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So, I'm not sure Arsenal even touched the ball during the first half. The first half has been played almost entirely in Arsenal's half of the field. They have had 0 shots. Not a single one. They almost made it through the half without conceding, though, which would have been a wonderful accomplishment considering the circumstances. 1-0 is still very flattering for the visitors. Messi should have netted at least 2 and Villa should have had another. That goal by Messi was really beautiful. It's always nice to see a goal, but man, that was a goal! Arsenal need to calm down and stop fouling. Really, the possession isn't much different than it was last time. I think it was close to 70/30 last time, and it is close to 75/25 right now. Arsenal just managed to be threatening last time, which is something they have failed to do completely thus far in the contest. I originally predicted that the lack of Sergio in the midfield and the lack of the usual center defense would allow Arsenal to have a few more chances than normal, but the defense has yet to be tested. Hopefully Arsenal can make the second half of this game a more interesting one.
This is set to be a very interesting game. Arsenal is defending a 2-1 advantage from the first leg in England. Arsenal owe that advantage to some superb defending by Koscielny and the skill of Jack Wilshere - the kid has some serious talent - but, they also can thank Barca for slipping out of gear in the second half and Victor Valdes for forgetting how to guard his near post. Not to take anything away from Van Persie, who deserved a goal. Anyway, I don't think Arsenal can count on them to surrender too much of the ball at the Nou Camp. There is one bright spot, however; Puyol and Pique are out. That means Sergio Busquets will be filling in at center back. The work he does for Barcelona goes without much praise, as it all seems to fall on Xavi, Messi, and Iniesta. Alves and Busquets, though, seem to be very integral to the team. Mascherano is a good player, no doubt, but he just doesn't seem to be able to distribute the ball as well as Busquets nor protect the back four, or two as so often is the case with Barca, as well. Arsenal are rejoicing the fact that Fabregas, Van Persie, and Wilshere will be playing, Song, however, is missing as is Walcott. Song is the man that anchors the midfield, and Walcott, as we all know, has the pace to torment any defense. He also singlehandedly kept Arsenal in the fight last year against Barca. If Wilshere and Koscielny can manage to play again like they did in the first leg, there doesn't seem to be any reason they can't send Barca out.
I also love boots, so I will keep everyone up-to-date on new football boots with news on up and coming boots and boort reviews!
I think that everyone that reads this blog should know a little about me, the "blogger", if you will. My name is Josh. Football, the beautiful game, soccer, to differentiate. I always found it strange that we call a sport in which you don't use your feet for anything other than running Football. Anyway, that is just the way it is. I have played since I was able, and I will play until I am unable. As much as I love playing, analyzing tactics and play and coaching are even more important to me. I try to work everyday to develop a deeper understanding of the game. That understanding is what sets coaches like Jose Mourinho apart from other coaches. Fergie is a wonderful man manager and his squad rotation is pretty amazing. Granted they haven't performed as well as usual, that doesn't change the fact that his ability to rotate players and keep a strong squad in every game isn't great. The point is that motivating players and rotating your squad is vital to keeping a fresh, strong squad, but the ability to know which tactics will be useful and to convey those tactics through your players on the pitch is a very unique ability.
I am just trying to give everyone some insight into how I see the game. Individual brilliance is great to see, but watching an underdog team use good tactics to their fullest effect, while not beautiful or dazzling, is really awesome
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Hello there! This is my first blog post on my first blog. This blog is going to be aimed towards keeping up with soccer news, match previews, reviews, and analysis, along with, of course, my opinion on many of these things.
I have started this blog a little to late, I feel, to write about the English Premier League action that happened over the weekend, but I would like to say that Liverpool completely deserved the win over United, Nani is a big baby, and United aren't the same without the central partnership of Vidic and Rio. Smalling has proved to be very good alongside Vidic, but the captain is the rock of the defense
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Comment by Jperry
on Arsenal - Barcelona Preview
Football Report
First of all, sorry for not completing a post at full time. And you are absolutely right. Take into account 95,000 screaming fans and rvp probably didn't hear the whistle. Either way, that shouldn't have been a sending off. Barcelona took full advantage of the situation though. I think walcott is a difference and so was song. Still, arsenal couldn't manage a shot. There was a gulf in class. Its just unfortunate because arsenal had a real shot at the upset