BBC Sport - Football
'Comical' & 'embarrassing' - pundits & fans react as VAR takes centre stage at Wembley
VAR made quite an impact on Wednesday evening during Tottenham's FA Cup fifth-round replay against Rochdale.
Wednesday, February 28, 2018
Arsenal 0-3 Man City: Analysis Of The Carabao Cup Final
BlameFootball
Arsenal 0-3 Man City: Analysis Of The Carabao Cup Final
REUTERS/Phil Noble
As Man City marched ahead to the hopes of starting their run for a possible treble this season, Arsene Wenger had turned his side’s mediocre season around to a cup final. And as Wembley stood witness to the much awaited clash, they were received with a result most of them were expecting.
Arsenal were thumped 3-0 by the Sky Blues in a valiant performance, possibly denying Wenger the one domestic success that he failed to achieve in England for good. Goals from Sergio Aguero, Vincent Kompany, and David Silva saw City through the cup tie and on to the Carabao Cup itself.
But what went wrong for the Gunners and what magic did Guardiola play that such a result was given birth? Let’s look into it:
Watch Video For Detailed Analysis:
The starting line-ups
Arsenal lined-up in a back-three after a brief return to their traditional back-four formation. A 3-4-2-1 formation for the Londoners saw them line up with Calum Chambers, Laurent Koscielny and Shkodran Mustafi as the central defenders with the usual pair of Hector Bellerin and Nacho Monreal as wing-backs.
Meanwhile, David Ospina continued in goal, as made clear by the gaffer. Aaron Ramsey had returned from injury to accompany Granit Xhaka in central midfield. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang played ahead of an unusual pair of Mesut Ozil and Jack Wilshere.
On the other hand, the league leaders lined up as expected, but not as they might’ve preferred. Raheem Sterling had to sit out the final due to the recent injury he had conceded, and thus, he was replaced by Silva on the right flank. Aguero played his usual No. 9 role with Leroy Sane towards the left of him and Kevin De Bruyne pulling the strings from behind.
Fernandinho paired up with Ilkay Gundogan in central midfield, in front of a back-four consisting of Kyle Walker, Nicolas Otamendi, Kompany and Danilo. Claudio Bravo retained his role as the designated first choice goalkeeper in cup ties in what looked like a 4-2-1-3 formation.
A hopeful first half for Arsenal
The game kicked-off and many fans noticed how Ozil was playing from the right wing and Wilshere, who is a natural deep-lying playmaker, was unusually playing as a left winger. But as the game settled in, the German started to drift more centrally when necessary, and Ramsey swapped places with him. The former Bournemouth loanee stayed wide nonetheless. This movement almost earned them a goal, but Aubameyang failed to finish from close range.
Nevertheless, the opponents were allowed possession and the game plan seemed likely to have been the idea of capitalising on quick and intricate counter attacks.
But as it turned out, the Mancunians didn’t need to do an awful lot of work to exploit this system and pushed through the Gunners’ backline through the left flank. Sane was the key figure during these situations and almost got involved in every move forward from his part of the pitch.
From then on, Guardiola’s game plan was fairly simple, as his side maintained possession very well, and managed to thread some very dangerous passes. The North Londoners seemed to have no reply to Sane’s constant knocking, and Bellerin completely failed to keep up with him. Silva also started to drift centrally, which sometimes caused Aguero to drift wide in order to make space.
However, the first goal was the result of the Argentine brilliantly exploiting his opponent’s weakness – the gap between Mustafi and Koscielny. It has been becoming increasing common, a situation where the defenders seem to have no communication or awareness.
And as common as that situation is, so is a goal that follows, which in fact was assisted by Bravo. Aguero made no mistake from the area and chipped the ball over the Arsenal keeper who was caught in no man’s land.
More of that continued till the half-time whistle blew, with the Cityzens having enjoyed 58% of the possession and more than twice the shots as the Emirates outfit.
