Is Nasri the real deal?

I have a novice footballing culture and concept cultivated from a Brazilian football school mentality and experimented on using mediocre amateur footballers. The team composition of the likes of Arsenal has the latitude and luxury of playing with 10 men, regardless who they play. If they cannot do that they are not good enough and must convert to the Chelsea, Manchester United, Spurs or Liverpool way.

Barcelona are a cool example of the flair you get from playing football to win without trying too hard. The priority is to play the way you want. In that style, there is not a single need for Lionel Messi to perform defensive duties. Arsenal had matches where their own Messi, Samir Nasri cleared the balls off the line. That is abuse if you are in a team blessed with Alex Song, Jack Wilshire and Cesc Fabregas. What can be said to be unfortunate for Arsenal is the injury to a potential discovery of the decade in injured Frimpong. Would the Gunners have exempted a mercurial play maker from defending with him? I wonder.

The 10 men plan basically requires grinding out a result with ten players. The worst you expect is a goalless draw. All it takes is a roving playmaker who penetrates and curves opportunities for one versus one situations with goalkeepers for himself and others. The idea is to have this man receiving the ball at his freshest every time so as to continually execute with deadly venom. The concept frees others as time goes by. If you have always wondered why Barca look like they have Xavi, Iniesta and Messi as extra players on the pitch, that is why.

Is Nasri the real deal? Nay, not at all. He is a one season wonder. Samir Nasri has been a dear to many this season, and has been to some of us, all along. His rise has not been steady or guaranteed, but rather sudden. The potential was always there and it was threatening never to blossom until the summer.

Alex Song has been the one making a telling statement in the last few seasons and he has arrived, save for a few suspensions and injuries. Like has been the case with the flash wonders of injury prone Theo Walcott, Nasri has matured his game tremendously at the beginning of the 2010/2011 season, but will need to keep that tempo going to stay on top.

Nasri has the deception and ability to win matches on his own. The best thing is that he has the nurturing hand of coach Arsene Wenger, who moulds youngsters into great shape. Nasri will become a big name if the whole Gunners side pulls up their socks to win the league. Save for that, Nasri and his captain, Cesc Fabregas, will be pedestrian next season. Fabregas must have his overdue move completed soon, not that he is bad, but no more good for the team.

As of now, the young Frenchman is the toast of the league and on top of the world and that gift needs a reward. I am not convinced Wenger has any new tricks left to outwit Sir Alex of Manchester United, nor Arsenal enough cash to topple Roman Abrahamovic of Chelsea. The Gunners needed Nasri in their failed bids for the Carling and FA Cups, the Champions League and only then, could we say Nasri has arrived. As for his talent, he is a gem of first grade quality.

My concepts may be novice and unartistic, but they are basically football engineering. Being practically applicable in the game, the components must be the right material to withstand offensive onslaughts of the marauding unsuspecting attackers who think they have an extra man. As soon as the advantage bites, they are caught on the wrong side of action and a deadly finish of your Messi, they will be buried. As a caution, please do not try this if you have a small budget.

Why Arsenal lost the Carling Cup to Birmingham

There is no doubt that all the cabinets and trophy selves at the Emirates had been dusted and specially arranged to accommodate the new addition, the Carling Cup.  That is how the Directors, the club, fans and the players wanted it. The players could not deliver when it matters most. The pregnancy of expectation had actually split to other people who would not normally care who wins this cup. It had been a long 6 years since the last trophy, and the still born against Birmingham City may destroy Arsenal in their quest for glory this season, but it may actually spur them awake, but I doubt it. 

Arsenal played a Carling Cup final against Birmingham City with one hand on the Cup as if at worst, they will keep the half of the trophy, their most negative football in years. Either due to tactics or fear of losing, they adopted an inferior team complex usually exhibited by smaller teams playing for points away from home in huge capacity crowds oh the hosts.

It was quite embarrassing to see them sit and wait for City to come and get the other half of the trophy, which actually happened. The Gunners were expected to go all guns blazing and steamroll City. Not that I disrespect Birmingham, but it was the moist realistic Arsenal trophy this season and their lives should have depended on it.

The entire match, except on set plays, there was hardly two Gunners in the penalty area. More than twice each for Samir Nasri, Andrey Arshavin, Bascary Sagna and Nicholas Bendtner, they were on the wings soliciting for support in the box without success. Occasionally, the support arrived late. Second man running moves in the attacking third of the pitch were extremely rare and the efforts to play the 3^rd man running were non-existant.

This inevitably caused desperation as the Gunners shot from distance, forcing Forster to earn himself the man of the match award. Nasri was never that much in the penalty box. As for Alex Song, we saw how he scored goals earlier in the season, but he was a defensive fixture with dead attacking duties. Jack Wilshire was the most versatile and a little fearless. The rest were so afraid to lose and that is why they lost.

