Arsenal v Juventus will be a mismatch

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Date	Time	C	Opponent	F	A	R	S
28 Mar	7:45 PM	CL	Juventus (H)	2	0	Win

On Tuesday Serie A leaders Juventus will visit Highbury in the next round of Arsenal's Champions League adventure. I can't see Arsenal winning the match – I hope they do, of course, but it is unlikely.

The encounter will be a mismatch in Juventus' favour, even with Pavel Nedved and Alessandro Del Piero out. It is thought that David Trezeguet is also suffering from a hamstring injury and will not be risked against Arsenal.

I think Trezeguet will play.

Trezeguet will play because Ibrahimovic needs a partner that will be willing to do his dirty work for him. He needs someone to hold the ball up for him whilst he runs into space. He needs someone to pull the defenders away, to give him space. Trezeguet will do the dirty work, Ibrahimovic will shine and take the plaudits.

Ibrahimovic, talented as he is, is a player who loves himself, and only himself. The size of his ego would dwarf even Planet Mourinho.

Ibrahimovic could have been an Arsenal player now, linking up with the best player in the world and terrorising opposition defences around Europe. He could have been learning from Dennis Bergkamp and under the tutelage of Arsène Wenger would undoubtedly have become more than the player he is today. He even had the number 9 shirt printed and ready for him.

But Ibrahimovic doesn't do trials.

When Wenger requested that Ibrahimovic go on a trial at Arsenal because he wasn't sure if he was the type of player that suited Arsenal, Ibrahimovic went into a strop and told his agent to inform Wenger "that he was Zlatan Ibrahimovic and that he doesn't do trials."

Apparently, BECAUSE he was Zlatan Ibrahimovic the Arsenal manager should have been more than aware of his capabilities as a player. What sort of football manager didn't know what Zlatan Ibrahimovic was capable of?

The deal was off. No way was Ibrahimovic moving to a club where the manager was so clueless that he needed Ibrahimovic to go on trial to prove himself, prove that he could work alongside masters such as Dennis Bergkamp and World Cup winners Robért Píres, Thierry Henry, Patrick Vieira and Gilberto Silva.

Wenger was right then. Of course, the Swedish international's talent had never been in doubt. It was always his mindset and personality, and Wenger was justified in not pursuing the transfer of a spoilt and egoistical brat to a club that focuses so much on team work and togetherness.

Ibrahimovic is the reason why Aledssandro Del Piero, Juventus' answer to Dennis Bergkamp, has been relegated to the bench this season. Del Piero is not a player to hold up play and make space for Ibrahimovic. Del Piero will take the ball and play it into space, but you must first make that run for him. If you don't, Del Piero won't give you the ball, he will give it to someone else who is willing to make that run.

That's why it's vital that Trezeguet recovers from his hamstring strain in time for the match at Highbury, because Ibrahimovic, without Nedved or Del Piero, against both Kolo Touré and Sol Campbell, would be like a truck trying to race against both a Ferrari and a Lamborghini.

Touré can outstrip Ibrahimovic for pace, Campbell can more than outmuscle Ibrahimovic.

Which is why on Tuesday Campbell will get the nod ahead of Senderos. If Trezeguet plays, Arsenal will need aerial protection against one of the best headers of the ball. Senderos has huge potential, but if it's a 50-50 ball in the air six yards from goal, I would want Sol Campbell as my covering defender.

Ibrahimovic is not as pacey as Thierry Henry. If Touré can mark Henry in training and shut his team mate out like I hear he does, then he can do the same with Ibrahimovic. Touré prevented Martins from scoring a hat trick at Highbury when Inter came to Highbury and won 3-0.

It is a bonus that Nedved will not be playing. The Czech winger is so difficult to mark and pick up, floating from wing to wing and delivering his deadly crosses. Nedved and Trezeguet are a football coach's dream partnership. You have one of the best crossers of the ball aiming for the head of one of the best headers of the ball.

If Nedved drifts inside, one of the central defenders will have to pick him up, leaving Trezeguet or Ibrahimovic to make the run into the then vacant space. Given the right through ball, either [Trezeguet or Ibrahimovic] are most likely to score against an in-form Jens lehmann.

Arsenal will play five in midfield again, because Juventus have more muscle in their team, and Arsenal will have to be strong to win their tackles and the ball back. There is no way Fabregas can win a 50-50 against either Vieira or Emerson. He will definitely try, we all know he will, but Vieira and Emerson will be too strong for him.

