BONI'S ARSENAL BLOG

Big Signings Don't Guarantee Success

2007-06-30T16:23:00.000+01:00

I didn't really think Henry would leave, however now he's gone, will we buy a replacement? Who?

Tevez is Wenger type signing as he is versatile, he could play wide left, right or though the middle. However surely we won't buy Tevez at £20m +, Eto'o again would be big money and Martins strikes me as a bit volatile and possibly not technically good enough to play the way we do.

Possibly Anelka if the price is right (under £10m), that would be a sensible buy in my opinion as he would be good value for money and we know he can do the business in a side that plays our style of football.

Is it totally inconceivable that Reyes will return now that Henry has gone?

One thing that is for sure is that we will not be doing a Spurs and spending mega money to try and break into the top 4. If we spend big (ala Leeds) then we could be in big trouble financially if we don't make the Champions League because of the payments for the new stadium.

I wonder what the financial implications are for Spurs if they don't make the CL? How can they afford the £40m+ they have spent on Berbatov, Bent, Bale, Zokora in the last year or so?

One thing is for sure, this could be a very important season for the club in terms of the ling term future. However, the stats below prove that we are unlikely to break to bank in order to find an Henry replacement, interesting though they are;

NET TRANSFER SPENDING

2004-05

Chelsea:---------£91.0m

Man. Utd:-------£26.0m

Liverpool:-------£15.0m

Arsenal:----------£0.8m profit

2005-06

Chelsea:------£35.0m

Liverpool:-----£18.0m

Man. Utd:-----£14.0m

Arsenal:--------£10.0m

2006-07

Chelsea:------£39.0m

Liverpool:----£13.0m

Man. Utd:-----£4.0m

Arsenal:-------£4.0m profit

Total over last 3 seasons

Chelsea:-------£165.0m----(£55.0m per season)

Man. Utd:-------£44.0m----(£14.7m per season)+ £50m this season.

Liverpool:--------£33.0m----(£11.0m per season)

Arsenal:------------£5.2m------(£1.7m per season)- £16m this season.

So over the last 3 seasons our net transfer spending has been 16% of
Liverpool's, 12% of Manchester United's and 3% of Chelsea's. I'd be
interested to see the figures for earlier seasons too, as well as how our
spending compares with the rest of the teams in the Premiership - I wouldn't
be surprised if we're not even in the top 10 spenders.

So I'm not sure I will be holding my breath for big name signings however I think the decision to get rid of Henry could be a good one and allow the younger players such as RVP, Cesc, Clichy and Walcott to come from out of the shadows and prove they are good enough to take the extra responsibility.

Spanish media circus gets annoying after a while.. Retaliation anyone?!

2007-05-24T19:21:00.000+01:00

Marca and AS the Barca and Real Madrid biased papers are going into overdrive with their unfounded speculation about Arsenal players.

Arsene Wenger is in Madrid attempting to offload Jose Antonio Reyes and possibly sign up a couple of the Barca youth team to go with Fabregas and Merida so he can create a total footballing side of Barcelona youth players.

However it is ACTUALLY because he is signing up for Madrid and taking Cesc with him and also selling Henry to Barcelona at the same time as swapping Hleb and Rosicky and Adebayor and Ljungberg for a couple of inbred lepers.

It is all such a load of bollocks and the accountability is zero. Make up a scandalous story, sell a paper and it's job done. Why the rest of the media re-circulate this crap is beyond me - surely you realise there is fuck all credibility in getting snippets from 2 year old interviews and attempting to use them as support for a story you have already decided to make up!

You cunts!

So I say that all the Arsenal blogs toe the line and attempt to start some shit about Eto'o or fucking Robinho and say that your brother's dog walkers yoga teachers bloody uncle said he knows someone that said it's a dead cert and we can all go along with it..

So I call on you Arseblogger, Goodplaya, East Lower, Gunnerblog et al and start stirring up some shit!!

Why a shrewd summer signing can make us great again

2007-05-13T20:14:00.000+01:00

Arsenal drew 0-0 with Pompey.. Match reports here, here and here.

Basically this game was our entire season compressed into 90 agonisingly wasteful minutes.

Julio Baptista was the main culprit and missed a penalty as well as a couple of free headers which you can't do if you want to compete for the title. Baptista has well and truly blown it and despite showing some improvement in recent weeks and a good attitude he is on his way back to Madrid.

I can't see Reyes coming back although he was pretty immense for Madrid the other night, but he is as Arseblogger says, a fairweather footballer for sure.

New faces is excatly what's needed and with Henry and Van Persie coming back and Bendtner and Walcott looking to fulfill their obvious potential we have all the firepower needed to convert our chances into goals.

We do however need more width and a genuinely classy wide player to offer more balance to the side when we play 4-4-2. That player could be Ribery or Babel or even Malouda but I don't think we will be bringing in more than one major signing. We might also sign an experienced squad player and a couple of 16 or 17 year old 'starlets'.

The sales of Ljungberg, Aliadiere, Flamini, Reyes and Almunia will raise £12 - £15m along with whatever the board deem fit in terms of a budget, which can be used for new faces.

Now is the time for the silly season and let's clear a few rumours up here and now;

Henry is staying.
Gilberto is staying.
Eto'o is not coming.
Huntelaar is not coming.

We will sign someone you have never heard of.

Overall the squad is not far off where we need it to be, we need a bit more balance and to start scoring first more but we are on the verge of getting it right. The return of key players and a shrewd summer signing can invigorate a squad which has all the potnential to make us a great side again.

Arsenal have improved since Christmas and last year

2007-05-05T10:25:00.001+01:00

Last year we lost 11 games in the Premiership.

This year we have lost 8 (so far).

Last year we finished with 67 points and 4th.

This year we have 66 points with 2 games to play and the possibility of finishing 3rd.

Last year we had Henry firing and a fit squad (in midfield and up front at least).

This year we have had to move into a new stadium and have had a whole host of injuries to deal with.

Since Christmas Arsenal's League record looks like this;

P15 W9 D3 L3 Pts 30

That form would equate to 78pts next season - in 1997/98 we won the title with 78pts. That has largely been achieved without Henry (top scorer in every season he has had at the club and 3 times player of the year), Van Persie, Walcott, Rosicky and less so Gallas.

The fact that we have dominated most of thise matches (apart from Liverpool away) and missed a host of chances means that with a bit of luck and more clinical finishing which I am hopeful Henry and Van Persie or even Eto'o (I know dream on!) might bring we can take another step forward.

There is no doubt in my mind that we are heading in the right direction and when the injured players return we will be title contenders.

Whether that is next season or the season afer is the real question.

A timely reminder of the potential of the team is that Cesc Fabregas turned 20 on Friday. This team is very young and has definately improved over the course of the season - how much? We will have to wait and see.

Admittedly all in all we haven't hit the heights that we all hoped for at the start of the season and the European campaigns of Liverpool, Chelsea and more so Liverpool have left us feeling a bit sick. However we have a good chance to see how far we have come as we entertain Chelsea on Sunday.

Wenger has never beaten a Mourinho Chelsea side, now would be a great time to do it so we can go into next season with some real belief.

Come on you Gunners!

Periods of great quality and desire but poor defending and no luck in fornt of goal sums up our season

2007-04-22T11:20:00.001+01:00

Champions League football has been pretty much guaranteed and there were plenty of positives to take from a game which we dominated after Fabregas' arrival. However despite all of the obvious optimism which is fully merited, there must also be some perspective on our resilience.

The main positives were that we played with spirit, huge quality and desire and our effort could not be faulted. In the second half we were extremely unlucky with a few chances and were very creative without being clinical enough.. But that just sums up our season doesn't it?!

Diaby was great in the middle of the park and he can be a big player for us, but he is not as important as Cesc who was conducting things very effectively. Eboue turned in a much improved performance as did Toure and Hleb. Adebayor worked hard and his 'stickability' as Stuart Pearce woudl say is second to none.

But we are still giving away cheap goals and letting the opposition score first too often (16th time this season we have been behind and come back to get something from the game). Can you imagine if we defended as well as Chelsea, I know the way they play means everyone in the team has to defend (which can make them look less dynamic and almost rigid at times) but their resilience cannot be knocked.

Another key question for Arsene is.. What is our best formation? We ended up playing a 4-5-1 with Cesc, Diaby and Gilberto in the middle of the park and it worked well with some good interlinking of positions and breaks at pace but when Henry and Van Persie are fit will we return to a 4-4-2? Are we defensively good enough away from home to play a 4-4-2?

Wenger still hasn't quite got the hang of substitutions yet and you have to wonder if Malbranque and Jenas would have played the one - two that lead to their equaliser if Hleb had been on the field, he certainly wouldn't have been waiting in the box for a cross that was never coming like Senderos!

All in all a cause for optimism with an excellent second half display but some deeper rooted problems in the defence and continuity in the team selection are key and if we can become a little more consitient then there's no reason to suggest we can't go up a level next year and mount a title challenge.

Diaby in for Ljungberg, 3rd Possible

2007-04-17T19:40:00.001+01:00

It's been a while. I wish I could say I have been somewhere exotic or interesting but that is simply not the case! Just been working like a bastard..

Tonight's team news is that Diaby is back in the line up in what looks to be a 4-5-1 with Adebayor up front on his own.

Line up: Lehmann, Eboue, Clichy, Gallas, Toure, Hleb, Rosicky, Diaby, Gilberto, Cesc, Adebayor. Subs: Almunia, Senderos, Baptista, Denilson, Djourou

Rosicky, Diaby and Cesc will be charged with being creative and I fancy Diaby to make good his misses of the weekend by netting tonight. Arsene must see something in him in an attacking sense to keep putting him up there.

A win tonight will go a long way to securing 4th and possiby even sneaking 3rd which would be a very good result all in all. The fact our season started so early along with the new pitch has resulted in a long injury list and meant we have struggled as some of the youngsters have done very well, but shown some immaturity at big moments.

A warm summer evening will be just the job for Arsene's army and I am feeling pretty optimistic prior to the game.

Does anyone know a site where I can see a free live stream of the game tonight?

Up the Gunners!

Lack of experience and not lack of quality the answer, Hammers preview

2007-04-07T11:12:00.001+01:00

It's strange that 2 weeks ago we were about to wrap up third with a win over Everton and move onto next season with a sense of optimism knowing that the younger players have shown improvement and that we have generally played well but lacked a cutting edge in certain games.

However a fit Henry and Van Persie and maybe a free scoring winger, who could even be Rosicky, would just about see us as title challengers again.

After the last minute defeat at Everton and drubbing by Liverpool all of a sudden we are in danger of being caught for 4th, Wenger has lost it and we need loads of big name world class signings.

It's funny how things can change isn't it!!

Some people lose all perspective when you are successful or not. I think that the gap between the top club and second for example is very small. Sometimes the luck isn't with you, as it has been with Utd this season and not so much with Chelsea.

We need experience, when we went unbeaten we had Campbell, Cole, Lauren, Vieira, Bergkamp, Pires who were all experienced internationals who had played together for a few years and knew that they could score at any minute. There were partnerships and a continuity to the side and there was belief in the system.

This season we have showed some immaturity in games but if AW isn't going to buy older players then the only thing that will allow us to gain that experience is games. We have been unlucky with injuries so the continuity hasn't been there, however, as pointed out by Goodplaya Fabregas, Adebayor, Van Persie, Walcott, Djourou, Clichy are all better than this time last year and so we are definitely heading in the right direction.

We lost 6-1 at Old Trafford and came back pretty strongly from that so I just can't understand this uproar.

Anyway, onto today's game.. Tevez must be the key man for the Hammers and they will be up for it given the run they have been on and are under pressure to stay with Charlton.

However with Rosicky to return to the starting line up and hopefully Ljungberg to start up front over Baptista I think we will be too good for them.

Expect a backlash from Anfield and a much improved performance. Adebayor to score at least one and us to be thinking optimistically by the end of the day again!

Arsene rarely buys big so get real..

2007-03-23T13:15:00.001Z

Giles Sunu has become a typical Arsene Wenger signing. The great man has stated himself that he is no longer sure about the rules surrounding the transfer system.

If you look at any fans forum or some blog sites they are all calling for 'world class' players and experience as Arsene has a transfer 'war chest' to spend and bring the title to the Emirates.

To be fair, that just isn't going to happen!

Arsene's biggest successes are buying players who have mainly fit into 3 catagories;

1. PLayers who are either under performing and can be coached to get back to their best and therefore he sees as a bargain (Marc Overmars, Thierry Henry and Robert Pires for example)

2. Young players who he just has to pay a reltaively small transfer fee or compensation for (Nicolas Anelka, Cesc Fabregas and Kolo Toure) and who don't really represent a gamble. £5m for Walcott could even be considered a modest outlay given his potnetial and that the rest of the money is based on further success.

3. More experienced players who are available at the right price (Davor Suker, Sol Campbell, Jens Lehmann) although this has been recently usurped by the 2nd option as younger players represent better value.

Players such as Hleb and Rosicky falling somewhere in between 2 and 3 but definately not involving massive transfer fees.

There of course have been ocassion when Arsene has bought big (Jose Reyes, Sylvain Wiltord, Francis Jeffers) and it has not always worked out.

I must say I never thought Wiltord was a failure as he worked very hard, was versatile and scored some important goals.

However when people talk of Buffon, Ribery, Woodgate, Torres etc they are way off the mark and probably have been playing a bit too much Championship Manager! The only way that would happen is if we sold Henry which I think would be suicide.

One thing Arsene doesn't tend to do it buy players with big reputations who might upset the dynamic of the group. He tries to buy players who he thinks have the right temperament and who are decent guys who will fit in.

If I was Arsene I think I might let Ljungberg leave for say £5 - £7m, sell Reyes and Aliadiere, not buy the Beast and let Bendtner challenge for the 4th striker position with Walcott who could also play out wide.

We have Cesc, Gilberto, Denilson, Rosicky, Hleb, Diaby (who I think can become an influential player for us) for the midfield but they are all very central and so I would say a wide player is a must.

Ribery would be great but I seriously can't see that happening unless his price drops significantly and so I think Babel of Ajax could be an option if he is available at £6 - £8m but I don't expect any 'superstars' coming in during the summer.

What do you think will happen to the squad during the summer?

Arsenal to perform better under no pressure after Liverpool slip up

2007-03-18T15:43:00.001Z

Injury ravaged Arsenal could just about wrap up third in the Premiership this afternoon with a win, after Liverpool only drew 0-0 away to Aston Villa leaving Arsenal a point ahead with 2 games in hand.

Arsenal will be under less pressure as a result and I hope we will see some free flowing football from the boys today.

Charlton have just secured another impressive home win against Newcastle. Alex Song may just prove to be the best signing of the transfer window at this stage!

Arsenal go into today's game without Adebayor, Van Persie, Henry, Eboue and Clichy meaning it will most likely be Aliadiere and Baptista up front again.

Aliadiere had some good chances and played pretty well in the 1-0 win against Villa even though he didn't get on the score sheet and today I think we might well go one better.

Lescott has been impressive at the heart of the Everton defence and so it will be a good test for both strikers, who still have a bit to prove in the Premiership this season.

A win today would go a long way to taking 3rd place although Boltons capitulation against Utd yesterday means the race for 4th isn't as tight as last year.

I would hope to see Diaby in the starting XI after another good display against Villa although the team is a tough call today. I would imagine something like;

Lehmann,
Gallas, Toure, Djourou, Hoyte
Rosicky, Cesc, Gilberto, Diaby
Baptista, Aliadiere

Although Ljungberg might start on the wing with Diaby or Denilson through the middle if the boss opts for Gilberto at Centre half ahead of Djourou.

Whoever plays let's hope we put in a decent performance and I have a funny feeling we might score 3..

Come on you Gunners!

Ps As someone who works in sports pitch construction I am planning a piece on the role of the new Desso Grassmaster pitch at Emirates and how Arsene thinks it might be involved in this years injury crisis.

Is there something fundamentally wrong at Arsenal or are we over analysing?

2007-03-12T17:45:00.001Z

This season is NOT a crisis as of yet. If we finish 5th it might be but I wouldn't expect that to become a reality. We are more likely to get 3rd than 5th and second is still a possibility which would put a different perspective on things.

At the start of the season I didn't think we would challenge for the premiership, I was optimistic but didn't ever realistically believe that we would do it. I thought if we got closer to the eventual winners than we were last year and possibly finish 3rd or even 2nd that would be an improvement and we'd be heading in the right direction.

We'd always have the bonus of doing something in the cups! (D'oh!) However another final admittedly not on the scale of last year but more experience gained.

But allis not lost after all the cups are a bonus but in my opinion the ultimate prize is the Premiership as you have to show consistency over a whole season, the European Cup is a very close second if only for the glamour but the League is the best marker for development.

The cold facts are that there will be no trophies this season at the Emirates. A transitional year as predicted by the media muppets and only talent and potential to take as our crumbs of comfort.

Are we by expecting to win something every year or at least challenge realistic and looking to build on some notable recent success or have we been spoilt by some of the best football ever seen in this country?

Whatever the answer, the team has been lacking something of late especially in putting the ball in the net department and also in keeping it out of our end stakes as well. We seem to be dominating against teams who are scrapping for their lives and then nick a goal against the run of play.

It begs the question, how do we rectify this? Does it need rectifying? The main things we can do to change our fortunes (apart from actually having some) I have evaluated below;

Injuries?

Key men have been out for long periods such as Gallas, Henry, Van Persie, Rosicky and Eboue and we have rarely had the first choice XI out 2 or 3 weeks in a row so we lack continuity.

Given how important Henry's contribution has been when we have had successful years I think we have done pretty well in his absence but he has definately been missed. Van Persie was just hitting some top form and is pretty much out for the season and Gallas has been injured more than he has played so how would United cope without Vidic, Rooney and Saha? Or Chelsea without Drogba, Robben and Terry?

New Signings?

Do we need a new striker? Someone to round off all of our lovely moves like Eto'o or David Villa? The answer is maybe but the reality is AW will never spend that sort of money and if he did he would be stunting the progress of RVP, Adebayor and Walcott. I think a top class keeper and an out and out winger like Quaresma or Babel might do the trick as we seem to lack balance in the midfield and the squad.

Different System?

Can someone please explain why we changed the 4-5-1 for Europe when we were 11 minutes from winning the European Cup? Should we play 3 central midfielders and 2 wider men like Chelski did last season? Would a midfield trio of Cesc, Diaby and Rosicky or Denilson, Hleb and Flamini be defensive enough? Is Gilberto a good enough centre back to play that system or do you play him in there as well? Will not playing 2 strikers put too much of a burden on Henry who is not an out and out striker?

Experience?

Or are we looking for something which is not really missing and given time these players who have shown great quality and potential to be winners can put up back on top? Should we just be patient and wait for the team to gel, grow physically stronger and more tactically aware or do we need to act now?

Your thoughts please ladies and gents!

No luck Arsenal nowhere near clinical enough, Walcott the long term solution?

2007-03-01T17:52:00.001Z

I have had a shit day. I lost out on a big job at work and like Arsenal lately, things have just not quite fallen for me.

We played well in the first half against PSV, outplayed Chelsea with a team of kids and last night we outplayed Blackburn for the second FA Cup tie running and for the 4th game this season and yet somehow find ourselves with only the Champions League to play for.

Not a bad consolation I might add but one which is in the balance along with the rest of our season.

Last night we tried hard and created the better chances, Ljungberg had a cast iron penalty turned down (by Graham Poll who is a showpony twat and along with that other high horse riding c*nt Alan Green I would like to put them in some stocks and throw hydrochrloric acid over them) which was our second one of the tie overall.

Wenger had a tactical nightmare and switched Senderos to right back, which was presumably because Gallas was marshalling the back 4 so well. However Phil is not mobile enough to play as a full back and got turned too easily. 9 times out of 10 it doesn't matter as the shot goes wide or gets blocked but as I say Arsenal just are not having the luck at the moment.

There is definately not a crisis and as Goodplaya points out, we have got the best squad we have had in the last 2 or 3 years and so when we get a good run in terms of injuries we will become more consistent.

But we do need an out an out striker. We might not need to buy one but the team needs one to function properly.

The bottom line is we created enough chances and couoldn't finish them off. For once I am in agreement with Myles Palmer. We need a striker, we seem to play all of the football and can't put the ball in the net. Henry hasn't been anywhere near as consistent as his previous 7 seasons (he is not to blame I might add) and we need a clinical goalscorer.

Robin Van Persie? Possibly.
Is it Adebayor? Not yet I don't think so.
Is it Baptista or Aliadiere? No.

Is it Theo Walcott? Now, probably not. But in 2 years time, he could well be.

Arsenal take the positives, Chelsea take the Carling Cup, Pretentious Alan Green

2007-02-26T18:34:00.000Z

Arsenal fielded perhaps the youngest ever team to play in a major cup final packed with as much fledgling talent as the dominant Farnham Town Under 9's back in the mid 90's.

I think I was the Phillipe Senderos of the team, had no pace and although I did well on the whole the odd mistake which would always lead to a goal!

Arsenal felt no pressure and the set the tempo of a very entertaining game. Chelsea were restricted early on as they were under far more pressure. Their experience told and they went home with the cup.

A few of points to clear up at this stage;

1. Drogba was just offside when the ball was played, however when the linesman heard or saw the ball being played, by the time he had turned to see Drogba (maybe 1/3 of a second)he would have been offside. Therefore you have to question that decision. If it was me, in a final between 2 teams who I had no bias towards, I would have given it offside as it was so tight, no-one would have complained if that was the case.

2. Alan Green is a pretentious idiot. He had made his mind up that Chelsea were going to win before the game and the fact that he was praising the officials for their performances sums it up. After replays Drogba is marginally offside, yet he maintains he was on. Adebayor is wrongly sent off and he maintains he should have been sent off. No justification given, Green is a show pony who has never played the game at the highest level. Fuck off Alan.

3. The scenes at the end of the game were not a brawl. The Man Utd 0 - 1 Arsenal game of the 1990/91 season was a proper brawl. That was like fighting with your mate after a night on the lash. Seems like a big deal at the time but should be instantly forgotten.

For a comprehensive match report see here

Overall Arsenal played the better football and their young side acquitted themselves very well against the multi million pound Chelsea side. However Chelsea had a bit of luck (which you must always have to win something)and used their experience well by scoring a good winner.

Arsenal will take all the positives in what was in truth a no lose game and Chelsea will continue under the upmost pressure to win every game or be called failures. Arsenal are slowly closing the gap and come next season it will be even closer.

No massive expenditure, just have the time available to nurture the world's best youth into a formidable unit indoctrinated in the Arsenal culture.

We still need a world class goalscorer like Drogba and Keeper like Cech as they proved the difference in the end. If we can supplement our promise with a fully fit Henry, Eto'o or Torres and a keeper of Buffon's standing then we can be unstoppable.

