Sunday, 18 November 2012

Visit my new blog!!

All my articles are now going to be written on the blog www.18yardbox06.blogspot.in .Please click the link to visit it. 


Friday, 18 May 2012

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL : PREVIEW


       

                                     



This year's Champions league final will be contested hotly between the high flying Chelsea and the always dangerous Bayern Munich. 

The chance of an English team making it to the finals looked slim when United and City crashed miraculously out of the Champions league group stages. Although, the English batten was carried by the London clubs -Arsenal and Chelsea, none would have predicted that one of these two would reach the finals in the presence of the Spanish powerhouses- Real Madrid and Barcelona.
Having built an almost unbeatable team, Real and Barca were the favourites to make it to the finals only to be stopped by the teams currently in the finals. Chelsea stopped Barcelona's road to the finals and Bayern put a halt to the La liga champions- Madrid. Los Blancos' loss to Bayern Munich in the semi finals meant that Jose Mourinho would have to wait to be the first manager to taste three champions league victories with three different clubs.




CHELSEA


"Player power". Two words best fit to describe the Chelsea football club. Having changed 5 managers since the departure of the 'special one', Chelsea are a club known to be run by the players rather than the manager. Responsible for booting Andre Vilas Boas, Terry and Co. have had a mixed season so far. Chelsea have played some exhilarating football in the cup competitions, but have had a dismal season in the league. 


Chelsea's road to the finals was given a stern test when they had lost out to Napoli in their first leg round of 16 clash at the Naples. Their come from behind victory in the 2nd leg surprised everyone and showed the class the blues possess. The long forgotten hero-Drogba suddenly sprang into life and their began the resurrection of Chelsea's season. Having gleefully accepted Roberto Di Matteo as their new manager Chelsea played their best football of the season. They faced a huge road-block in the form of Barcelona in the semi finals.


Messi had reportedly said that he hates Chelsea more than he hates Madrid. This proved the fact that Barcelona were not going to take this easy. Moreover, Chelsea's heartbreaking loss to Barcelona in 2009 meant that Chelsea had a point to prove.


A torrid semi final saw Chlesea come out as surprise but well-deserved victors against a strong Barcelona side winning the 1st leg 1-0 and drawing the next 2-2 making the aggregate 3-2.


STRENGTHS:
The return of Torres on the score sheet has added  yet another weapon in the Chelsea armory. Didier Drogba has suddenly found his best form in Chelsea colours and with rumours that this might be his last Chelsea season, he may want to win it more.


WEAKNESS:
The victory against Barcelona came at the expense of losing John Terry, Ivanovic, Ramires and Meireles due to suspensions. The Chelsea back line looks brittle with David Luiz and Gary Cahill also doubtful to start with hamstring injuries.


IMPORTANCE OF A WIN:
Chelsea need this title more than their counterparts. Sealing a win in  the finals would give them an opportunity  to play in the Champions league next season, a priveledge which cannot be obtained due their league position. Moreover this would be the first European success for the blues.




BAYERN MUNICH


Bayern Munich have ruled over the German league since a very long time. But since the last 2 years their reign is under jeopardy as Borussia Dortmund have tormented for a 1st place finish. Having scored a record 81 points, Borussia have snatched the crown from the German giants. 


Munich too faced great hardships in their road to the finals right from the group stages. Known as the group of death Bayern did well to top the group which had Napoli, Manchester City and Vilarreal. Bayern faced a tough draw in the form of Real Madrid but overcame them on penalties as both legs had finished with the same scoreline 2-1. 


Their league form has too been quite good but has been overshadowed by Dortmund's exciting football. Bayern's confidence too must have shattered due to their recent 5-2 loss in the German cup against Borussia Dortmund. 


STRENGTHS:
"Super Mario" Gomez has hit the ground running this season. Bayern who normally rely on goals from Frank Ribery and Arjen Robben, have been added with extra impetus due the tall figure of Mario Gomez. The prolific striker has banged in 12 Champions league already this season and would look to add more to his tally. The good thing for Bayern is that they still have Frank Ribery and Arjen Robben fit and ready to play.


WEAKNESS:
Ribery and Robben have not fired on all cylinders this season and this has added an extra pressure on Mario Gomez. Off-form Bastian Schweinsteiger has too failed to make a full comeback after his injury. If Mario Gomez fails to score then the attack could lack strength.


IMPORTANCE OF A WIN:
A win would end what could well be a trophyless season for Bayern Munich. Moreover, this would give them a great momentum going into the next season.




