2011 might not have been great, but the start to 2012 has been dismal. Whilst most people see the New Year as a fresh start, Arsenal began the year looking fatigued and tired, and in serious need of refreshment.
Hopefully that refreshment will come in the form of a couple of new players, and some enthusiasm and encouraging performances from players in the FA Cup. Despite playing well in the first half against Fulham, the busy Christmas period took its’ toll on the team and they lost all control on the game.
Some of the fundamental mistakes that we hadn’t been making in recent weeks returned at Craven Cottage. The injuries and the red card didn’t help the situation at the back, but both goals that we conceded were avoidable, and came from individual errors. What also made the match immensely frustrating was that the last results of 2011 had all gone in our favour, and a win at Fulham would have put some pressure on those above us, and kept us in the top four. 2011 ended so well, and now at the start 2012, that feels wasted.
The first half at Fulham was good, and we restricted the hosts’ opportunities well. Had we shown more confidence in front of goal, the match could and should have been out of sight for Fulham at half time. Gervinho was a main culprit, but we still should have had a penalty when Senderos tripped him. In a traditionally difficult period of the season when results really are everything, we haven’t been helped by the lack of penalty decisions going our way. In the last five league games, we arguably should have had five penalties that weren’t given. Obviously there are no guarantees that the penalties would have been scored, but they’d have given us a much better chance of winning the games that we dropped points in. It seems that all of our bad luck with refereeing for the season has come at the same time, and at a bad time. Hopefully it’ll balance out later in the season.
Before a match, looking at who the referee is can generally give you a good or bad feeling about the upcoming game, and when seeing Lee Probert was officiating the Fulham match, I didn’t think we’d suffer from dodgy decisions. However there were minor and major ones during the whole game. How Riise swinging himself round Djourou’s legs, and pushing Walcott into the advertising boards aren’t fouls I’m not quite sure. Robin van Persie was also subjected to some strong challenges, and you couldn’t help but feel Neil Warnock’s comments about him at the weekend were in the back of the referee’s mind. Djourou’s first yellow card was justified as he was late and caught Dembele, however Murphy committed a similar, if not worse, foul on Djourou in the second half that didn’t earn a caution. All fans just want consistency. That made the second yellow that Djourou received very frustrating as there was minimal contact with Zamora, and nowhere near enough to pull him down. Djourou wasn’t completely innocent though as he should have been aware that Zamora might fall and should have made sure he didn’t leave himself vulnerable to a situation where the referee could send him off.
Overall, Djourou didn’t have a great match, as it’s clear he isn’t comfortable at full back. However he’s played there enough in recent weeks to be able to do a better job. His positioning might not have always been perfect, but Francis Coquelin put in a fantastic amount of effort as a make shift left back, and someone with the same energy would have been helpful on the right. When Djourou had gone off, I’m still wondering why Sebastien Squillaci came on. He’s out of form and has barely kicked a ball this season, so why not bring on Ignasi Miquel who would have been slightly more tuned in to the pace of the game. Miquel could have gone to the left and the quicker Coquelin could have gone to the right to deal with the dangerous Karim Frei.
Squillaci’s header for Fulham’s winning goal was bizarre to say the least. Surely the basics of defending say head the ball away from your goal, or out of play, and not across the goal. Squillaci chose to head it straight across the goal to claim a good assist for Zamora. It’s very easy to blame him because frankly he hasn’t been very good since we signed him, but in fairness to the Frenchman, he was thrust into a pressured situation for his first league appearance of the season, and had to play in an unfamiliar position. Although when we’re in a serious need of points to get into the top four, there isn’t time to be sympathetic.
The Fulham equaliser also came from an individual error. Wojciech Szczesny has generally been excellent this season, and has put a firm end to all questions about Arsenal needing a new goalkeeper, however he showed he’s still young and learning his trade when he was caught out from a corner. Had that been Almunia, Fabianski or Mannone, fans might have been calling for an immediate replacement, however there is a sense with Szczesny that the mistake was an isolated incident. The Pole hasn’t made the number of mistakes that the other three have, and has the confidence to get over it. While one mistake leads to another for other players, we’ve seen that Szczesny improves following them. You only have to look at his form since the Carling Cup final to know that. Hopefully the same will happen again. In the context of the Fulham match though, his eagerness to come out of goal cost us.
As much as individual errors and refereeing mistakes contributed to the defeat, the bigger problem was how the team, and particularly the midfield, faded massively in the second half. Fulham did improve after the break, but we allowed them the possession to do so, and couldn’t keep it ourselves when Fulham attacks did break down. Arteta and Ramsey both looked knackered, and when they did have the ball, they weren’t able to ping it forward into space for the quicker players to run onto, as they weren’t making themselves available for that type of pass. It would have released pressure and made us dangerous on the counter attack.
Of the quicker players, Walcott in particular had a poor game. He missed the Wolves game because of a virus, and he could still have been feeling the effects in the QPR and Fulham games. If he was struggling, why was he risked in both games when Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is waiting in reserve? Rosicky would have been more effective coming on in the centre to replace the tiring players in there, and bringing Oxlade-Chamberlain on would have meant we’d have had the option of pace on the counter attack.
I thought Laurent Kosicelny and Per Mertesacker both played well, and both did their best to hold the lead that Koscielny gave to us. Even though both looked fatigued, they dealt with Fulham’s forwards well. The only time Zamora was given any real space in the box was when he scored at the end, although that was when he was in an area that the inexperienced full-back Coquelin should have been covering, and he only received the ball from Squillaci’s poor header.
The defeat means we haven’t come out of the Christmas period as well as it looked like we would do at the end of 2011. If this is what the rest of 2012 is going to be like, is it too late to go back to 2011?
There is cause for optimism though. The players will have had a full week without a game before we face Leeds in the FA Cup on Monday, and then don’t play for another six days before Swansea, so hopefully they’ll regain some fitness. There will inevitably be some changes for the Leeds match as well, meaning we should be refreshed for Swansea.
