Read it. You know it makes sense.
The Pukka Pies sold at the Emirates would have taken a hammering tonight...I can practically taste the curry pies. The Wigan fans had a feast I bet, though they're not as good as "Poole's Pies" I'm sure...
There were two feasts on offer tonight. The aforementioned Pies and the total domination of the Latics by Arsenal.
With better finishing and better decisions it could have been 5 or 6. Nevertheless, a win is a win and the manner of our domination is pleasing.
Great game lads.
WG
Theo James Walcott - Born 16th March 1989.
He was born in Stanmore, North London and his early years were spent in Newbury, Berks where he played for A.F.C. Newbury scoring over 100 goals in his first season and only season before moving to Swindon Town. He spent 6 months there before being scouted and transferred to Southampton rejecting the chance to join Chelski and earning himself a sponsorship contract with Nike.
For his shame he's a Liverpool fan.
He made his first team debut for Southampton as a substitute in a 0:0 draw at home to Wolves in 2005 aged 16 years and 143 days. He made his full first team debut away to Leeds United on the 18th October 2005 and scored his first senior goal.
He transferred to Arsenal on the 20th January 2006, for a fee reported to be around £5 million, with add-ons depending on performance that could boost the fee up to around £12 million. He was given the number 32 squad number and did not play for the rest of the season.
His first senior game in Arsenal colours was in the second leg of a Champions league qualifying match against Dinamo Zagreb, becoming Arsenals youngest every player to appear in European Competition besting Fabregas' record although it has since been beaten by Jack Wilshire. He earned BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year at the end of 2006.
His first ever goal for Arsenal was scored in the 2:1 defeat in the 2007 League Cup Final, where his goal in the 11th minute opened the scoring but did not secure the win. Incidentally it has since been reported that Theo rejected advances from Liverpool, The Spuds, and Chelski were interested in signing him from Southampton before we nabbed him.
Theo's career has been dogged by criticism, unfairly levelled for the most part and comparisons with Thierry Henry have also been like a millstone around his neck. Henry is someone Theo respects massively and jumped at the chance of having the #14 shirt assigned to him. Creating greater pressure on himself.
He has suffered terribly with his shoulders, a genetic problem and both shoulders have required operation to restructure and reinforce the shoulders to prevent dislocation. This inevitably has caused a stop-start period to Theo's Arsenal career.
Theo is a player that I rate. I think is potential is extraordinary, but he does need to start putting in performances that ensure he has a regular starting berth. Similar to Rosicky he is benched due to the form of Nasri and Arshavin. Tonight is a chance for Walcott to shine. Wigan's defence has more holes than an overly generous piece of Emmental and a lack of pace to delight.
Questions have been raised about his composure and final ball, so he will be under the spotlight. I hope he performs again and proves his worth. Theo is still so very young, something oft forgotten in between the criticism and I look forward to watching him grow.
WG
We face Wigan tonight at the Emirates, but with the "Big Chill" thats going on at the moment, just how critical is it that we play it now?
My thoughts - absolutely critical. If we can get our players out on that pitch we need to. With the unpredictable weather to come we need to play our games as and when we can because we can't afford a fixture pile up - especially if we can avoid it.
If we get a mid-week break and our rivals don't for example it puts us in a stronger position. Tonight is a good time to play Wigan. They have two key players missing in Rodallega and Cleverley and we've got plenty of rest from now til the weekend to recover. Much better than shoehorning the game in about 65 hours after the last.
This is a extremely winnable game for us, we just need to focus and get a good result. If you listen to certain media outlets and items in the blogosphere certain players are playing for their Arsenal futures (a tad harsh on the players involved) and I hope they show their quality tonight.
Player focus to come later on today - Theo Walcott
WG.
Similar to old Tony Henry who used to play up front for us Gooners, it seems our young Englishman Henri Lansbury is suffering a bit of a typo when it comes to his name..
Not however in his performances. He took Carrow Road and the Ipswich team by surprise and produced a performance to remember. Grant Holt, City striker will be most grateful today for his hat-trick assisted by a vivacious, effervescent performance by Lansbury.
In his last performance for the Gunners first team in the Carling cup he showed his class. I like him a lot, he's not had the easiest path what with his well documented illness and players blocking his path to the first team but I think he has the potential to play for us and he will perform. His major obstacle in this is the players in front of him.
