Dorset Posted November 30, 2009 Posted November 30, 2009 Simple Premier League riddle for you - when is beautiful football not beautiful football? Well, assuming the Media love-in with a certain club’s style of play has not escaped your notice, if you didn’t have a clue before Jose took on Arsene, or before Guus locked horns with him, you certainly do now having witnessed another cracking Chelsea result against a Wenger-built side. Yep, the right answer is… when it is played against Arsenal rather than by them. However, before taking the topic further, here’s a little bit of background information for the uninitiated… For years the immutable truth - that only an Arsene Wenger blessed Arsenal team could produce such a level of beauty - went unchallenged. Except, of course, when it went unfairly challenged on the very canvas upon which their pretty pictures were being painted and then the perpetrators were cast in the role of Luddites in a fun factory, accused of being muscle-bound bullies bent on destroying the vision of loveliness. Facets within the game, such as being able to defend well and curtail in midfield rather than create, took on a kind of bad guy persona within opposition play, whereas in contrast the portrait of Arsene the artist, through his team, allowed such a high degree of self-indulgence it manifested itself in a diabolical disciplinary record for a club that somehow always managed to dip under the radar of Media criticism when it came to its own crimes. Then along came Mourinho and instead of mere token resistance to the London Arts and Crafts Set we had something of substance that was capable of occasional magnificence. Beauty faded in the presence of the beast, but more importantly, unlike on the Monopoly board, with it went the beauty competition prizes. It was around about this time that Wenger’s further throw of the dice, the perennial promotion of youth, brought forth a few double sixes, gilded the lily and extended his tenure despite no tangible signs of success. Jose’s departure and our failure in the Champions League final [no first win for a London club] papered over further cracks appearing in make-up designed to keep the ever-ageing youngsters looking the part, even if they never actually lived up to their youthful billing in terms of winning trophies. Hiddink’s arrival hardly helped matters and by the end of last season it was becoming increasingly clear to a vast number of Gooners that their boss might be promoting the beautiful-football-beats-winning philosophy just a tad too much for the club’s best interests, let alone for his own good. By now Wenger’s explanations for defeat resembled a Bumper Book of Excuses that even the Media appeared to be growing tired of, yet throughout it all the ’beautiful football’ tag survived and the Arsenal Raison d’Etre of pass, pass, pass, regardless of eventual outcome, remained a subject to be forever spoken of in reverential tone. And so to Carlo and his first encounter with the bestest passers the Premiership has ever seen. How on earth would he cope? Perhaps the evidence provided by his new club over the last five years might somehow escape his notice. Then again, maybe his opposite number would try something different this time, bearing in mind pass, pass, pass had been pretty much a piece of p*ss, p*ss, p*ss against us in recent years. In effect, what happened was that Carlo made no diamond concession whatsoever and Arsene, true to form, beliefs or stubborn-streak [call it what you will] went with what had seen him fail so miserably in the past. The result a forgone conclusion, we were treated to ninety minutes of beautiful passing by Arsenal and plenty of the same from us, without the equivalent hyperbole, naturally. We scored the vital goals, including one that matched any they have scored this season, without the equivalent hyperbole, naturally. We also defended far better than they did, which is why they hardly had a shot, never mind one on target. Mercifully in football, shots on target are more important than beautiful passing, [except in Wengerworld] and having one of those nasty cutting edge thingys called a Drogba also helps, no matter how often certain managers will deny this fact or suggest that other team’s goal scoring is ‘not meant‘, but just luck. This game had very little to do with luck. Ask Carlo and his tried and tested diamond. Ask Arsene and….he’ll tell you different, but these days fewer and fewer people are listening.
Plavi26 Posted November 30, 2009 Posted November 30, 2009 Again nice post Dorset. It's interesting how this games shows the flaws in the Arsenal formation, they have no power and no ability to surprise bigger clubs. It's was annoying listening to the game when all you heard is the slating on our tactics throughout the process even though we're in control. Our game is not magnificent, it dosen't have to be...it's efficient. The game reminded me of last years first leg encounter with Barça, but with us scoring more, everybody criticized us for the defensive display, but that was the tactic to use against a fast pace passing team, and it is shown again today. What surprised me today is the support we got from the media over the result, which is somewhat refreshing, and gives Carlo a more solidified image management wise. For me, it's a sign that Chelsea is getting passed the Jose era finally, I loved the trophies, the wins, and the squad, but I couldn't stand his antics, which seem to be his weak point now in Italy. We'll see if Carlo can lift the trophy this year!
