My Arsenal Picks…..

As a football fan there are those players that you like and for me these are my favourite in Arsenal.
Alexi sanchez-
As the current top scorer with 17 goals Alexis has been a vital player in the Arsenal team,very hardworking,Energetic and consistent player.This is a player I can comfortably point out as worth every cent spent on him at the club.As opposed to other players Sanchez evidently loves football as he never wants to miss a match even when the manager decides to rest him.
Alexis is dangerous in front of goal and can shake any experienced defender with his credible skills.Did I mention that i love his goal celebrations,very genuine and on point.
He has won the hearts of many Arsenal fans,terming him as the Savior. Personally I would not imagine him leaving the club,then again i will always wish him the best wherever he goes.

Alex-Oxlade Chamberlain-
Oxlade-Chamberlain is creative ,self driven and aggressive.He might not have the advantage in starting games but he shows determination. Now that Ramsey is out with a calf injury he has to make his presence felt.
I like how he goes deep,he is strong enough to resist a tackle and make his way to the goal area but unfortunately his shots are not accurate but i believe if he get regular starts he will certainly aim for the net.

Mesut Ozil-
Assistant in chief is how we refer to him,he is best known for his crucial assists. His sleek moves and wise decisions makes him tick,he makes football more fun and entertaining to watch.
It is amazing to watch how he protects himself from hard tackles,he only gets flu and not broken skull like anyone else.Like any other player he has his off days when he is not in the game and he makes little impact in a game.
Lest I forget he can see very far.

Laurent Koscielny and Mustafi
Kostafi is how we refer to this great partnership between these two defenders,they wholeheartedly give their best when it comes to defending.They only become exposed if the midfield is not sufficient enough.The passion portrayed by this two is magnificent,one have not seen in a long time.
In defense we trust!

Olivier Giroud
I know you are wondering why i picked him in this list,I had to. There is something about this “Beast” i cant resist, as much as there has been much criticism about his inconsistent performance he has scored in almost every game this season.
He is in great shape,I mean he got the stamina.He can handle the defenders with much ease,his powerful headers that sends fans into ecstasy especially when you are trailing United.
The only issue i have with our Olivier is that he performs better when he comes in as a sub as opposed to when he starts.
Away from football He has good fashion sense!

Alex Iwobi-
This is a fresh blood,coming from a footballing family makes it even better.He got skills,pace and an eye for the ball.He is dangerous upfront and all i can say is that he is a star in the making.

I wish you an Arsenal feel Season.

The EPL Craze.

Its that time of the year again when my favorite league resumes,the weekends will never be the same again.

During this time my Mondays are referred to as Football Mondays, because all we do in the office is chat about how our teams performed. However i can only talk confidently if Arsenal won.

I have friends who will only call me if Arsenal has lost to a small team {commonly referred by Epl fans} that you are not supposed to loose to and they will make me feel really bad.

My parents can never be left behind congratulating me if my team wins and will always be the first ones to console me whenever my team is beaten,especially during terrible losses like the 2011 one that Manchester united massacred us 8-2.

I also follow our local league and i cannot hide my excitement on how Gormahia is lifting our flag high in the CECAFA tournament,sometimes i wish they can represent us in the national team squad.

Ladies and gentlemen i wish all your teams the best of luck.

Let the games begin!!!!!!.

The Title Race

The English premier league title race is getting tight as each team tries to bag the three crucial points in order to stay strong in the title chase.

As the league enters its second leg,much is expected as the top teams are only separated with few points which leaves the title open for the strong to take.Arsenal have been consistent on the top spot  two times  being overtaken by Manchester City and liverpool.

The top teams have had their shares of misfortune in the past matches with Arsenal suffering a devastating 6-3 defeat to their title challengers Manchester City.

Despite the heavy loss,the gunners have shown maturity in their defending in contrast to their past seasons that they used to play an open game all the time.

Wenger is equally happy with his side and he hopes for a silverware this season especially with his record breaking  Signing of German player maker Mesut Ozil who has helped them a great deal.

