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

Technorati : Darren Bent, England, Glen Johnson, James Milner, John Terry, Walcott, Wilshire
Del.icio.us : Darren Bent, England, Glen Johnson, James Milner, John Terry, Walcott, Wilshire
Zooomr : Darren Bent, England, Glen Johnson, James Milner, John Terry, Walcott, Wilshire
Flickr : Darren Bent, England, Glen Johnson, James Milner, John Terry, Walcott, Wilshire

He's off form...but he still got two assists/Team performance

Last night was a good night. It was a good team performance against a resilient Ipswich side that knew if they kept it tight they might sneak it. It took patience, verve and sparks of individual class.

Arshavin is having a dip in form of late and much has been made of it in the media and in the blogosphere. Personallly I've been there when nothing seems to be happening for you and everything you touch on the pitch falls to dust. You just have to play through it, just like any sport and Arshavin is trying so hard, perhaps a bit too hard.

However, last night despite constant anti-Arsenal commentary on the BBC, Andrei managed to pull out two assists last night. Firstly providing a great corner for Koscielny and then excellent work to put through Cesc for the third. In terms of corners, Andrei put in about 4 of that exact same corner into the same area for Koscielny to attack and Fulop was able to get to most of them just before Koscielny but on that occasion he was slow to get off his line and Kos finished well. It was a good corner into a good area that consistently took the goalkeeper off of his line and into a dangerous area.

It was a good team performance though, Wilshire was excellent, Fabregas was commanding and battling, Bendtner looked a bit dangerous out on the wing and we were solid at the back. Though Ipswich offered very little going forward as they tried to defend their lead.

Now its all preperations for Huddersfield, another team performance required and we need to get this result first time. We cannot afford a reply this time. Our upcoming fixture list is congested enough thank you!

For now though, for a brief few minutes - Congratulations Gooners, We're in the Final.

WG

Technorati : Arsenal, Arshavin, Bendtner, Fabregas, Ipswich, Wilshire
Del.icio.us : Arsenal, Arshavin, Bendtner, Fabregas, Ipswich, Wilshire
Zooomr : Arsenal, Arshavin, Bendtner, Fabregas, Ipswich, Wilshire
Flickr : Arsenal, Arshavin, Bendtner, Fabregas, Ipswich, Wilshire

Wholesale changes expected

12:45pm - We take on Leeds in the FA Cup. We will not see the magic of Van Persie and Nasri. But we will see a return to the first team squad for Gibbs and Ramsey. I'm hoping that the young welsh wizard gets a game today. I feel he is in a good state to play Championship opposition after playing against it in his last 5 games.

Ramsey is a player I rate very highly, I see a bit of myself in him. He's combative, powerful and creative. Fully fit he's a shoe in for our midfield and I wonder where that would leave young Jack. I think we'd see a midfield of Ramsey, Jack and Fabregas with Jack and Rambo given the responsibility of defending and creating. Though for today I think it will be different.

Today I expect the squad to be flexed and rejigged. It wouldn't surprise me to see a start for Vela, Bendtner and I'd like to see Sczcesny given a game.

For me, I cant wait. I think Theo will start and Rosicky on the other wing and we'll tear them apart. Rambo, Denilson and probably Song to start.

Its so hard to pick but I expect a good win from us today, but Leeds won't make it easy

WG

Technorati : Arsenal, Leeds, Rambo, Ramsey, Wilshire
Del.icio.us : Arsenal, Leeds, Rambo, Ramsey, Wilshire
Zooomr : Arsenal, Leeds, Rambo, Ramsey, Wilshire
Flickr : Arsenal, Leeds, Rambo, Ramsey, Wilshire

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.

Technorati : Arsenal, Chelsea, Diame, Djourou, Hendry Thomas, Koscielny, Walcott, Wigan, Wilshire, fabregas
Del.icio.us : Arsenal, Chelsea, Diame, Djourou, Hendry Thomas, Koscielny, Walcott, Wigan, Wilshire, fabregas
Zooomr : Arsenal, Chelsea, Diame, Djourou, Hendry Thomas, Koscielny, Walcott, Wigan, Wilshire, fabregas
Flickr : Arsenal, Chelsea, Diame, Djourou, Hendry Thomas, Koscielny, Walcott, Wigan, Wilshire, fabregas

Its a critical yet Merry Christmas

The Christmas period is one unique to the Premier League and the UK football leagues. Where other leagues and football associations see fit to allow players to enjoy this festive period the English FA are happy to watch our boys running about on Boxing day...and so am I to be honest.

