Henry Return to Arsenal- For the best?

After week’s of speculation, Arsenal’s all time record goal scorer Thierry Henry is set to return to the club in which he sealed his reputations as one of the best strikers in the world. In nine years with the Gunners the speedy striker won seven titles, including the European championship with France. So in the face of both Gervinho & Marouane Chamakh heading off to the African Cup of nations, it’s logical to use the services of the clubs all time record goal scorer.

But does absence make the heart grow fonder? Henry was at the Emirates a few week’s ago revealing a statue of himself and was reduced to tears. At 34 he returns after two successful years for the New York Redbulls. But will Henry be able to roll back the years and torment defences like he used to? Arsenal have in recent years lured back Jens Lehmann & Sol Campbell to mixed results. I decided to look at the history books to look at some players who have returned to clubs after time away.

Andriy Shevchenko-AC Milan.

Milan’s second all time goal scorer Andriey Shevchenko, is recognised as one of the greatest Eastern European footballers of the modern age. In his first spell with Milan he bagged 127 goals in eight seasons. In between his return to the San Siro spent a miserable season at Chelsea where he endured a torrid time, having just scored 9 times in 48 starts. But a lifeline came in a loan deal from his former club who welcomed back the prodigal son with open arms. However it wasn’t the return that many had hoped for. Shevchenko only scored twice in twenty six appearances and only started on 9 occasions. He was promptly shipped back to Chelsea and then out of the club back to Dynamo Kiev.

Ian Rush- Liverpool

Liverpool’s record all time goal scorer Ian Rush returned back to England from Juventus, after one disastrous season in Italy. Rush joined a number of English players heading to Italy in the mid to late 80’s with the likes of Luther Blisset, Ray Wilkinson & Tony Dorego. It’s alleged that Rush claimed that living in Italy was ‘just like living in another country’. But the Welshman returned back to Anfield for a record fee of 2.7 million in 1988 and picked up from where he left of scoring a total 90 goals in his second nine year stint with the club.

Hernan Crespo- Parma.

The Argentine striker is coming towards the end of a formidable career having played for both Inter Milan, AC Milan and Chelsea. However he still has a soft spot for his first European club Parma. Crespo joined from Argentine giants River Plate in 1996, in four seasons he went on to lift the Copa Italia and the Uefa Cup with the The Parmigiani, before being sold to Lazio for a then record transfer fee of £35 million.

Despite leaving in controversial circumstances Crespo has always had a soft spot for Parma, and after 10 years away from the club retuned in the January transfer window last season. He has continued to score for Parma and is looking to add to his tally as Parma’s top goal scorer with 93 goals for the club so far.

Regardless of what happens in Henry’s brief cameo with the club it should not dent his reputation as one of the most prolific strikers in the premiership era. Arsenal will be looking to the experience of their all-time leading goal scorer to guide the team through a particularly tricky sequence of games, starting with QPR this Saturday at the Emirates. 

Premier League Predictions 5/11/11

Another week in the Premier league in which Sir Alex Ferguson celebrates a quarter of a century in charge of Manchester United, in which he has a win ratio of 59.3% from 1,409 games (to date). Sir Alex’s defending champions take on Sunderland, who are under the stewardship of Steve Bruce, who was the captain of the United side who won the first premier league under Ferguson back in 1993.  

It’s going to be a hard task for Bruce to win against his former boss, having tried and failed in the last 17 attempts. Meanwhile the stats don’t look favourable for the Black Cats as they have only beaten United once in 20 Premier League match up’s against United at that was at the Stadium of Light back in 1997.

Nani To Score? Just a hunch. 

 The stats are firmly in favour of the Red Devils. Especially when Sunderland have only won once away on the road this year against Bolton back on the 22nd of October. United should welcome back captain Nemanja Vidic into the fold, and Scottish midfielder Darren Fletcher should get his 300thappearance in united colours. Whilst Sunderland will be without be goal keeper Simon Mignolet & former Red Devil utility man John O’Shea who are long term absentees.

