Arsenal Ring Out 2011 With Win

Joey Barton Looking Scared

Thanks to the Twitter family for providing the above picture.  Not only did we beat QPR at home for the last match of 2011, but we did NOT allow Joey Hard-Man -My-Buttocks-Barton to beat us.  No one was sent off or seriously injured by him.  Mickey may have a bad bruise, but let's hope that's all.

Gervinho, the last Arsenal player to have fallen prey to Barton's provocations, started the game on the bench.  Perhaps part of Arsene's plan was to provide him with some rest as there is but one day before the game at Fulham.  But I also don't think it's far fetched to imagine that our Boss was protecting Gervinho from having to endure another run-in with Joe.  One can hope that Gervinho learned his lesson the first time, but we have to remember that some of our players have gotten in a spot of bother over the same incident in more than one game (Diaby anyone?).  In addition, Arshavin received a chance to up his price tag to those watching if he played well.  And to be fair, he gave a sweet pass to Robin for our only goal.

Things were looking dire there for the entire first half.  Van Persie had a chance for a hat trick in the first half alone but could not convert.  Theo, who is just back after having the stomach flu, seemed to have difficulty with crossing, shooting, and just deciding what to do in general (I'm giving him another chance just because I know I'd be a bit out of sorts running up and down a field after throwing my guts up for days).  We had only four shots on target in the first half and eight in the second.  Two of those shots seemed to come in contact with the hand of a QPR player which begged for penalty calls.  Not surprisingly, we received none.  Other no calls for us was Arshavin receiving an elbow in the face from Taarabt and Arteta was on the end of mischief -making by Barton (he did get a yellow for that). 

QPR played us tough and scrappy similar to Wolves with the one exception being we kept a clean sheet and our defense held out remarkably well against a last ditch effort by the Rangers to boot things long and try to win corners.  The team last year would have conceded most likely in the 93rd minute.  This squad did not.  As a matter of fact, and on somewhat of a sidenote, I did some number crunching and found that if you take out the first three matches of this year - for obvious reasons- this squad has conceded 16 goals to last year's 19 (I also took out the goals conceded from the first three matches of last season).  Quite frankly, I do not need pure numbers to gauge the improvement of our defense.  The fact that I'm not a wreck everytime an opponent takes a corner tells me all I need to know.

More positives?  Robin got his 35th goal of 2011, we moved up to fourth thanks to Chelsea losing and are only 3 points behind third thanks to Tottenham drawing against Swansea (Spurs still have one game in hand).  Any Gooner can take away a plethora of positives from the match.  There were a few negatives however that deserve a mention of concern.

Vermie hobbled off with a strained calf muscle in the 54th minute and was substituted by the Coq (who held his own against QPR's desperate barrage).  Arsene is saying our Vice-Captain will be out for 3 weeks and so is going to dive into the market for a full back on-loan.  I really have not seen any names in the papers linking a full-back to Arsenal other than Wayne Bridge.  What I remember about him was that he was rotten in our game against West Ham last season.  But if we only need him for a few weeks, maybe it would be worth it?  It would also mean Mancini would loan out a player to a rival.  So, if he does let Bridge go to North London, I don't think that says anything good about Wayne's potential.  Silvestre anyone?

I guess that was only one negative.  Wonderful.  We have Fulham at the Cottage on Monday so I'll be previewing that next.  Until then Gooners, bask in the glory of another 1 Nil to The Arsenal, have fun, be safe and Happy New Year to you and yours!

QPR Preview

The Queens Park Rangers from West London are making the short ride North tomorrow to face our squad at the Emirates.  The Rangers are currently sitting fifth from the bottom of the table coming off of two losses and a draw.  After Friday's matches, Arsenal dropped to sixth after Liverpool beat Newcastle.  Getting only five points from our last three games means it's more important than ever for Arsenal get all three from tomorrow to get our momentum revving again.

The team news is that Theo is back in the squad after recovering from his a "stomach illness" that we here across the pond call the stomach flu.  There is no other immediate returns although the boss says that Sagna and Gibbs could be back late January with Spiky Jack to follow shortly thereafter.  I really can't wait for Bacary to return since has hasn't played with the squad since the Tottenham game which came at the early stages of our squad's development.  I think he will enjoy playing with a squad that has such good energy and attitude about it.

Truthfully, I haven't seen QPR play many matches but know just from watching the table that after staying in the middle of the pack was their pattern, but recently they have begun to nosedive.  Another loss at the Emirates could see them in the dreaded relegation zone.  So, there is a chance they will be playing out of a place of desperation making them dangerous and scrappy.  Remember, this is the team that beat Chelski 1-0 (and put John Terry on the racist map).  In short, I'd say they are extremely unpredictable.  Our makeshift back four will have to be on their toes the whole game and keep the in-form veteran striker Helguson who has seven goals from seeing the back of the net. 

As with Wolves our attack may be diminished with having center backs playing at full back positions.  The paciness and ball handling skills needed are not quite on par with our substitutes.  They are playing their hearts out, no doubt, but one can see how even my favorite would be more comfortable going up for aerial challenges in the middle than playing a one-two with Gervinho.  If QPR come and park the bus, having Theo back on the pitch will be most welcome as we will in all likelihood look to hit them on the counter attack.

As far as the lineup goes, Arsene has already talked of playing RVP and then deciding later whether to play him in the following games: 

“It will be difficult,” said Wenger. “He will play tomorrow, then we will assess the situation with him on Sunday and Monday morning and make a decision.


“I don’t rule it out but he’s one of the players who has played a lot and you see again, against Wolves on Tuesday, he’s the guy who gives absolutely everything in every game at the moment.

Gervinho and Theo will round out the front three with Robin.  Rambo had a breather last match so I expect him to start alongside Song (no backheels please) and Arteta who I am thinking will need a rest here soon.  He's played every Premier League game since he's become an Arsenal player as well as Champions League.  With his history of injury, he is doing surprisingly well, but I would not be shocked if he is approaching the red zone quickly.  With back to back matches on the horizon, I hope Mickey gets a rest.  Who would take his place?  The Coq could step in as well as Ping-Pong although I'm not sure how he and Song would play together.  Honestly, I can't remember if they have appeared together on the pitch or not.

We also have Yossi who could fill - in and deserves some more playing time as he's shown he can make an impact on the pitch.  All in all, I think we'll see a squad that looks something like this:


                                                                  Chezzers

           Djourou                     Mertie                          Koz                   Handsome

                                                                    Song
                                             Arteta/Coq                  Ramsey

Theooooooo                                                                                       Gervinho

                                                                 Captain My Captain

Unfortunately, the game is being shown over here on Fox Soccer Plus which my brother - who is the Gooner upon whom I depend on having access to the right Arsenal channels - does not have with his television programming.  So I will be at home reading Arseblog's live blog and cursing at the illegal stream that keeps freezing.  On a good note - I'll get to wear my brand new Arsenal scarf that the above brother gave me for Christmas.  There's always a silver lining!  Or in this case, a Red and White one. 

So here's hoping we score early and kill off the game before halftime, squashing those West Londoners thus sending them on their way  down to Relegation Alley.  Have a great day Gooners and COME ON YOU REDS!!
                                                                

Filling the Gaps

Current and Former Captains



So here we are on the cusp of 2012 casting an eye on the coveted spots occupied by those above us (included the hated Spuds) while looking over our shoulder at those nipping at our heels.  And while we have experienced a growing confidence in our team, I am looking forward to a time when some of our injured players can come back and fill their roles properly thus allowing our out-of-position players a breath of relief as they move to their more natural roles.

