A more sensible review perhaps..

Yesterday was painful. Frustrating. It highlighted every little problem with the Arsenal team this season.

When the 4-2-3-1 formation isnt working (i.e. in the absence of Fabregas) we need to do one of two things, switch to 4-4-2 and put two strikers up front to pressurise the opposition defence or what I'd prefer move Wilshire forward into Fab's role and put Rosicky behind in the deep playmaker role.

Contrary to a lot of frustrated reviews including my own to a point, I thought Rosicky did ok, our midfield was let down badly yesterday by Song who was rarely in the game and when he was he wasn't effective. Rosicky is a shadow of the player he was, but he still is excellent at receiving and distributing the ball forwards with pace and accuracy. He is the master of one-touch football and he did ok yesterday. He didn't set the game alight, but he did help keep it smouldering and allowed Wilshire space and time to perform.

Arshavin and Nasri both did well in bursts but as a whole, collectively our attack did not produce enough.

Defensively, much is being made of our inability to deal with Zigic. Its not a problem that is solely ours, he's a difficult player to play against because he is a man-mountain. Could we have dealt with him better, of course but he is more than a handful and that must be recognised.

I think we were a bit naive at times, we allowed him to position himself in front of Sczcesny and the chaos that caused left Szczesny with a bad starting position for the first goal and subsequent corners, Szczesny needs to boss his defence more and tell them he doesn't want that.

Substitutions, oh the frustration. Arsene did the right thing, he put on his two striking options in Bendtner and Chamakh when the injury to RvP was apparent and when Arshavin needed to come off. At the time I thought it was the right decision and it certainly put us back in the game and we enjoyed a strong period of possession and put pressure on the Brum defence, neither striker was provided with a gilt-edged chance and Bendtner tried to tee-up Rosicky but Foster was sharp and saved well.

I still think it was the right decision.

It just wasn't our day. If it was we'd have done better in the first half and been 2:1 up.

WG

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Moving swiftly on.

As I sat in disbelief, my mobile bleeping away with the taunts of Mancs a certain calm washed over me. We can't highlight the howler at the end as the issue, Koscielny and Sczcesny didn't lose us the game because we shouldn't have been at 1:1 at that point.

In terms of fact, we lost 2:1 to a fortunate winner from the opportunistic Martins.

At the moment, I really have no idea how I feel about it. In terms of collective responsibility, Nasri, Song, Clichy, Sagna didn't show enough yesterday and didnt perform as they could.

Arshavin played well and consistently created chances in and around the box, RvP despite taking his chance extremely well didn't set the final alight and I guess thats just the story of the day, too many players didn't perform to their ability. In fairness to Brum they did really well and deserved it.

I will never forget the look on Cesc's face when the goal went in. I'd love to know what he is thinking. Is it, "If I was playing we'd have won?" is it "What am I doing wasting time here?" certainly it was a great chance to win some silverware.

I'd love to have been a fly on the wall in the Arsenal dressing room after the game.

WG

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Team news

Arshavin to start, the spiky russian will be tasked with creating space and chances between the Brum midfield and their defence.

Bendtner is on the Bench today with RvP upfront. Arsene is taking this game very seriously but has picked up an attacking line up to take the game to them and that fills me with confidence.

Look for the Djourou-Wilshire-Arshavin-Nasri-Rosicky combo, it will drive us forward today.

We will win and win well.

WG

Bovvered?! Its only the Copper Cup!

I find myself in a quandrary. I'm nervous about tomorrow. I know I shouldn't be. I know on paper and on the pitch we are better than the Brum.

However, I'm realistic enough to know that over 90mins anything can happen and invariably does.

I'm going out tonight for food and beer and I'm sure that will calm these pre-final nerves. We need that trophy, but we still have to earn it.

Team news and line-up to follow tomorrow morning.

WG
Victoria Concordia Crescit.

Marouane Chamakh - form is temporary...

..Class is permanent. There has been much media commentary about his "Tiredness" and indeed the player himself has admitted that his early season exploits have dulled his edge and left him tired.

I really rate Chamakh, I think he's a really good player and he will only get better with us. I hope the physio's are working him really hard to get his stamina and conditioning up to scratch so he is ready for the forthcoming games.

