Will I ever see Vermie play again this season? Achilles injuries are one of the worst, and our favorite center half has re-injured his in training. Wenger states that the injury is a bit of mystery as scans show no damage, but Thomas is still feeling pain.
“I don’t know where we go with Thomas time-wise but at the moment he can not play. I can’t give you any time scale at all. On the scan his Achilles is completely clear but as soon as he stays out for a while it tightens up and he has pain. We don’t know the source of his pain"
We know that The Verm is no wimp, so it is worrying - this Phantom Pain. Here's hoping another specialist can clear up the problem. I just don't want to hear about any treatment involving horse's placenta, okay? That story still gives me the willies.
Koz is out for two games despite the appeal from Arsenal which got dismissed by the FA yesterday. After seven or so seasons watching soccer, the amount of games suspended by a red card have always baffled me. Is it one? Two. three? Which is it? I finally have gotten a handle on the difference between a red card because of a second yellow, dismissal due to violent conduct, and now...two games suspension as this red card was Koz' second of the season. We did not suffer an additional match suspension due to frivolous appealing which tells me that maybe Koz was not the last defender. Many have stated that Squillaci was moving into position and could have been considered the last defender. The camera angle during the game made it difficult to see the rest of the pitch, but if anyone was at the game live, leave a comment and let me know what you think.
So this means our center halves are Squillaci and Djourou. DJ is not a bad choice in my book anyway for today's match as he's bigger and stronger than Koz and we are playing against an aggressive and physical opponent. He's good in the air (getting better anyway with each match) and I'm not sure any of the Wolves are going to provide a challenge with skill and quickness which I think is DJ's Achilles Heel. Pun intended. Kevin Doyle impressed me last match even though he did not score, I thought he was a threat. He's been in a drought this season and has not seen the back of the net as of yet. Hopefully we can keep it that way.
Bad Boy Karl Henry has actually been behaving himself recently. Perhaps breaking a colleague's leg so soon in the season may have persuaded the midfielder to rein himself in and so he has been playing in a more disciplined manner. With Cesc finally back from injury and hopefully back to form, let's hope Karl stays that way. Actually the thought of Henry playing against Spiky Jack Wilshere worries me a bit as Jack is still trying to find the balance between discipline and aggressive play, and I don't want him literally banging into the likes of Karl.
Wolves are coming off a disappointing (for Arsenal fans as well) last minute loss to Manure over the weekend and will want to gain some points to get them up out of the bottom three. Our boys have to answer for two back to back losses. We are the Arsenal and have to perform at the level expected from a big club. We have the talent to do it. And the lynch pin of our offense is back to full force - so says the manager. After having one his worst matches in an Arsenal shirt last Sunday, a physically and mentally fully rehabilitated Cesc will be a welcome and necessary sight.
That's all for now sports fans. Just a last mention that the game is not televised so I'll be searching for a stream to watch and will be back with a match report tomorrow. Until then...Go Gunners!
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Monday, November 8, 2010
Where Can Arsenal Find That Winning Mentality?
I dreaded writing this post. I considered quite seriously not writing it. Getting through that horror of a match yesterday was tough enough but having to relive it? Bleck. But, avoidance would not do me any good whatsoever and is in all probability a bit cowardly. So on with it.
I was quite optimistic in my last post hoping for a 3-1 win. I freely admitted that Newcastle were not to be discounted and could be dangerous, but I predicted a win nonetheless. We were home. We had come off of a bad defensive performance at Shakhtar without our star midfielders present. This match was different. We were at the Emirates, our Captain and all starters we back. This was a chance to triumphantly gain back some confidence and momentum and to hopefully close the gap on the leaders at the top of the table. We should have seen a team that was positive, confident, and full of desire. An added bonus was the fact that our injury list is diminishing, we had RVP on the bench, which in itself should have been a huge moral booster. So what the hell happened?
Frankly, I think it comes down to not knowing what it takes to win. We have only one player who has been through the rigors of winning consistently in and out every week and that's Cesc. He spoke about what was missing from the team back in mid-October. The statement was widely quoted and blogged about, but I think it's even more pertinent today.
I'm very comfortable here, I like the club, lead the team, play football. We just need to start winning titles because we have a wealth of quality. A winning mentality is missing.''
When asked about his thoughts on Cesc's quote, Wenger explained:
“What is at stake for us isn’t the desire to win but to make history and to win trophies. As long as you have not won you are not completely certain that you can do it but that does not mean that you lack the desire to win.
“This team has a great desire to win but you have to show it week in week out. This life, at the top level today, in the best league in the world, is to turn up every single game running on full cylinders.”
I think both statements are pertinent to yesterday's debacle. The players, being sportsmen, want to win. If I didn't believe that, I wouldn't be a fan of any club of any sport. But, they still don't realize they have to perform at the very highest level all the time. This is true even in training where I would suspect some aren't giving their all. Practice makes perfect. If players are not performing on the field one can arguably assume perhaps they're not performing at training. Wenger gave an example of this when asked about Song's improvement. Arsene discussed the fact that Song's stamina helped him with surging forward late in the game. Here is what caught my attention though:
“He is now a good trainer but this was not always the case,” said Wenger. “That's why he has improved."
Well, I'm glad he's been training hard lately, but shouldn't he have been training hard for the last five years? Is this how some of the players are approaching their three hours of practice (I'm guessing three but don't really know)? I would not be surprised if this is the case because most youngsters need a model to show them how hard they need to push themselves. Our squad really haven't had one. They had Sol last year and Bobby for some weeks, but I don't think that's enough. Cesc - he's a worker and is a model, but I wonder if he's too close in age for them to emulate? And, one can't expect him to do it on his own. Especially when he was such a shambles yesterday. I really can't recall him playing so poorly...ever. He will, however I am sure, be the most hurt by his own play and by the loss. Other than Spiky Jack, I worry that the disappointment in the team's loss will shrug off like water on a duck's back. When your leader is having an extremely off day, someone needs to step up and take his place. No one did that.
So where are Arsenal going to find that mentality? Will it just show up one day as our squad shrug off the last of their adolescent tendencies? Or will it take bringing in an outside player to whom losing is intensely unacceptable or a coach who rides them at training? I don't know really. What I do know is that we can't blame November for our record. We have to look closer to home.
Here's to our boys and manager finding the answer...before Wednesday.
