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Diving row hits Scotland

November 13, 2009 By philturnbull Leave a Comment

By Phil Turnbull

The Scotland versus Wales friendly match tomorrow is threatening to be overshadowed by the continuing row over diving.

In a week where Liverpool striker David N’Gog dived to win a penalty in a Premier League game against Birmingham, the diving row has now reached the international scene.

While Scotland hitman Kevin Kyle conceded he personally would take a dive in attempt to influence the outcome of a game, national team-mate James McFadden yesterday hit back, saying: “No way, I couldn’t dive”.

James McFadden (picture credit: skysports.com)

Birmingham striker McFadden said: “You try to play as fair as you can. You can foul for tactical reasons but I don’t think you can get away with a tactical dive.”

“I would not deliberately do that and try to con a penalty or to get a benefit because in the end you look stupid.”

Earlier in the week Kilmarnock striker Kyle admitted he would dive in a match if it helped Scotland to win.

Asked if he would take a tumble in the box, Kyle said: “I probably would because you go out on a Saturday afternoon just wanting your team to win at any cost and you take every opportunity that’s available to you.”

Kyle’s views are at odds not just with McFadden, but also SFA Chief Executive Gordon Smith.

Smith has been at war with FIFA over players diving ever since Arsenal star Eduardo dived to win a penalty against Celtic in the Champions League Qualifiers, eliminating the Glasgow side in the process.

It is not known how SFA bosses will react to the conflicting points of view from their star strikers.

Meanwhile Scotland captain Darren Fletcher has been passed fit for the clash in Cardiff.

Darren Fletcher (picture credit: independent.co.uk)

The Manchester United playmaker had missed training on Wednesday, but has now been given a clean bill of health by the Scotland medical staff.

The decision will come as a relief to manager George Burley, who is already without Old Firm quartet Steven Whittaker, Kevin Thompson, Scott Brown and Shaun Maloney.

Sunderland goalkeeper Craig Gordon also misses out due to a broken arm.

Scotland’s last friendly match, against Japan in Yokohama, was dogged by call offs that entered into double figures.

While the Scots have no such problems this time round, Wales have been hit by a raft of withdrawals.

Eight players, including £14 million Manchester City star Craig Bellamy, have pulled out of the Welsh squad, forcing manager John Toshack to select Swansea City centre-half Ashley Williams as his new captain.

Williams will be Toshack’s 11th skipper used in his five-year tenure as national team manager.

Wales versus Scotland kicks off at 3pm tomorrow at the Cardiff City Stadium, and is live on Sky Sports 1 from 2.30pm.

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Arsenal, ashley williams, Birmingham, captain, Cardiff, cardiff city stadium, Celtic, Champions League, chief executive, craig bellamy, Craig Gordon, darren fletcher, david n'gog, diving, diving row, eduardo, George Burley, gordon smith, James McFadden, Japan, john toshack, kevin kyle, kevin thompson, Kilmarnock, Liverpool, manchester city, Manchester United, old frim, premier league, rangers, Scotland, Scott Brown, SFA, Shaun Maloney, sky sports, steven whittaker, Sunderland, swansea city, Wales

Liverpool K.O.’d by Arsenal Young Guns

October 30, 2009 By benjaminzand Leave a Comment

By Benjamin Zand

Arsenal fought through an enticing battle against a weakened Liverpool side to win an intriguing 4th-round Carling Cup tie at the Emirates.

: Merida Celebrates wonder strike (Courtesy of SkySports)

Arsenal youngster, Fran Merida, broke the dead-lock with a cannonball from 18-yards out past second-string Cavalieri.

The scoreline was only to be levelled with Liverpool’s Emiliano Insua firing a phenominal 25-yard dipping strike past Fabianski to secure his first goal for Liverpool. Liverpool then fell victim to a 50th minute power house into the roof of net by Nicklas Bendtner which proved to be the winner.

Arsenal, known for repeatedly fielding youth-sides in the Carling Cup, went for an unusually more experienced approach against a side which didn’t feature Gerrard, Carragher or Torres. With Wenger deciding to include several first team players in his side who he deemed to be in need of match practise.

The weakened Liverpool side almost took its chance early on though, with a cheeky back-heel from Liverpool’s Ngog finding the feet of Phillipe Degen, with the full-back only managing to pull his attempt wide.

Despite Liverpool’s early dominance, Arsenal’s swift play and crisp passing, which seems to feature in every Wenger team in spite of who’s playing, brought about a fantastic opener. With Fran Merida powering a left footed screamer in off Liverpool’s left-hand post. This came after some great determination from 18-year old Arsenal debutant Craig Eastmond, who put in a great display, and managed to win the ball on the edge of the Red’s box.

Celebrations were cut short though when a cleverly placed nod down from Babel led to an equally wonderful strike by Liverpool full-back Insua, leaving Arsenal keeper Fabianski hopeless.

Arsenal’s winner came through a powerful strike from one of their more experienced members, Bendter, who shrugged off pressure from Martin Skrtel to fire a shot into the roof of the nest past Cavalieri. Cavalieri, who was not the best on the night, had a couple of nervous moments. With one being a huge escape from embarrassment, after he missed a cross and then ran around the box cluelessly trying to obtain the ball creating a goalmouth melee with players coming in from every angle, but in relief gathered Bendter’s close range shot on the turn.