The team selection for Leeds will be interesting as there is scope for changes in most areas of the pitch, and it’ll be anyone’s guess as to who lines up at full back. With Sagna supposedly nearing a return, I doubt Arsene Wenger will make a big signing at full back, so we’ll probably see two from Yennaris, Coquelin and Miquel filling those berths against Leeds. Hopefully it’ll be a chance for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to show he’s worth trusting in the Premier League. Yossi Benayoun, Tomas Rosicky and Andrey Arshavin should also all be in contention for starts.
Whilst there is a need for changes, we must take the match seriously. The replay against Leeds in the third round last year added to the fixture congestion, and as we play Manchester United in January, we need the tie dealt with, and our name in the fourth round.
This post has mostly been doom and gloom, but there is one name that makes me want to stay in 2012, and should get all Arsenal fans excited for the first two months of the year, even if not in terms of his current footballing ability, but just as an icon who we want to see in red and white again. Thierry Henry. Enough said. Bring on the next two months Gooners!
Source: Sam Limbert, ESPN Soccernet on 5 Jan 12
Showing posts with label Sebastien Squillaci. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sebastien Squillaci. Show all posts
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Squillaci goal closes gap
Sebastien Squillaci's seventh-minute header gave Arsenal the victory but injuries to their key duo will be of concern with the Carling Cup final and a Champions League match against Barcelona coming up.
Fabregas came off with what appeared to be a knee complaint in the first half while Walcott was carried off on a stretcher with an ankle injury after being flattened by a clumsy Dean Whitehead challenge.
Much of the pre-match talk had been about how the Gunners would cope without another of their key men, Robin van Persie, who was ruled out yesterday with a hamstring injury.
Arsene Wenger chose Nicklas Bendtner to lead the attack in his absence while Fabregas, Wojciech Szczesny and Samir Nasri returned after missing Sunday's disappointing draw with Leyton Orient.
Tony Pulis recalled Asmir Begovic and Whitehead while Ryan Shawcross skippered the side almost a year to the day the that he broke Aaron Ramsey's leg at the Britannia Stadium.
Clearly determined to put their shock FA Cup draw behind them, Arsenal came flying out of the blocks and rattled the Stoke woodwork with barely a minute gone.
Fabregas slotted in Theo Walcott after some good work by Jack Wilshere, and the England winger beat Begovic at the far post but his shot rebounded off the woodwork and into the goalkeeper's hands.
Walcott tore into the Stoke box again three minutes later after being played through by Bendtner but Begovic came out to smother the ball.
The early pressure paid off for the home side when they took the lead.
Bendtner volleyed across the box from a Wilshere corner to find Squillaci, who headed home unmarked from five yards for his first league goal of the season.
Fabregas looked to be struggling with an injury and was replaced by Andrey Arshavin 14 minutes in.
The Spaniard, who missed most of December with a hamstring injury, looked disappointed to have picked up a knock and will be badly missed by the Gunners if does not recover for Sunday's cup final and the Barcelona game in two weeks' time.
Arsenal remained in control but played the game at a much slower pace following their captain's departure.
Arshavin, who scored the winner against Barcelona last week, skipped past his marker before drawing a good save from Begovic at his near post.
Szczesny had to scramble down to his right to save John Carew's 25-yard volley with Stoke's first chance of the game at the other end.
The Stoke defence backed off as Arshavin raced at the defence and Shawcross, who had been booed with his every touch, hacked the Russian down 20 yards out.
Nasri curled the resultant free-kick a couple of yards wide of Begovic's goal.
Jonathan Walters entered the book for pulling back Walcott in the closing stages.
The decision angered Pulis, who raged at referee Peter Walton and Wenger, who agreed with the referee's call, in the opposing technical area.
Carew was lucky to escape a booking at the start of the second half when he appeared to push over Johan Djourou after coming in late on the tackle.
The away side almost equalised a minute later when Shawcross' deflected header whistled just past Szczesny's goal.
Earlier this season Wenger accused Stoke of playing like a rugby side because of their dirty tactics and he was angered by a late sliding challenge from Rory Delap on Bacary Sagna which the referee deemed not worthy of a booking.
It was Pulis who was up in arms next though as a result of Gael Clichy's late sliding tackle on Jermaine Pennant, which earned the defender a yellow card.
Stoke were looking much more assured in the second period and they went close when Robert Huth headed just over the bar from a Rory Delap long throw.
Arsenal then went on the attack through Arshavin, who dodged a Shawcross sliding tackle to find Walcott in the box but the 21-year-old was off-balance and mis-kicked his attempt on goal.
Walcott was bundled over by Whitehead on the edge of box in the 68th minute but referee Walton waved play on. The winger stayed on the ground, clearly in pain, clutching his ankle before being carried off to be replaced by Denilson.
Bendtner headed wide from six yards after a Wilshere corner as Arsenal looked for a killer second goal with 20 minutes left. Then Marc Wilson clattered into substitute Marouane Chamakh to earn a booking.
Pennant almost stole an equaliser in the last minute of normal time with a beautiful curling free-kick that went into Szczesny's side-netting.
Wenger was infuriated to see the fourth official show there would be five minutes of injury-time but his side held the ball for almost the entire added period to ensure the Gunners held out for a crucial win.
Source: ESPN Soccernet on 23 Feb 11
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Sébastien Squillaci shoots Arsenal in foot as Wigan hold Wenger's men
By that point, 12 minutes from the end, Arsenal, showing eight changes from the side that beat Chelsea, had come from a goal behind and ought to have been further ahead. Andrey Arshavin had just failed to add a second goal to the equaliser and assist he provided in the first half. Taking the ball across goal from Tomas Rosicky's pass he attempted to turn and shoot, but found Ali al-Habsi equal to the effort.
Then Lukasz Fabianski, culpable on at least two occasions here last season, made a fine save to deny N'Zogbia, before Wigan's best player was dismissed. That looked to be the end of the contest, yet Wigan equalised with 10 men after Hugo Rodallega climbed to reach Ben Watson's corner at the far post and Sébastien Squillaci forced the ball over his own line under pressure from Gary Caldwell.
"We were 2-1 up and they were down to 10 men; it should have been a winning position," Arsène Wenger said. "But we conceded twice from set-pieces. The equaliser came from a corner and it doesn't matter how many men you have on the pitch then, you have to defend the corner better than we did. We found it hard today, after the Chelsea game, even though I made changes. We came back well in the first half but didn't produce enough in the second. Wigan did well. I would say a draw was fair."