I was quite optimistic in my last post hoping for a 3-1 win. I freely admitted that Newcastle were not to be discounted and could be dangerous, but I predicted a win nonetheless. We were home. We had come off of a bad defensive performance at Shakhtar without our star midfielders present. This match was different. We were at the Emirates, our Captain and all starters we back. This was a chance to triumphantly gain back some confidence and momentum and to hopefully close the gap on the leaders at the top of the table. We should have seen a team that was positive, confident, and full of desire. An added bonus was the fact that our injury list is diminishing, we had RVP on the bench, which in itself should have been a huge moral booster. So what the hell happened?
Frankly, I think it comes down to not knowing what it takes to win. We have only one player who has been through the rigors of winning consistently in and out every week and that's Cesc. He spoke about what was missing from the team back in mid-October. The statement was widely quoted and blogged about, but I think it's even more pertinent today.
I'm very comfortable here, I like the club, lead the team, play football. We just need to start winning titles because we have a wealth of quality. A winning mentality is missing.''
When asked about his thoughts on Cesc's quote, Wenger explained:
“What is at stake for us isn’t the desire to win but to make history and to win trophies. As long as you have not won you are not completely certain that you can do it but that does not mean that you lack the desire to win.
“This team has a great desire to win but you have to show it week in week out. This life, at the top level today, in the best league in the world, is to turn up every single game running on full cylinders.”
I think both statements are pertinent to yesterday's debacle. The players, being sportsmen, want to win. If I didn't believe that, I wouldn't be a fan of any club of any sport. But, they still don't realize they have to perform at the very highest level all the time. This is true even in training where I would suspect some aren't giving their all. Practice makes perfect. If players are not performing on the field one can arguably assume perhaps they're not performing at training. Wenger gave an example of this when asked about Song's improvement. Arsene discussed the fact that Song's stamina helped him with surging forward late in the game. Here is what caught my attention though:
“He is now a good trainer but this was not always the case,” said Wenger. “That's why he has improved."
Well, I'm glad he's been training hard lately, but shouldn't he have been training hard for the last five years? Is this how some of the players are approaching their three hours of practice (I'm guessing three but don't really know)? I would not be surprised if this is the case because most youngsters need a model to show them how hard they need to push themselves. Our squad really haven't had one. They had Sol last year and Bobby for some weeks, but I don't think that's enough. Cesc - he's a worker and is a model, but I wonder if he's too close in age for them to emulate? And, one can't expect him to do it on his own. Especially when he was such a shambles yesterday. I really can't recall him playing so poorly...ever. He will, however I am sure, be the most hurt by his own play and by the loss. Other than Spiky Jack, I worry that the disappointment in the team's loss will shrug off like water on a duck's back. When your leader is having an extremely off day, someone needs to step up and take his place. No one did that.
So where are Arsenal going to find that mentality? Will it just show up one day as our squad shrug off the last of their adolescent tendencies? Or will it take bringing in an outside player to whom losing is intensely unacceptable or a coach who rides them at training? I don't know really. What I do know is that we can't blame November for our record. We have to look closer to home.
Here's to our boys and manager finding the answer...before Wednesday.
Saturday, November 6, 2010
A Bone to Pick With Diaby - Newcastle Preview
Good morning and salutations from a snowy Northern Indiana. After an October filled with Indian Summer temps, November has decided to go straight to winter. Ah, the benefits of living close to one of the Great Lakes. Anyway, it's time to round up the news and preview our game for tomorrow. At the time of this writing, our the Spuds lost out 4 - 2 to Bolton. Well done Owen. How weird is it to be happy with Kevin Davies? Anyway, with our losing in the Ukraine on Wednesday, it's important for us to show strong tomorrow and jump start that momentum we had been building since our Birmingham win on October 16th. How fast we get back on track, I think, will speak volumes as to this team's resilience, "winning mentality", and likelihood of winning the title. There is good news, weird news, and bad news when it comes to our players' injuries.
First the good news which is Vermaelen is back on the mend and looking good. Wenger stated:
"Vermaelen is not far but is not ready. It is a question of days for him. It is encouraging.”
That was, I must admit, my favorite news of the week. I really miss my Vermie. I think his intensity on the pitch will add a grittiness to the attitudes on the field. There are not that many of the squad that have that tenacity, and I think it will be contagious. Also on the mend of course is RVP who participated in full training for the first time on November 5th. There's no other update on his callup to the Dutch National side other than the coach is incredibly rude and non-professional:
"Has there been any contact with the medical staff of Holland and Arsenal? I don't know," he said in The Times. "I don't care. I have spoken to Robin personally and he is doing well and he will rejoin training there today. I don't see any hesitation to pick him. I just made the selection and will wait for any comments to come. I have selected 24 players, so if players are not fit, we will see at that time."
Let's contrast that with the Belgian coach who had this to say about calling up the Verminator:
We are not going to take a risk for a friendly game. His health is most important thing. I have a great relationship with Arsene Wenger and completely respect him and what he tells me about his players
In all probability. Robin won't play at all so why have him travel and take him away from London? He could use that time for more training, for more physical therapy, for more ankle-taping. What a waste.
And now onto poor Adu Diaby. Wenger is unsure when - and dare I say if - Diaby will return after having two reckless tackles occur to the same ankle this season.
“He was never himself and we have today worries for him. We don't know how long he will be out. He has seen two surgeons already and at the moment we have to be patient and see if he can get away with it."
I'm not sure what "get away with it" means other than perhaps healing with out the need for surgery. But according Mirror journalist John Cross on Twitter (@johncrossmirror), Diaby has a floating piece of bone in his ankle and has consulted two surgeons already. I'm not a physician of course, but I highly doubt the probability of a high performance athlete being able to compete with a bone floating around anywhere at anytime. I just don't think that would work. So a big sarcastic thanks to Paul Robinson, Michael Essien, and the Original Perpetrator Dan Smith for hampering Diaby's progress and perhaps his career. Let's face it. We really don't know how far Diaby could have developed by now as he's constantly been injured.
Onto Newcastle. We gave them a sound beating in the Carling Cup but must be on our guard as they fielded a weaker side that evening due to the derby they played the following Sunday which they won big 5-1. They are coming in confident and have two players who could definitely give us problems namely veteran Kevin Nolan and his temporary housemate Andy Carroll. Nolan is top of the Premier League with Tevez and Malouda with seven goals scored. Carroll sits in seventh with five and seems to be settling down in his private life which is improving his performances. I think tomorrow brings us a match of momentum. Newcastle is steaming with it and we need to get it back.
