Samir Nasri's Blacked-out AdiZero's or...the D5's?

Usually when you see a player wearing a "Black-out boot,"it means they are testing the boot out and taking in to account Adidas soccer's new release of the AdiZero MiCoach, Nasri was giving them the Ol' run around. Personally I'am not a fan of the bright, fluorescent boots that players regularly rock in this day n'age (Lionel Messi's MiCoach) so when I saw these boots I naturally dug them due to their classic/simple style.


I have also read that these might actually be the yet to be released Adidas D5, set to be unveiled next year. It's tough to tell as they are clearly black, but the point of this post is just so show how sick these are in all black.

EPL review weekend of Aug 26th

One word would do the trick in summing up this weekends football action in the Barclays Premier League, WOW! This weekend fans saw a plethora of goals-wether for, or against your team- making it one of the most exciting weekends in recent remembrance. It was a glorious weekend for the Manchester clubs, with City un-doing Tottenham 5-1, with 4 goals from on-song Edin Dzeko. United had their way with a anemic Arsenal 8-2, to which a glance at Wenger's face is all you have to see to some up the strife going at Arsenal. It was surely a weekend that N. London will  be quick to forget, and if the Riots of weeks prior was caused by this I would understand.  Tottenham and Arsenal are both clubs stumbling to find their feet early in the 2011-12 season, due somewhat I reckon to the lack of signings and the distraction of big players leaving their respected clubs. The long transfer saga of Modric to Chelsea may or may not be finalized by the end of the window come Wednesday, and If I was Harry I would hope it is. It's an added distraction that does nothing but hurts to morale of the player, and the players around him. Modric started but was removed shortly into the second half. His final swan song….maybe? Clearly looking as he didn't want to play seen in the effort he put forth.  Need I speak further on the problems at Arsenal...I will in relation to this game. Do to lack of players available to Wenger, the young back line of Koscielny, Djorou, Jenkinson and Traore did not cut it against the stampede of a frontline played by United. Caught buy playing a high line too often, Welbeck and Nani were free to tear them to shreds, Not to mention a Hat-trick from Rooney-including two from set pieces'. Rosicky failed to impress in a attacking sense, and his link play was dismal. RVP was the only player who looked up for it, even though missing a penalty with  a weak effort, giving  United's keeper, De Gea, the sense he was all that, and a bag of potato chips. Wenger's lack of tactical shuffling at the break-all be it limited options- saw this pillaging continue to the bitter end, to where if the game was still playing, Man U would still be burying their chances.

Along with the free scoring Manchester v. London game's, Everton's game against Blackburn, and Chelsea v. Norwich tickled this fans interests, adding to the excitement of the weekend. An unflattering score of Everton 1 - Blackburn 0, speaks nothing of the excitement, and heartbreak felt by the clubs. Blackburn looked on top for most of the match, but it was a case of the proverbial cliche of "not" taking your chances that saw Blackburn undone, as they missed two penalties. Both times the players, stepped up to take the spot kick, a miss looked in the offing. Between these, and Rvp's failure from the spot has made it 7 missed from a possible 10 penalties given this year. Outstanding! Fittingly Blackburn felt were kicked in the teeth as Fellaini was challenged unfairly in the box seeing Everton being awarded with a penalty  in the final minutes. Manager Steve Kean was disgusted as he, and Blackburn fans know that the silky Spaniard, Mikel Arteta doesn't miss from there. 

Chelsea's battle with Norwich should be all but a formality  for the West London club, but proved to be more difficult than expected. Debut's were given to new boy's Juan Mata, and Romelu Lukaku off the bench and the Spaniard brought a new dimension to the Blues attack instantly. Almost purchasing an assist with his first touch through serving a delicious cross into the box's harks back to the days of Robben and Duff's wing-play for Chelsea. Mata's goal was icing on the cake as Malouda hat already put them ahead after Grant Holt had equalized for the Canaries.

An easy win over Bolton is what Liverpool needed. Slightly lucky against Arsenal last week, this week required a convincing win over an Epl mainstay like Bolton. Jordan Henderson opened his Liverpool account with one of the many, many, goals of the weekend with a left foot curler into the top corner. The second came from a corner met by the shaved head of substitute Martin Skrtel, beating Zat Knight to the punch. Zat Knight was once again involved as Charlie Adam hit a grass cutter form out side the box, through the big center backs legs to give the Red's 3 goals, and 3 points.

Players of the week:

Not in order...