Chamakh played an awful amount of games at the start of the season, what with us and games for Morocco he's played a lot of football. The Premier League is played at a ferocious pace compared to the French leagues and its no surprise he's feeling the strain, especially as his game is largely based on work-rate and movement.

As it stands, I'm yet to be convinced that Bendtner is a better player and whilst Chamakh is a bit off form at the moment, I am expecting a Arshavin-esque comeback. We will need him in the run in and it will be great for him to be part of that.

Come on Chamakh, play this weekend and remind us why you're such an asset to Arsenal.

WG

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Just what the doctor ordered!

Winning 1:0 at home against Stoke isn't a marquee result. Its a great result for us in the title race.

Some fans are suggesting we should have won by a bigger margin, I think we were unfortunate not to score more, but the three points were expensive enough with injuries to Theo and Cesc marring the win.

Theo is definitely out of this weekends final with Cesc, RvP and Koscielny all having fitness tests in a race to be fit.

In terms of the Prem, we're one point behind ManYoo and they have some tought games ahead against Chelsea and the vibrant Liverpool who are anxious to rescue their season.

Me, I'm just hoping for good news on our injuries, they're all key players and we need them back.

WG

Wellington Silva - suffering at Levante

The usual spite from the Daily Mail continues. Usually I wouldn't give stories like this the time of day, but the tone of the Daily Mail article frustrated me, they are almost revelling in dealing this spiteful article, which is no doubt misquoted and mistranslated.

Wellington is struggling to settle and isn't getting much game time at the moment, which is causing the media to wonder/make up stories why.

The Daily Mail has said the following;

'I want him to be more professional in his behaviour,' Garcia said. 'Arsenal want us to work and help him and not only in terms of football. 'We've drawn up a programme for him and I want more time spent with his team-mates to help him settle and with the different language.

'He does have a problem settling in, being lonely. It's important that he has someone to help and guide him.'

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1359796/Arsenal-kid-Wellington-Silva-told-Cut-pizzas-Twitter.html#ixzz1EmtZba72

Firstly, the lad's 18 and has just moved to a new country. Its a whole new way of life for him and its tough. I remember when we first loaned out Vela the same articles were doing the rounds, saying he was unprofessional and difficult.

Twelve Months later those sane teams and newspapers couldn't get enough of him and didn't want him to go back to Arsenal. Take such articles as these as a pinch of salt, he's a young lad finding his way in a new country, with a new team.

The old adage will always ring true, "Form is temporary, Class is permanent". Don't worry Welly old son, it'll be reet.

WG

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Ramsey to return and is pencilled in for Orient's second leg!

Aaron Ramsey has been the subject of plenty of speculation recently with Cardiff suggesting that he might be allowed to remain for the rest of the season.

However, Arsene has moved swiftly to state that he will return to Arsenal on Sunday following Cardiff's away game at Hull. Although Rambo missed the Saturday game away to Forest, he returned with a bang last night against Leicester and scored, guiding a low cross past the keeper.

That game also saw an assist from JET, setting up Michael Chopra with a low cross/cut-back across the box to take the lead.

I for one am looking forward to his return to the fold and perhaps a game against Orient as has been mooted by Arsene.

Come on Rambo!!

WG

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Swift return to normaility and focus - Team news and lineup

We play Stoke tonight in the Premier League, shock horror expect wholesale changes again to return to our normal match day squad.

After the disappointing, but not unforgivable game at the weekend its important to get back on the bus. I expect the lineup to look something like this.

Sczcesny
Sagna	Djourou Squillaci			Clichy
	Wilshire Song
Walcott		Fabregas		Nasri
		Chamakh

The Potters are a different animal from when they were promoted. They've got more mobility up front, with big strikers to attack the long ball and crosses put in by Etherington and Pennant (both tricky wingers). The long throw-ins are the stuff of Premier League legend but we have no need to fear them in the way we once did. Koscielny and Djourou are both good in the air and with Sczcesny more than capable with aerial balls I think we are in with a very good shout.

I really would like a great performance tonight, I'd like to see that arrogant little mug Pulis' face turn beetroot red with anger and then watch with joy as he wets himself in frustration, much like a baby.

A good win will put more turf between us and those below and continue to put more pressure on ManYoo.

