FA Cup - Time for Retribution or Pragmatism?



Facing Liverpool in the fifth round of the FA Cup tomorrow  begs the question, doesn't it.  Do we play our very best XI - the very ones that were beaten 5-1 last weekend - or do we rotate and play some squad members?  In the back of Arsene's mind, he must be thinking of the German juggernaut arriving on Wednesday.

 

There is an argument to be made for putting the best out against the Scousers, even in light of the upcoming Champions League match.  We definitely have an axe to grind here.  And a win Saturday would carry confidence into Wednesday nullifying any tiredness we may feel from playing twice in three days.   And we need the confidence.  Bayern are running rings around their competitors in the Bundesliga and remaining undefeated. 

 

The devil's advocate could argue that rotation is key against fatigue, that the FA Cup is the lesser tournament, and that players should be rested.  I think it would be hard to convince someone that no matter what our manager says, he covets the Champions League trophy - the one piece of silverware that has escaped him in his illustrious career.  But, he also has a sense of pride, and I think it was dented in the beating we took at Anfield.  I think that he will rotate, to be honest.  But, I think it will be minimal and he'll go for the offensive.  You heard it here first...or second maybe.

 

So here's what I think the squad will look like.  I think Wenger will keep Szczesny at the back.  Fabianski is leaving in the summer.  I don't think missing one game is going to make a difference there.  The back four will remain the same as against Manchester United.  Apart from Gibbs, they have plenty to account for after the ease with which Liverpool carved them apart.  Flamini is back from suspension and can give a rest to the leg weary Arteta.  The rest of the midfield is an interesting conundrum.  If Jack starts in between the DM and Ozil (yes, I think he will start), then the right wing is up for grabs.  It can be Ox (quoted here as wanting revenge.  Caution:  It's in The Sun) or Serge.  The left is a no brainer for me.  Santi is ill which opens the door for the mysteriously overlooked Podolski who can then continue his great partnership with Giroud.  Yes.  I think Ollie will start over Bendtner.  I can see him begging Wenger to start - again to atone for his poor form last weekend. There's a positivity of spirit that these two players seem to create together.  We can definitely use that.

 

I honestly have no idea what kind of squad Rodgers will put out.  They also played Wednesday, but had a tougher grind against Fulham and expended more energy.  But, Liverpool has no midweek game to worry about before facing Swansea the following weekend, so I could see him putting out a full strength team.  We may be looking at as close to a replay from the 8th as we could get.

 

That's all for now.  I really hope that we vindicate ourselves.  February is notoriously difficult for Arsenal, and 2014 has started out in a similar fashion.  Here's to breaking that tradition.

 

Have a good one Gooners.

Something To Build On...Arsenal 0 - 0 Manchester United

As Wednesday's match against Manchester United approached, the underlying emphasis identified by fans and squad alike was the importance of putting the Liverpool debacle to rest and moving on.  Much like our 6-3 loss to Manchester City, rebounding from the loss held value in that a win would put us once against atop the League and feed our confidence in the face of upcoming difficult matches.  Plus, it would have  been just plain fun to stick one to the traitor.  What Arsenal produced was a cagey and somewhat boring display that risked very little, produced no goals, but served up a clean sheet and a tight defense.

The lineup was difficult to argue with.  Gibbs returned to left back ousting Monreal from his starting position.  The remaining three defenders were regulars also with Arteta sitting in the front of them.  They all produced an excellent defensive display, making one error in the 40th minute when Arteta was dispossessed by RVP ('course he blew the shot...HA!).  All in all, RVP and Rooney were kept quiet by Per and Laurent who ended up with extra change in their back pockets.  Well, Robin had one other shot at goal, which produced a terrific save by our goalie.  Szcz is definitely  making it a point this season to keep us in games.

Wilshere played in the middle of the park between Mikel and Ozil and mainly got battered from pillar to post without making too much of an impact in linking play between the two.  TR7, the perfect blend of offensive urgency and defensive nous, started on the right and Mr, Magic Feet on the left.  Ozil's play was improved, looking to play the ball forward.  Unfortunately, there were very few Arsenal players making the runs that Ozil needs to cut open defenses.  Instead, there were short passes at small angles which made it harder also for Giroud to make an impact.