Its a period where games are won and lost, shock results DO happen and below-par performances are a certainity.

Its a period where Arsenal have generally done well under Arsene and I'm hoping for more of the same. We're not top for Christmas, but the real prize is at the end of the season, our Santa Claus is to deliver consistency, big performances and a return to fitness and form for our squad.

I have no doubt we are able to win the league, noone is running away with it and there is no clear favourite. I think we have what it takes, using the argument of young Jack Wilshire, the Carling Cup could well be the catalyst that spurs us on to some big performances in the league.

Me, I'm just looking forward to drinking too much, eating too much and watching some good football. Everything after that is next year and I don't care too much for that right now.

If I run out of time with all this Crimbo shopping malarky, Have a fantastic Christmas gooners, one and all. Thank you for your great feedback and I look forward to spending even more time talking to you guys in the new year.

WiganGooner.

Technorati : Arsenal, English Football Association, Premier League, Wenger, Wilshire
Del.icio.us : Arsenal, English Football Association, Premier League, Wenger, Wilshire
Zooomr : Arsenal, English Football Association, Premier League, Wenger, Wilshire
Flickr : Arsenal, English Football Association, Premier League, Wenger, Wilshire

Its a critical yet Merry Christmas

The Christmas period is one unique to the Premier League and the UK football leagues. Where other leagues and football associations see fit to allow players to enjoy this festive period the English FA are happy to watch our boys running about on Boxing day...and so am I to be honest.

Its a period where games are won and lost, shock results DO happen and below-par performances are a certainity.

Its a period where Arsenal have generally done well under Arsene and I'm hoping for more of the same. We're not top for Christmas, but the real prize is at the end of the season, our Santa Claus is to deliver consistency, big performances and a return to fitness and form for our squad.

I have no doubt we are able to win the league, noone is running away with it and there is no clear favourite. I think we have what it takes, using the argument of young Jack Wilshire, the Carling Cup could well be the catalyst that spurs us on to some big performances in the league.

Me, I'm just looking forward to drinking too much, eating too much and watching some good football. Everything after that is next year and I don't care too much for that right now.

If I run out of time with all this Crimbo shopping malarky, Have a fantastic Christmas gooners, one and all. Thank you for your great feedback and I look forward to spending even more time talking to you guys in the new year.

WiganGooner.

Technorati : Arsenal, English Football Association, Premier League, Wenger., Wilshire
Del.icio.us : Arsenal, English Football Association, Premier League, Wenger., Wilshire
Zooomr : Arsenal, English Football Association, Premier League, Wenger., Wilshire
Flickr : Arsenal, English Football Association, Premier League, Wenger., Wilshire

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

3:1 not enough. Not nearly enough

In truth its nothing to do with the scoreline, I wanted a better performance than that. We are so much better than they are. Yes they made it difficult, but we should have been more incisive.

We were all over them like an angry moss and I feel we lacked penetration at times. Denilson didn't really have a great game and I wish Rosicky was there or Wilshire instead. That way their midfield five would have been chasing back rather than closing us down.

Negativity aside however, we've qualified and thats all that matters for now. Performances will need to come later against the later teams.

I'm excited and mildly fearful of our next opposition on this form.

WG

Technorati : Arsenal, Denilson, Partizan, Rosicky, Wilshire
Del.icio.us : Arsenal, Denilson, Partizan, Rosicky, Wilshire
Zooomr : Arsenal, Denilson, Partizan, Rosicky, Wilshire
Flickr : Arsenal, Denilson, Partizan, Rosicky, Wilshire

Tear into Partizan as if our lives depended on it.

Thats the attitude our players need tonight. We need to set down a marker tonight. Another performance of lackadaisical football will not be enough.

Arsenal set records this season for the most goals scored in the first three games of the group stage. We need that form back. Noone will fear us if we nick a 1:0 result at home.

If we annihalate them 7:0 however, that might make people stand up and think.

Thats what I want to see tonight, I want Nasri, Wilshire, Song and RvP to rip them apart. I want Chamakh to hit a hattrick and the rest to weigh in too. As fans we deserve a performance after the last two Champions League games.