An embarrassing second half for Arsenal
A thorough half-time talk was expected from Wenger in the dressing room and that’s probably what happened, but clearly it failed to reflect on the pitch. Ozil was isolated and completely nullified due to being out of position and also due to Danilo, who remarkably kept him quiet.
Either side seemed to have decided on continuing the same tactics and game plan as the first half. And though Wenger’s men tried to get one back, City’s defence was too rigid to allow that. So much so that a brilliant early ball into the path of Aubameyang would’ve almost definitely turned into the equaliser if not for interventions of the City skipper.
The Mancunian outfit continued to enjoy possession and disallowed their opponents from taking a single shot for a combined 40 minutes straight since the first half. And since the former Barcelona boss was well aware of Arsenal’s defensive weaknesses, immense pressure was concentrated on the defenders and numerous corners were forced.
One such corner led to Kompany’s goal that doubled his side’s lead. Yet again, the lack of awareness from the defensive pair of Gunners resulted in a second stab.
Despite the two-goal cushion, the Etihad outfit kept pushing forward, especially through the left flank, where Bellerin was having one the worst games of his career. Danilo, who had been rather quiet in the first half, had also started to support the wingers and get into advanced positions.
And as many would’ve guessed, that’s exactly how Silva scored the winner- via a pin-point pass from the Brazilian, who was surging forward as the rest of the players kept the pressure on. Chambers failed to make a challenge and the net rippled from the impact of the ball that had left the Spaniard’s feet.
But as much as the Frenchman tried to get something out of the tie with substitutions, none really worked out fairly well before the whistle blew for full-time.
Full-time: Guardiola wins his first trophy as Man City boss
At the end of the day, even the Gooners would admit they were outclassed by some simple tactics and the clinical nature of the Citizens. With 56% possession and 12 attempts, it’s fair to say that the champions dominated the match and deservedly won it.
City would now shift their focus on aiming for a treble to make this season truly special. Whereas the London giants only have the hope of Europa League to save their disaster of a campaign.
The post Arsenal 0-3 Man City: Analysis Of The Carabao Cup Final appeared first on BlameFootball.
Tuesday, February 27, 2018
Who is Angel Gomes? Manchester United player profile
men - Sport
Who is Angel Gomes? Manchester United player profile
Man Utd news includes Angel Gomes travelling to Huddersfield with the first-team to take a place on the bench.
Monday, February 26, 2018
Sunday, February 25, 2018
Saturday, February 24, 2018
Why Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger turned down the chance to land Pep Guardiola
men - Sport
Why Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger turned down the chance to land Pep Guardiola
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola could have signed for Arsenal during his playing career but Arsenal passed up the opportunity
Friday, February 23, 2018
Thursday, February 22, 2018
Arsenal fall to humiliating home defeat but progress in Europa League
The42
Arsenal fall to humiliating home defeat but progress in Europa League
The Gunners were beaten by Ostersunds but their first-leg win was enough to see them reach the last 16 on aggregate.
Wednesday, February 21, 2018
Willian: Chelsea can beat Barcelona, and Man City are the perfect preparation for Champions League second leg
The Independent - Football
Willian: Chelsea can beat Barcelona, and Man City are the perfect preparation for Champions League second leg
Brazilian winger optimistic for Chelsea's second leg at the Nou Camp after Tuesday night's 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge
Tuesday, February 20, 2018
West Ham: Premier League club charged over anti-doping breach
BBC Sport - Football
West Ham: Premier League club charged over anti-doping breach
West Ham are charged by the Football Association over a breach of anti-doping regulations.
Monday, February 19, 2018
Manchester United hope Paul Pogba will return to face Sevilla - sources
ESPN FC News
Manchester United hope Paul Pogba will return to face Sevilla - sources
MANCHESTER -- Manchester United are hopeful Paul Pogba will be available for the Champions League tie with Sevilla this week after trainingSunday, February 18, 2018
WTA | Dubai Tennis Championship LIVE on beIN SPORTS & beIN CONNECT
beIN SPORTS News
WTA | Dubai Tennis Championship LIVE on beIN SPORTS & beIN CONNECT
Don't miss an exciting week of tennis with the best WTA players in the world heading to the Dubai Tennis Championship.