Written By,
Rishabh Ghai


P.S-  This article is dedicated to my friend Ameya Jayekar, Yogesh Singh and Shanko. No pictures or write ups have been taken from any kind  of news site.

Friday, 17 February 2012

Where is Hazard heading too? (Part 2)


....Part 2 begins


5. Arsenal F.C- 
                         After their miserable performances this season, Arsene Wenger has got quite a stick from his own fans to spend money. A potential knockout blow was handed to Arsenal in the champions league by AC Milan after a 4-0 rout at San Siro and Wenger surely looks to be ready for rebuilding this side by axing many of his players this summer. Moreover, Hazard has announced that he would love to renew his partnership with the former Lille man Gervinho and also wants a re union with his cousin Vermaelen . He is also impressed by the style of Arsenal's play. There have been rumours that a deal has already been struck with Lille and is kept under wraps till  summer.

My Verdict: One of the most likeliest destinations as he would get guaranteed play time and also Arsenal's youth academy is well known to give chance to their young stars. The only thing which keeps Hazard is the reluctance of Arsene to spend. Moreover, Arsenal need to get the 4th Champions league spot to grab this young star.

6. Chelsea F.C-
                           Another London side who are keen  on Hazard is Chelsea F.C. With AVB removing the old and dead logs from his team, he would love to acquire the services of this youngster.Hazard has himself praised Chelsea for their quality but Chelsea's inconsistent performances this season have got them fighting for the 4th spot with Arsenal rather than challenge for the title. This has put AVB under a lot of pressure from the Chelsea owner only a few know whether Chelsea will have a new manager by the end of this league or not. 

My Verdict: Outbidding their rivals Arsenal for the priced youngster should not be a problem. Moreover Hazard's claims of joining a side with history and also the uncertain atmosphere in the club can work against them. With Sturridge also unhappy it remains to be seen whether Hazard would star a new era in Chelsea or not. Chelsea too need the 4th Champions League spot

 7. Tottenham Hotspurs F.C
                            The Power of London has certainly shifted this season as Tottenaham are the onlyLondon team in England to challenge the two Manchester clubs. With experience and youth, both on their side and a great manager Harry Redknapp, this team could provide a perfect platform for Hazard to showcase his skills. He, too has recently admitted that Tottenham is one such club he is certainly thinking of going to. Moreover his father speaking that he would love his son to go to a club which is not the best and a one below the best further adds fuel to fire that this could be his place afteral.

My Verdict: Likely contenders for grabbing Hazard, Moreover they are well on their way to Champions league next year. The only two problems that might occur are outbidding the other teams and also the speculation of Harry Redknapp ready for the England job after this summer. This might change Hazard's mind to look for other options.




Final Verdict


Chelsea and Arsenal lead the chase for signing the youngster as they both can give him playing time and also help him achieve Champions league berth. Tottenham are snapping on their heels for signing Hazard. Real Madrid take the 4th spot in the chase followed by City and Barcleona. 

Hazard should most likely end up either in Arsenal or Chelsea depending on who gets the Champions League berth.



Written By,
Rishabh Ghai

Where is Hazard heading too? (Part 1)

The name which has been doing the rounds in the newspapers so far is Eden Hazard.The transfer saga of the Belgian international still rages on as hoards of clubs are on him like bees him to get his signature. Eden, himself has made it public that he would love to go to a club where his talent can be harnessed. Lille's thought of keeping their star player with them have surely vanished.

There are a number of clubs all across the Europe who are interested in the Lille playmaker. Let us look at the possibility of his transfer to all these clubs:


1.  Paris -St German (PSG)-
                              PSG with a new owner and a new manager (Ancelloti) have already started rebuilding their side with some star additions. Hazard is one of their primary transfer target this year. The possibility of Hazard joining this year is quite low since he has already said that he does not want to strengthen a rival of the and and his next destination will not be a french team.

My Verdict: There is no chance that he will join PSG as he has already said it in open.


2. Real Madrid- 
                              The team looks to be on a mission to re store their lost pride and once again challenge the likes of Barcelona for the title of the best team in the world. Their policy has turned from experience to youth and are now focusing on bringing young upcoming stars to the Bernabeu. This team ,with a lot of money  have the potential to snatch Hazard.

My Verdict:  A likely place for the footballer with the caliber of  Hazard  but Madrid have enough young and experienced players in the form of Ozil, Ronaldo, Khadeira, Ramos and many more. Going to Madrid would mean going to bench for the Belgian which he certainly does not want. An option other than Madrid is more likely.