Cesc, Arshavin, Denilson, and Song are all back for tomorrow's match which is more good news. I think we will need our strongest squad to decidedly face down the Tooners. I'm hoping the starters include Theo, Koz, Squillaci, Sagna, Jack and Nasri to be joined by daydreamer Clichy and of course Fabianski.
So, here's to tomorrow being a winning day and a postive end to the weekend. I'm hoping for a clean sheet and a 2-0 victory. Considering the form of the two players mentioned above, however, I'll settle for a 3-1. I'll be back after the game for a post-game post...article..whatever. I'll be back. Until then -let's go you Gunners.
First the good news which is Vermaelen is back on the mend and looking good. Wenger stated:
"Vermaelen is not far but is not ready. It is a question of days for him. It is encouraging.”
That was, I must admit, my favorite news of the week. I really miss my Vermie. I think his intensity on the pitch will add a grittiness to the attitudes on the field. There are not that many of the squad that have that tenacity, and I think it will be contagious. Also on the mend of course is RVP who participated in full training for the first time on November 5th. There's no other update on his callup to the Dutch National side other than the coach is incredibly rude and non-professional:
"Has there been any contact with the medical staff of Holland and Arsenal? I don't know," he said in The Times. "I don't care. I have spoken to Robin personally and he is doing well and he will rejoin training there today. I don't see any hesitation to pick him. I just made the selection and will wait for any comments to come. I have selected 24 players, so if players are not fit, we will see at that time."
Let's contrast that with the Belgian coach who had this to say about calling up the Verminator:
We are not going to take a risk for a friendly game. His health is most important thing. I have a great relationship with Arsene Wenger and completely respect him and what he tells me about his players
In all probability. Robin won't play at all so why have him travel and take him away from London? He could use that time for more training, for more physical therapy, for more ankle-taping. What a waste.
And now onto poor Adu Diaby. Wenger is unsure when - and dare I say if - Diaby will return after having two reckless tackles occur to the same ankle this season.
“He was never himself and we have today worries for him. We don't know how long he will be out. He has seen two surgeons already and at the moment we have to be patient and see if he can get away with it."
I'm not sure what "get away with it" means other than perhaps healing with out the need for surgery. But according Mirror journalist John Cross on Twitter (@johncrossmirror), Diaby has a floating piece of bone in his ankle and has consulted two surgeons already. I'm not a physician of course, but I highly doubt the probability of a high performance athlete being able to compete with a bone floating around anywhere at anytime. I just don't think that would work. So a big sarcastic thanks to Paul Robinson, Michael Essien, and the Original Perpetrator Dan Smith for hampering Diaby's progress and perhaps his career. Let's face it. We really don't know how far Diaby could have developed by now as he's constantly been injured.
Onto Newcastle. We gave them a sound beating in the Carling Cup but must be on our guard as they fielded a weaker side that evening due to the derby they played the following Sunday which they won big 5-1. They are coming in confident and have two players who could definitely give us problems namely veteran Kevin Nolan and his temporary housemate Andy Carroll. Nolan is top of the Premier League with Tevez and Malouda with seven goals scored. Carroll sits in seventh with five and seems to be settling down in his private life which is improving his performances. I think tomorrow brings us a match of momentum. Newcastle is steaming with it and we need to get it back.
Cesc, Arshavin, Denilson, and Song are all back for tomorrow's match which is more good news. I think we will need our strongest squad to decidedly face down the Tooners. I'm hoping the starters include Theo, Koz, Squillaci, Sagna, Jack and Nasri to be joined by daydreamer Clichy and of course Fabianski.
So, here's to tomorrow being a winning day and a postive end to the weekend. I'm hoping for a clean sheet and a 2-0 victory. Considering the form of the two players mentioned above, however, I'll settle for a 3-1. I'll be back after the game for a post-game post...article..whatever. I'll be back. Until then -let's go you Gunners.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Done in by Dudu as Arsenal Lack Potency
I hate watching a recorded version of a match instead of watching it live. I have to stay away from Internet all day and will email online streams to my brothers warning them not to text me updates or the final score as "I am watching it later". Then to watch it late at night - and we lose? Not a great ingredient for a sound sleep.
Arsenal need to learn to win with their Captain. We are experienced enough at all positions that compensating for injuries should not be as hard as we are making it. That's the bottom line. When Nasri and Tommy can't pull together enough to create, knowing they are helped by Wilshere, it boggles my mind. Shakhtar basically tried to take good care of the ball in their end, press us, and then sit behind the ball in the final third. Breaking down that style of defense for us looks like it's tougher than breaking into Fort Knox.
The defense had their share of problems last night also. The two most culpable for the Shakhtar goals were our two full backs - Eboue and Clichy. Eboue made a poor tackle leading to a free kick which Eastmond did or did not help to deflect into the goal. The left side was open several times also as he surged forward and left Squillaci alone in the counter attack (which he did okay on). He likes to run around like crazy but I have consistently maintained that defensively, Sagna is more solid.
Clichy's pattern of freezing up mentally once a game led to Eduardo's goal. After dispossessing the ball from Srna, Clichy stood there momentarily doing what? Daydreaming? I don't know. I know what he wasn't doing - clearing the ball. He allowed Srna the ball back whereupon he crossed it into the box where Eduardo came along and calmly, clinically put it into the back of the net. Those were two defensive errors (three if you count Eastmond heading the ball toward the Arsenal goal) upon which two goals were capitalized.
On the plus side, the rest of our defense seemed to click together okay. Fabiasnki had another good game despite the two goals. He had a couple of fine saves and again looked confident during set pieces. Djourou seems to be improving every match and although is still not as quick or speedy as I would like him to be, does a great job in the air and was the master of clearances last night. Squillaci seemed, well...solid. What can I say? He's not flashy nor does he seem especially charasmatic on the pitch. I think he quietly goes about doing his job and trying to help organize the back. He gets up well in the air offensively for corners and should have made that header last night. I don't speak The Language of Love fluently but I'm pretty sure that what I saw him mouth after he saw his shot easily saved was some very Frechie-type explicative.
Overall, we played the possession game well but did not capitalize. Our possession was 55.5% to their 44.5%. The problem was, they did not make as many mistakes as we did. They were not the team who fell apart at the Emirates and allowed us to run amok and score at will (which is how it felt). They were focused, confident, and troubled us at every moment. They were the winners.
