LONDON // If you thought the reaction to Tiger Woods's road traffic accident was exaggerated - an initial bulletin of the world's No 1 golfer being "seriously injured" was downgraded swiftly to "minor injuries" - then that will be nothing compared to the hyperbole that will inevitably accompany the post-match analysis of a defeat or victory for Arsenal today against Chelsea.
A fourth loss of the season - leaving Arsenal 11 points adrift of their opponents - will spark a depressing post-mortem that will focus on Arsene Wenger's reluctance to spend money, the trophy-drought at the Emirates Stadium and the mental fragility of his youthful team.
Three points, on the other hand, will see the French alchemist hailed as a tactical genius, provide vindication of his transfer policy and prompt fanciful talk of a first title since 2004. The truth probably lies somewhere in between.
"This is not a decisive match for Chelsea or for Arsenal," said Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti. "It's an important match."
Wenger, publicly at least, is unlikely to get too carried away by any outcome. One result will not shake his beliefs. He is a visionary who wants to create a legacy, an aesthetically-pleasing side without bankrupting the club. He has fostered a young, dynamic squad who could dominate the domestic landscape for years to come. If Wenger needed a ringing endorsement of his blueprint then his sought-after captain provided it.
"I want to continue to be part of what is happening here," said Cesc Fabregas. "I believe in this team and I feel we can achieve things."
If anything, the pressure and expectation is on Carlo Ancelotti. He is paid a king's ransom by Roman Abramovich, inherited a huge squad bristling with world-class talent and is not only expected to win, but win with style.
It will also not be lost on Ancelotti that this Chelsea team are an ageing one and will need infusing with youth and rebuilding at a huge cost in a few years. He, of course, knows all about the perils of managing an ageing team from his days at Milan: the task became so big that he jumped ship and left the onerous task to Leonardo.
Ancelotti has not needed to revolutionise the team or the tactics at Stamford Bridge and very little has changed from the days of the ruthless winning machine created by Jose Mourinho and continued by Avram Grant and Guus Hiddink. Ancelotti has implemented a diamond formation and knows that midfield quartet will need to suffocate Arsenal's fluid midfield.
"Arsenal have very good midfielders who we have to control," acknowledged the Italian. "This can be a difficult match for us if Arsenal keep control of midfield."
Despite the fact that Arsenal have been rampant form at home - five games, five wins and 20 goals - Chelsea will be confident. But Wenger will remind his players that this is a side who lost to Wigan who themselves were thrashed by Spurs who Arsenal beat comfortably at the Emirates last month.
Granted, Arsenal have injuries, but Manchester United were severely depleted at Stamford Bridge last month and Chelsea could only labour to victory with a controversial goal from John Terry.
Terry relishes a challenge, particularly a physical one, and Wenger will be contemplating stretching the Chelsea defence and seeing how the England captain fares against raw pace by unleashing Theo Walcott.
"Theo can play central, I am very conscious of that because of the quality of his runs and the timing of his runs," said Wenger, who may need to step his search for Bordeaux's Marouane Chamakh after Robin van Persie was yesterday ruled out for up to five months with ankle surgery.
kaffleck@thenational.ae
Arsenal v Chelsea, KO 8pm, Showsports 1 & 2
Ms Yang's top tips for parents new to the UAE
- Join parent networks
- Look beyond school fees
- Keep an open mind
if you go
The flights
The closest international airport to the TMB trail is Geneva (just over an hour’s drive from the French ski town of Chamonix where most people start and end the walk). Direct flights from the UAE to Geneva are available with Etihad and Emirates from about Dh2,790 including taxes.
The trek
The Tour du Mont Blanc takes about 10 to 14 days to complete if walked in its entirety, but by using the services of a tour operator such as Raw Travel, a shorter “highlights” version allows you to complete the best of the route in a week, from Dh6,750 per person. The trails are blocked by snow from about late October to early May. Most people walk in July and August, but be warned that trails are often uncomfortably busy at this time and it can be very hot. The prime months are June and September.
Specs
Engine: Duel electric motors
Power: 659hp
Torque: 1075Nm
On sale: Available for pre-order now
Price: On request
MATCH INFO
Manchester City 3
Danilo (16'), Bernardo Silva (34'), Fernandinho (72')
Brighton & Hove Albion 1
Ulloa (20')
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
THE BIO
Family: I have three siblings, one older brother (age 25) and two younger sisters, 20 and 13
Favourite book: Asking for my favourite book has to be one of the hardest questions. However a current favourite would be Sidewalk by Mitchell Duneier
Favourite place to travel to: Any walkable city. I also love nature and wildlife
What do you love eating or cooking: I’m constantly in the kitchen. Ever since I changed the way I eat I enjoy choosing and creating what goes into my body. However, nothing can top home cooked food from my parents.