The stats don’t really lie on this one. United are undefeated at home and I expect more of the same against Sunderland. I have a sneaky suspicion of a Nani goal for some reason- don’t ask me why and a reasonably comfortable win for Fergie on his 25th anniversary week.

Freeley Prediction- 4-0 United.

Newcastle is another interesting prospect for me come Saturday when they face Everton at St James Park. The magpies are flying high in 4th place at the moment, especially after a strong win against Stoke at the Britannia. You never know on this form they might even get Champions League football.

That prospect right now seems unlikely (especially as an Arsenal fan) as often early season form fades away to a lovely 14th place come May. However I can firmly predict some kind of trouble and strife for the magpies this season. Be that from rotund owner Mike Ashley sacking Alan Pardew for looking at him funny whilst downing a pint, too one of their new signings slapping Geordie legend Alan Shearer  firmly round his big beach-ball head it’s almost 100% certain to happen this season at some point. I can imagine the newspaper headlines even now.

Back to the predictions and Newcastle will be without midfielder Gabriel Obertan who looks to be out for three weeks with an infected toe. But could welcome back midfield enforcer Cheik Tiote who missed the victory over Stoke. Royston Drenthe is back for the Toffee’s after serving a one match ban, but loose Sideshow Bob inspired midfielderMarouane Fellaini who serves a one-game ban.

Demba Ba has scored 15 goals in 2011 so far,

Newcastle are unbeaten in the last 13 games stretching back from last season, and our currently on their best run in 61 years in the top flight. Whilst Everton have not kept a clean sheet over 9 games in league and cup. With Demba Ba on sizzling form after his hat-trick against Stoke, and has scored 8 goals in 9 games so far. The Magpies will maintain their early season form against a stuttering Everton team who are enduring a poor run of form. Just wait for the Geordie train to derail around January.

Freeley Prediction. 2-1 Newcastle.

The Villa against the Canaries is my final match to go under my predictions list for this weekend’s action. Currently Norwich are just ahead Villa in the league and the tie at Villa park should be a tight one. The stats certainly don’t lie as 4 of the last 5 past meetings have ended up with a draw. They both have recently drawn their last premier league match up’s and this tie firmly have the makings of a score draw.

Paul Lambert is expected to announce an unchanged side for the 7th game in a row, in what will be his 100th league game in charge for Norwich. Aston Villa should welcome back midfielder Jermane Jenas who has recovered from an Achillies injury and with Barry Bannan’s club suspension being lifted it leaves Alex Mcleish with a few more midfield options.

All the stats point to a score draw, and I’m getting the feeling that it’s on the cards. Norwich adopted a distinct counter attack style when they frustrated Liverpool at Anfield a few week’s ago and should maintain this tactic when heading to Villa Park. Former Barrow hit-man Grant Holt grabbed a header in front of the Kop that day, and I expect him to be on the score sheet once again.

Freeley Prediction. 1-1

Premier League Predictions 29/10/11

It’s another week of big Barclays Premier League action in England and I am here to give you the latest team news for the big games of the weekend, with my own little prediction on the score.

After last week’s thrashing at fierce local rivals Manchester United will be looking to exact revenge on Everton on Saturday to maintain their charge in retaining the Barclays Premier League. Sir Alex Ferguson publicly criticised both Rio Ferdinand & Patrice Evra after the drubbing last Sunday, but expect them to return to the side after being omitted from United’s 3-0 victory over league 2’s Aldershot in the Carling Cup.

Royston's absence will be a major blow for the Toffeemen 

Everton could be without captain Phil Neville for the tie against his former team after picking up a knock in the Carling cup defeat against Chelsea. The Everton utility man was at Manchester United for a decade, as well as being part of the historic treble winning side. Other Everton stars who are doubtful for the tie include talismanic Australian midfielder Tim Cahill who is carrying a knock picked up in training during the week. Recent signing from Real Madrid Royston Drenthe will be out of the side after being suspended for being sent off in the midweek defeat to Chelsea.

I’m predicting a shock in this one- I think Everton might get something out of the game- With United’s defence prone to conceding goals lately, but as ever United will score some late goals to grab a point.