Ollie's finishing was abdominal, to be sure, but he also feeds on runs made by midfield players.  There was very little action for him to hold up play.  There was a lot of static movement with no one running onto his flicks, back heels, and chest downs.  Theo's absence is felt not only on the counter attack, but his running behind defenses made him a target for both Giroud and Ozil alike. 

Arsenal also miss Ramsey's directness and engine.  Rambo is not as fast as Theo, but he reads the game well and has developed into a player who knows how to get to the spaces where a pass from Ozil, Santi , or Giroud will land.  Missing him and Theo at the same time is dulling our offensive bite.  Arsenal need to learn to score with out them.  Much of what we did was played through the middle - in the midst of Manure congestion.  It seems that now is the time for wide play.  Stretch the defense and create more channels for players to make a run and get in on the end a Gibbs or Sagna cross.

What can we take from this result?  Well, we are consistent.  After big losses, we seem to bounce back not in grand fashion, but in defensive repairing.  After losing that game at the Ethiad, we rebounded by drawing with Chelsea zip/zip and went on to win seven in a row in all matches.  I don't see why that can't happen now.  Playing Liverpool after keeping a clean sheet against the attacking force of the Dutch Skunk and Rooney has to make our defense feel once again capable against any offense.  I don't know if Rodgers will start his best striking duo in the FA Cup or not.  Vermaelan may be back but I don't know if he'll be ready to start.  In which case, Mertie and Koz will face the team that rent them apart a week ago.  Standing tall against them could do them a world of good - and earn them a rest against Sunderland.

That's all for now.  I'll be back for a pre-match report on Saturday.  Have a good one Gooners.



Who Were Those Guys, Anyway?

Mystery Man

Men in yellow strolling on the grass
Wondering what's for dinner
And forgetting how to pass
Men in red racing round the ground
Making heads swivel
Accompanied with frowns
One goal, two!
Then three and four!
The crowd was roaring
Wanting more
Alas, halftime came
and yellow hung their heads
Awaiting a screaming from their coach
And wishing they were dead
The second half started
And less strolling took place
But tackles were still missing
and the usual grace
The reds lacked none of their verve
Picking out Sterling
This time to serve
Up goes goal five
and heads hung again
Until the ref blew his whistle
and Mike struck it in
Still being beaten
by a margin of four
Reeks of imposters
Sneaking in doors
Kidnapping our boys
Replacing them with sloths
Puts us in second our
Defensive nous lost
Would signings have helped?
Would rotating players
What about the lineup
There's so many layers
What I do know is this
and it might not be much
But there's 13 games left
and up next is the Dutch (skunk, that is)
So put this one behind us
And march on to Wednesday
A win against Manure
Will lesson the Pain-day.

Cheers - and have a good one Gooners.









 



The Kallm Before the Strom

Tomorrow morning begins a run of games that many are calling the make or break part of our season.  We benefited from Manchester City's defeat to the little horse (manure) Chelsea on Monday and gained back the top of the table.  Holding onto it, the pursuit of the FA Cup and making it past Bayern is the job of this squad for the next 11 days.  Up first is a trip to Anfield.

Suarez and Sturridge are a formidable striking duo who have combined to 37 goals in Premier matches.  Guess who was the only team to keep the duo quiet?  Yup.  Our back quartet of Sagna, Mert, Koz, and Gibbs dealt with the runs made by their forwards, and a midfield of Arteta, Ramsey, and Rosicky muted service to them.  The key to a win tomorrow isn't rocket science.  Stop service again, keep the back tight, and we'll have another three points.

We're minus Ramsey, unfortunately, but we can swap him for Jack (who was out injured at the time), and either start Rosicky again, or Ox on the wing.  I'm torn this time or who would be the better start.  Ox is coming off an excellent performance against Crystal Palace, but Tommy provides that  unique blend of defensive nous and an offensive thrust forward.  If we want to focus on keeping Surarez and Sturriedge from getting the ball, having TR7 in the mix would go a long way toward that goal.