Sunday brings us a home match against Newcastle to continue our run of nine matches in November. I do want to note that in my post that addressed this month's notoriety, we had eight matches scheduled as there was no Carling Cup listed for this month. Since then, however, a Cup match has been added as we drew Wigan in the next round and play them on the 30th. I say - terrific, as RVP will need a run of games to help sandpaper off the oxidation on his limbs and get his terrific feet - the left and the chocolate - ready for goal scoring opportunities. The word is he has been called up the a Dutch Friendly which is ludicrous and leaves Wenger apoplectic. I sincerely doubt he will play. Only a desperate egomaniac of a coach would play someone who is in no way fit for a game of checkers let alone a game of soccer. I'm not all that familiar with the Dutch coach...does he fit that bill? Hmmm...
So, onward I say. Let's leave behind the Ukrainian defeat and focus on the EPL which is in our cross hairs for the next four matches. Four matches in 13 days. That's a lot of football. Love it. Have I said that before?
I'll be back tomorrow or the next day with a preview of our game against Newcastle. Until then Gooners...
Arsenal need to learn to win with their Captain. We are experienced enough at all positions that compensating for injuries should not be as hard as we are making it. That's the bottom line. When Nasri and Tommy can't pull together enough to create, knowing they are helped by Wilshere, it boggles my mind. Shakhtar basically tried to take good care of the ball in their end, press us, and then sit behind the ball in the final third. Breaking down that style of defense for us looks like it's tougher than breaking into Fort Knox.
The defense had their share of problems last night also. The two most culpable for the Shakhtar goals were our two full backs - Eboue and Clichy. Eboue made a poor tackle leading to a free kick which Eastmond did or did not help to deflect into the goal. The left side was open several times also as he surged forward and left Squillaci alone in the counter attack (which he did okay on). He likes to run around like crazy but I have consistently maintained that defensively, Sagna is more solid.
Clichy's pattern of freezing up mentally once a game led to Eduardo's goal. After dispossessing the ball from Srna, Clichy stood there momentarily doing what? Daydreaming? I don't know. I know what he wasn't doing - clearing the ball. He allowed Srna the ball back whereupon he crossed it into the box where Eduardo came along and calmly, clinically put it into the back of the net. Those were two defensive errors (three if you count Eastmond heading the ball toward the Arsenal goal) upon which two goals were capitalized.
On the plus side, the rest of our defense seemed to click together okay. Fabiasnki had another good game despite the two goals. He had a couple of fine saves and again looked confident during set pieces. Djourou seems to be improving every match and although is still not as quick or speedy as I would like him to be, does a great job in the air and was the master of clearances last night. Squillaci seemed, well...solid. What can I say? He's not flashy nor does he seem especially charasmatic on the pitch. I think he quietly goes about doing his job and trying to help organize the back. He gets up well in the air offensively for corners and should have made that header last night. I don't speak The Language of Love fluently but I'm pretty sure that what I saw him mouth after he saw his shot easily saved was some very Frechie-type explicative.
Overall, we played the possession game well but did not capitalize. Our possession was 55.5% to their 44.5%. The problem was, they did not make as many mistakes as we did. They were not the team who fell apart at the Emirates and allowed us to run amok and score at will (which is how it felt). They were focused, confident, and troubled us at every moment. They were the winners.
Sunday brings us a home match against Newcastle to continue our run of nine matches in November. I do want to note that in my post that addressed this month's notoriety, we had eight matches scheduled as there was no Carling Cup listed for this month. Since then, however, a Cup match has been added as we drew Wigan in the next round and play them on the 30th. I say - terrific, as RVP will need a run of games to help sandpaper off the oxidation on his limbs and get his terrific feet - the left and the chocolate - ready for goal scoring opportunities. The word is he has been called up the a Dutch Friendly which is ludicrous and leaves Wenger apoplectic. I sincerely doubt he will play. Only a desperate egomaniac of a coach would play someone who is in no way fit for a game of checkers let alone a game of soccer. I'm not all that familiar with the Dutch coach...does he fit that bill? Hmmm...
So, onward I say. Let's leave behind the Ukrainian defeat and focus on the EPL which is in our cross hairs for the next four matches. Four matches in 13 days. That's a lot of football. Love it. Have I said that before?
I'll be back tomorrow or the next day with a preview of our game against Newcastle. Until then Gooners...
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Song Sings Sweet Relief
Okay, our win yesterday was definitely not the trampling I was hoping for. Not the easy 3-0 cruise one could expect from playing at home against a team at the very bottom of the table. It was nail-biting, frustrating, hard fought, and in the end, hard won. I have to say though, that I think this win actually did more for us than if we had brushed the Hammers aside as easily as one sweeps up those little dust bunnies that hide under the bed. And can you believe the winner came - again - from our defensive midfielder? A dangerous, diving header won the match. Say what you want about Song's defensive capabilities. I myself have been vehemently critical of his going forward while potentially leaving the back unguarded. And I freely admit to yelling at him on TV for late tackles that result in needless fouls. But, this guy wants to win. He has been clutch offensively for the second time this season and perhaps deserves some attenuation of disapproval. Maybe the guy knows what he's doing and his teammates Wenger seemed surprised also of his going forward so often which makes me wonder if he allowing Song to surge? I thought he had perhaps instructed him to do so. Hmmm...
Other positives I drew from yesterday were that we again gained a clean sheet. Our goal differential was only +1 so we gained no ground on Chelsea, but I think the goose egg on the other end is more important. All of our back four were solid and focused yesterday, Even Clichy, who does not have to worry about Gibbsy breathing down his neck for a few weeks, seemed to concentrate the whole match. Adding to a great defensive performance was his assist (off his right foot) for the goal. Terrific. Koz and Squillaci look like a good team and Sagna was rock-solid in the back and a threat going forward.
Let's talk about the keeper. Fabianski was not called upon very often yesterday as West Ham only had five shots on goal. He did have to contend with four corners and a handful of free kicks. I thought he commanded his area very well and had to chuckle when I saw him tug Fabregas into position for a corner kick. His positioning was dead on as the corner was cleared by Cesc's header. I would have to think you would need some self-belief to man handle your Captain that way. To me, that move spoke volumes.
