Fabianski to face late fitness test - could be goals-a-plenty!

Seems like Fabianski has got his priorities all wrong and got himself injured just before this crunch game tonight. Selfish little bugger.

Needless to say I hope he's fit, I like Sczcesny but I'm not sure he's ready for a game like tonight, but then saying that, how will we ever know he's ready until he steps up and plays. Its a big game tonight and we need big performances to get a result. We can't rely on them slipping up. Our 'A' game has to be in force tonight.

I'm hoping to see the following players take the field tonight;

Fabianski
Sagna	Squillaci Djourou			Clichy
	Song Fabregas/Wilshire
Nasri		Robin Van Persie		Arshavin
		Chamakh

RvP will be crucial tonight. It will be his link-play and creativity that will release Chamakh against the ManYoo defence, that will send the on-fire Nasri through to burn a hole in the net and for cheeky little Arshavin to dart into the box and bang one in. RvP will be the artist, ensuring that Fabregas doesn't need to play if he isn't quite fit.

This is a game that will mean much in the title race, it removes that game that ManYoo have in hand and makes us top of the table by right and not default.

It takes us one full step closer, when the challengers are making baby steps. Am I excited, yes I definitely am. Can we win? Yes we can, but its about belief and performance.

WG

p.s. I'd put a punt on Nasri, he's still hotter than a playboy bunny on the pitch.

Technorati : Arsenal, Chamakh, Fabianski, Manchester United, Nasri, Robin van Persie, Wilshire, fabregas, injury
Del.icio.us : Arsenal, Chamakh, Fabianski, Manchester United, Nasri, Robin van Persie, Wilshire, fabregas, injury
Zooomr : Arsenal, Chamakh, Fabianski, Manchester United, Nasri, Robin van Persie, Wilshire, fabregas, injury
Flickr : Arsenal, Chamakh, Fabianski, Manchester United, Nasri, Robin van Persie, Wilshire, fabregas, injury

Tackling to the last man

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

Technorati : Almunia, Arsenal, Djourou, Fabianski, Jens Lehmann
Del.icio.us : Almunia, Arsenal, Djourou, Fabianski, Jens Lehmann
Zooomr : Almunia, Arsenal, Djourou, Fabianski, Jens Lehmann
Flickr : Almunia, Arsenal, Djourou, Fabianski, Jens Lehmann

Taking it in and giving it back with gusto.

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

Technorati : Arsenal, Chamakh, Fabianski
Del.icio.us : Arsenal, Chamakh, Fabianski
Zooomr : Arsenal, Chamakh, Fabianski
Flickr : Arsenal, Chamakh, Fabianski

The 'Keeper Conundrum

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

Technorati : Almunia, Arsenal, Fabianski, Sczcesny, Wenger
Del.icio.us : Almunia, Arsenal, Fabianski, Sczcesny, Wenger
Zooomr : Almunia, Arsenal, Fabianski, Sczcesny, Wenger
Flickr : Almunia, Arsenal, Fabianski, Sczcesny, Wenger

Sometimes its better being an ostrich!

I've been off the radar this weekend. 'Er indoors and I have moved into a new home and naturally my focus since thursday has been on facilitating the move as smoothly as possible.

I was unable to watch the game, I currently have no Sky Sports or Internet so I chose to ignore it altogether ensuring that my focus was securely on the job at hand. Needless to say the fallout in the blogosphere has been pretty hyperbolic at best and people are enjoying banging their knee-jerk drums.

I've discussed the game with a colleage who watched it and we've made the following conclusions; Firstly, Fabianski made a mistake, a bit of a howler but bearing in mind he's been excellent recently I don't think its fair to castigate him further. Goalkeeper is a lonely job at times.

It seems for all of our posession and attacking flair we just didn't stick it in the bag. With the attacking talent we have that shouldn't happen. It really shouldn't. Defensively Newcastle did well to keep us out and a lot of that is down to their young keeper.

However, football is a results game and we didn't get the result. No point in analysing it futher but to say that we should have done better. Now lets move on to the next game and put it right. Chelski getting stiffed by the Scousers was a great result. Super happy about that and I'm sure a few scousers were too...and probably saved a few cars from having their radio's and wheels nicked.

Onwards and upwards gooners, its a slip up that we could have done without, but really no harm done. We can easily still peg back ManYoo and Chelski, they're not playing well either.

WG

Technorati : Arsenal, Chelsea, Fabianski, Liverpool, Manchester United, Newcastle united
Del.icio.us : Arsenal, Chelsea, Fabianski, Liverpool, Manchester United, Newcastle united
Zooomr : Arsenal, Chelsea, Fabianski, Liverpool, Manchester United, Newcastle united
Flickr : Arsenal, Chelsea, Fabianski, Liverpool, Manchester United, Newcastle united

Has Arsene's biggest mystery been solved?