I think he's got more in his locker than what we've seen. With the likes of Ramsey, Wilshire, Denilson, Song, Fabregas, Rosicky, Nasri, Eastmond to name but a few of the options Arsene has in the middle of the park, its obvious why he's been limited to so few appearances. So what does the future hold for him? I hope he gets more opportunities to show what he can do at Norwich and then reassess in Jan. I think unless two or three players move out of the way then he'll have to be happy as a bit part player for the time being or look to get first team football elsewhere.
It would be a shame, he's a great talent.
WG
Its cold outside in Wigan, bloody cold. There isn't much optimism here that they can get a result at the grove. I'm in agreement, this should be a formality game where Wenger will mix up the squad with fresh legs.
After a great result at Villa Park, Arsene will want to continue that momentum with a good win at home tomorrow night. There are plenty of squad players that need a game and I expect the squad to look something like this
|
Sczcesny |
||||
| Sagna |
Squillaci Djourou |
Gibbs | ||
|
Wilshire Denilson |
||||
| Walcott | Rosicky | Vela/Bendtner | ||
|
Robin Van Persie |
||||
It would be great to see Rocket Robin back on the money tomorrow night. I've put him up front but I would expect him to drop a bit deeper and interchange with Bendtner. Regardless of personnel, we should be winning tomorrow night, Wigan are not a great side and we have a lot of quality coming in that should be enough to secure the result.
I'm looking forward to seeing Sczcesny again, I think he's got all the attributes to be a good 'keeper so lets hope he shows it again.
I'll do a bit more on this game later, now I have to go defrost my car.
WG
Andrey Arshavin - the architect of so many good things yesterday. He scored an excellent goal and always looked dangerous. He was on fire yesterday and combined well with Nasri, Rosicky and Chamakh.
Tomas Rosicky, the little Mozart was pulling the strings and as Captain for the day put in a great shift. He setup Chamakh beautifully and though he tired towards the end, he fully justified his inclusion.
Marouane Chamakh our spiky, effervescent striker had another storming game yesterday. His hold up play was excellent and he took his chances well only to be denied by Friedel on many occasions but he buried his goal and set up little Jack for a easy header into an empty net.
As a team performance it was good. We made it hard for ourselves but finished well. Bring on Wigan!
WG
Layer that thinly over a ridiculous, embarrassing defeat to the spuds and I'm feeling a bit hollow and deaf to the lip service tweets from young Jack who continues to say that the team are hurting from their defeats.
Jack, I'm not interested. I want you to tell me Fabregas has banged all your heads together and said if you don't thrash Villa he'll remove your testicles.
I don't want to hear a rallying cry, I want to see a convincing performance for the first time in weeks.
Watch Nasri today, he'll score. I'd put money on it. Also, I expect Chamakh to get a goal too, Villa can't defend.
WG
We're away at Villa park this weekend in a game where pride needs to be regained after two bad defeats. It seems we're doing a lot of pride chasing this season, disappointingly so considering the quality we have on the pitch.
To my mind its not our football thats the problem, its not the skills or the height of the players thats the problem. Its the team mentality. If Wenger can't scream at them and motivate them then they need a leader on the pitch to do it. For too long we've had players who lead by example. Leading by example doesn't make anyone buck their ideas up..it makes them think they've got a crutch to lean on when they aren't playing up to scratch.
A lot is made of our lack of a leader, but I do believe as Wenger says its a collective responsibility to communicate and support and chastise in a constructive manner. We need our players to find their voices. Bendtner has a big gob but doesn't use it to tell players where he wants the ball, if you can't be arsed to run, ask for it to feet!. Walcott is the fastest thing on two feet at the club but doesn't tell people to put it over the top or run into space screaming for it. He should work those channels all the time and kill the left back that he's playing against. But he doesnt. He drops short, plays little one twos and cuts inside.
We've got a team who play combinations, they play them blindfolded so when it doesn't work it really doesn't work and we lose to silly opponents. The maturity isnt there to be brave enough to tell the other players in the team what you want to get the best out of your game.
So what to do away to the Villains? Arshavin and Theo on the wings, Nasri through the middle with Wilshire and Song supporting. We will counter attack them with pace and try and play through them, hoping Chamakh can continue his form up front.
Hoping... thats not going to win us this league. We need to improve, now.