Birmingham on their part, played like they were fulfilling an ordinary fixture. They went out to enjoy football and playing to their full potential without reservations. They would have lost the match and got much satisfaction out of their performance. Ferguson, Johnson and Zigic were crucial when it mattered most. Larson was the most effective player on the day and he was sublime and enjoyed his football.

Arsenal always played like they had to fight another day. That is exactly what happened as they had their minds on extra time. That was never the worry for City. Lee Bowyer, like Johnson, limped his way through, throwing his body on the line. For the poor way they played, it is good that the Gunners lost. Unless they put their act together, the wait for silverware will be really long.

A Week Full Of Drama, Drama And Drama.

Real Madrid have been a shadow of the great side they were ages ago.  In a week in which they were cruising to an easy win over Espanyol, Barcelona were actually labouring to a 1-0 win without Lionel Messi. Barcelona are  known for team-work, which is probably what pulled the match out of the bag for them. As for goals, they really need Messi. Madrid on their part, may be justified that Mourinho has been the missing link to their success. All this is too early to say, but as a fan, surely, you have an opinion.

It has been a week of drama in and outside the English Premiership, but first, Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe, currently reeling under the siege of diamond seekers appointed and cancelled the appointment of a new national coach,Tom Saintfeit, before finally appointing the same coach. The national association president was not ready to accept the verdict of the technical team tasked in getting the Warriors a new mentor. It is claimed stakeholders wanted a coach who could field players they have connection with their agents to market them. Do you buy this one, or it is just an excuse? Is Tom the man?

Chelsea lost to Newcastle 3-4, in a class act by the Magpies, Manchester City lost to West Brom 2-1, Liverpool were well beaten by Northampton 4-2 at Anfield in a penalty shootout, Everton 4 - 3 lost in another penalty shootout against Brentford. These teams fielded the best teams under the circumstances and Liverpool Manager, Roy Hodgson, had to apologise. Burnley beat Bolton Wanderers 1-0. The Blues were the big story as they conceded their second goal and then more this season, which will encourage other teams who will fancy their chances now. Is this paving way for Arsenal and Manchester United for the Treble?

Highlanders will play Dynamos at BF in a league match, the first since the ill-tempered encounter that included 2 walk-out, water canons, police wrath and eventual fines aa well as expulsion from BancABC competition of Bosso by the Ac Hoc Arbitration Committee. Will this match live upto its billing as the biggest fixture in Zimbabwe?

The weekend will be infested with succulent fixtures as Orlando Pirates will be beating Kaizer Chiefs in the MTN-8 semi-final at the FNB Stadium. After the first leg 1-1 draw, both teams will be hard pressed to give their fans something to cheer about. One thing for sure, one set of fans will be crying proper tears. The same can be said about the Manchester City FC versus Chelsea FC in the English Backlays Premiership this weekend. Both teams have suffered embarrassing defeats during the week and public opinion has been that Chelsea played the no-bodies in scoring 21 goals in 5 league matches. We can now officially add another 3 to make it 24 in 6 matches. Many league teams take over half a season to get there. Pirates or Chiefs? Are Chelsea the real deal? 

Sunday Marimo, a former Champions League finalist and the first ever coach to lead Zimbabwe to an AFCON dumped Free State Stars in daylight and headed home citing family problems. Sunday had played 3 matches without a loss. While he did not win any match, he looked set for a good season. Mpumalanga Black Aces have been trying get their coach a work permit. Aces failed to register a single point in 3 outings. They fired the poor guy. Do you think it was fair for Sunday to leave, and is Aces justified to get rid of the coach that saved them from going to Division One football?

Finally, Black Mambas and Bosso were involved in a league draw in Harare. Bosso had booked a semi-final berth of the ZAOGA Charity Shield over the weekend when they dispatched Caps United at BF. This Cup comes with a fat purse that the Bulawayo giants will relish and they try to get out of debt. They have a big wage bill to foot. Has Bosso turned the corner?

Let us know what you think about any or all of the above and I hope to see more of you after this wonderful sporting weekend. All the best to your favourite teams.

A Week Full Of Drama, Drama And Drama.

Real Madrid have been a shadow of the great side they were ages ago.  In a week in which they were cruising to an easy win over Espanyol, Barcelona were actually labouring to a 1-0 win without Lionel Messi. Barcelona are  known for team-work, which is probably what pulled the match out of the bag for them. As for goals, they really need Messi. Madrid on their part, may be justified that Mourinho has been the missing link to their success. All this is too early to say, but as a fan, surely, you have an opinion.

It has been a week of drama in and outside the English Premiership, but first, Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe, currently reeling under the siege of diamond seekers appointed and cancelled the appointment of a new national coach,Tom Saintfeit, before finally appointing the same coach. The national association president was not ready to accept the verdict of the technical team tasked in getting the Warriors a new mentor. It is claimed stakeholders wanted a coach who could field players they have connection with their agents to market them. Do you buy this one, or it is just an excuse? Is Tom the man?

