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In Defense of Olivier Giroud

Gunner — Sun, 09 Sep 2012 08:42:28 +0000

Football fans can be an impatient bunch. One game without a goal and suddenly that’s the trend that’ll continue throughout the season. It’s the way it works. Olivier Giroud has failed to score in his first 3 games for Arsenal.

That means he’s useless, a waste of money and won’t ever score for the Arsenal. He’s just like that Henry bloke; he never scored in his first eight, and now he’s a 30-something striker playing in the states. He has done nothing of note, right? Robin van Persie was the best thing to ever happen to Arsenal and losing him is a massive mistake because he’s the only striker to ever score for the gunners, ever.

Of course, I’m being sarcastic. But the way people bang on you’d think Giroud was the only striker to take time to settle. It took van Persie 7 seasons to settle with injuries and finally show his brilliance – and he was given that time. Can we not give Olivier time? Joining a club like Arsenal from an inferior league will always be difficult. The pressure would presumably be intense and with the onus being on you to score (and replace 30-goal Judas) that will only multiply. Think about it. Playing up front as the lone striker isn’t the easiest position to help you settle. You’re always eager to impress but sometimes it can be hard as you may not receive the right service, feel isolated and not be involved in the game much in terms of possession.

Olivier Giroud hasn’t been heavily involved with the ball, but he has played a massive part with his off ball movement. Case in point: Lukas Podolski’s 1st goal for the club. Lukas received the ball, laid it off to Santi and as Cazorla progressed with the ball Giroud drifted to the right bringing his marker with him, thereby creating space for Podolski to take advantage of, receiving the ball and slotting it into the bottom corner to put the Arsenal 1 up. His movement for the chances he missed was also excellent. He bent his runs to allow himself space but unfortunately couldn’t convert. You may wonder how long his movement will excuse his lack of goals, and obviously you cannot continue to make excuses, but he’s still in his settling stage and at the moment, he’s showing promise – something that can be built on.

He scored 25 goals last season for eventual Ligue 1 Champions, and Arsenal’s Champions League Group Stage adversaries, Montpellier, so to say he ‘does not know where the goal is’ is stupid. Each player is different and he looks to be a player who’ll start firing soon. Maybe he’ll follow some Arsenal legends and end his “drought” against newly-promoted Southampton? King Titi, God Dennis, Ian Wright! Wright! Wright! and that Dutch bloke who left recently all scored their first Arsenal league goals against the Saints. And guess who we play next (after the pointless international friendlies)? Yep, we play Southampton. It would be nice to see him score and shut a few people up.

During the Stoke game the fans of that lot were reminding the gunners’ fans of their former striker by signing his name and teasing Olivier when he did not score. In that game he attempted some audacious efforts: a scissor-kick from a corner which bounced over the bar, and a long-range lob that hit the roof of the net. He’s only had 2 clear-cut chances. The one at home to Sunderland after a great pass from Cazorla and the other against Liverpool in a similar fashion, except it was Diaby’s brilliance which assisted the chance.

Because of these misses he has been lambasted and singled out which I find amusing. For people who claim to love the sport so much it’s amusing how little they know (or how much they ignore). First of all, the chance against Sunderland wasn’t as easy people say it was. He was on the turn, ball slightly behind him, and it was his weaker foot; similar to the miss vs Liverpool, just that was on his stronger foot. I don’t dispute he perhaps should’ve done better but both misses can be excused as they were not easier to miss. Many have said that Robin van Persie may have converted those chances and while that may (or may not) be true, you can’t use that as a bullet to fire at Giroud. Would Robin score from 1-yard out in the Champions League, 3-0 up and needing 1 more goal? van Persie might have scored where Giroud didn’t, but Thierry Henry, Dennis Bergkamp, Ian Wright, Ted Drake, Cliff Bastin and so on might have scored too. The point is, players come and go and a players’ departure should not be used to attack a recent arrival.

