Good Game But Arsenal Naive Again

Wigan secured a passage to the Carling Cup Final with a last minute Jason Robert's Goal.

It was a quality game to watch, much more so than the first leg, and Arsenal's quality showed and we could have had the game wrapped up by the time Robert's struck.

We played pretty well and Mike Pollitt was excellent. We created a lot of chances and deserved to win.

One minute to go and an Arsenal goal kick.. Then BANG you are out of the competition. Despite the naive way in which we conceded the goal, we were the better side.

Campbell bottled a header and was troubled by Robert's all night long, he is not the rock he was and becomes increasingly worrying with performances like this.

The defence looked shaky, Cole and Toure were missed badly and Lauren had picked up a knock. But whatever the personnel, professional footballers that get paid thousands should be able to defend a high lobbed ball forward. That is two games in a row now, I just hope it doesn't materialise into another 'set piece' style scenario.

All said and done it means a lot more to Wigan to the get to the final than it would to us.

Good luck to them in the final.

All is not lost..

Arsenal's passing was slick and the movement was good, it is puzzling how we can look like, more or less, the Arsenal of old at home and frankly, terrible away.

Van Persie's free kick was powerful and precise (a quick mention for Richard Godden who called the free kick as in with a great deal of confidence) and it's excellent to have a left footed player who can take them properly. Reyes is very good at crossing from a dead ball but cannot shoot.

Gilbert was again impressive at right back and I though Diaby, after an early introduction to English football by Bullard and Scharner, stood up well and certainly seemed to fit in well and looked like he had been at the club longer then 11 days.

He switched the ball well and didn't seem overawed in the slightest, without reading too much into it, he did seem to balance up the midfield and was strong in the tackle. Good signs indeed.

It was a really good game played in the right spirit. We lost out and it would have been nice to get to the final but there were enough positive signs and I won't be losing any sleep over it.

Non Performers Cost Gunners Again.. Wigan Preview..

Arsenal lost 1-0 to Everton at Goodison Park on Saturday Afternoon. They were leaderless and despite enjoying the majority of possession failed to create any clear cut chances.

Gilberto Silva was abysmal. Sol Campbell looked very rusty. Lauren was careless and Pires looked disinterested.

Not good enough. The senior players again were poor. Senior players not performing equals no result. Fabregas got sent off in the last minute as Cahill attempted to scythe Henry down, in a fashion that at best would be described as agricultural, at worst cynical.

I have left it this long to comment on the game otherwise I would have found myself writing something harsh which I later, with hindsight may have regretted!

Anyway, onwards and upwards.

Tonight the semi final of the Carling Cup. We have a more experienced squad out and will be playing somewhere near full strength.

I think it's time to start showing some of the old Arsenal spirit and pull a good performance and healthy win out of the locker.

I think we will, I can see 3-0 Arsenal on the cards, but we shall see..

Arsenal Add To Potential With Walcott Signing Confirmed

Theo Walcott has joined Arsenal from Southampton in an initIal £5m deal, possibly rising to £12m. It's official. He will wear the no.32 shirt.

The world's worst secret is finally out. It's always promising to hear that a player wants to sign for Arsenal over any other club and even better to know that he stuck to his decision.

I wonder how SWP is feeling right now?

I must admit I am excited. The boy looks class and hopefully he will push some of the more experienced players to raise their games.

MORE TO THE POINT HE IS A GENUINELY QUALITY ENGLISHMAN!

Walcott is a kid, a 16-year old, but then again so was Wayne Rooney when it became clear he was a bit special. Utd bought him for £28m. He is now their best player.

Walcott is different, he is electric a real livewire. He shows composure in front of goal and seemingly has a good approach, loves the game and is a sensible lad. However, he isn't the finished article.

However, I wouldn't expect to see too much of the world's most expensive 16 year old this season.

He has been over used at Southampton and needs more time to develop and rest.

He is a player for the future, and the way the squad is looking now.. What a future that could be..