3. Barcelona-
                            The believers of the beautiful game of football have grabbed all the latest talents of the world recently and also their Nou Camp academy are producing some exciting youngsters like Cuenca, Thiago and many more. This club seems to be the least likely target for Hazard.

My Verdict: Barcelona have already spent a lot of money on Alexis Sanchez and Cesc Fabregas this summer and hence would not like to loosen their purse for a while to come. Moreover, with the talent at their disposal already they would not want to add another person to their already strong bench.

4. Manchester City F.C-
                               The new "cash splashers" of the present footballing world have reportedly shown a lot of interest in the 21 year old Belgian. Their policy is to buy him and loan him back to Lille. This is a smart move considering that Lille would love have their playmaker with them back for atleast one more year. This deal would be profitable for both the teams but as for Hazard, this will be a step going back.

My Verdict: If Lille were to have their say they would love to negotiate this deal but Hazard has made it quite clear that he does not want to play in France for some time to come now.

THE MYSTERY CONTINUES IN THE PART 2 OF THIS ARTICLE IN WHICH WE WILL LOOK AT THE LEADING CONTENDERS FOR HAZARD'S SIGNATURE...................

Monday, 13 February 2012

All Hail King Henry!



The love affair of the great legend rekindled with the Arsenal football Club when he was loaned from the New York Red Bulls in the January as what can be said as a late Christmas gift to the disgruntled fans of this club by Arsene Wenger.

Nobody would have thought that Henry who had come to Arsenal to keep himself fit, would find himself being involved in getting the club back on track for Champion's League qualification.

The manager played a true master stroke when he inquired about the availability of the former Barcelona star and Arsenal legend to the New York Red Bulls. What appeared to be a great PR stunt turned out to be a great signing following the loss of Gervinho and Chamakh to the African Cup of Nations. Less favoured by the pundits before his arrival, Henry truly showed why he is the highest scorer of the club.

Coming off the bench to score the winner against Leeds was the  least anyone could have expected from the 34 year old. But he did it. Song's incisive pass to Henry followed by the finish of the "Old Days" showed that he still has what it takes to play in the premier league.

This was followed by a minor injury which prevented him to take part in the 2-1 loss against Manchester United.

He put in some decent performances against Bolton Wanderers and Aston Villa but couldn't find himself a goal. He finally got his premier league strike in the  7-1 win over Blackburn Rovers. Robin Van persie's pass to Henry, followed by a lucky deflection, took the ball past the the former England international Paul Robinson.

But his most telling touch came in the 90th minute against Sunderland. Arsenal looked to have wasted another opportunity to get back into the top 4 when they were 1-1 at the stadium of light. But Andrey Arshavin's beautiful cross was met by the the Henry's priced right foot. The ball went into the net and with that Arsenal went into the top 4.  Although tied on points and goal difference with Chelsea, Arsenal look to be the favourites to grab the last Champion's League spot .

As Henry plays his last game of his second run at the Arsenal career against AC Milan at the San Siro ,he would love to repeat his heroics of the 5-1 win against Inter Milan in 2003 where he scored a hat trick. Although, it seems unlikely, Henry has definitely been coy over his Red Bulls future by saying, "You can never say never" to Arsenal and also stating that he would love to help the club again if needed.

A possibility of a third stint at Arsenal?




Maybe.

Written by,
Rishabh Ghai

PS: my next article will be on the transfer saga of Eden Hazard. Hope you liked this one.

Monday, 7 November 2011

From 8-2 to 5-3!!!!!!!!

From Samir Nasri and Cesc Fabregas leaving the club to a humiliating 8-2 loss against Man United to the owner Stan appreciaitng the Glazers Arsenal F.C has become a "controversy kid". People had lost faith and all hopes of this club even close to breaking into the top 4 had been lost. They disapproved of the policies of the manager. With the headlines as

"The continuing inability of Arsène Wenger's side to turn possession into goals against Udinese underlines the shallowness of their resources" - The Guardian


"Arsenal's dramatic decline"- The Sun






            all hopes were certainly lost and rightly so. But who would have thought that come October this declining club would start their ascent to the top??!!!!
             With Man City having such a solid team, the ambitions of AFC would be to come into the top 4 and that truly has been agreed by the Arsenal Manager


"We are not aiming for the title"- Arsene Wenger.