Come on you Gooners

WG

** EDIT **

Changed Team Lineup due to injury reports to Koscielny and RvP. It was an oversight not spotted in the editing progress.

Thank you to Anonymous for spotting it!

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Tony Pulis in the Nude, in the Nude! Verminator Setback?

Shameless theft of Blog title from Alan Davies and The Tuesday Club gang who I'm delighted to have back on the Podcasts.

We've got the naked, angry man that is Tony "Rugby" Pulis and his band of cloggers tomorrow night in a important game at the Emirates. We'll need our full squad back and with focus to ensure the correct result. We need to make sure we move the ball quickly and beat them with pace and posession, we cannot get caught in a slugging match. It will take too much energy and could risk a good result. A great performance however will build the confidence further (if thats possible) for the weekends Cup Final.

For the likes of Walcott, Nasri, Cesc, Wilshire, Song and RvP its a chance to hop back into the groove and hone their match fitness. I will put up a full preview later today or tomorrow, but I'm looking forward to tomorrow night's fixture. After that ridiculous challenge by Shawcross and Pulis's beligerant outbursts I really hope we give them a Barca-like performance where we deny them the ball and attack them with pace and verve.

There are rumours about that Vermaelen has had a little setback in his recovery from his achilles operation, these are yet unconfirmed and appear to be a bit of media manipulation but either way, we need him back as soon as he is able. Djourou and Koscielny are performing like Kings, but an injury to either of them could really cause us problems.

WG

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Ok, I kind of expected that....

What I didn't expect however was I didn't expect Tomas Rosicky to head a goal, ever. It was well placed and really saved a drab performance, until the last few minutes.

I'm not going to trash the team, it was what it was, wholesale changes proved too many changes to keep a fluid follow-on performance after midweek.

I expected our second string to get a result but they showed a worrying lack of cutting edge born of lack of match fitness.

That said however, Orient deserved the replay and if we'd have nicked it in the end I'd have been gutted for them. Their trip to the Emirates will be a great money-spinner for them and a great day out.

Its a replay we don't need but its another chance for the second string to get it right.

Well done the O's, Come on you gooners, stick it to 'em at home

WG

O to be a Gooner!

We take on the O's today in the FA Cup in a clash that sees us very much the favourites following a great performance midweek.

Its no time for continental hangovers, we require a professional performance. I expect the usual squad rotation with Bendtner and eboue starting in place of Walcott and Sagna. It also is another chance for Arshavin to work on his improving form.

I expect a win and don't forget to back arshavin to score.

WG

Form is temporary, Class is permanent.

Without wanting to go overboard in what was merely 90 minutes of out 180, it was an awesome performance when at times it looked like we were being swamped. Every player came out with credit and lets not be fooled into thinking that Barca lost the game rather than us taking it from them.

There were times in the early stages of the second half I was pleading for Nasri to come off to ensure his tired legs don't cause a reoccurance of his hammy injury, but as soon as we began to take control I knew we needed him.

Barca tried to play keep ball in the second half and we wouldn't let them. In terms of spirit and mentality we wanted it more than them. What this will do for our confidence is almost incomprehensible, I feel that we had belief before the game, but to have it affirmed by an excellent performance can't hurt at all.

In summary, it was an awesome fight-back and an awesome couple of finishes. RvP's shot at the near post was an excellent power-shot and Arshavin's shot was extremely well hit and placed to perfection. More proof that form is temporary, class is permanent.

We should use this confidence to fuel our focus for the match against Orient. Last nights game was an awesome spectacle and a great result but its gone now and now we need to focus on little Leyton Orient in the FA Cup. A professional performance is required.

WG

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A clash of two footballing titans

I find it difficult to find words to describe the football euphoria that is taking over me today. Work is going to take so long when all I want to do is be sat ready to watch the game with beer in hand. A match where I'd kill to be at the Emirates and none of my friends are flogging me a ticket!

So onto the football, tonight sees us take on Barca in an epic game that will decide the season for many fans. Its a watershed game, if we play well and perhaps even get a result then fans will begin to believe that we are capable of winning the Champions League, the Premier league and to a lesser extent the Carling Cup to hit a fantastic treble.

A poor performance will bring down the doom and gloom and certain areas of the fanbase will be questioning Arsene, the playing squad, tactics, our style of play. The fickle nature of our fans irks me somewhat, try being a Toffees fan, or a Latics fan...