What else? With only one goal scored out of 23 shots on target, one could understand if a team's head went down. A season ago, frustration could have led to petulant behavior, rash judgments and giving up. Arsenal did not do that yesterday. Cesc kept trying to create performing better in the last 20 minutes than the previous 60+ (some of that may be due to getting treatment at halftime for a tight hamstring). Sami finally figured out that someone needed to do something different offensively and shot 35 feet out on a free kick - nearly making it. He also was king of winning back the balls lost through bad passing or dispossession. Theo and Bendy gave a needed shot in the arm for the offense. I would think that come midweek when we travel the Ukraine, Arshavin may get another "rest" so Theo can strut his stuff in Europe. If I were any defense in the world right now, that kid would scare the crap out of me.
All in all, I'd say we are developing good habits. Winning habits that could lead us to the tip top of the Table in May - or to a Championship in June. The mistakes we're making are fewer and the retifications for those mistakes on the rise. That good feeling I had before the Manchester City game is still there and rising. And once again, I cannot wait for our next game.
Later Gooners...
Other positives I drew from yesterday were that we again gained a clean sheet. Our goal differential was only +1 so we gained no ground on Chelsea, but I think the goose egg on the other end is more important. All of our back four were solid and focused yesterday, Even Clichy, who does not have to worry about Gibbsy breathing down his neck for a few weeks, seemed to concentrate the whole match. Adding to a great defensive performance was his assist (off his right foot) for the goal. Terrific. Koz and Squillaci look like a good team and Sagna was rock-solid in the back and a threat going forward.
Let's talk about the keeper. Fabianski was not called upon very often yesterday as West Ham only had five shots on goal. He did have to contend with four corners and a handful of free kicks. I thought he commanded his area very well and had to chuckle when I saw him tug Fabregas into position for a corner kick. His positioning was dead on as the corner was cleared by Cesc's header. I would have to think you would need some self-belief to man handle your Captain that way. To me, that move spoke volumes.
What else? With only one goal scored out of 23 shots on target, one could understand if a team's head went down. A season ago, frustration could have led to petulant behavior, rash judgments and giving up. Arsenal did not do that yesterday. Cesc kept trying to create performing better in the last 20 minutes than the previous 60+ (some of that may be due to getting treatment at halftime for a tight hamstring). Sami finally figured out that someone needed to do something different offensively and shot 35 feet out on a free kick - nearly making it. He also was king of winning back the balls lost through bad passing or dispossession. Theo and Bendy gave a needed shot in the arm for the offense. I would think that come midweek when we travel the Ukraine, Arshavin may get another "rest" so Theo can strut his stuff in Europe. If I were any defense in the world right now, that kid would scare the crap out of me.
All in all, I'd say we are developing good habits. Winning habits that could lead us to the tip top of the Table in May - or to a Championship in June. The mistakes we're making are fewer and the retifications for those mistakes on the rise. That good feeling I had before the Manchester City game is still there and rising. And once again, I cannot wait for our next game.
Later Gooners...
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Not Fearing Notorious November - Hammers Preview
Traditionally, the month of November is met by Gooners worldwide with winces, the muttering of oaths and various explicatives, and an overall impulse to seek cover. We do not like November. Or should I say, November does not customarily like us? It has been a month in past seasons where Champions League, International Play, and regular League games all collide at a time when our players have started to feel the fatigue of the season. November is a month where the squad becomes thin and the physio room crowded. November has been Known to be Notorious. This year, however, I am not fearing Notorious. But before explaining this change of heart, let's look back to previous Novembers.
In the 2008-2009 season, Arsenal played played eight matches in November - Five League matches, ! one Carling Cup, and two Champion's League games. We scored a total of 9 goals giving us an average of 1.13 goals per match for that month. We also had 13 players out during that month due to injury or suspension. Those missing included RVP (suspension), Gallas (calf), Theo (who can keep track), Adebayor, and Almunia. Cesc, Sagna amd Nasri were in out and out of the squad the entire month as well. The November of that month saw Silvestre play five matches. That, my friends, should say it all. Nine squad members missed the last two games of the month. International play ran from November 16th to November 22nd. We ended up losing three out of the five League matches, won the Carling Cup match, and drew one/won one in Champions League. The funny thing? We were back in the title race by the end of the month.
In the 2009 - 2010 season we played only five matches: three League and two Champions League and scored 10 goals altogether giving us a slightly higher average of two goals per game for that month. During this season, Notorious ate up seven of our players with Gibbs and Clichy both being injured at the same time, Diaby and Bendtner were both out the entire month, and more importantly, this was the month that RVP got on the receiving end of a "robust"tackle from Italian player Giorgio Chiellini. He was not back in the squad until the following April. That international break began November 7th and ended November 21st.
This season? This season we are playing seven games, those being made up of two Champions League games and five Premier League matches, with one international friendly scheduled. The number of matches is not bad, but out of those seven, we have only two home games and end up traveleing to Eastern Europe twice for Champions League.
We are going into Notorious with an average of 3.07 goals per match. Injury wise we are entering the new month with (pre-West Ham) with six players injured. Diaby, Gibbs, Vermie, Frimpong, Ramsey and Van Perise. Six injured is not bad for us - actually it's pretty low and will continue to dwindle as- and here I believe is a big difference from other Novembers, we have our star strike returning this month from after being injured on August 28th. And maybe having an even bigger impact on morale will be the return of Aaron Ramsey to the squad. Aaron has been out rehabilitating his ankle after having it broken by Idiot Shawcross on January 24th last season. Both of these players are returning to full training with squad on Monday. If all goes fairly well, that leaves four on the injured list, as opposed to nine or thirteen or what sometimes seems like 37 players out.
Another cause for my optimism is the depth of our bench. When Robin went out injured for six months last season, Arshavin was called upon to play striker. Bendtner was out injured for three of those six months also. The diminutive Russian was playing up top on his own, struggling to win headers against central defenders nearly twice his size. At times, it was almost comical. This year, we have the Chamak-Atak and a healthy Bendy. Depth. Theo is just coming back from injury (and looking awesome), but if he happens to get hurt, there's Rosicky, Nasri, Arshavin, Vela, and even Eboue. Depth.
The only area of concern is left back as Gibbsy has gone down with a medial ligament injury and although Arsenal are giving "a few weeks" as the answer to the question of his length of time out, we al lknow it coud be months. Clichy has no other back up and at times has had back problems (as well as focus issues). Eboue filled in for them last match. He is a utility player and could provide cover.
So there you have it. Compared to last season, I think we are in a strong positon to take on Notorious. I believe this team will not only take it on, but will come out the other side still riding the wave of momentum that has been building in October. Who knows, November may lose its repute for the damage it causes. Next season, it may be known as the impetus to a trophy winning season - a season accumulating in silverware, accolades, and people eating humble pie. It could become Legendary for all the right reasons.
