- by Andrew McCarten, writing from Miami
While undoubtedly of great potential, the simple reality is that the likes of Emmanuel Frimpong, Johan Djorou, Carl Jenkinson, Kieran Gibbs, and recently departed players like Denilson and Nicklas Bendtner wouldn’t feature nearly as much at Old Trafford, the San Siro, or the Bernabeu as they have at the Emirates. Ferguson and Villas-Boas have the likes of Berbatov and Anelka, or Carrick and Malouda, to call on, not Marouane Chamakh and Francis Coquelin. Even more worrying is the fact that the side so outplayed by Dortmund, who tallied 23 shots and 57% of possession, is perhaps the strongest one possible for the club in the near future given that Thomas Vermaelen and Jack Wilshere remain injured.
Yossi Benayoun and Mikel Arteta add crucial experience and skill in the midfield, and Per Mertesacker should help to shore up a defence that has been criminal at times in recent years. Brazilian fullback Andre Santos will also provide competition for relatively untested Kieran Gibbs at left back. Wojciech Szczesny has solidified his place as the number one goalkeeper and will surely hold his position between the sticks for a long time, with the Polish stopper showing confidence far beyond his 21 years. But it seems the hallmark of champions is the ability to grind out results despite a lacklustre performance a la Inter’s heroic defeat of Barcelona in the Champions League semi-finals in 2010, or Manchester United’s unlikely comeback win over West Brom in Gary Neville’s last match, subpar performances that still yielded the needed result.
Arsenal finally looked a side capable of doing the business even on an off day, with Robin Van Persie’s strike a potential stepping stone to confidence and belief after a rough start to the campaign, with questions surrounding the team’s ability to finish in the top four and the manager’s grasp of the plot. But the disappointment of yet another late equalizer to throw away all three points has become a hallmark of the side in recent years, and it seems to suggest that Golden Generation Wenger has promised so long is simply not up to it, if not haunted, by the pressure of delivering trophies. Blow after blow to the collective psyche- the Carling Cup heartbreak, the Barcelona eliminations, the 4-4 draw with Newcastle, and the most recent thrashing at the hands of Sir Alex’s squad are the main highlights of a horror reel that seems to have put the attitude beyond repair. When it begins to go bad against Arsenal, it seems anything that can go wrong, will, and the players panic. The new additions will do their part to settle the side, and the youth injection may unearth future leaders in the way Wilshere and Szczesny have been able to contribute significantly immediately. But Wenger’s reluctance to address key issues in the past few seasons has weakened the squad to the point that the title returning to North London seems an outlandish dream, and the Champions League group stages even looked suspect at one point.
Progress from the group stages is surely possible, and only four matches into the season it is impossible to say that Arsenal will not have the quality to qualify for the Champions League for another consecutive year. But what once seemed an string of unlucky coincidences has transformed into a clear pattern of failures when it matters most, with no end in sight.
via empireofthekop.com and @lfcnel09
While Sir Alex was sleeping, a banner which mentions Liverpool’s 5 and Barcelona’s 4 European Cup wins was erected in his driveway. This is a response to the banner placed at Anfield by United supporter which read "MUFC 19 times".
While Sir Alex was sleeping, a banner which mentions Liverpool’s 5 and Barcelona’s 4 European Cup wins was erected in his driveway. This is a response to the banner placed at Anfield by United supporter which read "MUFC 19 times".
- by Braydon de Liberato, writing from Canada
Both Shakhtar and Barcelona are very versatile sides, and nothing symbolizes this more then their respective fullbacks. Both sides’ fullbacks are very attack-minded, particularly their respective right backs, Dani Alves for Barcelona and Darijo Srna for Shakhtar. Alves has been known to often play as high up as a winger, which will cause problems for Shakhtar’s defense. Sides have often dealt with Alves’ attacking threat by ‘doubling him up’ with two defensive-minded players on the left. Given Shakhtar’s usual style of play, with a compact defense generating offense on the counter, this is a likely solution. Barca’s left back is traditionally Eric Abidal, but could be Adriano for at least the opening tie. Both are attack-minded, but their threat will be easier to quell then that of Alves. Shakhtar’s fullbacks, Srna and Razvan Rat, are similar in style to Barcelona’s fullbacks. Their overlapping runs always contribute to Shakhtar’s success. Barcelona won’t find it to be a stroll in the part stopping Shakhtar’s fullback threat, but in their experience with attacking fullbacks, the mantra will be ‘fight fire with fire’. Barcelona’s wide forwards (and Dani Alves) have the ability to pin back Shakhtar’s fullbacks with relative ease.
So far in the Champions League this year, the two sides have taken very different approaches to their fixtures, with Barcelona putting it to the opposition defense, and Shakhtar mainly playing on the counter. Sides that have thwarted the blaugrana have traditionally played on the counter, such as Inter Milan in the Champions League last term and Hercules in La Liga earlier this season. It isn’t likely Shakhtar will stray from these tactics, but if they want to have a shot against the former world champions, they need to force pressure on Barca’s midfield. Sides that have beat Barcelona have all quelled their midfield trio effectively, and if Shakhtar wants to join them, they will have to do the same. Playing with two solid banks of four seems a likely tactic, as it will give double coverage on Alves’ wing, stop the diagonal balls that Barca use so effectively, and choke the space Lionel Messi is afforded. As well, if Shakhtar sticks with this, Barca’s fullbacks will continually push higher, leaving enough space at the back that even a few clever counter attacks will spell Barcelona’s doom in Europe.
Indeed, this year’s Champions League quarter final is very much open, and there is no one favorite. Shakhtar Donetsk have surprised many this year with their superior ability and poise. They haven’t gotten this far on luck, and only time will tell how far Shakhtar will get on their European adventure.
First Legs February 15 & 16 and 22 & 23 | Second Legs March 8 & 9 and 15 & 16 |
| AS Roma | v | Shakhtar Donetsk |
| AC Milan | v | Tottenham Hotspur |
| Valencia | v | FC Schalke |
| Inter Milan | v | Bayern Munich |
| Lyon | v | Real Madrid |
| Arsenal | v | Barcelona |
| Marseille | v | Manchester United |
| Copenhagen | v | Chelsea |
UEFA Champions League 2010 - 2011 - Group Stage Recap
- by Sabrina Blanks, writing from Charlotte, NC
- by Kevin Curtis, writing from Orlando
AC Milan, the seven-time winner of the European cup, and Real Madrid faced off in an intense match of fearlessness and determination. Real Madrid came into the game undefeated in the Champions League and having already beaten AC Milan victory seemed certain. Supporters dressed in Red and Black piled into the San Siro and energy and excitement grew as they awaited the start of the match.
In the first half, Real Madrid started out strong. They had complete control of the ball and had a high time of possession. Milan’s frustration became evident through late tackles by Prince Boateng, Ibrahimovic, and Abate, which consequently received yellow cards. Cristiano Ronaldo shinned, much like every other game, creating space and opportunities for Madrid. However Madrid could not capitalize on great opportunities. They seemed to have everything clicking for them but could not put the ball in the back of the net. This is thanks to a goal line stand by Pirlo, and a solid defensive effort by Gattuso. Overall however Milan’s defense struggled. Ronaldhino and Pato were very disappointing offensively. Milan had one notable scoring chance but Ibrahimovic was unable to take advantage of a poor decision by Casillas. Real Madrid went into the locker room relieved after scoring the Higuain goal in the 44th minute. Milan would go into the locker room frustrated.