Manchester City on the hand have had away match disappointments but very impressive  form at Etihad that has seen them bank in many goals than any other team so far. They however face a tough challenge as they take on their fellow title contenders in their away matches.

The Citizens are described as the serious title contenders as their Talisman Kun Aguero continue to cause fear to any team’s custodian.Not forgetting their dangerous packed midfield of Yaya toure,Silva and Fernadinho.

Liverpool is another  team that has really impressed with premier league man of the moment Luiz Suarez scoring goal after goal.Though controversially loosing to Chelsea and Manchester City in a row, they still show determination towards winning the race.

Chelsea are just there though they seem dangerous too,they have managed to stay on top and their recent win over Liverpool has given them confidence.

The title defenders have  not have a good season altogether but they are slowly catching up with others,at one time Manchester united were 13 points adrift of Arsenal but the gap has since reduced.Many people blamed Moyes for united’s predicaments saying he is the major contributor to their losses,comparing him with Sir Alex.

Tottenham remain shaky even after buying good players still no notable results.They now struggle to remain relevant at the top ten.

I predict a  lot of surprises in the upcoming second leg fixtures,but all in all, as it is said football is anyone’s game.Time will tell.

Leopards Claw’s not too Sharp

Gor Mahia came from two goals down to level the scores in an entertaining 2-2 draw match against arch rivals AFC leopards, played at the Kasarani Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

The highly contested and hyped match was breathtaking as AFC leopards took charge of the first half scoring two goals with no answer from their counter parts.Noah Wafula opened the score by tapping in an Allan Wanga perfect cross. Wanga took advantage of the weak left flank making beautiful crosses that created good scoring opportunities.

Both teams were well organized in the midfield making brilliant moves that kept the fans cheering at every sleek move displayed by their side.

From time to time Afc’s goalkeeper Patrick Matasi made notable blunders but Masika was there to save the day. Rama Salim’s absence was visible as Dani Sserunkuma and Paul Kiongera’s pair upfront was not that paying but all in all they succeeded in  tormenting the leopard defense turning Jonas Nahimana inside out.

Minutes to the end of the first half Paul Were hit in a wonderful left foot thunder  leaving Jerrim Onyango for the dead while the blue painted side of the stadium were seen dancing and shouting at the top of their voices.

The leopards thought their claws penetrated too deep in their opponents skin but that was not be as the second half was more electrifying with Gor Mahia determined to contain the leopards.

The green Army knew too well that any loss  will reduce their chances to win the long awaited Premier league title.

Dani Sserunkuma finally did what he is paid to do,that is to score sending the K’galo fans into an ecstasy at least keeping their bragging rights in check.

David Owino’s 85th minute goal further frustrated the leopards as their boss tried to make a quick Mike baraza substitution that did not materialize as it was too late.

Gor’s determination and tactical approach of the second half totally outclassed AFC and if they continue with this form they have shown, the league is theirs to loose.

The derby was peaceful as fans hugged and shook hands at the end of the match showing maturity and sanity in the game.

Football lessons

Kick,kick until it stops at the back of the net, every time i watch football i really get inspired how 22 men chase the ball all round the field with one aim and that is to score.

Come to think of it, in real life situations we always have dreams and goals to achieve just like in football we do everything to get the right shot that will hit the target.

Any Hope for Arsenal?

Arsenal’s recent poor performance has sparked criticism from the entire football fraternity with Arsene Wenger being on the spot light as the man to blame.

Fans around the world keep on lamenting that Wenger should go but the question still remains is he really to blame? For me the answer is no, because Wenger has managed to put Arsenal in the level they are right now.

Bringing in a new coach will take more time to rebuild the team because it will mean changing the whole system.

Has it occurred to anyone that the problem might be players’ attitude and lack of concentration? Lately they have been playing poorly, their usual entertaining sleek passes and moves are hardly seen and this means there is something wrong with the players.

Last season Arsenal lost in the finals of the Carling cup against an average side Birmingham, it was so painful because the players and also the fans believed their drought for silverware would finally be over but it was not to be.

