Archive for February, 2007
February 13th, 2007
When Danny Karbassiyoon signed for Arsenal in July 2004, he was a highly rated American forward of Iranian/Italian parentage. During his time at the club, his versatility was put to good use as he converted to left-back, making several appearances in the Carling Cup, including scoring an absolute pearl against Man City on his debut.
However, with Ashley Cole and Gael Clichy ahead of him his opportunities were always limited. He went out on loan to Ipswich where he proved a significant success, before eventually signing for Burnley in June 2005.
A spate of knee problems proved his undoing there, and after a difficult first year and unsuccessful trial with AZ Alkmaar, he found himself without a club this season. Crucially, the knee problems worsened, and now, tragically, at the age of just 22, it seems Karbassiyoon’s career is over:
“Some of you may know now if I’ve been able to tell you and some may still be wondering what exactly it is that is going on with my knee, soccer, the draft, the MLS, going back to England, and so on. As stupid as it is to find out through a facebook note, I figure its the easiest way to let everyone know without leaving anyone out…that is of course if you even bothering reading this, which is totally up to you.
I’ve been to DC and Miami since I came home in September to see different doctors and get different opinions regarding my knee. Unfortunately, all the docs I’ve spoken with share the same thoughts in terms of the state of my knee: another operation wouldn’t guarantee anything but could possibly be a temporary cure. They said on top of that, another operation, if i continue playing, would be inevitable in a couple years if that long. So, already I’m looking at least 2 more operations to continue playing and horrible knee problems when I get older.
As hard as it is to just walk away from playing soccer, I’m trying to be as sensible as I can for my future. Soccer gave me so much and allowed me to meet so many interesting people, while taking me all around the world and I would never trade that for anything.
Most of all though, I just wanted to say thank you to anyone and everyone that helped me get to where I was and where I am. From my family to my best friends to the people that I’ve met through facebook, myspace, and other means, I really appreciate all the support and words of encouragement you’ve given me over the past five or six years. I’d never have had the strength to keep going with out you guys and I mean it. So as I sit here at a huge crossroads of my life, awaiting a new challenge and whatnot, I send my thanks, love, and appreciation to all of you and wish you all the success in the world.”
It really is terribly sad to see someone’s career end so young. Karbassiyoon was very well thought of both as a person and a player, and fortunately has had a significant academic education that will serve him well in the rest of his life. Best wishes and good luck from all at Arsenal, Danny.
It makes you realise that when people say Theo Walcott is struggling, you have to at least be thankful that he remains relatively injury free. Arsene has talked about the importance of him reaching 19 without a major injury, and Karbassiyoon is evidence of what can happen should the unthinkable occur.
Continuing to look to the future, we’re reportedly after on-loan Liverpool goalkeeper Scott Carson. I have to say I’ve been very impressed with him, and whilst there is a lot of fuss over Ben Foster at Watford, Carson is certainly close to him in terms of ability.
I’m sure as the day goes on there will be team news for tomorrow’s FA Cup tie with Bolton. I’d be very, very surprised if Thierry is even in the squad.
February 12th, 2007
At half-time yesterday, I was feeling slightly peckish. Foolishly, I decided my wallet was up to the task of tackling the stadium refreshments. When I arrived at the front of the queue, however, I could not have anticipated the delights that awaited me.
Me: Hello. Could I have a “Cheese Bagel” please?
Man: No sry, sold out bruv.
Me: Oh, I see. How disappointing. Perhaps a “Sweet Pretzel” then?
Man: Nah man, we don’ even sell those no more.
Me: Oh. Right. What’s that behind the pies. Is that a sausage roll?
Man: Yeh but we’re nt sposed to sell those 2 u, innit.
Me: Why not?
Man: They’re just for the staff.
Me: Oh. I understand.
Man: But I cud sell it 2 u, innit.
Me: What?
Man: I cud. Not Arsenal, me.
Me: Right. How much?
Man: Errr. 2 quidz?
Me: I’ve only got a fiver.
Man: Ah shit bruv, I don hav no change. What else you want? Make it up 2 a fiver.
Me: I only want a sausage roll.
Man: I cant do it then. But anytime u want a sausage roll, u come 2 me, yeh?
Me: Of course.
Man: We dont make enuff money here. You gotta hustle.
The world is a sick place. As if to make things worse, Arsenal were 1-0 down at this point. Julio Baptista and Theo Walcott had come in for Mathieu Flamini and Emmanuel Adebayor, and in spite of a bright start punctuated by a couple of Henry misses, Wigan had quietened the crowd and the team. Not only that, but Denny Landzaat had smashed in an absolute corker to give them the lead. Only the finger-tips of Lens Lehmann had prevented it becoming 2 nil.
The game turned on 51 minutes, when Adebayor replaced Johan Djourou, who had suffered a broken nose. Gilberto moved to centre-back (where he may start Wednesday’s cup-tie with Bolton), Baptista dropped into midfield, and Adebayor joined Henry up top. Immediately we were given a new dimension. Henry and Baptista are both classy players, but no-one can match Adebayor for sheer movement and effervescence. Unfortunately this led to him being called offside a couple of times, but the most crucial decision which denied him a goal did appear to be incorrect.
