Dudu's Departure/Henry's Debut/and Hungry Young Guns

So goodbye to Eduardo who, after ignoring my telepathic plea to stay, gave us fans a nice farewell letter. I am in awe of all the sentiment given to him by most Gooners. Check out Ladyarse's blog on July 21st for a beautiful Eduardo homage video . If you are new to the Eduardo saga, or weren't around for his earlier games, take a look - it will catch you up. I could have just embedded it in my own blog, but hats off and credit to her.

It's also funny to see how Eduardo leaving has stirred up the anti-Arsenalists. I've read blogs where we are accused of being "arrogant" and "whiny". At worse I think we're sentimental. Of course you also have the bottom feeding pundits give their two cents worth about Eduardo's leaving. It's a low-down style of journalism that doesn't take into account Eduardo's rate of scoring every 2.58 games before Birmingham compared to every 5.14 after the injury. Don't know why I'm giving it any attention really, but there you are. Le Boss vents his feelings about Dudu's departure of the official website stating:

"I believe he is at the stage where he has to play and we could not guarantee him that time," said the manager after the 3-0 win at Sturm Graz, That is why I allowed him to leave. I believe he has another opportunity now. But it makes me sad twice - because it reminds me how he got injured and because he is an outstanding guy. We wish him well but he is 27 years of age now and he needs to play."

Notice that Wenger stated he is "allowing" Eduardo to leave which confirms my suspicions that Wenger wanted to try and fit him in this year but probably could not guarantee Eduardo the playing time he craved. I have to admit to harboring a bit of resentment toward Wenger for not giving Eduardo more playing time last season to work out the kinks. We were down strikers and I know Dudu had niggly injuries plaguing him, but I never gave up belief that six or seven starts in a row would have made the difference.

Coming around stateside - Thierry Henry made his debut for the NY Red Bulls yesterday in a friendly against the Spudheads. He scored a great goal which I highlight below. The Bulls went on to lose 1-2 but the real low point for me as an American was watching Henry's first American TV interview where the reporter mistook him for being Spanish and congratulated him on winning the World Cup. Ugh...I'm so embarrassed. Henry of course, handled it with aplomb but it still shows that America is not paying enough attention to this beautiful game and thus missing out. I inserted both Henry's interview and highlights of his goal below. And on a personal note, Jeane and I are going to see Titi August 8th when the Red Bulls come to Chicago to play the Fire. I know a lot of you out there have seen Henry et al play at the Emirates, but I can't tell you the thrill I feel at being able to see a Gunner (ex or not) finally play in person!

Back to Arsenal - I have to say our young 'uns are sure full of fire. I highlighted a couple of days ago Mr. Chesney who wants to vie for the number one spot as goalie. We also have Jack Wilshere, 18 years old, who after being on loan half the year to Bolton, wants to battle for a starting position at Arsenal stating his time at Bolton has made him "even more hungry". Looking at current pics on the website of Jackie training looks to me like he's filled out a bit and therefore may be more ready for further Premier rough play. One of Wenger's concerns about playing Jack last year was that his body was just not ready yet for that level. Aaron Ramsey, only a year older, broke into the first team and one can see the difference in body type, Aaron looking more full grown than Wilshere. Wenger admits he'd like Jack to get playing time at Arsenal this year rather than go out on loan but is still taking the "wait and see" approach. Håvard Nordtveit is also in Austria battling it out for time at right back (not his usual position). There's little chance of consistent playing time for this 19 year old Norwegian, but after being on loan in the Bundeliga, this guy is not shy about intentions and has been offered a new contract. If you're a fan of these younger players and want to keep up on all things youthful, I recommend the blog Young Guns.

I guess that's all for now. The boys don't play another preseason friendly until July 27th when they go up against SC Neusiedl 1919 before returning home in time for the Emirates Cup on the 31st. Hang on Gooners...regular season is just around the corner!

Please Eduardo...Don't Go.

I just don't want Eduardo to go. I'm doing my utmost to convey to him and the club - telepathically of course- that all he needs is one more year. One more year and he can overcome the unjustness of his injuries...the unfairness of his accusations from the British press of being a cheater...to become the technical, brilliant finisher that he was pre-Taylor. Pre-Birmingham 2008. Please Eduardo. Please.

One more season to bring back his calmness in front of the net. One more year of watching his almost OCD-like eye blinking pattern he has. One more season of his finding the ball after someone found the space for the pass. Just one more season.

I know there are,to some, more important things to blog about (Cesc, the assassination plans for Xavi who keeps popping his mouth off). But right now, I'd like to chat about Eduardo. Eduardo whose play was sublime. Who's character was sensitive and sweet. Who's EPL career was ruined by: 1) Birmingham's Martin Taylor and 2) the British press.

