Brilliant Besiktas Fans But Team Slip Out of Champions League

Picture by Fevzi Hussein

Besiktas fans were totally awesome at the Emirates last night (27.8.14) and I have to confess I felt really proud seeing one of Istanbul's big three walking out on to the turf against the mighty Gunners. But the gusto and passion of their fans was not enough to see them through in to the group stages of the Champions League, as a solitary goal in 180 minutes of football was enough to parachute the 'KARTAL's' out of the elite competition. 

Sanchez's goal was effectively the last touch of the first half as he finished off a nice move by the North London giants. Arsenal fans definitely did not have it their own way though and their clubs failure to register an away goal in the first leg made sure Besiktas were always in this game right up until the very end. Matters were not helped when Debuchy was sent off for Arsenal with fifteen minutes to go.

The atmosphere was raucous, which was to be expected with the Turks in town. Besiktas had more possession in the game at the Emirates, which is no mean achievement but this was let down by the fact that they failed to register a single shot on goal to test Arsenal's keeper. Arsenal on the other hand, were wasteful in front of goal and should have added to their solitary strike.

Sanchez again played up front, which surprised many as Sanogo was expected to start in the absence of the injured Giroud. Despite him not being cut out to be a striker in a 4-5-1 formation he set a tremendous example to the other Arsenal players with a phenomenal work rate and topped it off by scoring the goal which took Arsenal through.

All in all it was a good nights work for Arsenal. Arsene Wenger successfully manoeuvred his club into the group stages for the 17th consecutive season and again enhances Arsenal's cash-rich bank balance.  

Fevzi Hussein

Gawolebismillah!

Welcome to Bishy's Cypriot Ramblings, and my opening blog piece Gawolebismillah. My new blog will primarily focus on all things Cypriot. As I am of Turkish Cypriot descent, it will likely lean towards my own heritage although knowing me I will look to divert and comment on all sorts of other areas - Jack of all trades master of none.

I hope my future Cypriot ramblings will make you smile, may even make you angry, but most important of all, will provoke some food for thought. I tend not to stand in silence when there is injustice in the world and god knows there is enough of it to last a lifetime and more.

Most Cypriots are an opinionated bunch and I am no exception. On the issue of the Cyprus Problem it is nothing but a disgrace that the deadlock has been allowed to drift for so many decades. So many parties are responsible, or have contributed to this and anyone who has any knowledge on the 'Cyprob' will know exactly who and what I am talking about.

I will write again soon and look forward to engaging with as many people as possible. Tonight I will be off to see my beloved Gooners against Turkish-giants Besiktas. Not really a dilemma for me...c'mon you Gunners!!

Ciao for now.