For me, whatever the result I'm looking forward to the football, if we can compete (and I believe we can) then it will be a great spectacle and we have a great chance of getting a result. What I'd give to be in the north bank when we score....we will score tonight, Barca are great going forwards, but defensively they aren't a rock, far from it and Pique is struggling without his perennial partner, Puyol. If we can keep Alves back and keep pressing at the central defensive partnership of Pique and Puyol I think we will get a result.

Come on you gunners, stand up, stand tall, fight with all your might and the winner will take home the spoils.

WG

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The muscle drain of African Players into Europe: Trade or Trafficking - by Jonas Scherren

I came across the above thesis when researching my Johan Djourou article, I'll quote a bit below and put a link to it. Its an awesome look into the way African footballers have taken football and moved it light years forward. A great read.

The below quote is from the introduction to his thesis, but its such a great read because it gives you an understanding of where your favourite players are from and what is in their heads. Think of Adebayor, a footballer from Togo, a tiny little country now playing for Real Madrid...all because he can kick a ball. Its mad.

" 1.1 Moving with the ball African football players have a long standing tradition in European football. It is no coincidence that the Old Continent introduced what is now sometimes called the Global Game in its African colonies. Nobody probably had expected how fast the popularity of the game would spread over the continent. Football quickly became the most significant pastime of young boys. It also became one of the few areas where countries could gradually aspire to achieve the same prestige as their Western or European counterparts.

International competitions provide indeed a stage to measure themselves with their former rulers. As a consequence, football does not only intrigue the mind of the young African boy in all levels of society but has also became a true political stake. There is only one key to succeed in Europe and that is hard working. The expectations that many African players cherish are somehow different from the reality however. The change of climate, the social aspect and sometimes blatant racism on and off the field does not reallymatch their initial prospects.

The style of football in Europe collides also with how most ofthe Africans see the game. They often distinguish themselves in making the ball their own even more so because, as foreign players, they need to prove their abilities more than home players. The first generation of Nigerian players for example, always talks about how to treat the ball. "Nigerians, they say, know how to handle it: they caress it with their feet; they sway it in their neck. They touch it personally, loving and tender, pitiless and harsh, like their feeling tells them. The ball is their long life. They grew up with it in the African streets where they not only dribbled their opponents but also the chickens, goats, motorcycles and cars along the road". The immigration of African football players, seeking employment in Europe has seen increasing interest over the past years. One particular element carries an important meaning however regarding statistical analysis. Indeed, a distinction has to be drawn between players who move with or without the ball."

Its an insightful read, very well thought out and produced. I hope Jonas doesn't mind me showcasing a bit of it here and linking to it here

WG

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Johan Djourou - the missing link?

I said earlier this season I wanted to see Djourou given a shot this season. The reason behind this is that Arsene allegedly told Djourou that when he sold Kolo (and bang on time it seems, another astute sale Mr Wenger) Djourou would be the player to step up into that first team role.

Looking at Djourou, he's an impressive 6'4", powerful, pacy guy, blessed with a great reading of the game. Born in the Ivory Coast, in Abidjan no less. Abidjan seems to have been a hot-bed of talent, with the likes of Drogba, Didier Zokora, Eboue to name but a few.

Johan's family moved to Geneva when he was only 17 months old which allowed him to begin his football education in Europe in Switzerland with the Payerne Training Centre and then joined Etoile-Carouge FC as a Midfielder in 2002. Only a few months later he signed scholarship forms for Arsenal, signing professional terms on the 1st August 2003.

As most of us are very much aware its 2011 so he's been with us for 8 years. He spent a season on loan with Birmingham in 2008 and I really hoped he would be able to kick on from that and start battling for a first team spot. I saw he had great raw talent, he's strong, powerful in the air and composed on the ball.

Unfortunately, similar to the on-form RvP, injuries curtailed his progress and route to the first team. However, like RvP, he is enjoying a renaissance this season and his good form is a testament to the quality that he has in abundance provided he can stay fit. We were all there, practically chewing our nails to the bone when we saw him go off injured, especially as it was one of his troublesome knees!