As much as I love seeing my Vermie play every game, even I can acknowledge that his talents are more of a use to us in the center of defense where his gritty play and incredible vertical leap are even more beneficial. 

And although our Dutch of Class and Captain is having the season of his career, we wait with baited breath every game for him to show a hamstring strain or suffer a horrendous tackle.  What would we do if something happens to him?  Chamakh is still suffering from a lack of confidence (or being blackmailed into becoming a complete shambles of a striker for going on a year) and is leaving in January to participate in the ACN along with one of our goalscorers, Gervinho.  Who is on the bench to give Robin some rest?  Arsene shows no confidence in Park playing him only one time in a Cup match and once in Champions League.  Having never set foot on grass for a Premier League game, he is, it seems, a last resort.

Which brings us first off to Thierry Henry.  Having arrived at London Colney  back in mid-November for fitness purposes, Titi has gone from merely being happy to train at his former club to now being a very possible - and very short term- loan move for Arsenal.  Our cagey manager denied rumors of a move back in November, he has now revealed it was his idea to try and push through loan move with Henry's current team the New York Red Bulls. The deal sounds basically done except for the insurance details being finalized.  If the deal goes go through, Henry may not be ready to play until the Leeds game on January 9th with Wenger admitting his fitness still needs a little work.

I'm of the mind that Henry will be a great but temporary option from the bench, and cannot fully be the missing striker that we need.  Van Persie and Arsenal need a proficient scorer who can give Arsene an option when RVP needs a rest and perhaps give the Dutchman a reason to extend his contract at the end of a season.  Arsenal have been linked with two strikers for the January transfer window:  Lukas Podolski currently playing for his home club Cologne in the Bundesliga and Olivier Giroud from the Ligue 1 club Montpellier.  Below are compilations I have found on YouTube that I think highlight their skills as best as possible.

What's interesting is that both are left footed players which gives us the same option at corners and free kicks that Robin provides us.  I have to admit that from limited ability to view these players, I would opt for Podolski in that he seems strongly built and could endure the physical rigours the Premier League requires while having pace and a rifle of a left foot.  He also is used to playing on the wing as well.  So while Gervinho is gone, he could additionally be an option on the left.
Giroud seems technically gifted and a good finisher, but as he is currently on a goal scoring run, he probably would be pricey and difficult to pry away from his current club mid-season.  According to the Metro, Montpellier's owner is asking a hefty fee as he has two years left on his contract. Knowing Arsenal - this alone could obliterate our pursuit of him.

Podloski is having a great season as well scoring 14 goals in15 matches but is out of contract at the end of next season (sound familiar?).   The club's director would like him to sign an extension, and Lukas has been quoted as admiring Arsenal while admitting that there had not been any talks held.  Well, that does not bother me as talks are not to officially take place for two more days.  If Cologne (or Koln) are in any debt they could use this opportunity to balance their books and have an extra few months to scout Lukas' replacement rather than be put through a protracted negotiation at the end of the season.  Podolski is 26 years old.  He's peaking and, if he has any ambition, needs to hone his skills in a more competitive league with what could be his last professional contract.

All in all, I hope Podloski signs.  I saw him play the 2006 World Cup when he was only 19 years old and thought he was wonderful.  Plus, he'd have a comrade in Mertie who rates Podolski as well:

"He is a great player, especially for the national team," Mertesacker said. "He scores a lot of goals, and he has a very good finish with his left foot. His left foot is unbelievable and I'm a fan of him. This year, he has scored a lot of goals. He is powerful as well."

As always, I guess we'll just have to wait and see.  Tomorrow we play QPR and the big question is whether Arsene will rest RVP in the middle of this fixture congestion, or will he play him, thus allowing him the chance to tie or break Alan Shearer's meaningless record?  More details on that in tomorrow's post.  Plus, I'll be writing about the state of affairs with our full backs in the coming days so stay tuned.

Take care Gooners.  Feel free to tell me what you think about our striker situation in the comments.  Until tomorrow...

It's All About The Baby Steps

I don't know about the rest of you Gooners, but after watching the Arsenal exodus this summer, I had real doubts about us competing for the Top Six in the League. I definitely had doubts about qualifying for Champions League and felt unsure about the intentions of our board and our manager to set the Gunner ship aright once again.


And then came the humiliation to end all humiliations at Old Trafford followed by a rather heart-stopping closing to the transfer window. Whew! And due to the lateness of five signings, the question of the team's ability to gel in time to rise from the relegation portion of the table and compete for the title was in question.

And parts of that question have been answered since Saturday. While winning against the newly promoted Swansea 1 -0 didn't leave us with tons of euphoria, I for one, exhaled in a bit of relief. We were better. Maybe we weren't astounding in our play - we could have been more efficient with a few more goals - but, we moved up the table from 17th to 11th, and I saw a small ray of light at the end of the bleak tunnel that breaks onto the Emirates. I saw an improved team that with more time together could provide the foundation for snagging fourth place this year and maybe a cup title.

I think it's of the utmost importance not put the cart before the horse. Let's not kid ourselves. We are NOT going to win the title. We probably won't beat out either Manchester team for points, and overcoming Chelsea could be impossible. Taking fourth place make require putting up with Liverpool and Spuds nipping at our heels and a cup title will probably be done to mostly the luck of who we draw, but it is doable and attainable if we continue to take tiny yet important baby steps forward with each game.

Robin is firing in goals again. History shows that our Captain usually needs about four to five games under his belt before he consistently finds the back of the net. Tonight was only his second Champions League appearance this season, and he scored, but the Swansea game was his fourth which means he should be making goals left and right starting Saturday.

Arshavin showed last weekend that he still has the chops to have unbelievable finishes and energy when his head is screwed on straight. We have been missing the magical moments he can provide regularly ever since Russia lost out on going to the World Cup 2010, and Andrey subsequently  lost his confidence.  Arsene thinks he's ready to go this season, he's set a personal goal of netting 15, and I think he could make a real difference.

Gervinho loves to run at defenders and attack the goal but needs to improve his final product. His lack of finishing was apparent at Newcastle, but improvement was easy to recognize at Udinese. He seems a quick study and although his finishing was not at the calibre we needed today, one has to remember he has not played for Arsenal for almost three weeks due to his ban, and the rust is probably just temporary.

Mikel Arteta is just excited to be at Arsenal and his urgency to help the side is apparent. His almost mythical reputation at converting free kicks hasn't come to fruition yet, but his tenacity and fight on the pitch is welcome. My favorite Mickey moment so far is when he went up fearlessly for a header today against a Dortmand player in the 57th minute and got his skull cracked for his effort. He left the pitch bleeding and came back on patched up and ready to go. He looks like a pretty boy, but I think he's tough as nails.

Song was back today picking player's pockets almost as effortlessly as a thief on busy New York sidewalk. No stupid tackles or lazy fouls. He just always seemed to come up with the ball. That kind of beast-like performance is what is needed from him every time he plays to help our team improve. If he now feels the pressure as a leader because there are so many new players, let's hope today's performance is a sign of how he will respond to that pressure.

Koz continues to improve. Today, I saw him as the leading center back even though he had a German giant alongside him. He made some mistakes the first half as Dortmund attacked, but he was smooth and calm the next 45 minutes. I had no idea why Wenger spent nearly 10 million pounds on him last year as he was so unproven, but if he continues to learn after being thrown in with sharks last year, he will provide competition to Mertesacker for a place and quality of depth once Vermie returns.