Giroud’s shown promise. His movement off the ball is superb and he’s physically up for the battle – as proven against arguably the most physical side, Stoke – so he has the qualities to settle into the Premier League and Arsenal. He may not be the quickest but speed of the brain can sometimes be quicker than speed of the body so I have no worries about him – yet. I started this post by saying ‘Football fans can be an impatient bunch’ and that’s true. We want everything now or yesterday. We forget not every player is going to hit the ground running; every player is different; some past legends took time to score, and we demand it all now with a cherry on top and a cup of tea on the side (or coffee; I’m not discriminative!)

I think Giroud will be a great striking option for Arsenal. The only worry is depth. There’s not many strikers at the club and he won’t be able to play every game, and that may add pressure but we’ll have to wait and see. Remember: Henry didn’t score in his 1st eight and Bastin didn’t score in his 1st five, and they’re 2 of our top 3 all-time goalscorers so relax, keep calm and look at this photo – via Arsenal.com

Y’see – players don’t always score on their debut so give Giroud time. Thanks for reading.

This article was originally posted on Football Collage. Follow Myself and Soccerisma on Twitter: Gooner and Soccerisma.

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Olympics – Brazil's Samba Stars Can Win Gold

Gunner — Sat, 21 Jul 2012 12:08:12 +0000

Brazil ended their Olympic build up last night with a classy 2-0 win against Stuart Pearce’s Team GB side. It was a great opportunity for the young Brazilians to strut their stuff and show just why they are among the favourites to win the competition – and they certainly did.
Brazilians dominated throughout and the talent within the squad was evident; even the subs were first team quality. Brazil’s samba style created a great spectacle as the inventive intelligence and team togetherness of Brazil outclassed a new Team GB.
It was a sign of things to come for Brazil. Their movement and pressing flustered Team GB and the unity gave them that extra advantage; and it will help massively during the tournament too. The powerhouse figures of Rômulo and Sandro provided a dynamic and solid defensive midfield duo and the bright Oscar linked up fantastically with the exuberant front 3. Defensively they were strong and displayed a great deal of solidity – something that, in the past, Brazil have been accused of lacking.
Fans of the beautiful game are looking forward to watching some of the world’s biggest talents and as we saw last night there’s a reason to be excited. The South Americans come to London prepared with an arsenal full of powerful weaponry that can fire them to their first Olympic Gold.

Mano Menezes has chosen a star-studded side with Real Madrid’s Marcelo, PSG’s Thiago Silva and Porto’s Hulk as his overage players, and the exciting talents of Neymar, Oscar and Ganso have also been included. The Brazilians have never won Olympic Gold but there is no doubt this side have enough about them to win that elusive medal they so badly crave. The substitutes bench was stronger than most starting XI’s and considering the age of the team, it was a superb display of bravura and a clear high accomplishment of pure skill and football artistry.
Key Players
The obvious key player is Neymar. The flamboyant showman is arguably the greatest young talent in the world, and his performances have reflected those of the best players around. His skills are enough to bewilder even the best defenders and should his Tournament be a great one, Brazil will also enjoy a great tournament. Brazil are not a one man team, though – players like Oscar will be just as key. A versatile player with style and creativity, comfortable on the ball and able to play that “killer pass”.

Sandro, Rômulo, Hulk and Damião will also be hoping to enjoy a productive tournament. And defensively there are some talents too. Juan Jesus is expected to partner Thiago Silva while Rafael and Marcelo will potentially be the main full backs and Rafael Cabral, the ‘keeper, is a superb shot-stopper with great reflexes and agility. That’s just the starting XI. Ganso and Pato will add great cover – they may even start – and the mercurial talents such as Lucas Moura will offer a great deal, as will the remaining players in the squad.
Full Brazilian Squad
Goalkeepers: Rafael Cabral – Santos | Neto – Fiorentina.
Defenders: Marcelo – Real Madrid | Rafael – Manchester United | Danilo – Porto | Alex Sandro – Porto | Thiago Silva – PSG |Juan – Inter Milan | Bruno Uvini – Sao Paulo.
Midfielders: Rômulo – Spartak Moscow | Ganso – Santos | Oscar – Internacional | Sandro – Tottenham | Lucas – Sao Paulo.
Forwards: Neymar – Santos |Alexandre Pato – AC Milan | Leandro – Internacional | Hulk –Porto.
The midfield 3 of Sandro, Rômulo and Oscar were chosen and they delivered. They interchanged and combined brilliantly; a combination of many different attributes. Sandro and Rômulo will look to block out the opposition and make the job easier for the back 4 and Oscar will aim to link up with the front 3. The squad is capable of great things and it’s not just a tournament; it’s a test for the 2014 World Cup. And as was clear to see last night this team has the ability to go all the way.