moi Posted November 30, 2009 Posted November 30, 2009 Simple Premier League riddle for you - when is beautiful football not beautiful football? Well, assuming the Media love-in with a certain club’s style of play has not escaped your notice, if you didn’t have a clue before Jose took on Arsene, or before Guus locked horns with him, you certainly do now having witnessed another cracking Chelsea result against a Wenger-built side. Yep, the right answer is… when it is played against Arsenal rather than by them. However, before taking the topic further, here’s a little bit of background information for the uninitiated… For years the immutable truth - that only an Arsene Wenger blessed Arsenal team could produce such a level of beauty - went unchallenged. Except, of course, when it went unfairly challenged on the very canvas upon which their pretty pictures were being painted and then the perpetrators were cast in the role of Luddites in a fun factory, accused of being muscle-bound bullies bent on destroying the vision of loveliness. Facets within the game, such as being able to defend well and curtail in midfield rather than create, took on a kind of bad guy persona within opposition play, whereas in contrast the portrait of Arsene the artist, through his team, allowed such a high degree of self-indulgence it manifested itself in a diabolical disciplinary record for a club that somehow always managed to dip under the radar of Media criticism when it came to its own crimes. Then along came Mourinho and instead of mere token resistance to the London Arts and Crafts Set we had something of substance that was capable of occasional magnificence. Beauty faded in the presence of the beast, but more importantly, unlike on the Monopoly board, with it went the beauty competition prizes. It was around about this time that Wenger’s further throw of the dice, the perennial promotion of youth, brought forth a few double sixes, gilded the lily and extended his tenure despite no tangible signs of success. Jose’s departure and our failure in the Champions League final [no first win for a London club] papered over further cracks appearing in make-up designed to keep the ever-ageing youngsters looking the part, even if they never actually lived up to their youthful billing in terms of winning trophies. Hiddink’s arrival hardly helped matters and by the end of last season it was becoming increasingly clear to a vast number of Gooners that their boss might be promoting the beautiful-football-beats-winning philosophy just a tad too much for the club’s best interests, let alone for his own good. By now Wenger’s explanations for defeat resembled a Bumper Book of Excuses that even the Media appeared to be growing tired of, yet throughout it all the ’beautiful football’ tag survived and the Arsenal Raison d’Etre of pass, pass, pass, regardless of eventual outcome, remained a subject to be forever spoken of in reverential tone. And so to Carlo and his first encounter with the bestest passers the Premiership has ever seen. How on earth would he cope? Perhaps the evidence provided by his new club over the last five years might somehow escape his notice. Then again, maybe his opposite number would try something different this time, bearing in mind pass, pass, pass had been pretty much a piece of p*ss, p*ss, p*ss against us in recent years. In effect, what happened was that Carlo made no diamond concession whatsoever and Arsene, true to form, beliefs or stubborn-streak [call it what you will] went with what had seen him fail so miserably in the past. The result a forgone conclusion, we were treated to ninety minutes of beautiful passing by Arsenal and plenty of the same from us, without the equivalent hyperbole, naturally. We scored the vital goals, including one that matched any they have scored this season, without the equivalent hyperbole, naturally. We also defended far better than they did, which is why they hardly had a shot, never mind one on target. Mercifully in football, shots on target are more important than beautiful passing, [except in Wengerworld] and having one of those nasty cutting edge thingys called a Drogba also helps, no matter how often certain managers will deny this fact or suggest that other team’s goal scoring is ‘not meant‘, but just luck. This game had very little to do with luck. Ask Carlo and his tried and tested diamond. Ask Arsene and….he’ll tell you different, but these days fewer and fewer people are listening. I nominate this for Best Post of the Year! Esepocially the lovely lines in blue, which I have submitted to iQuotes.
mad_mac Posted November 30, 2009 Posted November 30, 2009 Great post again Dorset. Whenever I see the "beautifull" game that Arsene seems so intent on failing with, I can't help but thinking of that young gooner crying in the stands after we beat them (last season in the FA Cup, I believe). There was a Gooner that posted a weekly video blog, or something of such a nature, who highlighted this poor child's plight and said that the blame lay squarely on Arsene's shoulders. Brave for a Gooner to say. In essence he was ridiculing "le professeur" the messiah of magical movement, the professor of perfect passing, the creator of clear cabinets (trophy ones that is). However, the video blogger had some valid points that I am sure others within the media or his own Gooner camp, would have shreiked in horror at. I suppose it all comes down to one question: Would the majority of Arsenal fans rather play attractive football at the expense of Silverware, or would they rather play ugly and win? I've followed Chelsea for 15 years now, and the fact that we are winning on a regular basis still shocks me. But given the choice, I'd say "Hey Quasimodo, pass me that cup filled with champagne will you!" Scott
dkw Posted November 30, 2009 Posted November 30, 2009 I nominate this for Best Post of the Year! this ones much better...
moi Posted November 30, 2009 Posted November 30, 2009 this ones much better... Get this on the Random Chat Train!