This should be our line up tonight, I'll leave it to Mr Arsene to make his own modifications as is his wont..

Fabianski
Sagna	Squillaci Koscielny			Clichy
	Song Wilshire
Nasri		Robin Van Persie		Walcott
		Chamakh

That teamsheet should, on paper, destroy Partizan and thats what we need.

WG

Technorati : Arsenal, Champions League, Nasri, Partizan, Song, Van Persie, Wenger, Wilshire
Del.icio.us : Arsenal, Champions League, Nasri, Partizan, Song, Van Persie, Wenger, Wilshire
Zooomr : Arsenal, Champions League, Nasri, Partizan, Song, Van Persie, Wenger, Wilshire
Flickr : Arsenal, Champions League, Nasri, Partizan, Song, Van Persie, Wenger, Wilshire

A great time to get the monkey off your back

Super result in the snow last night. Vela frustrated and then showed his class by setting up Bendtner. Its worth mentioning Vela got past his man and delivered some quality balls into the box and generally looked very lively, but clearly not match-sharp.

Which begs the question, what can we do for players like Vela. He needs to play some games, I think we should bung him off in Jan on a 6 month loan deal to someone in the championship, he needs competitive games and he needs to do it here. It needs to be a development move for him and he needs to stay focussed on Arsenal, not be casting approving looks elsewhere in Spain etc.

I like Vela, I like the way he just picks himself up, dusts off and tries again. He offers something different but he'll never hit form playing reserve and carling cup games.

Bendtner had a decent game too last night, pushing away the lazy slurs he worked hard last night. I do wish he'd look at Chamakh's game and try and learn from it though. I still think he's a bit naive when it comes to working a defence, but I'm not bashing him for it, he's still young and has the potential if his ego will allow him to learn. Which is a big BIG question mark.

For the second game in a row I was impressed with Koscielny, I thought he was on the money last night. Tackling, jockeying and heading he was an all-action hero. He didn't leave Djourou much to do but together they did well.

Wilshire played well, setting up Vela on many occasions but the young mexican was profligate in front of goal and unfortunate, his lack of match-sharpness was so apparent last night. Wilshire continues to impressand he's definitely proving his mettle with another battling display and he clearly outshone Denilson who had a bit of a bad day at the office I felt.

Last night provided an excellent opportunity to get the home losses off of our backs and start again and a cleany wont hurt at all. Sczcesny did ok with little to do, he'll be hoping for more of the same in his next appearance to continue to see his stock rise and take the next step towards the number 1 jersey.

So whats up next, we've got the Cottagers at home. Its time for Mark Schwarzers bi-annual storming performance and a whole lot will be made of it pre-match. Importantly the players need to focus and deliver a performance. Fulham won't lie down and they'll play tight and hit us where it hurts on the counter.

For now, embrace the snow, its going to be here for a while...although not here...its just frosty at the moment here in Wigan.

WG

Technorati : Arsenal, Bendtner, Chamakh, Denilson, Fulham, Koscielny, Sczcesny, Vela, Wilshire, mark schwarzer
Del.icio.us : Arsenal, Bendtner, Chamakh, Denilson, Fulham, Koscielny, Sczcesny, Vela, Wilshire, mark schwarzer
Zooomr : Arsenal, Bendtner, Chamakh, Denilson, Fulham, Koscielny, Sczcesny, Vela, Wilshire, mark schwarzer
Flickr : Arsenal, Bendtner, Chamakh, Denilson, Fulham, Koscielny, Sczcesny, Vela, Wilshire, mark schwarzer

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.

Technorati : Arsenal, Arshavin, Bendtner, Nasri, Song, Villa, Wenger, Wilshire, walcott
Del.icio.us : Arsenal, Arshavin, Bendtner, Nasri, Song, Villa, Wenger, Wilshire, walcott
Zooomr : Arsenal, Arshavin, Bendtner, Nasri, Song, Villa, Wenger, Wilshire, walcott
Flickr : Arsenal, Arshavin, Bendtner, Nasri, Song, Villa, Wenger, Wilshire, walcott

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

Technorati : Arsenal, Bendtner, Braga, Chamakh, Fabregas, Nasri, Rosicky, Shakhtar, Walcott, Wilshire
Del.icio.us : Arsenal, Bendtner, Braga, Chamakh, Fabregas, Nasri, Rosicky, Shakhtar, Walcott, Wilshire
Zooomr : Arsenal, Bendtner, Braga, Chamakh, Fabregas, Nasri, Rosicky, Shakhtar, Walcott, Wilshire
Flickr : Arsenal, Bendtner, Braga, Chamakh, Fabregas, Nasri, Rosicky, Shakhtar, Walcott, Wilshire

Entering the Den of Wolves!