Tony Collins' Rochdale success serves as a sad reminder of football's whitewashed history
The Independent - Football
Tony Collins' Rochdale success serves as a sad reminder of football's whitewashed history
Profile: Collins was the first black manager in the history of English football, leading Rochdale to the League Cup final in 1962
Saturday, February 17, 2018
Carolina Challenge Cup on beIN SPORTS
beIN SPORTS News
Carolina Challenge Cup on beIN SPORTS
The 2018 Carolina Challenge Cup features hosts Charleston Battery, Atlanta United, Minnesota United, and Columbus Crew SC.
Friday, February 16, 2018
Homework on the team bus - the 16-year-old who could face Spurs
BBC Sport - Football
Homework on the team bus - the 16-year-old who could face Spurs
Rochdale's squad for the FA Cup match with Spurs is likely to feature a deputy head boy who is preparing for his GCSEs.
Thursday, February 15, 2018
All Eyes On Federer and The World No.1 Ranking Spot
beIN SPORTS News
All Eyes On Federer and The World No.1 Ranking Spot
Robin Haase is the man who stands in the way of Roger Federer's return to the summit of the ATP rankings.
Ireland up to 31st in latest Fifa world rankings
The42
Ireland up to 31st in latest Fifa world rankings
A dramatic fall for Egypt has benefited Martin O’Neill’s men.
Wednesday, February 14, 2018
'The history of Cork suggests it's difficult to do' - City aiming to bridge 67-year gap
The42
'The history of Cork suggests it's difficult to do' - City aiming to bridge 67-year gap
John Caulfield’s players are bidding to become the first Cork side since 1951 to retain their league title.
Tuesday, February 13, 2018
Klopp dismisses 2005 talk as Liverpool prepare for Porto
The42
Klopp dismisses 2005 talk as Liverpool prepare for Porto
Do not mention Istanbul around Kloppo.
Monday, February 12, 2018
It's Not Over Until It's Over - Football Crazy Episode 53
beIN SPORTS News
It's Not Over Until It's Over - Football Crazy Episode 53
Simeone's breath grows heavier on Barca's neck, U.S. Soccer elects a new president, and the world gets giddy ahead of the Champions League.
WTA | Qatar Total Open LIVE on beIN SPORTS & beIN CONNECT
beIN SPORTS News
WTA | Qatar Total Open LIVE on beIN SPORTS & beIN CONNECT
Don't miss an exciting week of tennis with the best WTA players in the world heading to the Qatar Total Open.
Sunday, February 11, 2018
LIVE: Southampton v Liverpool, Premier League
The42
LIVE: Southampton v Liverpool, Premier League
All eyes are on St Mary’s stadium as Southampton welcome Jurgen Klopp’s charges.
Saturday, February 10, 2018
Manchester United closing on Gareth Bale and Isco and other transfer rumours
men - Sport
Manchester United closing on Gareth Bale and Isco and other transfer rumours
Man Utd are being linked with summer moves for two Real Madrid stars, according to the latest transfer gossip.
Friday, February 9, 2018
EXCLUSIVE: Hope Solo on the US Soccer Elections
beIN SPORTS News
EXCLUSIVE: Hope Solo on the US Soccer Elections
Kevin Egan sits down exclusively with a frustrated Hope Solo on the eve of the US Soccer Presidential Elections.
English players may be 'masters' of diving - Wenger
BBC Sport - Football
English players may be 'masters' of diving - Wenger
English players have "learned very quickly" and may be the "masters" of diving, says Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger.