My only real concern is Theo. While small progress is being made by most of the players and the group as a whole, our pacy right winger worries me. He seems unhappy and petulant on the pitch. Against the Swans, he got dispossess while being tugged at the shoulder. He stopped to complain to the ref while the Swansea player left with the ball instead of fighting to get it back. He had a nice assist to Robin today, but with all the new wingers available to play at his spot, he needs to turn it around and quickly. He has voiced once again his desire to play centrally as a striker, and maybe playing on the wing again this season has brought out the bad performances, but he has too much at stake to allow disappointment to affect his game. We need him. And he needs good perforamces to keep his place in the England squad as well. Theo's has taken a lot of flak over the years about his supposed disappointing development. And he's taken it with grace while seemingly having his feet firmly planted on the ground. I hope he can return to that unaffected state of mind.

I guess that's it for now.  While reading this report over, I'm reminded of many a season previews that I read a month ago. I didn't write with a preview in mind, but as far as my mindset goes, our NEW season started last Saturday. And after today's match, I am much hopeful now than in August. If we keep building week after week upon small improvements, we could end the season with our heads held much higher than thought possible. Remember, we're not going to get there in leaps and bounds, but with small, steady, consistent movement forward.

You know - baby steps.

That's it for tonight. Take care and enjoy the pitter patter of little bits of improvement. Cheers.

The Ox Hits The Nail on The Head and We'll Have to Wait for the Verm and PerM Show



With the recent comings and goings of players around Arsenal the last couple of weeks, I have to admit to not paying much attention to our young signing Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.  I  knew he was considered one of the up and comers of English talent, and I have perused many a YouTube video, but I think his quotes regarding his chances of breaking into the first team gave me an idea of where his feet are when they're not pushing the ball around.  They seem firmly planted on the ground.  And I think it may have something to do with our new signings.  Alex gave an interview on the official website. 

"He's just told me I need to put pressure on him, impress him in training and that's all I can do," he told Arsenal.com.

"He's just bought some new players now and I understand it's going to be hard for me, but I'm a young lad coming into the Club and I understand I've got a lot of hard work to do to try and impress him."

The Ox nailed it, didn't he?  As opposed to the number of young players who have gotten used to competing against only other young players for a place in the squad, the signing of experienced (albeit perhaps injury-prone) players has signalled a new path from Reserve Player to Starter.  You are going to have to work and force your way in.  Many a fan's complaint last season was the lack of what we deem work rate amongst some of  our starters.  Competition for places against veterans like Arteta and Yossi can be as valuable indirectly as the play they produce on the pitch.  No matter the amount of talent, without hard work that talent can waste away and end up in...Sunderland?

Yes, dearly departed Bendy, I believe, is one of those whose failure to apply himself to the fullest ended in his confidence becoming somewhat of a self-parody.  And according to former Gunner Havard Nordtveit , Nick could have tried a bit harder - and been more open to constructive criticism.  I am not gasping in surprise of Nordveit's appraisal even though he probably only trained with the first-team a handful of times.  I'm sure Nicky made a strong impression of the negative kind.  So he's off, apparently never to return.  Perhaps once he sees how different Sunderland treats their players as opposed to the cushy lifestyle afforded by Arsenal, he'll kick up his effort and become that world-renown striker.  Maybe.

Speaking of new signings, it looks like our Per will not become partners in the center defense with My Vermie for a good couple of months.  Just our luck, Thomas is out for "a month" after having surgery on his "other" ankle.  Apparently the niggly he picked up in the Udinese game could have turned into something more serious akin to last season's achille's injury, so they removed the same tendon.  A month back to training means we won't in all likelihood get to see the Verm and PerM show until our game against the Neanderthal-ish Stoke.  And that's counting on no setbacks.  So, are we thinking December then?  You know, I didn't use to be this cynical.

Anyway, that's all for today.  I know that I am excited to see Arteta et al in action on Saturday.  Hopefully Swansea will be the tune-up game we need before frying some bigger, tastier fish.  Talk to you all later.

Finally We Have Signings But Did Americans Add To The Gridlocks?



Whew!  This transfer window closes around one of the busiest I have seen as a Gooner.  Granted, I have only been a fan since 2002-2003, but five signings in two days (plus Gervinho and The Ox earlier on), has left my head swirling and my blood pumping.  I am not sure that Arsenal meant to have their signings leave Gooners on the edge of their seats, and the last minute buys (Arteta especially) were fun in a stop-your-heart- kind of way, but was the last-minute buying necessary?  Manure was doing business back in June so - as all of you out in Goonerland have asked - why did we wait so long?

The Fabregas saga is somewhat explainable in my mind.  Barcelona, being the cheating, manipulating, tapping up, lying scum that they are waited until the last minute to put in an acceptable bid.  Yes, we should have given them a deadline, but I venture to guess that the Arsenal staff (certainly Arsene) like many of us Gooners have a soft spot for Cesc and did not want to indirectly put his back up against a wall.  The most likely explanation is that the indebted Spanish club needed time to scrounge around under the seats of their Bentleys for change in order to come up with the fee and thus drew out the transfer.

But Nasri?  As he put in one of his ill-advised interviews:  He had expected the move to happen in June - as did his new teammates.  Arsene may have not wanted to lose two big players in one season, but he should have been able to see the writing on the wall, taken the money, and RAN to the nearest footballer shopping mall.

But the other transfers?  Mata, M'Villa, these all had the feel of negotiations that had been botched.  When asked about transfers after the thrashing from United, Wenger noted that there were 20 people working behind the scenes which I translated as he stating "It's not me...someone else is holding things up".  And I have a theory on who might be at the root of the transfer window traffic jam.  I think it might be my fellow countrymen who screwed things up.  That's right.  I'm talking about Richard Law and Stan Kroenke himself.  The Americans.

As an American, I can see how Stan and Dick might not get how quickly and ruthlessly things have to work in English football.  In fact, they may not get how passionate football in England is regarded at all.  Stan owns two sport franchises that make up two thirds of the Big Three American Sports:  The Denver Nuggets (basketball) and the St. Louis Rams (American Football).  He also owns an NHL team and, of course, the Colorado Rapids - Arsenal's sister team in the States.  Soccer recently has bypassed Hockey on the list of  most loved American Sports, but all the same, it has not pulled on the passion or imagination yet of the everyday American Sports fan.  I think this includes Kroenke.  In other words, I'm not sure that Stan gets it,  and I don't think he can develop the fervor of a supporter with his interests being shared by his other sport franchises.  And I do think he needs to be a supporter of the Gunners, not just their Director.  In my limited amount of time as an Arsenal fan, I've realized that fandom is all consuming.  My other interests have faded in comparison.  Can Stan say the same?

And Richard Law?   He's been in charge of Arsenal's transfer negotiations for two years now.  Before that, he acted more as a consultant for Arsenal's South and Central America scouting network.  I worry though, that perhaps he doesn't know how to play hardball.  According to Gunnerblog Joel Campbell and his agent/father didn't even show for their initial meeting with Law, perhaps using their own style of hardball tactics.  But we ended up  signing him anyway?  That kind of flagrant disrespect should have put us off permanently from offering a contract.  Campbell is relatively unknown kid from Costa Rica upon whom we are taking a risk.  Instead of ending the deal by saying "We're The Arsenal.  Take your time wasting tactics somewhere else", we agree to sign him 10 days later.  Even if we came out on top of the deal somehow, I think the message conveyed here is one of weakness and desperation.  Plus, with the luck that only Arsenal can possess, the kid can't even get a work permit, so he's been loaned out.  You know, I have looked for pictures of Mr. Law online and cannot find any, but I have a sinking suspicion he does not have much of a chin...