I wonder, when in one of those barely lucid moments where I think back about this season, whether we are destined to win the league this season, because with Djourou and RvP we are in a great place to do it. If Djourou can put his injury concerns behind him forever, I'd like to see him lift a trophy or two, after his career to date and what he's been through, the guy deserves a break.

WG

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Domination that would put Mubarak to shame, a day for heroes

I'm hitting Political Satire too now.... anyhoo.... So we welcomed Wolves to the Grove with an ounce of trepidation considering their win against ManYoo. However that trepidation was unfounded with a performance that put down a marker for the rest of our season.

Arsene went against form by picking the likes of Cesc, RvP, Song and Djourou to ensure we had a solid team and the result made the decision worthwhile with a great game that the scoreline barely flattered.

Wayne Hennessey, Wolves goalkeeper will have done his stock a world of good with a all action performance that saw him tip, flick and scramble his way through 90 minutes but saved Wolves a real battering.

In terms of us however, it was an assured performance and just what the doctor ordered before the Barca game. It really could have been a battering so I'm glad we were able to get the result and then take off the likes of RvP to rest them for Wednesday.

Theo is really looking good at the moment and Cesc's ball for RvP's first time volley was as sublime as you will see this season, as was the volley that finished it off. Its fair to say, International Man of Cheese, Robin Van Persie is in great form and we will need to keep him fit for the rest of the season to win silverware.

I was explaining to 'er indoors last night about how massive the game on Wednesday is, how the performance will tell us how far we have moved on since last year, about how Barcelona is the benchmark at the moment. Yes Inter won the Champions League last year, but Football fans wanted Barcelona to win, Mourinho's anti-football got the cup but Barca will always hold the glory with this current crop of players.

I'm stupidly optimistic for Wednesday, I think we have a good chance. I honestly think if we get the ball down and settle we have the game to cause them problems too. I'd prefer to have the likes of the Verminator and Super Samir fit and playing but fortune favors the brave and I cannot wait to see our boys have a go.

Its a day for heroes lads, make your fans proud.

WG

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Gonna have some Wolves in our back yard..Injury news and lineup

This weekend we welcome the arrival of Wolves to the Emirates in the Premier league. With ManYoo and Citeh playing each other tomorrow and Chelski playing on monday its another important opportunity for us to get the three points and catch up on ManYoo.

Honestly I fancy Citeh for the game against ManYoo. ManYoo aren't invincible and Citeh should have enough in their locker now to snatch a result, with a draw or win for Citeh my preference.

Onto Arsenal, Karl Henry returns to the Emirates. Recently he has been very quiet so I expect him to return to full form and kick the hell out of Wilshire and Fabregas. Watch those reactions boys, he's not worth it.

After their shock, yet fully deserved win against ManYoo, I expect Wolves to be full of confidence and belief that they can take points off us too. We will need to come out of the changing rooms like our butts are on fire and blow them away in the first fifteen minutes. Ironically just like we did against Newcastle, but lets not then throw it away eh?

Wierdly, our strongest department where we have the most personnel is decimated his weekend with injuries and suspensions to Diaby, Song, Denilson and Nasri which leaves us rather light in central midfield. I think Arsene will look to the experience of Rosicky to help partner Jacky in the engine room, its a role he's played before and whilst its not really his game, he can perform there.

Sczcesny
Sagna	Koscielny Squillaci			Clichy
	Wilshire Rosicky
Walcott		Fabregas		Arshavin
		Chamakh

So above is what I think we will line up like. I believe Arsene will give Djourou the time to recover fully before Barcelona and therefore start Squillaci at the back. While you are watching the game ladies and gents.....see if Squillaci actually says anything to Koscielny, it will be interesting to see if he has learnt the art of communication, especially as they share a common language!

Theo will start as he is bang on form and I expect Chamakh to start up front with RvP on the bench being rested for Wednesday, though I expect Arsene will say he's not fit to start following his withdrawal from the international friendly.

Come on you Gooners...lets go get at them at get three points. There isn't anything better than giving someone a battering on the pitch and seeing your title rivals drop points...lets make this a magic weekend!!

WG

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Capello finally listening to Arsene?

England played a solid game last night against a determined and skillfull Denmark. The Danes played well and certainly a young Christian Eriksen, who currently plies his trade at Ajax.

