<div><figure class="external-image"><img loading="lazy" class="aligncenter" src="http://epltalk.com/wp-content/uploads/newsimg.bbc.co.uk/_WU1ng2C9lEg/SF01j7MzTOI/AAAAAAAAAVw/CAWp9gbV4nw/s400/400x400_JamesMcFaddenNew.jpg" alt="" width="350" height="350"></figure></div>
<p>I settled down yesterday afternoon ready for one of those great footballing days that come along every now and again. I had the prospect of 4 matches in a row to keep me entertained (including Charlton v Brentford!) and to see if Scotland could get a win against Macedonia. It was an opportunity to run the rule over a few players who have returned to regular football in the Premiership and see just what Scotland could do.</p>
<p>I’m one of those strange people that wishes no ill to my Scottish cousins over the border to the North, I always try to watch the other home nations when I can, as well as the Republic of Ireland. I always have done, since the days of the Home Championships when I was a little lad and I always want them to do well.<br>
</p>
<p>With Scotland still reeling from the hammering they took in <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1206142/Norway-4-Scotland-0-Pressure-heaped-George-Burley-Oslo-massacre.html" target="_blank">Norway last month</a>, and the <a href="http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/football/scotland/2009/09/04/pressure-builds-on-george-burley-as-sfa-president-george-peat-tells-him-it-s-not-good-enough-86908-21646855/" target="_blank">S.F.A once again seemingly trying their best to destabilise their own team</a>, Scotland manager George Burley was up against it. With 9 players in the starting line up either having played or still playing in the Premiership, the time had come for Scotland to dig in and get a result.</p>
<div><figure class="external-image"><img loading="lazy" class="aligncenter" src="http://epltalk.com/wp-content/uploads/newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/42823000/jpg/_42823593_craig_gordon.jpg" alt="" width="350" height="263"></figure></div>
<p>Craig Gordon, the Sunderland goalie has endured a torrid time since his £9 million transfer 2 years ago, but yesterday, he was immense. His reflexes and strength kept Macedonia at bay throughout a nervous first half performance when Scotland could have been easily 2 goals down. It was the form that saw him so highly rated before joining Sunderland and he continued to excel throughout the first half.</p>
<p>Scotland were wobbling, but one incident seemed to change the whole game. Macedonia had been indulging in the type of behavior that would have embarrassed Eduardo but a drop ball was given. Scott Brown, the Celtic midfielder kicked the ball against a Macedonian player and it spun out for a corner to the Scots.</p>
<p>Macedonia were incensed and all went to try and get hold of Brown. Queue much pushing and shoving, shouting and finger pointing but the Scots wouldn’t bite. Half time went and half the Macedonian team came after Brown, but he slipped off down the tunnel. That incident completely changed the game. I don’t know what George Burley said at half time or if he even put something in the half time drinks, but the second half saw Scotland emerge as a different team.</p>
<p>Macedonia couldn’t cope and with Stephen Fletcher setting up Scott Brown for a cleverly flicked header, Scotland were in the ascendancy. Darren Fletcher was in his busy best, bustling and chasing, tackling and harrying everything. Macedonia had chances, but Gordon and the Scottish back four stood firm and then came the champagne moment. Take a bow, James McFadden. A wonderful solo run with 5 minutes to go, saw him bamboozle four Macedonians before putting the keeper on his backside and rolling the ball into an empty net.</p>
<div><figure class="external-image"><img loading="lazy" class="aligncenter" src="http://epltalk.com/wp-content/uploads/newsimg.bbc.co.uk/blogs/sporteditors/mcfadden_438.jpg" alt="" width="350" height="254"></figure></div>
<p>It was another great goal for McFadden’s resume but one goal can’t answer the doubts that still hang over the undoubtedly talented striker. His return to the Premiership can only benefit Scotland, but he needs to return to a more consistent approach. The last 18 months have seen his form dip and blighted by injuries, his performances fluctuate wildly. On his day, he is Scotland’s most naturally gifted player but he needs to have more of those days.</p>
<p>At his time at Everton, McFadden was a firm favourite with the crowd but could infuriate as much as he delighted. For a player that scores the occasionally brilliant goal, he doesn’t score anywhere near the level his talent says it can. He showed both sides yesterday, missing an easy chance from 12 yards out, slashing his shot high and wide. 20 minutes later he danced his way through the Macedonian team and scored. Work that one out.</p>
<p>With Scotland having to beat Holland on Wednesday night, McFadden needs to have one of those nights in back to back matches. No doubt it’s a massive ask but Holland have already qualified. They don’t need to win and that could play in to Scotland’s hands. Good luck to them, I’ll be wishing them well.</p>