The home side could have gone in front after a couple of minutes, when Arsenal lost possession and Tom Cleverley's alert cross found Rodallega on his own in front of goal, but the Colombian failed to get anything on the ball except a hand. Restored to the side at Theo Walcott's expense Arshavin shot too high with a chance at the other end before Wigan took the lead after 17 minutes, when N'Zogbia's dribbling skills won a penalty from Laurent Koscielny and Watson thumped the ball in from the spot. The Arsenal defender could have few complaints.
N'Zogbia had already cut inside past Abou Diaby, and when a further twist took him inside the area and past Koscielny at the same time the stranded centre back stuck out a despairing leg and brought the winger down. Rather surprisingly he escaped without a card of any description, which came in handy a couple of minutes later when he had to execute a carefully timed tackle in the area to keep out Rodallega. This time he unquestionably played the ball and not the man.
The referee's lenience was pushed to the limit in a scruffy period around the half hour, when Wigan's Hendry Thomas was on the receiving end of a couple of rash challenges. Although the game had settled down again by the time Arsenal drew level, the move that led to the equaliser began with Emmanuel Eboué complaining about a free-kick decision he thought had been awarded the other way.
Once on the edge of Wigan's area Marouane Chamakh scooped a pass forward to create a shooting opportunity for Nicklas Bendtner. Al-Habsi responded with a diving parry but was powerless to do anything about the follow-up, acrobatically drilled into the unguarded net by Arshavin.
If Wigan thought that was bad there was worse to come, and again the Arshavin-Bendtner combination did the damage. The Russian poked a clever pass forward that caught Antolin Alcaraz with his back to the action and allowed Bendtner to hold off the other centre half, Caldwell, to score his second league goal of the season, with a low shot.
Wigan did not abandon all hope, it took a Fabianski save from Rodallega to preserve Arsenal's advantage at the interval, though after leading for much of the half they displayed something of a habitual failing by losing concentration completely.
A Cleverley shot that only cleared the bar by inches was the closest Wigan came to rescuing a point with 11 men, and when N'Zogbia went on a run shortly before his dismissal to shoot after exchanging passes with James McArthur it appeared Fabianski had kept out the best Wigan could produce.
The fun, in fact, was only just starting. It was ridiculous for N'Zogbia to get himself dismissed in a game where the referee seemed determined to let almost anything go, and his manager offered no excuses.
"It was an unacceptable reaction, something I don't like to see and Charles knows that," Roberto Martínez said.
"He let his team down, but the reaction of the players after the dismissal got him out of jail. We needed to come back with character at that point, and we did. We beat Arsenal 1-0 with 10 men."
Source: Paul Wilson, The Guardian on 29 Dec 10
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Being a relative unknown helped me adapt
The French defender was an established international and a consistent performer with Sevilla in La Liga before he arrived at Arsenal in late August but he remained an unknown quantity to many Arsenal fans.
Nearly three months on, Squillaci has already captained the Gunners and only three players - Alex Song, Gael Clichy and Marouane Chamakh - have started more games for the Club this season.
The 30-year-old put in another solid shift in Arsenal's 2-1 win at Everton on Sunday and he believes that his low-key introduction to the Premier League - and the large French contingent at Emirates Stadium - have helped him acclimatise.
"Yes, I think it helped [that I was a relative unknown]," Squillaci told Arsenal TV Online in an exclusive ‘Spotlight' interview.
"I knew a lot of the players and there are a lot of Frenchmen here, which always makes it easier to adapt. There are players here who I have played with for France and also against in the French league and that makes coming here not so hard."
"It's always better coming to a club where you know the players, it helps you if there are any problems and also helps on and off the pitch too."
"Adapting-wise, I knew that it [English football] would be physical with some good sides, playing good football. The strikers are big and strong and it is a great contrast with Spain where the strikers are faster and not so strong. But it's not going too badly. I'm stepping up to the challenge and it's getting easier."
The common consensus last summer was that Thomas Vermaelen would emerge as Arsenal's senior defender but the Belgian's ongoing Achilles trouble has allowed Squillaci, fellow new boy Laurent Koscielny and Johan Djourou to stake their claims.
Squillaci has helped steady the ship in defence but he wants to see Vermaelen return as soon as possible.
"Thomas Vermaelen got injured and still is injured and that's a shame for us because we need players like him and that brings confidence to the team," he said. "But there is competition at any big club and you also need all your players as there are injuries, lots of games every three days and so you need a good group of players to make up for this and to be able to cope."
"I hope that everyone gets fit, Thomas and everyone else so that we all get our chance and we'll be able to catch up in the league."
Source: Chris Harris, Arsenal.com on 17 Nov 10
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Sébastien Squillaci seals Arsenal's battling win at Partizan Belgrade
Arsène Wenger is far too urbane ever to wave two fingers at Arsenal's critics but his team had a suitably defiant riposte for those who suggested their soft centre faced exposure in Serbia.
The doom-mongers had claimed that Lukasz Fabianski keeping goal in a side shorn of Cesc Fábregas represented a recipe for disaster amid the most hostile of Champions League atmospheres but, ultimately, Wenger's youthful players made victory appear almost routine. Fabianski even saved a late penalty.
If they were rarely permitted to show off their full passing repertoire, Arsenal refused to be bullied into submission and, having weathered a sticky start, deservedly prevailed with Jack Wilshere particularly impressive.
Punctuated by a series of power cuts – which saw two of the four floodlights repeatedly cut out and the game played at times under only partial light – plus incessant chanting from the 32,000 capacity crowd, the night proved anything but serene. Indeed, with the electrical failures affecting the dressing rooms, Wenger's charges were sporadically plunged into darkness while changing.
Their on-pitch reception proved more intimidating still, confronted as they were by a terrific display of waving black and white flags. Arsenal were also treated to a giant banner of Big Ben and the London Eye emblazoned with the message: "You have been run over by a Steamroller." It could have been less friendly though: Partizan are known as either 'The Steamroller' or 'The Gravediggers.'"We respect that kind of fantastic support," said Wenger, who agreed to proceed under intermittent half-light. "I thought it would be terrible to go home without playing, so when they asked me if I thought going ahead was acceptable I said yes."