Men Against Boys

Arsenal won 7-0 against Boro on Saturday. It was an advert for attacking football. Realistically Arsenal could have scored 10.

Why is it that a 7-0 score line is so much more rare than 6-0?

I guess 6-0 somehow can be defended as a bad day at the office.

7-0 seems like a crisis.

Boro had a massive injury list and no leaders on the pitch. The experienced players did not help their youthful counterparts at all.

It was like a melee of laziness and poor attitudes. Yakubu, Viduka and Doriva hardly encapsulate the word motivation in the same way as say, Ray Parlour or Gareth Southgate. This transferred to the younger players and they crumbled.

These experienced players are not steady pro's, they are reliant on others and not natural leaders. Arsenal saw this weakness and tore them apart.

Reyes played well and created a few goals, two for Henry, with some class first time, instinctive passing. The whole team gelled well and we looked as good as ever. Particularly Henry. The best superlative you can give this guy is that he is unique.

He has equalled Cliff Bastin's record of 150 League Goals. What an achievement. As AW says, when will Henry's record be broken?

There is no one else like him playing football today. That no-look pass was just class, the timing, the execution, class. A privilege to watch.

Do you get that type of thing down at Chelsea? No.

Was it Henry's stating his desire to stay? Diaby putting a few tackles in to shake things up in training? Or the new signings and air of optimism around the club, which instilled the hitherto wavering belief?

Probably a little of all three.

Apparently Theo Walcott wants to join us and he is making all the right moves to ensure a very warm welcome to Highbury, if he rebuff overtures from Stamford Bridge. He looks raw and pacey and does remind me a little of Henry. Is he worth £12m? Will he be as good as Rooney?

I don't know, he is a different type of player.

Maybe one day they will play together.

What A Difference A Day Makes.. 24 Little Hours

The rumour mill has gone into overdrive. We have reportedly 'signed' Vassiriki Abou Diaby from Auxerre on a 4-year deal.

He is 19 years old, 6ft 2" tall, strong, leggy and French. I just hope being labelled as the new Vieira doesn't hurt him.

He is however exactly what we need. He will have the opportunity to adapt to the league and bed in over the World Cup.

Diaby and Cesc in 2 to 3 years could be the real deal.

It would appear players are wising up to the fact that Arsenal can offer a better chance of first team football than Chelsea. By choosing Arsenal they are effectively choosing football over money, that is the type of attitude we need at Arsenal.

Wenger is buying for 2007/8.

This has always been the plan. So when he says players are developing well it is with this in mind. He doesn't mean they are all ready to win things yet, but they will be.

Theo Walcott spent yesterday at London Colney. We've 'agreed' a deal for him. That would be a sensational signing but I am cautious.

I will believe that when it happens.

It is amazing how exciting it is to be linked to these new players though. I think because of the high expectations we realise how much we need some. Suddenly hope is restored.

We could still do with some experience, maybe that centre back who can play in midfield. I have heard Dabo's name being mentioned. But this is an excellent start and at least we know Wenger sees what we do!

Blinded By The Light

Arsenal lost yet again away from home.. 1-0 to Wigan in the Carling Cup Semi Final 1st leg.

It was a tepid encounter. No fire, no fight. Very few people, Almunia and Gilbert aside, can be satisfied with their performance. It was a display with absolutely NO passion.

What has happened to the spirit at Arsenal Football Club?

Wenger played 4-5-1. That was a mistake. It is a good way to put pressure upon yourself if you can't score and have an experimental defence.

We all laughed at Fergie when he tried it in Europe. Arsenal are most dangerous when they play 4-4-2. The simple fact is Wenger picked a formation around who was playing.

Wenger needs a system to fit players into. That system is 4-4-2.

Wenger needs to bolster the sqaud in the transfer window. He needs a midfield enforcer who will actually do what he is asked, a strong player, with discipline, who can feed Fabregas, so that he can fulfil his potential as a playmaker.

Everybody knows it. Why can't Wenger see it? Or is he waiting until the summer?