Tackling the mystery of the leaky back four - I'm of the firm belief that our defence this year is miles better than what we've had for the last 5 years.

In Vermaelen, Squillaci, Koscielny and Djourou we have 4 players who know how to communicate with each other. Thats a great start. There are no big ego's in our new look defence. We have 4 centre backs that consistently put their bodies in the way and fight for Arsenal.

Squillaci has consistently demonstrated his ability and his leadership skills. He's been awesome for Arsenal so far this season. You're only ever as good as your last game but he deserves considerable credit for his seamless integration into the PL and into Arsenal. He's a great communicator and it speaks volumes that we've been keeping clean-sheets - not discounting the performances of Fabianski but it helps when his defence are talking to each other.

Koscielny seems to be growing every game as he adapts, he's quick across the ground and is excellent in a 1v1 situation. His ability to read the game is commendable and he certainly got Sczcesny off the hook last week. He seems able to slot in alongside any player and its his adaptability in this regard that stands out.

Djourou is also getting back to the match fitness and delivering the performances I expect from him. He's a good defender, good in the air and fast on his feet. Anyone who knocks him for letting Tevez past him is one banana short of a fist-(ing). Tevez is one of the best in the world and that time he beat Djourou, but he didn't score. Djourou needs games to get his rythym but he's impressing on his journey to get there.

I don't need to talk about Vermaelen, we know what we get from him. Committed, tough, determined performer who doesn't give less than 100%. He doesn't take any prisoners but he's fair and professional.

Because our centre-backs are performing to a good standard, Clichy and Sagna look more relaxed, you can see it in their body language as they move about the field. This has aided in their performances and both have been receiving credit recently.

Put behind these players a keeper who is a good shot stopper, someone who is brave and talented and we have all the ingredients for a decent title challenge. I'm still confident that we have what it takes to win the PL. When Vermaelen is fit he will slot in with Squillaci and they will dominate. I can't wait to see it. Expect a whole lot more clean sheets.

WG.

Technorati : Arsenal, Clichy, Djourou, Fabianski, Koscielny, Sagna, Sczcesny, Squillaci, Vermaelen, Wenger.
Del.icio.us : Arsenal, Clichy, Djourou, Fabianski, Koscielny, Sagna, Sczcesny, Squillaci, Vermaelen, Wenger.
Zooomr : Arsenal, Clichy, Djourou, Fabianski, Koscielny, Sagna, Sczcesny, Squillaci, Vermaelen, Wenger.
Flickr : Arsenal, Clichy, Djourou, Fabianski, Koscielny, Sagna, Sczcesny, Squillaci, Vermaelen, Wenger.

New Poll : Szczesny start on Wednesday?

New poll added to see whether Arsenal fans want to see Szczesny in between the sticks on Wednesday against Newcastle or whether they would prefer Fabianski or Almunia to get more game time.

Technorati : Almunia, Arsenal, Fabianski, Newcastle, Sczcesny
Del.icio.us : Almunia, Arsenal, Fabianski, Newcastle, Sczcesny
Zooomr : Almunia, Arsenal, Fabianski, Newcastle, Sczcesny
Flickr : Almunia, Arsenal, Fabianski, Newcastle, Sczcesny

How to silence one's critics

Massive game today for us. It was a must-win game and we did just that. It wasn't a game marred or tainted by anything. It was a great performance. There can't be a "what if" from Citeh. Boyata had to go. I feel sorry for the lad, he's young and he'll learn from this.

Lukasz Fabianski has had much to contend with during his time in an Arsenal shirt. Today he flipped the bird at everyone, including me that ever doubted his potential. He was awesome in goal today and never looked like conceding. From the first save from Silva to the end he was switched on, tuned in and the nervous errors truly locked out.

I was in awe of his first save, I'd wager money Almunia wouldn't have stopped that. It was excellent. Saves like that are what Wenger's been seeing in training all along and I'll guarantee noone will be happier than him with the exception of Fabianski.

Todays game was everything I could have hoped for and more. It could have been four or five to the Arsenal and I loved every minute of the 93 played. I thought we fought very well and another player to do himself credit today was Denilson. He was superb sitting deep with Song and fighting in the midfield.

I think there are lots of things we can take out of the game. Djourou played superb alongside Squillaci who again did very well. Clichy played extremely well also. I think a lot can be said for confidence in the guy between the sticks. But in general it was an excellent team performance.

A great result. More to follow tomorrow when its sunk in.