Congratulation to Chelsea I am not bitter towards them for winning as although this time they take home the cup, there will be a time not long from now that it will be us, and it will have been done in the right way and with a bright future ahead of us.

All is not lost, Rosicky coming good

2007-02-22T18:51:00.001Z

We played very well for a half against PSV and dominated them created a few decent chances and then failed to turn up for the second half in what was a poor second half display. Nothing more nothing less.

The match is now a 50-50 one off game opposed to being in our favour which it would have been had we not lost.

As I said before PSV would have settled for 0-0 before the game. They were visibly scared in the first half and lacked any belief.

The game changed when they scored a good goal with one of their only real chances on the break. It gave them something to hold onto and they defending bravely and well and we looked jaded and lacking in ideas.

Conceding first against the run of play is becoming an all too familiar occurence over the season. However it cannot keep happening.

Danny Landzaat, Kieron Dyer, Matthew Taylor and Mendes, who worked very hard throughout, cannot score wonder goals every week. Gomes will not put in a display like that every week.

We are heading in the right direction and although I am disappointed I would not make too much of this result. The second leg is still to come and we still have a good chance to qualify against a team who couldn't believe their luck.

One real positive to take out of the game was the performance of Tomas Rosicky who went very very close to opening the scoring on 2 occassions. He really is improving all the time and showing the form which made him an £18m player a few seasons ago.

He is tenacious like Fabregas and Hleb and has a good understanding with Henry (who is carrying a knock which may explain his poor display). Rosicky can be a combination of Pires and Ljungberg and make the difference from the wide areas and help us get back to that fluid 4-4-2 we based our success on.

I really like his attitude and direct nature of play and I think he can become a big player for us now that the season is reaching the business end.

Against Bolton you could see the movement off the ball of the whole team and could sense that we were on the brink of coming back to our best.

I am convinced Rosicky will play on Sunday and he will shine.

Blackburn miss good opportunity. Is 0-0 a better result for PSV than Arsenal?

2007-02-20T09:00:00.000Z

Arsenal drew 0-0 with Blackburn at the Emirates as we all know. Match reports here and here for what was a truly forgettable match.

How as a Blackburn fan you can take that as a good performance I don't know and to be fair Cesc had a point. Would you pay to watch that every week? They came for a 0-0 bore draw and by no means am I suggesting they come out and try and outplay us as we know what happens. However they offered nothing going forwards.

However, in my opinion we were always likely to be a bit flat and the game on Tuesday was clearly on our minds meaning the likes of Henry, Cesc, Gallas hardly got above second gear for the first 80 minutes and attempted to do the minimum possible to win.

Therefore were Blackburn better off trying to be a little more positive? They gave us a closer game in the 6-2 game at the Emirates. Are they going to have a better chance to beat us than Saturday?

Are they more likely to beat us at home where we have aleady beaten them with 10 men and can play on the counter attack? Are we likely to have more energy than Saturday? Will we have such an important game to follow?

Blackburn may have just lost the best chance they have had to win the FA Cup and they are still under the false impression that that was a result gained rather than a chance lost.

Tomorrow is looking like we will have the first choice team barring Eboue and Van Persie. It will be interesting to see what formation we play, as a midfield 5 of Rosicky, Hleb, Gilberto, Cesc and Denilson or Ljungberg is a good philosophy if 0-0 is a good result.

The alternative being a 4-4-2 with no Ljungberg / Denilson and Adebayor and Henry up front which would give us a good chance to score which is vital in this instance.

I would be tempted to say we will go for 4-4-2 as unlike Myles Palmer says the actual rule about the Champions League is not about how good your Brazilians are..

It's about whether 0-0 away is a better result for us than them?

In the matches against Real Madrid away, Juventus away, Villarreal away 0-0 was a better result for us than them given the circumstances and so 4-5-1 played on the counter aka to our obvious strengths.

I would suggest 0-0 is better for PSV than us and so I would expect us to play a 4-4-2 consisting of Lehmann, Djourou, Senderos, Clichy, Toure, Rosicky, Hleb, Cesc, Gilberto, Adebayor, Henry.

Clichy, Adebayor, Hleb and Denilson excel. Who will play against Blackburn?

2007-02-15T19:26:00.001Z

What a quality game of football! Probably slightly easier to say after your team played somewhere near our best with a few key players out and just won a tight cup tie.

However contrary to some reports I would say Bolton played a full part in an entertaining game and played the game in the right spirit.

The whole team was excellent and worked very hard. I thought the return of Hleb was instrumental and Rosicky continued his improvement to goo effect in an impressive midfield display.

Diaby was still going strong at the end of another tough tackling display that helped set the tone of the performance.

Hleb and Denilson combined deliciously at times and Hleb was full of touch, vision and his usual desire and strength. He was outstanding for his 80 minutes or so.

Denilson looks a special talent and combined with some neat touches and tackling ability he drives on from midfield and sets the tempo for the rest of the team. A superb display.

The whole defence was resilient and in particular Gael Clichy epitmomised our hard working display. He really is coming back to somewhere near his best, his ability to turn defence into attack is something which is integral to our style of play.

Up front Adebayor led the line very well and never let his head drop even after missed a gilt edged chance. He really is a top player and works so hard that you have got to love him.

It was so satisfying the way we overcame Bolton our 'bogey' team that even the fact Meatloaf aka Fat Sam's whinging about the ref can take nothing away from a truly deserved victory.

Roll on Blackburn. But who will play??

I would expect Cesc and Henry to be restored to the bench perhaps but not to start given the importnace of Tuesday night.

I would think the line up will include Almunia, Senderos, Hoyte, Toure, Clichy, Walcott, Ljungberg and Aliadiere but as for the rest I am not sure at all!

Suggestions please!

Wigan preview, Baptista to return

2007-02-08T20:21:00.001Z

Wigan are struggling having lost their previous 9 before last weeks game to Portsmouth. The Latics are struggling, hovering just above the relegation places. They are missing a few key players such as De Zeuw, Scharner and Camara.

New signing, championship manager hero Julius Aghahowa will be a handful as he is very quick and has an eye for goal.

It won't be easy but I would expect us to beat a side who we pipped away from home thanks to a late goal but more importnalty are low on confidence and with a modest number of away supporters coming to the Emirates.

Luckily we don't have any injuries to report after international duty and so I would expect us to be somewhere like our fluent best.

After all it's a good game to have after an international break and should help us keep up the pressure on Liverpool who have a trickier tie away to Newcastle.

Baptista should return to the squad possibly along with Eboue and we should have a pretty strong line up to choose from. Cesc had a much needed breather and after the match at Boro he looked like he needed it.

I really hope Eboue or Walcott plays on the right of midfield ahead of Flamini as we really lack any threat and balance down the right if he plays.

I would think a quick goal should set the tone and I would like to think we will be somewhere near our fluent best against a side who are really up against it but try and play football.

Boni's Prediction:

Arsenal 3 - 1 Wigan (Adebayor to score first)

Joke:

First the prostitutes, now the turkeys. The chances of getting a gobble in Suffolk are getting quite remote...

10 man Arsenal draw against 12 man Boro

2007-02-04T13:36:00.000Z

Let's put it into context. Mike Riley is the biggest homer in the Premiership. It was he who gave Wayne Rooney a penalty after he took a blatant dive against us in our quest to go 50 games unbeaten.

He gave Man Utd 7 penalties in 8 games at Old Trafford before he was taken out of the limelight by the FA.

I expressed my dismay before them game saying if there was a chance in the game to bottle it he would take it. Mike Riley may well be a decent bloke but he is one of lifes bottlers. A spineless yes man.

Yakubu, a 15 stone hulk swan dived to the floor after Senderos went shoulder to shoulder with him outside the box and Riley had the red card out before you could say 'Riley's a homer'.

The lino saw it but big Mike had already made himself a 'hero' for the day by pointing to the spot. Absolute Buffoon.

So Arsenal outplayed 12 men with 10 and looked the more likely to win the game. Boro had 2 shots throughout the entire game, a 'penalty' and a sharp Mark Viduka turn and shot which Lehmann saved.

Arsenal dominated for long periods and although they looked tired they were the better side with Rosicky, Henry and Gilberto all doing well.

Overall a young and tired Arsenal were robbed of 2 points by a weak referee against a Boro side bereft of ideas who were delighted to get a point despite what they have said after the game.

There was only one team trying to win the game in the last 10 minutes and that was the side with 10 men.

All in all a decent point in the circumstances and another result to galvanise the squad and another display of resilience. Arsenal are starting to show some consistency and it's all experience to put into the bag which is getting heavier, as Senderos would say.

LM for Denilson? Almunia, Toure, Senderos, Gilberto and Adebayor must lead well

2007-01-31T09:10:00.000Z

There are many questions regarding team selection for tonight's game against Sp*rs in the Carling Cup Semi Second leg.

Denilson is obviously a very gifted footballer. Will he be asked to fill the vacant left hand side of midfield? Will he be given Fabregas' role as playmaker with his fellow Brazilian Gilberto?

I think that Almunia, Senderos, Toure, Gilberto and Adebayor will be crucial helping Arsenal make the final of the Carling Cup. That experienced core of players makes up the spine of the team and that's why Denilson's position will be interesting.

Has he established himself as a better footballer in the middle of the park than Flamini? Will he offer a better balance with Gilberto than Flamini?

Can 4-5-1 come 4-3-3 work? Does it offer us more balance?

For the record here's the starting XI (4-5-1)I would have;

Almunia
Hoyte, Senderos, Toure, Clichy
Walcott, Gilberto, Denilson, Diaby, Aliadiere
Adebayor

I think Aliadiere could play on the wing and utilise his dribbling speed and off the ball and direct running to support Adebayor along with Walcott.

I have opted for Clichy ahead of Traore as Lennon is the key man for Sp*rs and if we can keep him quiet then we stand an excellent chance of victory.

I would probably get slated if we didn't get the right result but I think to play Aliadiere on the left with Walcott supporting Adebayor with will mean that we have real pace and directness to counter attack and a bit of extra bite in the middle with Diaby and Gilberto who along with Denilson can help break up the play and start the counters.

Then again.. Maybe I am over estimating the yids!

Are Arsenal fans content with potential?

2007-01-30T20:03:00.000Z

As I sit here with my cup of coffee I think, what original Arsenal 'news' is there to write about?

My opinion on the game last week? What side will we pick for tomorrow's game? What does the long term future hold for Arsenal? All good potential points which I may write about tomorrow and all worthy of a story, then I think of all the other blogs out there and feel the need for something different.

I start to think that potential soon becomes success but also can become an excuse for failure.

Potential is the best thing in the world and also the worst thing as well. Can you imagine if Fabregas doesn't become the best player in the world? Or Walcott doesn't become an England regular?

Potential allows us to dream that in 2 seasons time we will be the best and there's no reason why that can't be the case, but does that means we have to win a trophy this season to be successful? How long can you have a potential Championship winning side before it turns into a dream?

Do we as fans allow ourselves to take the easy option and believe that next season we will win the Championship or Champions League rather than realise we are not quite good enough?

Or do we have possibly the best young squad ever assembled and we are on the brink of success like that enjoyed by Ajax of the early 90's?

I am one of the latter and one of those people who's mood is often mirrored by Arsenal's results. I live on a game to game basis and if we lose I always have the cushion that in a year or two I believe we will be right up there again and that the future of the club is better than ever.

But is that potential enough? Would the Carling Cup be enough? Or is it another year to hold on to the potential?

Do we have to win major trophies to keep our fans happy? Or will potential suffice?

Arsenal beat United in Fergie time

2007-01-23T20:44:00.000Z

What an unbelievable game!

My mate Rich and I were situated right next to the Man Utd fans. They understandably went crazy when Rooney netted what was looking like the winner and the goal that would give United the first away win at the Emirates.

I have only just got my voice back.

We gave them some stick big time and to be fair they took it with pretty good grace (not that hard when you are 6 points clear in the title race) so fair play to them.

There was a buzz in the air at the Emirates and the atmosphere was as good as it has been, we were luckily sat with a few other hard core Gooners and made sure we were never quiet.

This is the type of match that makes a stadium, gives it history and adds belief and experience to a young team who are destined for great things.

None more so than 19 year old Cesc Fabregas. What a player. I said before the game that he was the best young midfielder I have ever seen, to complete an Andy Gray comment, he's better than that, he's irreplaceable.

You can read the match reviews on Goodplaya, Arseblog, ANR etc etc but I would just like to recollect the ironic nature of the victory.

Arsenal beat Man Utd in Fergie time! 3 added minutes on the clock and Arsenal's young team did a Man Utd. Superb stuff.

I am convinced (I have been chastised for my unerring faith in the potential of the team from time to time) that this team is destined to dominate in the next few years the way Fergies boys did in the noughties.

I feel United are experiencing a false dawn, Scholes and Giggs are having a twilight season like Bergkamp did in 2003/4 but that cannot be sustained. Carrick for all the hype is not a player to build Championship success around and although Ronaldo is a class act United have some strengthening to do in midfield if they want to achieve the longevity of success they have done in the past.

As I keep stressing, late goals bring the belief you can score late goals and these types of experiences and performances galvanise the squad.

We have had the period where we have been the finished article and now we are getting to see the growth to that point, as we chart our progression from season to season.

Can we grab second spot? Can we win a domestic cup? Can we go one further in Europe? All possible.

What is without question is it's without doubt an exciting time to be a Gooner.

Fabregas makes a mockery of Blackburn again, Rosicky adds work rate to class

2007-01-15T13:29:00.000Z

10 man Arsenal beat Blackburn 2-0 at Ewood Park to exorcise any North West demons.

Let me pre-cursor this next remark with a true story. After returning from my cousins engagement party at about 6pm on Boxing Day we came across a weimaraner strolling through our garden looking pretty pleased with itself. As a family with 5 cats a dog was somewhat a surprise.

We all remarked what a lovely looking dog and my father and I even gave the bloody thing a pat. I then strolled into the garage to get the turkey we were planning to have for Christmas dinner. (It was left in the garage as it was too hot in the house, don't ask). However the turkey had been savaged, no pun intended, and Christmas dinner was ruined!

Therefore the poxy dog not only had a feast on premium turkey breast but got a pat for it too! Therefore I hate weimaraners. Sorry, I am sure they are lovely but to me they are thieving, turkey eating bastards!

The weimaraner faced cheat that is Robbie Savage ensured Gilberto got sent off by conning the buffoon that is Rob Styles into thinking Gilberto Silva had carried a firearm onto the pitch and blown his leg off at close range. Silva should not have reacted but Savages theatrics were more petulant than the reaction itself.

However justice was done and Fabregas, for the second time this season, ran Blackburn ragged with his quick passing, ball retention and incisive running in the final third. The kid was everywhere and is a class act. A privilege to watch! When he can add goals to his game he is going to be undoubtedly the best in the world.

The marauding Toure, who along with Jens and the entire defensive line showed excellent resilience, scored a thumping header via the post from Henry's free kick, after Lucas Neill hacked down RVP who showed a good desire and a few nice touches.

After we went 1-0 up half time came at a good time and we defended solidly. Hoyte was impressive and did a good job on Pedersen who is one of the better players in the league. He also attacked well at times and is improving which is exciting for us and the London boy.

We kept the ball fairly well and Henry, Hleb and Rosicky in particular ran their hearts out offering the first line of defence. That is the type of thing that endears players to the fans (think of Sylvain Wiltord) and I was pleased to see Rosicky working hard and getting stuck in. If he can keep up that work rate he will make it at Arsenal as he has the technique and style already.

Then Henry conjured up a fantastic goal at a great time for the second game in a row. That is the difference between a very good player and a great player.

Blackburn tried to kick us after that and Tugay was the only player to get near enough to do so with what was surely a red card but bizarrely not given by a blatant homer, Rob Styles.

A brilliant win with 10 men and as I discussed in one of my previous posts, an experience to galvanise the time, definately something to build on.

We are slowly improving our consistency and becoming a good side. The title is out of reach this season but a trophy or two is definately not out of the question.

I know which one I would prefer!!

Why bitter Benitez has got it all wrong, Blackburn preview

2007-01-12T09:27:00.000Z

Arsenal scored six goals at Anfield outplayed Liverpool and dumped them out of their only realistic chance of a trophy.

The Beast got 4, but Aliadiere, Cesc, Toure and Djourou ran the show. It was a deserved win against a team suffering a crisis of confidence after Saturday's 3-1 FA Cup defeat.

Don't get me wrong, Liverpool are a decent side who play the game in the right way and have a wonderful captain. Their fans on the whole are alright and they have the history and class to match the best.

But Rafa has lost the plot.

He selected a reserve team against a young Arsenal side who have more experience of this competition and it backfired, simple as that.

But why does he constantly moan on about being envious of our spending power? The bloke is clearly getting agitated and looking for excuses. He has spent big, Â£19m on Crouch, Bellamy, Pennant who are all good quality Premiership players but are neither young enough to change the way they play or good enough to win you the title.

Then he has bought in the like of Palleta who was ruined by Aliadiere on Tuesday and Gonzales who looks a good prospect so it's not as if he hasn't had the money or the chance to bring in young players.

He said Diaby was too much, he cost us Â£2m Rafa! Walcott was less money than Pennant up front and Adebayor the same as Crouch! Someone tell me what is this guy on??

Where is the logic? If I was the reporter and he started on I would have to just stare at him in disbelief, and maybe utter something non sensical in reply like Alan Partidge when says 'They're sexy' live on air cos he's thinking about lap dancing.

Next up is another trip to the dreaded north west (surely we have lost to Sheffield United, Bolton and Man City and beaten Man Utd, Liverpool, Everton, Wigan?!) with almost a full squad, Ljungberg, Lauren (both rumoured to be in talk with West Ham although I can't see it really) Eboue and Gallas out injured.

Blackburn have been on a good run of late and it will be a tough game but I have a feeling that we might do a 97/98 and go up there and start like a house on fire. We shall see. It's on Sky at 5:15pm by the by.

The only problem Wenger has is he has too many players pushing for a spot! A 16 man final squad to choose from 20 fit players.

Does he start with his 4 goal striker? No.

Does he start Aliadiere, the man that ran the game in the final third? Doubtful.

Does he start with Adebayor? Probably not.

Will he play 4-4-2 with Van Persie and Henry? Probably so.

I expect Song, Aliadiere and Diaby to miss out but as Walcott's versatility is seemingly essential to team lacking natural width I can't tell who the unlucky one of this 17 is! You decide..

Arsenal from: Lehmann, Almunia, Hoyte, Djourou, Toure, Senderos, Clichy, Flamini, Walcott, Gilberto, Hleb, Rosicky, Cesc, Henry, Van Persie, Baptista, Adebayor.

It was more than smash and grab at Anfield

2007-01-09T15:18:00.000Z

Arsenal beat Liverpool 3-1 at Anfield with a direct and disciplined display. Arsenal deserved to win and looked far more dangerous in the final third.

Arsenal scored 3 goals from open play and Liverpool scored from a corner where Thierry Henry left Dirk Kuyt unmarked from Peter Crouch's firm header.

But why is there an uproar about Liverpool being unlucky, having a lot of possession and feeling aggrieved that they did not get something from the game? I felt Arsenal subdued Liverpool and that we never looked in any real danger against a team boasting a very good home record.

The impetus was on them to come and attack us and I thought we made them look very ordinary indeed. We were dangerous coming forward and Rosicky took his goals expertly, but Van Persie got in a couple of times and Rosicky bottled out of a tackle with Dudek before he scored as he was lacking in confidence.

I thought we were the better team without any real chances after 30 minutes and that Liverpool were worried by Henry and the fact they hadn't started very well. Then we scored two excellent goals and the game was not really in doubt apart from when Hoyte was being fouled by Crouch when Aurelio shot 5 yards wide.

So why the smash and grab headlines? We deserved to win this just as much as we did at Old Trafford. A good display and one which will add to the belief of the side.

What did we learn about Rosicky? He is an instinctive finisher, his first goal was taken sublimely and the second was a cool finish. The thing to note is that the second goal was as instinctive as the first. He even admitted that he tried to first of all play the ball back to Henry but ran out of options and so it was either shoot or lose the ball.

Instinctive finishing (bear in mind he was half turned when he shot for the opener and so must know where the goal is) and increased confidence means Rosicky can be a big player in the second half of the season. Arsene says the new Pires but as long as Hleb and Rosicky score the 15-20 that Pires got per season, Gilberto, Adebayor and Van Persie keep banging them in then we will have found something or be able to share the burden of something we have been severely lacking in the last season or so.. A consistent third goal scorer.

In my last post I said we had one 4 and drawn 3 out of the last 8 and now that is won 5 and drawn 3 out of 9 which is not bad and improving all the time. Considering that included away games against Liverpool, Porto and Chelsea I'd say that if we were to ask for much more we were spoilt.

We are starting to find our feet and with Henry, Gallas, Lauren and Diaby all coming back into contention we are in good shape to put together a run. We have got a good chance to win something and we are still improving.

All in all a very good performance and as the song goes.. Reasons to be cheerful.

Arsenal destined for sustained success

2007-01-03T10:15:00.000Z

Well a 4-0 thrashing of Charlton and it could really have been a few more had we had a bit of luck and Carson not been so impressive. However let's not get greedy. It was a good performance and the best possible way of trying to erase Sheffield United from the memory banks.

A good return for Henry and Hleb and a brace for Van Persie who is now our top scorer by some way. Everyone says Arsenal need a guy who can score 20 a season other than Henry and surely Adebayor and Van Persie are both capable of it on current form.

That's 6 wins and 5 draws from our eleven home fixtures this season.

Arsene seems to think that we are finding some consistency an to an extent he is right, in our last 8 games we have won 4 (Blackburn, Sp*urs, Watford and Charlton), drawn 3 (Porto, Chelsea and Portsmouth) and lost 1 (Sheff Utd). Overall we are improving as a side and we haven't exactly been at full strength, but optimism is a strange thing and we expect more as all gooners can see the potential of the side.

However a top 3 finish is not beyond us and as long as we get closer to Man Utd, Chelsea and Liverpool than last year we can count this season as an improvement. A step in the right direction. I think it will take this season and next before you see us challenging for the title again, but given the financial burden of the new stadium and Chelsea's financial doping of the league in the last 2 years that's ok as we will be destined for a sustained run like United in the early 90's. It has to start somewhere.

We have young defenders, midfielders and forwards who all need to gain some experience and realise their full potential which doesn't happen overnight. It happens when you win big games and trophies and go an win games that you should have lost, make great comebacks and beat big teams away from home. These experiences make you better and given you that extra belief, but they take time.

Last season we had one of our worst performances away to Liverpool, we lost 1-0 and like at Sheff Utd we deserved to lose. It's not often you will hear me say that.

This time it's a good old fashioned cup game and even though there is no Cesc, a rest will do him no harm, we will have some injured players returning and I fancy us to get something out of it as the style of the game will suit us.

