On a break away, Arsenal threads a needle through the mid-field

This play displays the young attacking talent on Arsenal's side. Captain Cesc Fabregas is among the best attacking midfielders in the game today. He can be mentioned with the likes of Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, and Xavi. The main difference that sets him apart from the aforementioned is age. He is at least seven years younger. Arsenal's captain is the leader on the pitch by nature of his position and talent. Fabregas is Arsenals most important player and it's future.



After clearing the ball out of the box, Andrei Arshavin wins the ball at the back of the Everton attack and sets the breakaway in motion. Arshavin finds Denilson in space and the young Brazilian scans up the field and reads the attacking runs of Fabregas and van Persie. A no look through pass to space on the wing is swiped up by Robin van Persie and driven up field. This counter attack chain is almost complete.

You'll notice that Denilson and Fabregas make eye contact right as the pass is fired to Van Persie. Cesc Fabregas see's the play develop once the pass is made and sprints to the top of the 18 yard box in a straight line. Fabregas positions himself brilliantly once the Everton defender runs to pick up Van Persie by turning on the boosters to receive the cross. He takes one touch and slots the ball through the five hole.

I love how Fabregas celebrates the play by tugging on his jersey as his momentum takes him to the team mate who fed him the ball Robin van Persie. Everton was sliced and diced by world class attacking talent. Class all the way.

Everton v Arsenal
Barclays Premier League, Goodison Park
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Everton 1 - 6 Arsenal

Russia's Euro Run was Fun! Part 1:

Russia was the most exciting team in the Euro tournament of 08. After David Villa scored a hat trick in the open game for the eventual winner Spain, Russia woke up. 4-0 was the score and then the Russians snapped to reality and executed a plan. With a clean tactical approach beginning after the whistle to start the game up after Spain's third straight goal, Russia started playing. Each player has a role and each player from then on fulfills it. Not only fulfills their positional duties, but creates chances, and intern they give themselves a fighting chance in the tournament. The teamwork was absolutely beautiful at times. The shape of the team never broke quite like that again.

I watched every game Russia played in the tournament. I was rooting for them to beat Greece and they earned a victory. The next two games were truly aw inspiring. Andre Arshavin and Roman Pavliachenko launched their club careers with their performances. Arsenal and Tottenham as well as others have Russian talent on the radars until further notice.

1st goal: Roman Pavliachenko opens up the Russian score sheet in the Euros. Russia was overwhelmed by the size of the stage and the polished skill of club superstars that pack the roster.



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Russia vs. Greece
Round Two Group Stages



Every game is certain elimination for Russia from here on. They played like they wanted the third game. Roman starting firing and the score could very well have been larger. A positioning error by Greece resulted in a goal that ended up winning the game for Russia. Russia takes another dose of confidence by eliminating the reigning champs. After the first defeat, to win with confidence against the former champs without play maker Andre Arshavin, is huge! They have everything to play for again.


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Russia vs Sweden

Russia came into this game on a high note after knocking out Greece and suiting up Andrew Arshavin. Sweden had just come off a heartbreaking loss to Spain. Sweden's defensive side was literally threaded by David Villa for the winning goal and their defensive shape was dismal. Russia came at Sweden with all the pieces they had. Gus Hidink schooled the over-rated Swedish side. You'll notice that the Swedes look like they are literally being run around.

Enjoy