenham Hotspurs at fourth occupying the last Champions league spot.

Seven Star Hitmen
Number of goals scored by Manchester City captain, Carlos Teves , in the premier league this season making him the joint top scorer in the premier league with Chelsea's Malouda.


History, numbers opinions...... often don't create reality in it's truest form in this unknown called life.Tapping on my keyboard some 7000 kms away , all I care for is that on this day,  Sunday 24th October 2010,  Arsenal players will wear (not put on)  that yellow jersey.

For it's only then that multitude of Arsenal fans in far away cities that have emerged in the desert in the Middle East, those pursuing the American dream, those exploring the promise of the Americas, reviving the fortunes of Africa, learning to roar in the Orients or ushering the cold winds of change in the Northern hemisphere; will reach for that badge and kiss it. Win or lose.

‘Victoria Concordia Crescit'... ‘Victory Through Harmony'

Phew! International Break Is Over: Arsenal vs Birmingham next

The international break is a drag for some of us. There ain't much to look forward to. You see, in my country, football is a stepping stone to political office. 

What's more, we have a private company running the local league effectively shutting out a host of stakeholders. When it comes to the national team,  everything from the playing kits to live coverage of matches is auctioned to the biggest bidder. In our football dealings, there is no consideration for national interests or for long term strategic interests like the need to develop talent.

The coaches are recycled amongst a few select individuals depending on the patronage of the officials in charge at the moment. Yes, we boast of players in top leagues world wide including Inter midfielder MacDonald Mariga,  a treble winner with Jose Mourinho last season, but that is as far as it goes. Fellow gooners, that is the story of football in Kenya.

So in escape, the 38million strong East African nation satisfies its soccer madness with European soccer. Much like most of Africa, the English premier league is big here. Almost religious I might add. I don't need to point out that I am blogging about Arsenal or that in 2009 following the UEFA champions league semifinal humiliation by Manchester United, a Kenyan gooner sadly chose to end their life. Need I say more?

Therefore, it is a reprieve that the international break is finally over. Now, Kenyan males and an increasing number of females will get back to their favorite weekend past time. In the shanties of Kibera, television shows in rural Kenya, restaurants and pubs in the capital Nairobi and in homes of the well to do, courtesy of pan-African South African cable television network Multichoice, Cesc Fabregas, Bendtner and hopefully in a short while Aaron Ramsey will step out in the favored Arsenal jersey.

No formal studies yet, but by the look of things, Arsenal is the most supported club in East Africa's economic powerhouse. Birmingham is up next at the Emirates and Arsenal currently fourth in the table, need to get back to their winning ways before the trip to the Manchester money bags. B52, claims that he will be ready to face the club where he spent a season on loan in the season before Thierry Henry finally left Arsenal for evil Barcelona. God knows that we need more personnel to end this trophy drought. All the same, I will just be glad to see Arsenal in Action again.

A proper talk on the game and footballing aspects to come in the hours ahead.  Singing out from the Equator; till then siku njema [good day] fellow gooners.