Of course then, selecting Podolski or Santi is another dilemma.  Podolski played hard against Crystal Palace especially helping to uncharacteristically close down opponents but looked a bit anxious on the ball - again uncharacteristic of him.  Mr. Magic Feet is on a terrific run and could possibly have a field day shaking and baking against Skrtel (is there an uglier shaved white head in the League?) and company.

Ozil is a no brainer needed to cut open Liverpool's midfield.  He's due for a rest, which I figure won't come until our next Liverpool game in the FA Cup.  His allegedly languid style seems to allow him to conserve energy busting a gut only at important moments (ala his run against a tiring Southhampton side).

Playing in front of a home side, I do not really expect the Scousers to play a cagey match.  I think they'll go hard and fast right out of the gates.  Using two strikers means their midfield should be easier to get through than most allowing our creative midfielders to do their thing.

The only other news that I see worth talking about is Wenger's comments about Sagna and his still not signed contract extension: 
"You know when you start the game that Bacary Sagna will give you 100 per cent commitment and, no matter where you play, against whom you play, he will just commit 100 per cent. That is a fantastic guarantee. I believe that his future is here and any other decision would be wrong.
"We are always in negotiations with him and we always try to be fair with our players. When I say I expect [him to stay], it's more that I want [him to stay]. I hope that in the end I am right. We are not close at the moment."

Again, this is not rocket science.  This is Bacary's last shot at a big contract.  He can play at two positions for us, gives everything for the shirt and loves the club.  It's simple.  GIVE HIM WHAT HE WANTS for Pete's sake.

Anyway, that's all I have now.  I'll be back after our victory with a post match report.  have a good one Gooners.

Ox et al Step Up and Take Back the Top

Giroud Slacking Off as Usual

I could tell from the kick-off that the match was going to be ours.  Even with Palace sitting back, we looked bright, our passing buzzing around - maybe a bit slow at first, but we kept at it.  We knocked at the door a few times the first half, and it took Ox and great passing to unlock Palace's organized defense in the second.

  

Ox looked at home in central midfield today.  I know he's still young and developing, but his influence in the midfield is exciting.  He pushed forward, and made a nice run off a Palace player for one of his goals using his acceleration.  He first touch (from a perfect Santi pass) controlled it, and the opposite foot finished it.  His second goal came from a one-two with Giroud started with a back heel pass.  While taking the pass from Rosicky, Ox had to know precisely where Giroud was in order to complete that back-heel.  Thinking of he, Jack, and Aaron all competing for midfield positions makes one drool.

 

Arteta was back to his metronomic best.  For being a transplant player, it still amazes me how well he knows the Arsenal way.  It's like he was meant to always be here.  I know he doesn't always gain the accolades and has some slowness of foot, but when he's in form, ( he completed 122 passes today), he has an impact on penetrating the final third.  Plus, he sets the example on winning any misplaced passes back.

 

Podolski played with a lot of hustle but looked maybe a little less relaxed.  He helped win back balls, closed down the opponent, and took too many touches before shooting.  All of which are unlike him.  I like that he's fighting for his place, but his natural manner is more relaxed which helps in front of the net, but maybe does not impress Arsene.  I hope he's about to find a balance so his efficiency matches his effort.

Szczesny kept us in the game...again.  He came off his line to gather the ball from Chamakh whose last touch on the ball was a bit too heavy.  Having enjoyed sliding on his knees in the first half, our nO. 1 did it again in the second half when he made a great save with his feet against a downward Jerome header.  Thank you Sir Chez.
 

Arsene took it on the chin regarding the Kallstrom decision.  And as crazy as the purchase was, at least he's honest about it.  I have to admire that:

 

"I decided to do it because we might, because of the number of games we have now in February, we might need the players in March or April. There is a possibility [that he may not play] but as well there is the possibility that he scores us the winning goal that might be vitally important.