We all know what happened. English preference for "robust tackling" over technique nearly cost Eduardo his leg. And his "dive" against Celtic made him easy fodder for the English press who would never dare criticize their beloved Rooney or Gerrard for the same - if not more blatant and frequent - diving attempts.

I know I am not alone in the mourning of what could have been...what should have been. I guess that the unfairness of it all precipitates the need for righteous dealing. For good to conquer evil. For the Guy in the White Hat on the White Horse to ride into town and make right a wrong. Not today. Not for Eduardo. And that's just not the even-handed outcome we were praying for. Not even close. If Eduardo does leave Arsenal, his departure will speak volumes about the style of defense in the English League, the biased xenophobic filter of the British press, and Eduardo's own need to re-build his damaged career. I know that all Gooners wish him the very best. I hope that best keeps him at Arsenal.

Playing Catch Up

So, I'm gone a week and so much has happened! No it hasn't. One major thing has happened and that's us playing our preseason friendly against Barnet and winning it 4-0. From what I gathered from reading, Shavy looked good, Koz needs to bulk up, Frippong looked like a beast a midfield, and we don't want Jackie boy going out on loan - we want him playing for us.

The rest is same old, same old. Arsenal/Wenger put out a strong statement about not selling Cesc again...and Barca mouthpieces - well, they mouthed off again. One of them even suggested Arsenal show a little class. It almost makes me pity their thick-headedness. But not really. I wonder what would happen to Puyol if all that hair started growing inwards? I think I once had a Barbie doll whose hair did that. Hmmm... Anyway, the only way Barca will shut their yaps is if Cesc comes out and says he's staying. Even then, some folks just like to hear themselves talk.

By now you also probably know that Thierry signed with the NY Red Bulls and is looking forward to playing Tottingham in an EPL season friendly. I have to say I was surprised. When the rumors were swirling around, I also heard he might go to the French League again. To me that made more sense as his son is in Europe. Seeing his son now will be much more difficult, which was why I was so surprised. Anyway, can't wait to see the Fire lose- I mean play- the Red Bulls again (August 8th) so I can root for Titi and Chicago. Hopefully, Chicago will put in a solid performance (we just lost to New England 0-1) so I'm not embarrassed in front of Henry. Anyway, it sounds like he joined a decent club who are in second place in the Eastern conference five points from the leaders. They need a pacy player (and in the MLS, Henry will still look fast), to help fight for the title. He is also going to be playing in a brand new stadium. I might have to look into tickets, actually.

Onto newer stuff: Joe Cole has signed for Liverpool. To be honest, I always liked/feared Cole when he played against us, but didn't know how much playing time he would get with us. I think Liverpool is going to give him more time - and they definitely offered more money. Joe went where the money was which also says where his priority lies.

Our 20 year old keeper Szcsesny (Chesney here), has stated he does not want to go back out on loan and thinks he has earned the right to fight for No. 1 keeper. I have to admit, that put a smile on my face. The boy went out on loan to a League 1 team, did awesome, and now thinks he's ready to compete at the Premier level. That is some confidence and competitiveness there. I like the urgentness and Fabianski/Almunia, out on-the-way? new keeper should watch their backs, but I don't think Wenger's going to put him straight into the fire. I could be wrong,and it should be interesting to see the situation unfold.

The team now is at their 10 day training camp in Austria. They play Sturm Graz tomorrow for another pre-season friendly. RVP has officially switched his jersey number to 10 (more confirmation that Gallas is not re-signing), vuvzeals have been banned from the Emirates (as most EPL clubs will do, I'm sure), and it's only 32 days until the summer lull is over. Until then, I'll keep gobbling up whatever bits of football there are. Have a great day Gooners.

Barcelona Embarass Cesc/Eduardo is Staying/Chicago is in Fourth

I woke up all smiles this morning after reading last night about Cesc dedicating the World Cup win to his club - Arsenal, by the way - and to us Gooners. And then I begin my morning round of blog and British Internet news reading. The smiles went away as I watched (thanks to Cesc-Is-God)a video of friggin' Puyol and Pique prank Cesc in front of a MADRID crowd by forcing a Barcelona jersey on him. Master of Ceremonies Pepe Reina practically had Cesc in a headlock and once the jersey was on, clenched the front of it with one hand so Cesc could not get it off. As drunk as those players probably were - their actions demonstrated the total lack of respect for Arsenal and Cesc. Did I mention they did this in front of a crowd in MADRID with REAL MADRID players looking on? What a bunch of bozos. This led me to thinking - is flogging legal in Spain? I don't mean the wimpy leather whip kind. I'm talking about the kind of lashing the Romans used to hand out - pieces of bone attached to the end of leather strapping that act as miniature grappling hooks and actually tear out chunks of flesh? Too much? I don't think so. But with the advent of civilization, those days are probably over. I guess I'll just have to use those images as daydream fodder. Sigh.