WG.
As has been widely reported Aaron "Rambo" Ramsey has joined Notts Forest until the 3rd January. This is a great move for Aaron as he will play, there will be the minimum requirement of cotton wool and then due to necessity he will get thrown in and he will get game time.
I know certain quarters are worried about the physical nature of the league, but don't forget its a league where Rambo cut his teeth and he will know all about it. Lets not discount the fact that he got his leg broken in a Premier league game which is supposedly a better quality league, so injuries happen everywhere.
JET has apparently not gone out on loan at all, I'm wondering if the naff form of Bendtner since his return is making Wenger consider giving him a more prominent role. If it was me I'd keep him...the fixtures over Christmas we will need all the fit and ready personnel we have and if you asked me to pick between Bendtner and JET I would pick Bendtner, but he needs to take a look at himself and realise he needs to perform before spouting off to the media.
Other loaned out players include Lansbury who has joined beleaguered Norwich City on emergency loan until January also. He's another player that I've watched come through the ranks and I like him a lot. I hope he uses his time to prove once again that he is Premiership Quality and if he can't get games at Arsenal I'd like to see him somewhere else.
Thats all for now folks - take care in the Snow!
WG
Aaron Ramsey was released against Wolves today in a reserve match. This was just one more of many steps on his route back to the first team.
He played 45 minutes and displayed many of the characteristics of his game, his deft touch, determination and creativity. Welcome back Rambo.
WG
I rarely retweet, but something caught my eye last night on the blog of a certain Mr Jack Wilshire.
"Jack_Wilshire would like to say all the players are hurting just as bad as you loyal supporters are, we cannot wait to put it right!"
Now, this is certainly news! Firstly, I should bloody hope the players are hurting. Some of them should be lacking crucial appendages for their performance at the weekend. Secondly and more importantly, how the hell are you going to "put it right". You lost a massive match against our bitter rivals when we were leading 2:0. What are you going to do? Arrange for the mysterious, permanent disappearance of Bale?
Lets hope they apply young Jack's desire on the pitch tonight and in every game to follow..as god forbid the players don't get even more upset!
WG
Arsenal take on Braga tonight in a Champions league tie that should promise much for us Arsenal fans. It should see the return to the starting line up for Wilshire, perhaps a rest for Fabregas and Chamakh with Nasri taking up the Fabregas role and a rare start for Bendtner perhaps?
This should be a game where Walcott and Rosicky (both of whom I expect to start) attempt to stake their claim for a more regular starting berth. I really really like Rosicky and I see the benefit every time he is on the pitch. Walcott has been struggling to repeat his early season form since his injury but will want to prove himself again.
Tonights opponents, humbled at the Emirates promise to be a bit wiser this time. The manager and their supporters are happy to play for a draw and have said as much in the media and on Arsenal.com. Don't be fooled, Braga know a win against us would see them cement their 3rd place and put them level on points with us in the group, albeit being 3rd due to goal difference.
Partizan have nothing but pride to play for and I don't expect them to prove tough opposition to Shakhtar. Which turns the game tonight into a Must-win....another one...as they all are from here until may.
We can't afford to drop any points here, if we win at least we've qualified, job done, play the kids in the last group game. That should be the focus tonight. Get the result we should have got in Shakhtar.
WG
I've considered it, even written it but I have no intention of publishing my review of this weekends game. I just don't want to talk about it. My post was full of vitriol and not for anyone's eyes but my own. I've since rediscovered my centre and I'm at peace.
Tomorrow then, away to Braga. Clichy, Arshavin and Van Persie all miss the trip to Portugal in a game where we need all 3 points. Clichy has a back injury, Arshavin is knackered and Van Persie is still chasing full fitness. I would suggest however that it might be better for RvP to travel and play 30 mins or a half against Braga unless he is injured?
We're still short of the likes of Almunia, Diaby and the luckless Vermaelen due to their respective injuries so we will probably see a starting eleven similar to what started on Saturday. I hope Vermaelen recovers soon, I feel we're missing that communicator, that leader at the back hugely.
I would like it, I really, really would if Djourou started instead of Koscielny, he's in much better form. I'm restraining myself from saying anything unnecessary here, we all know what happened at the weekend.