"

A risk is a risk.  Having Kallstrom injured isn't costing us money.  His club is paying for him while injured.  It was Wenger's call to make and he made it.If Kallstrom scores the League winning goal this season, how nummy would that crow taste?  Now, as far as the rest of the window goes, well...different bird and taste altogether.

 

In the meantime, we are back on top of the league.  The big game on Monday is City versus Chelsea.  As much as I can't stand Mourinho, he probably is he one tactician in the league that has enough talent to stop City's scoring machine.

*Update:  Chelsea beat Manchester City 1-0.  Top Of The League STILL!

We have a tougher game than Palace on Sunday when we play Liverpool at Anfield.  Preview forthcoming on Friday.  Enjoy the view from the top and have a good one Gooners.


 

 

 



Transfer Window Slams Shut Right on Kim Kallstrom's Back - oh and then there's Crystal Palace.

What the Heck?



Arsenal just can't do anything the easy or normal way can it?  When stories surfaced en masse on Twitter that our new and  not world-class-signing suffered a back injury during his first training with the club emerged, I laughed outloud.  Of course he did!  But even more bizarrely, there then surfaced stories that he came to us already injured (twinging his back during a game of beach footy in Abu Dhabi while on pre-season tour with his club).  Supposedly, Kim fully disclosed the problem, the medical staff checked him out and informed the Boss...who then opted to buy him anyway?  Oh my.  And quite predictably, Goonerdom went into full meltdown mode.  Hey, I'm not happy about our transfer business either, and I can't wait to hear how Wenger answers the questions posed by the press at the post-match conference, but extreme reactiveness is just not attractive.  I really do think that Arsenal is the only club in the world that would sign a an already injured player who was needed for coverage to help prevent...injury.  It really can't get anymore peculiar than that.  Let's hope Wenger knows what he's doing and we can all have a good laugh at the end of the season.

Onto Palace who are now managed by the ex-Orc leader Pulis (would that make him Sauron on Saruman?).  Anyway, I have attempted to predict lineups the last couple of weeks and have been substantially wrong in a lot of positions, but that doesn't mean I'm not going to give it another try.  Maybe my picks would have been better?  Right.  So, we have Jack, Ramsey, and Flamini not available for midfield action which means Arteta will certainly start (having discarded more rust from being out with injury one hopes), and TR7 returns after dealing with issues from his nose surgery. There is Ox to take into consideration as well in that position linking the Spaniard to the German, but I can see Wenger starting Tommy and then bringing on Ox as a sub for him to rest both and ease both back into playing.  I'm not sure if Wenger is going to rest Ozil or not taking into consideration we do not play midweek.  Podolski starting, of course, is always difficult to predict.  He has to vie with Santi for a spot on the left, and Mr. Magic Feet is in fine form scoring five goals in five games.  And who is going to do better against a team that is most likely going to park the bus?  The creative flair player, or an excellent, deadly left footer?  It has been suggested that Serge could sit after struggling a bit against Soton, and Wenger could then move Santi to the right giving Poldi the left.  I honestly can't make this call.  It makes my head hurt.

As far as our opponents go, Saruman has organized them defensively and stabilized their decline into relegation. Since Christmas, they have won three and drawn one and held Manchester City to one goal in their loss to them on the 28th.  Look for a similar defensive deployment  against us.

Ex-Arsenal striker Marouane Chamakh had a nice interview in the Guardian discussing how much he enjoyed his time at Arsenal even though his fine start was disrupted by the Dutch Skunk's return to form.  Marouane seems like a decent fellow, and I hope to see him do well at Palace, but not today.  No scoring against former club today please.

That's about it except to say that this should be three points in the bag although it may be a boring three points if we have to break down a wall of four by four.  Going back to the top of the league is paramount today and could be permanent as well depending on the  Chelsea and City result on Monday.  So Come On You Rip Roaring Reds.

And have a good one Gooners.

