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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Oxlade-Chamberlain to be loaned back in a deal like Walcott

I got a text about this, apparently Southampton want to hold onto him until the summer and Arsenal are happy to do this providing he spends two days every week training with us. (similar to Benik Afobe who is on loan at Huddersfield)

Personally I think its a cracking idea, he still gets first-team football but gets to continue his development with us too.

What do you guys think? Would you prefer to keep him under wraps at London Colney? Or send him out in the Championship for matches?

WG

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8 Personnel changes, disjointed performance - surely a coincidence?

Arsene Wenger said last night that the 8 changes he made to the first team after the game at Chelski had no effect on the game against Wigan. Its a shame for all of his money and brains he's not got a decent optician.

Diaby and Denilson had a shocker. Everyone in the stand heaved a sigh of relief when Diaby went off and Wilshire came on. We immediately looked a better side as Wilshire and Rosicky were on the same page immediately.

It was a very disjointed performance last night. It lacked pace, power, tenacity - everything that was in abundance against Chelski. When we were 2:1 up and N'Zog got himself sent off Wenger should have immediately put on Walcott and Nasri. Instead he procrastinated and thought we'd just try and see the game out only to watch Wigan equalise. I said just before they scored that if we didn't make a change soon we'd lose momentum, they'd score and then stick 10 men behind the ball. Exactly what happened. Everyone could see it coming and its disappointing to lose two points like that.

I'm not generally a fan of cheering for a player who's not on the pitch, but we all felt the same. We needed the dynamism and pace of Nasri and Walcott, so the chants began.

In terms of performances, several things were apparent last night; 1) Squillaci doesn't talk to anyone. 2) Diaby and Denilson should be sold. - Denilson isn't a central midfielder, he needs space to work and you don't get that in central midfield. Diaby is a conundrum in himself, I don't know what to do with him. He's so far away from being match fit its ridiculous he started. He was so far off the pace of the game he was practically static. When fit, he's powerful going forwards, but last night he had a shocker. 3) Bendtner isn't a right midfielder, at all, ever.

Rosicky was one of our best players last night, Chamakh was tireless in his running and fighting for the ball, Koscielny did well at times, extremely well at others and then made simple mistakes, but generally the back line defended ok...Squillaci really disappointed me last night. He's capable of much better.

Its such a mixed bag of emotions, decisions should have gone our way that didn't, but we got decisions we shouldn't have too, so I cannot complain about it. It all evens out. I just hope we don't look back at this game and realise its cost us a lot more than two points.

For now gooners, i bid you adieu.

WG

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Staking a claim, right through scumbag Terry's face...

In big games like last night it needs a collective team performance to get a positive result. Last night we got that. Many are pointing to the waning star of Chelsea as a reason for the victory. I think that does Arsenal a disservice and we have much to be proud of,.

I'm loathed to pick out individual performances from such a fantastic team effort, but here are some that stood out for me.

- Wilshire, Young Jack excelled last night. Showing a maturity above his years he was no over-awed by the occasion and excelled in his role. Up against the likes of Fat Frank and Essien he played extremely well and its worth noting that the central midfield of Chelsea were very poor last night. Even swapping Mikel for Ramires did not inspire an insipid performance, no doubt they were hampered by the bustling of Wilshire, Fabregas and Song.

- Song, A great performance by the guy that Wenger said lacked the engine to be a central midfielder (no doubt kidology to make him work harder in training). He was snapping at heels from the first whistle to the last and covered every blade of grass. He's not perfect, but his goal was well taken and his performance deserves noting. His contribution in keeping Chelsea's midfield quiet was significant.

- Fabregas, Back to his mercurial best, if not trying a bit hard at times, it was a great game to have him for, his dynamism, drive and vision was a constant thorn to Chelsea and he deserved the applause he got when Wenger brought him off early to an ovation. Excellent performance from the skipper.

- Djourou & Koscielny, Both played extremely well last night to shackle the Drog. Both showed the best and worst of their games. Koscielny wandered once or twice into midfield and got caught when Chelsea broke, Djourou's timing of headers and runs with opponents was a bit hit and miss but between them an excellent performance.