I expect a much improved defensive performance tomorrow night. My ideal squad for tomorrow is below, tell me what you think
|
Fabianski |
||||
| Sagna |
Squillaci Djourou |
Gibbs | ||
|
Wilshire Song |
||||
| Nasri | Fabregas | Rosicky | ||
|
Chamakh |
||||
So, ignoring the results at the weekend lets all get behind our boys and support them. We can win tomorrow night and continue our march out of the group stage.
WG
I'm actually too gutted to write a full review. I'll do that tomorrow.
Its fair to say though, when you are 2:0 up at half time, against your bitter rivals, its really not good to lose 3:2. Especially when we were so much better than them.
It hurts today.
Credit to a certain landlord, he had more faith in his damn spuds than any sane person would.
WG
I've been speaking to my local landlord re: our game against Wigan in december. Being that my local is about 10mins walk from the DW he's offered to put on a bus from the pub to the Stadium and lay on hospitality.
There will be freshly cooked grub in the pub and a spud behind the bar...what more do we need? If nothing else its the Venue where The Verve used to practice before they made the big time!
At least this way we can all go to the stadium en masse and there's plenty of parking round there too!
Comment me or email me on azraels at gmail dot com.
WG
Laurent Blanc said before last nights game "I have no world-class players". Last night England had Gerrard and Ferdinand out there and neither of them could stamp any authority. We are guilty of building up our players and calling them World Class too early, Blanc is not interested in that smokescreen. He's a results man.
Every single french player looked more up for it last night, technically they are a million times better than England and they looked a hell of a lot better than us.
I'm totally not surprised and I have no desire to comment on it further. Save that I saw Gibbs limping when he was subbed, I hope its nothing serious that will keep him out for the weekend. I'm also a bit peeved that Nasri played the 90...I hope he's not going to be too knackered for the weekend and that the french management let him and Clichy go home straight after the game.
Right, I'm done with England today. Morocco were unfortunate yesterday to concede a penalty so late in the game after Chamakh scored to put them 1:0 up. USA won as I expected, I hope some of you guys got on that at 3/1?
Spain got totally trashed last night, I'm almost shellshocked by it. I knew Portugal were decent but I thought Spain would hold them and win 1:0 and didnt. Well done Portugal.
Spuds initial team news to come later.
WG
I often refer to the Spuds as the above - Common Root Vegetables...I like referring to them as common. It makes me feel marginally superior as a person - just before I then feel extremely superior as a Gooner.
So welcome them we must, as is the Premier League wishes, so lets do that...Lets invite them into our home and tell them how much we hate them...over and over again.
Lets be vocal, lets be vibrant and lets get behind Arsenal. This isn't a must-win, its an absolute season definer for me. We need to beat them and do it well. I still know far too many Spuds not to need another opportunity to take chunks out of their pride.
Looking at the game, its far too early to suggest the squad etc, lets hope noone gets injured tonight! So looking inwards, I can't wait for the weekend. The international lull will be over soon and then its full-on at the weekend.
I do believe we will beat the Spuds, I really do, we have players that are the beating of them all over the pitch. We just need to contain players like Crouch, for all of his height he is good on the floor and we need to make sure we don't underestimate him and concentrate too much on the Bale's and Van Der Vaart's in their squad.
It takes 11 to walk out on a football pitch and we cannot misjudge anyone.
Come on you gooners!
WG
England take on France tonight in a friendly - I scoff at the thought. Its hardly worthwhile playing games like these. My reasons are many, but a few in particular is relevant - Its practically half-way through the season, its absolutely the wrong time to be playing a meaningless, irrelevant game when players bodies are already being battered every 3 days.
That said however, I will probably watch the game to see how young Gibbs and Walcott get on - just to prove I'm opinionated and have an appreciation for irony, a wonderful combination. Wilshire has returned to Arsenal for treatment and faces a sprint to the weekend for the game against the Spuds.
I really wonder how many of our players come back with knocks...I shudder to think really. Fingers crossed - RvP might make it back in one piece!
There are plenty of other international friendlies going on. For those that are interested in betting there is plenty to be interested in, the USA for example being 3-1 to beat South Africa. The USA are away, but their quality should see them through - they will be familiar with the territory and won't be overawed with the atmosphere and the probably howl of the Vuvuzelas.
Other games worth a punt include Morocco against Northern Ireland over in Ireland. I think Morocco have this all day - especially as the Northern Ireland squad has been decimated by injuries including a new keeper and players all across the midfield and defence. I've seen odds at 3.5-1 on that.