Chelsea lost to Newcastle 3-4, in a class act by the Magpies, Manchester City lost to West Brom 2-1, Liverpool were well beaten by Northampton 4-2 at Anfield in a penalty shootout, Everton 4 - 3 lost in another penalty shootout against Brentford. These teams fielded the best teams under the circumstances and Liverpool Manager, Roy Hodgson, had to apologise. Burnley beat Bolton Wanderers 1-0. The Blues were the big story as they conceded their second goal and then more this season, which will encourage other teams who will fancy their chances now. Is this paving way for Arsenal and Manchester United for the Treble?

Highlanders will play Dynamos at BF in a league match, the first since the ill-tempered encounter that included 2 walk-out, water canons, police wrath and eventual fines aa well as expulsion from BancABC competition of Bosso by the Ac Hoc Arbitration Committee. Will this match live upto its billing as the biggest fixture in Zimbabwe?

The weekend will be infested with succulent fixtures as Orlando Pirates will be beating Kaizer Chiefs in the MTN-8 semi-final at the FNB Stadium. After the first leg 1-1 draw, both teams will be hard pressed to give their fans something to cheer about. One thing for sure, one set of fans will be crying proper tears. The same can be said about the Manchester City FC versus Chelsea FC in the English Backlays Premiership this weekend. Both teams have suffered embarrassing defeats during the week and public opinion has been that Chelsea played the no-bodies in scoring 21 goals in 5 league matches. We can now officially add another 3 to make it 24 in 6 matches. Many league teams take over half a season to get there. Pirates or Chiefs? Are Chelsea the real deal? 

Sunday Marimo, a former Champions League finalist and the first ever coach to lead Zimbabwe to an AFCON dumped Free State Stars in daylight and headed home citing family problems. Sunday had played 3 matches without a loss. While he did not win any match, he looked set for a good season. Mpumalanga Black Aces have been trying get their coach a work permit. Aces failed to register a single point in 3 outings. They fired the poor guy. Do you think it was fair for Sunday to leave, and is Aces justified to get rid of the coach that saved them from going to Division One football?

Finally, Black Mambas and Bosso were involved in a league draw in Harare. Bosso had booked a semi-final berth of the ZAOGA Charity Shield over the weekend when they dispatched Caps United at BF. This Cup comes with a fat purse that the Bulawayo giants will relish and they try to get out of debt. They have a big wage bill to foot. Has Bosso turned the corner?

Let us know what you think about any or all of the above and I hope to see more of you after this wonderful sporting weekend. All the best to your favourite teams.

A Week Full Of Drama, Drama And Drama.

Real Madrid have been a shadow of the great side they were ages ago.  In a week in which they were cruising to an easy win over Espanyol, Barcelona were actually labouring to a 1-0 win without Lionel Messi. Barcelona are  known for team-work, which is probably what pulled the match out of the bag for them. As for goals, they really need Messi. Madrid on their part, may be justified that Mourinho has been the missing link to their success. All this is too early to say, but as a fan, surely, you have an opinion.

It has been a week of drama in and outside the English Premiership, but first, Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe, currently reeling under the siege of diamond seekers appointed and cancelled the appointment of a new national coach,Tom Saintfeit, before finally appointing the same coach. The national association president was not ready to accept the verdict of the technical team tasked in getting the Warriors a new mentor. It is claimed stakeholders wanted a coach who could field players they have connection with their agents to market them. Do you buy this one, or it is just an excuse? Is Tom the man?

Chelsea lost to Newcastle 3-4, in a class act by the Magpies, Manchester City lost to West Brom 2-1, Liverpool were well beaten by Northampton 4-2 at Anfield in a penalty shootout, Everton 4 - 3 lost in another penalty shootout against Brentford. These teams fielded the best teams under the circumstances and Liverpool Manager, Roy Hodgson, had to apologise. Burnley beat Bolton Wanderers 1-0. The Blues were the big story as they conceded their second goal and then more this season, which will encourage other teams who will fancy their chances now. Is this paving way for Arsenal and Manchester United for the Treble?

Highlanders will play Dynamos at BF in a league match, the first since the ill-tempered encounter that included 2 walk-out, water canons, police wrath and eventual fines aa well as expulsion from BancABC competition of Bosso by the Ac Hoc Arbitration Committee. Will this match live upto its billing as the biggest fixture in Zimbabwe?

