By Myles Palmer
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RANIERI can beat Arsenal without beating them.
A 0-0 at Stamford Bridge would set up a nervous second leg at Highbury, where he would need a 1-1.
Claudio is a tactical Italian manager who likes to defend.
Arsene is a holistic-physiological manager who knows how to attack.
Claudio usually chops and changes his teams during games to nullify opponents.
Arsene usually says: Let’s play our game, we are the stars – let them mark us.
So Chelsea v Arsenal will be a very interesting battle for a big prize: the chance to play Real Madrid.
And both clubs can beat Real Madrid right now!
It’s been 2-1 three times this season – and the 4th and 5th games could be tighter still.
But Arsenal WILL score at the Bridge. Especially as Cudicini is out.
On a bad night, Arsenal can still score.
On a tight night, Arsenal can still score. They know they can score in every game.
JANUARY was about playing Middlesbrough four times and February was about beating Chelsea twice, but I’ve never been sure what March was about, apart from staying unbeaten in the Premiership.
After a delayed kick-off due to gales, Arsenal started well against Bolton and won 2-1.
Pires and Berkgamp scored goals which were incredible, stunning, world class.
Both goals came from one touch and two-touch moves.
First goal, Edu chipped, Bergkamp laid it off to Pires in the D, and his curling shot was perfect , a trademarked goal.
Second goal, Pires released Henry on the left and his first time cross was converted by a first-time shot as DB10 slotted an ice-cool half volley for 2-0.
It was the kind of classy goal Dennis was scoring in USA 94 and for Ajax before that.
ARSENAL were very impressive at 2-0 but then they took their foot off the gas and Campo equalised after a corner, which Lehmann should have punched away.
So all the goals came in the first half : 16 minutes, 24 and 41.
Bolton came out for the second half with something to play for.
It was very, very windy and Arsenal got sucked into playing Bolton’s game and Bolton had a couple of chances.
Kevin Davies played well as a target man, but Sol and Kolo had big games.
Gilberto struggled in the wide right role.
Freddie came on for him – and did nothing.
Remarkably, Dennis played 90 and was awesome : skill, vision, energy, intelligence, touching the ball back to Pires in a way no other Arsenal player could have done for the first goal, and closing defenders down all through the second half.
He looked so fast and strong and authoritative.
With Dennis fitness IS form.
If his body feels right, his head will be right- and he can do extraordinary things.
He wants a new contract and who wouldn’t? ? Who wouldn’t wanna play in this team?
But why didn’t Arsene take him off an give him a rest?
Because Dennis did not want a rest and Arsene could see that he was sharp and enjoying it.
Can Dennis play like that twice in 5 days?
Or did Dennis playing 90 mean that Reyes will at the Bridge?
I think Arsene will start Dennis.
But he won’t be working him too hard on Tuesday.
MATTHEW UPSON had an X-certificate moment playing for Birmingham at Middlesbrough
It was 4-3 to Boro when Upson failed to deal with a routine bouncing ball in the box which he should have kicked out or passed back to the keeper.
But Upson hesitated in a way that Adams, Bould and Keown never did.
He panicked under pressure,always his problem. His indecision was final – and fatal.
He eventually decided to head the ball back to the keeper, but the ball was shin-high and he ended up flat on his face, poor lad, and Nemeth made it 5-3.
TONIGHT LEEDS play Man City on Sky PPV and it’s a tough one to call.
It’s the first home game since a new consortium bought the club for £22 million – and it will be emotional.
If Keegan has any sense he will play Macken and Fowler, since Macken is a target man who has been effective recently.
When Fowler tires, bring on Anelka.
Fowler has scored four in four because he has been playing with Macken.
As you know, Fowler is still being paid £10,000 a week by Leeds.
As you also know, Viduka is on £67,000 a week.
If KK starts Fowler and Anelka, City will not win.
David James has made a big difference for City, and giant stopper Van Buyten was superb against van Nistelrooy when City beat United 4-1, a scoreline which flattered them.
22nd March 2004.