Arsenal FC – Manchester City: Key Battles (Part 2)
Robin Van Persie – Kolo Toure
It’s a battle between former teammates this one. After seven excellent years with the Gunners, Kolo Toure arrived at City of Manchester Stadium in 2009, one of Mansour’s first ever imports he was. While the Ivorian will fail to reach the standards he achieved
with the Invincible Gunners of 2004, he is still a classy defender.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Kolo-c21278 will be assigned to mark. The Dutch forward is one of the most gifted players of his generation but injuries have ravaged his career to date. In six years with the London based club, Van Persie has not made more than
30 league appearances in any season. One can certainly argue that Gunners no. 10 would have become an Arsenal legend by now had he played regularly. Judging by his immensely delightful technique, it’s hard to argue against such statements.
Wenger’s men play one touch football and Van Persie will be fundamental for Gunners’ link up play in the Citizens' half. Toure will have to be on his toes at all times and read the game expertly to stop the Arsenal juggernaut.
Carlos Tevez – Laurent Koscielny
Even though Carlos Tevez might not be happy in Manchester, his match-winner status is still undoubted. The Argentine is bulky, powerful, physical, speedy and determined. In short, all the traits required for Premier League success. His excellent technique
and South http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/America-c38390 footballing brain are just an added bonus.
The Argentine terrier bulldog will be running at French defender, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Laurent-Koscielny-c21742 –French players are a given for Arsenal by now. Prior to this season, the 25-year-old was little known outside Ligue 1 and many scoffed at Wenger’s latest signing. To his
credit however, Laurent has repaid Wenger’s faith in full with some assured displays at the back.
With Gunners attack often going for broke, it’s very likely that Gunners will score. Without Silva and Balotelli in the attack, City will pose a subdued goal scoring threat. Tevez must score for his team to have any chances of taking points off Arsenal.
Alternatively, Koscielny must subdue Tevez to seal the three points for the home side.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Alexandre-c4885 Kolarov
Will this be the season for the perpetual kid of English football to finally come of age? Walcott’s recent performances will certainly make you hope so. A player of Walcott’s pace has the potential to be a world beater. If only he could borrow some technique
from Van Persie.
Nevertheless, the English winger has improved – saying tremendously would be an overstatement to be honest – this season and will only get better with age. Walcott will have to make short work of newest left back on the block, Alexander Kolarov.
The Serbian, owing much to his Serie A education, is a disciplined defender. His rocket of a left foot can be a lethal weapon from range as the two players will look to cancel each other out. We have an interesting battle on our hands.
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