- Theo, always a threat last night. Cashley was in trouble as soon as he got that stupid booking for kicking the ball away. Theo went past him time and time again and put in crosses (mostly poor) and had a shot on target which forced an excellent save from Cech. Theo's vision to put Cesc through clean on goal was excellent and he showed great composure to score his goal. Another performance showing the best and worst of a young professional who is clearly improving and showed that in abundance last night.

So, in summary and excellent performance all round. Not one player did poorly and will have much to be happy with today. Next game is paramount however, you're only as good as your last game and we need to go to the DW up 'ere in Wigan tomorrow night and get a result.

I'll see you there in the cold and rain Gooners, its a shame Cesc is suspended, he'd have ruined Hendry Thomas and Diame.

WG.

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Super Nasri carries Arsenal forward

Nasri was superb last night. He was at the core of everything good that went on the game last night. I felt for Chamakh, it just wasn't his night, everything was a yard too far in front of him or hit to him a bit hard or just caught him unawares. Games like that happen to a striker and hopefully he'll save a few goals for ManYoo next week.

Arshavin looked exhausted again, I wonder if we need to create a fitness regime for him or keep him back a bit in training to stop him from becoming so tired. It can't be good that he struggles to play 90 mins after 4 days rest. He was another player who didn't have a good day at the office, but again I'm hopeful he's saving himself for monday.

Denilson is a quandrary that I'm struggling to see light at the end of the tunnel for. He's a solid player, but he needs games to get match fit. That was never more obvious than last night but when he puts in performances like last night who's going to give him 90mins? I wonder with the dearth of central midfielders that we have now whether he will go in Jan or the Summer. If it was me, I'd try and get him a short term loan somewhere from Jan to the end of the season and see how he does. He's capable of being a good player but he's struggling for form.

Walcott showed the best bits of his game last night, he took players on down the line and attacked the space behind the defenders with pace and verve. He showed his quality with a great placed finish. The question is of course, can he do it regularly. He took advantage of tiring legs from Partizan and tore them apart. I don't deny his quality, but his consistency will be criticised, perhaps unfairly due to injuries and he's still so very young.

In truth I'm pleased we qualified, I'm not bothered that we're going to face a good side, you have to face them sometime to win. If we're good enough we'll do just that.

WG

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Theo Walcott - Prodigal Striker to Wing Wizard

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

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What now ? Away to the Villains!

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.

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One small step..one giant leap

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

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Defining infinitum (badly) - International yawner lasts forever!

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.

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Faster than lightening, his pace is frightening.

Master Wenger has been extolling the virtues of Theo in the press this week stating that he is very close to the central striker role he craves. Certainly this season we are seeing a very different Theo in an Arsenal shirt and I can't discount the impact of not being taken to the World Cup.

I was shocked when he wasn't included, his pace was missed and I think if Capello was asked whether he regrets not taking him he would say not, but if he was honest he would admit that his front options didnt perform and Theo's pace would have been an asset.

I like Theo a lot. He's an extremely sensible lad. In a game now where its harder to empathise with the players Theo is a shining light of nobility. He's an honest, comitted person and he's a great ambassador for Arsenal and England. I hope he can stay with us and find success and trophies with us.

Looking at tonight, Shakhtar will be looking to attack, they have to regain some pride in front of their fans. I think Wenger will play Denilson and Wilshire deep, with Rosicky or Nasri in front of them so the formation will look something like this..

Fabianski
Eboue	Squillaci Koscielny			Clichy
	Wilshire Denilson
Walcott		Nasri		Rosicky
		Chamakh

The personnel are important in this, we need to break with pace and contain in the midfield. Its not a must-win game, but Wenger wants to win and it would cement our position at the top of the group. Feel free to post your own ideal line-ups and why!

I really want Rosicky and Walcott to start. The little Mozart is excellent at picking out Theo's runs and that combination mixed with Nasri breaking through the centre would be devastating. The combinations between Rosicky and Wilshire is also excellent, its easy to see why Wenger would want to keep Tomas, he's the best role model Wilshire could have.

Here's hoping that we get 2:0 up and after 70 mins can bring on JET, Eastmond and maybe even gamble and give Sczcesny a few mins, though that would be most unlikely. I would expect Wenger to give Sczcesny the last two qualifying games instead.

I think people are finally seeing the fruit of Wenger's efforts, we have strength in depth, we have quality and this year we WILL have silverware to show for it. Of that I am certain.

WG
...Arsenal, don't prove me wrong!