Anyway, I am not saying Arsene has not had some hand in the jumbling of transfers as he does have to sign off on them and request players.  I am sure he balked at M"Villa's 30 million pound price tag and hung onto Nasri for sentimental reasons or stubbornness too long.  But his exasperation seemed apparent in his post-match interview at Old Trafford.

I suppose we will never really know why things happened the way they did.  Ivan will in all likelihood hem and haw his way around these type of questions that Arsenal supporters and certainly journalists will ask at the next opportunity.  Arsene will play out the scene in silence as well as that befits the discretion he so adheres to.

I think for the club to prevent a near transfer tragedy in the coming seasons, the people behind the scenes and at the top of the heap need to remember that working at Arsenal isn't just a job.  Like the footballing architects who first built the club 125 years ago, they need to be Gooners at heart.

And with that said, this Gooner signs off...until next time, take care.

Youngsters Show Spirit and There's a Stench at the Emirates



Okay, I was not expecting a 2-0 loss on Saturday.  I think we were all worried about the possible result, but I figured a draw would be the most drastic.  The first 20 minutes scared the daylights out of me as we mislaid pass after pass.  Only My Vermie's shackling of Carroll gave me any sense of relief as he robbed him of nearly every header.  And watching a Liverpool player attempt to steal the ball off of 'Pong only to be brushed aside by him gave me a chuckle.  But then we know what happened eventually:  injuries, red cards, and losing while down to 10 men.

As far as individual performances go, I can't fault the young 'uns.  They showed spirit and fight (perhaps injudiciously) from Jenks to 'Pong and Ignasi.  SIDENOTE:  If one doesn't have faith in one's fourth pick center back, why isn't he sold?  Ignasi was on the bench and Squillaci in the stands?  Not that I think Squillaci would have done better, but what a statement made by Wenger - intentionally or unintentionally.  Anyway, RVP and Nasri played their parts as well while Theo and Arshavin were, well, pretty bad.  Every time Theo received the ball by the touchline, he was swarmed and usually conceded possession.  And Andrey's attempts at penetrating and passing were intercepted or otherwise nullified.

So all in all, we're in bad shape.  We have won only one out of six possible points.  Song and Emmanuel are suspended for Manchester United next Sunday and we don't know the extent of Koz's injury for the Udinese game, which means we could be short at the CB position.  There are rumblings tonight on Twitter that Jack could be back for the CL match, but what about our only creative player Nasri?  As much as I detest eating Humble Pie, I'll swallow a slice by admitting his performance made me remember why I liked him so much last year.  His move for Manchester City is taking FOREVER so, who knows?  If Wenger plays him against the Italians and he ends up Cup-tied, Mancini admitted that event could be a deal breaker.  What I found interesting is that Mancini expressed confusion and surprise that the deal wasn't done as soon as he expected stating:


"It's a big problem. For 40 days [I've been saying]: 'I hope it's two days, three days, two days, three days.' I don't know why we didn't close it.

It's nice for some other club to express confusion over the actions of its Board, and Mancini had no trouble stating that in public.  I think something similar could be going on at Arsenal, but unlike Roberto, Arsene is not the type of manager to come out and openly challenge the Arsenal Board.  He loves the club, is loyal, and discreet.  He probably views opening up any diagreements about transfers to the public as distasteful. And I do think there are major disagreements going on here which is the only sane explanation I can come up with for us not having the signings we need this close to the transfer deadline.  Our manager is a man who has made big signings in the pre-Emirates past.  Many of these were diamond-in-the-roughs whom he transformed into real gems.  But the Bergkamp signing was seen as a landmark signing.  Fast forward a few years and Wenger has to develop low-cost youngsters, while staying in the Champions League and vying for the title in order to help build the Emirates and keep the debt low.  Now he has money.  There is NO WAY he would jeopardize the whole season, qualification for Europe, and staying in the Top Four unless someone was pulling against his strings in the background.  I'm not saying Le Boss is not playing a small part in the delay, (he does seem very picky), but the guy knows what winning feels like and hates to lose.  I think the Board is not letting Wenger deal the way he wants.  Mata going to Chelsea seems to be the latest hint of unrest behind the scenes.


Of course, I'm not sure of all the details.  I'm as far from being a fly on the wall as I am from - well - ever seeing a game live in at the Emirates.  But something doesn't feel right.  And, on top of everything else,  Wenger is looking horrible as well.  He's dropped weight and is looking almost ill.  If he was truly acting only on his idealism or stubborness, I don't think it would be ravaging him physically as much as it is.  Think about it.  If you truly believe in what you are doing, criticism and defeat are taken with a grain of salt.  Arsene is starting to look like the Crypt Keeper for goodness sakes.

I'm not sure how the end of the transfer window is going to look for the Gunners.   If things continue going south, I fear that our manager will be left holding the bag while the owner and  Board put a spin on the situation.  I trust Arsene.  I don't always agree with him, but I trust him.  I'm not sure I trust the Board.  I'm not sure we'll ever know the true goings-on behind the Red and White curtain until Wenger writes an autobiography or a whistle blower comes foward.  Until then, Wenger will probably just continue to take the heat, stay in the kitchen, and try to make diamond souffle out of whomever he ends up with.

Yep, there's something rotten alright, and it's not in Denmark - it's in London.  Until next time.

Post Script:  Arsenal.Com just posted team news that explains Squillaci's absence.  He has a calf strain.



Could Lansbury See Daylight Saturday?

So, I know we are all biting our fingernails, ruining our manicures, pulling out clumps of hair in an attempt to manage the barrage of anxiety we're feeling about Saturday's match against Liverpool.  Admit it.  Some of you think we don't have a Popsicle's chance in Hades of coming out with a win against the Scousers, never mind another clean sheet.  And looking at everything on paper, that is probably a pretty accurate prediction.  According to the injury update on the official site, we are sporting a threadbare squad.  To summarize, I'll list who out of our first team "regulars" is available:
Szczesny, Sagna, Koscielny, My Vermie, Arshavin, Theo, Rambo, RVP, Chamakh, Nasri (*cough,splutter*) and...that's about it.  Which means we're in need of a make-shift left back, and one or two midfielders.  Djourou is a "maybe" dependent on a late fitness test tomorrow so he could figure in as well.

Threadbare, right?  So I'm figuring we could see a squad made up of half veterans and half new up and comers which could look something like this:
Szczesny, Sagna, Koscielny, DJ/Vermie, Vermie/Jenks, Rambo, Ping-Pong, Theo Arshavin, RVP and...Lansbury? 

Why not Henri?  Our other choice could be Nasri, but with his alledged impending Manchester City transfer, I doubt he will be risked.  So our midfield could consist of Henri and The Pong (I can't make up my mind about his nickname.  There are so many possibilities) who have played together for several years at the Academy and Aaron who has taken on the mantle of creative midfielder since the departure of He Who Must Not Be Named.  The average age is - well without having to do real math - it's younger than the roof on my house probably.  But Henri has, as described by Jamie at YoungGunsBlog.com and Norwich staff, grit, determination, and "an engine that won't quit".  I think that's what we need right now.  We don't have the finesse honed by experience in the Premier League, we don't have a vault full of silverware won by recent squads, but we could have some fight in us on Saturday.  We could have enough to prove to give a shock to Liverpool and even we fans.  Henry definitely has something to prove to Wenger.