There are bargains out there to be had, but don't bother with England, you'll never get decent odds on them.
Lets get this out of the way and bring on the weekend!! I will write a preview up this arvo for Spuds.
WG.
Bizarre rumour flying round the Blogosphere today! Ashley Young to Arsenal in Jan. This comes as a direct result of Bobby Pires, one of my favourite players of all time moving to Villa on a free transfer.
Personally, I'd have loved to kept Bobby. I think he'd still be an asset, but he needs to play football, I'm excited for him and will be watching his performances. Ashley Young though?? Don't make me laugh! I just can't see it and I don't think any sane person could either.
I generally try not to comment on such things, but this one is bananas! How many midfielders and forwards do we think we need? We've already got about 5 million! (possible miscalculation).
WG
I said a few weeks back that I fancy us for the title. I said Chelsea and ManYoo look weaker than people think.
The odds for Arsenal to win the Premier league have dropped like a stone. Get in there while its worth you having a punt on it.
What about you guys? Do you think we've got what it takes?
I look at our squad, at the players yet to return from injury and I'm excited. The strength in depth we have is outstanding and I believe us to have the strongest squad in the league. We have world-class players still to come back and we are second, two points adrift.
We all know its easier to chase than to lead. But can we win it? Where are those people who knocked us now?
WG
Johan Djourou has been speaking out about his partnership with Squillaci. It seems he is enjoying it and it cannot be discounted in any way just how well Squillaci has stepped into our team and the Premier League so seamlessly and performed at no less than excellent in every game. He has made mistakes, but he's also defended extremely well and its good to see him doing so well after showing early promise in his career. He's played a lot of games and he hasn't let us down.
JD has also been commenting on the confidence that Fabianski gives them, this is a huge boon for the Arsenal defence. Fabianski is currently in sparkling form and I hope I don't jinx him. It can be seen across the team how much they like him and I think its giving them all a boost that the Pole in Goal is doing so well.
I don't recall anyone talking about Almunia this way. Naturally thats just to say that I don't remember not that it didn't happen. When Mad Jens used to play for us he also used to get talked about a lot, his performances were always analysed over and above what is required for decent punditry. MoTD and others wanted to exacerbate any mistake and over publicise his faults.
What they couldn't take away from him, what they couldn't taint with any bias was that Mad Jens stood up and showed them he was a fantastic Goalkeeper on the pitch, because thats where professionals do their talking.
I look forward to watching Fabianski grow and see how he gets on.
WG
B52 - Nic Bendtner has allegedly been spouting off in the press in Denmark about his lack of first team opportunities since returning from his injury layoff. In my mind he should be thinking more about Arsenal than himself. He mismanaged his groin injury and went to the World Cup and just made it a lot worse.
Shut up, score more goals when you come on and Wenger won't be able to leave you out of the first team. Do your talking on the pitch you mug.
On a brighter note, Aaron "Rambo" Ramsey is back training and whilst he's some way from full fitness its feeling like he's on the cusp of a triumphant return in december.
I don't want to build him up as the saviour, primarily because one man doesn't make a team and being honest we are playing well at the moment. However we do look a better side with him in it than say Denilson.
I'm not bashing Denilson because I rate him too, but I think Ramsey is more of a box to box - all round midfield player. He's got the ability to be as good as Fabregas and he's got an awesome shot on him.
I look forward to his return, Song will relish having him alongside and Fabregas will love the freedom to roam and enjoy himself.
Come on Rambo, show 'em what they've been missing!
WG
Wenger has stated in an interview that he is prepared to soften his stance on the call up of Robin Van Persie to the Holland squad for their friendly on wednesday.
He is more than willing to negotiate with Brian Van Marwijk, Holland manager to allow RVP to play 45 mins as part of his return to match fitness. Brian Van Marwijk would prefer the freedom to do as he wishes however and has said that due to RVP being selected to play for Arsenal that he is fully fit and able to play a full role.
If RVP-International man of cheese gets injured again because of international duty I really am going to be annoyed.
WG
The thing about Arsenal this season is that I'm still not sure which Arsenal will turn up to a game. Wednesdays performance against Wolves was awesome, it was a committed, determined performance and we aquitted ourselves very well against the physical threat of Wolves.
