Arsene Wenger Lost Tactically To Avram Grant?
A few days of exuberance later, I still believe Avram Grant is a man blessed with extraordinary luck. Even with his famous 2-1 victory over Arsenal at Stamford Bridge last week, his tactics and decision making still doesn’t inspire confidence… that is until the day he adds to the trophy cabinet. So near and yet so far doesn’t make the cut.In the wake of this defeat, Arsenal are dumped into third spot and are left reflecting on their sputtering title challenge – the loss in momentum since that fateful 4-0 loss to Manchester United in the FA Cup is staggering. Meanwhile, Chelsea kept pace with league leader Manchester United on 68 points. Chelsea’s amazing run of 78 unbeaten home matches was nearly destroyed by Bacary Sagna’s first goal for Arsenal. It was the Gunners who appeared more lively in the first half, their usual pretty passing football giving them a…
Tame England Have Plenty To Learn In French Friendly
If you read all the pre-match reports, the central theme is invariably David Beckham rather than tactical affairs. England’s obsession with Beckham is likely to continue until the day he retires. Just as well that Fabio Capello handed him his 100th cap and a generous ovation for Beckham’s 60 minutes of service brought the curtain down on weeks of pointless speculation. David Beckham, if a little rusty, was eager to impress but it was not a memorable centenary. Yes, his right foot is still able to deliver 50-yard Hollywood passes across the field and he had a great opportunity to add to his tally of 18 international goals. However, over zealousness got the better of him when he was booked for shirt-pulling on Malouda, an unnecessary foul which exposed his lack of pace and defending ineptness. I doubt if we will be seeing the last of Beckham. He expressed his…