Arsenal Celebrate after the second goal

delightful ball for Nasri, can he go all the way (takes breath) squares it for Arshavinnnnnnnnnnnnn!!(high pitch , excited voice) what a finish, Arsenal have turned this game on its head, its 2-1 to the Gunners.( Commentary stopped). Yes, Arsenal have rattled Barcelona and along with it rattled the whole world with an IMPRESSIVE (i have to say) performance against a Barcelona side that are arguably the best footballing side ever to play the beautiful game. The ‘boys’ of Arsenal finally played like men.

Words have been flying around after the game of how the ‘English League is better than the La Liga ‘and ‘thats what happens when you face an English side ‘, ‘Barcelona are sore losers’ and on and on. I mean common get a grip, Arsenal did beat Barcelona and they deserved to and i personally believe the English league is better than the La Liga but what has all this(the comments) to do with the match. A match in which both teams respected each other, sticked to their philosophy and gifted us with an enthralling game. 2 brilliant teams, a nail-biting finish and an awesome first leg but its only half time. Lets move on from all this drama and analyse the football game for a bit.

Lets be honest, the Catalans performed well below their usual standards but still were allowed space and created numerous clear cut chances but it just wouldn’t be their night, it wouldn’t be Messi’s night. Now if you take a look at Arsenal each and every player had the game of their lives (well excluding say Djourou and Eboue), they played at a level they have never been before. Koscielny, Wilshere, Van Persie all had outstanding games but the ‘Outstanding’ of Arsenal JUST EDGED an ‘Average’ Catalan performance.Now just ask yourselves can Arsenal perform the same ‘Outstanding’ again in the second leg, if i’d put my money it would be on a big NO. And even if they do,Barcelona at the Nou Camp,in their own backyard, in front of over 98000 Catalans its going to be a much stronger Barca side and if allowed to play(Arsenal will surely stick to their philosophy and let them) and create chances The Gunners are surely going to be gunned down and battered for a second year in a row by Messi & Co.

For me, the first leg is as good as it gets for the Arsenal fans. Come 8th March, Arsenal are going to be fighting for a lost cause.

AAMER ASLAM

Wayne Rooney Celebrating after wonder goal

Old Trafford erupted and the rest of the world witnessed in awe,  as Wayne Rooney rose above Micah Richards and the entire Manchester City team  to meet Nani’s deflected cross with a breathtaking, unbelievable bicycle kick that rocketed past the helpless Hart into the top corner. He runs towards the corner flag, turns around with his arms aloft , Ah i say-Classic, A celebration to match the perfect goal as he sent United fans all around the world into raptures. Rooney was a level above the rest for that split second as if he had been granted a god power like Thor’s Hammer, A hammer that put the final nail in the blue coffin of Manchester City and their title hopes.

Special team, Special derby,Special goal, Special player – Wayne Rooney, the perfect gift for Manchester United

AAMER ASLAM

English Disarray

who excel week in-week out in the Premier League what happens when they put on the famous all-white jersey of England. Ferdinand, Terry , Cole, Lampard, Gerrard, Rooney – these are world class footballers who have been playing together for a while now but still there is no understanding, no spark within the team.  Some blame the coach , some the players and the rest blame the entire FA but until and unless the players know exactly what they want to do on the field the scene is never going to change.

Lets look at some of the teams – Spain, know their brand of football, keep possession. Brazil have their flair,leave the front 3 of Robinho, Kaka’ and Fabiano on their own to do whatever it is that they do best. The Netherlands have a wonderfully stable system with De jong and Van Bommel doing all the dirty work in mid-field, Argentina – give the ball to messi and enjoy the show (LOL!) and who can forget ze Germans who come to each and every major tournament with an effective and efficient system . Now lets ask the million dollar question what is England’s system? – NOTHING!, what is their major strength, people are clueless.

England is a country who are never going to lack talent or coaches, no matter who they bring in young or experienced players, who they play and how many more matches they play before Euro 2012 the answer to England’s problem is FIND THE SYSTEM.

AAMER ASLAM

Torres unveling

As we all know 31st Jan 2011 , Torres leaves Liverpool  to join Chelsea for a record British transfer fee of £50 million, effectively becoming the most expensive Spanish player in history. After a lackluster debut against the Reds ‘the kid ‘ has come under heavy criticism as he has been for most of the season. Pundits calling him lousy, only cares about himself and not the team, lost the love for the game and the list just goes on.  But an ordinary footballer does not score 147 goals in 317 apps in top flight football.