Thursday, February 8, 2018
Man Utd player Alexis Sanchez already paying off Arsenal move with record breaking stats
men - Sport
Man Utd player Alexis Sanchez already paying off Arsenal move with record breaking stats
Man Utd executive vice chairman Ed Woodward has revealed Alexis Sanchez' record-breaking feats since his move from Arsenal
Wednesday, February 7, 2018
Manchester United's Jesse Lingard sorry for tweet after Munich silence
ESPN FC News
Manchester United's Jesse Lingard sorry for tweet after Munich silence
Manchester United midfielder Jesse Lingard has apologised after a tweet in relation to computer gaming was posted on his personal accountTuesday, February 6, 2018
Adam Lallana grabs opponent, gets sent off with Liverpool under-23s
ESPN FC News
Adam Lallana grabs opponent, gets sent off with Liverpool under-23s
Adam Lallana was sent off while playing for Liverpool'sMonday, February 5, 2018
Real Madrid's problems this season are 'curious' - Emilio Butragueno
ESPN FC News
Real Madrid's problems this season are 'curious' - Emilio Butragueno
Real Madrid director Emilio Butragueno has said he finds it "curious" that a team containing so many stars continues to drop points in LaSunday, February 4, 2018
Harry Kane Secures Tottenham Point in Anfield Thriller
beIN SPORTS News
Harry Kane Secures Tottenham Point in Anfield Thriller
Harry Kane missed and scored from the spot in the late stages as Tottenham and Liverpool shared the spoils in a thrilling 2-2 draw.
Saturday, February 3, 2018
Arsene Wenger delighted with Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Pierre-Emereick Aubameyang's immediate impact
The Independent - Football
Arsene Wenger delighted with Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Pierre-Emereick Aubameyang's immediate impact
The Arsenal manager said he felt this evidence showed £60m Aubameyang was a 'reasonable price' in this inflated market
Friday, February 2, 2018
What A Furious Messi Did In Training Back In 2009
BlameFootball
What A Furious Messi Did In Training Back In 2009
REUTERS/Albert Gea
Football is an euphoric experience filled with ups and downs at every point. Display of beautiful skills, teamwork, focus, and mutual respect sets the sport apart from the rest.
Naturally, it also comes with a rather violent side; after all, it’s 22 grown men on an adrenaline rush on the pitch. But how one handles such situations is what earns them jeers or respect from the supporters, and in the case of Lionel Messi, it’s definitely the latter.
The Argentine’s ability to handle tense situation is quite remarkable, as he is a prime target for defenders to take care of.
But along with respect and admiration from the fans, Messi earned the respect of former teammate Thierry Henry, whose interesting story regarding the La Masia graduate’s reaction to an unfair situation on the pitch back in 2009 was mentioned in Rio Ferdinand’s autobiography.
When the Barcelona coach refused to award the Argentina international’s training squad a freekick for a foul on his teammate, according to Henry, this is what happened:
“So when the ball went back to his goalkeeper, he (Messi) ran back and demanded the ball. The goalkeeper rolled him the ball, and Messi then proceeded to run through the entire team and score in anger.”
Many players more than often end up being unable to restrain their frustration on the pitch, which unfortunately could and probably would get close to violence. But the Barca talisman is an example not only as a brilliant footballer, but also as a person.
Moreover, doing what the 30-year-old did against legends of the game such as Carles Puyol, Yaya Toure, Sergio Busquets and many more, not only showed his quality, but also earned him admiration from the Arsenal legend.
Simply Lionel Messi.
The post What A Furious Messi Did In Training Back In 2009 appeared first on BlameFootball.
Man City confirm two new faces in Champions League squad
men - Sport
Man City confirm two new faces in Champions League squad
Manchester City have submitted their list of players to UEFA for the second part of the competition.
Thursday, February 1, 2018
When American football meets 'soccer' - Lawro's predictions v NFL stars Sanders & Norman
BBC Sport - Football
When American football meets 'soccer' - Lawro's predictions v NFL stars Sanders & Norman
Mark Lawrenson takes on Denver Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders and Washington Redskins cornerback Josh Norman in the latest round of Premier League predictions.