On the offensive end, Liverpool's defense is penetrable, and with Theo's (or Ox's or Ryo's) speed, Arshavin's magic,Bendy's headers ( hey - he's not gone yet) and RVP 's chocolate and non-chocolate legs, we could outscore them.  Their talisman is out injured.  Suarez seems to be there center of energy and Carroll their aerial threat.  I'm not sure we can get a clean sheet out of it, but I think we can battle through to a win.  I want a win.

Why not? We got one against the energetic Italians (who I thought were very un-Italian -like in their attack), so hopefully, our defense has built some confidence, and Theo will continue some scoring form - especially after announcing he 's aiming for 18 goals this season.  *Gasp*  Someone wants that central striker position really badly.  Go for it Theo!  If you reach your goal, you could write a book about it.  Erm...I mean a second book....filled with interesting things to read about.  Moving on.

I wanted to encourage everyone to visit 'holic's website to view this Arsenal Anthem.  It was the inspirtaion to this somewhat optimistic post.  I think all of us as fans could use some uplifting momentum right now.  Actually, I think the players taking their places on the pitch for Saturday's match could use a view of it too.  Sadly, I don't have that much influence.  Give it a look and tell me that it doesn't get you fired up. I dare you.   I'll have to call you a Gone Gooner then, though.

Whoever is on the pitch for the weekend match, let's all get behind them.  It's the first match at the Emirates, and I hope the boys out there get full support from the fans lucky enough to be able to attend.  If Lansbury does make it to the pitch, give him a good song, won't you?  Take care.

Andrey's Attitude and Is It Bye-Bye Bendy?

Well, like the sweltering heat of an Indiana summer, the Arsenal transfer saga continues with little movement on some fronts (Cesc/Nasri) and some on others.  But more on that later.  In some refreshing news, Andrey Arshavin has been speaking on the Arsenal site about what he wants to accomplish in the coming season.  Our sometimes energetic Russian is going for 15 goals.  I have to say, reading that Andrey is setting goals makes me think that his head might be finally recovered from missing the World Cup.  For him, like the rest of the squad and perhaps even us fans, the slate is wiped clean, and he wants to write success across his.  It's exactly what I want to hear.  I  am tired of hearing that Arsenal players are "suffering" or want to win trophies somewhere else.  Way to lay down the gauntlet for yourself Andrey.  Having only netted six goals in his half season with us in 2009, 12 in 2009-2010, and 10 last season, 15 shows ambition.  I am feeling optimistic that our petite winger is going to have a great season.  I would to see that tongue-hanging-out-celebration thingy much more often.Click here for my all time favorite Arshavin goal (HINT:  it's probably your favorite too)

Onto some potential Arsenal exits, the striker who outscores everyone on the planet as far as self-confidence goes may be off to Sporting Lisbon.  That's right, Bendy may be leaving for Portugal for reportedly 9 million pounds.  I use the word "may" because soon after the Guardian posted the article about he move, Jamie from the Young Guns Blog tweeted a quote from Sporting Lisbon Director Carlos Barbados where he stated "It's highly unlikely that Nicklas Bendtner ends up here. The club pays nowhere near what he is used to at Arsenal." 

Ummm.  Okay.  Many bloggers and fans have commented on the possible dangers giving young and mostly unproven players such high wages.  It's tough to unload them.  Denilson's loan to Sao Paulo is a primary example and it looks as though Nick may have to go the same route if he wants consistent playing time.  It's too bad really.  Nick has always driven me batty at times, but when given a consistent run in the side, I found him to be someone who needed to be reckoned with.  We depended on him back in the 2009-2010 season when Robin got tore up in that friendly with Italy (which turned out not to be that friendly).  Horse's placenta failed, Bendy was called upon and responded by netting 12 goals from November to late April.  I wonder if he hadn't wrecked his car around a tree, carried an injury into the World Cup and into the start of the season last year, perhaps Chamakh would have been called upon less and Bendy more.  What we had last year was not-so-fast and agile Nicklas playing as a winger - which aggravated both him and the fans.  He did manage to score some goals though only two in the Premier League and NONE in the Champions League.  None against Barcelona at Camp Nou.  Sigh.  Unfortunately, that is how I will probably remember Bendy - The One Who Let It Get Away.

Anyway, that's all for now.  Apparently the Joel Campbell story is breaking again (thanks gunnerblog), but unless he gets a work permit, I don't think we'll see him this year.  Speaking of work permits, the ever-informed Jamie again at Young Guns has written that Arsenal are working on the work permit for Ryo which means that Wenger wants to give him his chance at first team football.  Wow. Can you imagine being just out of a high school soccer program and having the opportunity to play at one of the biggest soccer clubs at the world?  Surreal.

I said that was all, didn't I? Okay, so hopefully there will be some clarity on whether our Dane is departing or not.  Until then, try to not let the rumors drive you over the edge.  Take care.

Are You Kidding Me?

Hey - did you hear about Arsenal's bid for me?  Jokers!



This is a joke, right?  Our bid for Jagielka has been reported to have been rejected.  Considering it was two million pounds less than our last bid, I am not surprised.  The obvious question, of course, is why did we offer less? The start of the season is less than a month away, we don't have time to play games, practical jokes or make mistakes here.  I understand the Cesc/Nasri situation making it difficult to assess and sign offensive players, but tying down a central defender seems to be a straight forward job with minimum juggling required. 

I readily admit, I am the poorest bargainer on the planet.  I've bought a car at the sticker price for goodness sakes - never bothering to ask for a better deal.  I have friends who insist they go with me when I'm shopping for almost anything - wanting to be sure I don't get ripped off.  But I do know this one rule when it comes to offering a bid...if your first offer is turned down, you offer a little more.  Are people at the offices of The Arsenal getting bored?  Is the offer a red herring leaked out for media consumption?  Or maybe Ivan knows something we don't about Phil's abilities?  If they're less stellar than what we thought, why are we bidding at all?

Anyway, I am beating a dead horse here, but being that Arsenal news is scarce and usually bad, I felt a rant was overdue.  Moving on...

Let's talk about my favorite of favorites...Vermie.  Does anyone else notice he is on the site often these days being quoted about our chances next season and his opinion on new arrivals?  And, they're putting up some great pictures of him too, thank goodness.  This picture is definitely not flattering, and I remember last season they kept using it again and again.  With my much-loved Belgium back in action, there should be more images to choose from.    Hopefully,we won't see that again.  Anyway, Thomas talks about the squad having a clean slate and the fact that everyone in the league gets the chance to start over.  Which is true.  I suspect it's easier for him to talk about that considering he did not play a part in last season's demise.  This usually positive chatter gets on one's nerves after awhile, but considering the source, I am almost feeling the optimism myself.  Almost.  I am getting excited that football is going to be back and there will be lots to read and watch and listen to and  hopefully cheer about.  If we would just sign Benzema, or Jagielka, or Cahill, or Mertsacker or the next unknown Thierry Henry.  That's not asking for too much, is it?  The answer to that question will in all likelihood not be forthcoming until September when the transfer window officially closes.  Until then, we'll just have to feed on the bread crumbs allotted to us on a daily basis.

I guess that's it for now.  Short but sweet today.  I'm off to go garage saling - with a few chaperones of course.  Have a good one!

Jack No Longer The Lad



Kids grow up so fast these days don't they?  None more so than our Spiky Jack.  Taking the bull by the horns last season, Jack transformed one starting opportunity into a season as Arsenal's most consistent midfielder, playing more games than any other Gunner including his midfield partner Alex Song.  So, I guess that it should be no surprise that this 19 year old fan-favorite is now developing his influence as a leader also.  A leader that is speaking out about what makes a good footballer a good man.  And according to quotes from The Sun, Jack says it's Loyalty.  Here's the meat of the matter according to Jack:

"Loyalty is a big part of football and it shows if you are a real man or not. If you are loyal, it means you are a real man.