Denis Bergkamp recommended this player to Arsene last year and its clear to see why. He would fit in immediately into our squad and style of play. His one touch passing and vision is excellent. He had a great game and if we aren't going to go for him then I fully expect someone else to do so very soon.

Returning my focus to England and our boys Walcott and Wilshire. Wilshire had an accomplished 45 minutes where he showcased the qualities of his game, he tackled well, moved the ball well and generally had a good performance. With that in mind, I was delighted that he only played 45 minutes. He's played a lot of football and it was good to rest him for the rest of the game.

Walcott had a stormer last night, his assist for the first goal was excellent considering the whack in the face he took as he bulldozed past the full back Jacobsen to put across an excellent ball for a waiting Bent to tap in. His efforts down the right created several chances and its a game the Danish full back will rue for some time I would think. Theo played to plan and stuck out wide and was rewarded with several opportunities with time and space to get at the full-back, exactly what he wants.

Harking back to the title of the article, did anyone else notice the likes of Glen Johnson, Milner, Terry, Bent playing the full 93odd minutes tonight? We got away with 45minutes for Wilshire and 68minutes for Theo. We've got some huge games coming up and we need our best players fit for Wolves then Barca.

Early guesses for the Squad against Wolves, I expect Squillaci to start as Wenger saves the recovering Djourou for Barcelona. Also I think he'll start Walcott and I have a niggling feeling that Chamakh will start, with Arsene wanting to rest RvP.

Personally, I can't wait and a full preview will follow soon

WG

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JD - I'll be fit for Saturday

Johan Djourou has said he'll be fit for Saturday in an interview for the BBC. This is absolutely awesome news. With the Verminator still coming back from injury and being wrapped in cotton wool and Squillaci suffering a bit of poor form and lack of confidence I find it difficult to express how critical how the in-form JD is to us right now.

I'm absolutely delighted, good job Arsenal Physio's!

WG

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Fat Frank to lead with Theo and Jack propping him up

Fat Frank Lampard, allegedly sponsored by Ginsters pasties ltd, has been named as England Captain in the absense of Ferdinand and Gerrard. He certainly has the experience, but I'd suggest as he is more than able of being anonymous in an England shirt it might not be such an amazing choice, but these days being Captain doesn't mean much anymore. There isn't the respect for the armband that there used to be.

All that negativity aside, Super-Theo and Young Jacky are in the squad and both look ready to start tonight in Denmark. Jacky is to be given the midfield holding role, as previously held by Barry in another opportunity to show his talents in an England shirt. His link up play, already acknowledged and credited by Theo is already well known and his performances in our midfield have been excellent. His eye for the pass and the execution of his vision is going to be a great benefit tonight.

Theo should benefit from this and he's in good form. I expect Theo to to really put a stamp on the game tonight to show Fabio what a mistake he made by not taking him. Theo offers something entirely different to any other England player. He offers a more direct threat than any player and he will always make an opposition defence twitchy about their positioning as they worry about his pace breaking through just as he did against the Barcodes.

I'm looking at tonight with my usual lack of passion, but I'm looking forward to see how Jacky and Theo get on. I almost expect Jack to be awesome, so much I really think the papers will be full of him tomorrow.

Lets hope its for the right reasons!

WG

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Get out of jail free weekend.

This isn't the first time I've said this, forgive me for the repetition, but its that kind of season. How fortunate are we again? We capitulate and have poor decisions taken against us and the fear was that it would cost us badly.

It seems that the luck was with us again. Chelsea and ManYoo losing softened the blow, but its still two points lost. I really would like to talk to the referee and his lino and just ask him what they think they saw Rosicky do? A ridiculous decision, one which could, conceivably cost us the league.

However, it will be interesting to see how ManYoo respond to the defeat at Wolves, where being honest they we're woeful and didn't deserve a pie at half time, let alone 3 points. I'm hoping they crumble a little, now would be a great time to catch up whilst their fixtures are tougher than ours...on paper at least.

I hope the players use that result against the Barcodes to enforce the siege mentality, everyone is punishing us at the moment. Lets show them all that we are not so easily swayed from our targets. We are Arsenal, victory through harmony.

That in mind however,I would just like to say, I've seen it lots of times and I still can't condone Diaby's reaction. I know he's been injured and had his fair share of bad tackles, but you have to be bigger than that. Getting injured happens in football, deal with it. He can't keep reacting like that everytime he gets a robust challenge.