Needless to say, Wenger is incensed over Barca's ruthless (and illegal) pursuit, although the club does not hold Cesc responsible in any way. . I was hoping for some official statement from the club or Cesc today but have not been able to find one. Which means of course, I'll wake up and find myself scooped by some Brit (wink) who's six hours ahead of me. All's fair, I guess, in the world of blogging.

On other Arsenal fronts, Wenger has declared that Eduardo is staying at Arsenal. I have to say I am happy about that. With all that he has been through, I don't care how long it takes for him to get back to form, I think we should keep him. And I believe he will get there. For me, this news is most welcoming.

Onto the MLS. Now that the World Cup is over, I must once again delve into watching the Chicago Fire for good or ill. To be fair - if you all remember - I did admit the play had improved at the end of May. No, I did not watch any Fire matches during the Cup. I have difficulty multi (and by multi, I mean five or six balls in the air at the same time) tasking. Forgive the mixing of the metaphors there. Having checked in I am here to let you know...I don't think I missed much. We have a -1 Goal Differential and are sitting in fourth place in the Eastern Division which consists of eight (8) teams. Not so good. Incredibly mediocre in fact.

Great news though! The SuperLiga is kicking off! The What? Patience Grasshopper. We play against Monarcas Morelia tomorrow at 8:30 PM CST. I never heard of this "SuperLiga" before, so I did a little research and can now educate you all. The Superliga is basically a tournament between the North American professional leagues which includes the top four teams in their division in the US, Mexico, and Canada. I've never watched Canadian soccer. Might be worth a look. I mean, I sort of got enthralled by their Curling during the Olympics, so how bad could their soccer be? Actually, the more I think through this, the more I realize there are some teams (Toronto, for example) based in Canada that are in the MLS. Maybe that is the extent of the Canadian involvement, eh? I'm not aware of what the Canadian Professional Soccer League is called. Does anyone out there know? Click here for more details of how the whole thing got started. It's new as it was created in 2008. And the Fire were the runner ups last year.

I guess that's all for now. I'm off to bed hoping to dream of flogging...erm...beating...no, no...dominating...ahem. Well, just to dream I guess. See you tomorrow.

Arsene Wenger - a Model of Class and Cesc Begins His PR Campaign for Arsenal Fans

Hello there from a hot but not humid Hoosierland. Today found me a bit down as I realized that this week is football-less, but then my mood changed as I remembered that now Arsenal could be my sole focus as the official season ahead starts in just over a month. The transfer window could bring more Arsenal players which is exciting, but even more exciting is how firm our manager stands while in the line of fire from Barcelona. I am - I recognize - a day late in finding this out, but Le Boss refused to meet with Sandy to discuss Cesc. I may have issues with Wenger's stubbornness sometimes, but the man exudes integrity. His not backing down to Barca is just one of the reasons I'm proud to be an Arsenal fan. Barfa's lack of integrity, however, may finally be leaving it's own mark as Michael Calvin from the Mirror describes Barca's pursuit of Cesc as "moral blackmail". Check it out for a quick read.

Speaking of Cescie (how cute is that pic by the way?) - I think he is beginning his public relations campaign aimed at winning back those Arsenal fans who have resented his near-move to Barca. Cesc was quoted as dedicating his win to Arsenal and its fans. I know that I may be cynical in my analysis here, but I want you to know that there is a huge part of that wants him to be sincere in that acknowledgement - and a part that thinks he actually could be. I never thought his leaving Arsenal would be an easy decision for Cesc. He's not like a lot of other footballers. He seems down to earth, intelligent and thoughtful. See my homage to him so I don't have to go blathering on about how much we love him again. It's a waiting game that I hope will conclude quickly.

Another Gunner (or ex) in the rumor mill is Solid Sol who now may be signing for Sunderland. I am not a fan of playing against ex-Arsenal players in the Premier League. At least I don't like playing against the ones we liked. Sol had such a great perforamce the second half of the year - and was such an influence in the locker room I only want to see him in Arsenal Red or in a club color against whom we have no matches. I know he's vying for as much playing time as possible in the twilight of his career. It just kinda makes me a bit sad.

What else? Here's an interesting article from an ESPN columnist on why Americans need to embrace the dive/flop. I don't agree with all that he says. I don't think flopping, whether it be a soccer, hockey, or basketball version - has to be embraced. I think Americans need to recognize that this "white lie" of cheating exists in our other more popular sports and so noses should not be turned up at the world of soccer because, it too, has ways to fool the official. What about you? Let me know what you think by leaving a comment.