While Partizan face a heavy Uefa fine, Wenger experienced vindication. "It was important to win after our big disappointment losing against West Brom," said the Frenchman. "It puts us in a strong position confidence wise."
The manager's faith in the previously accident-prone Fabianski – aka 'Flappy Handski' – in for the injured Manuel Almunia was swiftly rewarded when the Pole gathered an admittedly soft shot from Cleo, Partizan's Brazilian-born striker who had shrugged Johan Djourou and Sébastien Squillaci aside with ominous ease.
Shortly afterwards, though, Partizan's rearguard suffered a somewhat more severe communications breakdown. It resulted in Arsenal scoring with their first shot at the end of a move started and finished by Andrey Arshavin.
First, the Russian's pass found Alex Song who promptly played it short to Wilshere whose surge forward concluded with an adroit backheel flick from which Arshavin beat Vladimir Stojkovic, once of Wigan, with a low shot.
Suddenly Arsenal's composure came flooding back, their passing game clicked into rhythm and it took a last-ditch clearance from Marko Jovanovic to prevent Arshavin claiming a second goal courtesy of a cute chip over the advancing Stojkovic.
Not that Partizan were out of it. Menacingly quick on the counter-attack, they nearly levelled when Medo's long-range shot skimmed the bar and did equalise as Cleo beat Fabianski from the penalty spot following Denílson's handball.
Yet as that goal transported the stadium into high-decibel raptures, Wilshere was filling the gap left in midfield by Fábregas with intelligence and maturity. Accordingly Stojkovic was required to save a poorly struck second-half penalty from Arshavin after Jovanovic had been dismissed for bringing Marouane Chamakh down just inside the area.
Shackled earlier, the Morocco striker promptly put things right, meeting Tomas Rosicky's cross and seeing Partizan's keeper palm his header against the woodwork before forcing the rebound home.
Next Samir Nasri's corner was headed in by Squillaci and Fabianski brilliantly saved a penalty from Cleo following Kieran Gibbs's foul on Ivan Stevanovic before superbly repelling Sasa Ilic's goal-bound shot. "I'm happy for him, he just needed confidence," said Wenger, who "does not know" which of his goalkeepers will play at Stamford Bridge on Sunday. Whoever starts, the suspicion is that Chelsea may need to be at their very best.
Source: Louise Taylor, The Guardian on 29 Sep 10
The doom-mongers had claimed that Lukasz Fabianski keeping goal in a side shorn of Cesc Fábregas represented a recipe for disaster amid the most hostile of Champions League atmospheres but, ultimately, Wenger's youthful players made victory appear almost routine. Fabianski even saved a late penalty.
If they were rarely permitted to show off their full passing repertoire, Arsenal refused to be bullied into submission and, having weathered a sticky start, deservedly prevailed with Jack Wilshere particularly impressive.
Punctuated by a series of power cuts – which saw two of the four floodlights repeatedly cut out and the game played at times under only partial light – plus incessant chanting from the 32,000 capacity crowd, the night proved anything but serene. Indeed, with the electrical failures affecting the dressing rooms, Wenger's charges were sporadically plunged into darkness while changing.
Their on-pitch reception proved more intimidating still, confronted as they were by a terrific display of waving black and white flags. Arsenal were also treated to a giant banner of Big Ben and the London Eye emblazoned with the message: "You have been run over by a Steamroller." It could have been less friendly though: Partizan are known as either 'The Steamroller' or 'The Gravediggers.'"We respect that kind of fantastic support," said Wenger, who agreed to proceed under intermittent half-light. "I thought it would be terrible to go home without playing, so when they asked me if I thought going ahead was acceptable I said yes."
While Partizan face a heavy Uefa fine, Wenger experienced vindication. "It was important to win after our big disappointment losing against West Brom," said the Frenchman. "It puts us in a strong position confidence wise."
The manager's faith in the previously accident-prone Fabianski – aka 'Flappy Handski' – in for the injured Manuel Almunia was swiftly rewarded when the Pole gathered an admittedly soft shot from Cleo, Partizan's Brazilian-born striker who had shrugged Johan Djourou and Sébastien Squillaci aside with ominous ease.
Shortly afterwards, though, Partizan's rearguard suffered a somewhat more severe communications breakdown. It resulted in Arsenal scoring with their first shot at the end of a move started and finished by Andrey Arshavin.
First, the Russian's pass found Alex Song who promptly played it short to Wilshere whose surge forward concluded with an adroit backheel flick from which Arshavin beat Vladimir Stojkovic, once of Wigan, with a low shot.
Suddenly Arsenal's composure came flooding back, their passing game clicked into rhythm and it took a last-ditch clearance from Marko Jovanovic to prevent Arshavin claiming a second goal courtesy of a cute chip over the advancing Stojkovic.
Not that Partizan were out of it. Menacingly quick on the counter-attack, they nearly levelled when Medo's long-range shot skimmed the bar and did equalise as Cleo beat Fabianski from the penalty spot following Denílson's handball.
Yet as that goal transported the stadium into high-decibel raptures, Wilshere was filling the gap left in midfield by Fábregas with intelligence and maturity. Accordingly Stojkovic was required to save a poorly struck second-half penalty from Arshavin after Jovanovic had been dismissed for bringing Marouane Chamakh down just inside the area.
Shackled earlier, the Morocco striker promptly put things right, meeting Tomas Rosicky's cross and seeing Partizan's keeper palm his header against the woodwork before forcing the rebound home.
Next Samir Nasri's corner was headed in by Squillaci and Fabianski brilliantly saved a penalty from Cleo following Kieran Gibbs's foul on Ivan Stevanovic before superbly repelling Sasa Ilic's goal-bound shot. "I'm happy for him, he just needed confidence," said Wenger, who "does not know" which of his goalkeepers will play at Stamford Bridge on Sunday. Whoever starts, the suspicion is that Chelsea may need to be at their very best.
Source: Louise Taylor, The Guardian on 29 Sep 10
Saturday, August 28, 2010
What To Expect From Squillaci
The Man or another Pascal Cygan? A France based football journalist reveals what to expect from the Gunners' new signing...