Favorite place to go in the UAE: A quiet beach.
The Energy Research Centre
Founded 50 years ago as a nuclear research institute, scientists at the centre believed nuclear would be the “solution for everything”.
Although they still do, they discovered in 1955 that the Netherlands had a lot of natural gas. “We still had the idea that, by 2000, it would all be nuclear,” said Harm Jeeninga, director of business and programme development at the centre.
"In the 1990s, we found out about global warming so we focused on energy savings and tackling the greenhouse gas effect.”
The energy centre’s research focuses on biomass, energy efficiency, the environment, wind and solar, as well as energy engineering and socio-economic research.
Election pledges on migration
CDU: "Now is the time to control the German borders and enforce strict border rejections"
SPD: "Border closures and blanket rejections at internal borders contradict the spirit of a common area of freedom"
Electric scooters: some rules to remember
- Riders must be 14-years-old or over
- Wear a protective helmet
- Park the electric scooter in designated parking lots (if any)
- Do not leave electric scooter in locations that obstruct traffic or pedestrians
- Solo riders only, no passengers allowed
- Do not drive outside designated lanes
A State of Passion
Directors: Carol Mansour and Muna Khalidi
Stars: Dr Ghassan Abu-Sittah
Rating: 4/5
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Lamsa
Founder: Badr Ward
Launched: 2014
Employees: 60
Based: Abu Dhabi
Sector: EdTech
Funding to date: $15 million
Name: Brendalle Belaza
From: Crossing Rubber, Philippines
Arrived in the UAE: 2007
Favourite place in Abu Dhabi: NYUAD campus
Favourite photography style: Street photography
Favourite book: Harry Potter
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Formula Middle East Calendar (Formula Regional and Formula 4)
Round 1: January 17-19, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 2: January 22-23, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 3: February 7-9, Dubai Autodrome – Dubai
Round 4: February 14-16, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 5: February 25-27, Jeddah Corniche Circuit – Saudi Arabia
At a glance
Global events: Much of the UK’s economic woes were blamed on “increased global uncertainty”, which can be interpreted as the economic impact of the Ukraine war and the uncertainty over Donald Trump’s tariffs.
Growth forecasts: Cut for 2025 from 2 per cent to 1 per cent. The OBR watchdog also estimated inflation will average 3.2 per cent this year
Welfare: Universal credit health element cut by 50 per cent and frozen for new claimants, building on cuts to the disability and incapacity bill set out earlier this month
Spending cuts: Overall day-to day-spending across government cut by £6.1bn in 2029-30
Tax evasion: Steps to crack down on tax evasion to raise “£6.5bn per year” for the public purse
Defence: New high-tech weaponry, upgrading HM Naval Base in Portsmouth
Housing: Housebuilding to reach its highest in 40 years, with planning reforms helping generate an extra £3.4bn for public finances
THE BIO
Born: Mukalla, Yemen, 1979
Education: UAE University, Al Ain
Family: Married with two daughters: Asayel, 7, and Sara, 6
Favourite piece of music: Horse Dance by Naseer Shamma
Favourite book: Science and geology
Favourite place to travel to: Washington DC
Best advice you’ve ever been given: If you have a dream, you have to believe it, then you will see it.
The specs: 2018 Ducati SuperSport S
Price, base / as tested: Dh74,900 / Dh85,900
Engine: 937cc
Transmission: Six-speed gearbox
Power: 110hp @ 9,000rpm
Torque: 93Nm @ 6,500rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 5.9L / 100km
If you go
Flying
Despite the extreme distance, flying to Fairbanks is relatively simple, requiring just one transfer in Seattle, which can be reached directly from Dubai with Emirates for Dh6,800 return.
Touring
Gondwana Ecotours’ seven-day Polar Bear Adventure starts in Fairbanks in central Alaska before visiting Kaktovik and Utqiarvik on the North Slope. Polar bear viewing is highly likely in Kaktovik, with up to five two-hour boat tours included. Prices start from Dh11,500 per person, with all local flights, meals and accommodation included; gondwanaecotours.com
OPINIONS ON PALESTINE & ISRAEL