Tackling is not one of Gilberto's strong points, so Arsenal will have no ball-winner in the middle of the park, against TWO of the best ball-winners. Arsenal's attacks will have to be quick and decisive, finishing accurately and deadly. There won't be so many chances to score against Juventus on a small and cramped Highbury pitch like there was against Real Madrid.

Juventus will be disciplined and organised, like the new Chelsea. And Arsenal don't have a very good record against Mourinho's men.

I fear it might be the same against a very efficient Serie A team from Turin.

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mrarsenal

Posted on 29 Mar, 2006 at 08:16 AM - Reply

2-0 arsenal you shouldnt be celebrating it cause u didnt have faith. you arent a true arsenal fan

frankie z, new york

Posted on 29 Mar, 2006 at 03:11 AM - Reply

Wenger clueless? Give me a break. Fabregas is going to be bigger than Vieira was.

Fuzz

Posted on 29 Mar, 2006 at 02:10 AM - Reply

I read this a couple of days ago, and almost choked on my brekkie!! Living here and Australia and following the gunners all my life i was dissapointed to see people write of our chances!! We are still a good team and destined for greatness!! The club is one of the future, who really cares about records etc... at the end of the day, the 11 men on the field shape their own destinies!! Not people who try to predict it!!

Darryl

Posted on 29 Mar, 2006 at 01:20 AM - Reply

I thought reading this article yesterday it was overly negative & pessimestic! Easy to say today of course but this mornings results shows how clearly wrong all the suppositions in this piece were. Like against Real we have again shown what a dynamic & exciting team that is not afraid of anyone Arsenal currently has.

Chubs

Posted on 29 Mar, 2006 at 01:10 AM - Reply

lol. what a load of shite all that turned out to be.

Jim, Canada

Posted on 29 Mar, 2006 at 12:31 AM - Reply

Talk about prescient. I mean, the way Arsenal crumbled.....the dejected looks....sluggish play. :)

totally wrong

Posted on 28 Mar, 2006 at 11:39 PM - Reply

ye of little faith! not remember juve losing to liverpool last year when juve were running away with serie a and liverpool struggling to make champs league place!

or inter 1 us 5
3-1 v roma
3-1 v juve in 2001?!!!

bet you're as pleased as i am you were wrong tho!

mosdef

Posted on 28 Mar, 2006 at 10:49 PM - Reply

well well well.

Cesc and Henry score - Hope the guy who wrote this article eats some humble pie.

HaHaHa

Arsene Wenger is a Legend

kopzilla

Posted on 28 Mar, 2006 at 02:26 PM - Reply

If You are a true Arsenal fan then you must believe that we will win no matter what

Abdul

Posted on 28 Mar, 2006 at 10:58 AM - Reply

I don`t think if viera will play very well because as we always use to see players that play`s against there former clubs. He`s fantastic player i`ve ever seen but he have to expect something from our teenager cesc.

Ben, Australia

Posted on 28 Mar, 2006 at 10:46 AM - Reply

You make some very valid points, but I do feel you are being very pessimistic.

We have been playing well and iv'e seen Juve play a few times they are boring and slow(typical Serie A). I think we can really give them problems with our pace and high tempo style. WE have a good record against italian teams I honestly believe we can go all the way!!

Its gonna be tough as they are physical team and we have been kicked off the park before but im very optimistic about the CL this season.

Go the gunners!

Abdul

Posted on 28 Mar, 2006 at 10:38 AM - Reply

I don`t think if viera will play very well because as we always use to see players that play`s against there former clubs. He`s fantastic player i`ve ever seen but he have to expect something from our teenager cesc.

steve

Posted on 28 Mar, 2006 at 09:37 AM - Reply

what a sad little man you are! have you actually watched The Arsenal this year? Fabregas is playing brilliantly and will be a match for Vieira, as for selecting Sol in front of The Swiss, what absolute nonsense! Then you go on to talk about Treziguet as though he puts in a lot of work? Are you sure? I take back my question on whether you have seen The Arsenal and simply ask whether you actually watch any football at all? A very sad and unfounded article.

the oracle

Posted on 27 Mar, 2006 at 03:19 PM - Reply

This is rubbish mate,i'm sorry to inform you.You obviously haven't seen much of juventus,they are winning a very mediocre league.I've seen juventus about a dozen times this year and they are very laboured,can't track back and rely too much on an aging defence.I just don't see them keeping up with the pace of arsenal,It'll be arsenal by 2 in the first leg and a draw away in Turin.Come on arsenal.