Musings on Arsenal vs Portsmouth, the bloody media and a Blackburn Preview

2006-12-20T10:46:00.000Z

So the Liverpool game was called off which was a pain in the arse for everyone concerned. It would have been a good run out for Rosicky, Baptista, Senderos, Hoyte and Lauren who are all lacking match practice and an opportunity for Traore and maybe Denilson to gain some experience.

Plus there's the issue of the fixture list which is looking more congested by the day. Not to mention the poor fuckers who travelled up there. I for one, salute you!

However at least the likes of Toure and Walcott get a bit of a rest and we can move on to the Blackburn game with no new injury worries.

After the initial annoyance at the 2-2 draw against Portsmouth I think there are some positives to take from the game which could help us come the end of the season. The one thing that still bothers me is our inability to score a late goal when we have come back from a goal or two goals behind.

Once you have scored a late goal you start to believe you can score a late goal and I know at Highbury we often scored late and I always expected a goal in the last 10 minutes even though it didn't always come, we more often than not created a clear cut chance.

Whereas at the Emirates we seem to be letting teams off the hook and not turning our dominance into goals in the period when the opposition is at their most vulnerable. Maybe that will change come Saturday?

Wenger is frustrated and have total confidence in the team to kill teams off and in time I am sure that will come, we looked pretty good in an attacking sense, albeit when we were 2-0 down, against Portsmouth and things are starting to come together. We showed a bit of character which has been missing when we have gone 1-0 down before, but these things don't happen overnight.. This is the first period when we have been able to get some morale in the camp. Vieira left, then Henry flirted with Barcelona and an unhappy Ashley Cole fucked off too.

As a side rant, what the fuck are the media on? Wenger got a bit angry at a poor decision which led to goal at a crucial time. I wish they would just report fact rather than opinion. If they have nothing to report just put 'Sorry no news today'. No wonder everybody hates journo's!!

On another note, We have Lauren to come back in, Diaby to come into the squad (not necessarily the 1st team straight away) and Walcott and Baptista still to make an impact, plus a fit and hungry (hopefully) Henry to come. I don't think Wenger needs to make any new signings in January and that we will improve over the second half of the season.

Blackburn at home on Saturday, they got a deserved win at Reading at the weekend and will be a tough test, however with Adebayor back in the side and Cesc, Van Persie and Hleb having a week off and Rosicky coming back I expect us to be a bit sharper than against Portsmouth.

I am not sure what AW will do re 4-4-2 or 4-5-1, will he have the courage to play Walcott and Van Persie as he did against Portsmouth or will he opt for the more defensive 4-5-1? I would like to see a 4-4-2, however if he opts for the latter I would like to see Rosicky start in the centre instead of Flamini.

Arsenal Squad vs Blackburn

Lehmann, Almunia, Hoyte, Eboue, Clichy, Senderos, Djourou, Toure, Hleb, Fabregas, Gilberto, Rosicky, Van Persie, Adebayor, Baptista, Walcott, Flamini, Song

Foul mouthed 'fan', Jose, IQ victim Terry and Fat Frank sum Chelsea up

2006-12-12T14:11:00.000Z

An entertaining and intense game ended with Arsenal hanging on a bit, but still earning well deserved draw. It could have been even better had it not been for a Essien stunner which crashed in off the post..

It was a perfectly placed rocket.. Lehmann surprisingly almost getting a hand on it.

We dominated the opening 15 minutes or so without creating too much but also keeping Chelsea quiet.

We lined up with a 4-5-1 and Chelsea with a robotic looking 4-4-2, far from the fluid system of the Pires, Bergkamp era we have employed so well over the last 7 years or so.

We proved we are as fluid, mobile, techincal and counter attacking as they are strong, efficient, disciplined and long ball deflected goal merchants.

You cannot argue that Mourinho has an excellent home record and his team are efficient, strong and consistent. But sadly they lack any class or aesthetic value.

The game was evenly balanced without any gilt edge chances and appeared to be heading for a draw before we scored through Flamini's side footed effort following a flowing 11 pass move.

Then Cole fouled Hleb and Essien scored a wonder goal. On the balance of the 90 minues they deserved to score (how many times have we deserved to win and yet only won a point?) and a draw was a fair result.

During the game John Terry, the England captain, harrassed the referee all game, moaning about every decision that went against them or every time a yellow card was not brandished against us. I know there is a lot of pressure on these games but there is no excuse for this. He is supposed to be a role model.

The FA are spineless and so it is up to the individual ref's to just have a word after the first time and say 'If you continue to whinge about every decision I will put you in the book for dissent' and then everyone would get on with it.

Mourinho is just as bad putting his arm around Alan Wiley after the game and having a word. Managers should not be able to talk to referee's until half an hour after the game.

Then he had the cheek to moan we had come for a draw. We were 6 minutes away from a win. Logic and rationale is lost on Mr Mourinho I'm afraid.

Last of all we come to the Chelsea player I despise the most and whom Jens Lehmann has come out to criticise.. Fat Frank Lampard. Lampard started hurling abuse at Lehmann asfter Gilberto had taken the ball off of Drogba's toe in front of goal with a glorious sliding challenge and Fat Frank has scuffed it back into Lehmann's hands.

The guy is classless. He is a deflected goal scoring bufoon who has never lived up to his billing in the national side and was distinctly avergage in this game. He, like Chelsea is good in England yet will never prosper in Europe as he has no pace or attacking nouse and like the racist fan who also abused Jens is quite simply not intelligent enough.

Frank in 4 years time will be past his best and on the decline just like Chelsea will be, whereas we will be just about to hit our peak. Enjoy it this season boys cos you ain't built to last.

Arsenal will not be champions of England this season, but at least they have a young side who are improving and play good football in the right way with a highly intelligent manager. They also have the respect of neutrals and other teams throughout the world. Sadly for Chelsea that is not the case.

Arsenal F.C. Class without criminality.

Discipline and support vital in Chelsea test

2006-12-08T13:21:00.000Z

One thing that was lacking from the Porto game, apart from excitement, was support for an isolated Adebayor. We posed zero attacking threat, which given the circumstances wasn't a crime.

However I did notice Flamini, Clichy and Eboue failing to track runners and not get close enough to the opposition when there was an obvious ball on to them. This is not acceptable and is the type of thing that Chelsea capitalise on.

Chelsea are unlikely to blow us away, they are a highly efficient, fit and strong unit who are hard to break down and prey on mistakes and laziness. They are likely to score from a set piece or a deflected drive but not from a mesmerising move of instinctive passing.

That is why we must stay disciplined, play our football and hit them on the break. We have to do the boring things that don't make headlines, track runners, clear the ball when in doubt and mark up on set pieces.

In order to get a result we must get more support up to Adebayor who has shown that if given the service he is a man for the big occasion with goals and excellent displays against Man Utd and Sp*rs.

We can get a result there, there's no doubt about that we just must not allow ourselves to be bullied by Terry, Drogba and Essien and take our chances when they come.

I would like to see Gallas and Djourou both play but it's looking likely and Senderos has proved he gets himself up for the big games as well so we must be positive. Ljungberg must play centrally if he plays at all. His days as a winger are gone, he has lost at least 2 yards of pace and can't beat a man for toffee but as a continuity player and for work rate is better than flamini at present.

Therefore we must line up (assuming Gallas is not fit and Djourou is)

Lehmann, Eboue, Senderos, Djourou, Clichy
Hleb, Fabregas, Gilberto, Ljungberg, Van Persie
Adebayor

Then we have Baptista, Walcott and Aliadiere to come off the bench if needed.

For some strange reason, probably as we have already been written off, I am looking forward to the game.

Diaby the man Wenger is banking on?

2006-12-05T14:30:00.000Z

Henry's absence for the Bolton game was certainly not a blessing in disguise as I suggested. It was me trying to make the most of the situation and put a positive spin on it.

His re-appearance against Fulham was hardly inspiring as we slumped to a second defeat, which was a third consecutive away defeat in a row. Worryingly we only slightly woke up after conceding a couple of abysmal goals (from a defensive point of view).

We outplayed Tottenham on Saturday with the help of a couple of dodgy penalties, (the first goal was onside I thought) although we did deserve the win as they deserved nothing with what was in truth an inept performance.

Henry is now out for up to 6 weeks and surely Baptista will be given a game up front sooner rather than later as Adebayor cannot play all the games over the Christmas period.

Wenger has said that he will not buy during the January transfer window and that he is happy with the current squad. I can see the benefit of doing this as he is proving his belief in his team by telling them they are good enough.

If that is the case then we still need to address the balance of the midfield in terms of strength and tackling ability. As Hleb, Fabregas, Gilberto, Flamini and Rosicky away from home is too weak.

I believe Wenger sees Diaby as the long term successor to Vieira in terms of being a hard tackler and setting up counter attacks. His long legged play and all action style will add some much needed steel and dynamism to at present a somewhat methodical midfield. He and Walcott can make an impact in the next 12 months and give our side a real boost with some pace and power.

Diaby and Fabregas could cover a hell of a lot of ground and would allow us to switch back to a 4-4-2 with Hleb / Walcott and Rosicky / Ljungberg on the wings.

This would allow Baptista, Van Persie, Adebayor and Henry to play as forwards with Baptista also being able to play alongside Fabregas / Diaby in a 5 man midfield away from home in Europe and against bigger teams in the league.

Henry Injury a blessing in disguise?

2006-11-24T15:56:00.000Z

Thierry Henry has a neck injury and will not play against Bolton. That means Adebayor is likely to play as the lone striker. He is big, strong and a nuisance for defenders.

It also means we might see Walcott or Baptista after all as we will need to support Adebayor from midfield. The days of Ljungberg doing that effectively from the left, like his electric pace, have gone, which is why I would say Walcott is the obvious choice.

It's no secret that a 4-5-1 doesn't bring out the best in Henry.

It does however bring the best out of Adebayor and will help to strengthen our resolve and make us more of a unit. Everyone will have to step their game up and will give that extra 5% they didn't know they had. That's what was missing from our limp performance last year at the same ground.

With RVP suspended, Rosicky, Henry and Gallas injured it will need to be a good team performance to get a result.

However there are positives to be taken from the situation.

1. Senderos is better in the air than Gallas. Which will help us against their long ball game.
2. Ljungberg is well suited to 4-5-1 in a central or left hand side role which will minimise the loss of Rosicky. As long as we put in another attacking midfielder to help Adebayor. Ljungberg is more of a continuity player these days.
3. Adebayor is better up front on his own than Henry and offers more of a physical threat. He has scored a few goals and his goal at Old Trafford playing as a lone front man will mean he has confidence playing in that position. He can win headers and play with his back to goal.
4. RVP is wasted on the left in a 4-5-1 and it means that Baptista or Walcott can add something different.
5. Gilberto brings the best out of Cesc, Ljungberg and Baptista.
6. A rest from Henry will do him good and help his body recover for the Fulham game.
7. The younger players who feel they still have something to prove to Henry and that they can win a game without him.

Lucky 7! Let's hope we have some luck too. It's about time we did at the Reebok.

4-5-1 is the right formation for the Reebok

2006-11-23T19:06:00.000Z

ANOTHER goal start for the visitors.

Although this time we ended up coming back to deservedly win 3-1 thanks to goals from RVP, Eboue and Baptista. The win was in no small part thanks to Theo Walcott, who is looking a very promising talent in the cameo appearances he has had so far this season.

We were a bit disjointed in the first half and they scored an excellent goal but didn't threaten much after that (the story of our season). We improved after the break (and a switch to 4-4-2) and got there in the end. As I said in my last post, the confidence will come now. Once you have scored a couple of late goals you will tend to be more patient and start to believe that you can score late goals.

That has been a major part of the success is Wenger's Championship teams of the past. The frequent scoring of late goals as we play at a higher tempo than normal teams and so if we don't score early if we keep passing then we are confident we can score late by overcoming the opposition physically (opening up space).

That is possibly why we have failed in the past in the Champions League as a little more nouce and tactical ability is needed.

We have a lot of games coming up and so Theo will be more involved and it is time to use the squad's potential. Gilberto has been given a week of rest and should be in prime shape to play against Bolton. He will need to be at his best.

As much as we improved against Hamburg after switching to 4-4-2, I believe 4-5-1 with a midfield of Hleb, Gilberto, Fabregas, Ljungberg and Van Persie is the right formation for Bolton away. We must battle for every ball and keep things tight.

I might even be tempted to start Walcott if we could be sure they won't kick him out of the match.

I have a strange confidence that we will win the game, much like before the game at Old Trafford, because Bolton haven't been very good lately and we have been improved from this time last year.

How much?

We will see Saturday.

Prediction: Bolton 1 - 2 Arsenal

KO 17:15 Premier Plus

UPDATE: Good news on Gallas and Rosicky who are both nearing full fitness again.

Breaking the routine, Gilberto back, Walcott to start?

2006-11-20T20:54:00.000Z

Sitting in the car after my football match had ended listening to radio 5 live unknowing of the score. If we had gone 1-0 up we surely were to win 3-0. If Newcastle has scored first then it was destined to end 1-1.

They did and so it did. Bang went my prediction. I am as fucking bad as Lawro!

Arsenal need to break the cycle of going 1-0 down and it ending 1-1. We need to win a game 2 or 3-1 and so have the confidence that we can do it when we score second. A common theme with all of the games we have drawn 1-1 is that it has stayed 0-1 for a fairly long time and we have scored relatively near the end.

Thus making it seem as though we have salvaged something from a game we have in truth dominated. Then maybe we don't go as wholeheartedly for the winner as we feel it has been tough getting back level again.

However, not the rank performance people say. Taking the positives, we are still unbeaten at home. We just need to crush someone at home after going 1 or even 2 down to instill the utter belief.

Ahead of the game against Hamburg Gilberto Silva has arrived back from Brazil. Whether he is fit enough or in the right frame of mind for tomorrow night is another question. However, he strikes me as a naturally fit type of person so I would be surprised if he wasn't involved.

We also have Freddie Ljunberg back in the squad. Senderos is expected to come in for the injured Gallas.

I would like to see us play 4-4-2 with Adebayor or Van Persie alongside Henry and Walcott starting the left wing. Will some of his excellent crosses on Saturday mean the boss will play Baptista to get on the end of Walcott's crosses in what looks to be a promising partnership?

I suspect AW will play 4-5-1 with Henry up on his own with Hleb, Fabregas, Van Persie, Flamini and Gilberto / Baptista in the midfield.

Either way win we must and win we shall.

Prediction: Arsenal 2 - 0 Hamburg

Ljungberg, Baptista, Song and Adebayor battle it out for starting berth

2006-11-17T13:45:00.000Z

Gilberto is out of the Newcastle game for family reasons as we all know.

That means we have 4 players competing for his place.

That means Arsene has a bit of a dilemma. A nice one to have indeed but still..

Who does he play in midfield? Does he switch back to a 4-4-2? Will he play Van Persie and Adebayor in the same team?

I think not. He opted for Flamini over Adebayor last time out and I think the 4-5-1 will prevail again.

I suspect he will stick with a 4-5-1 and put Ljungberg in the centre with Fabregas and Flamini. Van Persie and Hleb taking the other wing positions.

If Ljungberg is not fit enough (unlikely as he was ready to start against the Ivory Coast) Wenger might start with Song who has, despite criticism for some of his displays last season, really improved and is currently bossing games for the reserves.

The only reservations I have against playing Song is that we would have 2 defensively minded midfielders in the centre of the park (Flamini being the other), whereas Freddie offers a little more going forward but less physical presence.

However that shouldn't be an issue with the first choice back four back together and I cannot really see Newcastle taking the game to us. As Bill Gallas said yesterday we need to concentrate on scoring first.

If we do that, and do it early then this could well turn in to a rout.

The other option is Baptista who could play centrally in a 4-4-2 or a 4-5-1, however having only just returned from injury I expect it's more likely he will come off the bench. Having Baptista and Walcott (power and pace personified) to come off the bench could well be what tips the game over the edge of we are leading.

Arsenal (from): Lehmann, Hoyte, Toure, Gallas, Clichy, Fabregas, Hleb, Henry, van Persie, Baptista, Ljungberg, Almunia, Djourou, Senderos, Eboue, Flamini, Walcott, Aliadiere, Adebayor.

Prediction: Arsenal 2 - 0 Newcastle (Come on I can't be any fucking worse than Lawro)

Police arrested two kids yesterday, one was drinking battery acid, the other was eating fireworks.
They charged one and let the other one off.

Liverpool, Newcastle, The Emirates Factor

2006-11-16T10:06:00.000Z

The first goal against Liverpool was the turning point as Goodplaya points out.

I thought Liverpool were fairly good value to be level after half an hour or so and the game was shaping up nicely. We played some good football as well and the game had a decent tempo about it.

It was pleasing to see the back four back together again and when Jens comes back we will have a formidable unit there, the pace of our counter attacks has defintaely been boosted with Clichy and Eboue using their pace and dribbling ability to good effect.

Flamini, who as a wholehearted and versatile performer 'the French Ray Parlour' will always be a fan's favourite, opened the scoring and Liverpool never looked likely after that. They seemed to lack belief and we outplayed them thereafter.

A lot has been made of the new pitch and how it has affected the tempo of our game. A friend made a very good point the other day which I thought was worth sharing.

'I reckon we haven't adjusted to the size of the pitch at home. Big pitches require longer passes and, therefore, more time for ball to be seen/intercepted by opposition. So, we pass as we did at highbury - short - but fail to cover the same ground and the opposition falls back into 2 lines of 5 and 4.

Perhaps an out and out header of the ball to change direction of play might help - just to pull defenders around a bit -Adebeyor for all his faults is getting nearer to this. Titi needs to receive the ball and run at players not play with his back to a No 5.

Van persie - I don't know. Is he a star or a luxury - brought on for the final 15 minutes when we are 3 up? Holland play him wide right and expect him to cut in and shoot....

Generally, uncle Wenger believes that superior passing will break down any defence - but not recently it ain't.....'

A decent point I would say. What I would add is that in time it will. Against Liverpool we were good and started to play the ball about well, we just need to keep the tempo high and break with our usual speed and we will be fine. We must stay concentrated in defence and make sure we get the first goal which then plays to our strengths. We have won every game we have opened the scoring in this season.

Also when the younger players get some more experience they will learn the art of breaking down a defence and be confident in their own ability to do so.

We still retain the best counter attacking game in the league by a distance, ask Liverpool and Man Utd, the only 2 teams to actually try and out play us.

Newcastle up next, the bad news is they would be delighted with a point and so will put 10 behind the ball.

The good news is Titus Bramble is fit.

Arsenal at their best with 'backs to the wall' mentality

2006-11-10T11:57:00.000Z

First of all a real winner hates to lose. As Arsene once said ' Show me a good loser and you will also show me a bad winner'. Sums that up very nicely I think.

Second of all there is no better club in the land than Arsenal in responding to a period of media hyped 'crisis'. When people write us off that is when we are at our most dangerous.

Arsene has elected not to speak to the media which suggests he is plotting a bit of 'them' against 'us' and barracading us in to help instill some togetherness and a siege mentality.

No press conference from Wenger and also of note is that not many of the players have come out and said anything about this weekedns game or the match with the Hammers (Gilberto aside). Usually Henry and Fabregas, Toure or Lehmann will come out and say something to the media ahead of a big game but so far.. Nothing.

Arsene knows full well that this a) is a crucial period in the development of the team and b) we have the potential to win a title race which is the likely to be the most open in the last 3 years.

I fully expect us to come out like a wounded animal and put in a dominant display at home to Liverpool and take all 3 points in what is our first 'Big Game' at the new stadium (Never really know what to call it, The Grove will do for now)

Eboue will come back into the side and Clichy will be sharper meaning we will have a near full strength line up for the first time in a long while.

I expect to see Henry continue his good streak against Liverpool. He is confident against them, especially at home and will be too hot to handle. He will have likes of scar face and Lawro drooling once more. If ever we needed a captain's performance from Henry to put all of this shit speculation about the captaincy to bed then now's the time.

Hleb and Rosicky back to the wings in a 4-4-2 with Adebayor up front I should think will do the trick. Now that some of the guys are coming back from injury our squad is looking very healthy. We have Djourou, Senderos, Flamini, Van Persie, Walcott, Alliadiere and Hoyte all pushing for the four outfield places on the bench not forgetting Baptista, Lauren, Ljungberg and Diaby who are all still out injured.

The thing about the media is that they are fucking extremists. If we play well we are the best team ever to play football and yet if we get a bit unlucky or things don't quite click then we are too soft and not ready to win anything.

Our current situation is cause for optimism not crisis. The media will be singing the same tune come Monday.

CSKA Preview, Rosicky to prove the difference

2006-11-01T18:26:00.000Z

It will be a pleasure to watch a real football match tonight with 2 teams who are there to play football not to play out a subplot out for their dramatic cunt of a manager.

A point in the Nou Camp in the group stage of the Champions League. It's all too much for Jose 'small man syndrome' Mourinho. What will he do if they only get beaten by 1 goal at our place?!!

Arsenal play host to CSKA Moscow with a score to settle. The 'goal' that never was still irks us and we will want to put it right.

A victory tonight is imperative, anything else and we could make the group more difficult than it should be.

We have everything in our favour, an excellent surface, more space and motivation, not to mention the (slightly) warmer temperature and the frustration following the anti football in the Everton game.

I have a feeling that Rosicky will prove the difference, he has been running into form and is particluarly effective in the 4-3-3 cum 4-5-1 formation which allows him to break and drop into a more central area than normal.

He and Cesc will be pivotal in our performance and I think they can outfox CSKA who are not as good a side away from home as everyone is making out. Yes they are organised but an early goal could set the tone.

I fancy Rosicky might unleash one from long range to break the deadlock. That'd set the tone very nicely.

Let's hope we get behind the team tonight and be sure not to boo Henry.. Hmmm.. As Arseblogger says, why can't journalists just report the facts. That's the only reason I don't read the front section of newspapers.

FRONT: Unworthy 'news' stories known in the industry as 'bullshit' made up by desperate fools to fill space before you get to the real news.

BACK: Sports reports, factual accounts of the game with little or no opinion. At least it should be.

Rant over.

Come on you Gooners.

Fabregas is the new Arsenal, Henry can be the new Bergkamp

2006-10-24T14:52:00.000+01:00

The signings Wenger made during the transfer window not only instilled some harmony into the squad but also helped redress the balance of young 17-23, improving 23-27 and experienced 27+ players.

Now we have Gallas, Rosicky and Baptista who are all experienced internationals and can compete for a position in the starting XI. Plus we have Gilberto, Lehmann, Ljungberg, Lauren and Henry to add some experience while the younger players are improving all the time. Just look at Fabregas.

Gallas and Rosicky have settled in very well and have added something to the starting XI which was lacking, a bit of guile, quality and belief in their own ability.

As Arsene said shortly before he (on the advice of Martin Keown) switch Toure to centre half 'Basically a gifted player can play anywhere' and he is spot on. Rosicky adds something to the team at left midfield as does Gallas at left back, even if they have to make the position suit them slightly, that's all part of it.