Freeley Prediction 2-2

Cross town rivals Manchester City entertain Wolves at the Ethiad  stadium for the second time in three days after defeating the Midlands side 5-2 in the Carling Cup on Wednesday. Whilst internal struggles with striker Carlos Tevez dominate the back pages in the UK, the Citizens will be looking for a similar performance from last week’s win against Manchester United. Striker Edin Dzeko looks good for a start in the league after grabbing four goals in the last two games.

Edin Dzeko has been on great form lately

Wolverhampton Wanders manager Mick Mcarthy has been dealing with dissenting voices from the Molenaux faithful lately, going as far as brandishing the boo-boys as “idiotic” in a recent press conference. Wolves currently lie 16^th in the Barclays Premier League with just 8 points and only have won once away from home this season so far. Manchester City are currently unbeaten at home this season and look good to continue that form.

With City’s win at Old Trafford many pundits have maked it as defining moment in the change in power in the Barclays Premier League. The jury is still out on their title credentials, but on current free-flowing goal scoring form I expect city to win easily.

Freeley Predication 3-0 Manchester City.

Chelsea take on London rivals early on Saturday eager to keep up the pressure on Manchester United and Man City for the premier league crown. Last week the blues lost 1-0 to newly promoted side Queens Park Rangers who are owned by Malaysian millionaire Tony Fernandez. The match will was a bad tempered affair with both Didier Drogba & Jose Bosingwa sent off meaning they will be unavailable for Saturday. Expect Fernando Torres to start after he scored a brace last time out against Genk in the Champions League.

Can Arsenal Beat Chelsea at the weekend?

Arsenal on the other hand will be coming into the game on form clocking up 7 wins in the last 8 games. Man of the moment Robin Van Persie has been on sublime form for the Gunners having scored 9 goals so far this season. The Dutch international striker is rumoured to be extending his stay with the North London side past his contract expiring in 2013. In further good news for the Gunners defender Thomas Vermaelen is pushing for his first premier league start since August after coming through the midweek Carling cup victory over Bolton.

Chelsea have not lost to a London rival in the league at Stamford Bridge since 2008, and that was to Arsenal. I expect a victory for the Gunners on Saturday against a Chelsea side who have been rocked by allegations of racism by captain John Terry in the previous match against Queens Park Rangers. Robin Van Percie is certainty to score and add to his Premier League tally, and keep Arsenal’s Champions League dream alive.

Freeley Prediction- 2-0 Arsenal.

Want to talk football with me? Follow me on Twitter! @mitchos

New Season Excitement!!! oh wait it's Arsenal.

It's that time of the year again.

The time of waiting is nearly over.

Tickets purchased for the first few games of the season already.

Away days planned to the detail.

The football season is essentally here!

It's also speculative blog season as well. So again I with the thousands and thousands of feckless idiots will attempt to put down my feelings in some rambling ranting narrative on my beloved Arsenal football club.

It's going to be a unique season for me. Ill be watching a large chunk of the first half of the season around on the other side of the world. So perhaps i will be detatched from the feelings of excitement, anger and ultimate dissapointment. I hope not.

It seems that everything that i tried to predict in my last blog hasn't exactly panned out. Whilst so far we have managed to shift some deadwood in Denilson & Jay Emmanuel Thomas. Other players who i outlined in my Last blog are still knocking about. Our inspirational captain is still very much on the radar of his hometown club and European champions Barcalona. Whilst everyone in the whole world seems to have an oponion on the issue. The likes of Xavi, Inesta, Guardiola & Wenger have had somthing to say on the issue.

But the one man at the centre of it all has been tight-lipped. According to his twitter feed he seems to be more interested in recieving blind adulation from fans in his re-tweets and posting up go-kart lap times.

It beggers belief- Would you ever see the likes of Terry, Vidic or Dawson do this? Hardly but thats down to the simple fact that the Arsenal captency is used as a devise to appease want away players.

Last captain before Cesc was Gallas & before him Henry. It's a devise used by Wenger to command loyality to the club. I think it's a floored exersise personally- you can't trick people into stay at a club, personally if Fabregas want's to leave he can go for the right money. It pains me to see him leave- but if he is set to disrupt the squad he should leave. Simple as.