During his early years in England, Arsène Wenger turned to a brilliant generation of French attackers to get Arsenal playing the kind of slick, attacking football that would become their trademark. Nobody could argue with the wisdom of bringing Nicolas Anelka, Thierry Henry, Robert Pires and Sylvain Wiltord to north London. However, the manager’s current penchant for signing central defenders from his homeland is likely to prove much less fruitful.
Sebastien Squillaci and Laurent Koscielny are both good players. In fact, they are two of the best French central defenders around. But that statement needs to be put in context.
Firstly, French football is no longer what it was. Wenger’s move to Arsenal coincided with a boom in France that would see Les Bleus crowned world and European champions. The last decade has been far harder. They continue to produce good players (Hugo Lloris, Patrice Evra, Jeremy Toulalan, Yoann Gourcuff, Samir Nasri, Franck Ribery and Karim Benzema would get into most national teams). Yet one glaring problem remains: France has not produced a world-class centre-half since the days of Laurent Blanc and Marcel Desailly.
Say what you like about Raymond Domenech, he was continually let down by glaring individual errors during his six years at the helm. Philippe Mexes scored one and set up two – for the opposition – when France crashed in Austria two years ago. Julien Escude put through his own net in the crucial qualifier with Romania. Michael Ciani, another player Wenger admires, looked like a rabbit in the headlights during his recent debut against Spain. Adil Rami was far from solid alongside Mexes in Norway two weeks ago.
That Jean-Alain Boumsong has stayed in contention for so long says a lot. The only centre-back of true quality to come out of France in recent years is William Gallas. Given that Wenger had grown tired of the 33-year-old’s persistent injuries and occasional tantrums, it seems odd that he has returned home to reinforce this crucial area.
The issue has become so worrying France Football magazine this week launched an investigation. “We have forgotten the basics,” complains ex-France defender Patrick Battiston in the feature headlined: “SOS défense centrale!” In the same piece, Gerard Houllier claims French youngsters no longer want to play in defence, while youth coach Philippe Bergeroo reveals – somewhat alarmingly – that French kids are no longer taught the art of tackling.
Neither of Wenger’s recruits can be blamed for national team’s demise. The 24-year-old Koscielny had only one season in the top flight with Lorient before joining Arsenal, and has not yet been blooded at international level. His time will surely come. Koscielny is rated very highly, and Gunners fans are not the only ones hoping he develops into a class act.
Squillaci, meanwhile, has won 21 caps and has rarely let his country down when called upon. He was included in France’s 2010 World Cup squad as back up to Gallas and the error-prone Eric Abidal mainly because he was the only contender left not to have committed an embarrassing and costly blunder. The 30-year-old is strong in the air, reasonably quick on the turn, and plays with impressive consistency. He has not, however, developed into the commanding presence many hoped he would during his promising early years.
In 2004, Squillaci was being billed as a natural successor to the recently-retired Lilian Thuram. He had just enjoyed a superb season at Monaco, starring in a defence that also included Evra and Gael Givet. Squillaci was a rock as Didier Deschamps’ men saw off Real Madrid and Chelsea on their way to the Champions League final.
A golden future seemingly beckoned, yet Squillaci struggled to make the step up to international level. Picked alongside his club-mate Givet, he cut a hesitant figure in the blue of France and his passing was woeful. As Wenger might say, the Stade de France supporters had become accustomed to eating caviar and were unimpressed with the bangers and mash Domenech’s rabble were serving up. Givet and Squillaci bore the brunt of the criticism, Thuram was lured out of retirement – along with Zinedine Zidane and Claude Makelele – and Squillaci’s confidence took a hammering.
Squillaci’s switch to Lyon in 2006 prompted a recall from Domenech, and he has been a regular in the France squad ever since. But despite winning back-to-back league titles, he never truly imposed himself at Stade Gerland and was certainly not a crowd favourite. Lyon were happy to let him go when Sevilla offered €5.5m in 2008.
Moving to Spain brought the best out of Squillaci. He probably needed to leave France, where people had him pigeonholed as the talented defender who ultimately disappointed. Replacing a player of Thuram’s ilk at the age of 24 was never going to be easy and, sadly for Squillaci, he had neither the skill nor the temperament to do so.
Over the past two years, however, he has shown his true quality at Sevilla, emerging as one of La Liga’s most reliable defenders. Squillaci’s experience should serve Arsenal well. He is a steady performer and is better equipped for such a challenge than he was six years ago.
Rest assured he is definitely not the next Pascal Cygan. But Arsenal fans should not expect him to be another John Terry or Nemanja Vidic either. After all, the days when France used to produce defenders with such a towering presence have long since gone.
Source: Matt Spiro, Sabotage Times on 26 Aug 10
During his early years in England, Arsène Wenger turned to a brilliant generation of French attackers to get Arsenal playing the kind of slick, attacking football that would become their trademark. Nobody could argue with the wisdom of bringing Nicolas Anelka, Thierry Henry, Robert Pires and Sylvain Wiltord to north London. However, the manager’s current penchant for signing central defenders from his homeland is likely to prove much less fruitful.
Sebastien Squillaci and Laurent Koscielny are both good players. In fact, they are two of the best French central defenders around. But that statement needs to be put in context.
Firstly, French football is no longer what it was. Wenger’s move to Arsenal coincided with a boom in France that would see Les Bleus crowned world and European champions. The last decade has been far harder. They continue to produce good players (Hugo Lloris, Patrice Evra, Jeremy Toulalan, Yoann Gourcuff, Samir Nasri, Franck Ribery and Karim Benzema would get into most national teams). Yet one glaring problem remains: France has not produced a world-class centre-half since the days of Laurent Blanc and Marcel Desailly.
Say what you like about Raymond Domenech, he was continually let down by glaring individual errors during his six years at the helm. Philippe Mexes scored one and set up two – for the opposition – when France crashed in Austria two years ago. Julien Escude put through his own net in the crucial qualifier with Romania. Michael Ciani, another player Wenger admires, looked like a rabbit in the headlights during his recent debut against Spain. Adil Rami was far from solid alongside Mexes in Norway two weeks ago.
