An abduction of grandiose proportions and will the real safe hands please stand up

So, I've been waiting all week to blog that Squillaci has joined and maybe give an idea into where I think he will fit in...but it appears that the guy's been abducted by aliens or something...there's probably a reasonable explanation...but where's the fun in that?

This goalkeeper shenanigans keeps rolling on. I really wish we had a few behind closed doors friendlies and we could give both Flappianski and The Spanish Waiter a few games and see how they fare. At the moment it appears we are no closer to agreeing a transfer for anyone.

Not that I have any inside information....just another bloghound.

Congratulations to me, I correctly predicted that we'd annihalate (shock horror lol) blackpool and I'm pleased to say it was a good performance all round. Song didn't look like a centre-back, so I'm rather disappointed Djourou didn't get a look in...I wonder if he was fit? But the Verminator and co looked the part and weren't really troubled despite Blackpool's efforts. All in all a good win. Bring on Big Fat Sam and his team of clodhoppers, we'll take you on and beat you up.

Its easy to dismiss the victory against Blackpool as an easy win and believe me it was but we made it easier by Theo and Tomas....Tomas was awesome on saturday, as he has been all pre-season. He was at the heart of everything we did. Along with Arshavin. Yes he can look lazy but his creativity is what we bought him for, not his work-rate.

Arshavin is what Myles Palmer would call a "Bang, Bang" player, he's all about any one given moment, he can see that pass and make it happen, that little darting run that opens up a defence. Genius is rarely measured in work-rate. He is a player that can play at the very top, but he's not a Flamini with the stamina of a cart-horse. Ronaldinho doesn't have a great work-rate, nor does Kaka, but they are special at what they do, individual even.

In summary, I think Arshavin attracts a lot of criticism, but judge him not, he's admitted he's not on top form and I've always believed his analysis, he's an honest player who calls it straight when looking at his and Arsenal's performances. I expect a lot from him, so sometimes I am disappointed, but he rarely delivers the mediocre.

Til the weekend guys, I'll knock up a preview of the Blackburn game with a formation and player review.

WG

Write like Who?

I write like
Douglas Adams

I Write Like by Mémoires, Mac journal software. Analyze your writing!

Apparently.

The above was thanks to a post on Arsenal News Review. I'm impressed by this gimmick. Being compared to this legend is a massive compliment, even if its not really true...

Blog post to follow later gang.

WG

A touch of class.

I put up a post the other day suggesting that people should be more respectful to those that spend hours writing blogs etc for their benefit. This was directly influenced by the level of criticism levelled at Myles Palmer - journalist and writer of some note.

As an amateur blog writer, Myles is a strong influence along with East Lower, Goonerette's, Gunnerblog, Arseblog et al. You're all my heroes and heroines and why I do this blog.

...And because I'm a smug opinionated oik. But knowing it is half the battle.

Needless to say I continue to be in full support of Myles and all Gooner blogs that have a constructive purpose. I congratulate you all on creating such a strong blog community.

WG

Beatnik tired of taking a beating.

I've been reading blogs and websites about Arsenal for years. I've always found them interesting and insightful. Differing opinions are what makes the world tick. Its what breeds competition, progression and invention.

Specifically, I've been reading Arsenal News Review for years, Myles Palmer is a wonderful writer whose thoughts and opinions always give me pause for thought. I either agree with him or wholeheartedly disagree, but he's an inspiration and one of those that made me write what I do today, untrained and unprofessional as my site is in comparison.

The web is full of people who hide behind their computer passing opinion in a very disrespectful manner to those that provide content such as Arsenal News Review. Remember, Myles doesn't get paid for the articles he writes (except maybe a bit of ad revenue) but I'm sure he would rather be concentrating on his books which are hugely successful and a great read.

Myles provides his content subscription free because he loves writing and Arsenal is something he feels passionate about and is certainly knowledgeable about.

To those that criticise his views, I say this, everyone is entitled to an opinion, everyone is entitled to have a blog and say what the hell they like, but have the balls to front up and speak with consideration. You may feel empowered for spouting off, but hiding behind your computer and criticising someone for not agreeing with you is sad. Deal with it. Millions of people don't agree with me and my thoughts every day consciously or not. I want to win the lottery on wednesday, that means a whole lot of folks won't win it, would they want me to have it? HELL NO. But I dont expect hate mail if I do get lucky.

A naff analogy, but its true, if you don't like it, deal with it, criticise if necessary, but above all be respectful. We're doing this for the love of it. Not to attract unnecessary, unwanted and wholy unwarranted attacks.

Myles, I respect you, I don't agree sometimes, but I love reading your work.

Til next time

WG