I didn't feel concerned pre-Everton. I really rate them as a side (they always start the season badly (poor pre-season?) ) and David Moyes continues to work tiny miracles on a half-shoestring budget but I felt if we took the intensity from Wednesday to the table then it would be us feasting on the sunday roast by 4pm.
Things conspired against me to post the above pre-match. No excuses about the game however, I watched it and I was pleased to see that intensity again. The determination stemming from Fab4 set the marker for our performance. We were in control for the 90 minutes and it was disappointing to concede that goal in the dying minutes. Albeit a scrappy goal, I felt we didnt really help ourselves by not keeping the ball and clearing our lines better.
All in all though an excellent away performance against a top side. Lets not fool ourselves, Everton aren't rubbish and will be around the top 6 by the end of the season. Chamakh played well yesterday, his movement constantly keeping Jagielka and Heitinga on their toes. Great goal by Sagna (66-1, might have a quid on him for the next game, these things seem to go in sequences) to beat Howard at his near post and his first goal for two years.
Great news with Chelski getting done by the Mackems!! I had a feeling the ascendency was with the Mackems pre-match so I had a couple of quid on sunderland to beat chelsea at 17-1. Result.
I'll be posting something this afternoon about Aaron Ramsey and his reintegration this month.
WG
Arsene Wenger said yesterday that the Verminator's achilles has let him down again and forced him out of training. Apparently it all seems gravy but when he starts training on it he gets pain and has to stop.
Like my semi-pro grandfather (go on Hendon FC), Thomas's achilles tendon appears to be a real possible season-ending issue. He's been sent to a specialist to determine what the problem is. I wonder whether, given the frequency with which we seem to get ankle knocks if it might be worth employing one of these specialists full time.
In 2010 so far we have had 15 ankle/foot injuries. 3 of those were Diaby, two Van Persie. Diaby has also suffered 3 calf strains so far this year. These can be passed off as twists and turns, but its these recurring injuries across the squad that concern me. Are they not being treated correctly? *
I can understand fractures and breaks, I can understand ligament injuries. But recurring muscle injuries and strains can decimate a squad and we need to be aware of it. As a squad we've had 65 different injury incidents this year alone (up to today) which is a staggering amount. I'm not saying other teams don't have similar numbers but to me its a big surprise.
I'm not bashing the medical team because they've sorted out Rosicky, Ramsey and Eduardo to name but a few. Just perhaps we need a bit more experience in the clinic?
Playing my modest sunday league (with reasonable success) you could expect 1 player to be unavailable through injury every now and then..it was extremely rare to have more than 2 out at any one time from a squad of twenty.
I know they train harder, the game is 100 times faster than anything I could muster and they are bound to be more susceptible because they are on the precipice of fitness.
I guess the numbers just flabbergast me and I'm looking for answers.
WG
*Injury information from www.physioroom.com
As I mentioned the other day, Chamakh and Fabianski have been absolutely vilified in the media and across the blogosphere for their under-par performances. Sure they didn't have the best games, but one game does not a crap player make.
I am delighted, absolutely chuffed to bits that both players had an absolutely barnstorming performance last night. There really is no better way to shut up those with spring loaded knee-jerk reactions than to prove them utterly wrong.
Chamakh and Fabianski, I salute you. We are seeing a stronger Fabianski, he seems better able to deal with the criticism and deliver in games when needed. For all you doom-mongers, watch the game. Chamakh once again proved he is top class. He's a complete different type of player than we have ever had before, he's mobile, his work-rate is exceptional and his concentration is top notch.
Football isn't just about matches, its about players. Its about performances and personalities. Its about watching players grow and prove you right when you show belief in them. Its a talking point in a bar or in the stands. Its standing up for your players when others do them a disservice.
Football is more than a game. Its life. The Arsenal players are like our extended family and we should look after them like they are our own.
WG
Wolves tonight in a away game that in the past has left us with a difficult task. Wolves have been performing well of late with a loss to Chelski, then a win against Citeh and a loss to ManYoo that could well have been a win for Wolves.
This season, Wolves are playing more expansive attacking football than last year. It has seeing them concede a goal in every game this season. Something which will assist us greatly tonight I feel. Marcus Hahnemann of Wolves has said they're in great form at the moment and fancy their chances.