RALPH

Posted on 27 Mar, 2006 at 02:41 PM - Reply

Dear dear, Mr Gloomscape! Are you in for a suprise! As you should be aware, anyone can win the Champions League now(Liverpool), yes, we`ve disappointed at this stage many times but Juve have won bugger all in Europe for 10 years. It goes to a team who`ve hit a peak at the right time and get the breaks(Liverpool). Our record against Italian clubs is excellent and will be even better when the Paint Stripper Kings from Turin have been erased. Prepare to mainline liquified humble pie man, because, NO WAY are we losing to Juventus.

Wayne

Posted on 27 Mar, 2006 at 12:01 PM - Reply

1. Nedved's absence leaves Juve with either Mutu (who's no bad replacement), or another holding midfielder to stiffen up the midfield.

Prakash

Posted on 27 Mar, 2006 at 11:13 AM - Reply

I know what this article is trying to say,but liverpool did win juventus last year at home,juventus do not have a good record in london.Believe In ARSENAL FC we will do it.

wibble

Posted on 27 Mar, 2006 at 11:03 AM - Reply

What a load of defeatist cobblers. Just another crap article that says nothing at. Who said journalism is dead?

Salmaan

Posted on 27 Mar, 2006 at 06:24 AM - Reply

I think arsenal are going through a transitional period, meaning they have a young and energetic team. the old arsenal was more experience with the likes of viera,adams, seaman etc. I feel arsenal is capable of winning and it would all come if they bealive in themselves and learn the style Juve is playing as soon as they kick off. Henry and the boys are playing good recently. The fact Henry leaving end of the season press claims will not spoil the arsenal game. i have been a arsenal fan for 8 years and i have seen the ups and downs. to be honest the new arsenal talents have every possibility to win the game with bealief. juve has to be more cautious and adapt quickly. last year juve lost againts liverpool and who thought liverpool will win that game. so this is football so.. u can never ever say whats goin to happen. but all i can say arsenal is a team that is totally different team at highbury. look how real was put in danger but one thing for sure if they take chances they get it would be no problem and with players like henry each chances that comes arsenal's way its 99 percent he will score and you all know that !!!! so my prediction arsenal 2 - 1 juve. oh yes... that will be all

Phillip

Posted on 27 Mar, 2006 at 05:38 AM - Reply

I think CESC deserves more credit, correct me if i am mistaken he did a fine job when patrick was out at the start of his last season here. Furthermore, he coped fantastically with the likes of Zidane!

ott

Posted on 27 Mar, 2006 at 04:55 AM - Reply

Having played so many years at Arsenal, I think Vieira will know the gunner's playing style and tactics well. However, he'll not be sure of the new boys, Eboue, Hleb and Walcott, if he plays. On a side note, I think I know why Wenger buys attackers instead of defenders, it is to gave fresh challenges to the current crop of defenders and this kinda improves them too!

yao

Posted on 27 Mar, 2006 at 01:43 AM - Reply

I found it baffling as the article spending much time talking why we failed to recrucit Zlatan and distracts quite a bit for me.

azoz

Posted on 26 Mar, 2006 at 11:01 PM - Reply

good article

ken_75

Posted on 26 Mar, 2006 at 09:30 PM - Reply

one word: suppositions

G Chia

Posted on 26 Mar, 2006 at 08:27 PM - Reply

Juventus is having a dipped form recently, I hope we can take that advantage. Play more like Werder Bremen(Except the last minute).

amitos10 from Mauritius

Posted on 26 Mar, 2006 at 08:17 PM - Reply

this is a very well analysed article but i think you are being a bit too negative about Arsenal's chance. We can well beat Juve and i think we will. it is true that we may be suffering a little bit at the back. but then i don't think AW is going to play the game from the middle but rather from the sides using the pace of Reyes and hleb, and i sincerely think they are able to shake any defence. Plus if we get the killing finish of Henry... but still the team will have to function collectively

themoogster

Posted on 26 Mar, 2006 at 08:08 PM - Reply

trezeguet, dirty work? i don't think so. Give the boys chance. they need the fans' support.

Max

Posted on 26 Mar, 2006 at 07:54 PM - Reply

Utter, utter rubbish.

