Reading Vs Tottenham Post-Match Players Performances Analysis by Roberto Rivelino

Tottenham fans have to be happy. It was a good and deserved win.

Everyone seemed to go along and the team work was above all else. The players looked confident with the ball on their feet and at a tactical level they were all together and complemented each other.
Enjoyed Vertonghen's exhibition a lot. He surely could've been the Man of the Match had Defoe not scored those two goals and made that performance.

I was utterly disappointed with Gareth Bale. Missed two good chances and he wasn't even on his level, or what he used us to see. Still, he scored the 0-2 goal, with both feet, and got the ovation as he was replaced.
Sigurdsson was class and surely he will try and make Tottenham fans forget Luka Modric. He even has some resemblances with the Croatian, specially after the pass that opened the Reading defense and gave Lennon the assist for Defoe's first goal. He's composed and seems that the pressure of playing for a bigger team isn't affecting him.

Jermaine Defoe was classic. Scored two goals, but it could've been more. He runned all over the place and ruined Reading's defense as well. He's in a great shape and if Villas-Boas doesn't repeats what he did on Porto (by taking some of the players in form to the bench until they lost their boost - I don't believe he did it on purpose, he's just naive), Defoe will scored more goals than he did on the previous 2 seasons and will keep his feud as one of the best Tottenham strikers. Scored two great goals, with the second being labelled as a Wonder as Defoe picked the ball on half-way line and in the end sent the ball to the net with his left feet. Also he had more shots than any other Premier League player this weekend with 9, boosting his overall tally to a league of 26 this season. Man of the Match. 

Genoa 1-3 Juventus Post-Match analysis

Juve resilience shines through in Genova

September 16, 2012

Mirko Vucinic and Kwadwo Asamoah came off the bench to inspire a second-half fightback as Juventus battled from a goal down to register a 3-1 win over Genoa.

The Bianconeri struggled to find their rhythm in a frenetic first half and found themselves behind when Immobile tapped home on 18 minutes. But a spirited second-half showing, sparked by the introductions of Vucinic and Asamoah, tipped the balance in the visitors’ favour.

A fine Giaccherini strike levelled matters, Vucinic then put Juve in front from the spot and Asamoah made the points safe with five minutes remaining to preserve Juventus’ winning start to the season.

It was a significantly changed side that took to the field at the Luigi Ferraris, with Antonio Conte electing to shuffle his pack ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League bow against Chelsea. Caceres, Giaccherini, De Ceglie and Matri came in for their first starts of the season as Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Asamoah and Vucinic dropped to the bench.

Massimo Carrera had previously warned the Bianconeri to expect a tough test against a plucky Genoa outfit, and Luigi De Canio’s men, backed by a passionate home crowd, kept to the script by putting their visitors under a significant spell of pressure in the opening stages.

Half-chances fell to the feet of Borriello and Jankovic before a defence splitting pass sent Immobile one-one-one with Buffon. The striker, however, was unable to keep his composure and rolled a tame shot wide of the target.

Redemption arrived just minutes later. Immobile and Bertolacci exchanged passes outside the area before the former Juve frontman elected to pull the trigger, squeezing the ball in between Buffon’s despairing dive and the post for his second goal of the season on 17 minutes.

Faced with an uphill task, Juventus remained patient and began to settle into their passing game. Good work from Giovinco, who cleverly peeled off his marker to connect with Pirlo’s low corner, almost got the visitors back on level terms, but the former Parma man blazed his attempt over the bar.

Matri also went close towards the end of the first half, but, like Giovinco, was unable work the goalkeeper from a promising angle.  

The start of the second half yielded a much sharper and purposeful Bianconeri display. And when Giovinco embarked on a mazy run before stroking a delicately placed effort goalwards, it seemed that Carrera’s half time words had paid instant dividends. But the diminutive frontman was left to rue his misfortune as the ball cannoned back off the post.