That Jean-Alain Boumsong has stayed in contention for so long says a lot. The only centre-back of true quality to come out of France in recent years is William Gallas. Given that Wenger had grown tired of the 33-year-old’s persistent injuries and occasional tantrums, it seems odd that he has returned home to reinforce this crucial area.
The issue has become so worrying France Football magazine this week launched an investigation. “We have forgotten the basics,” complains ex-France defender Patrick Battiston in the feature headlined: “SOS défense centrale!” In the same piece, Gerard Houllier claims French youngsters no longer want to play in defence, while youth coach Philippe Bergeroo reveals – somewhat alarmingly – that French kids are no longer taught the art of tackling.
Neither of Wenger’s recruits can be blamed for national team’s demise. The 24-year-old Koscielny had only one season in the top flight with Lorient before joining Arsenal, and has not yet been blooded at international level. His time will surely come. Koscielny is rated very highly, and Gunners fans are not the only ones hoping he develops into a class act.
Squillaci, meanwhile, has won 21 caps and has rarely let his country down when called upon. He was included in France’s 2010 World Cup squad as back up to Gallas and the error-prone Eric Abidal mainly because he was the only contender left not to have committed an embarrassing and costly blunder. The 30-year-old is strong in the air, reasonably quick on the turn, and plays with impressive consistency. He has not, however, developed into the commanding presence many hoped he would during his promising early years.
In 2004, Squillaci was being billed as a natural successor to the recently-retired Lilian Thuram. He had just enjoyed a superb season at Monaco, starring in a defence that also included Evra and Gael Givet. Squillaci was a rock as Didier Deschamps’ men saw off Real Madrid and Chelsea on their way to the Champions League final.
A golden future seemingly beckoned, yet Squillaci struggled to make the step up to international level. Picked alongside his club-mate Givet, he cut a hesitant figure in the blue of France and his passing was woeful. As Wenger might say, the Stade de France supporters had become accustomed to eating caviar and were unimpressed with the bangers and mash Domenech’s rabble were serving up. Givet and Squillaci bore the brunt of the criticism, Thuram was lured out of retirement – along with Zinedine Zidane and Claude Makelele – and Squillaci’s confidence took a hammering.
Squillaci’s switch to Lyon in 2006 prompted a recall from Domenech, and he has been a regular in the France squad ever since. But despite winning back-to-back league titles, he never truly imposed himself at Stade Gerland and was certainly not a crowd favourite. Lyon were happy to let him go when Sevilla offered €5.5m in 2008.
Moving to Spain brought the best out of Squillaci. He probably needed to leave France, where people had him pigeonholed as the talented defender who ultimately disappointed. Replacing a player of Thuram’s ilk at the age of 24 was never going to be easy and, sadly for Squillaci, he had neither the skill nor the temperament to do so.
Over the past two years, however, he has shown his true quality at Sevilla, emerging as one of La Liga’s most reliable defenders. Squillaci’s experience should serve Arsenal well. He is a steady performer and is better equipped for such a challenge than he was six years ago.
Rest assured he is definitely not the next Pascal Cygan. But Arsenal fans should not expect him to be another John Terry or Nemanja Vidic either. After all, the days when France used to produce defenders with such a towering presence have long since gone.
Source: Matt Spiro, Sabotage Times on 26 Aug 10
Squillaci signs for Arsenal
Part of the France 2010 World Cup squad, Squillaci (30) is a tall, strong and vastly experienced central defender who has made 36 appearances in the Champions League, Europe's premier club competition, as well as tallying 21 caps for his country.
Prior to his time in Spain, Squillaci enjoyed a successful spell in France with Lyon by winning back-to-back Ligue 1 titles in 2007 and 2008. The combative defender was also part of AS Monaco's impressive Champions League campaign in 2004, helping the side reach the Final by beating Real Madrid and Chelsea en route.
Sebastien Squillaci said on his arrival at Arsenal: "This is an exciting move for me. Arsène Wenger is a highly respected coach who I am very much looking forward to working with and of course, I know some of the Arsenal players through the national team. Arsenal is recognised as a side that not only plays beautiful football but one that challenges for trophies at the highest level and I am very excited to be joining such a fantastic club."
Arsenal manager, Arsène Wenger added: "Sebastien has many qualities that will add to the strength of our squad. He is quick, hugely experienced with an aggressive edge to his game. His signing will give us some variation at the back as we look to build on last season's campaign and fight for silverware this year."
Squillaci will wear the number 18.
Source: Arsenal.com on 27 Aug 10
Friday, August 27, 2010
Arsène Wenger relaxes his 'over-30s rule' to sign Sébastien Squillaci
Arsène Wenger has admitted he is now willing to relax his "over-30s rule" by signing older players on longer deals, having previously only offered them one-year contracts. The Arsenal manager also indicated that no players moving on from the club would be sold to Premier League rivals.
When he was hoping to keep the 33-year-old William Gallas at Arsenal this summer, Wenger confirmed his usual policy was to offer a 12-month contract. "Yes, unfortunately that is the rule here," he said. But having completed the €4m (£3.3m) signing of the 30-year-old Sébastien Squillaci on a three-year contract from Sevilla the Frenchman clarified his policy, saying it can depend on a player's position.
Wenger said: "It's not over 30, it's over 32. So when you have a player [who is] 32 he will just get a one-year contract. It depends on the positions as well. If a central defender, then no problem to sign them until 34. But a striker is different. After 32 you go from year to year. A midfielder as well, after 32 you go from year-to-year."
Squillaci is only the fourth player aged 30 or more that Wenger has signed for a fee in his 14 years at Arsenal. The Frenchman, though, is clear that Squillaci should be ideally suited to the Premier League. "We needed a centre-back of quality and experience if possible and at the right price – he was all of that," he said. "He is a real defender and is good in the one-against-one, good in the air, and can score goals on set-pieces as well. I believe he will be suited to the English game. He will train with us tomorrow morning, but will not be involved on Saturday [against Blackburn Rovers]."
