Champions League review 26th November 2013

Yesterday in the Champions League group stage match, Arsenal beat Marseille by two goals to nil.

It was a good confident win by Arsenal who would had many other chances to increase the score line including a penalty miss by Mesut Ozil.

But most importantly Arsenal won the game and are top of the group by three points. Arsenal play the last group game away to Naples. 

This group really was the group of death because despite having twelve points. Arsenal still need at least a draw from the game against Naples to qualify for the knock out stages. 

Elsewhere Chelsea lost away to Basel by one goal to nil. But have now qualified for the knockout stage as other group results went there way. 

It just goes to show that sometimes it really is the luck of the draw:)

Premiership round up

The premiership was back this weekend after the international games and for some teams like Arsenal they picked up where they left off. 

Arsenal beat Norwich City by four goals to one, at home and what made this victory even sweeter was the fact that Mesut Ozil scored his first home premiership goals. 

It was also nice to see Carzola back and Ramsey on the score sheet. In my opinion Arsenal don't have eleven world beaters. But what they do have is great team spirit and a never give up attitude. 

The test will really come for a Arsenal in November and that is historically for Arsenal a lean period. 

So if we can get a couple of wins and some draws then we will definitely be challenging for the title this season.

That win Against Norwich City put Arsenal top of the league and three points ahead of the chasing pack. 

Liverpool who where joint top with Arsenal drew two all against Newcastle and it was a good point for Liverpool. As they are going to mount a strong challenge for the title this season.

Man City beat a West Ham by three goals to one to keep them in the top four places. 

Tottenham beat Aston Villa by two goals to nil to keep them in fifth position. Chelsea beat Cardiff City by four goals to one and they are now second in the league behind Arsenal.

However the most unexpected result of the weekend was Man United drawing one all with Southampton. 

As I was listening to the match on the radio I didn't really see how Southampton where going to get back into the match. 

But low and behold a minute before the ninetieth minute Lallana scored the equaliser. It's the kind of result that would  have heaped more pressure on David Moyes's shoulders. 

But to be fair to Southampton they are currently top five for a reason. So there hard work in securing the draw should not be ignored. 

If I was a Man United fan I would be a little worried purely because I cannot remember the last time Man United where eighth in league. 

But at the same time the league does not get decided in October. So there is still lots to play for!

 

Premiership- Super Sunday

Today is Super Sunday and in the premiership and Arsenal are at home to Stoke City. It should be a good match but with half of our first team missing anything could happen.

Hopefully the likes of Theo Walcott, Aaron Ramsey and Mesut Ozil will step up like they did against Marseille. So I am cautiously optimistic that we will win. 

Tottenham are away to Cardiff City this should be a very entertaining match as newly promoted Cardiff City try to match the super spending Tottenham. I do think Tottenham will win but Cardiff City could surprise us.

Man City play Man United at home and this should be a very good match. I think the slight edge goes to Man City as they are at home. But it is a Manchester darby so anything could happen!

 

Preview of tonight's Champions League games

So in under three hours Arsenal  play Marseille and this will be a tough match. Firstly any away match is a tough match and secondly half our first team is injured.

If we're lucky we might be able grind out a result but one thing is of sure this is not going to be easy. 

I am hoping that this team that includes Mesut, Theo and the inform Aaron Ramsey will surprise me and get the out right win!

Chelsea take on FC Basel at home and in the past Basel have surprised British teams. 

I am not saying they are going to do it here. Because I know they are capable of surprising teams it would not surprise me if Basel got a result. 

Unlike Arsenal, Chelsea have a full complement of players to pick from. This makes Basel challenge of beating them greater than ever. 

As both Man United and Man City did so well yesterday it would be nice for Arsenal to start with a win!

English Premier League - transfer window

The transfer window has officially closed until next year. As an Arsenal fan it was a notable relief to hear that Arsene Wenger had bought a fantastic player like  Mesut Ozil.

However as cautiously optimistic as I feel, I also realise that it will be a tough year and however as good Mesut is as a player.

We are still lacking in the strength and depth that other premier league teams have like Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea or Tottenham who have spent over 100 million pounds in the transfer window.

Arsene Wenger purchase of Mesut Ozil will at least help to make us more competitive this season and ultimately help to bring silverware back to the club.

Other than the big spending Tottenham Hotspurs most premier league teams added one or two players.

Other notable buys include Man United who bought Mourane Fellaini for £27.5 m and outside the premiership Real Madrid bought Gareth Bale for £83.2m! huge a mount of money lets hope Gareth can live up to the expectations of his price tag.