1.) Samir Nasri: Had the best of debut games in the game vs. Tottenham, cementing in nicely to the fluid ( contradictory) forward line of City. With the likes of Silva, Aguero and Dzeko all rotating and mixing positions it was practically a swingers party. Coming up with assists and playing instrumental in the build up for the first two Dzeko goals, the frenchman looks the final cog in City's goal machine.

2.) Juan Mata: another debutant who, against the still stale Chelsea squad, looked like a mt. goat on speed. Popping up left and right, giving width to attack and even scoring a goal to seal the win. Thought be it a substitute appearance...AVB will surely have him from the start come their game against Sunderland, Sept 10th.

3.) Wayne Rooney: Had a hat trick in their drubbing of Arsenal, two from free kicks, and one from a penalty.  His passing, goals, and work rate proved too much for Arsenal to cope with.

4.) Ashley Young: Looks the part, once again proving Sir Alex's prowess in signing fantastic players ( for the most part). His skill on the ground, crosses, and shots! Scoring two fantastic curlers past Scezney one as good as the next. He had one of the games of the weekend, and if not for Dzeko, he would be my player of the weekend. 

5.) Edin Dzeko: Now to the cream of the crop. 4 goals for the red hot Bosnian, all with variation. From simple tap-ins, to picking his spot from outside the box and wrapping his foot around it. It was just one of those games he couldn't have gone wrong in. Justifying his spot over Carlos Tevez, a pick of mine for flop of the season, Dzeko looks like proving me dead wrong with 6 goals out of 3 games! Magnificent.

                                

Nasri signs for City and it's OFFICIAL. Sorry Arsenal...

A move that has been coming like the floods of the apocalypse for Arsenal, waters blue like the shirts of the aggressors. Truth is Arsenal has no one to blame but them selves. Failing to strengthen in the closing transfer window,  intent seems at an all time low. Much shit has been hurled at the N. London club of late and harsh it may be, but it's somewhat deserved. The departure of Fabregas, slow opening to the Premier league season, and most of all the lack of urgency in signing new players, much needed at the Arsenal. 


In Nasri's defense, the allure of a rich club  on the rise is about as attractive as coke is to Adrian Mutu, how could he say no? He has stated the move is fueled by the desire to win trophies, and if the case leaving the Arsenal is the right move. Losing the in the Carling Cup final to Birmingham last year might have been the final straw for the silky frenchman, but what ever it was he's free and clear now. 


It pains me slightly to see, not for Arsenal, but for Nasri. It can go two ways in my mind. The winning mentality seeming to be growing at City can inspire Nasri, pushing him on to new heights and earning the name of the "new Zidane." This may result, or he will be over shadowed by the likes of Silva, Yaya, and  El Kun Aguero. I was so excited to see him move the the EPl from Marseille, and he couldn't have landed at a better club that Arsenal. He slots right in, with his style, passing and pace. Having to play around Fabregas, the departure of the Spaniard should have been Nasri's clue to step-up, take the reign's and run that club, but alas he has elected to exit stage left. 

Last week's underperforms face off tomorrow.

Out of the opening fixtures to the EPL the two most disappointing performers Arsenal and Liverpool will  dook it out for their first win of the 2011-12 season this Saturday. The highest profile match so-far  with teams in the once fabled top four, should be an exciting spectacle, with both teams going for the throat to grab a win. Arsenal started their season with a flat performance against Newcastle, where a flash point between Gervinho and Joey Barton was the high point in the 0-0 draw. A game played without recently departed captain Fabregas, and next to leave Nasri, Arsenal struggled to impose themselves and secure a win. 

With all the hype of the coming season for Liverpool, signings and all, flattered to deceive in their opening match v. Sunderland, with a second half capitulation. Dalgleish spent a lot on young English talent this summer to justify this, he needs a win. In the first half Liverpool sprung from the gates like a bat out of hell,  but this frenetic energy did not last done by a fantastic strike by Seb Larsson. For Dalgliesh's boys to get off the mark, they need to win silencing, the doubters and installing confidence. 


This need to win should create a fantastic atmosphere, and looking at last year's fixture can re-affirm that. Last year's opener between these clubs ended1-1 with Joe Cole getting sent off on his Liverpool debut. An uncharacteristic howler from Pepe Reina in the final minute, provided service for Chamakh to bury it canceling out an David N'gog strike earlier in the match. This match may serve as the tonic to the hoodoo currently troubling  Joe Cole, assuming he plays. Nasri will not play as he inches closer to his move to City, so the Middie's of Ramsey, Ro-shitsky, and Song must have a good game against the rising tide that is Liverpool's midfield.