Rosicky has come in and has added some fluidity to the midfield by cutting in from the left and getting involved in central areas and interchanging with Fabregas and Hleb as well. Van Persie has also started a few games on the left and is improving while getting used to playing a midfield role which means you have to pass more times than you shoot.

Gallas has helped to make the other defenders more confident as he rarely makes mistakes and is confident himself, and offers some width to the defence as he is an intelligent and disciplined player. When Clichy is fit to return to the first team I am sure we will be in even better shape.

The 3rd Generation has been built around Fabregas. Not necessarily him personally (but as you can see with an 8 year contract that is the intention) but the way he plays. One touch, quick, incisive, intelligent, economical passing. Speed of thought which is matched by the speed of the players around him. Rosicky is similar too. The Hleb - Rosicky - Fabregas is the new Ljungberg - Pires - Vieira axis. Henry has a key role in the new Arsenal, he will lose his pace (he will never be slow we know that) but on top of being Henry he will offer some of the same qualities as Bergkamp.

Some of his play on Sunday suggested that. He is not all about pace, he has genuine quality on the ball and above all else vision. He makes those runs and knows where he would want a pass to be played. The ball for Fabregas when the penalty was awarded was an example of it. (What a performance by the way - see other Gooner blogs for the fully glorified version of the game)

The 1-0 win at Old Trafford and coming from behind to win against Charlton has given us the belief that we must stay true to our principles and that ultimately we can get out of whatever situation may arise in a particular game.

Now we have now got the much sought after strength in depth and have a squad which looks as balanced, hungry and good as any other in the league. Wenger's faith has been vindicated and hopefully it will be repaid.

Couldn't Have Got it More Wrong, CSKA Preview

2006-10-17T14:22:00.000+01:00

So we Ended up cruising past Watford 3-0. Not quite as predicted! Adebayor played, and played very well I might add and Walcott made his first start.

So.. In summary.. Apart from getting the nature of the performance, the margin of the win and the personnel involved wrong I did ok. Hmm.. Like Watford match on Saturday, one to forget really!

The highlights were, Cesc's second half display, Adebayor's goal and Walcott's debut (mainly the 2 through balls in the first half for Fabregas and Henry)

Tonight we go to CSKA Moscow, it'll be minus 20 or something crazy and everyone will be wearing gloves. Usually I would condemn it, but in this instance I'll allow it! Although I'm pretty sure big Tone or Ray Parlour wouldn't have worn them.

Adebayor looks to be really playing well after some early criticism and has an infectious attitude and desire which can only be good for the team. He proves a good foil for Henry as he is always in your face.

Having said that I would expect the rested Hleb to start and possibly even Van Persie as CSKA don't pose the aerial threat or play as direct as Watford.

I think we will play 4-4-2 instead of 4-5-1 although if Van Persie plays then he can always drop and play on the right or left with Rosicky or Hleb slotting in alongside Fabregas and Gilberto. I hope this is the case as Rosicky will flourish in this formation and I think it's the best chance we have of a victory.

Hoyte will continue to play right back and Gallas on the left and apart from that we have our best XI to choose from. Maybe we might even see a surprise start for Clichy?

A win would pretty much see us through to the next round. A draw would be satisfactory.

Watford to provide tough test for Gooners

2006-10-14T13:20:00.000+01:00

Watford at the Emirates. A game which we should approach with optimism, however I have a nagging feeling that it might not quite go according to plan.

Eboue (Arsenal's player of the month), Ljungberg and Baptista are out injured.

That means Hoyte will play at right back, his preferred position, Gallas at left back and Djourou and Toure will play in the middle.

It also means we will start with Hleb, Fabregas, Gilberto and Rosicky from right to left with Van Persie and Henry up front I would suggest. UPDATE: Man Utd are a goal down after half an hour. Perfect.

Watford are a hard working side with a confident young English manager who knows his sides limitations as well as their strengths. They are a better side than their current League positions suggests and are out to spoil the party at a stage when Arsenal might be vulnerable after an International break.

King is a good player, strong and powerful with an eye for goal and they work hard which is essential for them to survive, but their heads haven't dropped yet and they might well fancy their chances today. The way we start will be vital, if we get a good tempo going early we should be ok but if we let them in early we will make life difficult for ourselves again.

I expect Arsenal to win, make no mistake, but not more by than a 1 goal margin, I wouldn't be surprised if Watford scored first. A victory might well come very late on, possibly through a youngster by the name of Walcott. We shall see.

Come on you Gunners!

Arsenal find renewed stickability

2006-10-02T20:10:00.000+01:00

Stuart Pearce used the term 'stickabaility' on Saturday after his Manchester City side had equalised in the last minute at Goodison Park against a rejuvenated Everton side.

This was the first time Arsenal have come back from a goal down in an away league game since we beat Sp*urs 5-4 away.

What a way to do it too! The goal of a lifetime sums it up nicely (still not as good as Bergy's against Leicester or Newcastle but pretty awesome as a pure strike).

Last season we lost limply 1-0 away from home too many times. That was the most worrying pattern. When we went behind we struggled big time and so no one took us seriously, score first against Arsenal and you won't have to score again.

If we can come back when we do concede then it puts a different type of pressure on the opposition and more often than not we will go on to win the game.

There was no 'stickability' or 'bouncebackability' that was a cornerstone of our recent successes.

When we won the title in 2001/2 it seemed there was a period where we used to go behind a lot but still had the confidence to play our own way and at least draw but more often than not, win the game.

Like going behind against Chelsea on Boxing day back in 2001. Lampard drove in from the edge of the box but we had faith that our chances would come and we would take them and we duly did. Wiltord scored the equaliser and Sol Campbell scored a header and the winner, his first for the club.

That was a common theme and filled everyone with confidence. It is just as damaging as it is beneficial if things go the other way, it becomes an issue coming back from a goal down.

However on Saturday we played pretty well (again), admittedly we rode our luck a little, as did Charlton, and got a good win against a side which will probably end up nearer to the to of the table than the bottom of it when all is said and done.

If we can keep our new found 'stickability' then we will be genuine contenders.

Porto, The Emirates, Wenger's decade, Gallas

2006-09-28T22:00:00.000+01:00

So in the end a comfortable win against Porto who looked good in possession but lacked any real penetration.

A first half headed goal from Henry (thanks to a brilliant cross from Eboue, who has apparently been working on them in training) and an economic finish just after the re-start from Hleb (after more good work from Gallas and Henry) was enough to kill the game as a contest and ensure a fourth win on the trot, 3 more points and top spot in group G.

We played very well in patches and are really starting to use the flanks well, having the ability to cross the ball is excellent as not only does it give you that very option, it affords more chance of space opening up inside as the defender feels more inclined to close down to stop the cross. Basically we are playing excellent football and adapting well to our new surroundings which is crucial.

We are finding our feet in the new stadium and have ensured that our first win has not become an issue as we haven't allowed it to be. It's onwards and upwards and Tuesday showed that we can really hit the heights again.

We mixed it up really well and it was an attractive game to watch and I thought we fully deserved the win.

Le Boss celebrates his 10th year anniversary today and I for one Arsene salute you! What an absolutely massive impact he has had, not only on Arsenal, but on football in this country. Developing players like Bergkamp and Henry has really help to improve the quality of football in the legue. For a period just before and during the unbeaten run we were playing, in my humble opinion, the best football this country has ever seen.

Without being dramatic he has brought so much to the game it would be unfair to try and summise it in a media friendly sound bite. A great coach and a gentleman.

The news for Saturday is that if Djourou is not fit (having a fitness test tomorrow) then Alex Song, who has improved greatly over the last few months by all accounts, or Gilberto will deputise in defence.

However all is not as bad as it would appear. Gallas' hamstring injury appears to be a strain rather than a pull and so Charlton is the only game he should miss for the Arsenal which is promising news as he given us something extra and helped instill much needed belief in the side.

Full backs integral to home success

2006-09-25T20:11:00.000+01:00

Arsenal showed good patience and gave a strong defensive display to dispatch Sheffield United 3-0 for our first win at the Emirates.

Lets be honest, Sheffield United are going to get relegated. They came for a point and as soon as we scored first that dream was over.

Why do relegation threatened teams try and frustrate from the start of the season? They would probably be better off trying to win, as 1 time in 3 away from home it might come off, confidence might come and they might actually improve as a team. The manager setting up a team to get a 0-0 is like saying

'They are much better than you, the best we hope for is to get a lucky point if our keeper plays well and they have an off day'. Anyway..

Gallas scored first from an Henry pass and Fabregas lay off, Henry scored a headed third and crossed for a horribly sliced own goal in between.

What was noticable was our obvious attempts to use the width of the pitch. Ljungberg, Gallas and Eboue were trying to stay on the touchlines which was encouraging as at least it gives us another option, even if we will insist on come inside more often than not.

The full backs have a huge responsibility. Especially at home. Eboue and Gallas were instrumental, each having 2 or 3 efforts on goal (Eboue has had the most shots of any Arsenal player this season) and helped us keep balance in the midfield. Gallas got the opener and Eboue crossed for Henry to head the second.

Clichy, a naturally left footed player will aid that even more, although Gallas is doing an admirable job at present. We saw how effective a left side of Cole - Pires - Henry could be but that one left sided player is important as he allows the winger the freedom to go inside or stay wide by holding his position on the touchline.

Away from home it isn't such an issue as teams are liable to attack more and afford us more space in doing so meaning there is more space for our own midfield and forwards in central areas. That is why the 4-5-1 works so well for us.

The substitutions of Ljungberg, Adebayor and Rosicky for Baptista, Hleb and Van Persie show the quality we have in depth. Plus we have Senderos, Clichy, Lauren and Diaby coming back.

It'll take time to get used to a slight change in style but the signs are positive.

Porto at the Emirates tomorrow night. I wonder if Arsene will give a game to Van Persie and Hleb seeing as they were rested for Saturday? Baptista to figure?

Porto are a dangerous side and as we know the mentality in the ECL is slightly different from a league match. With an away win in the first game I wouldn't expect us to go attacking too hard too early, as a 0-0 draw would suit both teams (arguably them more than us) at this stage of the group.

Development and new signings mean Arsenal have strength in depth

2006-09-22T10:08:00.000+01:00

It has become evident that getting rid of Cole and Reyes has had a very positive impact on the current squad.

Reyes and Cole were clearly not good for team moral. Now we have Gallas and Baptista, 2 experienced players that add steel to the team and are keen to prove a point.

We have looked focused and determined in the last 2 games, which have yielded 2 away wins, 2 confident performances and 6 much needed points.

The nature of the victories ensures confidence will be improved and the belief in the squad is back. Arsene will be telling the players 'Chelsea are not as strong as last season, they will drop more points, they won't take 6 points off of us for a start, we have already beaten Utd, Liverpool are still short of goals and so if we stay focused we can win this.'

We have an excellent young squad and with the signings of Baptista, Gallas, Rosicky and Denilson we have added quality to the squad. The more games they play the better they will become. Rosicky is already looking an important player.

Losing Dennis Bergkamp if you include last season as he didn't play many games, had a far bigger impact than losing Vieira. Bergkamp made Arsenal tick, he embodied how Arsene wanted us to play.

Arsene has tried to replace Bergkamp but not directly, he has done it with Rosicky and Fabregas. Both are able to dictate the tempo just as Bergkamp did in his prime.

It will take at least 2 months for Arsenal to start firing. By that time Lauren, Clichy, Diaby and Senderos will be nearing full fitness and Walcott will be that much fitter. Thats 4 experienced, potential first team players and a raw talent, an unknown quantity, to integrate back into the squad.

Baptista is another good signing. I think he will eventually replace Gilberto, we will line up with Fabregas and Baptista in the middle, Baptistas' sheer physical power, directness and dynamism balanced with Fabregas' quality on the ball, passing ability and unique football brain.

Add into this the development of the younger players in the squad such as Djourou who has impressed me for a 19 year old centre half, Diaby, Clichy, Adebayor, Eboue, Flamini who all have the necessary quality to improve and we suddenly have strength in depth and 2 quality players for each position.

If you think about the unbeaten season the team can develop to function as well, not to go unbeaten itself as a large amount of sustained fortune is required, but to constantly challenge for the Championship.

The nucleus is there, development is key.

Rosicky and Fabregas outfox Utd

2006-09-18T14:26:00.000+01:00

What a performance, what a victory. A football lesson by Arsenal.

A 5 man midfield with Gilberto holding and Rosicky in the middle. I was confident. Don't get me wrong, I would have taken a draw before the game, but for some reason I had a feeling about this one.

Then sky proceeded to say Arsenal were playing a 4-4-2 with Ljungberg up front playing behind Adebayor. Bayern Munich, away in the Champions league 2 seasons ago, Ljungberg was awful, he is not a support striker.

Suddenly the optimism I had before the game slowly ebbed away when the game started after what seemed an age.

However we started well and stamped our authority on the match early on. Ljungberg settled in on the left of a 5 man midfield and Rosicky playing centrally. Fabregas and Roskicy took John O' Shea and Scholes apart with their movement and intelligent use of the ball.

Gilberto missed a penalty, although I had a strange feeling that it didn't matter and it we would come back, like when Chelsea scored against us after 28 seconds in the unbeaten season. No panic, we'll get more chances, we're absolutely bossing this, I thought.

Adebayor had a good effort saved onto the post and Gallas almost turned the rebound in but Scholes cleared. Rosicky hit a fierce low rising half volley from an Adebayor knock down and Arsenal were mixing it up and looked sharp.

Ronaldo was looking dangerous but Djourou and Toure were keeping Rooney and Saha pretty quiet. Lehmann made a couple of good saves and it was 0-0 at the break which suited them better than us. I thought they would come out and maybe change it because we were dominated so much.

No substitutions. Game on.

We continued to create opportunities, Adebayor hit an effort straight at the keeper, Saha headed just wide, Ronaldo shot when he should have passed. Toure blasted a free kick wide, Baptista came on for Hleb and had a powerful run and shot which just went wide.

Arsenal will surely score, it would be a travesty if we don't.

Ronaldo loses the ball, terrible decision to try and dribble under pressure, Fabregas bites in and win the ball, gets a bit of luck, a little dummy and opens up a path for the slide rule pass. Perfect weight on it, Adebayor pokes it under the keeper, it going in you know, it nestles in the back of the net.

What a feeling, what a performance, we deserved that I thought. I can't think of a match which has given me such satisfaction in the last couple of seasons. Written off, backs to the wall, like the old Arsenal. Perfect.

The team was quality throughout, Djourou and Toure were excellent along, well supported by Eboue and Gallas. Lehmann made a truly world class save from Solskjaer late on and was commanding all afternoon. Gilberto organised well and protected the defence expertly.

The midfield combined beautifully, constant movement, sharp accurate passing creating space and importantly discipline off tha ball from Rosicky, Fabregas, Ljungberg and Hleb.

Adebayor worked hard up front, looked dangerous and took his goal well.

A memorable performance all round. We were that good.

That's the first time this season I have actually wanted to watch MOTD!

Tony Adams said in 1997/98. 'I don't see it as a transitional year, I see it as a winning something year. I always find that a bit of an excuse really'. That just about sums it up. Quality.

Some musings on the Hamburg and Man Utd games

2006-09-15T11:51:00.000+01:00

So we played a 4-4-2 and deservedly took all 3 points on Wednesday night. Another win in Europe means its only 2 defeats in Europe in our last 20 odd games. That was us in the Premiership not so long ago and we couldn't buy a win in the Champions League. Funny how things change.

Rosicky is a very good player and a big addition to a midfield that was running short of quality on the wing.

On Wednesday he looked tenacious, quick and creative and scored a magnificent goal that not many members of the current team would have attempted. The Rosicky - Fabregas partnership is an interesting one, both pretty mobile and small but excellent on the ball with intelligent use of the ball. I can't remember Fabregas really losing the ball on Wednesday. Mix that class up with the physical presence we now have in the side thanks to Gallas, Toure, Djourou, Gilberto, Adebayor, Baptista and I think there is a good balance emerging.

Hleb looked short on confidence and always plays better when Henry plays. If Henry doesn't play on Sunday (which I think he will) then I'd be tempted to play Ljungberg, who was rested on Wednesday.

Van Persie was lively, won us a decisive penalty but unfortunately picked up an injury which means he is doubtful for Sunday. I thought he and Adebayor worked hard and were pretty effective.

Overall it was a good team performance, I thought Gilberto, el capitan on the night, was excellent, and it will hopefully give us some much needed confidence.

Ahead of the game on Sunday I am in bullish mood and think we can go to Utd and win. We need to be more direct and hopefully Rosicky has shown the way.

They haven't played as well as their 12 points would suggest.

They conceded 2 against Celtic on Wednesday night and although they were good going forward they looked very shaky at the back. I think we will score first, it's then down to holding that lead and staying solid.

Toure has been declared fit and the defence looks strong. Rooney is only half fit and Giggs, who has been Utd's best player this season along with Saha, is injured. Scholes is coming back to form and is the man we must shackle. That is why a 5 man midfield will work.

Lehmann, Gallas, Eboue, Toure and Djourou in defence, Gilberto holding, Cesc, Rosikcy, Ljungberg and Hleb making up a 5 man midfield and Henry up front can win at Old Trafford 1-0.

Blind optimism from a lifelong Gooner? Perhaps, let's wait until Monday.

Midfield Balance & Confidence the Key for Tough Period

2006-09-13T12:32:00.000+01:00

Hamburg tonight and Man Utd away on Sunday. We can ill afford to lose both games otherwise our confidence will be shot and the optimism which still fills the N5 air will quickly disappear. A couple of wins and we will be right back in business. It's a fine balance!

4-4-2 or 4-5-1? That is the question.

Gilberto and Fabregas just hasn't been effective away from home. Might Gilberto, Fabregas and Rosicky in a midfield trio be more effective with Ljungberg and Hleb supporting Henry (or Walcott tonight). We could even play Baptista in the centre and Rosicky wide if we needed more of a physical presence.

There is no doubt that Clichy coming back into the side will improve the midfield balance and defensive stability, as some natural width will be restored. This shouldn't be understated.

Our lack of width in a 4-4-2 is worrying. Ljungberg has lost that injection of pace and Hleb's inability to play with any width is a concern. Rosicky playing wide allays my fears considerably however his best position is surely central. Perhaps if Reyes goes Ribery will come in which would be a welcome addition and Walcott will get a few game son the wing which would add some much needed balance to the midfield.

The important thing is not to lose these matches, we seem to be more effective on the counter attack using a 4-5-1 because of the defensive stability it gives us. If we decide that 0-0 is not a terrible result then anything else is a bonus. Teams might over commit and to some extent we can frustrate results out of the bigger teams.

Real Madrid, Juventus and Villareal away. 0 goals conceded = 0 defeats, 2 pretty good performances and increased confidence. Confidence is key.

It's time to consider the options very carefully and ensure we do not lose both of these matches and allow the squad to have some confidence and a chance to improve.

I have a equally optimistic / concerned opinion that we are still playing good football and could conceivably had got 9 points in the league after dominating the games. However I am concerned AW doesn't know his best XI and doesn't have an answer to the lack of midfield balance and width.

Can AW make a 4-4-2 work without any natural width? We will have to wait and see.

European success the real possibility

2006-09-08T21:58:00.000+01:00

Once again Arsenal face the same problems as last season. The Premiership title is unlikely as the midfield doesn't have the perfect balance and Arsene doesn't know his strongest XI.

The Gilberto - Fabregas balance in midfield is not quite right for a 4-4-2 as Fabregas is not good enough at the moment when we don't have the ball. He will improve in time and will one day get a better partner than Gilberto, can Julio Baptista be that player? The Gilberto, Fabregas, Rosicky and Hleb partnership is no where near as balanced as the Vieira, Petit, Parlour and Overmars of 1998. Vieira and Petit were both strong and could defend, they were a left foot / right foot combination, Parlour was an excellent pro and could tuck in and Overmars was naturally left sided, had extreme pace and could make a chance out of nothing.

Because of this inbalance, away from home in the league against the better teams we have struggled. We lost tamely to Chelsea, Man Utd and Liverpool last season.

Another problem is that Henry is not efficient with a partner unless he is playing with a deeper lying second striker aka Dennis Bergkamp.
Rosicky could play this role but Ljungberg would need to start scoring again or Walcott would have to step up a level. Van Persie is obviously a very gifted player but as a very individual style player the question is; can he form a fruitful partnership with Henry?

With the personnel Arsene has at the moment, our best formation is a 4-5-1.

However Arsene will never play a 4-5-1 in the Premiership with another option as it goes against his principles of attacking football. 0-0 away from home in the Premiership is not a good result for Arsenal.

In the Champions League first leg it is a crucial result.

It means teams have to attack us at home and so we can play the 4-5-1 and turn it into a 4-3-3 on the counter attack.

Away from home in Europe a central midfield trio of Fabregas, Gilberto and Ljungberg or more likely Rosicky would be highly effective. This latter trio would allow Ljungberg and Hleb to play wide and Baptista and Walcott to come one and add an injection of pace and power. Henry would play up on his own and feed off through balls from Rosicky and Fabregas.

Gilberto is a much better player in Europe because he can concentrate on one task, being a midfield anchor. In the Premiership the lack of natural wide players means he has to do more and make forward runs to support the attack. In Europe he has 3 other midfielders to do that and can concentrate on helping the defence out.

It was no coincidence that when he was asked to play this more defensive role his performances improved considerably and as a result we kept 10 consecutive clean sheets. The addition of Gallas will also add strength to the defensive unit and so once again it will be a European campaign based on not conceding away from home.

It also means Fabregas gets a little bit more freedom and less responsibility defensively which he relishes. In Europe football is played thr ight way as the ball is played on the floor which suits Fabregas perfectly, whereas certain Premiership teams have a different philosophy known as aggression, a direct style, as simply they aren't good enough to play the ball on the floor. This is where Fabregas' defensive shortcomings are apparent, he is not physical enough and cannot impose his game in this situation.

Until Arsene can achieve an effective 4-4-2 which he cannot do without another natural wide player, preferably with pace (possibly Walcott) and an improvement in Fabregas defensively, success in Europe is a more fruitful option again this season.

Transfers: Problem Solvers & Upgrades / Time the key for Arsenal

2006-09-04T18:40:00.000+01:00

After the transfer window closed 'cautious optimism' are the words to sum up the feelings of most Gooners I have spoken to.

OUT: 2 players who were unhappy have gone another fringe player has left too.

IN: 2 experienced internationals and a highly exciting prospect who has incidentally gone straight into the first team squad with Fabregas' old number.

I thought an article in one of the Sunday papers summed it up for Arsenal. There are 2 types of transfers. 'Upgrades' and 'Problem solvers'.

Cole to Chelsea = Upgrade. Gallas to Arsenal = Problem solver. Mourinho knows that and this is the reason behind his malcontentment.