WG

Technorati : Arsenal, Clichy, Denilson, Djourou, Fabianski, Squillaci, Wenger
Del.icio.us : Arsenal, Clichy, Denilson, Djourou, Fabianski, Squillaci, Wenger
Zooomr : Arsenal, Clichy, Denilson, Djourou, Fabianski, Squillaci, Wenger
Flickr : Arsenal, Clichy, Denilson, Djourou, Fabianski, Squillaci, Wenger

The transformation of Song - 5:1 to the Arsenal

We played extremely well last night. Better than I ever could have hoped. Shakhtar are not a bad side and they're flying up top in their league. They have quality all across the pitch and last nights result surprised me.

We absolutely bossed it. Song was revelling in the freedom afforded by the efficient, technical performance by Wilshire. Song was a real box to box midfielder last night, a really great performance from an emerging player. Song is growing game to game and his goal and assist(while both fortunate) were well deserved.

Wilshire had a bit of an off night by his standards last night, though thats not to say he wasn't still excellent, overall it was a good performance from him. He had a poor first half where he looked a bit off the pace and easily bullied by Gai and Hubschmann but in the second he fought back and took advantage when they tired.

Something worth paying serious attention to is the fact that 5 different players scored our goals. These were Song, Nasri, Fabregas, Wilshire and Chamakh. We've set a new champions league record by scoring 14 goals in the first 3 games surpassing Real Madrid's 12. I know we've not faced a top top side, but Shakhtar are no mugs as we'll find out in a few weeks time. I don't expect another scoreline like last night. That is for certain. Going forward this season we look better than ever and I think we defended well last night also.

I've said it before but Squillaci has been excellent for us already. I think his communication made Djourou settle well last night and our CB's did well. Fabianski had little to do and what he did, he did well. The goal wasn't his fault, he was unsighted until the last second. In truth I'm glad Dudu scored, he deserved it and the ovation he received. We supported him well and I'm glad he enjoyed it.

Fabregas looked a bit off the pace yesterday, I know he was still brilliant at times, but his mercurial self he was not, proof in the pudding that he needed a run out last night and I'm pleased he's got away without a knock or pull on his hammy's. His combinations with Wilshire were good and Nasri worked extremely well too.

I'm going to write something this afternoon too, no teasers yet but pop back about 5ish.

WG

Technorati : Arsenal, Chamakh, Fabianski, Fabregas, Gai, Hubschmann, Nasri, Shakhtar, Song, Wilshire
Del.icio.us : Arsenal, Chamakh, Fabianski, Fabregas, Gai, Hubschmann, Nasri, Shakhtar, Song, Wilshire
Zooomr : Arsenal, Chamakh, Fabianski, Fabregas, Gai, Hubschmann, Nasri, Shakhtar, Song, Wilshire
Flickr : Arsenal, Chamakh, Fabianski, Fabregas, Gai, Hubschmann, Nasri, Shakhtar, Song, Wilshire

Lift up rug, sweep previous result under it and pray..

..that next time we turn up and don't bother playing our rivals do the same.

I'm not going to bang on about the result on saturday. It was laughable. I've mentioned the lack of heroes in our team, Nasri apart we looked lost, without leadership, guile, craft and desire.

Optimistically looking forwards, it appears Almungo has injured his arm in the process of creating/saving the penalty. Which means Wookie Flappianski is between the sticks tomorrow night.

Honestly, I hope he has a stormer, it will do his confidence good and maybe Almungo will be benched at the weekend. I dont think Al is the worst goalkeeper in the world, but neither were the likes of Manninger, Shaaban, Taylor but all were judged not good enough and Almungo is in that category also.

I expect a different attitude to the team tomorrow..they're always more up for Europe than the Prem. So no predo but I expect a convincing win.

Til tomorrow Gooners

WG

Technorati : Alex Manninger, Arsenal, Fabianski, Manuel Almunia, Rami Shaaban, Samir Nasri, Stuart Taylor, West Bromwich Albion
Del.icio.us : Alex Manninger, Arsenal, Fabianski, Manuel Almunia, Rami Shaaban, Samir Nasri, Stuart Taylor, West Bromwich Albion
Zooomr : Alex Manninger, Arsenal, Fabianski, Manuel Almunia, Rami Shaaban, Samir Nasri, Stuart Taylor, West Bromwich Albion
Flickr : Alex Manninger, Arsenal, Fabianski, Manuel Almunia, Rami Shaaban, Samir Nasri, Stuart Taylor, West Bromwich Albion

Debut's delight - Liverpool 1:1 Arsenal

As predicted in my last post, I did get rather innebriated and therefore was unable to write this post yesterday. Mainly because I couldn't remain conscious for any real length of time.