Prediction:
Arsenal will still struggle to start, as they lose 2-1. Suarez and Carroll will both score for the Liverpool, and RVP for the Arsenal. 


T.V. 
ESPN 2 
7:45am ET

Rat's off a sinking ship. "aka" The Arsenal

Now with Cesc out, and Nasri seemingly on his way, Wenger turns to Lille once again targeting Eden Hazard to replace the fleeing talent. The talented Belgium would be a valued asset at many clubs, showing fantastic skill in the french league last years, guiding Lille to a League 1 title. Although the rumors are flying like the shit towards the fan, after already signing Gervinho from Lille, the loss of Hazard, would be hugely detrimental to the french side, rendering the deal a no-go. Before Wenger gets a Hazard- primarily a winger- forward, when they have the likes of Arshavin and Walcott, a silky footed playmaker is who they should be after. It's worrisome times for the Arsenal, with the likes of City and Liverpool strengthening. Their is the question... with Fabregas out, will Nasri step up and take his place, or will he jump ship as well? It's either going to be rat's off a sinking ship, or a separation for the wheat from the chaff. Heavily linked with a transfer to City looming, the Gooners should be crossing their finger's that the Frenchy stays. 

When Joey Barton exposed the corruption at club Newcastle, he seemed certain to leave but after that skirmish between the maligned midfielder and Gervinho, I believe Joe has ruined his chances.  If I where Arsenal I would make an offer prying Alberto Aquilani from Liverpool. Seems to be excess, and seemingly wants to go. He has yet to prove his worth in England but he is a tidy playmaker that Arsenal would do well to sign. If they could afford his wages- which should not be a problem- a swoop would be a economical one, clearing the Italian off Liverpool's books.

Nah Nah Nasri

          Samir Nasri seems set to join Manchester City for ₤ 19 million and all I can say is Nasri DON'T DO IT!  Nasri joins the list of Arsenal players that have become disillusioned with the going-ons at Arsenal. He has stated that he wants to win trophies, which at the north london club, seems far from happening any time soon. Nasri has linked with a move to both Manchester clubs, United looking for a replacement for Paul Scholes due to his recent retirement. This deal with United looks to be all but over, with United chasing Wesley Sneijder from Inter Milan, City has taken up the reigns in securing the silky french midfielder. As a huge fan of Nasri I think that going to City would be a poor decision in the advancement of his career.  City beat Arsenal last season in securing 3rd place, forcing arsenal to go through a Champions League play-off. Nasri views Arsenal to be on a downward slide, with some of their talent leaving and their captain Fabregas being constantly linked with a move to Barcelona. A move to City would give him Champions league football, money, and a chance to play on a title contending team. City, with the talent they have will no doubt be strong contenders for the title, and Nasri has stated " he want's to win trophies." But with the midfield City has I ask,  will Nasri start? I think he works best playing in the center of midfield, distributing  passes and making sly runs into the box. Coach Mancini likes  to play a  4-2-31 formation with, Yaya Toure  looking really good playing in the middle of that 3; the position Nasri should occupy. If Mancini pushes Toure  back into that holding 2, Nasri would be in his natural habitat and could do well. He was used out on the wing sometimes for Arsenal, but City in that formation are way to narrow,  with Nasri wanting to come inside every chance he gets, they would be as straight as Sean Connery. If City unloads some chaff: James Milner, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Patrick Viera, Nasri could one of the first on the team sheet.  If Nasri could get his first choice position week-in week-out  at City It might be worth a shot, but the smartest decision would be to stay at Arsenal.

With the back- in- forth transfer saga of Fabregas to Barca, will end without a doubt in the Spanish international returning home. You cannot keep a player that doesn't want to play for your team. With Fabregas destined to  go, Nasri would be the focal point for Arsenal. Someone to build the team around. Arsenal may not be building to the extent that most Gunner's fans want, but with the signing of Gervinho, and the money they could get for Fabregas, they are certainly making some strides forward. Nasri is a fantastic footballer,he's young, pacey and is constantly compared to Zidane, which is whatever… but he can really lead a team with his play. With Nasri in the center, Wilshere behind him, Walcott on the right, Gervinho on the left, RVP and Chamakh up-top makes for a line-up thats hard to scoff at.  Nasri without a doubt would be captain by January if he stays at Arsenal, where at City he's another cog in the wheel, where at Arsenal, he is the Wheel.