Battle for the Title Continues





Bring on the Cat



Good morning boys and girls.  Arctic blast or no, it's a great day because we have an Arsenal match today at St. Mary's, and do to the weather, my office is closed - yet again - so I get to watch The Arsenal on my sofa in front of the flat screen.  Yes! 

The last time we played the Saints, Ollie got himself a brace at home one of which resulted from him stealing the ball from a dithering Boruc.  Since then, our opponents have lost five, drawn three, and won only two games.  Currently sitting in ninth position and having a slightly better home record than away, Mauricio Pochettino's boys will want to give a good performance in front of their home fans.  They like to play attacking football and are now 20 points behind us but have only allowed in six more goals than us for the season - albeit most of those have been scored this second half of the season.  But, make no mistake.  It'll be tricky match up.

Team news for us is that Mikel and Vermie are back training with the squad, but probably won't start.  I was hoping to see Ramsey back as well, but it looks as though he could be a doubt and  Jack  is probably going to be absent due to an ankle injury he received during the Coventry game.  Plus, LeBoss also may be cautious with  starting Ox again after being out so many months.  Which leaves us with what possible line-up?

Against Coventry, Arsene did not deploy Flamini, instead opting for a more creative, attack minded midfield of Jack and Ox against the lower league team.  I doubt he can afford that today.  I'm thinking he will start Flamini and Santi or Rosicky in the middle with Podolski and Serge on the wings.  Giroud will be at the front returning after his rest in the FA Cup.  And of course, Ozil.  In the back, our Number One will reappear between the posts with steadier than steady Sagan, Mertie, and Koz in front of him.  I really can't make a call on the left back.  Monreal has gained a starting position over Gibbsy, but Kieran did put in a good performance against Coventry.  I think Wenger will look at what left flank combination works best together and the need for speed versus defense.

Three points gained today will again put pressure on City and Chelsea both of whom play tomorrow.  I honestly don't look for either team to drop points against Spurs or West Ham, but it football can be an unpredictable thing.

Rumors still abound over Draxler (on Twitter anyway).  I have a favorite ITK fellow I follow, but won't get your hopes up by publishing what he's tweeting.  Let's just say, I'm holding out and am looking for a deadline day transfer.

What else?  Oh yea - Arsenal unveiled their new new partnership with Puma -effective July 1st of this year- leaving Nike after 20 years.   The deal with the German company is reported worth 150 million pounds over 5 years which is a substantial increase over past deals and one of the biggest in football history.  Bringing in world class players now, more than ever (even if they are only 20 years old), is a doable deal while keeping us in compliance with FFP and enabling us to carry on our model of self sustainability.  We are no longer a selling club ladies and gents. There were pictures leaked online of the new home kit yesterday, and arseblog has more today posted.  Take a look.  I think the tighter than tight jersey will look fabulous on our boys, but I hope Arsenal don't expect me to wriggle my middle-aged body into one.  I think retro kits are for me from here on out.

Coincidentally, the Puma statement came with a bonus announcement in that Wenger is extending his contract which will be pronounced officially "at the right time".  So, it sounds like a few more details need hammering out.  I wonder if any carrots are being dangled?  "Win the league Arsene, and we'll add a bonus" kind of thing. 

That's it for now.  Here's to three points, a continuation of looking down from the peak of the League, and a daring deadline day signing.  Take care you Gooners.

Arsenal Make Easy Work of Round 4 - Onto Round 5.

Job Well Done



 

Arsenal dispatched Coventry City 4-0 with little problems and a second half full of sloppy efforts.  Our Goldi Poldi got himself a brace upon his second start since returning from injury which will be a boost of confidence of him, and Giroud and Santi scored after coming on in the 79th and 71st minute respectfully.  The scoreline did not give Coventry enough credit, as they came out in the second half pressing higher up the pitch, getting some shots off - way off - target.  Fabianski was called into action however, and did a fine job of shot-stopping.