Perhaps IF Febregas leaves Wenger might hand the armband to Wiltshire, Song or Vermaelen, to a leader who will really drive the team. More than likely he'll flog it to Nasri, another Arsenal star who was never to far from the back pages over the summer.

In terms of signings it's been a mixed bag. We are still in the market for a centre half & another midfielder as cover. Buying Gervinho goes some way to add some quality to our squad and early indications look good. Small,technally estute it 'looks' like a goood wenger signing- I just hope he can step up the goal tally which has been lacking from our front 4 from last season bar RVP.

So prediction time.... As of now i genuinely don't think we will strengthen if Fabregas leaves or not. Time and time again Wenger has maintained we have funds and time and time again we have been priced out of the transfer market. With Phil Jones & Juan Mata two clear examples in this seasons transfer window.

That said the increasing rise of Ramsey & Wiltshire in Midfield is a exciting prospect. Are season will be defined perhaps in 3 short games against Newcastle, Liverpool & Manchester United. We must hit the ground running. That said i think we will be battling for a champions league place with a rejuvinated Liverpool side under the leadership of King Kenny.

So thats's that i guess. I predict a 4th placed finish. Suprising really as i see myself as a glass-half full kind of Arsenal supporter. But after season after season of the same story it does get a little tedious. Either way a groundswell of discontent is building in some quarters of the Arsenal faithful.

All i know is that this year above all will be watched with great interest. Even if i am on the other side of the world.

Arsenal- A end of season view- Never mind hey....

So here we are hey- just a few days away from the Champions league final where Manchester United will face Barcelona at Wembley. It seems right perhaps that the two teams who in many ways defined Arsenal season should meet on Saturday. Perhaps Bolton, West Brom, Newcastle & Stoke might want to have a tournament to underline my point further.

Too often this season we have shown flashes of brilliance only to end up disappointed at the final hurdle, For every performance against Chelsea, Barcelona at home & beating the Spuds in the league cup there has been the draws against Sunderland and Blackburn- not to mention the league cup final disaster against a now relegated Birmingham City.

For every strong performance from some of our players- the likes of Wiltshire, Van Persie & Nasri we have had average boarding on awful performances from the likes of Rosicky, Fabregas & Squillaci. So it’s clear it’s a season just like the other few- so near yet so far. But have some perspective here- financially we are stable again delivering a healthy profit thanks to the sale of the Highbury flats. We have reached the Champions League for a 12th consecutive year- because of this we are seeded and won’t have to face a Bayern Munich in the qualifying rounds.

Compared to our rivals we have spent a tiny amount in the transfer market- although last summer Wenger did spend significantly in a long time on the likes of Koscielny, Squillaci & wages for Chamakh. But Arsenal fans are still restless- after being treated to the double sides of 97/98 & Invincibles of 2001/2002 and rightly so. Sure Arsenal still dominates teams but the fire and the hunger to win honours is seriously lacking.

Underlined entirely when our club captain is unashamedly flirting with his ex love Barcelona. The likes of Denilson, Bentner & Rosicky act like they have won things with Arsenal and it shows- however in most fans eyes the Emirates cup does not count. I would quite happily like to see an overall in the summer with a couple of players going but not the bloodbath that has been suggested recently in the press- I would take about 4 squad team players to leave this season and to invest the money wisely.

I think that for Arsenal we need to invest overall as a squad- not just the first team. Personally I think that the first 11 is relatively strong once everyone is fit. But behind those players we simply do not have the strength and quality which is what ultimately was our down-fall this season. So we need to invest- that seems to be agreed from all sides. But who to buy? As transfer silly season kicks into overdrive- I have three suggestions for players I would like to see at the Emirates Next season.

Scot Parker- Had a great season with a doomed West Ham. The number of times he picked up a game by the scruff of the neck and imposed his will was fantastic. An ideal player for Arsenal to throw on when we are lacking ideas and lacking that creative spark.

Christoph Samba- Big, brutish and completely uncompromising as a defender. I wouldn’t mind is Samba joining the Arsenal squad. He is particularly strong in the air which is lacking from the likes of Koscielny & Squillaci. He also pop’s up with the odd shot now and again which might be helpful.