Brazil’s fans are hoping that the squad will come back with the prize that has eluded them for all this time. Spain and Uruguay are also considered favourites and if the Seleção hope to win Gold they will have to remain consistent and play at the level many know they can. As one of the greatest national sides ever it is surprising there is no Gold medal in the cabinet but I’m sure they will do all they can to rectify that. The tournament is shaping up to be a good one – some of the best talents from around the world on show and it will make for a great spectacle. I predict Brazil will have a very good tournament and I look forward to what is sure to be an enjoyable watch.
Follow Myself and Soccerisma on Twitter: Gooner and Soccerisma

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Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – Give Him Time

Gunner — Mon, 18 Jun 2012 21:24:29 +0000

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is undoubtedly one of the biggest young talents in world football. It’s clear to see from his displays that he can become one of the greats. Not only does he have the talent, he also has the attitude. Motivated by hunger and determination with a down-to-earth persona he is a very likable figure – somewhat uncommon in modern football.
The young midfielder has delighted Arsenal fans since his summer switch from newly-promoted Southampton, where he also delighted the faithful there. In his performances, there has been displays of great exuberance and technique. He has ability to run at players with pace and control, he is enthusiastic and is not afraid to try new things. He plays like a seasoned professional.
However, despite the obvious signs of talent and readiness for the top flight, there is still a need for caution. The season before last, English football fans were treated to the emergence of Jack Wilshere. At 18, the same age as Chamberlain, the creative midfielder played a pivotal part in Arsenal’s charge to the Carling Cup Final and battle for 4th. But since then things haven’t progressed. During pre-season, Wilshere displayed the ability that saw him named 2010-2011 PFA Young Player of the Year. But also during pre-season he suffered an injury and hasn’t played since, with overplaying being named the main cause of the injury.
Of course, every case is different. The Ox is seemingly a lot bigger and sturdier than Wilshere, but there is no point in taking risks, especially at Arsenal given the current state fans believe the club to be in. Arsène Wenger appears to have learnt from his mistakes which is a good thing.
There is a risk Oxlade-Chamberlain could head the same way as Theo Walcott as well. He too was branded the next big thing, fans were expecting too much when he signed and he hasn’t exactly gone on to reach his initial potential. While Walcott is a very good player still he is by no means a world beater.

These problems may or may not influence Chamberlain, there is no way of knowing that, but it would be better in the long run if he wasn’t so over-hyped as it can easily hamper the progression of young players who are unable to handle the pressure..
In Chamberlain Arsenal have a mercurial talent. A natural showman who’s capable of creating something out of absolute nothing. He is the sort of player who excites the crowds. Performances against the likes of mighty AC Milan and Manchester United have all led to his inclusion in Roy Hodgson’s 23-man squad for the European Championships. After impressing in his first competitive international appearance, he was dropped to the bench for the following game vs Sweden, and he might have scored after coming on as a substitute, had Gerrard left Theo Walcott’s cross alone.
There is still time before Chamberlain can be seen as a savior or a player who’ll instantly change a game. The initial signs are fantastic for Arsenal and England, he is a player capable of occasional greatness with undoubted talent and potential but for now Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain needs time.
Follow Myself and Soccerisma on Twitter: Gooner and Soccerisma

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Neymar – Personification Of Football Artistry