Lastly, I'm going to be a complete sap here and include the video of Spanish goalkeeper Iker Casillas kissing his girlfriend/reporter during a post-game interview. Ah...what goes together better than love and victory?


I guess that's all. Next time I'm hoping to have an update on the Chicago Fire (I know you all have been chomping at the bit for news on that front). Have a good one.

Yay! Cesc Wins the World Cup with Spain! / Damn! Cesc Wins the World Cup with Spain!.

Welcome to the town of mixed feelings. Watching the Final of the World Cup was difficult for several reasons. Trying to figure out who to root for was one of them. I watched with fellow club members Jeane and Doc and it was decided to root for RVP and the Netherlands. We decided this, of course, after we noticed Cesc missing from the starting lineup.

All in all I wasn't impressed by the first half. Both sides were - as probably could be expected-feeling each other out. And the play wasn't clean either. There were lots of late tackles (plus a foot to Alonso's chest) and plenty of diving. Webb gave our four yellows in the first half. Robin didn't seem to be able to get into the groove and Robben seemed bent of shooting and trying to dribble between three players.

The second half started and Holland cranked it up a notch giving less space to the Spaniards. And with time running down, Cesc was subbed in. What to do now? So I decided to keep rooting for Holland but hope that Cesc had a good performance. And he did. My only complaint was his dive in the box which I blame on having around the Barfa diving acrobats (did you see Xavi trip himself to make it look like he was fouled? I wanted him yellow carded for that so bad!) and thus contracting divitis. Anyway, Cesc got the assist for Iniesta's goal and Spain went on to win it with Holland complaining about Iniesta being offside for the first pass in that series. He looked really happy. RVP looked, expectedly, dejected. Spain are champs and the Netherlands runner-ups.

My reason for being torn is not only because one Arsenal player didn't obtain the trophy, but now because Cesc has won a major trophy along with seven Barca players and now they are bonding in the heat of victory.
Wenger is suppose to have a meeting (according to Goal.com) with Rossell to discuss the Cesc situation. This rumor is a couple of days old and I couldn't find an update. I figure that now that the Cup is over, the saga will break out full speed ahead and hopefully come to a conclusion before we all go mad.
I guess that's all for now. Till tomorrow.

Koz Komes to Arsenal

Ugh. Hello from a hot, humid, and not-a-cloud-in-the- sky-to- block-the-sun-Indiana. The thermometer is reading 92 but it feels like 100+ degrees. This post will be short and sweet as sweat is just pouring down me. Blech.

Arsenal business picks back up as Laurent Koscielny officially joins our illustrious club. Arsene describes him as a fighter and a competitor. And that's what we need - another fighter next to my Vermie. At 6'1", he's a bit taller but same age at 24. If it's Vermie, Koz, and DJ as the choices for centre halves, Vermie has the most experience with only one year in the EPL. Sol's a free agent as is William, so I hope we can get a bit more experience in the back to help out. Maybe that's why Wenger is looking at Schwarzer. Hmmm.

On other fronts, RVP has made it to the World Cup Final playing for the Netherlands. I, for one, am not worried about him being tired for pre-season as he missed six months last year being out injured. Cesc also is vying for a spot in the final - and he was injured since March. So...I don't think fatigue is something to be worried about. The possibility of further injuries does make my eyebrows pucker together, however. Both players have received knocks in the World Cup and both seemed to have recovered. They'll probably be fine until returning to the club for the pre-season and then an undiagnosed-no scratch that - a mis-diagnosed injury will be discovered. Just saying.

Speaking of Cesc, he again did not start in the match against Germany even with Torres dropped. Maybe that leg injury was worse than first reported? Speaking of breaking someones legs, New Barce Pres Sandy spoke about tracking Wenger down in South Africa and forcing the issue about the sale of Cesc. The article also talks about how Barca players had not been paid as of June 30th - so how are they going to pay for Cesc - don't they still owe us for Hleb? Apparently they are taking out a $150 million dollar bank loan which is par and parcel for them every season. And as long as the Barca president as pull with the banks, the I.O.U. is not likely to be called in.

Now, I have not made a secret about my distaste for the Barfa club - but I have to admit there is a member of that organization who has handled himself with some actual integrity during the Cesc saga. That person is Pep Guardiolawas asked his opinion about the alleged signing and he...refused to comment stating Cesc was a player under contract with Arsenal and that was between Arsenal and Barcelona. I was shocked! Pep refusing to be a mouthpiece! Too bad his players and club president(s) don't know how to follow suit.

I guess that's it for now. The heat and humidity are killing my creativity and making my computer slower than usual. Here's to a nice rain to cool things off so we can get back into the balmy mid-80's once again. Until then...