Le Jack is Back - Arsenal 2-0 Marseilles



My apologies for the lack of posts - I am experiencing HUGE issues with my internet -well my neighbor's internet- connection at my home.  I really need an IT person over here to help me figure out why I can't connect to my roommate's wireless and now am unable to steal borrow my neighbor's unprotected one.  Harumph.

Anyway - onto my favorite topic - the Arsenal.  After the disappointing but not disillusioning loss to Manure, this new and improved squad has bounced back after break with two wins.  None of which looked inspiring, but both looking professional and efficient.  And at this stage of the game when fatigue can overcome some of our over-played members (I'm thinking Giroud in particular), efficiency seems wise, not boring.  The best part, though, is that Jack is looking like he is on his way back to form scoring a brace against Marseilles.  Check out his highlights.

We have Cardiff tomorrow requiring us to travel to their stadium in South Wales.  It will be a steely atmosphere for sure.  And even though they currently sit in 15th place, this will be a test.  This is the team who came from behind and drew against Manchester United last week.  Wenger isn't taking them lightly either:

“They look to have good solidarity, good togetherness [and] fantastic support as well,” the manager said. “They are all on the same wavelength in the team and are very efficient at home on set-pieces.
“Even on Sunday when they were 2-1 down against Man United, many teams could have thought 'OK, it's Man United, we will not come back'.

“Even on Sunday when they were 2-1 down against Man United, many teams could have thought 'OK, it's Man United, we will not come back'.

Set pieces are made of nightmares of seasons past for us.  And even though our defense is as solid as its been since the Invincibles were dismantled, I still hold my breath just  a beat when an opponent takes a corner or free kick.  We'll have to depend on the terrifically-in-form Szczesny to make smart decisions off his line, as well as our fullbacks conceding throw ins rather than corners.  And some one will have to make sure and keep Frazier Campbell from getting service from his midfield or the wings.  He's fast, and Mertie will have to be smart how he plays him on the offside trap.

Rambo will be playing against his former club.  The last meeting he had against them, I think most would agree he tried a bit too hard and did not have a great game.  His confidence is brimming now, and I look for him to be relaxed and enjoy his football.

There's no injury news to report. Gibbs is back from being ill (Monreal did a great job filling in against Marseille - what a clearance off the line).  With Theo back, Arsene will have a chance to rotate.  Who does he rest?  Does he put Theo in the middle and give Ollie a breather?  Does he leave Theo on the wing, and shift Jack, Rambo, Ozil, or Santi?  He also has TR7 he can consider for rotation.  Where did all this depth come from?  Podolski is supposedly due back two days before Christmas (fingers crossed) and then the transfer window opens eight days later.  Can this depth outlast the rigorous schedule we have until then?  Giroud's fitness has been tremendous, but like you all, I worry everytime he goes down holding his ankle, knee, or stoops in exhaustion after a match.  Let's hope Arsene is inspired in picking his squad.

That's it for now.  I'm looking forward to three points tomorrow.  Take care you Gooners.