The turning point of the game arrived on 60 minutes. Having rattled the woodwork with Borriello’s header a few minutes earlier, Genoa went a whisker away from doubling their advantage. Bertolacci found the ball at his feet in the area but Buffon was sharp off his line to thwart the former Roma man’s instinctive attempt.

Undeterred, Juventus broke with pace on the counter and saw their persistence pay off when Giaccherini curled an unstoppable strike past a motionless Frey after being teed up by substitute Vucinic.

With just under half an hour to win it, the Bianconeri, galvanised by the introductions of Asamoah and Vucinic, attacked with menace.  

And after the Montenegrin had made his presence felt by laying on the first goal, it was soon Asamoah’s turn to make an impact.

With 78 minutes on the clock, the Ghanaian’s silky skills proved too much for Sampirisi, who sent him tumbling with a clumsy challenge in the box.  Rocchi was left with no option but to point to the spot, and Vucinic held his nerve to tuck his low penalty beyond Frey’s grasp.

The points were made safe when Asamoah reacted first to Vucinic’s deflected centre and turned the ball over the line with four minutes remaining.

GENOA 1-3 JUVENTUS

GOALS: Immobile 18, Giaccherini 61, Vucinic 78, Asamoah 84

GENOA
Frey; Sampirisi (Ferronetti 79), Canini, Bovo (Ganqvist 67), Antonelli (Melazzi 82); Kucka, Seymour, Bertolacci; Jankovic, Borriello, Immobile.
Substitutes not used: Tzorvas, Moretti, Merkel, Toszer, Stillo, Piscitella, Anselmo, Jorquera.
Coach: De Canio

JUVENTUS
Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Caceres (Lichtsteiner 76), Giaccherini, Pirlo, Marchisio, De Ceglie (Asamoah 55); Giovinco, Matri (Vucinic 55).
Substitutes not used: Storari, Rubinho, Lucio, Marrone, Vidal, Isla, Pogba, Bendtner, Quagliarella.
Coach: Carrera

REFEREE: Rocchi
ASSISTANTS: Di Fiore, Giordano
FOURTH OFFICIAL: Preti

BOOKED: Immobile 18, Pirlo 25, Bonucci 43, Canini 63, Barzagli 69

@Juventus.com

Inter Milan 1-3 AS Roma - Post-match Performances Commentary

Inter Milan 1-3 Roma.

It was a good game to watch, specially if we consider that it was an open game, end to end.

Enjoyed Francesco Totti, Marquinho and Stekelenburg's performances for the away side.
I refuse to say that Osvaldo is up there with the Man of the Match mentions because of his stupid red card at the end and that's why Osvaldo doesn't deserves to be at Milan, Inter or Juventus. He shows no-brain decisions on moments that can cost his team(s) something in the future. Though, he scored a great goal and made another great, trivela, assist to Marquinho's goal.
Totti had those two great assists, but the second, for the wonder goal of Osvaldo, was purely amazing. He runs as much as Andrea Pirlo does for Juventus, but the class is there, as is Pirlo's.
Marquinho was consistent and in the end he scored a great goal, in which we can also blame Castelazzi, specially considering that he is an experienced goalkeeper (he can never suffer that goal), but that doesn't takes credit from Marquinho at all. He likes to get up the field and he risks the shot a lot.
Stekelenburg had two great rushes, but the one that sticks out the most is the one on Milito's feet that even led to some penalty appeal's, with no sense. It was a shame the TV didn't show his good save in the stoppage time to Sneijder's bicycle kick.

From Inter... Sneijder, Nagatomo and Álvaro Pereira deserve a good mention.
Sneijder is always the watch. He is consistent, always on the ball and always active. His heart at the end of the game is always racing and today it was no different. Absolute class with the ball on his feet. He deserved better contribution by Cassano and Milito up front.
Nagatomo has four lungs. He was always running and seemed a warrior sometimes. But with the ball on his feet he has to think a lot better. Still, a good complement to Álvaro's runs in the attack.
Álvaro Pereira was being "bullied" by Porto and was training alone for nearly 2 months and that was shown today. He was everywhere and he did a good match, but near the 60th minute he was tired and couldn't take it anymore, so he got replaced, but he is, without a doubt, a World Class left back. His skills were shown and his style as well with that tribute to Recoba on the socks.