 

The squad was a bit stronger than I thought it would be.  I definitely thought Arsene would take this match to rest Ozil in preparation for Southampton and subsequent Liverpool and Man United games (I know I skipped Crystal Palace there).  Wenger really wanted to make a statement about his intention, I guess, and did not put on the young 'uns - unless you count Serge - until Zelalem came on in the 71st minute.  All in all, Wenger put out a professional squad who did a professional job.

 

My online stream was awful, so I was unable to catch all the nuances of the game.  How did Ox look in the CM position? How was Zelalem - the first Arsenal player born after Wenger was appointed as manager to make an appearance as first team player - on the ball?  (That was an ugleee structure of a sentence).  Did Giroud's beautiful six-pack really show through his rain-soaked jersey?  These are important questions.  I'm relying on other bloggers' posts and Wenger's post game interview to help answer those them.  Twitter isn't a bad resource either.

 

We are onto Round Five of the FA Cup with the draw taking place Sunday.  So far, there have not been any upsets, unless we can count Wigan taking out Crystal Palace.  There are a couple of games tomorrow, but it looks like we will have a PL team to play next round,  Bring it, I say.

 

Transfer rumors persist despite Wenger's somewhat straightforward answer in his post-match interview:

 

re: the Draxler rumors that spiked on Twitter yesterday-"That again is an illusion. There is nothing happening, honestly no. We have no need on the flanks, we have Chamberlain coming back, we have many players on the flanks. Honestly, I told you in the last press conference, we don't rule it out but at the moment I cannot announce anything to you."

 

I think he's playing some major poker-face here in an effort to not disrespect the reported negotiations that are going on.  We don't need another player for the flank?  Theo is out for the rest of the season.  And Wenger is known for taking such talented wingers (Henry, the Dutch Skunk), and turning them into world class strikers.  For now, I am focusing on the phrase "we don't rule it our but at the moment..."  Only how many days left in the transfer window?  It can't come soon enough for me.

 

I think that's it for now.  I'll have a pre-match report up for the Southhampton game on Tuesday.  Have a good one Gooners.

 

 

 

 



FA Cup Preview and Draxler Madness

Stupid Arctic blasts.  My fingers are freezing as I type.  Yes, living in Northwest Indiana means that enduring (and even enjoying) snow and temps averaging around 20 degrees.  But this -25 to -40 degree stuff is for the birds (who are probably frozen to whatever roost they have found to perch on).  On the other hand...

My work is closed today which means I am able to watch the game (online) without pesky interruptions and having to engage in some form of sneaky office machinations.  Excellent.

Well, we have one week until the window closes and in somewhat typical Arsenal style, we have not brought anyone in even with having Theo out the rest of the season and a need for perhaps another defender.  However, the Draxler rumors are fueling my own personal fire - and even when this happens:

"@Arsenal: We are delighted to announce the transfer of Julian Draxler from Schalke 04 for a fee of £45m. #DraxlerIsAGooner"
— Jim. (@AgentJim_) January 18, 2014

April Fools!!
— Jim. (@AgentJim_) January 19, 2014

I go back for more.  Sad, I know.

I did give him a tweeted piece of my mind of course, but in classic Lisa fashion, I still believe this which appeared this morning:

1/2 I'm being told that Arsenal and Schalke have been in deep negotiations to agree on a fee for Julian Draxler. And this morning a fee..
— Jim. (@AgentJim_) January 24, 2014

Has been finally agreed and Arsenal and Julian Draxler will now go into talks over personal terms. That's all I know at this stage guys.
— Jim. (@AgentJim_) January 24, 2014

Seriously, if this transfer doesn't pan out, I personally will totally deserve the let down, optimistic fool that I am.

Anyway, amidst all this transfer bologna is an FA Cup match today against Coventry City at the Emirates.  Keeping in mind the manner in which we crashed out of the tournament last year against Blackburn, Wenger is not taking the lower-tier team lightly:

“Last year's defeat to Blackburn was a big disappointment. It was a great warning and at the moment this just our next game and we want to win it.”