Arsenal have a left back waiting in the wings and everybody who has ever seen Clichy play knows he is a mini me of Ashley Cole in the way he looks and plays. Arsenal won't really lose any strength and as a whole the defence will be stronger. Left back is not a position that wins you titles. Centre half is.

Baptista in for Reyes. Sounds like a good deal to me. Baptista has a strong physical presence and can score goals from midfield. Arsenal desperatley need someone like that. Reyes was unhappy and never going to realise his potential. It's not necessarily anyones fault, look at how well Fabregas has done, it's just one of those things. It also might mean Walcott has a chance to develop.

Cygan out and Denilson in. Again another exciting young prospect to add to the likes of Djourou, Clichy, Bendtner, Lupoli, Merida, Gilbert, Muamba, Van Den Berg etc etc. We have the basis of a very good squad without many new additions needed. The invaluable loan experience of Lupoli, Bendtner, Muamba and Gilbert will mean they come back stronger and more experienced which can only benefit the squad.

Arsenal have a starting XI which is as good as anybody and once the younger players start to mature, get an injection of power and strength which comes with age and some first team experince Arsenal will have 2 high class players for each position and a squad up there with the best in Europe.

It just might take time.

Gallas, The Beast, Denilson, Ito and £7m

2006-09-01T11:42:00.000+01:00

All in all I think a relatively good transfer window for Arsenal.

Gallas is a world class centre back and a decent stand in left back until Clichy returns. With the loss of Cole I honestly don't think our defence is in a worse off position as Clichy is probably better than Cole for his age and is up there with the best attacking left backs in the league. Plus he will improve.

I honestly think that with Gallas and Toure we now have the leagues best central defensive partnership. Both very quick and strong and experienced at the top level. Plus we have Lauren to come back and so our defence makes very good reading.

RB: Lauren & Eboue LB: Clichy & Hoyte CB: Gallas (left back cover in front of Hoyte as well), Toure, Senderos and Djourou

Just a quick mention for Pacal Cygan who despite never quite making it as a regular, always gave 100% and was a strangely likeable character. Good luck to you Pascal.

Baptista is a powerful central midfield / striker who has a lot to prove but seems more sensible than Reyes even at this stage, he and his family have been learning English and he already has a basic grasp of the language unlike Jose.

Ito and Denilson are a couple of 18 year olds, one of whom is a Japanese striker and the other interestingly is a defensive midfielder and captain of the Brazil U19's. We have paid up to £4m for him. In time, a replacement for Gilberto?

I think the squad is in pretty good shape. Maybe we could still do with a partner for Henry (I can see Rosicky playing a half striker role) but The Beast might well be employed as a striker yet we don't know. 50 goals in 2 seasons is a good enough return to suggest so.

We need our wide players such as Ljungberg, Hleb, Rosicky and possibly even Van Persie and Walcott to start scoring a few goals and gaining some confidence then we can start turning some positive performances into points. We dominated Manchester City and Villa and have only 1 point to show.

Maybe Baptista making some surging runs into the box and winning some headers will give us the opportunity to use the width of the new pitch more effectively? It will give us an option to go wide and cross and increase our efficiency when we do go through the middle as defenders will have to cover for 2 scenarios not just one.

All in all a cause for optimism I would say. 2 unhappy players out and 4 new faces with a point to prove and some experince in. You would be foolish to suggest the squad is not in better shape now.

Villa Preview, News on Illiasu, Gallas

2006-08-19T10:42:00.000+01:00

Arsenal play Villa today in the first competitive game at our magnificent new stadium. Aston Villa are the lucky team to be taking part in this historic day.

However I can't think they have the bottle to spoil the party. O'Neill is a good manager but will probably need some signings before the transfer window and a bit of time to make progress.

Not too sure as to the line up, left midfield is where the doubt lies.. It will either be Ljungberg or Van Persie (depending on how fit Ljungberg actually is) anyway, it should look something like this;

Lehmann, Eboue, Toure, Djourou, Flamini, Hleb, Fabregas, Gilberto, Van Persie / Ljungberg, Adebayor, Henry.

Prediction 3-1 Arsenal FGS: Henry 9/2

In other news, the 'Siberian Shysters' have signed £10m + 'Squad' man Khalid Boulahrouz. Another good sensible bit of business there then. The interesting ths is that this guy can play right back and centre back, a versatile defender, very much like a certain William Gallas who has stated his desire to leave again this week.

Could Gallas be on the way out? Know any potential buyers?!

interestinglyy though AW is still running the rule over Illiasu the Ghanain centre back and left sided defender and ha s apparently offered terms. Nothing is official yet though. Some bolstering of the defence would be welcome though.

hen I think we will be in good shape providing we sell Cole and Reyes sorts himself out and wants to play for us. That's not too much to ask for is it??!!!

Boni's Blog is BACK! Could Cole be off to Madrid?

2006-08-10T13:06:00.000+01:00

Almost as abruptly as it left your screens Boni's Blog makes a triumphant return! Or something along those lines..

So.. A lot of rumours flying about today.. Reyes off to Madrid, Cole to Chelsea, Ribery to Lyon or Arsenal.. I don't really like to talk about rumours but I for one say we must not be bullied into selling Cole to Chelsea..

The facts are simple.. English players transferred to English clubs have a premium.. If Carrick is worth £18.6m and Curtis Davies is valued at £10m then you would have to think if Arsenal were to sell to an English club Cole is worth £20m.. Minimum..

Real Madrid need a left back.. Cole has a get out clause of £16m to anyone other than Chelsea.. Predrag Mijatovic met Double D Deino yesterday.. I honestly don't think we will offload Reyes.. However.. Is it beyond the realms of possibility we might have tried to offer them Cole for £16m? Interesting thought..

More importantly.. The media seems to think Arsenal are in disarray if Reyes leaves and so does Cole.. I disagree.. I always say you need 2 top players for every position to compete for the Championship..

GK - Jens, Almunia, Mannone, Poom (You can't really say we are desperate for a reserve keeper..)

RB - Eboue and Lauren (Better than any other team in the league)

LB - Clichy, Traore, Hoyte, Flamini (Clichy is up to the job and Flamini filled in well last season, Hoyte played all season at leaft back for Sunderland)

CB - Toure, Senderos and Djourou (3 good young players) Plus AW has said he is looking for one more with experience.. Plus Illiasu is on trial.. Gallas would be a massive addition but it is highly unlikely..

RM - Hleb, Ljungberg, Walcott

LM - Rosicky, Reyes, Ljungberg and Van Persie if needed

CM - Fabregas, Gilberto, Flamini, Diaby, Lauren if needed, Song (who by all accounts is improving fast despite some indifferent displays last season)

SC - Henry, Adebayor, Van Persie, Alliadiere, plus Walcott

Plus we have a lots of even younger players, such as Bendtner, Gilbert, Lupoli, Van Der Berg, Merida, Garry, Muamba, Connolly, Stokes etc etc etc..

Is our squad in that bad a shape? I would have to say we could do with maybe 1 or 2 more (max) but on the whole no..

Arsenal can cope with the departure of big players.. We have done it before and will do it again.. The grass is very rarely greener when they leave the Arsenal.. Anelka, Overmars, Petit, Vieira.. All big players and never reached the heights they expected at a 'bigger' club..

I wonder if Cole and Reyes have considered that?

Cheats NEVER prosper!

2006-05-08T12:36:00.000+01:00

What a day.. Absolutely superb!

I was driving home and heard the news that the West Ham (Legends) vs Sp*rs game was in doubt because the yids had food poisoning, Radio 5 Live said that it was up to Sp*urs whether they played it or not.. I thought 'how the fuck can that be?' Boro did it a few years ago and lost 3 points, surely if Sp*urs had enough players they would be made to play? Arsenal were in a similar position against Swindon in the 1969 Legaue Cup final and we lost 1-0.

Then I checked the net and teletext when I got in.. The game was on! Awesome!

There it is.. Fate. They cheated to score at our place then lied about it, that brings on bad karma (or was it korma!) and as I always say.. What goes around comes around! HAHAHAHAHA!

The last game at Highbury lived up to it's billing which is a rarity nowadays. A 4-2 thriller with Sp*urs drawing at West Ham until the last 10 mins.. It was there for the taking but Wigan gave a great showing and didn't roll over easily.

The first player to score at Highbury? Henry King.

The last player to score at Highbury? King Henry!

It was a party atmosphere and a really attractive open game and the right result.. Plus the mighty Hammers did us a favour as did the mystery master chef.. A great day all round! As Thierry said.. The table doesn't lie.

The first part of the equation has been dealt with.. Bring on the second! Hopefully knowing we have a chance to get back into the Champions League next season will allow us to go all out and play with more freedom and less fear.

With it costing about Â£500 all in (with no ticket to speak of) to get to Paris, The Famous Cock PH in Islington is my venue of choice for the big night! See you there!

COME ON YOU GUNNERS!

Yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeah!

2006-04-26T16:37:00.000+01:00

Get in there!

We were shite, but who cares?! Yes it would have been nice to go through by playing well and scoring but in all honesty it doesn't matter. They couldn't score over 180 minutes even with the help of the referee so they only have themselves to blame. Not too sure why they are saying we deserved to go through and god was on their side.. That is bollocks.

If you play 180 mins without scoring then you can't win. More to the point you DON'T deserve to either. So shut up!

Lehmann is a sex god, I had a funny feeling he was going to save it, but you naturally fear the worst, although the look on Riquelme's face before he took the pen wasn't exactly extreme confidence!

The boys didn't play well, they were too scared to play, too scared to be fluent as they knew if they lost a goal it would be so crucial. We have never played such an important game and you could tell how much it meant.

I think the heat and general fatigue took it's toll as we looked pretty sloppy in possession and our work rate wasn't as high as it might have been. A lot of shouting at the tv was had by all I expect! Clichy came back and did ok after some initial positional problems, Campbell stood pretty firm, Hleb was ok, Ljungberg likewise, Gilberto had a decent game. Henry and Reyes looked tired as did Fabregas, but at the end of the day.. WHO CARES?!

Now we have time to re-charge the batteries and I expect to see Walcott given a run out in the next few games so that'll be something to look forward too. Not that we need it!

We are going to Paris! Not to sure if it's sunk in yet, AC Milan and Barca will fight it out tonight to face us, the mighty Arsenal in the final!

Carpe Diem / Squad News

2006-04-24T18:18:00.000+01:00

It's been a while, went on holiday at the start of the month and then kind of lost interest in the blog, no real input from the readers and not much discussion but I have decided to give it another go.

Since my last post we have got through to the Semi final of the Champions League and hold a 1-0 win to take to El Madrigal tomorrow night. We have also gained ground on Sp*urs but not managed to overhaul them. Now we are reliant on Bolton or West Ham doing us a favour, or winning the European Cup ourselves.

Saturday's events would just make it so sweet if we did the latter. But that isn't the right motivation for winning it.

As for yesterday the facts are simple, Jol did see it, he told Carrick to play on when we hesitated and then lied about it to Wenger's face, which is what Arsene didn't like. As I always say:

What goes around comes around

I can't really be bothered to talk about it. That twat from Arsenal wtf the says Arsene should apologise. What for? Accusing someone of lying when they were? Jol said to his face I didn't see it and Arsene knows he did, that's why he was so irate.

Arsene just needs to concentrate on tomorrow. It will be a long time before any Tott*nham manager finds themselves in a European Cup semi final and have the dilemma of whether they can afford to rest players for a big Premiership game.

If we get through tomorrow then Arsene is fully justified in doing just that.

Henry, Fabregas, Hleb, Ljungberg and Eboue should all start and by resting them on Saturday we have given ourselves the best possible chance.

Let's live for the moment, forget about what happened Saturday. We have the biggest game in the club's history on the horizon, I say;

ROLL ON TOMORROW

Here's the squad (No Senderos)

Jens Lehmann
Manuel Almunia
Sol Campbell
Gael Clichy
Kolo Toure
Emmanuel Eboue
Johan Djourou
Mathieu Flamini
Freddie Ljungberg
Robert Pires
Gilberto
Alexander Hleb
Jose Antonio Reyes
Cesc Fabregas
Alexandre Song
Abou Diaby
Thierry Henry
Robin van Persie
Theo Walcott

Genuine Contenders

2006-03-30T09:44:00.000+01:00

Arsenal outclassed and outplayed Juventus on Tuesday night in the Champions League QF 1st Leg. It ended 2-0 and Juve ended with 9 men. (Is Camoranesi mental?!) As my dad said.. 'They were lucky to get 0'.

Arsenal made Juventus, the Italian Champions who are currently 8 points clear at the top of Serie A, look pedestrian. There was a point, midway through the second half when Juve's players were WALKING.

They were beaten men. Beaten men, beaten by boys.

I have rarely felt such unadulterated joy at a result, I had cautious optimism but to be perfectly honest expected Juve to score and the game to be a lot tenser. To be in this position is a dream. However we still have work to do and there is another big game on Saturday so now is not the time for reflection. But in not wanting to undermine the result, the fact is we might have made another chapter of history for the club with this result.

It was poetic. Vieira and Fabregas head to head. Fabregas dominating the midfield with his hard work, clever forward runs, perpetual motion, slick passing and angle creation.

Vieira didn't look interested. Not up for the battle, maybe he has had it too easy in Italy?

Pires won the ball off him with a sliding tackle in the build up for the first goal, that was like a snapshot of the game. In that one moment Pires showed his desire, and encapsulated the performances of the 2 teams. The likeable Frenchman saying "I am delighted with the tackle on Patrick Vieira - it is the first time I have done that in my 13-year career and it led to the first goal. I even surprised myself by doing it!"

Arsenal looked sharp and committed all over the pitch and after they tuned their game to the slick surface we looked as good as Juve were non existent and laissez faire.

I thought this is the European Cup Quarter Final, how can Juve show so little desire and ambition?

Juventus looked like they had accepted defeat when things didn't go their way and after the first goal never offered anything. I am proud to be an Arsenal fan, none more so than Tuesday night, but Juve fans cannot have been proud of their team after that.

I cannot single anyone out, there was not a weak performance in the entire team. The attitude of the team was spot on, concentration high, organisation, commitment, desire, pace, intelligence, calmness under pressure and a sense of team spirit and discipline that Juventus lacked.

The smile on Cesc's face at the end summed it all up. The realisation kicked in, it was a genuine smile which said, wow I knew we are improving but I didn't expect to dominate a side as big as this like that. I think it was the realisation, for all of the promise we have shown and all of the talk about a parallel with Liverpool of last season, for the first time, Cesc knows we have a genuine chance of winning the Champions League.

Van Persie or Pires? Vieira or Fabregas?

2006-03-28T10:31:00.000+01:00

Big game tonight.. Big big game..

Will Arsene play the 4-5-1 that worked so well in Madrid and gave us a 0-0 thriller at Highbury? Or will he go for the fluent 4-4-2 that we played against Liverpool and have been coming back to form with in the Premiership?

Essentially that means either Pires in a 5 man midfield or Van Persie up front with Henry.

The thing to remember is that in the 4-4-2 we have been playing Adebayor does a lot of hard work and is very much a central striker which means Henry is under less pressure to lead the line, can get on the ball more and probably be more effective.

Can Van Persie play that role? I think he is a different type of player, not a natural out and out centre forward. He isn't scared to work hard but isn't a natural target man, he has better feet, looks to play people in as well and doesn't play in the box like Adebayor likes to.

That is why I think Wenger will play Pires and 4-5-1. He can always bring on Van Persie, who hasn't played in a while and is likely to be lacking a little match practice. Van Persie is an ideal substitute for tonight, he is versatile, can play in the midfield or up front and when people are tiring he can exploit that extra yard with clinical shooting from outside or inside the box.

That is the decision Wenger faces tonight, he faced a crucial one in the summer as well.

Vieira or Fabregas?

He chose Fabregas. Vieira had 2 years left on his contract. He would have been 31 when it was up for renewal, Wenger was never going to offer him anything other than a 1 year rolling contract, look at the Pires situation. Vieira's body is unlikely to last until he is 34 or 35. Wenger had Fabregas waiting and maturing all the time, he stepped in last season when Vieira / Edu / Gilberto got injured or suspended and he excelled. It was only a matter of time before Vieira got too old and Fabregas took his place. Vieira could conceivably have been sitting on Â£80,000 per week and not playing.

Therefore ultimately, selling him for £14m was good business.

He still remains a Highbury and Arsenal legend. He was captain of the best ever side to play in the Premiership. He will receive a very warm welcome to his footballing home.

Fabregas has a chance to show his master what he has learned, however tonight is not about individuals, we need the same team work ethic as we had against Madrid. We can do it, we need a bit of luck and belief.

It's exciting stuff and I'm as excited as a schoolboy in a porn shop.

Come on you gooners!

Right sided attack / Ljungberg & Campbell in

2006-03-22T12:50:00.000Z

Arsenal won 3-0 and at a canter against Charlton at Highbury on Saturday. 2-0 after 34mins and the game over as a contest. Pires scored a wonderful goal, which was a perfect advert for the effectiveness of the passing game.

Adebayor is improving, he offers something different and affords Henry more space and allows him to influence the game more than if Henry has been the main striker.

Hleb and Eboue are offering a new balance to the side, now we have option left and right and Adebayor is a central point who is always available and wants to take the ball in the central strikers position. We are looking a lot more confident in each other now. That is important.

Hleb always looked an Arsene style player, quick, low centre of gravity, a little bit of a shuffler like Pires.

Hleb has started slowly but has the potential to do what Pires did in his second season. He needs to shoot a bit more but he is always looking to attack and doesn't neglect his defensive duties either. I have a feeling he will be an important player for us next season. The bigger pitch will also suit his marauding style.

Sol Campbell played against Charlton reserves on Tuesday and came through unscathed, as did Van Persie and Abou Diaby who are both expected to be fit for Saturday's trip to Portsmouth. I wouldn't play Campbell as Senderos and Toure have done well and formed a successful partnership but Arsene knows best so we shall see.

Ljungberg is also back in contention and Reyes and Cole are not far off a recovery so things are looking promising as we enter arguably the most crucial period of the season.

We are looking good at the moment, confidence is improving and we have put a run of results together for the first time this season. However Portsmouth away is still a tricky fixture, especially given it is likely to be win or bust in a bid for the final Champions League place.

Time to get right back on track and take that fourth position again come Saturday night and put some pressure on Sp*urs for Monday night.

I am confident we will.

Fluidity / Balance / Hleb / Fabregas / Combinations

2006-03-14T16:00:00.000Z

Arsenal deservedly beat Liverpool 2-1 thanks to a Thierry Henry brace.

Arsenal were impressive for the most part and we could and should have translated our dominance into a more convincing scoreline.

Arsenal were fluid. Having so many versatile players makes that possible. It was our best performance against a big team this season I feel. Something we have been lacking this season.

Wins against big teams are the key to Champions League qualification.

Fabregas really is coming into his own and threaded a great ball for Henry to score on 21. He got the better of Xabi Alonso, Hamman and Gerrard on this occasion and that is not bad company to be holding your own in. We knew he was special. How special? That depends on him, his luck and injuries. But right now he is along with Messi, one of the world's most exciting teenage midfield prospects.

Henry is working hard and he has been somewhat near his best in the last few games. He believes again. The youngsters have stepped up a level and the team has found balance again. Hleb / Eboue is a great combination down the right, full of energy and pace, dribbling ability and work rate. Hleb has impressed me in the last few games and is deserving of this right midfield place. He is an Arsenal type player and I wouldn't be surprised if he did a Pires next season, although without the goals as he doesn't appear to want to shoot!

When we have Cole and Reyes / Ljungberg back down the left we will possibly improve further.

Gilberto seems to be more concentrated and is happier with a more limited role protecting the defence. Hleb and Ljungberg allow him to do this with their work rate and direct style of play. Fabregas and Henry dropping deeper and Adebayor able to hold the ball up, mean we have become more fluid in a 4-4-2 anyway.

Hleb adds balance to the midfield. Now everyone seems to be clear of their roles. Wenger is getting closer to knowing his starting XI. The team looks stronger, Eboue is a big plus, he has become an important player in defence and attack. He and Toure are a great combination, Senderos / Toure is working well as is Lehman / Toure. Flamini knows his limitations and has been a model professional at left back. The defence have been pretty consistent all season.

Fabregas / Henry is another important partnership. A concentrated Gilberto makes that viable. Ljungberg in a more central role and Hleb wide right / inside forward allow Gilberto to be effective. So there are a lot of combinations which are working well.

The team in developing and we are not world beaters.. Yet! But optimism is well founded.

Confidence has improved. Our form is gathering momentum. No coincidence there.

The reserves beat Brighton reserves 1-0 in an friendly, Theo Walcott setting up Bergkamp. Campbell and Robin Van Persie played. I wouldn't be surprised to see more of Walcott after he signs a pro contract on Thursday.

The Spirit Of Keown Instilled Into Real Potential

2006-03-09T14:09:00.000Z

What a game! 0-0 but the spirit and tempo of the game were outstanding. Both sides tried their best to score and played the game in the right spirit and it was an open and ultimately thrilling game.

The atmosphere was as good as it has ever been at Highbury, which was great to see. The crowd really getting behind the players and supporting the team well.

One thing that stood out for me, with all Arsenal's potential and speed, skill and passing ability was spirit and determination to win. The shadow of Martin Keown was cast over the entire back line who were dogged and bullish in their defending.

Lehmann was outstanding, saving on Raul shot which seemed for all the world to be heading ofr the net and his handling was as good as ever. He and Toure are taking on more responsibility and it bringing the best out of them.

Eboue was brilliant in defence and daring in attack with some great dribbles and runs and added some impetus to our attacking play with his direct style.

Flamini could have been mistaken for an established left back! He epitomized the spirit we played with. Playing out of position he gave it everything, you cannot ask for much more than that.

Hleb was equally if not more impressive on the right hand side and his constant touch, vision, dribbling ability and pace were focal points for many Arsenal counters. He also got stuck in and helped Eboue out when needed.

Toure was immense and stood firm, with Lehmann organising the defence and standing well and truly firm. He and Senderos coped very well with Real's long style. Growing as the game went on.

Ljungberg was tenacious, Reyes was all over the pitch, and although he spurned a great opportunity he kept on going.

Gilberto, much maligned for most of the current campaign was determined and worked hard, executing one particularly important tackle on Ronaldo to perfection. He and Fabregas were hard in the tackle and broke things up well, they broke forward when they could, passing quickly and incisively. Zidane looked overwhelmed by Fabregas as stages, knew he couldn't beat him.

Henry caused the entire back four of Madrid problems on his own and gave a real captains display. He was unlucky to score but over the two legs he proved the difference.

In fact, it would be unfair to single anyone out as a MOM as the whole side was outstanding, every player showed great spirit and work rate, desire and commitment. We all know they are young but have been bought in because they have great potential. This kind of determination is what turns potential into the Real deal. No pun intended.