The Arsenal manager avoided discussing whether Mark Schwarzer, the Fulham goalkeeper, would be joining after the west London club last week rejected an unimproved offer of £2m from Arsenal. "We have four great keepers and it's important that we have confidence in our goalkeepers to play the next game," he said.
Wenger, who appears to have lost confidence in Manuel Almunia, ruled out a move for Amir Begovic, the Stoke City gaolkeeper wanted by Chelsea. "No, I have never been interested in him," he said.
Wenger also claimed that any players leaving the club in the transfer window would have to move overseas. "No players will be going out domestically. Some could leave and go abroad, for example in Spain and Italy where the season hasn't started yet," he said. "But once the season has started it is important that there is no movement."
Source: Jamie Jackson, The Guardian on 26 Aug 10
When he was hoping to keep the 33-year-old William Gallas at Arsenal this summer, Wenger confirmed his usual policy was to offer a 12-month contract. "Yes, unfortunately that is the rule here," he said. But having completed the €4m (£3.3m) signing of the 30-year-old Sébastien Squillaci on a three-year contract from Sevilla the Frenchman clarified his policy, saying it can depend on a player's position.
Wenger said: "It's not over 30, it's over 32. So when you have a player [who is] 32 he will just get a one-year contract. It depends on the positions as well. If a central defender, then no problem to sign them until 34. But a striker is different. After 32 you go from year to year. A midfielder as well, after 32 you go from year-to-year."
Squillaci is only the fourth player aged 30 or more that Wenger has signed for a fee in his 14 years at Arsenal. The Frenchman, though, is clear that Squillaci should be ideally suited to the Premier League. "We needed a centre-back of quality and experience if possible and at the right price – he was all of that," he said. "He is a real defender and is good in the one-against-one, good in the air, and can score goals on set-pieces as well. I believe he will be suited to the English game. He will train with us tomorrow morning, but will not be involved on Saturday [against Blackburn Rovers]."
The Arsenal manager avoided discussing whether Mark Schwarzer, the Fulham goalkeeper, would be joining after the west London club last week rejected an unimproved offer of £2m from Arsenal. "We have four great keepers and it's important that we have confidence in our goalkeepers to play the next game," he said.
Wenger, who appears to have lost confidence in Manuel Almunia, ruled out a move for Amir Begovic, the Stoke City gaolkeeper wanted by Chelsea. "No, I have never been interested in him," he said.
Wenger also claimed that any players leaving the club in the transfer window would have to move overseas. "No players will be going out domestically. Some could leave and go abroad, for example in Spain and Italy where the season hasn't started yet," he said. "But once the season has started it is important that there is no movement."
Source: Jamie Jackson, The Guardian on 26 Aug 10
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Arsenal confirm signing of Sebastien Squillaci
Arsenal have completed the signing of the French defender Sebastien Squillaci from Sevilla.
The Gunners manager, Arsène Wenger, has confirmed that the deal for the 30-year-old centre-back has been sealed after the Spanish club accepted an offer last week.
"We needed a centre-back of quality and experience if possible, and at the right price – he was all of that," said Wenger. "He is a real defender and is good in the one against one, good in the air, and can score goals on set-pieces as well. I believe he will be suited to the English game."
Squillaci will not play in Saturday's Premier League game at Blackburn but will be eligible for the Champions League campaign.
The former Lyon centre-half, who joined Sevilla two years ago, asked to be left out of the side for the Champions League play-off against Braga last week so he would not be cup-tied for European competition.
Squillaci will strengthen an Arsenal rearguard weakened by the departures of William Gallas, Mikael Silvestre, Sol Campbell and Philippe Senderos.
Arsenal are also keen on the Fulham goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer, with the Cottagers turning down two bids for the 37-year-old. Wenger refused to rule out bringing in any more players ahead of the transfer deadline, but insisted no deals were imminent.
"We are where we are – we have four great keepers and it is important we give confidence to them for the next game," Wenger said. "I do not rule it out, but at the moment I say I am not in a position to sign anybody. At the moment, it is all dead."
Wenger, though, indicated players could still move overseas, with full-back Armand Traoré looking set to leave for Benfica.
"I believe the transfer window should have been over already for a long time, because it should stop when the championship starts for domestic transfers, internationally it should go on until 31 August because not everybody starts at the same time," he said.
Source: The Guardian on 26 Aug 10
The Gunners manager, Arsène Wenger, has confirmed that the deal for the 30-year-old centre-back has been sealed after the Spanish club accepted an offer last week.
"We needed a centre-back of quality and experience if possible, and at the right price – he was all of that," said Wenger. "He is a real defender and is good in the one against one, good in the air, and can score goals on set-pieces as well. I believe he will be suited to the English game."
Squillaci will not play in Saturday's Premier League game at Blackburn but will be eligible for the Champions League campaign.
The former Lyon centre-half, who joined Sevilla two years ago, asked to be left out of the side for the Champions League play-off against Braga last week so he would not be cup-tied for European competition.
Squillaci will strengthen an Arsenal rearguard weakened by the departures of William Gallas, Mikael Silvestre, Sol Campbell and Philippe Senderos.
Arsenal are also keen on the Fulham goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer, with the Cottagers turning down two bids for the 37-year-old. Wenger refused to rule out bringing in any more players ahead of the transfer deadline, but insisted no deals were imminent.
"We are where we are – we have four great keepers and it is important we give confidence to them for the next game," Wenger said. "I do not rule it out, but at the moment I say I am not in a position to sign anybody. At the moment, it is all dead."
Wenger, though, indicated players could still move overseas, with full-back Armand Traoré looking set to leave for Benfica.
"I believe the transfer window should have been over already for a long time, because it should stop when the championship starts for domestic transfers, internationally it should go on until 31 August because not everybody starts at the same time," he said.
Source: The Guardian on 26 Aug 10
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Sébastien Squillaci unrepentant after forcing transfer to Arsenal
Sébastien Squillaci has already demonstrated a ruthless and single-minded approach in forcing through his £5m move from Sevilla to Arsenal and now the France defender is intent on winning the battle to establish himself in Arsène Wenger's team.
The 30-year caused uproar last Wednesday when he refused to play for Sevilla in the first-leg of their Champions League play-off against Braga in Portugal, as he did not want to become cup-tied in Europe and so jeopardise his hopes of making the proposed transfer.