In my outlook this is when Arsenal lost track, with their key players Fabregas, Nasri and Clichy leaving in search for greener pastures. The greatest dream of every football player is to win titles before they reach the prime years of their careers and this is what they went for.

Since then Arsenal has not got direct replacement of these three crucial players making it even hard for the team to perform well. Yes, Arteta, Mertesacker and the rest of the new signings are good but they have not made a very notable change.

The beginning of this season’s English premier league saw Arsenal as every team’s meat loosing match after match, with players such as Song and Gervinho starting off on a bad note receiving red cards in the opening match of the season.

The 8-2 torture in Oldtrafford was a clear indication that Arsenal was going down despite the long list of injuries at the time.

Recently they had their worst night in Europe, after they were outclassed by AC Milan 4-0 in the first leg of the Champions league. A score line that even magic cannot possibly overturn in the return leg considering Arsenal’s pitiable performance.

It is very sad to hear supporters saying that this is probably the worst Arsenal team they have ever seen in all their time of watching football.

I believe this is the time each Arsenal player looks directly into the mirror and asks himself, have I given my all to my team? If no, it’s time to do it and just maybe this can make a big difference.

 

Zambia;African Football Powerhouse

Zambia honoured the demise of their former players in style, after they edged out highly ranked Ivory Coast to win the African cup of nations in an entertaining two hour match in Libreville stadium, Gabon.

Chipolopolo came into this game with so much confidence and determination, which was evident from their lovely sleek moves portrayed in the game.

Zambia’s captain Christopher Katongo along with Emmanuel Mayuka, Nathan Sinkala and Isaac Chansa displayed an excellent performance tormenting the Ivorian defence.The four blended in well, producing beautiful moves only that they lacked the finishing power.They continued working hard in the set pieces but unfortunately they did not materialize.

Chipolopolo coach Herve Renard could be heard shouting from the other side urging his players to press on as the fans cheered to the high spirited Zambian side.

On the other hand, Ivory Coast could not believe they were outplayed by the Zambians as they had registered long before the tournament that they were the favorites. Chelsea talisman Didier Drogba missed a penalty kick in the normal time, after Gervinho was brought down in the box by Chansa which would have sealed the victory for the Ivorians.

Drogba was filled with emotions throughout the match, but it was clearer during the extra minutes knowing deep down that his missed penalty would have changed the game.

Tension got high in the dying minutes of the extra time, as the dreaded penalty shootout approached .Both teams switched to attacking mode but the two defense stood strong and now the only thing that would separate the two sides were the penalties.

Drama unfolded as the sides took the spot kicks, no one missed the penalties till it reached seven. The moment Kolo toure headed towards the ball, any Arsenal fan would have known something wrong was bound to happen, and indeed he missed the penalty that would have given them the victory.

Rainford Kalaba reignited the Ivorians hopes after he shot wide, but Gervinho wasted the golden opportunity that would have handed his country the win.

All Zambians hopes lay solely on Stopilla Sunzu a fact he  knew too well as he went to take the shot, he did not disappoint as he confidently shot in a wonderful kick that sent the Chipolopolos to an ecstasy.

It was a historic achievement for the Zambians who have made 15 appearances in the tournament failing to clinch the cup in the 1974 and 1994 finals.

 Finally Zambia’s great Kalusha Bwalya lifted the African cup of nations trophy in memory of his teammates who died 19 years ago in a tragic plane crash as the Ivorians watched in disbelief  Zambians jumping and dancing round the field.

The Zambians proved that big names in football is nothing, rather confidence, teamwork and hard work is all that is needed.

IVORY COAST, ZAMBIA FOR FINALS

 High flying Arsenal winger Gervinho helped his team to secure a place in the finals by scoring the solitary goal in an entertaining clash against Mali.

 Ivory Coast accomplished their  mission  by reaching the African Nations Cup final as the tournament produced yet another surprise when Zambia eliminated highly ranked  Ghana.