Santi seems to think we learned our lesson from last season:

“Football produces surprises every day and anything can happen in a game. If you underestimate an opponent, they can beat you.
“You have to approach these games in the best way possible and not get cocky or it will cost us dearly.”

The rub, of course, is we have a thinning squad taking on three trophies.  An FA Cup trophy is a coveted prize and is doable if we combine our first team with our up-and- comers.  With injuries, that will be a tricky combination.  Arteta, Ramsey, Vermalaen, and Rosicky are out with Sanogo and Bendtner having returned to the squad just this week for training.  So, I expect a mix of backups (Fabianski, Jenks) starting with returnees Ox,  and Bendtner, Young Guns Zelalem or maybe Eisfeld with first teamers Mertie, Koz, Gibbs, Flamini, Serge and Santi. 

Coventry City have lost 10 points due to being docked for going into administration (they're owned by a Hedgefund?) so take their League One status with a grain of salt.  Like all lower league teams in this tournament, they have pride to play for.  They more than most.

I guess that's it for now.  This game really should be ours for the taking.  The slackness that has earmarked our starts of late will hopefully not make an appearance tonight.  An infusion of young blood could help cure that ill.  Here's to advancing to Round 5.

Take care you Gooners.

P.S. (A shout out to REDAction who is helping support Coventry City fans bringing in banners to protest having to travel 35 miles to see a home match.  More here...)

Santi's Brace Keeps Gunners Top Arsenal 2 - 0 Fulham

Mr. Magic Feet struck again - twice actually - and kept Arsenal at the top of the standings.  It wasn't the full thumping of a bottom table team that I had hoped for, but going into halftime 0-0 and coming back two goals in the second half was yet another sign of mental reisiliance and determinantion.

The first few minutes of the first half were promising.  We stormed the other end right off the bat and within five minutes, Jack Wilshere played Mesut Ozil into the right side of the penalty area, but instead of shooting, it looked as though he tried to pass and ended up scuffing the ball past the keeper.  Hndgeland kicked it out for a corner.  After that attempt, we seemed to have a hard time of it.  Fulham seemed defensivly determined and resolutely kept behind the ball.  To be fair, we seemed to lack some urgency to beat them back on the break.  That changed second half.

We picked up the pace.  Jack seemed to spearhead the thrust forward aided by our full backs.  Santi and Serge exchanged places on the wings at times which I'm sure kept the defense's heads in a permanent swivel.  Finally, Santi found himself at the end of some good team passing between Giroud and Wilshere and smacked it right footed into the net.  A mere five minutes later, Santi again scored after finding himself on the end of a cleared Monreal cross.  Done and dusted.

Szczesny kept us in the game.  What a save he had against Sidwell in the 25th minute. And what daring it took to go for the ball at the feet of Dejagah resulting in a bit of a boot to his face. 

Serge is quite the player already.  He's only 18 years old.  I keep telling myself that so my expectations go through an unrealistic roof.  The other thing I keep telling myself is "he's ours.  He's all ours". 

Podolski has a shot that should scare the shitska out of anyone in his way.  He made quite the impact coming on, his 20 yard shot bouncing off the bar (we all thought it went in at first).  He's having trouble getting a starting position.  I think an explanation is that he is very left-footed and is only effective as a winger on one-side of the pitch whereas his competition can play both.  However, look for Wenger to continue his Poldi-as-a-striker experimient in coming games.  He had this statement to make about the German...and our BHF:

"He can (play up front) as well, because if he is in front of goal and you give him one chance, you score with him. He doesn’t hit it in the stand."

*Ahem*

Anyway, we got our three points whilst keeping a clean sheet.  At least this week didn't end up 2-1 like the Villa game.  So our top four rivals have the pressure to deal with this weekend.  We have the FA Cup this Friday at home against Coventry and Southhampton four days later on the 28th.  By then we could have Rambo and Bendy back...which would be like new signings, unless we have an actual new signing by then. 

That's all for now.  I look forward to watching a ton of footy the rest of the weekend with no worries, cuz ya know, we are Top. Of. The. League.  Yup.

 Have a good one Gooners.