Yes. Legendary has a nice ring to it, don't you think?
P.S. (We are playing the Hammers today and need to trample the \team that are at the very bottom of the table. Yep - that's my preview. Have a good one Gooners).
In the 2008-2009 season, Arsenal played played eight matches in November - Five League matches, ! one Carling Cup, and two Champion's League games. We scored a total of 9 goals giving us an average of 1.13 goals per match for that month. We also had 13 players out during that month due to injury or suspension. Those missing included RVP (suspension), Gallas (calf), Theo (who can keep track), Adebayor, and Almunia. Cesc, Sagna amd Nasri were in out and out of the squad the entire month as well. The November of that month saw Silvestre play five matches. That, my friends, should say it all. Nine squad members missed the last two games of the month. International play ran from November 16th to November 22nd. We ended up losing three out of the five League matches, won the Carling Cup match, and drew one/won one in Champions League. The funny thing? We were back in the title race by the end of the month.
In the 2009 - 2010 season we played only five matches: three League and two Champions League and scored 10 goals altogether giving us a slightly higher average of two goals per game for that month. During this season, Notorious ate up seven of our players with Gibbs and Clichy both being injured at the same time, Diaby and Bendtner were both out the entire month, and more importantly, this was the month that RVP got on the receiving end of a "robust"tackle from Italian player Giorgio Chiellini. He was not back in the squad until the following April. That international break began November 7th and ended November 21st.
This season? This season we are playing seven games, those being made up of two Champions League games and five Premier League matches, with one international friendly scheduled. The number of matches is not bad, but out of those seven, we have only two home games and end up traveleing to Eastern Europe twice for Champions League.
We are going into Notorious with an average of 3.07 goals per match. Injury wise we are entering the new month with (pre-West Ham) with six players injured. Diaby, Gibbs, Vermie, Frimpong, Ramsey and Van Perise. Six injured is not bad for us - actually it's pretty low and will continue to dwindle as- and here I believe is a big difference from other Novembers, we have our star strike returning this month from after being injured on August 28th. And maybe having an even bigger impact on morale will be the return of Aaron Ramsey to the squad. Aaron has been out rehabilitating his ankle after having it broken by Idiot Shawcross on January 24th last season. Both of these players are returning to full training with squad on Monday. If all goes fairly well, that leaves four on the injured list, as opposed to nine or thirteen or what sometimes seems like 37 players out.
Another cause for my optimism is the depth of our bench. When Robin went out injured for six months last season, Arshavin was called upon to play striker. Bendtner was out injured for three of those six months also. The diminutive Russian was playing up top on his own, struggling to win headers against central defenders nearly twice his size. At times, it was almost comical. This year, we have the Chamak-Atak and a healthy Bendy. Depth. Theo is just coming back from injury (and looking awesome), but if he happens to get hurt, there's Rosicky, Nasri, Arshavin, Vela, and even Eboue. Depth.
The only area of concern is left back as Gibbsy has gone down with a medial ligament injury and although Arsenal are giving "a few weeks" as the answer to the question of his length of time out, we al lknow it coud be months. Clichy has no other back up and at times has had back problems (as well as focus issues). Eboue filled in for them last match. He is a utility player and could provide cover.
So there you have it. Compared to last season, I think we are in a strong positon to take on Notorious. I believe this team will not only take it on, but will come out the other side still riding the wave of momentum that has been building in October. Who knows, November may lose its repute for the damage it causes. Next season, it may be known as the impetus to a trophy winning season - a season accumulating in silverware, accolades, and people eating humble pie. It could become Legendary for all the right reasons.
Yes. Legendary has a nice ring to it, don't you think?
P.S. (We are playing the Hammers today and need to trample the \team that are at the very bottom of the table. Yep - that's my preview. Have a good one Gooners).
Thursday, October 28, 2010
A Quickie Note
Okay folks, the people have spoken via the poll and the winning color scheme is (drumroll please) the Blue Background with Red Post. Yep...the two people who actually voted picked the scheme that hurts my eyes the most. But, a vote is a vote, and that's the look of my blog from here on out. If you don't like it - ya should have voted.
I also want to mention that I inserted a slideshow of all my favorite Arsenal players whether old or new. The size is too small but I'm working on it. That's it for now!
I also want to mention that I inserted a slideshow of all my favorite Arsenal players whether old or new. The size is too small but I'm working on it. That's it for now!
Arsenal - A Club in Poles Position
The club notched another nice win as Arsenal shut out Newcastle yesterday 4 - 0 and made it to the quarter finals of the Carling Cup. We gained another clean sheet thanks in large part to our Number Three goalie Wojciech Szczesny who actually put his money where his mouth is. After starting with a rash rush at a shot by Nile Ranger (luckily, saved by Koz), Arsenal's youngest Pole went on to make some great saves and command his area. I don't think I've seen an Arsenal keeper yell at a wall quite so vigorously since Mad Jens left. He also showed bravery as he grabbed for a second half attempt by Newcastle by going for the ball at an opponent's feet nearly getting kicked in the face to do it. And I have to say, his last save on a corner in injury time was a punch that landed the ball nearly at midfield. This display was his first as a first team member so we cannot judge him by this one big performance, but it does beg the question - can Arsenal win the trophies it so desperately covets with our Polish Tag Team between the sticks?
January is fast approaching which means transfer news and speculation. After a summer filled with the on- again, off-again rumors of the Schwarzer signing, Almunia started the season with the pressure of performing to keep one's job. Providentially, he became injured, and his backup stepped in. Since that time, Fabianski has been solid - sometimes making spectacular saves, and accumulating confidence. And although Almunia is listed officially as Arsenal's Numero Uno, I think we all know that his time at our club could be coming to a close. Which brings me back to the transfer window. Do we look to sign a keeper as I'm sure Schwarzer will be entering his hat into the ring again? And Pepe Reina of Liverpool is rumored to be looking to leave the crumbling club (Roy is trying to put a kabosh on any move of course). Should we look into him?
I can't believe I'm going to write this, but no. I don't think we should look at bringing in a new keeper in January. I think we should stay with who we have and here are my reasons why:
1) Fabianski has been instrumental in the momentum we are building. To even start getting linked with other keepers could undermine his somewhat delicate confidence. The better he gets, the better Arsenal is going to be. Summer keeper rumors unsettled Almunia. Let's not have that happen to Lukasz.