After becoming a legend at the Vicente’ Calderon and becoming their captain at the tender age of 19 Torres left for Liverpool in July of 2007 where he became the first Liverpool player after Robbie Fowler to score 20 goals in their debut season and is the fastest player in the club’s history to bag 50 goals, as we can see his record speaks for itself.

After a disappointing World Cup campaign which saw his team lift their first ever WC crown, we never got to see the Torres the world knows and loves. Plagued by numerous injuries and Liverpool’s disastrous form El Niño never got his season going. When things aren’t going so well one needs a change, a fresh start, Alas! the move to Chelsea. Once he fits into the new            (Chelseas’s) system  the motivated Torres is going to be a nightmare for any defence. Alongside Drogba, Lampard and Essien or even Anelka who have the knack of finding the right pass Torres can flourish and excel  beyond his wildest dreams. And lets be honest Chelsea are, in need of a hero in these dark times. I truly believe, for Fernando Torres – THE BEST IS YET TO COME..

AAMER ASLAM

Wayne Rooney

He is United’s main man. He is England’s new hope. He is 1 of the most feared players at the moment. He is none other than Wayne Mark ROONEY. After C.Ronaldo left United for a world record transfer all the goalscoring burden fell on Rooney with most of the pundits predicting United to have an indifferent season. But Rooney had other ideas.

Rooney exploded into the premier league scene at the age of 16 becoming the youngest scorer in the premier league (at that time). A wonder goal against Arsenal had all pundits quacking about the next big thing in England. Rooney’s brilliance didn’t go unnoticed as after 2 years a host of clubs were behind his signature. He finally ended speculation by putting pen to paper for Manchester United. His work rate & overall contribution was never in doubt but as a striker he scored fewer goals. C.Ronaldo grabbed all the headlines when he was at United & Rooney had to share the limelight. All has changed this season , United fans chant 1 name all the time – ROONEY ROONEY ROONEY!!!.

28 goals already this season, Wazza is heading the goal scoring charts in the premier league with the last 6 goals coming from his head. With CR gone & a stage all to himself Rooney has finally begun to show what the fuss was all about. With a possible 17-18 games for United (if they reach the UCL final) & a goal per game Rooney can reach upto 45 goals for the season.After 8 years or so in the top flight Wazza has arrived. England have their new golden boy.With his form at the moment he is a nightmare for any defender. If Rooney can maintain his hot form n weave his magic in South Africa, England have a major chance of getting their hands on some major silverware since 1966.

Aamer Aslam

The new look Man City

But the mood has changed in the blue part of Manchester- Gareth Barry,Roque Santa Cruz,Carlos Tevez,Emmanuel Adebayor,Julean Lescott & Kolo Habib Toure have all joined the Eastlands outfit promising an exciting season ahead.

These players can form the heart of defence, midfield & attack respectively & in Shay Given they have one of the best goalkeepers in the league.

Many predict the citizens to break into the so called top 4. WHY NOT?

With an undefeated start to the season with 2 away wins (had to wait till the 2nd half of the season to achieve this the previous season), things are looking great.City player of the year Ireland seems to be linking perfectly with the newcomers. Toure has already been given the responsibility  of captain & the Togo hitman has found the back of the net twice in 3 matches, the new players look to be blend in perfectly to the squad

The way how the season shapes up depends on how  Mark Hughes handles the mini Galacticos of City.

AAMER ASLAM

Florentino Perez

PLayer of the year Zinedine Zidane is back at the los Blancos helping with the backroom staff & things are looking bright for Real Madrid. And under Manuel Pellegrini Real Madrid will be looking to restore some lost pride in the upcoming season. But here are some of the reasons why they wont be able to do so-

1] Manuel pellegrini is the 3rd Real Madrid coach in less than a year. Obvioulsy it’l take some time for the new gaffer to find his way around. But wait a sec its Florentino Perez he doesn like waiting he wants instant trophies so out goes Manuel Pellegrini atmost till the end of the season.

2] Next season its going to be a completely reconstructed Real Madrid side. Except for the goal keeper major changes are expected in defence,midfield & attack. Its going to take a while for any side to get going with these many changes around.