This was a big performance. A great spectacle and a game to remember. Henry said after the game 'If you show that kind of desire then anything is possible'. He is right.

Martin Keown has been bought in to instill that belief and determination which was so obvious in much of his play and etched into his character. He is a winner. Let's hope he can help the current squad to be the same.

Away Improvement.. Midfield Balance.. Real Line Up

2006-03-07T12:29:00.000Z

Arsenal won 4-0 at Craven Cottage. Now we have 'turned the corner' How many times have we said that?!

Consistency is the key and once again we have set up a platform for that. Now we must achieve it.

We moved the ball around quickly and our movement was excellent, Henry dropping back and dictating play. Diaby and Gilberto proved a good foil for each other and Hleb added good balance, allowing Ljungberg to cut in and roam, like the days of old.

Coleman said we looked like we would score on every attack. It's good to see that on our day we are the best side in the country. It's just a shame it hasn't happened like that against our rivals.

Poor results against the top 6 mean we are struggling for fourth. But there is definately hope.

Are we better off without Fabregas in midfield away from home at the moment?

Diaby and Gilberto played in the middle together against Birmingham away (our last away win prior to this one) and Hleb on the right means Ljungberg could have somewhat of a free role and against Fulham he excelled in that.

Or does it matter?

When we are on our game we have such a flexible formation the beauty of it is that the opposition don't know who to pick up. It's a tough one and maybe something to look at form game to game, but knowing your best XI is key to becoming consistent again.

Next up is Real Madrid. Like every game form now on until the end of the season, this game could have huge implications for the future and is our most important game of the season.

Will Wenger play Reyes and Fabregas? He must. A fit Ljungberg is surely a given thanks to his performance on Saturday. Therefore we have 2 positions to fill.

If we play 4-4-2, Reyes up front, Hleb on the right, Ljungberg on the left, Gilberto and Fabregas in the middle?

4-5-1 Ljungberg, Gilberto and Fabregas in the middle, Reyes and Hleb on the wings supporting a lone Henry?

Bergkamp?

All is not lost.. But it IS a kick in the teeth

2006-02-27T15:13:00.000Z

Arsenal lost again away from home. They didn't wake up until the last half an hour and the damage had already been done.

Arsenal have now taken 12 points from a possible 42 away from home in the Premiership.

That is a damning statistic and one which tells you everything you need to know about our current league position.

We have no leaders in the middle of the park, Jens and Kolo lead the defence pretty well and when Campbell (if he is of sound mind and body) and Cole come back I think we will at least be able to hold our own, and not concede with alarming consistency and regularity away from home as we have been.

Cole and Campbell will add some English steel and some much needed experience.

We have no real midfield leader.

It is unfair to and unrealistic expect an 18 year old to lead the engine of the team.

We need an experienced head in there who is not losing their ability. Reyes is NOT a leader, neither is Gilberto, Hleb or Pires. We need an aggressive more mature player in the centre of midfield. Let's hope Wenger acts on that in the summer.

Freddie looked good in the middle against Madrid and maybe that is an option for away games until the end of the season.

Maybe Lauren could play in the centre?

Henry seems in and out of games away from home. We need to start shooting more from outside the box as we are not as dominant as we have been in recent years. Therefore we must not try and walk the ball in all the time. Maybe we need Van Persie back?

If we can hold out for 0-0 at half time we seem to improve and be more dangerous in the second half of matches. We have the quality when the game opens up, too often we are already chasing the game.

We just need to be confident in each other and play from the start not when we have nothing to lose.

Wenger's biggest problem is that he doesn't know what his strongest XI is. Not in a good way either.

That is a terrible position to be in, and is key as to why we are in this predicament.

But at least this season could turn out to be exciting (even for the wrong reasons). Although I'd have settled for a boring 2nd behind Chelsea any day!

Tottenham have a tough run in, far tougher than ours but they are in the crucial 4th place and we cannot rely on them to lose it.

Bolton are up there fighting too and have just as much chance as we do.

We must beat Tottenham in the last ever north London derby at Highbury.

Nothing is to be written off yet. We still have a good chance of 4th.

It's not a good situation.

But this is the situation. We are chasing 4th.

We still have a chance but if we don't find our best XI and get some consistency and confidence we might not have Champions League football at the new stadium.

That is a sobering thought.

We have 11 games to save our season. Let's be positive.

Wenger The Real Hero Of Madrid

2006-02-22T13:24:00.000Z

Arsenal produced a quality team display and ran out deserved 1-0 winners against Real Madrid in the Bernabeu last night.

What a result! Who would have predicted that?! Makes you proud to be a Gooner.

Henry scored the only goal, a brilliant individual goal on 47 minutes.

Arsenal were dominant and Real's insistence of playing 'their game' for 90 mins proved to be a hinderence and aided Arsenal's own adventure.

Real Madrid are a funny side, they play their own game, believing that is the key to victory. Essentially. 'We will score more goals than you'.

They don't play their opposition.

Arsenal battled man for man, won their individual battles and as a result were given the time and space to play their expansive brand of football, which embarrassed Madrid at times.

Arsenal bullied Madrid out of it, like has happened to us on so many occassions this season, not only were we physically superior but the quality of our play was also on a different level at times.

In all honesty we probably could and should have killed off the tie. The energetic Reyes, instrumental Ljungberg and irrepressable Henry missing good chances in the first ten minutes.

Arsenal's team ethic was key and we worked hard for the win. That is the key to victory, especially in Europe.

See here

Every player can hold their head up high. However, special praise for Arsene Wenger is also due, he picked Hleb which was a little out of the blue and he took advantage of the space offered and performed. He workd hard and impressed.

Wenger got the tactical side of it spot on and the players did the rest. But you need that confidence to base anything on and so credit Wenger for taking a risk and it paying off.

It was a very young team, with the experienced players chipping in. Toure and Lehmann creating an excellent relationship and defensive team in the absence of Sol Campbell.

The young players, Eboue, Flamini, Senderos, Fabregas, Reyes and even Hleb to a certain extent will take great confidence from this performance and rightly so. But the tie is by no means dead. We will need another perfomance like this in 2 weeks time.

Let's hope this is the kick start our season needs and we can improve in the league starting at Blackburn on Saturday.

Without a win the progress will yet again be dampened.

Come on you Gunners!

Diaby & Reyes in?

2006-02-21T10:27:00.000Z

Arsene Wenger takes Arsenal to the Bernabeu tonight with crucial decisions to make.

Will he play Reyes up front with Henry in a 4-4-2? Or do we need Reyes' commitment in midfield?

Will he play Ljungberg AND Pires in the same midfield away from home?

Will Diaby play? Will he play Flamini at left back or opt for Djourou?

To my mind, if Reyes is fit. He must play. Real are scared of him as he destroyed them when playing for Sevilla. Plus his pace on the break will be a good asset as Pires and Ljungberg can no longer effectively keep up with Henry.

Diaby also is a must. He hasn't proved anything yet but he offers good defensive protection and particularly away from home his driving runs beyond the front player, dribbling ability and directness are essential.

I would sacrifice Pires, Ljungberg or Gilberto who have been lacklutre this season at best.

Walcott and one of the former can come off the bench to provide an attacking threat, as well as Djourou if the midfield or defence needs bolstering.

I would play a back five of:

LEHMANN

EBOUE SENDEROS TOURE FLAMINI/LARSSON

The midfield is where the problems lie, in terms of personnel and formation. Why not play a central midfield 3 with Gilberto sitting in front of the back four and Diaby and Cesc just in front of him. Allowing Diaby and Cesc both to get forward and support Henry.

GILBERTO
DIABY FABREGAS

This would mean Ljungberg/Pires on the right, in a wingers position, high up the field, ready to support the attack and com in off the flanks to help Henry in the centre. Not to get pushed too deep and keep Cincinho and Carlos quiet by making them defend.

PIRES/LJUNGBERG REYES

HENRY

That leaves Walcott to come on as either a winger or as a central striker if we switch back to 4-4-2, which will also mean Hleb, Pires/Ljungberg can come on as the 4-4-2 seems to work better later on in games and Pires in particular has made an impact when coming off the bench.

Whatever formation we play and who fills it, we needs to show passion, pride and a good work ethic. If we get a bit of luck we can get a result and keep the tie alive. That's what it is about tonight, everything to play for when the injuries have eased and some reults come together. Then anything can happen. We must try our best to score as we saw against Wigan, if you don't score away you leave yourself susceptible.

Arsenal Called On To Show True Class As Injuries Mean Backs To The Wall

2006-02-20T12:20:00.000Z

An injury ravaged and stuttering Arsenal side play a confident and improving Real Madrid side in the European Cup last 16 on Tuesday night..

Arsenal only have one fully fit striker. At least that striker is Thierry Henry.

Arsenal have an opportunity to make something of this season and stand up and be counted, that chance starts tomorrow night.

Arsenal will have 3 of the first choice defence out. Although there have been overtures that Ashley Cole will make a surprise return, which would be excellent news. Little has been heard of his recovery but he HAS travelled to Madrid.

That would offer another attacking option. Improve the morale of the squad and serve as a huge and much needed boost. It is heresay as of now though.

The rumors have it Reyes isn't fit enough to start and Bergkamp hasn't been able to shrug off a thigh strain. (Yet to be confirmed)

Bergkamp could be a big boost as he brings the other midfield players into the game and isn't afraid to get stuck in.

Adebayor is ineligible and Van Persie has a foot problem. So the inclusion of Bergkamp could be pivotal in terms of formation. If he is fit 4-4-2 if not the hitherto unfruitful 4-5-1.

Walcott should be in the squad and what a first team introduction that would be. Lupoli will also be on the bench and so we will have options available.

Diaby is a must, he can give us some physical presence and will be an unknown quantity which could be interesting in conjunction with Bergkamp's potential inclusion.

However with all of the injuries, we still have a team which can cause them problems.

We just need to start believing, have a bit of luck, be solid defensively and more importantly take out chances.

Against Real we will have chances, like teams do against us, no matter how dominant we are. Like Villa last night, who should have lost by 2 or 3 goals, if you are ruthless you can take something from the game.

It is time to show some of the old fighting spirit, backs to the wall stuff.. If we can get a result against Madrid then we can get a result anywhere and play with some confidence and get the season going again.

Tottenham dropped another 2 points yesterday and if we can get a run going it is there for the taking. This is as important a time as I can remember in recent years. It could be as pivotal as Chelsea beating Liverpool to the fourth Champions League place a few years ago. John Terry could have left (possibly for us) and Abramovic might not have corrupted Chelsea with his millions.

As the season reaches it's climax..

It's time to stand up and be counted. No doubts about that.

Arsenal Lack of Midfield and Leadership Exposed

2006-02-16T12:32:00.000Z

Arsenal lost AGAIN away from home.

Lehmann was exceptional but Arsenal offered precious little going forward and would have taken a 0-0 draw gratefully if it wasn't for Garcia's late goal.

Arsenal away from home has become depressing viewing. Arsenal have the 4th worst attack in the Premiership away from home. It is because we no longer have a viable midfield.

Pires and Ljungberg are no longer quick enough or dangerous enough to justify both of their inclusions in an away game.

Gilberto tries to compensate too much for the lack of physical power and continually gives the ball away and gets caught out of possession.

You will find it hard to score goals away from home if you cannot:

1) Win the ball back from the opposition.
2) Beat people on the flanks and through the middle with driving runs
3) Stay disciplined and frustrate the opposition into over committing
4) Shoot from outside the box
5) Make overlapping runs and commit forward and get into the box
6) Score from headers and knock downs
7) Chase the ball up front and work hard

Arsenal are failing to do ANY of these things on a regular basis. We have also been culpable in defence and made school boy errors, because half of the team is schoolboys. Is it any wonder we are not performing away from home?

Arsenal's best hope of getting anything away from home lies in the midfield. They were good at Birmingham. Diaby especially. We won 2-0.

Arsenal's best midfield away from home in my humble opinion is:

Reyes Diaby Gilberto Fabregas and Possibly Van Persie dropping in if we go a goal up (playing 4-5-1 come 4-4-2)

Diaby makes runs into the box and commits people going forward, and he can dribble and is strong on the ball. He is raw but needs to play.

He also gives Gilberto a purpose, and can let him concentrate on sitting and frees up Fabregas.

Clichy or Cole's return will also help the midfield and add another attacking option.

Why did Diaby not play against Liverpool?

What is the matter with Henry? He is not the right choice as Captain, Wenger did it to bind him further to club and it has back fired. Cole should be captain. He has passion and needs to commit himself to the club after the Chelsea incident.

There is a distinct lack of leadership out on the pitch and it must be addressed.

Wenger needs to sort his midfield out in the summer and hope we can get 4th in the meantime.

Justice done.. Van Persie would have completed the job

2006-02-13T15:17:00.000Z

Arsenal drew 1-1 with Bolton at Highbury on Saturday.

Bolton started well and could have conceivably been 2-0 before they scored in the 12th minute, Kevin Nolan lobbing home after the ball had ricocheted into his path following Senderos' unfortunate clearance.

That chance typified what Arsenal themselves lacked on the day. The ball to drop in the right place for someone to finish it and a killer instinct.

Bolton were solid and frustrated Arsenal in the first half.

Faye could have been sent off for a crude challenge on Reyes which ended the Spaniards involvement but equally Flamini was a little reckless and could have been punished.

Pires came on for Reyes and looked quite lively.

Bolton didn't offer much in attack after their opening 20 minute salvo but also restricted Arsenal to very few chances themselves. Davies causing an aerial threat and Bolton working hard and being tactically aware.

Gardner and Nolan also particularly impressive.

Arsenal lacked invention and width and it took them until after Nolan had struck to get back into the game. Gilberto quiet and Diaby not providing an effective enough link between defence and midfield as Bolton closed down space well.

Half-time came and Arsenal needed to regroup.

Diaby, who hadn't done a lot wrong, was replaced by Ljungberg who provided some much needed width and Fabregas moved into the centre.

Arsenal seemed to come out more determind and dominated the second half. Bolton offered little more than pumping balls into the channels, time wasting, spoiling tactics and utter desperation to hold on to a 1-0 win.

Arsenal created several decent chances after dominating possession and it would have been ideal for Van Persie. Countless times we had the ball 20-25 yards from goal and Bolton sat off us, instead of banging a shot in we tried to thread a killer pass or play a one-two, which was over hit, deflected or intercepted.

What is wrong with having a shot? Van Persie is one of the few Arsenal players to attenpt to score regularly from the edge of the box. I am convinced if he had played on Saturday we would have won.

Is it a sign of fallen expectations that a draw at home to Bolton is not that bad a result? Sometimes I think we are in such a crisis that we just look at the performance over the result to make sure we are going the right way. So an improved second half display and late late goal means I take some positives from the game.

There would have been a time when we would have been more concerned by the lacklustre first half. But it appears those times have gone.

Toure and Eboue add some experience to the back 4 now they have returned and they will be needed at Anfield. If we can get a result there it could give us a much needed boost in confidence.

It is still in our own hands and I am sure we will get 4th place, let's hope we can start pushing on towards it tomorrow night.

Why Wenger changing to 4-3-3 is nonsense

2006-02-10T10:27:00.000Z

I have heard a lot of pontification and opinion as to how Arsene has bought a lot of versatile young players in the last couple of seasons in the midfield/forward category and that he will gradually build a new system and change formation based on these new players.

The change to 4-4-3 to accommodate the 'new breed' maybe part of his development for the club.

I cannot believe that he is going to change his preferred formation of 4-4-2 for one minute.

He may play 4-3-3 if either he has no choice or he plays it against another system to counter it, but for someone who has predominantly played 4-4-2 throughout his career (certainly at Arsenal) I don't think it is likely.

Wenger has pretty much played a version of 4-4-2 since he came to the club and has had amazing success, helping to raise standards of football in the premiership and set footballing records which will stand for generations.

The way I see it is that Wenger is just preparing for the inevitable departure of Pires, Bergkamp and to a lesser extent Ljungberg & Gilberto.

I seriously think Wenger intends to have 4 strikers - Henry, Adebayor and Van Persie and possibly one of Lupoli or Bendtner. All the while he can assess and play Walcott and find out what his best position is. If he turns into a great striker (which I think is Wenger's plan) then he can be the fourth and will be nearing his prime as Henry departs, perfect!

It means that Reyes, Fabregas, Diaby, Hleb, Flamini and possibly Ljungberg and Walcott will be his first choice midfielders. I think his long term plan is to pair Fabregas and Diaby in the middle and have Reyes on the left with one of Hleb, Ljungberg or Walcott (depending on his development and preferred position) on the right.

No-one can predict how players are going to develop and how to help them fulfill their potential. I seriously doubt Wenger is gambling on players being able to fit into a system which is untried. I think he will see how they develop and possibly alter the 4-4-2 (like he did for Pires and Ljungberg, as they are not natural 'wide' players) but that will be Wenger's framework.

Admittedly Wenger doesn't have to stick to one formation (he played wingbacks at Monaco to accommodate players so maybe I'm wrong) and could chop and change from a 4-4-2 to a 4-3-3 however we saw what a lack of consistency did for Ranieri.

For someone who has had so much success, has such an idiosyncratic style and need to do things his own way I can't see Wenger adopting a 4-3-3 on a regular basis anytime soon.

It is an interesting subject and there is no right or wrong answer.. It would be good to hear some views of fellow Gooners on this one.. What do YOU think?

How 'missing' Vieira becomes a self fulfilling prophecy.. How to beat Bolton

2006-02-09T13:03:00.000Z

Bergkamp, Wenger, Fabregas, Henry and every journalist under the sun has come out and said that we miss Vieira and will have to adapt and settle for standards lower then when he was captain of the club, and accept a transitional season.

These are the same journalists who were saying last season, that he wasn't the player he used to be, maybe the younger guys would oust him if he carried on playing without passion and desire, that he wouldn't sign a new contract and would leave for free and wanted to move to Real Madrid every summer.

The fact that we have lost Vieira isn't the main factor in our current position. It was the failure to replace him.

Last season he was the cause of the problem, now he is the answer.

All of a sudden the players and manager have started to believe their own lies. If you say it and hear it enough you can convince yourself it's the truth.

We miss a physical midfielder as it was imperative in the style of play we adopt. Vieira was an exceptional physical midfielder and any side would have missed him. Even more so if they failed to replace him.

However, the players have decided that we miss Vieira and have started to believe that when it is not necessarily the case. Let's hope Diaby can do a good enough impression of him and restore the harmony of the squad.

Although personally I think Diaby is a slightly different and more dynamic midfielder, albeit in terms of potential whereas Vieira was the finished article, no pun intended.

This Saturday we play Bolton. There are only 10 matches left at Highbury (maximum) to ensure Champions League football at Ashburton Grove.

It is imperative we beat Bolton, to take 3 points off of our rivals. That is the fact of the matter. Bolton, Tottenham and Wigan and not Chelsea are our rivals this season.

To beat Bolton we must score first and try and get in behind them. I hope Diaby and Adebayor play some part and we out muscle Bolton early on. That is the key.

If Bolton realise in the first 25 minutes that we are strong and willing to work as hard as them they will get deflated as that is their route to victory.

If they question the route to a Bolton victory then we are half way there.

I have seen Bolton at Highbury in the last few seasons, somewhat of a stock game for me and it isn't a bad indicator of how your season might go.

I am confident we will win, we owe Bolton.

Diaby and Adebayor to help put Arsenal into the Box Seat

2006-02-07T11:13:00.000Z

Arsenal beat Birmingham 2-0 at St Andrews, we played well and showed a good response from the West Ham game.

The West Ham game was not the best of days and the less said about it the better. It didn't help that Gilbert got injured and we were wasteful in front of goal.

It reminded me of the Leeds game back in 2001/2 which we lost 2-1 at Highbury. An error from Tony Adams that day let in Mark Viduka.

Does Sol Campbell need to take some time out like Tony did in 1998 to increase the longevity of this career? I don't know..

On Saturday Diaby drove on the midfield and gave Cesc a little more freedom. He added some power, height and muscle to the midfield. He helped to shield the defence. But more importantly he added dynamism.

Diaby makes runs into the box. Adebayor makes runs and likes to play in the box.

Diaby has only played 3 full games but he is exactly what the team needed. He offers something different, he is not frightened to take the ball and run with it, he wants to shoot and makes runs into the box in order to score.

Adebayor added physical presence and wants to take the ball to feet and hold it up. He wants to play high up the pitch and get into scoring positions. Cesc wants to be free and be able to thread killer passes. Together they can compliment each other.

A good indication of how well he has settled in and how good Wenger thinks he could be, is the fact that he has allowed him to play first team games straight away.

Wenger doesn't do that with many new signings.

Wenger seems confident Henry will sign a new 4 year deal. What a boost that would be.

It is well documented that Arsenal need to replace Bergkamp. Henry can be that man. I have always said that. Henry can play the killer passes. He has the composure, that extra bit of time on the ball. Henry has the class and can feed fast players because he once was that goal scorer, the man making that run at hyperspeed.

So it looks promising, with Diaby playing well in the middle, Adebayor another option up front, both unknown and offering us something different, that coupled with Cole and Gilbert to return from injury shortly and there's cause for optimism.

Strange given last Wednesday's debacle.

On top of that Toure and Eboue are set to bolster the squad when they return from African Nations Cup duty, which could be soon depending on how Ivory Coast get on against Nigeria this afternoon.

I fully expect the fluidity to come back and us to put together a strong run of results and cement fourth place. Starting at home to Bolton on Saturday.

3 Games To Prove Our Class Starts Here

2006-02-01T14:01:00.000Z

Bolton 1 - 0 Arsenal. We were NOT bullied. We WERE the better side. We WERE unlucky.

Diaby gave us a better balance in the centre of midfield. He gave some energy and made forward runs, dribbled the ball through the middle. Gave us some directness back.

I hope Diaby plays tonight.

Campbell was made captain. He was excellent for 84 minutes and then due to lack of communication and decisiveness was at fault for Bolton's winner. An improvement nonetheless.

However how far we have come after a better showing at Bolton remains unseen. Birmingham away is a game we should win.

West Ham at home tonight. Our home form is Championship form.

Tonight, as every game from now on will be labeled. Is a must win game.

If you can't beat West Ham United at home, with all to play for, then you have no right to finish fourth.

I think we will and we will. Blind faith I guess, but we are better than Sp*urs, Bolton and Wigan by a considerable margin.

Over the next 3 games:

West Ham (h)

Birmingham (a)

Bolton (h)

Let's prove it..

Good Game But Arsenal Naive Again

2006-01-25T10:02:00.000Z

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..

2006-01-24T18:33:00.000Z

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

2006-01-20T13:44:00.000Z

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

2006-01-17T16:53:00.000Z

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

2006-01-13T11:55:00.000Z

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

2006-01-12T13:44:00.000Z

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

2006-01-09T16:29:00.000Z

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

2006-01-09T14:25:00.000Z

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

2006-01-04T14:42:00.000Z

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

2006-01-03T10:57:00.000Z

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.