However, I will muddle through this now.

Firstly, yesterday we saw Premier League debut's for Kozza and Chamakh...I think they played really well, Chamakh was a bit isolated but he worked really hard and forced the error from Reina, 100% effort from the first second til the last, I was impressed by him and I think we'll see a lot of good things from him this year. The Adebayor comparisons being made I think don't do him as much credit as I'd like as I can see there is much more to his game than being a tall striker..His workrate is excellent and his movement is very intelligent, always looking to pull the defenders about. I really think he will do well for us this year.

Our second debutant, Koscielny was awesome yesterday. I think he was swift across the ground, composed when required and fitted in well with the rest of the defence and even lost his composure when the rest of the defence did - what a team player!!

Humour aside, it was a good point to take home yesterday. Starting the season away from home against a top half side is harsh and we did well. Almunia did nothing to change my mind on his future, his performance perfectly summed up the best and worst of his game in equal measure. The best, his diving saves and bar-tipping action was all on display and he saved well. The worst, his positioning and handling of crosses was there for all to see..the Liverpool goal was bad positioning mixed with sloth-like reactions that I struggle to forgive.

If we haven't signed another 'keeper by next Saturday then I would hope Wenger sticks Fabianski in, Almunia looked lost at times and I think his head is elsewhere...probably in his "happy place". Fabianski whilst not showering himself in gold, I think is a greater prospect and I think Almunia knows it.

So, lets bring on the Tangerines on Saturday and give them a spanking to show them what life in the prem is all about...we need a result similar to Chelski's lesson to West Brom, we're at home and its my birthday..I want to see a cracker!

I'll put up a post midweek, previewing the game and mulling over the transfer guff.

Til then gooners!

WG

Technorati : Almunia, Arsenal, Chamakh, Chelsea, Fabianski, Koscielny, Liverpool, West Bromwich Albion
Del.icio.us : Almunia, Arsenal, Chamakh, Chelsea, Fabianski, Koscielny, Liverpool, West Bromwich Albion
Zooomr : Almunia, Arsenal, Chamakh, Chelsea, Fabianski, Koscielny, Liverpool, West Bromwich Albion
Flickr : Almunia, Arsenal, Chamakh, Chelsea, Fabianski, Koscielny, Liverpool, West Bromwich Albion

Ramsey, Wilshire, Super Fab and Chesney Hawkes..

Prepare yourself, cheerful followup to last nights post.

Beginning now.

There is a lot to be excited about this summer. England have a genuine chance this year...i expect them to get to the semi's. From there they have the opportunity to become legends.

With regards to Arsenal this summer, I really think Wenger is disappointed with the performance of certain players and he's become very frustrated with injuries crippling his squad. Just as we have.

I guess the problem is that Wenger is an economist, he won't waste money on players he doesn't intend to have in his first 18 and therein lies the problem, when you get 8 first teamers out you are down to 10 first team players and kids. Last season we suffered terribly again.

I think he'll replace what he loses this summer and he'll try again. I just cant see him over-investing in his squad as he thinks having squad players just in case stifles the youngsters coming through. I think if you are good enough then you'll progress into the first team, regardless of how many bodies there are in the squad.

As mentioned before on this blog. The new squad rules will be guiding his decision on this one. I honestly think it will be replace what you've lost with experience and then rely on the kiddles for the cups. Promisingly however, our kids are getting quite good. Ramsey, given a complete recovery will be a great asset next season. Wilshire I'd like to see have another 6 months away on loan.

I'd like to see Djourou next season...he's been a bit of a stranger and I think he's a good player and could be strong for us next season. He's fast, got a good header on him and he's strong. Body suspiciously made of cheese however. He has been unfortunate and there are lots of players that have problems due to playing so much football while their bodies are developing and growing.

This could be his season, as with the last so I think Wenger will give him a shot...so interesting times at the back.

Wonder if we'll still have the Morris Dancer and Wookie as our first team choices...with them I think we're gonna have problems. I like Fabianski(dont send him a backpass!!), arguably more than Almunia because I think he's still got plenty of time on his side to fix his game...Almunia is a liability.

I think he does at least one mistake per game, not necessarily one that costs a goal or the game but simple, technical mistakes. When was the last time we were able to say "Almunia was immense"...its never more than once or twice a season, last time was in the Champs league last season.

He doesnt fill me with confidence and I dont have to play with him!!

Anyway..enough Almunia bashing, the future is bright in midfield and with Szczesny being the future #1 its making me feel happy looking forward 2-3 years......its just next season that worries me somewhat.

Come on Arsene, show us your hand.

Til the next time Gooners!!