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

Technorati : Arsenal, Chamakh, Chelsea, Manchester City, Manchester United, Wilshire
Del.icio.us : Arsenal, Chamakh, Chelsea, Manchester City, Manchester United, Wilshire
Zooomr : Arsenal, Chamakh, Chelsea, Manchester City, Manchester United, Wilshire
Flickr : Arsenal, Chamakh, Chelsea, Manchester City, Manchester United, Wilshire

Thrown to the Wolves - Arsenal bite back.

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

Technorati : Arsenal, Chamakh, Fabregas, Newcastle, Premier League, Robin Van Persie, Rosicky, Wilshire, Wolves
Del.icio.us : Arsenal, Chamakh, Fabregas, Newcastle, Premier League, Robin Van Persie, Rosicky, Wilshire, Wolves
Zooomr : Arsenal, Chamakh, Fabregas, Newcastle, Premier League, Robin Van Persie, Rosicky, Wilshire, Wolves
Flickr : Arsenal, Chamakh, Fabregas, Newcastle, Premier League, Robin Van Persie, Rosicky, Wilshire, Wolves

Nothing like a bit of Villification on a thursday!

The knives are out it seems for Craig Eastmond and Gael Clichy after a poor performance last night.

I've watched the game twice now and despite Gael being done through the legs (which does happen, noone is superhuman) we didn't play badly. In the period after our goal we took our foot off the gas which let them in. Our closing down was very poor. In the second half we didn't put our chances away, but we created plenty.

Lets be clear. We will qualify from the group and I still expect us to finish top. We are superior in goal difference and now we have to play Braga and Partizan. Hardly a daunting task provided the guys show the same focus they started with last night.

I'm not one to dwell on negatives, Eastmond's own goal was unfortunate, goals like that happen every week to every team. Carragher and Dunne have practically made a career out of it. Clichy got mugged, he knows it. Srna is an established, experienced, talented attacking full back and he got one over on Clichy. It doesn't make Clichy a bad player.

Theo took his goal extremely well last night. Its exactly what I want to see from him. A Thierry-esque goal, breaking free of his marker and just running like Forrest until he can see the whites of the keepers eyes before placing his shot calmly into the corner. A great finish. Simple, efficient and well deserved for a player who is still trying to win over his critics. Many forget he's so young.

So what now? We re-focus on Newcastle, on the Premier league until we have to worry about the Champions League again. We're back home and we need to put on a performance to ensure there are no retaliations from the Carling Cup tie.

Jack Wilshire put in a good performance last night, as did Squillaci. Djourou had a bad game and he knows it. Fabianski did well too, despite shipping two goals.

There is a bit to take from this, Eastmond isn't ready yet, but he will be. He fought back well to try and make up for his goal but he was a bit off the pace and could have done with a few mins in the PL before being launched into his Euro debut. I was impressed with Eastmond's effort and to villify him and Clichy is foolish.

Bring on the Geordies!

WG

Technorati : Arsenal, Clichy, Eastmond, Wilshire
Del.icio.us : Arsenal, Clichy, Eastmond, Wilshire
Zooomr : Arsenal, Clichy, Eastmond, Wilshire
Flickr : Arsenal, Clichy, Eastmond, Wilshire

A chilling encounter

Its going to be cold in Donetsk.

Fact.

Arsenal visit the Donbass stadium with the chance to finish off their group rivals.

This is also fact.

Jack Wilshire will be instrumental. He will be eager to get on the pitch after his suspension and show what he can do. He's had a lot of media attention and he wants to do well.

I expect a win tonight. If picked Nasri will score.

WG

Technorati : Arsenal, Nasri, Wilshire
Del.icio.us : Arsenal, Nasri, Wilshire
Zooomr : Arsenal, Nasri, Wilshire
Flickr : Arsenal, Nasri, Wilshire

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!

