Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Africa Magic: Adel Taarabt (Morocco) v Swansea

Few people remember he made one first team appearance for Lens during the 2006–07 season, but Adel Taarabt has truly found a home in the Queens Park Rangers setup these days.

Here's a great way to tell the big boys to come for you. And mind you, it's not his first great goal for QPR. He's making it a habit.



He's very talented, but somehow he's not found that spark to earn him a big club move. That should change soon.

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Africa Magic: Djibril Sidibe (Mali) v Hapoel Be'er Sheva

Here is a spectacular strike by Djibril Sidibe (Mali) who plays for Maccabi Tel Aviv in the Israeli League. It took a slight defelction its way, but it takes nothing away from the golazo that it is.



Sidibe has played in France for several years after moving from the Centre Salif Keita in Mali in 1999. He's a strong player but has been unable to make a big impact in the Ligue 1. Sidibe had played in the AS Monaco B setup before having a brief stint in the senior team in 2001. He has also played on loan for Châteauroux and SC Bastia, after Michael Essien had left.

Monday, December 27, 2010

Drogba, Essien tamed by rampant Song's Arsenal

Something had to give in this most crucial of fixtures in the English Premier League.

Arsenal came into this fixture knowing that the mental advantage stood overwhelmingly in the Blues corner. Everyone kept trumpeting the Drogba stat: 13 goals in 11 games vs Arsenal in all competitions. And when the game started, the Ivorian looked decidedly intent on inflicting more damage.



Alex Song started imposing himself onto the game early on, and his efforts were rewarded just before halftime, after Fabregas looked to have been fouled by Ferreira in the build up.



The second half saw Marouane Chamakh (Morocco) thrown into the fray but not before Arsenal had gone 3-0 up. Drogba had to have his way though, as Chelsea scored a consolation through Branislav Ivanovic's header from the Ivorian's freekick.


a3-1c

Simão | Myspace Video


Michael Essien, Salomon Kalou and Mikel Obi did not do much, as per their standards, and the result leaves Ancelloti wondering what his fate would be.

Update #1:

Here's proof of how Song was instrumental fared in the game. Thanks to Guardian Chalkboards.


 by Guardian Chalkboards

Update #2:


Thanks to @Orbinho for this: the pass completion rate for Chamakh was 100%, Drogba - 63%, Mikel - 87% and Essien - 87%.