Alejandro Dominguez Vs Ind. Rivadavia (River Plate 3-0 Rivadavia)

Originally posted by Roberto Rivelino - Bianconer8.blogspot.com + Vídeo Compilation

After a tough week, because Chori picked a fight with Cavenaghi during the practice, Alejandro Dominguez presented another show at River Plate's service, this time against Independiente Rivadavia.
Alejandro is a number 10 full of class. We can define him with his bravery, intensity, intelligence, a player with class, mastery and quality.
Full of pace, he made a good connection with Fernando Cavenaghi. "Chori" was close to score after a good free kick, well saved by Independiente's keeper, that sent the ball into a corner. On the segment, Alejandro combined with Cavenaghi, crossing the ball to the area, and after a header, Cavenaghi himself sent the ball to the net. So the book was open.
He was replaced at the 81st minute, but before he made more mess on the opponents defense. Well positioned, on the left wing, alone, he picked the ball at midfield and ran until the net, where he only had to send the ball, with his left foot, to it's back, ending a great performance to Unai Emery's (Valencia's coach, the team that has his rights), and Sabella's (Argentina's NT coach), attention.

Arsenal problem in San Siro - "It's good to talk."

"It's good to talk."

Gunners lacked organisers at the San Siro, says Stewart

No velocity: Arteta (right) lacks energy, says Stewart

Stewart Robson told Sky Sports News HD that Arsenal's players must show greater leadership qualities.

"You don't have to be a shouter or a screamer to inspire people, but you need that communication to make sure you're all organised."
Stewart Robson

Arsene Wenger's men were beaten 4-0 at AC Milan in the first leg of their Champions League tie on Wednesday night, while they are also facing a fight to preserve their top-four status in the Premier League.

Reflecting on the heavy defeat in Italy, ex-Gunners midfielder Robson said: "It was as poor as Arsenal have played for quite some time.

"They have a lot of very good individuals, but when goals were going in I don't think they played as a team.

"They certainly didn't defend as a team and there was no communication. You don't have to be a shouter or a screamer to inspire people, but you need that communication to make sure you're all organised.

"Arsenal weren't organised on the field and you couldn't see where the leaders were."

Athleticism

Robson - who played for the Londoners between 1981-86 - believes Arsenal were too ponderous in possession at the San Siro and says they need to be more energetic in the middle of the park.

"They lacked athleticism and when they did have the ball they didn't pass with enough tempo," said Robson. "They didn't play with urgency and they weren't determined in the tackle.

"As good a footballers as (Aaron) Ramsey and (Mikel) Arteta are, they haven't got the athleticism to go after the ball and close down quickly."

However, Robson says the Gunners will snare a spot in the top four this term if Gervinho - who has just returned from African Cup of Nations duty with the Ivory Coast - and fellow winger Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain support the in-form Robin van Persie.

"On their day they can take teams apart; they took Blackburn apart a couple of weeks ago," Robson said of Arsenal, who face Sunderland in the fifth round of the FA Cup this weekend.

"When Gervinho comes (into the side) Van Persie will come short and they will get runners beyond, including (Alex) Oxlade-Chamberlain.

"Those three players can cause teams problems if they play well and that's why I still think they will come fourth in the table."

Click here to read Jeff Stelling's view on Arsenal @SKY Sports.

LAZIO Vs Roma: "Laziale" MOTM Quick Analysis

Great match by Lazio on Sunday.

I really enjoyed to see the "old" likes of Brocchi, Klose, André Dias or Cissé, playing with this kids (Gago, Pjanic, Osvaldo), heads. They were really in.

Klose had a typical class match of his. Holding the possession of the ball with his backs turned to the goal, and then, involved on every single offensive move of Lazio, with or without the ball. And of course, he was there to give the win.