Arsenal never really get started in a game until they have their first goal and with Wolves having previous in letting goals in, it should lend well to an Arsenal win. Especially when we're hurting from losing at the weekend.
Tweeting on twitter, Wilshire has been saying Sunday was just a bad day and the players are focussed on getting a result tonight. I'm hoping the squad will look something like this;
|
Fabianski |
||||
| Sagna |
Squillaci Djourou |
Clichy | ||
|
Wilshire Song |
||||
| Arshavin | Fabregas | Nasri | ||
|
Chamakh |
||||
People in certain quarters are criticising Chamakh for his performance at the weekend. Personally I feel his form has been excellent for us this season and one game doesn't make him a bad player. It was a bad day at the office, move on. I expect him to start tonight and I think he will score.
I'm hoping for a resounding win tonight, I'd like Citeh to get a result against ManYoo or at least get a draw and Chelski to draw or lose to take us closer to the top of the table.
I'll not be able to see the game as I'm in Manchester watching the hilarious Jason Manford so I expect him to be commenting on the game being a diehard Citeh fan. I'll attempt to heckle him without mercy if the opportunity presents itself.
Come on Arsenal!
WG
Some extremely dear friends of mine are taking part in a charity fundraiser that is well worth your attention - The Kent Air Ambulance Cycle Cuba Challenge.
As part of Kent Air Ambulance Trust's 20th Anniversary year, a team of 31 cyclists including 8 members of staff and crew from the trust have signed up for the challenge of a life time - cycling 350 kilometres over 5 days from the Bay of Pigs, famed for the US aggression on Cuba in 1961, through towns and villages to Trinidad, a World Heritage Site, before finishing the ride in the Bay of Cienfuegos.
Air Ambulances shouldn't have to rely on public goodwill to survive. In todays society of multi-car families and the traffic on the roads a fast, mobile, airborne solution like the Air Ambulance is a must. Without these men and women who take to the air on a daily basis people would die. Morbid, but true.
Please, please visit http://www.justgiving.com/cyclecuba2010 and donate just a pound or two. They will even accept dollars or euro's or even probably sheckles if you have them. Be a gooner, be a giver.
WG.
I was thinking...after this weekends performance would it really be a bad thing to put Eboue in goal? - Especially after the feedback I've received about Eboue!
I jest of course! In reality, I do trust Fabianski. I think he has all the ingredients - more so than Almunia who despite a few decent performances certainly isn't world class and will never be. Fabianski can continue to grow into his number 1 role and I think he will be a great asset.
What then of the emerging talent of Sczcesny? He undoubtedly has talent and a healthy ego to rival Bendtner. He performed well in the Carling Cup and gave much to the clamour from certain quarters for him to be given a shout. There was also a few mistakes that showed his inexperience and these need to be taken in with the same weight as the good saves he made.
He's talented, but raw and I wouldn't thrust him into the first-team in the Premier League. We can't afford to train a keeper on the job - an argument often also levelled at Fabianski who has much more experience.
What can Arsene do? Surely he can't throw him in, so does he risk losing him on a free as has been mooted in the press? I don't know how Sczcesny really feels about it all but he must realise he isn't ready just yet? He's close, I think again he has every ingredient required except experience.
What do you guys think?
WG
Arsenal, on the back of two losses, face Wolves on Wednesday night. After the disappointment of losing to Newcastle in the Premier League we travel knowing that there can be no second chances this week. We will need to be vicious, efficient, powerful.
What can be taken from the last two games? Wilshire continues to grow in stature and performance. He was awesome at the weekend. Fabregas will feel he has something to prove after two lacklustre performances in the last two Premier League matches. RvP made his return, though he is a country mile off fitness and Chamakh proved that the run of constant games is taking its toll, he's exhausted and needs a rest.
So what is in store for tomorrow night? I hope that the boys take on board the obvious points from the weekend. We did not penetrate enough or convert our chances. This cannot happen tomorrow. We need to put down another marker and stamp on Wolves. I don't want it to be a war, I really don't want to see any of our players get injured. I want a fast, mobile, efficient performance. Its about time Rosicky got another game to be honest. Perhaps rest Fabregas and play Rosicky in that role?
I really think Fabianski will have a great game tomorrow night. He's shown character in the past when criticised and I see no reason why we won't see that again.
Come on you Gunners, go up there and give 'em a whoopin!
WG