We lost Edu and Vieira and haven't replaced either of them. Arsene needs to do that, although I just get the feeling he is waiting too long for a deal that is too good to be true.

We should sign Dacourt until the end of the season or someone to sure up the midfield who has a bit of experience. If only to add competition to what appears, a complacent side.

We need a player, not necessarily English although it would be nice, with a British spirit. I said it before. We need a Steven Gerrard.

Instead of standing up and being counted the senior players, particularly those who play in midfield, seem in a comfort zone. Which isn't good enough.

Fourth place is still a very much attainable target, there is little pressure on it and we just need a good run of results.

I'm sure, at this stage, we would all write off this season as a transitional one if we were to qualify for the Champions League. However signings do need to be made, even if they are temporary, because something just doesn't sit right with Arsenal FC at the moment.

Why Henry Decided To Stay

I thought Thierry Henry had already made his mind up about whether he would stay at Arsenal, I just didn't know which way.

First of all and most importantly.

It is a major and much needed boost for Arsenal.

Secondly.

It is a boost for the game. Henry is a unique talent, he has a long list of potential suitors, Henry could easily have earned much more money by making a high profile move to a glamour club. Like Barcelona.

Too many players are interested in money, are given poor advice by agents and move for the wrong reasons and live to regret it. Step forward Shaun Wright-Phillips.

It is important, in the context of today's game and the way players appear to be bigger than their clubs, for football. I just hope other players, who no doubt admire Henry, follow suit.

Henry is staying because, the bottom line, he loves the club.

Arsenal and Arsene Wenger took a gamble on him when he was at a cross roads in his career, his life.

Arsene and the club made him feel at home, helped to nurture his talent, helped him fulfil his potential, had faith in him and made along with Thierry Henry made Thierry Henry a world class player.

Arsene had faith in Henry and believed in his ability when Henry did not.

Arsenal gave him stability, he settled in well and his confidence and influence in the team grew. Henry now has earned the ultimate freedom to express himself on the pitch. If Henry went to Barcelona he would not be the sole conductor.

His life is settled, he has a family, and his private life is private. In Spain football is like a soap opera. Henry would effectively have no private life, he would be owned by Barcelona and used and manipulated as a marketing tool.

Basically Henry has the best platform to be able to concentrate on playing the best football he can.

Henry is a legend at Arsenal, he is the club's all time record goal scorer, he is worshipped by the fans, his team-mates and the media. It would be a massive gamble for a player, who if he continues his progression and maintains his unerring consistency, and possibly wins the European Cup at Arsenal, will go down in history alongside the very best that have ever played the game.

It would be a massive gamble to leave and have to start making that legend again.

Bergkamp, Adams and the other senior players helped a raw, young Henry to develop into what he is today. Henry must feel he owes that to the younger players at the club at present.

Henry will also lead Arsenal out in the new stadium, which will be the best in Europe and will place Arsenal among Europe's elite.

Arsenal may well need a new signing or two to compete with Chelsea.

The fact remains Thierry Henry will be the best signing Arsenal could make.

Arsenal Handed Tough Test

Arsenal beat Cardiff in the F.A. Cup to set up a 4th round tie away to Bolton.

Robert Pires scored an early brace as Arsenal secured a safe-ish passage through, although the young Gunners were put under pressure in the second half by a dogged Cardiff side.

Cardiff were epitomised by their supporters who were vocal, robust and cheerful and never lost faith in their team's ability to cause us problems. Cardiff were not too far from causing an upset.

Van Persie and Reyes linked well upfront and in truth it was a bit of an experimental side that did just enough to get through without over exerting themselves.

However in keeping with tradition, there were a few upsets. Nuneaton Borough got a draw against Middlesbrough on Saturday, however the most notable giant killing occurred on Sunday. Non-league Burton Albion drew 0-0 against Man Utd, the second team outside the top divisions to do so in the last two seasons and Leyton Orient beat Fulham at Craven Cottage.

Leicester came from two goals down to beat Tottenham at The Walkers Stadium. Spurs usually unyielding trophy challenge ended for another season.