              But by splashing the cash on the transfer deadline day Arsene has bought in experience and quality, thus, adding solidarity to the defence as well as the midfield. With likes of Arteta, Per,Santos ,Gervinho and Benayoun Arsenal look altogether a different side.


               9 wins out of the last 11 and remaining unbeaten Arsenal have surely turned a corner. Their talismatic captain Robin "Vantstic" has propelled Arsenal to the 7th spot from a dismal relegation place. Their passing exhibition in the last game against West Brom has got even Van Der Vaat quoting that if Arsenal continue their present form Tottenham's  dreams of breaking into the top 4 will be shattered.


          With Man United feeling the pinch after losing 6-1 to their rivals, Chelsea losing back to back derbies and Liverpool in declining form, now is the perfect time for Arsene to start his ascent.


            But we really need to wait till December end before making any judgements. Surprise package Newcastle have joined at the top. They surely are looking to ruin everyones day. But surely that wont continue for long. City will have a dip in form and string together some poor run of games and the top 7 games will decide who will emerge victorious. But one thing for sure from the 8-2 mauling at Old Trafford to a 5-3 carnage at Stamford Arsenal have surely resurrected their season.

The table at the end of May 2012 as i see it


1. United
2. City/Arsenal
3.Arsenal/City
4.Chelsea 
5.Liverpool
6.Tottenham
7. Newcastle




Rishabh Ghai

Monday, 22 August 2011

An Arsenal fans' frustration

The much predicted transfer saga has finally come to an end. As an Arsenal fan i was tired of reading the news about the star midfielder who joined the Arsenal ranks at an age of 16 from Barcelona and now wanting to go back to his boyhood club. It was a question of when rather than how in this case. And after spending 8 years at the training  grounds at the Highbury and Emirates combined he left us when we needed him the most. Well Done Mr. Cesc!!!! We wish you all the luck and hope you will retire warming the Nou Camp bench with your Spanish team mates who all always want to "stick together".


Another such person who wants to show disloyalty to this club is Samir Nasri. Right from the start of his Arsenal career he wanted money!! And with his so called "best mate" gone ,he too has made plans of leaving. And like a big mouth, Mancini ,with all his financial strength, wants to lure him away from us. Mr. Mancini answer me one simple question. Where do you want to fit in all the players you are buying in one single team?? The last time i remember only 11 players are allowed on the pitch unless you plan to play Tevez as a defender alongside Milner, Barry and Silva!!!!!!!! And the funniest part is Mancini says that his transfer business is not yet over....hahahaha!!!!!


Well coming back to the gunners. This is to all the disloyal players Arsenal have, "leave the club now rather than waiting for 8 years and then ditching us!!!!!!!!!"

As for "The Professor" i have full faith in him and his ego. " We will buy players of quality"....."oh really??!!!"...First buy and then talk. And which quality are you talking about?? Quality of Bendtner and squillachi??!!!! Oh please!!! we are better off without them. Look inside your purse and you will find 35million due to the sale of Fabregas!!!! We do not want any scarves or flags for free when we come to Emirates. We would rather be happy if you buy us players who can end our trophy drought!!! And what do you think???!!!! We are stupid not to realise  what is good for our club??!!!! And you are the only smart guy??!!!!!

Well my only advice for you would be to BUY!!!!!!!!!!! And give me one answer!!! why is not anyone even remotely interested in joining arsenal??!!! Juan Mata said that he is not interested in moving form Valencia when you approached him but now when Chelsea goes to him he like a dog follows them!!!! And there read the headlines of the Mirror or Daily Mail. Juan Mata moves to Chelsea!!! why are you afraid to give them money??!!! Are they not quality to you??!!! If not then who is???!!!!!

To all who are reading this my words may seem harsh but i would be the first person to cry if Wenger goes away from his "child". But he needs to realise our frustration. He should also start thinking about the present rather than the future because sadly all the players he is preparing for the future are leaving him when they grow up!!!! Its like the child saying good bye to his parent after he attains an age of an adult!!! I do feel pity for him but we all need to get back up!! We are a big club and will always be-with or without Cesc and Samir.

The club ran before them and will continue to run without them!!! I as a gunner vow to support Arsenal until the end!!! But as a true football fan i must also realise that if the present happenings become a daily affair this club may will be heading towards its doomsday!!!!

Rishabh Ghai

P.S- No offence meant to any Barcelona or Man city supporters reading this. Your teams are great. We wish u all the luck!!!