A proven goalscorer- a whole raft of players are on the market who could fit this bill- Edinson Cavani of Napoli, Sergio Agüero of Athletico Madrid or Kevin Gameiro all scored more goals than a half fit RVP this season. All would be available well over our current transfer record of £15million of Arshavin two years ago. But would it be such a gamble- This season Walcott, Chamakh & Bentner all together scored the same amount of goals in the Premier League (18) than RVP did in half a season. So a striker is needed.

But it’s not all doom and gloom to the ethic of spending little and relying on youth talent to win the league. Borussia Dortmund won the Bundesliga in Germany this year with a fantastic young side playing breathtaking football and surprising everyone. They play in a huge stadium brimming with support from a dedicated fan base every week. This shows that there is light at the end of tunnel for Wenger.

But one factor is perhaps lacking- home support. Where Dortmund is greeted at the Signal Iduna Park with rapturous support for every game the Emirates distinctively lacks atmosphere for the West Brom, & Newcastles of the league. I cannot deny the away support is second to none in the league with the away day games I’ve been to this season have been fantastic. But perhaps a groundswell of home support is needed in order to push Arsenal onto league & Europe glory- making the Emirates a scary place to go like Old Trafford & the Nou Camp would go some way to turning the tide.

So to conclude 6 years and no trophy- financially sound and morally on the high ground due to the fantastic football we play. But we need more- some increased investment in Arsenal’s squad greater support at the Emirates for home games and simply more passion from our players- showing how much they love the club as much as I do.

Player of the Season- Jack Wiltshire

Game of the Season- 2-1 Barcelona at home.

Moment of the season- Diaby getting sent off at Newcastle when we where 4-0 up.

Quakebook set to be published.

An idea for a book on the recent Japanese earth quake initially thought out a week after the event and developed through Twitter is set for international sale in the next few days.

The book titled 2:46 after the exact time the 9.0 magnitude quake struck just off the North West coast of Japan causing a subsequent catastrophic tsunami. From such disaster “Quake book” was formed by a British man living abroad under the guise our man in Abiko. His Initials first blog post on the Friday a week after the event. Stating that he was looking for contributions in the form of photography, Art work & writings on the event to create a book of the event in aid of the Japan Red Cross.

What followed through the power of social media was the complete development of the book, all based from our man in Abiko’s Twitter page. (http://twitter.com/#!/ourmaninabiko) the hash tag #quakebook from the sourcing of content to the development of the artwork and the difficult process of getting a book published in little under a week. All of which came from people directly effected from the terrible events of 11^th of March, with the whole creative process moving at a lightning pace with contributors from all over the world. The book is not just for the savvy twitter generation one such post in the book serialised in the Japanese Times (http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/fl20110329zg.html ) comes from one contributor named Grandfather Hibiki who offers his view on the disaster and how it has effected the older generation.

“For us old folk confused by the scarcity of information, the radio has been our most reliable source of news. Many of us oldies are familiar with the radio and listen to late night broadcasts, with batteries that last a surprisingly long time. While we can use ordinary mobile phone functions, we've barely been able to operate emergency functions. Batteries run out as we fumble with our phones and the vast majority of us have given up trying to use them.”

The book has gained public backing from the likes of Yoko Ono on Twitter & the book has quickly developed into having it’s own separate blog detailing all the over whelming publicity from across the world coupled with a Facebook fan page & Youtube account.

From this Idea only 11 days ago the book is poised for release on digital download initially with the aim of the book being published immediately. So from the horrendous disaster of March the 11^th one man & the power of social networking has helped to create a deeply personal, inspiring and crucially unique piece of work for the greater need of the Japanese people.

You can donate to the Japanese red cross here.

http://www.redcross.org.uk/japantsunami/?approachcode=68816_googlePAD8JpTs&gclid=CPafxdOD8qcCFcod4QodgSxjbg

See you in South Africa.... Maybe?