Gunner — Sun, 10 Jun 2012 15:46:45 +0000

I’m going to start this post by admitting that I have little knowledge of the Brazilian game. I’ve been a big fan of Brazil’s national team since the 2002 World Cup win over England, but have only really started to get into the domestic league and teams.
That of course means my views on the Brasileirão won’t necessarily be spot on, it will however, be opinion based and not intended to deceive anyone i.e. I won’t pretend I know a lot thus causing fellow novices to believe my words as truth. But anyways, let’s begin on the topic I originally planned to discuss.
My Brazilian team is Santos, a lot to do with the legend Pelé and the languid Ganso but, most notably, it is the recent legend that has caught my attention: The electrifying showman, Neymar.
The young Brazilian has wowed fans all around the world with his dribbling skills, accomplishment of pure skill and his overall ability and level of performances. These attributes have drawn comparisons to none other than Lionel Messi. And it’s easy to see why, they can both dribble with the ball, confuse defenders, both have an eye for goal and have received high praise from fans of the beautiful football.

But I think it’s another Brazilian who Neymar is most similar to. That Brazilian being the somewhat forgotten hero: Garrincha. Garrincha was a fantastic player, one of the first players to introduce flair to the game. His dribbling skills were second to none, he could weave in and out of defenders, run back and forth with the ball entertaining audiences from 1953 to 1972.
Regarded as the best dribbler in football history, Garrincha was an innovator and Neymar himself has said his style is similar to the troubled ‘Alegria do Povo’. It’s also easy to see why Neymar is held in such a high regard. He has all the attributes to be one of the greats, but there are questions over his physique and strength – which are required in European football.
Many have claimed Neymar will end up with broken legs when trying all of his skills on stronger, bigger defenders but you just have to look as recent as Ronaldinho to consider that a moderately unfounded belief.
Besides, from what I’ve seen, the Brazilian league is a fairly competitive one anyway; a quick, strong league that requires some strength. And you only need to watch a Neymar compilation on YouTube to notice he’s been getting kicked about since a young age; it’s the only way to stop him so he is physically used to a kick or two.

Everyone focuses on the skillful side of his game, but he does have other highly developed attributes. Having already scored over 100 goals in under 200 appearances at the age of 20, it’s evident he is a goal scorer. He has a good end product and understanding of the game; he can get himself into useful positions and can make the most of them.
His record for Brazil isn’t too shabby either: 9 goals in 17 games, the first coming on his debut against the United States. He will be a key figure in the national team for years to come, starting at the summer Olympics then the 2014 World Cup in his home country, Brazil.
Prone to scoring good goals, he was awarded the 2011 FIFA Puskás Award – the award for the most aesthetically significant and most beautiful goal of the year (Wikipedia’s words, not mine) – for his goal in the Série A game vs Flamengo. He received the ball out wide, cut inside leaving 2 defenders trailing, played a one-two and skillfully knocked the ball past the defender then finishing with some style.
On the downside, he has received some criticism for feigning injury and diving. It has to be said there is some truth in these claims, but in modern football a lot of footballers make the most of challenges.
Plus his body is very light, meaning no matter how used to being kicked he is, he won’t be able to remain standing all the time so it would be unfair to let this negative aspect override the many positive aspects of his game and generally effect your opinion, though it would be ideal for him to cut down.
In my opinion, it would be realistic to name Neymar as one of the best in the world. People say he’ll need to come to Europe to prove himself, however, Pelé spent his entire career at Santos (before coming out of retirement to join New York Cosmos) and he is often named the greatest ever.
I do believe it is ignorant to disregard the quality of Brazilian football. Many, many great players have come from Brazil and have graced Europe with their silky skills winning awards and titles.
Will Neymar be successful should he ever come to Europe? Well, there’s no sufficient evidence to suggest he wouldn’t be. I believe he’ll have a slow start while he settles, but I’m sure once he is, he’ll prove many people wrong and shine.
Maybe he’ll stay at Santos forever, we don’t really know. It’s unlikely we’ll see him make a move soon as he has a young son and I doubt he’ll want to disrupt his upbringing or be an absent father.
Whether or not he does leave, I’ll always enjoy watching him. He represents everything that’s great with football; the entertainment value. Though if he joins a club I dislike, I will naturally be inclined to dislike him too.
So here’s hoping he doesn’t. He is football artistry personified.
This piece was originally posted on Oposts. Follow Myself and Soccerisma on Twitter: Gooner and Soccerisma

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