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A good dose of Geordie Charm

..only it was Arsenal that were doing the charming.

On paper 4:0 is a bit of a drubbing, in reality on the pitch Newcastle were outclassed.

Pre-match players like Peter Lovenkrands were saying that Arsenal are Barca-lite and they knew exactly what to expect and had a game plan to stop us. I don't think Newcastle really thought Wenger was being serious when he said that we were really going to go for the Carling Cup.

What we saw last night was both Walcott and Bendtner returning from Injury in their first proper run out and they showed what we've been missing at times. Bendtner's finishing yesterday was vicious. Theo demonstrated that his composure in the final third is markedly improved and I'm really pleased for the both of them. Where it leaves them in Wengers mind is anyone's guess. Can I see Wenger dropping Chamakh? No, he's been extremely effective and productive for the team. Will Bendtner return to the wing role he started last season? If so what for Walcott? Walcott will never be the target man in a 4-2-3-1 formation, he's too little and easily knocked off the ball.

Can Walcott push out Arshavin from the starting line up? I expect to see a lot more rotation from Wenger as he tries to keep key players fit for the season. Fabregas, Arshavin and Nasri will be wrapped up in cotton wool to ensure they're there at the business end of the season.

Is it crazy to say we've got too many players now?

Where's RVP going to fit in? Rosicky was awesome last night and I think should start at the weekend, but who'll drop out from the Citeh game for him?

Its crazy and I love it. We've got a stunning squad now. This isn't hyperbole, the proof is in the pudding. Last nights result was a good one and proved we have a strong squad.

A few words about Sczcesny last night. 1) He is fricking huge isn't he?! Last time I saw him was playing for Brentford on loan and he looks like he's grown a few inches since then?! Maybe it was just the performance. 2) He's brave, he dived at the feet of the Geordies and didn't flinch when pouncing on the loose ball when he could have got booted in the head. He can do the glory photo saves just as well as the "put your body where it hurts" saves. 3) Not afraid to shout at his defence, when marshalling his defence he was not afraid to open his gob and shout at the players. You can't be a good goalkeeper if you are quiet.

It was a good game for him and I hope he gets another chance in the next round. We should tie him to a chair and drip water on his head until he signs a new contract. In a year or two's time he should be really ripping down the door.

Did anyone else think he looks a bit like Frankenstein's monster? It was a discussion I had last season with a Bees fan.

WG

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Oh Eck! Welcoming the Brum to the Grove

This weekend sees the return of Birmingham to the Grove and the return of Alex Hleb, a player I still rate very highly. I'm so glad to be back to normal football after the international interruptions. I'm delighted to see that we have emerged relatively unscathed, albeit Sagna is injured but Eboue is a ready made replacement.

I'd like to talk briefly if I could about Alex Hleb. He's a player I've liked since he signed for us, the nimble little belorussian (sic) first strutting his stuff in front of me at Barnet in the inaugural pre-season friendly. What Hleb gave Arsenal is something we haven't replaced, whether it was always successful is another matter but he gave us dribbling at pace, mixed with an excellent workrate and a great understanding with Fabregas. Fabregas was gutted when he left for Barca.

Honestly I'd resign Hleb in a heartbeat. Wenger won't because he didn't want to lose Hleb and Hleb forced it through. I understand Hleb's choice. I wouldn't make the same choice in his position because I am an Arsenal fan through and through, Hleb isn't and never would be. He grew up in Belarus, not England and dreamt of more successful teams than us I'd wager.

In truth, I don't think Hleb fits into Arsenal 2010/11. This version is all about mobility and moving the ball about at pace. Hleb, like Diaby holds onto the ball too much for this.

So, to Saturday and the 3pm kickoff. We're looking very strong for this weekend with potentially Fabregas, Bendtner and Walcott back in the fold. In truth, unless they are all in top condition I don't expect any of them to start. I would prefer brief cameo's from the bench until they are ready for war.

Birmingham are a different side under "Big Eck!" they are more dynamic and they create a lot of chances. They're a hardworking side who will be easily mid-table this year. Hleb has stated that the "Blues are too good to go down" and I agree. There are certainly worse teams in the Prem this season.

My predo, home win for the Gooners, I even think we'll keep a cleany, so I'm plumping for a resounding 2:0 win.

Wenger to announce later who's fit and who isn't. So that could really make it interesting.

WG

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