So in just 49 Days time all eyes will be on South Africa as the first World Cup on the African continent kicks off. It's a special moment for Fifa and all eyes will be placed on the South Africans who kick off against the Mexicans. But that’s 49 days away and for a player the important thing is to get on that plane before it leaves for South Africa, so in this World Football Blog I will be looking at some talent who maybe planning some holidays around June, instead of indulging of the fun and games around soccer city. You maybe surprised to hear but some real stalwarts of the game could be missing come the 11th of June.

Thierry Henry.

That’s right the mercial striker who is fond of a spot of handball could be missing out on the tournament all together. After quite literally taking France by the hand to the World Cup Henry is not guaranteed his position in the squad. Last week French coach Raymond Domenich refused to confirm if Henrys place was safe after an indifferent season thus far at Barca, being preferred by Pep Guardiola to young Spanish winger Pedro.



Franck Ribery.

More Surprisingly Monsieur Ribery could be out of the running for les Blues if the French authorities have their way. Ribery is currently embroiled in a sex scandal in his native France, after it was alleged that he had sex with an underage prostitute. Former French star Sidney Govou is also implicated in this mess, and so far the French Football Federation has failed to comment on the story. But if found guilty of this the winger could be doing a long stretch in a French prison rather than being at the World Cup (insert own starting attack from behind joke here)


Ruud Van Nistelrooy.

It seems our favourite equine looking striker may not make it to South Africa . The prolific Dutch striker looks like he is set for a long Summer on a nice beach, after moving to Hamburg in January to secure his world cup place he has hardly set the world alight with a tally of 8 goals so far this season. With a rejuvenated Robin Van Persie returning from a long term ankle injury and with Arjen Robben & Wesley Snider on fine form in the Champions league and with the final space likely going to Klaas Jan Huntelaar. It seems Rudd is out in the cold, maybe some goal scoring feats in the up coming Europa league Semi Final could save him.

Harry Kewell

Poor old Harry Kewell, He had a torrid time during his time at Liverpool with knee injuries and never quite showed his form that made him stand out at Leeds United. He was promptly shipped out to Turkish side Galatasaray where he has played along other slightly average Premier League rejects Milan Baros & Shabani Nonda (remember him) Under the guidance of former Barca manager Frank Rijkaard. Kewell has struggled with a groin injury for 5 months now, and is now just returning to fitness could the winger capture the glory days at Leeds? Probably not, but the race is on to get into Pim Verbeek’s side.

Fernando Torres.

Let’s not beat around the bush. Liverpool has had an absolute car crash of a season this year. From a team who looked like champions elect last season to bumbling idiots who have suffered defeats to Reading, Sunderland (with the aid of a beach ball) and Wigan. This comes in part to poor little El Niño suffering regular break downs of a knee injury. He could be a real doubt for the European Champions in South Africa; he is currently out of the Liverpool's pathetic season & recovering nicely from knee surgery. Vicente Del Bosque and the whole of Spain wait with baited breath.

Ivica Dragutinovic

It's not all about the Strikers and wingers who won’t be making it to the World Cup this year. Tough tackling defender Ivica Dragutinovic bar some divine miracle will certainly miss Serbia's campaign as he has torn his Achilles tendon in training for current club Sevilla. It comes as a real blow for the Serbs who will be appearing in the World Cup for the first time as an independent nation. They certainly done well in qualification in piping France to first place, but in a group with Germany & Ghana will they even progress?

William Gallas.

Surprise surprise, France seems set to implode this summer if you have your ear to the ground. Big Willie has been ruled out of Arsenals season a few weeks ago. Will he make it in time for the World cup? The sulky French men suffered a reoccurrence of a calf injury against Barcelona in the crunch champions Quarter final match for the Gooners. However it might not be all doom and gloom in defence for the French, as Philippe Mexes has had a strong season for a resurgent Roma whilst the much marlined Jean-Alain Boumsong of Newcastle fame is now actually quite handy. He's put in some steady performances for Lyon in the Champions League this season and could be the calm head in Raymond Domenech's crumbling side.


So that is that. So let's see how this motley crew get on come the 11th of June, In my next blog I will take a closer look and some young talents who some of the bigger clubs could be clambering for in the summer.