The weekend will be infested with succulent fixtures as Orlando Pirates will be beating Kaizer Chiefs in the MTN-8 semi-final at the FNB Stadium. After the first leg 1-1 draw, both teams will be hard pressed to give their fans something to cheer about. One thing for sure, one set of fans will be crying proper tears. The same can be said about the Manchester City FC versus Chelsea FC in the English Backlays Premiership this weekend. Both teams have suffered embarrassing defeats during the week and public opinion has been that Chelsea played the no-bodies in scoring 21 goals in 5 league matches. We can now officially add another 3 to make it 24 in 6 matches. Many league teams take over half a season to get there. Pirates or Chiefs? Are Chelsea the real deal? 

Sunday Marimo, a former Champions League finalist and the first ever coach to lead Zimbabwe to an AFCON dumped Free State Stars in daylight and headed home citing family problems. Sunday had played 3 matches without a loss. While he did not win any match, he looked set for a good season. Mpumalanga Black Aces have been trying get their coach a work permit. Aces failed to register a single point in 3 outings. They fired the poor guy. Do you think it was fair for Sunday to leave, and is Aces justified to get rid of the coach that saved them from going to Division One football?

Finally, Black Mambas and Bosso were involved in a league draw in Harare. Bosso had booked a semi-final berth of the ZAOGA Charity Shield over the weekend when they dispatched Caps United at BF. This Cup comes with a fat purse that the Bulawayo giants will relish and they try to get out of debt. They have a big wage bill to foot. Has Bosso turned the corner?

Let us know what you think about any or all of the above and I hope to see more of you after this wonderful sporting weekend. All the best to your favourite teams.

A Week Full Of Drama, Drama And Drama.

Real Madrid have been a shadow of the great side they were ages ago.  In a week in which they were cruising to an easy win over Espanyol, Barcelona were actually labouring to a 1-0 win without Lionel Messi. Barcelona are  known for team-work, which is probably what pulled the match out of the bag for them. As for goals, they really need Messi. Madrid on their part, may be justified that Mourinho has been the missing link to their success. All this is too early to say, but as a fan, surely, you have an opinion.

It has been a week of drama in and outside the English Premiership, but first, Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe, currently reeling under the siege of diamond seekers appointed and cancelled the appointment of a new national coach,Tom Saintfeit, before finally appointing the same coach. The national association president was not ready to accept the verdict of the technical team tasked in getting the Warriors a new mentor. It is claimed stakeholders wanted a coach who could field players they have connection with their agents to market them. Do you buy this one, or it is just an excuse? Is Tom the man?

Chelsea lost to Newcastle 3-4, in a class act by the Magpies, Manchester City lost to West Brom 2-1, Liverpool were well beaten by Northampton 4-2 at Anfield in a penalty shootout, Everton 4 - 3 lost in another penalty shootout against Brentford. These teams fielded the best teams under the circumstances and Liverpool Manager, Roy Hodgson, had to apologise. Burnley beat Bolton Wanderers 1-0. The Blues were the big story as they conceded their second goal and then more this season, which will encourage other teams who will fancy their chances now. Is this paving way for Arsenal and Manchester United for the Treble?

Highlanders will play Dynamos at BF in a league match, the first since the ill-tempered encounter that included 2 walk-out, water canons, police wrath and eventual fines aa well as expulsion from BancABC competition of Bosso by the Ac Hoc Arbitration Committee. Will this match live upto its billing as the biggest fixture in Zimbabwe?

The weekend will be infested with succulent fixtures as Orlando Pirates will be beating Kaizer Chiefs in the MTN-8 semi-final at the FNB Stadium. After the first leg 1-1 draw, both teams will be hard pressed to give their fans something to cheer about. One thing for sure, one set of fans will be crying proper tears. The same can be said about the Manchester City FC versus Chelsea FC in the English Backlays Premiership this weekend. Both teams have suffered embarrassing defeats during the week and public opinion has been that Chelsea played the no-bodies in scoring 21 goals in 5 league matches. We can now officially add another 3 to make it 24 in 6 matches. Many league teams take over half a season to get there. Pirates or Chiefs? Are Chelsea the real deal? 

Sunday Marimo, a former Champions League finalist and the first ever coach to lead Zimbabwe to an AFCON dumped Free State Stars in daylight and headed home citing family problems. Sunday had played 3 matches without a loss. While he did not win any match, he looked set for a good season. Mpumalanga Black Aces have been trying get their coach a work permit. Aces failed to register a single point in 3 outings. They fired the poor guy. Do you think it was fair for Sunday to leave, and is Aces justified to get rid of the coach that saved them from going to Division One football?

Finally, Black Mambas and Bosso were involved in a league draw in Harare. Bosso had booked a semi-final berth of the ZAOGA Charity Shield over the weekend when they dispatched Caps United at BF. This Cup comes with a fat purse that the Bulawayo giants will relish and they try to get out of debt. They have a big wage bill to foot. Has Bosso turned the corner?

Let us know what you think about any or all of the above and I hope to see more of you after this wonderful sporting weekend. All the best to your favourite teams.