2) Bringing in another keeper would push Chezzers down the selection ladder and his contract is up for renewal this summer. He was unhappy at not getting picked for the last Carling Cup match, another perceived slight could send this potentially world class keeper to another club.
3) Lukasz and Wojo are countrymen who trained with the same famed Polish keeper coach Krzysztof Dowhań. These commonalities have probably built a camaraderie and chemistry that could be instrumental in pushing each other to top rate performances.
4) Wenger, after taking flack for three years about his goalies' ability, has been shown to be right. At least in the short term. Now that both keepers have justified his faith, I can't see him doing anything to disrupt that.
5) I'm just plain ol' curious to see how far these goalies can excel. I, for one, was screaming for a new goalie this summer and am happy to have been shown the error of my ways. There are those that say these performances could be a fluke - especially Fabianski's. I am of the opinion that we should see how long the fluke lasts. Clean sheets could transform from chance to likelihood.
Overall, I say we don't rock the boat. We're right behind Chelsea with a possible - no - a likely three points on Saturday. Chelsea play Blackburn who could possibly challenge them for some points. Needless to say, we are definitely in Pole(s) Position. Let's keep it that way.
January is fast approaching which means transfer news and speculation. After a summer filled with the on- again, off-again rumors of the Schwarzer signing, Almunia started the season with the pressure of performing to keep one's job. Providentially, he became injured, and his backup stepped in. Since that time, Fabianski has been solid - sometimes making spectacular saves, and accumulating confidence. And although Almunia is listed officially as Arsenal's Numero Uno, I think we all know that his time at our club could be coming to a close. Which brings me back to the transfer window. Do we look to sign a keeper as I'm sure Schwarzer will be entering his hat into the ring again? And Pepe Reina of Liverpool is rumored to be looking to leave the crumbling club (Roy is trying to put a kabosh on any move of course). Should we look into him?
I can't believe I'm going to write this, but no. I don't think we should look at bringing in a new keeper in January. I think we should stay with who we have and here are my reasons why:
1) Fabianski has been instrumental in the momentum we are building. To even start getting linked with other keepers could undermine his somewhat delicate confidence. The better he gets, the better Arsenal is going to be. Summer keeper rumors unsettled Almunia. Let's not have that happen to Lukasz.
2) Bringing in another keeper would push Chezzers down the selection ladder and his contract is up for renewal this summer. He was unhappy at not getting picked for the last Carling Cup match, another perceived slight could send this potentially world class keeper to another club.
3) Lukasz and Wojo are countrymen who trained with the same famed Polish keeper coach Krzysztof Dowhań. These commonalities have probably built a camaraderie and chemistry that could be instrumental in pushing each other to top rate performances.
4) Wenger, after taking flack for three years about his goalies' ability, has been shown to be right. At least in the short term. Now that both keepers have justified his faith, I can't see him doing anything to disrupt that.
5) I'm just plain ol' curious to see how far these goalies can excel. I, for one, was screaming for a new goalie this summer and am happy to have been shown the error of my ways. There are those that say these performances could be a fluke - especially Fabianski's. I am of the opinion that we should see how long the fluke lasts. Clean sheets could transform from chance to likelihood.
Overall, I say we don't rock the boat. We're right behind Chelsea with a possible - no - a likely three points on Saturday. Chelsea play Blackburn who could possibly challenge them for some points. Needless to say, we are definitely in Pole(s) Position. Let's keep it that way.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
A Stronger Squad for Carling Cup or Just a Stronger Club Overall?
Today the boys travel up North to the Tyne to play Newcastle in the next round of the Carling Cup. Wenger has stated in his press conference that he is producing a strong squad for the match with some starters from Sunday's beautiful win against Manchester City - yes, I'm still basking in the glow of that game. We all know that in the past, the CC has been a tournament used by Wenger to showcase and give a run out to the Young Guns at Arsenal. Wilshere, Vela, Ramsey, Landsbury, Randall, and others first came on our radar through this tournament. But after five plus years without any type of trophy, Wenger has admitted that the club is chasing all trophies to keep consistency and hunger alive in the squad. John Cross of the Mirror wrote a column on the subject. In it he quotes Wenger:
"I said to the players we will go for everything we can, as simple as that," said Wenger. "And not really specifying one more than the other one that's why I believe we are on a good run and we want to keep that going.
"It's important to keep it moving no matter what competition it is. That's what we want to do.
"We are doing well in the Champions League and we have done well so far in the Carling Cup and we are back on track in the championship so it's just all movement.
"I believe we have a good squad enough to go forward with trophies, that's why I think: 'OK let's go as far as we can.' If needed we can still always choose later but at the moment it is important for everybody to think we go for everything we can."
I know there will be folks who are disappointed that a batch of reserve players are not going to get a run out today, but I'm thinking that our squad is so deep now, that in order to keep rust off of some players and give other first team members a chance to shine, this is the Cup to do it. We used to use the Carling Cup to rest our first team players and substitutes as well as give the Young 'Uns a run. Things are different this year though. We have important players returning from injury who need match time (Walcott, Bendtner,Koz). We have utility and back-up players that need to keep sharp (Eboue, Denilson, Rosicky, Gibbs), and you have those players that are teetering between first team football and going out on loan (Vela, JET, Randall, Nordveit). They all need to play. So while Wenger has his reasons for wanting to put out a stronger squad, I think we don't have a choice because we're deep...which makes us strong anyway. How's that for a change? We. Are. A. Strong. Squad.
The only player that will be new for us to see playing is Chezzers. He's basking in the glory of it and was all smiles for his interview on ATVO. There is much anticipation around him and Wenger has warned everyone to be patient and prudent with this young talent.
"He can show he is a good keeper and I believe he is one but there again let’s not make stars before they have proven they are," said Wenger. "He has the talent, he has a good attitude and let’s see his performance in the games.
"You want of course a good performance but let’s not put him under too much pressure. Let’s let him enjoy the game and not speak about contracts.
We all know he was some sort of cult hero down at Brentford so hopefully, Newcastle will get at least one shot off so we can see what he can do. I also would like to see how he commands his area on free kicks and corners. It should be fun. I think the following players will be named to the starting squad:
Chezney
Eboue, Koscielny, DJ,Gibbs
Denilson/Eastmond
Theo,Rosicky Lansbury, Vela/JET
Bendtner
The bench: Fabianski, Vela/JET, Nordveit, Clichy, Diaby, Squillaci
I think that's everybody. Actually, I think I have too many players listed. And, I'm sure I'll remember someone else I forgot as soon as I hit "Publish". Isn't that always how it goes?