Sevilla lost 1-0, leaving them with work to do in the return fixture tomorrow night , and Squillaci was criticised for his behaviour, although the coach, Antonio Alvarez, said that he was quick to put the controversy behind him. "I didn't like the fact that Squillaci didn't want to play but the circumstances turned out that way," he said. "I turned over a new page and forgot about the issue."
The Sevilla defender Julien Escudé said that Squillaci had been named in the line-up only to be withdrawn in what, at the time, were mysterious circumstances. "When the coach gave his team talk, Sebastien was starting," Escudé said. "Then, I do not know what happened, with the coach or the sporting director, but there was a change in the line-up. Later, we knew Sébastien refused to play. I was surprised."
Arsenal, who were unhappy at the way Barcelona targeted and unsettled their captain, Cesc Fábregas, for much of the summer only for him to stay in north London, have maintained they have done nothing wrong over Squillaci and the player himself was unrepentant.
"If a French player receives an offer from Arsène Wenger, it's practically impossible to turn down," he said. "It was a sensational offer for me and I was happy Sevilla let me go. It was a difficult situation but I knew I had to take this chance. I knew if I played against Braga then I would not have been able to play for Arsenal in the Champions League."
Squillaci, formerly of Monaco and Lyon, suggested it was a dream to follow in the footsteps of some of his countrymen and join Arsenal, who are sometimes referred to in France as their first division's 21st club. He enters competition with Thomas Vermaelen, Laurent Koscielny and Johan Djourou for a starting place in the centre of defence. Alex Song, the midfielder, can also play in the position.
"Arsenal were always the team I watched out for," said Squillaci, who began his medical assessment at the club today. "For any spectator like me, you had to watch a squad with [Thierry] Henry, [Robert] Pirès, [Patrick] Vieira and [William] Gallas. Now, I'm happy to have my name in the history books. For me, this is a great new challenge and I've gone there purely to be part of that.
"I don't think my age is a problem. My experience in football is great and players of my age tend to be at the peak of their playing career."
Arsenal have started the season with a 1-1 draw at Liverpool and a 6-0 home win over Blackpool and two players to have emerged with credit are the midfielders Jack Wilshere and Tomas Rosicky. Wilshere, who is known for his creative and attacking prowess, played in front of the back four against Blackpool, alongside Abou Diaby, and Wenger suggested that the 18-year-old's development would be best served in such a role.
"He is strong one against one, he has good commitment and it is important in the development of a player for him to start there," Wenger said. "After, you can always push a player higher up but let's start with the difficult work. Once you do that, you can always take the easier job. And I always have many offensive players."
One of them is the Czech Rosicky who, after so much injury turmoil, has finally enjoyed a full pre-season and is eager to show his true colours this season. "I am very happy for Rosicky," Wenger said. "It was not really Rosicky last year. I like to handle him on the pitch and in the dressing room because he is an outstanding character. He is a team player and has great quality."
Source: David Hytner, The Guardian on 23 Aug 10
The 30-year caused uproar last Wednesday when he refused to play for Sevilla in the first-leg of their Champions League play-off against Braga in Portugal, as he did not want to become cup-tied in Europe and so jeopardise his hopes of making the proposed transfer.
Sevilla lost 1-0, leaving them with work to do in the return fixture tomorrow night , and Squillaci was criticised for his behaviour, although the coach, Antonio Alvarez, said that he was quick to put the controversy behind him. "I didn't like the fact that Squillaci didn't want to play but the circumstances turned out that way," he said. "I turned over a new page and forgot about the issue."
The Sevilla defender Julien Escudé said that Squillaci had been named in the line-up only to be withdrawn in what, at the time, were mysterious circumstances. "When the coach gave his team talk, Sebastien was starting," Escudé said. "Then, I do not know what happened, with the coach or the sporting director, but there was a change in the line-up. Later, we knew Sébastien refused to play. I was surprised."
Arsenal, who were unhappy at the way Barcelona targeted and unsettled their captain, Cesc Fábregas, for much of the summer only for him to stay in north London, have maintained they have done nothing wrong over Squillaci and the player himself was unrepentant.
"If a French player receives an offer from Arsène Wenger, it's practically impossible to turn down," he said. "It was a sensational offer for me and I was happy Sevilla let me go. It was a difficult situation but I knew I had to take this chance. I knew if I played against Braga then I would not have been able to play for Arsenal in the Champions League."
Squillaci, formerly of Monaco and Lyon, suggested it was a dream to follow in the footsteps of some of his countrymen and join Arsenal, who are sometimes referred to in France as their first division's 21st club. He enters competition with Thomas Vermaelen, Laurent Koscielny and Johan Djourou for a starting place in the centre of defence. Alex Song, the midfielder, can also play in the position.
"Arsenal were always the team I watched out for," said Squillaci, who began his medical assessment at the club today. "For any spectator like me, you had to watch a squad with [Thierry] Henry, [Robert] Pirès, [Patrick] Vieira and [William] Gallas. Now, I'm happy to have my name in the history books. For me, this is a great new challenge and I've gone there purely to be part of that.
"I don't think my age is a problem. My experience in football is great and players of my age tend to be at the peak of their playing career."
Arsenal have started the season with a 1-1 draw at Liverpool and a 6-0 home win over Blackpool and two players to have emerged with credit are the midfielders Jack Wilshere and Tomas Rosicky. Wilshere, who is known for his creative and attacking prowess, played in front of the back four against Blackpool, alongside Abou Diaby, and Wenger suggested that the 18-year-old's development would be best served in such a role.
"He is strong one against one, he has good commitment and it is important in the development of a player for him to start there," Wenger said. "After, you can always push a player higher up but let's start with the difficult work. Once you do that, you can always take the easier job. And I always have many offensive players."
One of them is the Czech Rosicky who, after so much injury turmoil, has finally enjoyed a full pre-season and is eager to show his true colours this season. "I am very happy for Rosicky," Wenger said. "It was not really Rosicky last year. I like to handle him on the pitch and in the dressing room because he is an outstanding character. He is a team player and has great quality."
Source: David Hytner, The Guardian on 23 Aug 10
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