Consolidation Period For Gunners

2005-12-24T09:44:00.000Z

Arsenal undergo a crucial period of fixtures in a bid to ensure Champions League football at Ashburton Grove.

After the loss to Chelsea and the lucky escape against Doncaster in the League Cup, a game which we really should have won, despite the media uproar, we need some confidence in the next couple of months, before the game that, at that point, will define our season.. Real Madrid.

We had a lot of chances and although we were lucky, we should have scored more, admittedly Almunia played well, which is excellent for his confidence and he is finally showing the potential which persuaded Wenger to sign him. Wigan now await us in the Semi, it would be great for the kids to get to the final.

Van Persie picked up an injury which may rule him out for the next few weeks but Henry is seemingly fit enough to lead the line.

But for now we need to consolidate and push on and put as much distance between ourselves and the chasing pack.

Charlton is a very winnable game, we won there last season 3-1 and we need to get back into the winning habit and quickly. They are not playing well and it is essential we put in a good performance. Then we play Portsmouth at home and Aston Villa away in quick succession. We need a minimum of 7 points and that is a realistic target for us.

Happy Christmas one and all and let's hope for a result on Monday!

Back To The Future

2005-12-19T12:35:00.000Z

Chelsea delivered the final nail in the title coffin of Arsenal on Sunday with a 2-0 win at Highbury. Arjen Robben and Joe Cole scored the goals, which condemned Arsenal to their first home defeat of the season.

In all honesty it was an evenly matched and competitive game, which could have gone either way. Henry hit a post and shortly after Van Persie scored a legitimate goal which, was incorrectly ruled out for offside. The key moments went against Arsenal as Chelsea capitalised ruthlessly on defensive mistakes and some poor refereeing.

Essien is a dirty player, it has happened too many times to be coincidence. He elbowed Lauren and should have been sent off. Lauren lost a tooth and that makes a mockery of Mourinho's bizarre rant about Arsenal having a strategy. A strategy to protect our players and the spirit of the game perhaps.

It was a close game, which could have gone either way. I can accept that, we have a few injuries and lacked a bit of cutting edge and confidence, but in the majority we played with pride and passion and were unlucky. No massive gulf between the sides, despite the over hyped and undereducated media reports.

Arsenal have issues of their own to sort out before they look to overhaul Chelsea. We need a midfield capable of overpowering opponents and a driving force, a real captain.

I think the core of the club is good enough to build upon, and with a few signings and time, we will recover to make this season a stepping-stone to future success.

The difference between the two sides on Sunday?

The winning habit, which we don't have at present and Chelsea do.

But they paid for it.

Chelsea are summed up by their arrogant and classless manager. Mourinho refused to shake Wenger's hand. Kenyon and Mourinho act like they are above the rules of footballing society, like they are on a higher plane. The ONLY reason they are in this position is money.

Pre Abramovic they were building and had a long-term goal. I had respect for them, I even relished the day when they would challenge for the title. But only on a level playing field.

Now they have interrupted that building process and opted to buy instant success.

What a great achievement that is.

Chelsea have no long term planning. They have no structure and cannot maintain this success.

You can't buy good football let alone tradition, history and respect.

Chelsea are sitting on top of a self-erected volcano. It is new and colourful, it's exciting, for the first time they are at the top.

Success goes in cycles. Chelsea may well stay at the top for a few more seasons.

There will come a time when that volcano explodes. Chelsea will be in freefall. They have no longevity.

Arsenal have a brand new stadium, financial and structural stability, players of immense potential and a long-term future. All of that, AND the new stadium, safely well out the way of the path of Chelsea's lava.

Arsenal Vs Real Madrid With Interest

2005-12-16T16:08:00.000Z

Arsenal have been drawn against Real Madrid in the European Cup. This will be the first time we have played them in this competition. I had a funny feeling we would get Rangers but this is a far tougher and more high profile tie.

Real Madrid are a side full of wonderful talents. Robinho, Ronaldo, Raul, Zidane, Woodgate but to name a few. It will be interesting to see if and how Wenger's top summer transfer target, Julio Baptista plays. Similarly, an added interest in the performance of Ashley Cole, given the current overtures from Madrid.

Madrid have a wonderful attacking unit but a midfield which is possibly, defensively weaker than ours.

They are a glamour club, which is in need of severe restructuring and discipline. They sign Galaticos because of the marketing potential. Figo, Ronaldo, Zidane, Beckham, Owen. These players are paid a massive salary because of their worldwide marketing potential and guaranteed a place in the first team. That's not what football is about.

Yes they are capable of playing some exquisite football, but this current team is not comparable to the team with Di Stefano, Puskas, Gento, Canario, Del Sol, Santamaria and Marquitos.

It's important to not be overawed by them, as that is half the battle lost. They are somewhat in disarray and confidence is not high. However, if we stand off and watch them play they will destroy us. Just like we have done to many teams in the past.

If we believe. Stay disciplined, work hard and importantly, have a bit of luck, there's no reason we can't win. It is time for us to put in a big European performance and prove we are on the biggest teams in the competition.

I've wanted to draw them in the last couple of seasons, to see us go head to head, an open game, who plays the best football.

My heart says Arsenal, it always does. Head says it'll be close but I really do fancy us to come good.

Chelsea drew Barcelona. It was written last year when Barcelona outplayed Chelsea yet ultimately went out in acrimonious circumstances. Barcelona suddenly have a massive fan base.. Anybody who loves football in its purest form.

Exciting, creative and total football vs money, discipline, ruthlessness and organisation.

Heart says Barcelona, head says Chelsea.

More Than Just No Oil In The Machine

2005-12-13T19:47:00.000Z

Gilberto was sent off after receiving two particularly harsh yellow cards as Arsenal lost 1-0 to Newcastle at St James Park.

Alan Shearer committed numerous fouls, which given the context of Gilberto's sending off were at the very least the equivalent off two yellow cards, which would have culminated in Shearer's dismissal. Shearer was only given a 'cosmetic' booking for kicking the ball away in the 90th minute.

This simply didn't happen as Dermot Gallagher got caught up in the atmosphere by giving the home side the benefit of the doubt on far too many occasions and produced a performance as poor and inconsistent as Arsenal own away form.

This aside it was a decent first half display from Arsenal, as they dominated and the returning Alexander Hleb caused problems for Newcastle with his free, determined running and well timed, neat and creative passing. Arsenal were the better side for the majority of the first half and Henry should have scored form Fabregas' pass but was unlucky to see Given produced an excellent save and divert it behind.

Then 10 minutes after the break Gilberto received a second booking for an honest and innocuous challenge and Arsenal were down to 10 men.

The game can change one of two ways if there is a seemingly unjust sending off.

It can go the way it did against Newcastle on Saturday, with the numerical disadvantage exposing physical weakness and ultimately sapping the energy and creative drive out of the team, which is a sign of low confidence and lack of resilience.

The game can also go a different way, like it did away to Liverpool in 2001/2, when Gio Van Bronkhorst was sent of for a phantom dive. Or Monaco did against Chelsea in the Champions League. It can inspire teams and make them more resilient and ruthless than before, more determined and confident that they go harder into the challenges and play with a channeled aggression.

Arsenal, at the moment, don't have that ability and I wasn't surprised to see us roll over.

The referee was abysmal. Agreed. However, Arsenal have big problems which were exposed again.

Gilberto and Fabregas is not a viable option in away games, as I said in my last post, Gilberto needs a minder.. He is NOT an enforcer..

Fabregas is an immense talent but his fantastic technical ability cannot make up for Gilberto's shortcomings. Nor should it have to, he is 18. HE should be the one protected, the kid is still growing.

To bring the best out of a midfield which looks woefully short and a shadow of the midfield that went unbeaten, Arsenal need a physical presence, a true enforcer, to add the drive back into the team.

Pires and Ljungberg is no longer as effective as they don't have the confidence to drive forward as often. Reyes works hard and is still learning, but he is not the player we all hoped he would be at this stage. Hleb looks class. He is important in helping us limit the damage.

Sides have taken Bolton's stance and believe that for the first time in a long time that Arsenal are vulnerable and can be out muscled, outfought and ultimately are there for the taking. If you are up for it against Arsenal, you have more than half a chance.

As is well documented, Vieira is missed. He had the trust of his team mates, was close to many of them, he had a telepathic link to Bergkamp, Henry would run for him, which added an essential dynamic aspect to the side, he would cover for Pires' defensive frailties and gelled the team together, on top of having the ability to drive the team on and the respect of everyone who loves the club.

Arsene has ripped out a central cog and not replaced it. It is time to do just that.

Nothing Won.. Nothing Lost

2005-12-08T13:09:00.000Z

Arsenal failed to become only the 5th team ever to record a maximum points haul in the qualifying stages of the European Cup last night, after a 0-0 draw with Ajax at Highbury.

Arsenal rested 5 first team players.. With the exception of Lehmann these are the players who were at the heart of the debacle against Bolton on Saturday. So read into 'rested' what you will.. I don't expect all of them to return against Newcastle..

Thankfully Wenger tried a different option at Left Back, with Lauren dropping in and Eboue at Right Back.. I think that is a better solution than Cygan, depending on the form of Sol Campbell he could even play Senderos and Campbell with Toure at Left Back..

Wenger deployed a 4-3-3, which at times was more of a 4-5-1.. We lacked maturity.. It was never going to be a fluent performance but I thought our desire would be enough.. I was wrong.. We were disjointed for most of the game and only in the last 10 mins of the first half we livened the crowd up.. To be fair, the crowd at Highbury is one of the most quiet in the country and so an uninspiring 'dead rubber' of a game, with half a first team was never going to have the atmosphere of a 5-1 home demolition of Deportivo in the Uefa Cup.

Hleb's return was welcome and I hope to see him on the left hand side or in a 3 man central midfield against Newcastle at the weekend.. It is good to see Wenger is looking to play within his means and looking to bring the best out of Fabregas and he is mulling over a 4-3-3.. “Normally we play 4-4-2 but I played more of a 4-3-3. Quincy and Reyes are really two strikers, they are not midfielders and we tried to play high.

“It was a good occasion to try a different system because we wanted to play Alexander Hleb central and see if we could use that system at some stage.”

It was an average display where we won nothing and lost nothing. 0-0.

It would be good to see a 4-3-3:

Lehmann

Eboue Toure Campbell Lauren

Fabregas Giberto Hleb

Ljungberg Van Persie

Henry

I would like to see Hleb more involved and I think he is good enough to play centrally and will help to provide the midfield with more bite, it's just Wenger has a formation, which has worked very well previously and I think it's unlikely he will change it so radically. At least Wenger understands we need more physical power and is attempting to compensate for that..

As for January I hope Wenger opts for an experienced combative midfielder to compliment Cesc and give Gilberto much needed competition.. I hate to say it but someone like Edgar Davids.. A Left Back depending on how Eboue gets on.. As well as Centre Back cover.. The only problem being, Arsene is a man with a plan and he has a lot of faith in these kids and so it is unlikely he will buy a stopgap player..

Wenger is a very calculated man, he will have his targets.. Who are they?.. Time will tell..

Arsenal Out To Make Amends.. We Need A Gerrard.. Essien Disgrace

2005-12-07T13:39:00.000Z

Arsenal are expected to field a young side for the visit of Group B runners up Ajax, at Highbury tonight.

I expect the electric Quincy, steady Larsson and 'fox in the box' Lupoli to play some part..

The main value of the game may lie in the experience of Champions League football for the younger guys, however it is an opportunity for the players to prove to the fans that Saturday was a one off, that do they have pride and passion required to win things and it means something special to them to wear the Arsenal shirt..

Henry plays, which is a signal of intent from Wenger, that he is serious about winning the game.

As ANR says, expect an energetic and hard working performance culminating in a win and a goal or two from Henry... Cue the resurgence of cautious optimism.

Wenger has finally admitted that we are lacking a bit of physical power after the departure of Vieira. "I'll never say you don't miss a player like Vieira but what's important is to move on and play with the players we have.

"But the natural structure of the team lacks a little bit of physical power.

"We have opted for a very technical side and maybe paid for it a little at Bolton."

It would seem that Wenger knew this in the summer, and had banked on Baptista to give him that power.

Baptista then joined Madrid and although Arsene knew we going to suffer at some point, he is not one to panic buy.. I would hope/assume he has identified a potential target for January, possibly Bodmer, Zokora or Diarra..

Nigel De Jong, Maxwell and Steven Pienaar have all ruled out signing new contracts at Ajax.. Yaya Toure scored twice at the weekend.. There are plenty of potential targets..

Arsenal need a midfield talisman, a Steven Gerrard, who was awesome for Liverpool last night, he epitomises passion and beams with pride.. Gerrard's don't exactly come around that often and it is an easy solution to suggest.. It is obvious we aren't as dynamic in the middle as we have been.. Nevertheless if we want to compete in the major competitions, it needs to be addressed..

A talisman with physical power.. Yes.. A calculated, career threatening habitual fouler.. NO.. Essien should be hauled up in front of UEFA. It was a sickening challenge and that is twice now, both times there can be no defence.. He didn't attempt to play the ball.. Just imagine the furore if that was Vieira..

It is clear we are lacking something, not a major ingredient however and we aren't too far from where we want to be.. I'm sure with a little more motivation and desire we will compensate for it tonight..

Wenger will assess the statistics, and any weakness will be evaluated, and action based upon that.. Statistics do not lie, I agree.. However, what statistic measures pride, passion and desire?

Why This Defeat Hurt More Than Most

2005-12-05T19:51:00.000Z

Arsenal produced a 'tentative and frail' performance at the Reebok Stadium on Saturday. I think it was worse than that.

I am not a fair-weather supporter and certainly not one to over react, to throw the toys out of the pram and say that it's the end of an era or that we are suddenly a bad side..

Put in perspective it was one poor performance. It was reminiscent of that dull day back in the latter part of the 2002/3 campaign, away at Ewood Park. Arsenal were awful on the day and we lost 2-0.

After that we went 49 games unbeaten and won the league unbeaten. No-one else has done that and with some historical distance people will realise exactly the repercussions and magnitude of a feat like that. It is once in a lifetime stuff.

Defeats haven't come around that often to be fair, and so it is expected that there will be some exaggeration. If we get outplayed or are unlucky I can accept it.

It's the nature of this defeat is the hardest thing to take.

Arsenal players played with little or no pride, we had no desire, a lack of passion and no-one was willing to put their body on the line. Basically Bolton wanted to win more than we did and we let them do just that.

We had chances and were a little unlucky not to score, Henry hitting the post twice. However, Lehman was outstanding and there can be no arguments about the margin of victory.

When Gilberto was injured last season, it was obvious that we missed him. He is a very solid performer and offered a great balance alongside Vieira, a powerhouse who would drive the side on and could rely on Gilberto's excellent tactical awareness and positioning. In turn Gilberto enjoyed being the in the shadows, the unsung hero. He did it for Brazil. Gilberto Silva, played every minute of the World Cup, alongside Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, Adriano and countless 'stars'.

Gilberto is an unsung hero, an invisible wall, he's quick, nimble, strong, he can head and pass and will nick the ball off you in dangerous areas. Gilberto is an excellent player. No doubt about that. He is just being utilised in the wrong way.

Gilberto is NOT Patrick Vieira. Gilberto is NOT an enforcer. Fabregas is a better player and Wenger should bring in a player to protect our future playmaker and who can boss games physically. That might bring the best out of Gilberto. He has no competition and is being played in the wrong role. A combination of this and the wrong attitude are undermining his ability.

Cygan is not a left back, just because he is left sided. How many poor performances does it take for Arsene to realise Cygan is causing uncertainty in the entire defence. That is making hard for the whole team. It is a massive weakness, which is being exploited and needs to be addressed.

There are obvious problems at the moment which need to be sorted if we are to bring the best out of a very promising squad. The main issue is Arsenal have values, tradition, Arsenal is a big club and it is not good enough to lack passion, pride and desire. That costs nothing and has been and must continue to be instilled into these players.

Wenger won't stand for this and I expect a reaction against Newcastle.

Balance Sheet Test At Bolton For Rising Young Stock

2005-12-02T12:44:00.000Z

Arsenal travel to Bolton on Saturday. It's only one game, but is like a balance sheet for the rising stock of our young assets.

We won 2-0 at the Reebok in 2001/2 when Freddie was on his scoring run and Bergkamp was in inspired form, we drew there in our unbeaten season of 2003/4 after conceding a late Pedersen thunderbolt.

Last season we lost. We were dreadful and any hope of the title evaporated.

This is a parameter of where our rebuilding process stands. If we win this game we can prove we are genuine when we talk of the title.

I suspect Wenger will continue with Cygan at Left Back as Bolton will attempt to play high diagonal balls and play a very direct game. They will be physical and we need stability at set pieces. I think AW will be tempted to play Flamini to added defensive steel to the midfield, but after the 1st half at Tottenham he realises that Gilberto & Flamini are not compatible.

Pires has started to come back to form and has improved his work-rate and desire. Pires can be the man who along with Fabregas and Henry who unlocks Bolton.

Bolton are a hard working, fit and physical side, who seem to raise their game for the bigger teams. In their style of play Bolton are the opposite of Arsenal.

However despite the differences there are similarities.

Bolton play long ball, direct, quick, ram raiding football. They don't have an alternative, they believe that brings the best out of them and gives them the best chance of getting something from the game. Arsenal play free flowing, quick, intricate and patient football, which is heavily reliant on technique, speed, off the ball movement and close control. Arsenal also believe this is the way to win games and only in desperate situations change their style.

The best way to illustrate the disparity between the sides is by highlighting the best player from each side.

Nolan is Bolton's best player and captain. He is a scouser, a workhorse with a blockbuster of a shot, a muscular powerhouse. He can head, pass and embodies Bolton's spirit. Nolan effectively is a physical representation of Bolton.

Henry is Arsenal's brightest star. We all know about Henry. There is no player like him, he has electric pace, has unbelievable eloquence and glides over the pitch with incomparable grace. He creates goals, scores goals and destroys teams. He is unique. Thierry Henry is like.. Thierry Henry.

This game will highlight any physical and fundamental weaknesses we have. In this type of game you have to stand up and be counted. If we want to win the game we cannot allow ourselves to be bullied. There is nowhere to hide.

The Crown Princes of Highbury Royally Outclass Reading

2005-11-30T11:52:00.000Z

'So Arturo, when are you going to start banging in the goals for the first team?' to which the diminutive Italian replied 'As soon as the boss let's me!'.

He didn't lie..

2 mins into his first appearance for the senior side this season and Lupoli had robbed Ibrahima Sonko and scored a typical poachers goal to make it 3-0 to Arsenal.

Arsenal's youngsters, all starting outfield players under 23 on the night, proved that Arsenal's optimism for the future is well founded with a swashbuckling display against Reading in the Carling Cup last night.

Jose Antonio Reyes (13), Robin Van Persie (41), his 8th goal in 8 games and Arturo Lupoli (65) scored in an entertaining game, which Reading were very much a part of..

It was not as one sided as the score line suggests. Reading played well and created a few chances, but like Blackburn at the weekend they lacked a little composure in the final third and Arsenal's class shone through.

Almunia put in a confidence boosting display.

Quincy Owusu Abeyie also showed great potential and Wenger's lack of transfer activity and complete confidence in his young players was vindicated.

It is a big step up to the first team and Arsenal will need to strengthen in the transfer window, this result doesn't change a great deal in terms of the present.. It might give Arsene a few options..

What this result does do is, along with the result at Sunderland, is help to develop these talents by offering invaluable first team experience, breeding confidence and justify the way in which we nurture and select our young players, which is the life blood of the club and the most important ingredient for maintained success..

Not all of the young players will be able to sustain their development and make it into the first team, however, those that do, will have been nurtured in the best way possible and have Arsenal in their blood, no matter where they come from, and that is the most important thing..

We are breeding winners at Arsenal and instilling in them the core values of the club..

Games such as last night are by far the best parameter to measure the progress of these players and they appear to be measuring up very well indeed..

Read 'The Futures Bright The Futures Arsenal' article.. Who else can boast such an array of exciting young players? Who else could play a youth team in this competition and get to the Quarter Final..

No-one..

The Snake And The Magic Garden

2005-11-28T13:27:00.000Z

Arsenal beat a battling Blackburn side 3-0 on Saturday, a coiled Robin Van Persie springing off the bench and wrapping up the win with an emphatic finish in injury time.

Van Persie's 7th goal in as many games.

Fabregas opened the scoring after only 4 minutes, steering home from 25 yards. Henry added a trademark second from Pires' defence splitting pass, his 100th goal at Highbury, and Van Persie struck late on to make it 3-0.

After the match, Wenger called Highbury Henry's garden.

The score line was perhaps a little harsh on Blackburn who were not totally outplayed, but for all their work rate and industry Rovers lacked the final ingredient to truly compete, class.

After the game Wenger described Robin Van Persie as a deadly snake, "He looks so dangerous. He's like a cobra. You feel he can finish and score goals... The quality of his finishing is outstanding."

Wenger said earlier in the season he didn't want to over use Van Persie, it might be difficult as he is increasingly looking like a special player.. Someone who can decide games.. The type of player who can grow and whose talent will hopefully persuade Henry to stay..

Rooney was in scintillating form for Man Utd as they beat West Ham 2-1 at Upton Park. He was dropping into space expertly and was behind most of Utd's dangerous attacking play. He really is in top form, yet he marred his performance with a stupid lash out at Gabbidon and was lucky to escape a red card. He is still young and undoubtedly has a lot to learn.. But his potential is frightening.

Hopefully someone like Fabregas or Van Persie can come to the fore at Arsenal like Rooney has done at Utd over the last year.. Van Persie is on his way and it is great to see the young players doing well.. I just hope they improve enough to persuade Henry to stay and help us make the new garden flourish..

Subdued Arsenal pay the penalty

2005-11-23T14:22:00.000Z

A lacklustre Arsenal side maintained their 100% Champions League record in Group B with a subdued 1-0 victory over FC Thun in Switzerland courtesy of Robert Pires' late penalty.

The game dropped off and as a contest was never the same after Thun were rightly reduced to 10 men after 35 minutes. Robin Van Persie bore down on goal after Ljungberg's clever and excellently weighted through ball, only for Armand Deumi to cynically clip his heels and earn a deserved red card.

Arsenal were the better side up until that point as Thun pushed forward and left space in behind. Our midfielders were able to create a little space and looked dangerous, it appeared only a matter of time before Arsenal opened the scoring.

It would have been better for Arsenal if Van Persie had scored and Thun kept 11 men.

No doubt about that.

Arsenal have a psychological problem about playing against 10 men. They need space to break teams down and often two or more players run into the same space. Arsenal lack a bit of discipline when teams go down to 10 men and players drift all over the place in order to find space which leaves us vulnerable to counter attacks.