3] Worldclass Players like Cristiano Ronaldo bring along with them their ego of being the best player.Kaka’ not so much but with the much expected signing of David Villa. Don’t you think there will to be too much of

Kaka's Signing

worldclass talent to handle.

4] Increased pressure on the Real Madrid side to contest with their arch rivals Barcalona who had a staggering treble winning season. & mind you majority of their players will remain the same hence their attacking flow will undoubtably be more strengthened.

So if i were a Real Madrid fan. I wudn’t be surprised if Los Blancos cudn’t win anythin major

Aamer Aslam

Note :- Following are my views & my views only & arent related to any site or any other content

Fifa World Cup

NOTE : Click  Specials link on top

Uefa Champions League Trophy

The Champions League semi finals are just around the corner & its time for the big teams to take center stage.

The final 4 in these years competition are Chelsea , Barcelona, Manchester United & Arsenal with Chelsea taking on the Catalans & United squaring off against Arsenal.

United, Arsenal & Barcelona like to play entertaining football,one touch passes ,flicks,tricks, like to keep da ball on the ground (especially Arsenal & Barca), Chelsea on the other hand play with Power with the likes of Drogba, Essien  & Ballack. They are not at all pleasing on the eye but this doesn’t make them any less favourable to win  Europes elite competetion.

In Ronaldo  & Messi, United & Barca have the 2 best footballers in the world at the moment whilst Arsenal have the likes of Fabregas & Van Persie . These players have what we call ‘Charisma’ or commonly known as Flair. Chelsea at present have none with Joe Cole being ruled out for the season.

Lets face it Chelsea do not play entertaining football or should we say they do not posses the players to play the game the way it should be played. Lampard, Drogba,Terry, Ballack, Deco are all great footballers but they do not possess pace. Except Joe Cole , Jose Bosingwa & Ashley Cole the blues of London posses very little pace within their team. This makes it very hard to play fast & entertaining football.Thier strength is power & they play to their strengths but to the football community(Chelsea fans would disagree) Chelsea are a boring team (Although chelsea played in 1 of the most entertaining matches of the season , the 4-4 draw against Liverpool. Well all of them have got exceptions ).

Arsenal & Barcelona are the 2 best passing teams one should feel, well they sometimes overplay but any football loving fan in this world would love to watch Barcelona & Arsenal play even though they do not support them. No disrespect but no neutral would love to watch a Chelsea match. United i should feel would come 3rd to Barca & Arsenal in terms of entertainment. With the likes Berbatov, Rooney,Ronaldo & Giggs the flicks & tricks are very pleasing on the eye. Having arguably the best fan base in the world it is important that United buy players to play football with style & charisma & that is exactly what Sir Alex has done by gettin Cristiano Ronaldo, Berbatov,Carlos Tevez & the off form Nani.

At this point of time there is no denial as to who plays the best football in the world and that is Fc Barcelona. They have a tradition along with Real Madrid , ie winning whilst playing entertaining football is more important than winning. As long as Arsenal are under Arsene Wenger one can never imagine Arsenal playing sulky & boring football & United under Sir Alex have played some breathtaking football. Chelsea have a winning team but they do not have an entertaining one.

Well 1 should give credit to Chelsea as they play to their strengths but to please the footballing community around the world you need to play the game to entertain & not jus to win.

The 2 mouthwatering semi-finals are less than a week away & lets hope entertainment takes pole position.Barcelona are favourites for this years UCL but Chelsea can prove to be a very difficult obstacle to pass. United continue their title defence against the Gunners but would be looking to reach the finals 2 years in a row.

Aamer Aslam

Note : These are exclusively my views & arent referred to any site.

BARCELONA TAKE SEVILLA ON A 4-GOAL RIDE

Xavi Hernandez

Camp Nou , Barcalona : The Catalans restored their lead at the top of the la liga table back to 6 points after a thumping of Marlo Jimenez’s men.

Barcelona started in classic fashion with Iniesta getting on the scoresheet within as soon as 3 mins. Etoo increased the lead within 13 minutes and Barca were cruising already. The game was put to bed within 10 minutes of the restart with goals from Xavi & Henry.

Note :For my views on the Barca performance in detail Visit la liga.