Can I tell you what a breath of fresh air that statement is to fan? When players move for money or declare they need to go somewhere in order to obtain trophies (when in fact if they worked a little harder they would maybe have a shot to get them), it rankles a purist like myself.  I had a fit when the Olympics allowed professional athletes to compete.  I also happen to think that a player who is playing for something more than just a paycheck - love for the club for example- he will give more effort.  Loyalty and fidelity to their team can push an athlete to greater heights than money alone.  I truly believe that.   Jack is one of those players that may be driven more by his internal values than the external rewards, and his expectation is that others need to take a look at their motivation.

Now the papers have made much of his statement, singling out Cesc as the primary target of his comment.  Jack did mention Cesc but as an example of one who showed loyalty last year by staying at Arsenal.  Unlike the pundits, I think that Jack might have been speaking about Nasri, whose lack of taking proper ownership for his part in our end of season collapse plus his  refusal to sign a contract probably irks Jack more than the Cesc saga.    He adds:

"We have loyalty at Arsenal and players have shown that in the past. Cesc showed that last year and hopefully a few more players will show it this year.

I don't know who else he would be talking about besides Nasri...Bendtner?  I don't think so.  I think Samir blaming the club for the lack of trophies (while only scoring 18 goals in three years) and expecting either more money or  a move to a rival club probably has pushed Jack's buttons.  See, Jack's not just a player for Arsenal, he's a fan.  He thinks and acts like a Gooner at times which is probably one of the reasons we like him so much.   Anyway, Jack took exception to some of the headlines by the journalists and attempted to clear up any misdunderstandings via his Twitter account @JackWilshere.

Have not read any papers but just so we get it right i actually said 'cesc showed he is a real man by staying and being loyal last season'..

I also said he has been a great role model for me! So why would i tell him to 'man up'!? Get it correct please...


So there ya go.  All in all, we have a 19 year old telling players five years older than himself to show some integrity.  What can I say?  It makes me like him even more.

I guess that's it for today other than to say how much I enjoyed Wenger FINALLY calling out Xavi and correctly labeling him as disrespectful.  I'm sure Xavi will have some intelligent, witty response at the ready as we all know his pie-hole is open 24 hours a day.  I wonder what on-the-spot comment he'll make next? Who knows?  Maybe he'll just stick his tongue out at the Wenger dartboard he has in his mother's basement.

You all have a good night and I'll be back in a couple of days. 

What Can You Expect?

Oh - I didn't mean what can you expect from Arsenal.  I meant from me.  This is all about me.  I mean, you can pretty much predict how the rest of the month is going to go when it comes to our club.  Something like this:

Weekend of July9th-10th - no movement on the transfer front.  Which isn't a surprise because no real business develops on the weekend.  Did you know it's the 7th agonizing weekend without Arsenal football?  Egads!  Copa America is somewhat interesting, but we all know what we're waiting for.  Oops, I digress.

I meant to talk about me.  Not about next week when we will be getting out of bed early to see if Gervinho has FINALLY completed the paperwork (seriously, what is the holdup mes amies?) and has pictures posted on the official site.  And I don't mean to talk about the Daily Mail getting fans' hopes up about Benzema again, or the Guardian telling us that Nasri is just going to play out his contract and then leave for greener (lush from all the manure dumped on it) pastures - full of cow pies I hope.

Nope.  The purpose of this posting is to alert my five readers that I have come out of my post-season coma and guarantee three articles a week - no matter what.  This guarantee is as solid as Wenger's promise to sign five...erm no.  Four?  Nope.  Right - one or two new players into our squad.  But don't despair...he also pledges that he's going to do all he can to fight to keep Cesc and Nasri.  So, rest assured about getting regular- if somewhat nonsensical -writings from me...

Yep, I'll be as regular as the irritated, sarcastic, and somewhat dire communication I'm reading from fellow Gooners on Twitter.  At least @KeithThe Gooner is good for some eyebrow-raising tweets and chuckles.  The rest of us are seemingly suffering from the same impatient strand of malaise.  I even really TRY and not be edgy.  But, it's five days until our Asian tour and...nothing. 

Oh look...that puts into the third week of July where I will have already written two more posts by the time our squad takes off seemingly without our former Captain and with no (good enough) replacement at left-back.  I wonder how much weight the Arsenal plane can carry?  Doesn't dead weight (and you all know who I mean) weigh more?  Yeesh.  The thought of us playing next season with the same back up on the bench gives me the shivers.  Which is not good.  Because remember.

This is all  about me.  And I'm about ready to ask someone to take me out to the back 40 and put me out of my misery with a shotgun.  But, then I wouldn't be able to post another three excellent writings by the time our pre-season friendly against FC Cologna happens on the 23rd. Do we think by then make-me-want-to-Barfalona will have actually offered to pay Cesc's value?  Actually, I hope that the Daily Express' @MattLawExpress had it right yesterday when he tweeted

"Told guardiola and rosell barely speaking at the mo. Pep v pissed off cesc not signed yet. Not everything is rosey in paradise."

 

If there is any truth to that rumor, the rest of my July would be cake.  Layered cake with strawberry and banana filling in between those layers and strawberry icing on top with sprinkles.  Could I please have the sprinkles?  Pretty please, even?  Remember this very important fact.

 

It's. All. About. Me.

 

I guess that it for now.  I'll be back with more pleadings for pastries, desserts, center backs,and closure in a few days.  Really.  Trust me.

 

Have a good one.

 

 

The Grit is Gone

Mine is missing, that is.  The grit that enables a fan  to hang in with their team in the belief that the squad is just going through a rough patch?  That's what I'm talking about.  The fortitude required in order to defend my manager and players against slander and near abuse has faded into the dusk.  I acquiesce.  Wenger is right about one thing:  Something is gone - from the squad and from the fans.

Not even the most even-tempered, moderate bloggers are staying the course.  Many have given up the battle.  Goonerholic's post today broke my heart.  One can look to an objective perspective from him usually.  And to see him finally admit a type of defeat helped break through my last brick of denial.  We are not the team I thought we were.  And where my last post hinted at needing only minor changes within the squad and team,  I am now not so sure that is the case.  If Arsenal's problem is psychological, then that points to a problem at the top.  So either the way the manager and coaches deal psychologically with the squad (where the average age is 23) needs to change, or the manager needs to go.

There.  I said it.  I never thought I would but there you go...no grit.

I have to admit that watching Arsenal without Arsene at the helm is something that right now is unimaginable.  I became a fan under the Wenger-era and hence do not have the reference point that many of you who have been fans for 30 + years do have.  I have rooted for American sports teams that go through coaches almost as frequently as Inter or Chelsea (Cubs, Notre Dame football).  I just have never gotten so attached to a manager before.

And if we were in fifth or sixth place and our boys were still fighting - leaving the pitch,sweaty, exhausted and grass-stained, I would walk around with my head high and my heart full of the moxie displayed by the players.   But that is so often not the case these days that I am feeling lucky to live overseas where the only EPL non-Arsenal fan I will hear from is my Manure-loving cousin.  Stoke fans taunting me with grunts?  Don't have to worry about it. I am safely ensconced in Hoosier-land.

 Still, I feel broken.