Cissé was pretty great. I watched (well, I downloaded it) the match with ESPN coverage and it's commentator was really annoying and persistent when he was saying that Cissé was having a poor match.... eh, disagree. For his age he's still fast and he can decide quickly. I've had A LOT of chances to watch him for Panathinaikos and I thought he was still the "Superstar", the "Individualist", but heck, he changed a lot. He gave a couple of good balls and on the start of the second half he had the chance to score the 1-1, though, he decided fast enough to make a poor shot. His movements were crucial and when he went to the center, Roma didn't had a chance to breather (also, thanks to Hernanes move to the left side).

Hernanes was Hernanes. He's really top class. No news about it. He's still the same amazing player (wow, it's really rare to see me saying this about anyone), that I watched on his debut for São Paulo. Plays with both feet, and that tells a lot, and then, he is the type of player that can change a match, just like he did for this match.

Brocchi and André Dias were class as well. Dias had the chance to mark Bojan and / or Osvaldo, and he was really good at it. Konko left Osvaldo slip, on his goal, but then Osvaldo rarely did anything except a backheel pass to Angel, major thanks to the Brazilian. Brocchi was fulcral with his positioning and ball distribution. He had the brains and the emotion to control the team. He hold on Gago and Pjanic's youth (though I'de say they are not good as "they" say) and conquered the penalty. Had to leave because an injury, which is sad.

Lulic and Matuzalem substitutions where the culmination of everything. The Bosnian was simply surprising on the left side, helping Hernanes with his maneuvers. And Matuzalem gave a classy-touch to the midfield, full of flair and with that magnificent assist to Klose's goal.

- Roberto Rivelino

Ryan Babel Vs Mainz (Mainz 0-4 Hoffenheim)

- Originally posted by Roberto Rivelino - Bianconer8.blogspot.com

Ryan Babel isn't exactly an unknown. With 17 years started to shine and made his debut for Ajax, with the help and hand of Ronald Koeman.
Initially has a Forward, soon enough, it was easy to spot that it wasn't his best function. Therefore, he was "moved" to the Wing because he was able to create chances, though, as a Forward, he missed most of them. And it was in the Wing that the saga of dribbles and runs of Ryan Babel started to gave the spectators of the Amsterdam Arena a good feeling and the fame of his football started to grow, and soon, in 2005, he was called for the National Team of Holland. Two years later, Liverpool would buy him.

At Anfield, Babel had very highs and lows and, the "lows" had the major emphasis. Constantly praised by legends, such as Kenny Dalglish, who was his coach for only 6 days, because Babel wanted to "new fresh air" and so, despite Kenny's guarantee that he wouldn't move, Babel went to Germany to sign for Hoffenheim. In 6 months he became one of the favorites from the crowd and, in that (past) season (2010-2011), he had 1 goal scored in 15 matches.

Against Mainz, Ryan Babel gave the reasons and more than reasons, for every adjective and compliment delivered to him.
Started playing on the right side, but with the match development, he was either on the left side, or at Second-Striker, behind Roberto Firmino, the first goal scorer. Protecting the ball with his body (1,83m for 77kg), it was a constancy to see him doing the "sombrero" or the "step-over" skill and he had the "icing on the cake" with a brilliant goal! In velocity, "exploded" from the defender's back, by William's pass, dribbled Popech (the defender already beaten before) and Noveski before hitting the ball into the right inferior corner of Müller's net. 8 minutes after, at 82', he got replaced to hear an ovation on the opponents stadium.

With 24 years he is, certainly, one player to have in check. Babel one pure example that, sometimes, it's needed to go one step back, to give two in front.

- Roberto Rivelino

Juventus Vs Parma - Individual Performances Analysis

Heads up, the new season has started in Italy, and so did started to grow the expectations of Juventus fans, specially, after such show against Parma, in which Juve won for 4-1, with goals scored by Lichtsteiner, Pepe, Arturo Vidal and Marchisio, for Juventus and, for Parma, Giovinco scored with a penalty committed by De Ceglie during the extra time, the red card followed Juventus full back, in consequence.