McFadden's Wonder Goal Raises Scottish Hopes

McFadden's Wonder Goal Raises Scottish Hopes - World Soccer Talk

<div><figure class="external-image"><img loading="lazy" class="aligncenter" src="http://epltalk.com/wp-content/uploads/goal.com/2008/02/cescfabregas_649400.jpg" alt="" width="475" height="356"></figure></div>
<p>Arsenal beat Celtic 2-0 at Celtic Park, all but assuring their qualification for the Champions League group stages, with two away goals.&nbsp; It was not the presiding effort of their 6-1 away win at Everton, but the two deflected goals – <a href="http://www.101greatgoals.com/videodisplay/3226424/">from Gallas</a> and <a href="http://www.101greatgoals.com/videodisplay/3226581">Gary Caldwell’s foot</a> – fulfilled the requirement in what was arguably the most important match of the season.</p>
<p>Celtic obviously came into match with an inferior squad.&nbsp; The Scottish Premier League nowhere near equates the English one.&nbsp; Celtic’s biggest signing was £4m Scott Brown.&nbsp; As was mentioned in the telecast, new Celtic manager Tony Mowbray did have experience against Arsene Wenger from his time at West Brom.&nbsp; Unfortunately, said experience was losing to Arsenal with an inferior squad.<br>
</p>
<p>The tactics came as no shock.&nbsp; Celtic pressed early to disrupt Arsenal’s passing, with moderate success.&nbsp; When the club tired, they kicked Cesc Fabregas constantly, resulting in two yellow cards and accomplishing nothing but placing him at risk for injury.&nbsp; Fabregas is too savvy to be addled by wanton lunges.&nbsp; Even if the tactic had hampered his effectiveness, Arsenal have four or five players who can create adequately with the increased space from diminished attention.</p>
<p>Wenger again opted for the 4-3-3, using the exact lineup that played against Everton.&nbsp; This time, however, players shifted positions more frequently and both Gallas and Vermaelen attempted runs from the back.&nbsp; This suggests we may be seeing some true total football at the Emirates this year.</p>
<p>Arsenal’s back four, fronted by Song were solid again.&nbsp; Though, they benefitted from Arsenal breaking up plays high up the pitch in both matches.&nbsp; The trio of Alumnia, Vermaelen and Gallas appear confident now.&nbsp; Will this change when they face a team that can down the wings and challenge aerially with crosses?</p>
<p>The weak point for Arsenal was Nicklas Bendtner.&nbsp; He shone with the ball at times against Everton, but against Celtic he was woeful.&nbsp; Whether playing down the right or in the middle, his poor off the ball positioning placed him consistently two steps behind his proper place.&nbsp; He has the technical ability, but does he have the football intelligence?</p>
<p>Theo Walcott should take Bendtner’s place when he returns from injury.&nbsp; Though, if Bendtner remains the fall back plan for the slender shouldered one, that should influence Wenger’s to buy.&nbsp; Could Wenger <a href="http://www.goal.com/en/news/9/england/2009/08/16/1443028/arsenal-eye-7-million-move-for-rafael-van-der-vaart-report">take Rafael Van Der Vaart off their hands for £6m</a>?</p>
<p>For those tracking other transfers as we approach the deadline, Emmanuel Eboue was not in Arsenal’s squad, leaving that <a href="http://www.goal.com/en/news/9/england/2009/07/29/1411205/fiorentina-target-emmanuel-eboue-appears-to-bid-arsenal-fans">reported £9m move to Fiorentina</a> an option.</p>

Arsenal Beat Celtic 2-0 at Celtic Park, All But Assure Champions League Qualification

Arsenal Beat Celtic 2-0 at Celtic Park, All But Assure Champions League Qualification - World Soccer Talk

Latest news from Scott Brown. Find out about all the news related to Scott Brown on worldsoccertalk.com

ALL POSTS TAGGED "Scott Brown"

News

McFadden's Wonder Goal Raises Scottish Hopes

News

Arsenal Beat Celtic 2-0 at Celtic Park, All But Assure Champions League Qualification