I would venture a guess that what I am going through is a reflection of the team's dissipation.  What we saw on Sunday was the anti-thesis of the second-half fight we brandished in the first half of the season.  Something about that Carling Cup Final disaster left a blight on our boys' psyche - and it lives on like a looped nightmare.  The performances are as predictable as a teenage horror flick.  Yelling at a soon to be victim on screen, "Don't go in that pitch-black room by yourself - you'll get off-ed" is the same as watching an unmarked opponent head (or chest or kick or ass) a ball into our net off a set piece.  Skip the middle and get right to the end because I can't stomach  the details anymore.

The last two games are playing while I'm at work.  Normally, not getting to watch my beloved Arsenal (yes - I still love them) would cause quite the hullabaloo and fuss, but now I'm actually grateful for having to work weekends.  It gifts me an excuse - a Get Out Of Arsenal Jail Free card which I will use with no sense of disgrace.  I am - until the end of the season - a Gooner.  But a grit-less one.

That's all for now.  Until next time...

Has Wenger's Experiment Really Failed?

Has the Youth Project failed at Arsenal?  I know this question has been discussed recently ad nauseum.  The reason I'm asking is that usually an experiment has to come to an end for the results to be analyzed and a report of success or failure given.  So based on that, I have two questions.  1)How will we know when the experiment has run its course, and 2) Who will decide that?

The easy answer to the second question is that Wenger knows when the experiment has run its course.  He created, nurtured, and developed the idea of it, carried out the intricacies of catalysts.  And therefore, one would think he gets the final say.  But with fan pressure and new ownership, it may not necessarily fall to him.  I personally think that the experiment needs more time to play out.  I know, I know.  We're all exasperated and depressed and probably sporting coifs with bald patches because we've been tearing our hair out by its roots.  But hear me out.

We probably all read Cesc's controversial (or not) interview with Don Balon.  If you didn't read it, here is a translated article in the Guardian.  I was particularly struck by the end of  the interview where Cesc describes his conversation with Caveman Carlos regarding winning trophies.

"I speak with [the Barcelona captain Carles] Puyol, who says that he didn't win a thing until he was 26. Patience and hard work are the most important things in life"

Right now, the average age of our squad is 23.  What Cesc is saying makes sense.  Most players don't peak until they are 27 years old.  We have a squad full of players who have just started down that road.  Many are under 23 but have loads of match experience.  So what does this mean?  Does it mean we have to wait three more years until Cesc et al are at the right chronological age?  Can you imagine waiting that much longer for silverware to be lifted at the Emirates?  With the wolves howling at the gate as it is, I can't.

What I can imagine, however, is mathematically skewing the age average.  Bringing in two players who are 27 - 30 years of age and unloading a couple of players under 24 years of age (Denilson, Bendy, Vela - take your pick) will bring the average age up to 25 or 26 years, and then we're almost there.  If the new, older players are those who know how to fight and win things, that ingredient could affect the average as well.  See?  We're at the 26- 27 year average right there.  Creative arithmetic can go a long way.

Plus - tweaking the experiment doesn't mean it's come to a  close.  I'm sure medical researchers go off on different tangents depending on what ongoing results they find.  Cancer has not been cured as of yet, but I'd hazard a guess that the expermients for a cure have undergone many manifestations.

The move to the Emirates was the initial catalyst for the initial experiment.  Seeing our boys struggle to get over the trophy hump is an indication that it's time another element was added - an element of knowing how to win, of feeling open to disagreeing with the manager, an element involving two by fours hitting people in the backside when they don't seem properly motivated.

Like I said - just a tweak.

For right now, I don't think we can say The Project has failed.  Because it's not done.  It's still evolving.  It may, in fact, never be truly finished until it's creator leaves Arsenal.  And that's my answer to Question #1.

What are your answers?

That's all for now.  Catch ya later Gooners.

The End Of Hibernation

Sniff...something smells different.  Spring?  Could be.  It feels like I've been in a self-protective cave for awhile allowing life - and Arsenal - to pass me by while I try to regain strength in the part of my limbs and brain that control my fan enthusiasm.  I have to admit my fervor waned after the last two week's worth of losses and the pile-up of injuries.  So I climbed into my hole, curled up, and gave my beat up psyche a rest.

But, as I said - sniff - something smells different.  It smells almost German.  Don't roll your eyes - German is a smell.  Craziness, great cheekbones, granite jaw, muscular legs, and perfect shoulders are all smells - if one is obsessed with Jens Lehmann.

See what I mean?

Jens was my first official Arsenal crush.  Before I understood the game or even cared if Arsenal won, there was Jens standing tall in between the sticks yelling at people, shoving people, kicking people, and even knocking some people's teeth out in the process.  He also did a bit of good goal keeping too, accumulating 10 clean sheets in a row in Europe, keeping out Riquleme's penalty shot in the semi-final allowing us to advance to Paris for the Champions League Final.  Of course, I have to remember, he is a bit Mad.

Anyway - he's back, and I'm perked up.  Jens' return is great timing also, as my second dreamy crush is out for the rest of the season.  Wenger announced that The Verminator (who possesses many of the same great attributes as the German but seems much saner) is done for the year.   Much like the famed Greek warrior, Vermalaen has been undone by his heel - although only suffering a football death worth one season as opposed to an eternity.  I am waxing philosophical today, aren't I?  I suppose that comes from trying to shake away the cobwebs.

What else?  Djourou is also out for about six weeks meaning our favorite pairing of Squillaci and Koscielny are most likely going to face West Brom on Saturday.  West Brom beat us last match at the Emirates and like to play - thankfully - the ball mostly on the ground.  Our French pairing in the middle don't fare so well together against balls in the air, so maybe they'll be alright.

Cesc, Song and Theo are still out so here's hoping Wenger puts Nasri in the middle and Rosicky either out wide or on the bench.  I don't think he is doing well in the middle and Nasri on the wing seems to be less potent with Cesc out.  I'm hoping also that Le Boss gives Rammers a start ahead of either Denilson or Diaby.  I don't care which one at this point, just keep the very non-dynamic duo off the pitch.  Aaron has been called up for international duty so a good amount of playing time would probably be appreciated by the Welsh National Manager.

So with only 10 games to go and only one trophy on which to focus, the end of the season is looking tricky and unexpected.  I'm not sure I was expecting us to be only 3 points behind the leaders with a game in hand.  I know I wasn't expecting both our starting goalies to be out injured and Wenger signing an emergency keeper.  And as far as Saturday's game goes, I really don't know what to expect there either.  I'm hoping for Wenger's selections to make sense, and for our boys to play hard. I figure if they don't play hard, the sight of Mad Jens on the bench, or in the locker room, might make them reconsider.

Because he bites, you know.

Time for a nap.  See you later after the match.

It's Time for Refs to Exit Stage Right

This post is for the men on the pitch with a whistle in their hand and cards in their pockets.  Yep - I'm talking to you.  I want to make sure that you understand why we fans watch this beautiful game.  I want to remind you who the stars really are.  We watch and cheers because of our players and for our club. They are the ones who should take center stage.  Their play should decide the outcome of matches.

Not you.

I'm not one to often condemn you officials.  I usually take the view that a complaint about a ref is a cop out, an attempt at covering up poor play.  However, the past few weeks, the poor play has been on your part.  And since your name is not on the squad sheet nor the reason we pay for a ticket or a cable package, I think that you need to shape up or ship out, as my Dad would say. 

If a player played as poorly as some of you officiate, he would be cut from the squad, relegated to the reserves, or just outright sold.  I hear that one of your brothers - Mark Clattenburg- has gone on a four week hiatus to get away from the recent pressure.  Maybe that's an idea that the rest of you should consider...take a vacation, go on  a retreat, whatever it takes for you to be able to take a step back, regroup, and come back able do your job in an even-handed, logical manner.