Juventus got their defense tested and Barzagli was the best defender, along with Lichtsteiner. Barza' really worked his body off and had some great tackles and interceptions, but, not only, defensively, he was important on the ball release from the defense to the midfield, with good passes and moves.
Lichtsteiner was really good as well. Lich' has something that Juventus have been missing from long time ago. He can defend and he can attack, and he is really good with the ball on his feet and he is brave and aggressive, which is perfect for a Right Back.
De Ceglie for some part of the match was good. He is really aggressive as well, but though, I think he needs to have more brains, because he has a lot of heart and has improved quite a bit since last season.

On the midfield, well, I could just mention Pirlo and that would do it.
He was amazing. He gave Juve something that they didn't had the chance to see on the last decade or so, maybe since Zidane. And that is flair, technique and class to our game flow.
Sometimes I thought about three things:
1- I wonder how would be this Midfield with Felipe Melo and Diego. Oh hell, that would be amazing. Diego would play so much better with Pirlo supporting his moves, and then Melo learning from Pirlo and doing (almost) the same as him (though, not really comparing both, take notice).
2- Juventus will score many goals with Vucinic and Matri because of him. The ability that he has to put the ball on defenders backs is really remarkable. He did it 10 times (from the top of my head) in this match, though, most of them were to Del Piero, who is not a 26 year-old anymore. Then when Vucinic came on, he (Andrea) served him a lot, but he was really nervous and didn't had a good debut at all.
3- This will have some irony... He reminds me of Busquets for Barcelona. (There's the irony, it should be the contrary) Busquets is like a watch for Barça, and so that will be Pirlo's role for Juventus too. Both turn the game to the left, the team game-play goes to the left, they turn to the right, and the team plays to the right. They are dictators of the rhythm of the match, they are fulcral on their teams because they are the major player in the first phase of game-construction and both are amazing players and I can't imagine Juventus without Pirlo right now.
Marchisio will also learn a lot with Pirlo, though, Pirlo's performance out-shined Marchi's. But I saw a couple of movimentations and skills (and with that I also include passes) that will give, Juve, points.

Then, the attack, and there I'll include Simone Pepe and Giaccherini.
Del Piero was really good, in my opinion, for the time he played. He served Matri really well, specially when Matri hit the post, he made an amazing pass, but not only talking about passes or shots, he was amazingly amazing when it came to the tactical campus. He opened a lot of spaces for Pirlo's balls and to Matri's runs behind the defenders. When Lichtsteiner scored Juve's first goal, I believe Del Piero pushed one or two defenders of Parma, which left Licht alone.
Matri was good. He looked really sharp and I the fact that he got pissed with himself for not scoring, when he got substituted is a good indication. He had some good runs, he hit a ball on the post, "scored" and had some great controls with his chest, receiving passes from Pirlo. He was also majorly helped by Del Piero and I think they will do a great combination during the season, specially if Matri hits the goal many times.
Vucinic was really really average on his debut. I think he will be a great player, but he was a bit nervous indeed. He had a lot of opportunity's and he crumbled. I might be being a bit severe, but I excepted a lot more from him, and that's about it.

Simone Pepe had a good match too. He showed some major improvement from the "narrow-minded" Pepe from Udinese or from the first half of the past season. He worked a lot, helped Lichtsteiner defensively, and had some good passes and scored a good goal. His crosses are terrible, though.
Gia' was a shame. Probably the worst man on the field.

Krasic had a good impact on the match, but honestly, I'm sick and tired of watching him doing the same skill: Ball Roll, followed by a Stepover with his left foot and then a push to his right and run. Every defender in Serie A knows that he makes that every-time and he is becoming more and more predictable with every match.

Arturo Vidal had a good impact on the match, as well, I must repeat. He gave a bit of muscle to the Midfield and his goal was pure class and power. I'm expecting good things from him. 

- Roberto Rivelino