Both teams had weakened defences, and that combined with both of their desires to attack, led to a captivating game.

Liverpool had their chances to equalize, with Vorinin firing wide from close-range, and Babel missing a fantastic oppurtunity after failing to latch onto a cross from Kuyt, who captained the side in the absence of Liverpool’s Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher, but they just couldn’t get the breakthrough.

Although Liverpool slumped to their 7th defeat of this campaign, which is nearly double that of last season, there are still positives to take out the game. Like great displays by many of their fringe players, with Jay Spearing having a particularly promising game, and with the appearance of 20-million pound signing Alberto Aquilani who made his debut, and finally returned after months of recovery. Aquilani also impressed, making a cameo late in the 2nd half and

: Aquilani makes debut (Courtesy of the BBC)

showing some decent touches and energy, and nearly awarding his team with a penalty when his overhead shot hit the arms of Senderos, only for Alan Wiley to dismiss the claims.

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez said of the game, when talking to the BBC, “The worst thing was the result, but the players showed passion, character and quality – Aquilani was one of these players. You can see he can pass the ball and make a difference in the final third. He is getting closer every day, but he needs games to improve his match fitness. It’s a question of time.”

Arsenal though, once again triumphed in the Carling Cup with a team mainly of youth players, continuing their impressive home record against Liverpool, who have failed to win at Arsenal since 2000.

Speaking of the match, Arsene Wenger said when asked by the BBC, “Overall it was a game of top quality with two teams who really went for it, played at a high pace. We gave people what they paid for – top quality. The experienced players played well, so did the young players. Liverpool came back to 1-1, and we still managed to win, that shows we have also mental resources.”

Filed Under: Entertainment, Sports Tagged With: 28/10/09, Aquilani debut, Arsenal, Arsenal 2 - 1 Liverpool, Arsene, Bendtner, Benitez, Carling Cup 4th round, Carragher, Emiliani Insua first goal, Emiliano Insua, Fran Merida first goal, Henry, Insua, Liverpool, Rafael, Steven Gerrard, Stormer, Torres, Wenger

Where now for Celtic?

August 21, 2009 By stewartprimrose Leave a Comment

By Stewart Primrose

Tuesday’s defeat to Arsenal raises many questions for Celtic manager Tony Mowbray, whose honeymoon period looks over.

The media can dress it up as much as they like. Celtic were not unlucky, but while avoided a mauling, were comprehensively beaten by a side better in every department.

Saturday’s win at Aberdeen was impressive. Make no doubts about it, but they were playing a side that are disjointed and have conceded 11 goals in 3 games under new manager Mark McGhee.

Yet, predictably, we heard cries of ‘scintillating football’ and of being the ‘Arsenal of Scotland’. Mowbray does not get to control what the media say, but he would be better to avoid making ridiculous comments, like comparing his style of football to Barcelona’s.

Celtic, like Rangers, do not have the players, money or resources to compete at the highest level. Their ‘star’ names included Scott Brown and Aiden McGeady. Neither is good enough to get on Arsenal’s bench, let alone making the starting 11.

On the build up to this latest ‘Battle of Britain’ encounter, we were subjected to the absurd stories linking Brown away from Parkhead to Spurs for £12 million. For somebody who cannot pass, shoot, tackle cleanly or has a decent first touch, you have to wonder why some media hacks continue to write such nonsensical material. He is a decent player, but his true value would not even go anywhere near half of the quoted price.

McGeady is probably the most talented player for the Hoops. He is skillful and does posses some natural ability, but has not really made great inroads to progress as a footballer. He does not score enough goals, something that he even admits. His crossing is mediocre at best and his attitude to learn is limited. The best thing he could do is to start looking up whilst running with the ball instead of tilting his head downwards.

Despite their flaws, both McGeady and Brown will remain pivotal to domestic success. Mowbray will rely on them heavily throughout the season, more so than his new signings, who look to be a mixed bag.

Has been 'unfortunate' so far for Celtic.

Marc-Antoine Fortune looks way of the pace and he is best summed up by a Journalist, who claimed he is someone ‘who doesn’t look like he wants to score goals’. That is a damming statement for a striker, who cost just shy of £4 million. Landry N’Guemo looks to be the best capture so far despite only being on loan. He is neat and tidy on the ball and seems able to read the game, but the true test for the African will come when the weather turns sour and games become a real battle. Danny Fox disproves Gordon Strachan’s theory that you cannot buy a player for a modest sum (£2 million) who is better than Lee Naylor. He looks good going forward and has a fine delivery. His defensive qualities do look suspect though, and this is something that could be exploited when playing against quality wide men.

Mowbray has just started his Celtic career and while defeat to Arsenal is certainly no disgrace, it does give him, the supporters, and some quarters of the media a reality check that was needed. It will be a long, tough season for them, as they look to wrestle the title back from Ibrox and secure automatic Champions League qualification.