Anthony Taylor - the ref who couldn't keep up with our Russian

I understand that honest mistakes are made especially in the EPL where the game moves so very quickly (the aforementioned  Clatttenburg recently admitting that Rooney's elbow against Wigan was in his peripheral vision only).  But if you are too slow to keep pace with the quickness of play,  and a player gets fouled in the penalty box with you too far back to make the call - I have no patience for you.

Nice bump Phil...when ya due?

If you kick a player off the pitch for grabbing an opponent by the scruff of his thuggy little neck and pushing him onto the ground, but then allow the offender's goalkeeper to be put into a headlock with no repercussions for the WWF wannabe's?  Take a trip and  ponder your future occupation because your present one should be in jeopardy. 

Nasri gets throttled

If you allow two players to be put into choke holds and do not card the perpetrators, but instead turn around and kick one of the strangled out of the game for taking a shot ONE SECOND after you call him offsides?  You don't need to go on a month's vacation.

You need to be exiled.  I hear Siberia has vacancies.

Some have called for technology to be used to help decrease the amount of your errors.  Those opposed say that it would slow down the pace of the game.  I have to admit I do not want to see futbol turned into Football - taking up to 4 hours to complete.  Your cohorts in France have their decisions reviewed by their board, correct?  I'm not a UK-er but would support that.  I bet you would like a little guidance now and again, wouldn't you?  Unless you're on the take, of course, which I seriously considered  your Swiss co-worker Busacca of last night.  Scandalous.

So step it up.  Ask for assistance, brainstorm on how to be the best that you can be.  Leave the stardom to the, err...well the stars.  Perhaps it's a wakeup call for you to realize that you are the background.  The players are the art.  Blend in by being consistent, fair, and straight.

Otherwise, Siberia will be your destination, one way or the other.

Health Hazards Ahead

There have got to be health hazards in consequence of being an Arsenal fan.  There just has to be.  Near-exhilaration followed by huge emotional letdowns cannot be good for one's health.  The stress of watching this team's unpredictable play is going to be the end of me.  These guys?  They're gonna kill me one of these days.

Part of the problem is expectation.  We all know the talent that is in abundance at the club.  We know their potential.  We watched in angst and awe as they took down Barcelona.  We've witnessed many of them grow as players and as young men as they came to the club at the ages of 16, 17, or 18 years of age.  And yet, they cannot fulfill that potential on a regular basis especially with key men on the sidelines.  There seems to be missing that ingredient that binds their attitude together into a like-minded will to win.  Two of our players who were out due to injury have that will.  Cesc and Van Persie bring that drive.  But when they're not on the pitch?  Nasri was captain yesterday and he did look hungry for the ball and a win, but somehow he could not inspire certain other players.  Arshavin had many moments of energy and trying, Jack always works hard, Bendtner was - well, he was Bendtner, and our fullbacks were racing around as usual.  Our man who was pushing the farthest forward at times was Koz, and that speaks volumes about how badly our game needed a shove. 

I really wonder if our expectations are too high with those key men out injured.  Do other teams realize their potential with their main striker, creative maestro, speedy winger, and key midfield defender on the sidelines?  We were not as flowing without them, we couldn't go as wide or get in behind the defense as often.  Our flow was hampered and our counter attack negated by our second stringers whose style of play slowed our game down.  Once some substitutions were made, the game flowed better, and we started to really scare the opposition with attempt after attempt and attack after attack.  For whatever reason, be it bad luck, a curse put on us by a gypsy Fergie relative, or the standard blessing that seems to be put on every visiting goalkeeper to have an outstanding game at the Emirates- we could not find the back of the net.  I stood up in excitement and sat back down again only to have to stand back up in anticipation of another attack so many times, that I was exhausted, weakened, and could have sworn I had developed heart palpitations...and depression...and some sort of general anxiety disorder.  I'm missing clumps of hair from both sides of my head.  See what I mean?  Hazardous.

And my health, I fear, is not going to get any better soon.  We face Barcelona in two days' time and could still be without all four of those starters plus Jack who has an ankle injury.  And while I think our defense is in better shape than that of last year's matchup at Camp Nou, I'm now worried about whether Wenger can shake up the lineup formation to keep our game fluid as possible.  That's when we're at our best, and that's when we have a chance at meeting our potential.  I have no expectations yet.  I am making myself wait in forming any opinion about our chances until I hear who is on the plane to Spain...in the rain?  Something not quite right there, hmmm.

Until then, I have to make a doctor's appointment.  I'm thinking of having a pacemaker put in.  Maybe one of those that I only have to really use once or twice a week until May.  I could just try and get a prescription for a mild tranquilizer to chill me out during the matches, but with my luck, the local pharmacist would be a Manure fan and then I'd be slipped something that would make my heart race even faster - in which case I would need a pacemaker.  I think I just made my decision.

I hope that all you Gooners out there are in better health, but if you are as obsessed about this team as much as I am, I think you could all be visiting your doctors soon as well.  Maybe we should all buy stock in cardiac medical equipment.  Just a thought.

Take care, and take a lot of deep breaths.  Talk to you soon.

The Full Meaning

Arsenal making it to the Final of the Carling Cup has come at a great time in my evolution as a soccer fan.  I am now appropriately obsessed and educated to a point where I will enjoy our trophy.  The importance of a Cup win was not always apparent to me. I have to confess ( as I did back in October) that I was not always the most dedicated of Gooners.  Attending cup matches at Jeane's or Big Z's seemed optional - especially when we were playing the kids. And when we lost to Chelsea in the 2006-2007 season was tough but I think that's because it was Chelsea.

The other aspect of my former ignorance is not fully understanding what a Cup was.  In other words, I didn't get the lingo.  At first, I thought it was British idioms being used, and as an American although we speak the same language, I at times don't know what the other is saying.  Then I discovered it's just the culture of the sport.  The MLS has Cups too.  The whole World has a Cup.  Golf and sailing have Cups.  I finally figured it out.  Cup = Tournament.

Zoom in on light bulb turning on over my head.

That's how I explained the importance of today's games to my neices.  They had no idea what a Cup was or even why my brother and I were rooting for Wigan yesterday.  So my lecture was twofold.  A Cup is a tournament that is played out over a span of time, and we want the Blue team to win because of accumulation of points.  Yada yada....we hate Manure...the usual.

I guess it just takes time to assimilate all the information and nuances of a sport you've never been exposed to.  Cricket, for example, looks incredibly complicated even though using a bat and ball and running around after the ball is hit mistakenly looks similar to baseball.  I am daunted to even try and figure it out.  Sidenote - Maybe someday, someone could explain what "The Ashes" are.  I would appreciate it.

Anyway, my knowledge, I think, is pretty complete now and is the reason for my butterflies and excitement this morning.  Arsenal are in a Cup Final.  More importantly, this Arsenal team are in a Cup Final.  The team that for the last five season have been trying to build themselves into a squad that would maintain the glory that comes with wearing the Red and White of the Arsenal.  It's been rough going.  We've had our stop/starts, our breakdowns, our injuries, our doubts, and our impatience with how the team has been built.  We have gotten our hopes up only to have them dashed by inconsistent performances and a lack of mature mentality and winning experiences. But ever so slowly, the team has been morphing as the players have grown older.  I think my maturation as a fan has coincided with the squad's.  So today's final means more to me than it did back in previous seasons.


Because I get it now.

So go get that trophy, boys.  You and I are finally ready for it.