WG

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Crazy decisions, overreactions and a disappointing finish

I'll be honest, half time, 4:0 up I did expect us to take a foot off the gas. I didn't expect us to capitulate so badly.

The barcodes were spirited, determind and focussed. We were not. Diaby,s sending off was laughable, he's supposed to be a professional. Its a shame because his contribution up to that point was decent.

The second penalty decision was awful! Terrible decision. The wrestling of sczcesny was also ridiculous and deserved a more strict response.

The saving grace was ManYoo losing, but really its two points lost :(

WG

Circle the wagons boys! Them barcodes are comin!

With much criticism being aired in the media at Cesc, its important to stress one thing. How awesome is this timing?

With the forthcoming fixtures being so critical, I am delighted that this has come out. Come on Cesc, prove every single one of those muppets wrong. We've all come off the pitch, high on adrenaline and full of passion and said one thing or another. It happens. Why this particular incident is being highlighted seems to be unknown, but if the guys needed firing up, then this should do it.

I know its not nice to read everyone having a pop, but if there was anything we needed to galvanise our squad further, here it is.

Millwall played for years with a "no-one likes us, everybody hates us and we don't give a s@#t" attitude kicking everyone on and off the pitch and it generates an amazing togetherness and a willingness to fight for each other.

Come on you Barcodes, we're going to stuff you geordies and show you that 35mil in the bank isn't half as good as a decent striker up front.

WG

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Koscielny - Poll results

I posted a poll last week about Laurent Koscielny - Is Koscielny now considered "GOOD ENOUGH" for Arsenal.

The results of the poll are as follows;

A total of 190 votes were received

Yes = 150 (78%)

No = 2 (1%)

Not Yet = 36 (18%)

Not in a million years = 2 (1%)

With Kozzer's recent goal-scoring form also adding to his fine defensive performances it seems Gooners everywhere are realising his ability and potential. Good on the lad, I've been impressed with him, his desire and workrate.

Keep it up lad!

WG

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Character with a touch of class

The minimum requirement for me last night was to get three points. In title races its easier to chase than lead and we're up there and keeping up the pressure.

Going one down was not in my wish list, Everton are a tough side to break down and despite us having a large share of possession I was getting twitchy (and not in a 'Arry 'wheeler-dealer' Redknapp' kind of way)...more of a squeaky-bum nervous way...

We went in for half time without pegging them back. My half-time/full-time predo was shot so it was just hoping for a great comeback.

It was sparked between Fabregas and Arshavin. Cesc hit a lofted pass, it was deflected on by Rodwell and the much-maligned Arshavin pounced to finish well. Super pleased for the little Russian.

At that moment all doubt left me and it was cemented when Koscielny headed home a great RvP corner. He's doing well at the moment Kozzer, at both ends.

ManYoo also won last night, but they will have tougher games and we will have a chance to leap-frog them if we keep turning in performances like last night.

WG

Passing interest aside, lets chew toffee!

I watched the drama unfold yesterday with a passing interest, the purchase of Andy Carroll for 35 million is either going to be a huge success and great business or just another massively over-hyped, over-priced transfer, the like of which hasn't been seen for a while..Of course I jest.

Onto more important things, Our yoof are scattered across Europe in an adventure to gain first team football experience at various clubs. I wish them well.

Tonight we face Everton, a team who I've always had a soft spot for because they always punch above their weight. They never have any money to spend, they're always scraping the barrell, but they do always put up a good fight.

Without Nasri tonight, I'm hoping Arshavin is feeling on the up and up. We need his creativity and vision to off-set what we've lost in Nasri.

I expect the line-up to look like this..

Sczcesny
Sagna	Koscielny Djourou			Clichy
	Wilshire Song
Walcott		Fabregas		Arshavin
		RvP

I'd really like Chamakh to get some game time. He's looking rusty and I felt for him against Huddersfield. He's a great player and he deserves it. Also with Rosicky back to fitness he might start in the place of Arshavin or Walcott...rotation is the key this week.

For now, I'd put money on Arsenal to win both halves. Also, Betfair has a great multiple on ManYoo, Chelsea and Arsenal.

WG.

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