Cygan was poor again, being hauled off after an hour. Lauren replaced him at left back and providing Eboue recovers from a slight knock, I wouldn't be surprised to see the Cameroonian at left back on Saturday.

Reyes looked desperately short of confidence, on one occasion he was pretty much clean through, with at worst a potential one against one situation against a squared up defender, when he checked back and tried to play an intricate through ball to slide Ljungberg in. He has lost his directness and he indisputably needs a goal.

Thun reverted to a very defensive formation and Arsenal seemed to switch off somewhat in the second half.

Thun had a goal wrongly ruled out for offside and even that couldn't put a spring in Arsenal's step.
Robin Van Persie played with confidence and was one of the only Arsenal players to come out of the game with any credit. The young Dutchman was pulled over and won the decisive penalty, in the 87th minute.

Pires dispatched the ball in an efficient manner to banish the ghosts of his Man City nightmare and Arsenal won another Champions League game, their 6th in a row, a new club record..

All in all not a great game, but a win nonetheless, top of the group, a club record, some valuable prize money and co-efficient points too.. Could've been worse!

Henry Class Camouflages Frailties, Spoilt Fans..

2005-11-21T14:06:00.000Z

Thierry Henry scored a brace of sublime quality to ensure Arsenal overcame a stubborn Wigan side at the JJB Stadium.

The irrepressible Frenchman was in ruthless mood and proved the difference between the two sides. Wigan fought hard but for all their determination and work rate the Latics failed to compensate for the gulf in class between the two sides.

Robin Van Persie scored early in the first half, the young Dutchman's 5th goal in 6 games. Henry added to Van Persie's strike midway through the first half with a typically effortless finish following a flowing move, to make it 2-0 and seemingly Arsenal were in for a comfortable afternoon.

The game was not over due to a combination of poor Arsenal defending and Wigan's quality and decisiveness on the ball, which was able to still be effective because of an excellent attitude and approach to the game. Many teams would at 2-0 down, have let their heads go down. Wigan are made of sterner stuff.

The impressive Jason Roberts caused Arsenal problems with his pace, strength & direct running. His strike partner Henri Camara executed a diving header to perfection shortly after Henry's swept finish to reduce their arrears.

Henry then scored a beautifully taken free kick, via the post, from all of 30 yards to make it 3-1 Arsenal. Wigan again showed their inability to accept defeat, an excellent quality to have, one essential to up and coming clubs, when Jimmy Bullard fired in from long range.

Arsenal didn't have the best of afternoons from a defensive point of view. Campbell wasn't anywhere near his imperious best and was troubled by Robert's pace & strength. Toure was unsure as to how much he should cover for Cygan and was pulled out of position too much because of a lack of understanding and communication. Cygan was poor, although he was playing in an unfamiliar position and was suffering form a lack of first team sharpness.

However, Arsenal travelled a long way, in poor weather conditions, against a very physical side, second in the league, on merit and justifiably full of confidence, on a surface where it was difficult to impose their natural game and if anything favoured the oppositions direct style.

Ultimately we came away with a win. To be title challengers we SHOULD win this type of game.

However some criticism has gone too far. Cygan has been the subject of particularly harsh criticism and Arsene's tactical awareness has been questioned.

This is too much.

Cygan did not have a good game. No excuses for that and I would welcome Wenger to give Emmanuel Eboue a chance at left back when he is fit. Cygan was played out of position and lacked match practice, however even taking that into account he was poor. Agreed.

So were Sol, Kolo and Gilberto. We have things to work on, fair enough.

However, the fact remains we won the game, I cannot understand people questioning Wenger and the players. They weren't at their electric best, however the bottom line is that we won the game. I agree that you cannot stand still and to be happy to be second best would be a recipe for disaster. Equally Wenger cannot rest on his laurels and expect previous success to save him from criticism.

However, some perspective would be nice. We went through a season unbeaten, that will not happen again in your lifetime. Before and after this incredible feat we set countless records, and without doubt played the best football this country has ever seen. We have been lucky enough to witness our club taking football to a new level.

Instead of criticising and moaning that we didn't score 4 and win by a hatful, acting like spoilt brats, let's get behind the team and support them in the best way possible.

Wenger shuffles the pack, transfer rumours..

2005-11-18T13:07:00.000Z

Gael Clichy will be out for up to 4 months. He requires surgery on his foot. Clichy has the same injury as Ashley Cole, who is 5 weeks away from full fitness.

Arsenal have a crucial period of fixtures, which is likely to determine the expectations for the rest of the season and be key in any potential push for success.

We will also be without natural cover for left back, until March or April. This is bad news for everyone involved, it stunts Clichy's development and takes away a valuable run in the side for him. It put extra pressure on Cole when he comes back and it is essential we do not rush him back. It also means other players will have to play out of position.

However, I like to think you can take a positive out of everything! At least the timing of it will mean that Wenger can assess the strength of the squad over a testing period and be able to make any decision based on this opposed to being rushed into one. Personally I don't think he will feel we are short in that position, but at least he can properly evaluate the situation before the January transfer window.

I would like to see Eboue come straight in at left back. I think he has shown potential in his few substitute appearances so far this term. He is developing at a steady rate after an initial adaptation period and I think it would be wise to keep as much stability in the defence as possible.

Wigan will be a tough test. It will be tight, physical, passionate and important encounter. Predicting the result is a tough call.. But 1-0 to the Arsenal sounds good to me.

Reyes should be fresh, as should Pires, Bergkamp, Campbell and Lauren, Ljungberg back from injury, the signs are positive. It is time for these players to help the youngster. This is the type of game to do it. It is time to stand up and be counted.

Various transfer rumours.. Lauren off to Milan? I wouldn't have thought so.. Yes he is cynical enough for the Italian league, but he is important to Wenger. A key player in our success and a Wenger type of player.

Now Henry to Barcelona is a more contentious rumour. I don't think he will go. The lure of the new stadium and potential signings (The Torres and Vela rumours are the only one's with any credibility) will hopefully be too great.

Our Friends In The North

2005-11-16T15:24:00.000Z

Arsenal have in recent weeks, found a level of consistency, which has seemingly heightened the long forgotten optimism that used to grace the corridors of Highbury. However, Arsenal now face a crucial period of games, which is sure to play a huge role in any potential title challenge.

The Gunners face a very tough winter schedule, with games against Wigan Away, Newcastle Away, Bolton Away and Blackburn Home.

This is the time to stand up and be counted. This is when Champions come good. This will tell us whether our optimism is well founded or not.

Wigan are the surprise package in the Premiership this year no doubt. 10 games is long enough for it not to be a fluke. However, the Latics are not getting carried away. They know it's highly unlikely they will be in the top 4 or even 6 at the end of the season. They don't overly rely on one player and are a good unit. They have a good attitude, if they continue to work hard and fully appreciate what position they are in, that is a good way to prolong their success.

Wigan away will be a good barometer as to where Arsenal stand.

Newcastle play Chelsea this weekend, they are unpredictable.. They remind me of England sometimes.. Owen can still be lethal.. It will be a tough game in a big atmosphere, how tough will depend on which Newcastle turn up..

Bolton are a hustling, harrying, in your face type of side, who give 100% effort and thrive against the bigger teams. Arsenal lost their 1-0 last season. Nolan typifies the way they play, he is playing confidently and will need to be marshalled and out muscled. We need to show bottle and this will show how much we cope without the presence of players such as Vieira and Edu.

Blackburn are improving, they are a harder side to beat than at the start of the season, but like Newcastle they are somewhat of a seesaw side. They seem to raise their game against us, they beat us twice in a season in 2002/3. Pedersen is a very good player and I'm sure they won't go down easily (aka Sunderland).

I think 3 wins and a draw from these 4 fixtures would put us in excellent shape for a showdown with Chelsea on December 18th, and more importantly prove our title credentials. However, with Clichy injured, Eboue likely to step in, Arsenal undoubtedly have a difficult period to manoeuvre themselves through and a hell of a lot of work to do..

Rooney Fires England, Super Senderos, Vieira..

2005-11-14T13:18:00.000Z

A very satisfying weekend of sport for England..

As Richie Benaud might say, a pretty marvellous effort all round by England..

We mauled a transitory Aussies side at Ruby Union, produced a response of a side with the world at their feet, in the cricket, against Pakistan.. Proceeded to batter the All Blacks in the Rugby League and beat the Argies in the football..

England beat Argentina 3-2 in a highly entertaining, well contested and good natured 'friendly' in Geneva on Saturday afternoon. England played with desire, passion and belief. Something which is more often than not, conspicuous by its absence in recent England friendly matches.

Wayne Rooney was awesome. Riquelme was excellent, especially in the first half. There was not much to choose between the sides, Argentina dominated the first half and England had the better of the second period. The difference between the two sides was very small. Argentina decided to sit back in for the last 25 minutes and paid the price as England seized the initiative in midfield and Owen clinically punished the Argentineans inability to defend their own box.

Games like this will be few and far between in the World Cup.

The result was pleasing but not important. The performance was the crucial thing. This should give us belief that we can compete with the best. This was a very good Argentinean side. However, like Owen said after the game..

It doesn't change a lot.. We know we have a chance to do well at the World Cup.

A chance.. Nothing more than that, nothing less than that..

Philippe Senderos scored as Switzerland beat Turkey 2-0 to give them a very real chance of upsetting the odds and reaching the World Cup finals. Senderos was massive at the heart of the Swiss defence, the youngster seems to relish the challenge offered by the International scene, as it regularly brings out the best in him.

It would be very interesting to see Senderos in a big competition. I have a feeling that is exactly what is needed for him to shine.

The Sunday papers made uninteresting reading as usual.. Various non-substantial transfer rumours.. Cole to Real Madrid, Torres and Zakora to Arsenal.. However, amongst the random transfer selectors that are the Sunday papers there was a story, which did catch my attention..

Vieira lambasts 'neutral' Arsenal..

Essentially, as I'm sure you are all aware, Vieira was stating his disappointment at Arsenal for saying we had received an offer from Juventus and that, for once, we would allow him to make his own decision.

He claims he wanted to end his career with Arsenal. We gave him a choice to make, and he made it. He left for Juventus.

Instead of committing himself to the club and making an effort to improve upon last season's inconsistent form.

Which in all probability was due to his desire to leave for Real Madrid, and their subsequent refusal to pay him a 'Galacticos' wage, which was the sole reason he didn't leave last summer.

Vieira was a great ambassador and driving force for the club. No doubt about that. The guy was a legend at Arsenal. He was loved by everybody.

However, if Real had matched his wage demands he would have left.

Therefore.. Can you blame the club for taking this stance? We begged him to stay once and he would have left regardless.. Why should we do it again?

However, I think that it is time to draw a line under all of this.. No point in dwelling on it.. It's happened.. Let's concentrate on supporting the team and Le Boss.. I think he's made the right decision and time will prove that..

Campbell snub great news for Arsenal, Eriksson's balancing act..

2005-11-11T14:57:00.000Z

Sven Goran Eriksson seems to think that one performance and a reputation is enough to get you into the England team these days. Rio Ferdinand played well against Chelsea last Sunday. Granted. However he has woeful at points this season. The only reason he played against Poland was because Campbell was injured. Now Ferdinand is part of Sven's 'best XI' a remarkable turnaround.

Personally I think it's great, Campbell gets a rest and doesn't risk getting injured in what will probably be a well contested friendly. Hopefully Tevez and Riquelme will expose Ferdinand. Then Campbell can have a rest and improve his chances of a starting place at the world cup.

Similarly Wayne Bridge, after 1 hour of football this season, is welcomed back to the England squad and possibly even starting XI.

However, I'm not going to sit and write about Sven's flaws, at least he is starting to realise that we need a balance to the side. In particular midfield. His inclusion of Ledley King is crucial. We need a holding midfield player and King, or possibly Scott Parker are essential to balance the side and protect the defence.

Great footballers they are not. Very good pro's who are disciplined, motivated, athletic and essential in bringing the best out of the more talented players in the team they are. There must come a time when names alone cannot guarantee a place in the team. A player's ability to fit into a system is key, and no matter how good a player someone is, the balance to the team, especially in midfield is key to success, it's what the team is based around.

The thing about Sven is he puts a lot of dominant players in his sides. You have Gerrard, Beckham and Lampard in midfield. They can all pass, shoot and do something special. Consequently they all want the ball. Having a ball winner like King or Parker is an ideal foil for them. Just someone keeping it simple. That's what good football is all about.

It should be interesting to see how Reyes plays with Torres against Slovakia, what are the odds that Reyes sets up Torres for a hat trick and his price subsequently rises by £5m and makes him too expensive for AW.. Seems to happen to alot of Wenger's so-called targets.. You heard it here first!!

Let's just hope that none of the Gooner's come back injured, and we can start where we left off before the international break.

Lupoli continues education, Henry gets lucky, Ballack, Torres, Vela rumours..

2005-11-10T12:42:00.000Z

Arturo Lupoli scored his 3rd hat trick of the season, the young Italian forward further enhancing his already growing reputation at the club, as the reserves beat hitherto unbeaten Charlton at Underhill last night.

Lupoli (pictured left) is really staking his claim for a place in the first team squad, the diminutive striker, poached from Parma in the summer of 2004, possesses a unique asset at Arsenal, he is a natural born striker, an out and out goal scorer.

This season Lupoli has 11 goals in 8 games. I am a big fan of his.

It is fair to say it is a big step up from reserve team football to the Arsenal first team. However Lupoli could add another dimension to the squad, even if initially he was deployed off the bench. He would be ideal to put on when we are dominating against a 10-man rear guard. Would give us another option. He may be a bit lightweight at the moment but the fact is that this guy is ruthless.

In Martinique last night Henry scored a fluke goal for France to steal an unlikely and undeserved 3-2 win against Costa Rica. Henry calving in a late winner after Costa Rica had gone 2-0 up. Henry knew little or nothing about it, but was in the right place at the right time. He's not Drogba, so you cannot begrudge him for the goal, after all he doesn't score many like that.

Henry is now France's joint (Trezeguet) all time second top scorer (31) 10 behind the legendary Platini.

In transfer news, Fernando Torres' agent has allegedly said he 'hasn't spoken to anyone from Arsenal for over 18 months' so stories claiming his imminent signing appear wide of the mark. Which isn't a surprise.

Michael Ballack has, via his agent, ruled out a move in January.

The German's agent Michael Becker saying, "There is absolutely no chance of Michael leaving in January. It just would not make sense. First, it would cost him any chance of winning the Champions League this season, which is the prime motivation for the remainder of his career. Secondly, what would be the point of Bayern selling him because they could make more in Champions League prize money with him in the team than they would in a transfer fee given he only has six months left on his contract."

"And thirdly, why would he want to leave Germany such a short time before he is due to captain them in the World Cup. I think Michael will either say he is staying, or he will say he is leaving and would like to join a particular club. That would at least allow him to start negotiating in January. I must stress, Michael has spoken to no-one about his future yet and has certainly not spoken to any other club about his plans."

Unsurprising really.

A more Wenger-esque signing is the potential £2m capture of Carlos Vela, the 16-year-old Mexican, who was central to Mexico's under-17 world cup victory earlier in the year. If a deal is struck he would be immediately loaned to Valencia for 2 seasons of first team football and then make his way over to the Premiership.

All sounds very good, the only thing that troubles me is.. What do Valencia get out of nurturing a future star for Arsenal?

Wenger Building On Talent Not Egos

2005-11-09T13:07:00.000Z

Arsene Wenger is unlikely to buy a big name player in the transfer window. Ballack for instance can be ruled out. I'd love it if I was wrong. Torres will not sign. Unless we sell Henry.

Arsene has a clear philosophy, he doesn't like to bring in players with big egos. He'd prefer someone who is humble, with the right attitude, a player with something to prove, who is hungry for success. That is why he has bought in a lot of youngster's.

He also likes to make unknown players big stars, it gives him a sense of achievement. When asked about whom he would bring in over the transfer window I recall him saying, in a slightly jovial way, that 'We don't buy big names here, we make them'. Joking aside. That sums it all up.

Wenger is also determined to build a team to compete with Chelsea, spending as little as possible. He called Chelsea's current monopoly of the transfer market and extravagant outlays on big names 'financial doping'. Arsene views it as a challenge and will only spend big if he is sure the player is worth it, and let's be honest, the majority aren't.

Wenger really believes in the new breed of young players he has assembled at Highbury and wants to give them a chance. He would prefer to do that, or potentially add to the rising stars at the club, rather than buy a big name player, with an ego to match.

That's why it is more likely we will bid for Carlos Vela, the 16 year old Mexican. Several sources claim we have a deal in place to send him on loan to Valencia for a year, before he turns professional. That would be more of a Wenger style signing.

As would Theo Walcott, the young Southampton striker, but reported interest from Chelsea and Liverpool among others is likely to inflate the price and put Wenger off. It really would be nice to see us sign an Englishman wouldn't it?..

Just expect subtlety from Wenger in the transfer market, not sensation.

Henry Stay Dependant On Development, Not Big Names

2005-11-08T13:23:00.000Z

Thierry Henry has a tough choice to make. I doubt he has made a decision yet. He will wait and see how the team progress and who we are planning to sign. If he thinks we can compete at the top level he will stay. The thing about Henry is that, even though he deserves it, I don't think it's about more money.

If Henry thinks he needs a new challenge and that Arsenal have peaked in this cycle of success under Wenger then he will leave.

If he thinks that Wenger will not sign a new contract I suspect he will leave. He trusts him, if Wenger leaves Henry will feel unstable. Similar story with Pires and Bergkamp.

The key thing for Henry is confidence in his team mates. If Henry has a good relationship with people off the field and trusts their ability then it brings the best out in him. He runs for them, and creates space for other people more than any other player and gets everyone involved.

Look at the season we went unbeaten. He had Bergkamp, who he runs for whenever Bergkamp gets the ball, because he truly feels the ball will reach him and that Bergkamp will see his run. Same for Pires, Ljungberg, Lauren, Cole and Vieira. In that season one of those players was always playing. Confidence was high.

Bergkamp will probably retire at the end of this season. Pires could leave. Cole will leave.

Henry doesn't want to have to carry the team, he wants other players to stand up and win big games. Not to overly rely on him, or always look to him.

Henry is waiting to see who he can rely on. He doesn't run for Reyes. He doesn't think the ball will get to him or that Reyes will try and score himself, as he badly needs a goal. Henry believes the younger players have to prove themselves, like he did.

He is starting to trust Van Persie. He could be a key player in many ways for Arsenal. If he keeps improving and creates a dangerous partnership with Henry, it will help. If Van Persie and Fabregas can stand up and forge a similar relationship with Henry to Vieira and Bergkamp, 2 very special players, then he might stay.

If the younger players, Hleb, Van Persie and Fabregas in particular, can prove themselves and win some big games, possibly a trophy. Then Henry will start to trust them.

It's about developing the core of the club, not doing a Man Utd and papering over the cracks with a few 'sensational' big name signings. This generation of players coming through will be the new Arsenal breed, Henry has to know they are good enough.

Henry is a massive player for us. The best in our history, perhaps. No doubts about that, and we should do all we can, that is reasonable, to keep him. However, if Thierry feels it is right to leave, then thanks, and good luck to him.

Beacuse Arsenal will always be Arsenal.

Arsenal outclass Sunderland, United outfight Chelsea

2005-11-07T10:42:00.000Z

Thierry Henry inspired Arsenal to a 3-1 victory over Sunderland at Highbury on Saturday. Henry personified the gulf in class between the two sides. The current double PFA and Professional football writers player of the year running the show and scoring twice, and Sunderland didn't have the answer to stop the flamboyant Frenchman, who was in ruthless mood.

Robin Van Persie vindicated Arsene Wenger's decision to start him, with a well taken typically Arsenal style goal, his 5th goal in 4 games.

Van Persie's left foot is a hammer and a wand mixed into one. I like him because he's not afraid to give the ball a smack. No nonsense. This guy has a big future.

Henry converted Lauren's right wing cross after a neat overlapping interchange and Arsenal were in cruise control. There was a certain inevitability about the result as Sunderland looked dazed and mesmerised by Arsenal's sharp movements and froze like a stray animal caught in the headlights of a juggernaut. Before they recovered they had been crushed.

Sunderland were poor in the first half, they were not aggressive enough and kept a dangerously high defensive line. The Mackams improved in the second period, but the damage was done and despite Alan Stubbs' goal Arsenal were in no real danger and Henry completed the scoring late on with a typically well taken goal from Fabregas' through ball.

Alan Smith was as much a talisman for Man Utd as Henry was for Arsenal. United played 4-4-2 and caused Chelsea problems. Chelsea struggle more when teams play 4-4-2. Rooney was allowed to roam and unsettled Terry in the first half. If you try and match them man for man in the same formation they will beat you.

Smith hustled and harried and did the simple things right. He tracked his man and tackled hard. That epitomised they way United played and was they key to their victory.

Mourinho got it wrong. He baffles me with his constant exclusion of Gudjohnsen. He is a very intelligent player and gives them something different than the cut and thrust of players such as Duff or Cole. Gudjohnsen came on and Chelsea were marginally the better team in the second half.

Chelsea didn't play badly, but neither did Arsenal last season. They probably deserved at least a point, like Chelsea yesterday. Two defeats from two WILL affect their confidence. A lack of confidence can become a barrier. If a team plays with slightly less belief it becomes easy to still play well but not win. It is too early to say Chelsea will recover. Time will tell.

The unbeaten run remains.

Reliant Robin To Start?

2005-11-04T11:23:00.000Z

After scoring 4 goals in 3 games, 2 of them substitute appearances, surely it is time for Robin Van Persie to start. What better opposition than Sunderland?

Sunderland are the perennial Highbury whipping boys, 3 goal margins particularly popular in recent years (the image of Steve Bould being skinned by Henry in 2001 still vivid).

Van Persie netted a brace against them in the Carling Cup only 9 days ago, and so will have a positive mind frame to do so again. I certainly wouldn't be backing against him to be first goal scorer should he start.

Arsenal's other brilliant Dutchman, Dennis Bergkamp, certainly agrees that Reliant Robin is coming of age.

"Robin has probably grown up a bit. He's one of those players who can make a difference, creating something for himself and others - and he's shown that more this season than in the past.

"He can score goals and is confident but is still young and getting stronger, so it's fantastic for the future."

Bergkamp himself could probably do with a rest after a mediocre display against Sparta Prague in midweek, where he was guilty of missing a couple of clear cut chances.

Van Persie has earned the chance to start.. Let's hope Le Boss grants him his chance..

In other news, a bizarre swap involving Julio Baptista and Ashley Cole has been mooted for the January transfer window.. Can't believe that for one minute. Interesting though it is. Baptista wouldn't leave so soon. Especially not for the coldest winter since 1963!

To be honest I wouldn't be surprised if we didn't add to the current squad in January.