An excellent sprint by Gervinho along the wing to the back of the net just few minutes in to the stoppage of the first half, sealed the expected win for Ivory Coast.

The Elephants are now considered as the tournaments favorites as they are up against Zambia who unbelievably eliminated Ghana in yet another semi-final entertaining match.

 Zambia’s Emmanuel Mayuka struck just 12 minutes from time to drown Ghana’s hopes of winning the African title after more than 30 years of wait.

Well everyone thought and also predicted an electrifying final between Ivory Coast and Ghana but that was not to be. Let us wait and see how the showdown will be between The Elephants and Chipolopolo.

The wizard

Every Arsenal attack is what makes Wenger’s heart tick.The free flowing football constitution like the pumping of blood through rhythmic contractions.

Arsene Charles Enerst Wenger is his full name,a french football manager who manages one of the most biggest football club in English Premier league,Arsenal.

Wenger is the most successful manager in the history of Arsenal in terms of trophies,besides being successful he is the longest serving manager in the Arsenal club.

He is not only a coach but also a Professor in economics and this explains the big money signings he has made for Arsenal hence his net spending record is far superior to other leading premier league clubs.
He is described as a coach that has spent his career in building teams that combine accumulation of silverware with a desire to entertain and attack.This is why Arsenal is branded as the Kings of ‘Sexy’ Football.

Over the years he has grown many talents in his club giving opportunity to the young upcoming and talented players to realize their capabilities.This makes him different from other coaches who rely mostly on experienced players.

In addition he coordinates well with his players and gives time to those who are in poor form to improve.
However he has been criticized by the football fraternity for going six consecutive seasons trophiless but this doesn’t make him loose hope instead there is an improvement every season.

Wenger is a great coach and he has gone to great heights due to his passion in his managerial career.

Over the years we have witnessed Kenyan football coaches being fired because of under performance and our team has not gotten better.

Its time we give our coaches time to get close with players and know each other well just like Wenger does with his boys.
 

Is the ‘STAR ‘ shining soon

Many Kenyans are delighted by our football national team Harambee stars, who managed to comfortably beat seychells home and away inthe worldcup qualifying match on 7-0 aggregate.
.
Stars are now through to the group stages of the 2014 World Cup qualifiers and Football fans or rather Kenya as a whole are optimistic of good results as they proceed to other stages of the highly contested competition.
However, the question is how prepared is harambee stars,considering that we have a very poor record as far as World Cup is concerned.

First of all Harambee Stars have not been very successful in the other international competitions inthe African level,for instance inthe Council of East and Central Africa Football Association(CECAFA) kenya has won 5 times last being in 2002 when they beat the current champions Tanzania 3-2.

It is even more worse inthe African Cup of Nations because since its inauguration in 1957 Kenya has only made 5 appearances, their first participation being in 1972 and till date it has never gone past the group stages.

Kenya would have gone far in the upcoming 2012 AFCON considering that best perfoming teams like Cameroon,Egypt and Nigeria did not qualify paving way for other countries to have a taste of being the African champions.In addition Stars were in good form only that they did not capitaize on the slim chances they had to qualify.

Stars have been performing well considering their last few matches but they need to be consistent so as to achieve what we have not achieved inthe past years,also try to lift Kenya and take us to another level to avoid shame.

In short its time we started to focus on CECAFA,AFCON and the likes inorder to atleast give us more experience and not only that but actually try to win so that it gives us the advantage of going to the world cup more easily.
Just looking deeper into things,if at all we qualify do we really have the chances of beating the teams that have made appearences nearly in each and every World Cup.Its not that i am being pessimistic but i believe that in everything one does it has to start somewhere and in this case Kenya has to realise that we need to have more African titles.

Stars have only two years to make history by reaching to the final 32 teams inthe World Cup tournament, its only a matter of time because it is a rough journey that only the strong reach the destination.It is not too late to make a significant change because football is anyone’s game and Kenya can do it.

We have new officials gorverning the Kenyan Football lets just hope that with their support the Kenyan star is going to shine really soon.