Etor, Minneapolis

Posted on 26 Mar, 2006 at 07:09 PM - Reply

I must add that Werder Bremen are not a significantly better team than an in-form Arsenal. They have a terrific attack, but if you follow the Bundesliga, you realise that they are suspect at the back. Arsenal are on course to set a Champs league record on consecutive clean sheets held or something of the sort. In my opinion, Juve will be conservative in the first leg, because they know that if they were attack in numbers they will pay to Arsenal's counter attacks. We can definitely score against Juventus, its a matter of not conceding in the quest for goals.

edward

Posted on 26 Mar, 2006 at 06:47 PM - Reply

you do bring up some valid points but i feel that arsenal have more than what it takes to over come juve. The likes of Nedved and Del piero arent on show ... and Vieira being 1 yellow card shy of a suspension - he's gonna have to play cautious and think twice about getting stuck in. We beat Real when everyone thought we wouldnt.

brad, HK

Posted on 26 Mar, 2006 at 05:39 PM - Reply

The Arsenal players must believe in themeselves to win this game. I hope they dont have your self doubts. The CL is not about reputation. Its about who has more belief and hunger for the cup. And Arsenal has these in ample supply.

Rich

Posted on 26 Mar, 2006 at 04:13 PM - Reply

Fair play pointing out Juve's advantages - namely ball-winning in the middle of the park and experience. At the same time, you've completely ignored the factors in our favour - an in-form Henry and back 4, not to mention our tremendous team speed. Juve's defence is neither young, nor pacey. The pace and movement of Henry, Reyes, Freddie, and Eboue are traits they see don't often in Serie A. I do think we're underdogs due to Juve's experience and history, but on current form the tie is no mismatch.

Steve

Posted on 26 Mar, 2006 at 04:01 PM - Reply

The same Juve who have only lost one league match this season. Also, to suggest Zlatan is an egotistical brat is absolute trash, he works hard for the team and makes many goals. This season he has struggled, but Capello is no mug and he starts him every game. We could beat Juve, with high tempo and pressure, but over in Turin, we will find it hard to play football- the pitch was terrible last time I saw Juve play

Hairy Bottle

Posted on 26 Mar, 2006 at 03:36 PM - Reply

All i can say is negative. Hope its your way to spur the team on but i think they need more encourage.....we're not a bad team bro

Terry

Posted on 26 Mar, 2006 at 03:31 PM - Reply

A poor article.

saim, kampala

Posted on 26 Mar, 2006 at 03:23 PM - Reply

Juve were on a lucky roll so far. Even with their best team out, we should face lesser opposition that we faced against Real Madrid. By wed morning, it will be 3-0 ro the Arse.

ian7

Posted on 26 Mar, 2006 at 02:39 PM - Reply

Why are you so negative at the start of your article? some of the things you mention make it out as if we can win. Most of Juve's good play goes through Nedved so without him they might try nd just lump balls through to Trez or Ibrohimovic. Kolo and Senderos can deal with that, and Campbell definetly can. and if we have Reyes, Cesc, Gilberto, Freddie and Hleb in midfield then we might not get outfought.Same way that Kolo can mark Henry could mean that Gilberto can block Vieira. and Henry will score. have some faith.

amin.

Posted on 26 Mar, 2006 at 02:25 PM - Reply

good article.

ArseNnose

Posted on 26 Mar, 2006 at 01:41 PM - Reply

Yeh Juve are the best in the world! Why bother turning up hey? Just like Real Madrid were gona thrash us Juve are going to do the same aren't they?

longrufus

Posted on 26 Mar, 2006 at 01:36 PM - Reply

I really do think it is nonsense to suggest Campbell will play, with 90mins of reserve football under his belt, adding to that the fact that Wenger didnt think he was ready to be in the SQUAD for yesterday, not to mention the team. Senderos and the current back four have been playing well, i see no reason to upset the balance that has been working well recently. Zlatan is a great player, however he has struggled to find form this season.

ashl 1

Posted on 26 Mar, 2006 at 01:32 PM - Reply

wholeheartedly do not agree. Arsenal have every chance of beating juventus. Arsenal do not concede goals in champions league and are more dynamic up front. The new 4-5-1 (4-3-3) formation is working a treat (in europe) and seems to provide more strength and dynamism in midefield

adam, essex

Posted on 26 Mar, 2006 at 01:11 PM - Reply

are u talking about the same juventus team that struggled and sneaked through unconvincingly against werder bremen?

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