Arsenal now face Bolton at the Reebok in what has proven somewhat of a stumbling block in recent seasons. However, we beat them in the quarter finals of the cup last season and given the fact it is likely to be a high tempo affair, different from a league game. In the Premiership against big teams Bolton still consider themselves an underdog and are more than content with a 0-0 draw. They keep it tight and anything else is a bonus.

It was a strange game in the corresponding fixture last season, we outplayed them and should have won by more, we are somehow more creative and free in the F.A. Cup, probably because of the attitude of our opponents, the high tempo and the ability to get into a rhythm and build some confidence in the competition.

Whatever happens it will be a tough game.

All in all it was a pretty good weekend of football.

The romance of the F.A. cup is still very much alive.

Arsenal 0 - 0 Man Utd

Arsenal drew 0-0 with Man Utd at Highbury last night.

That is 4 clean sheets in a row, an 8 point Christmas haul, 4 points from 2 away fixtures included. It's an improvement but the balance is not quite right.

Arsenal miss Ashley Cole as an attacking threat, an option, an outlet.

Cygan did well defensively and kept Ronaldo pretty quiet. When he couldn't Eddie Murphy scythed him into the stands. Lauren is ruthless.

However Cygan isn't a natural left back and cannot offer the same mobility, off the ball running, touch, vision and passing ability as Cole. In the 5-1 win at Inter Milan, Cole was our second best attacker behind Henry, the sooner he returns the better.

Arsenal played quite well, without finding the killer touch. We tired towards the end of each half, particularly in the middle and Utd began to look dangerous but a draw was probably a fair result.

The balance of the midfield is not quite right, and we are still playing too narrow. Sometimes the best way is to try a shot or whip a dangerous ball into the box. It is beautiful when the delicate and precise passing comes off, but when it doesn't work time and time again, and we refuse to try anything else, it is infuriating to watch.

The attitude and work rate have improved and the older players are starting to take responsibility. Campbell and Toure were excellent last night, Gilberto and Pires tackled and tracked back and Lehmann was solid. This allied with the return of Cole, who will give us experience, an attacking option and some natural width, and the results will follow.

We need to win a big game to give us confidence as a team. To allow us to have belief in each other. It is slowly coming back.

The older players need to stand up and be counted like they did last night. Our 1st XI is still class and if we keep working hard, the injured players return, and if any reinforcements are bought during January, we will be in much better shape than the press would allow us to believe.

In all honesty I think most of the signs are positive and we are not too far from a good run.

More To PLay For Than Meets The Eye

Arsenal bid to transform an inconclusive Christmas period into a bright one as Arsenal play Man Utd in a league match for the final time at Highbury tonight. There will be no Keane and no Vieira, the first time that one of them has not appeared in this fixture for 10 years.

Arsenal followed victories against Charlton away and Portsmouth at Home, with a pretty flat performance against Aston Villa at Villa Park, a game, which ended 0-0 but could have been worse for the Gunners.

However, a performance full of commitment, discipline, desire, hard work and a little bit of luck with and end product, unlike against Chelsea, can put a positive spin on our recent form and instil some much needed belief into the squad.

Belief is highly important at this time of year and consistency is key, if we have any realistic aspirations of winning a trophy then now is the time to show that belief and confidence, which will hopefully lead to some much needed consistency.

Although this game may have had further reaching implications in terms of the title destination in recent seasons, which is now, if it ever has been, not in doubt, this is still a highly important game, perhaps more so for Arsenal.

If Arsenal want to win a trophy and transform this season into a successful campaign, which at this time appears to be ensuring Champions League football at Ashburton Grove, a run in the European and F.A. Cups and the youngsters getting to the final and hopefully winning the Carling Cup, and keeping Thierry Henry, a victory tonight is the best place to start.

If Arsenal can win and put in a good performance tonight then it may prove to be a catalyst for the rest of the season, and could have very far reaching, if underlying, consequences.

Arsenal need to prove they can still win big games and compete with the best. Not only for the fans but for themselves.