Well, that's it for today. It's a short post I know, but work duties call. Here's to keeping our winning ways going so we can go into the match against West Ham in the back of another great performance. See ya Gooners.
"I said to the players we will go for everything we can, as simple as that," said Wenger. "And not really specifying one more than the other one that's why I believe we are on a good run and we want to keep that going.
"It's important to keep it moving no matter what competition it is. That's what we want to do.
"We are doing well in the Champions League and we have done well so far in the Carling Cup and we are back on track in the championship so it's just all movement.
"I believe we have a good squad enough to go forward with trophies, that's why I think: 'OK let's go as far as we can.' If needed we can still always choose later but at the moment it is important for everybody to think we go for everything we can."
I know there will be folks who are disappointed that a batch of reserve players are not going to get a run out today, but I'm thinking that our squad is so deep now, that in order to keep rust off of some players and give other first team members a chance to shine, this is the Cup to do it. We used to use the Carling Cup to rest our first team players and substitutes as well as give the Young 'Uns a run. Things are different this year though. We have important players returning from injury who need match time (Walcott, Bendtner,Koz). We have utility and back-up players that need to keep sharp (Eboue, Denilson, Rosicky, Gibbs), and you have those players that are teetering between first team football and going out on loan (Vela, JET, Randall, Nordveit). They all need to play. So while Wenger has his reasons for wanting to put out a stronger squad, I think we don't have a choice because we're deep...which makes us strong anyway. How's that for a change? We. Are. A. Strong. Squad.
The only player that will be new for us to see playing is Chezzers. He's basking in the glory of it and was all smiles for his interview on ATVO. There is much anticipation around him and Wenger has warned everyone to be patient and prudent with this young talent.
"He can show he is a good keeper and I believe he is one but there again let’s not make stars before they have proven they are," said Wenger. "He has the talent, he has a good attitude and let’s see his performance in the games.
"You want of course a good performance but let’s not put him under too much pressure. Let’s let him enjoy the game and not speak about contracts.
We all know he was some sort of cult hero down at Brentford so hopefully, Newcastle will get at least one shot off so we can see what he can do. I also would like to see how he commands his area on free kicks and corners. It should be fun. I think the following players will be named to the starting squad:
Chezney
Eboue, Koscielny, DJ,Gibbs
Denilson/Eastmond
Theo,Rosicky Lansbury, Vela/JET
Bendtner
The bench: Fabianski, Vela/JET, Nordveit, Clichy, Diaby, Squillaci
I think that's everybody. Actually, I think I have too many players listed. And, I'm sure I'll remember someone else I forgot as soon as I hit "Publish". Isn't that always how it goes?
Well, that's it for today. It's a short post I know, but work duties call. Here's to keeping our winning ways going so we can go into the match against West Ham in the back of another great performance. See ya Gooners.
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Arsenal Triumph In a Must-Win Match Against Mancs
 |
| Sweet Song Celebration |
As a fan, you want to believe in your team. You want to go into a match thinking "Three points...we're going to get three points today". If you're an Arsenal fan, match day against a Top Four contender means you're thinking, "We have to win today...we have to get three points or else". Or else what?
Or else Arsenal would have again been known as the club that can't win against the big boys. The frugal club losing out to its Richie Rich opponents. A side who is still too "soft" and small to take on a team of tall, muscular and fast players. And losing also means dropping so low in the league table that clawing your way back up seems impossible. So, today was, indeed, a must win.
Before that fourth minute though, and indeed for about 20 minutes after it, we looked shaky in the back. Djourou got skinned by Tevez more than once. Fabianski was called on to make save from Silva in the 2nd minute, and there was a communication issue between the center halves and their goalie. Thankfully, Fabiaski was in great form, and the fowards were tracking back (yes,even Arshavin who played left back against Tevez at one point) to help out the back four. This team effort allowed us to hang on while still disorganized long enough for Nasri to score after a great assist from our Little Russian. Nasri seems to be coming into his own with more directness and defense being added to his repertoire. We had a chance to go up 2-0 in the 36th minute when Cesc got fouled in the box by Kompany. However, Cesc's penalty shot was saved by Hart, and that's how we went into halftime. 1-0 with a feeling of insecurity in our defense and a sense of having missed an opportunity to put the match to bed.
The second half brought a change of personnel to City's side with the newly recovered Yaya being replaced by Wayne Bridge and later our old nemesis came on for a limping Tevez. Tevez was a menace in most of the first half so I was happy to see him off. I was not worried about Adebayor. My ease was reinforced a few minutes later when Fabianksi made his one mistake of the match and mistimed a punch, allowing Adebayor a clean look at the goal. He headed it over. Just like old times.
We finally gave ourselves some breathing room when Song scored in the 65th minute. That's right. Our defensive midfielder who thinks he's a forward scored his third goal of the season. And it was a nice shot. Cesc and Nasri had tried to find Chamakh, but the pass was deflected to Song He waited for Hart to commit and put it in the top right corner. That was his only shot on the day. One for one. Perfection. How can I continue to complain about his surging forward if he keeps scoring? As long as the midfield is rotating and dropping back in his spot (as Denilson was) then I guess I can't. What fun is that?
Mancs were pretty done by then. And so was Chamakh who I thought looked fatigued for most of the second half. Tommy came on for Arshavin in the 69th minute, then Bendy gave the Chamak-attak a break in the 83rd along with Theo who came on for our Captain.
When Bendtner came on, his energy was apparent, and surprisingly, his finishing was quality as he lashed home a shot after an assist from Nasri. Game over but only after Fabulous had one more save to make - and it was a nice one a hard shot from Boateng. Our first clean sheet of the season.
So we went up the table to second ahead of both Manchester clubs on Goal Differential. And although this match was not full of perfect performances, it gave us a perfect result. (Click here for highlights). We go to Newcastle next Wednesday for the Carling Cup, and while I know Wenger states he's taking all the cups seriously, we have enough depth now and quality in the younger players that we can be certain he'll rest a majority of those who played today. We have West Ham the following Saturday and we need our starters rested and healthy so we can get another three points. We're going to get those three points too. Yep, I believe that now.
I believe in my team.
How about you?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)