Then Wigan had what looked to me like a good shout for a penalty turned down (I haven’t seen it on TV, but from my seat it looked pretty clear), and we broke up the other end to score. – Adebayor slipping in Flamini whose cross was diverted into his own net by Fitz Hall. There were just 9 minutes left, but with Wigan’s steely resolve broken, you fancied us to get a winner.
And we did. Adebayor again split the defence with a lovely through ball, which Julio Baptista drove onto Tomas Rosicky’s head. The Czech flicked the ball into the top corner for his first Premiership goal, and arguably his most important Arsenal goal to date.
Wigan may feel they were hard done by, but if you try and defend a lead for that long against a side of our quality, you run the risk of being turned over. They may claim that Flamini was offside for the first-goal, but then Adebayor appeared to be onside for his disallowed effort. In there is some kind of over-ruling footballing karma, then perhaps it punishes people for time-wasting. I sympathise with why they did it (anybody would do the same in their position), but you can’t castigate the likes of Henry for finding it irritating and ungentlemanly. Jens mocking Kirkland’s delay tactics was hilarious, and how he can be booked for it when Kirkland escaped punishment is beyond me.
Yet again we have shown the ability to come from behind and win. It was good for me, simply because I had a bet on to that effect, but we really need to learn to start games and score in the first twenty minutes like we used to.
Still, three points is three points, and if we win our game in hand we’ll be ahead of Liverpool. Now it’s on to the cups…
February 11th, 2007
Just a hunch. Wigan are on bad form, we’ll want to get back to business after the draw at Middlesbrough, and Henry’s goals p/game ratio is electrifying at the moment. Johan Djourou seems likely to start at centre back in place of the suspended Philippe Senderos, with Emmanuel Adebayor partnering Henry up-front.
The only real question mark is over right-midfield, where Theo Walcott, Denilson, and Mathieu Flamini are vying for one place. With this being a home game, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Walcott in the side.
It’s pretty remarkable that we survived the International break without any major injuries. Now we should take advantage of that with a big performance today.
February 10th, 2007
Well, Arsenal have struck up a link with the Colorado Rapids. At this stage it’s being called an “exchange of ideas”. Although it remains to see exactly how close the relationship will be, it’s certainly a good move on the part of the club – by getting into the American market ahead of Beckham’s arrival, we have increased worldwide exposure of the Arsenal brand without inconvenient pre-season tours or having to sell up. Like I said, it’s hard to know how this will affect the playing side in any way, but I suppose an exchange of players will be a possibility at some stage. In the next few weeks I may well profile a couple of Colorado’s star players.
The main team news ahead of Sunday’s match at home to Wigan is that Julio Baptista is back. Abou Diaby has also returned, and I’d expect both players to be on the bench this weekend ahead of starting against Bolton next week (a game in which Alex Hleb could also feature).
Cesc Fabregas has rightfully won the Player of the Month award for January. If he isn’t PFA Young Player of the Year this season then something is very wrong.
Arseblog has some interesting quotes from Arsene on International football. I have to say I agree: it is always dull, drab, and often depressing. I would support holding all qualifiers as a summer tournament, or during a January break – they should all happen at once and be dealt with.
It looks like I might be going to Cardiff for the Carling Cup Final. Exciting stuff – we’ve got nothing to lose, and it’s always a great day.
February 9th, 2007
It’s unusual for me to miss a couple of days worth of blogging. But fortunately my crazy week has coincided with International week: pretty much as dull as it gets in the world of club football. Here’s what we’ve missed:
Jens Lehmann admits he is considering a move back to Germany, or possibly Spain. I’m almost certain he will sign a pre-contract to return home, possibly with Stuttgart. Whatever he does is his decision, and we must respect that: he’s been a world class replacement for David Seaman, and now we need to move for a younger ‘keeper.
Freddie Ljungberg, meanwhile, has elaborated on his decision to stay at Arsenal. The injury to Alex Hleb gives him a real opportunity to prove he still has something to offer, and he is determined to reclaim his place:
“There is a special bond at Arsenal. I just love the way it is and that’s why I have stayed so long.”
Mark Randall has been awarded a professional deal, having been regarded as one of the club’s brightest prospects for some time now. Speaking of youngsters, anyone whose ever questioned why I don’t think Niklas Bendtner will make it with Arsenal should check out the quotes on arseblog.
Finally: Arsene Wenger is obsessed with death, we are on the verge of a partnership with the Colorado Rapids, and Emmanuel Adebayor is a good dancer (as if we didn’t know).
We should get some team news today for Sunday’s tie with Wigan – fortunately no-one picked up a knock in the week. Julio Baptista and Abou Diaby might well be back, and they’re won’t neccessarily be the only ones.
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