Technorati : Arsenal, Nasri, Rosicky, Walcott, Wenger, Wilshire
Del.icio.us : Arsenal, Nasri, Rosicky, Walcott, Wenger, Wilshire
Zooomr : Arsenal, Nasri, Rosicky, Walcott, Wenger, Wilshire
Flickr : Arsenal, Nasri, Rosicky, Walcott, Wenger, Wilshire

Its only Ray P..I mean Henri Lansbury!

Arsene Wenger this week has been waxing lyrical about one of our very own Henri Lansbury. In my opinion one of the most understated players coming through. Without creating waves he has performed well whilst on loan and he has returned to the fold this season and Wenger has brought him into the first team fold. Wenger compares him to the Romford Pele and I can see the similarities.

Born in Enfield, London, Lansbury grew up in Potters Bar. Lansbury has been at Arsenal since 1999, joining the club as a schoolboy from the books of Norwich City. He has featured regularly for both the club's under-18 and reserve sides. He finally made his first team debut on 31 October 2007, in Arsenal's 3-0 League Cup win over Sheffield United as a substitute.

Lansbury is a complete midfielder, he fits perfectly into the Arsenal style. He has a great engine and can dictate a midfield with his passing ability and his tackling and tracking back. He can break forward with good pace, though he's not in the same league as Theo and he's got a good shot on him as us Gooners, the Hornets and the Irons can testify.

I like him a lot. His early career with us was blighted by a debilitating illness that left him lethargic, without energy. He's put that behind him in the last two seasons and he's looking very strong. We have a strong contingent of young, talented, ready for first team action midfielders. Ramsey, Denilson, Wilshire, Lansbury along with the likes of Randall and Aneke pushing to enter the fold also.

I look forward to seeing him grow further tonight.

WG

Technorati : Arsenal, Denilson, Henri Lansbury, Ramsey, Scunthorpe Utd, Watford, Wilshire
Del.icio.us : Arsenal, Denilson, Henri Lansbury, Ramsey, Scunthorpe Utd, Watford, Wilshire
Zooomr : Arsenal, Denilson, Henri Lansbury, Ramsey, Scunthorpe Utd, Watford, Wilshire
Flickr : Arsenal, Denilson, Henri Lansbury, Ramsey, Scunthorpe Utd, Watford, Wilshire

How much do we really want the Carling Cup

I know we've been starved for silverware for years. I know that to create a "winning mentality" you need to win. I'm not daft.

Arsene Wenger is able to temper our expectations by selling us the future. A big part of this is showcasing the next big thing coming through the Arsenal ranks in the Carling Cup. Last year and the year previous we've seen such talents as Merida, Wilshire, Ramsey, Gibbs, Traore, Jay Emmanuel Thomas, Jay Simpson, Nacer Barazite, Mark Randall and Henri Lansbury to name but a few.

Allowing the youth to cut their teeth in the Carling Cup is a treble-pebble bonus for Arsene. It rests his top first-teamers and it gives much needed experience to players on the fringe of the first team and match fitness to those in the match-day benchwarmers club.

We've celebrated in the successes of our youth in this competition. We've revelled in their results against premier league opposition. We loved it. "Our kids are better than your first team" is a great chant.

So are we really that desperate to win the Carling Cup that we forget the youth this year? My opinion: Arsene Wenger will sacrifice the Carling Cup to try and succeed elsewhere. Of course he'll try to win the Carling Cup but he'll do it with youth and back it up with first teamers resting on the bench. If it doesn't happen then his targets will naturally revert to what he really wants, the Champions League and the Premier League.

Arsene Wenger isn't daft, he knows a Carling Cup win doesn't mean anything in the grand scheme. His targets are above and I'm with him. I'd rather us have a real shot at the Prem than get half our first teamers injured in a nothing game in the Carling Cup.

WG

Technorati : Arsene Wenger, Barazite, Gibbs, JET, Jay Simpson, Lansbury, Ramsey, Randall, Wilshire, arsenal, carling cup, traore
Del.icio.us : Arsene Wenger, Barazite, Gibbs, JET, Jay Simpson, Lansbury, Ramsey, Randall, Wilshire, arsenal, carling cup, traore
Zooomr : Arsene Wenger, Barazite, Gibbs, JET, Jay Simpson, Lansbury, Ramsey, Randall, Wilshire, arsenal, carling cup, traore
Flickr : Arsene Wenger, Barazite, Gibbs, JET, Jay Simpson, Lansbury, Ramsey, Randall, Wilshire, arsenal, carling cup, traore

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