The Brit Posted December 1, 2009 Posted December 1, 2009 most tiresome cliche of modern times...arsenal's beautiful game against the physical strength and well oiled machine of chelsea...i saw none of the pretty footy from arse, just a lot of risk free passes until it got to the final third when we intercepted with ease...the inventive passing football came from us, when we could be bothered...remember when we outplayed them with 10 men at the emirates and nearly won the game to extend the title race in 2006-7...one of the proudest days as a chelsea fan even though our title had gone
SydneyChelsea Posted December 1, 2009 Posted December 1, 2009 Actually Wenger makes an acute observation, even if he is incapable and oblivious to understanding it. Normally, Drogba is an all-action kind of player; almost a "box-to-box" striker. When he has a great game, he appears to be everywhere. However, Drogba didn't put in that kind of performance against Arsenal, in fact until he scored his goal, he was frustratingly poor- however, he was still clinical enough to score with his first real attempt on target. It marks a man in form- in top form. The Drogba of last season probably would've let his frustration get to him. Not so this time, and Chelsea are reaping the benefits. _________________
High Street Ken Posted December 1, 2009 Posted December 1, 2009 This was Hagler vc Hearns played out as a football game. We know who won that one, too.
fester Posted December 1, 2009 Posted December 1, 2009 I never had any doubts that we would beat Arsenal on Sunday. I couldn't see: 1. us giving them the space to play; or 2. them being able to break down a well organised defence. I was also certain that we would score against them. You have to admire the way Arsenal can play, but it is fairly easy to stop. To stop it whilst trying to win the game yourselves is harder, but if there's a team capable of doing so it is Chelsea. Especially with the way Carlo has got us playing at the moment. Arsenal need some drive and bite in midfield (an Essien) and a target up front (a Drogba). As Andy Gray kept saying on the commentary Arsenal got to the edge of the box over and over again but then had no ideas, we were too tight for them to play through and any cross from wide out was going to be met by a defensive head. I admire his playing philosophy but I hate Arsie Whinger because he has no idea how to lose gracefully, he has no humility. Instead he goes on about their (correctly) disallowed goal and that Drogba did nothing all game (oh yeah, apart from score two goals which it what strikers are paid to do!).
Nibs Posted December 1, 2009 Posted December 1, 2009 This was Hagler vc Hearns played out as a football game. We know who won that one, too. Didn't Sugar Ray Leonard beat them both though?
flasher10 Posted December 2, 2009 Posted December 2, 2009 Wenger's comment that Drogba didn't do much on Sunday and Arse's performance in our third of the pitch are two sides of the same coin. Drogs scored two goals and Arse, for all their pretty passing, scored no goals. Monsieur Le Professeur would do well to reflect on these facts. To be fair to Arsene and the Arse they did put the ball in the net twice: one was disallowed, sadly for them, and the other was into their own bloody net, happily for us. Whether it be horrid, nasty or brutish goals that are repellent to the Aesthetes of Ashburton Grove or sweet incisive moves like our first goal (JT's pass to Ashley Cole would grace any playmaker's portfolio), they are goals. Shhhhh, don't let Arsene into the secret, you know, the one where the team that scores most goals (in the opposition's net) in a game are the winners - let him carry on picking up the points for artistic impression.
Englishman Posted December 2, 2009 Posted December 2, 2009 Didn't Sugar Ray Leonard beat them both though? Yeah, but that was the equivalent of a dodgy pen at Old Trafford in Fergie time!
icecoolguy22 Posted December 2, 2009 Posted December 2, 2009 In Wenger's perfect world, every team should play short passing gamelike Arsenal, play no more than 2 defenders at a time, no high balls or long throw into the boxand not allowed to tackle his boys. I'm sure most PL managers have figured him out, of course, lesser team has a touger time to put the game plan into practice. But look at Sunderland, Westham all got results against his boys.
andy Posted December 2, 2009 Posted December 2, 2009 Great read as always Dorest (wish I could write like that) The best quote I ever heard about Arsenal under Wenger. Can't remember where I heard it, it might have been on hear. "They are like the the Red Arrows ... Nice show but crap in a scrap" I have to say I do enjoy watching them in full flow, but I think us and Utd look spectacular when they play good pass and move it is getting the balance of both that is the key Mr Wenger
smileysmiles Posted December 2, 2009 Posted December 2, 2009 See I don't understand this Arsenal pretty passing stuff. When Chelsea get going they pass most teams off the pitch, in fact in the stats I think chlsea have passed the ball more than any other team in the EPL. Carlo had the right option don't take the game to Arsenal let them pass themselves to death, and they did, im sure we could have competed in the passing game it just was not prudent for that game.
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