Archive for December, 2004
December 6th, 2004
Ah, a lovely weekend off from the smoke of the city â?? green fields, blue skies, and the distinctive aroma of cow shit.
On the back of this weekends heart-warming victory against Birmingham, it has emerged that Arsene called all the players (bar Freddie and Cesc) into his office for a bit of a rollicking.
If this report is true, it shows us that perhaps Arsene has a firmer hand than the press would have us believe.
I also noticed a few things he did differently on Saturday:
- He made a change to our Starting XI by bringing in Manuel Almunia for Jens Lehmann
- He changed our tactics slightly by asking Thierry to play as an out-and-out striker
- He made early substitutions, bringing on Clichy and later Flamini with about half an hour to go
- He was preparing to give Senderos his debut when the full-time whistle went, contradicting criticism that he is cautious about introducing the youngsters
- He wore a tracksuit, not his usual formal get-up
- And lastly, he was much more vocal, getting off the bench several times to encourage and instruct
Basically, it seems as though he wanted to try and change the way things have been going. It’s like he realised we needed a certain freshness.
He also responded to most of the criticisms that have been aimed at him this season.
Anyway, just thought it was interesting.
December 3rd, 2004
Robin van Persie and Jermaine Pennant have joined Dennis Bergkamp, Gilberto, Pascal Cygan, and Edu on the sidelines for Saturday’s game against Birmingham.
It’s a shame for Van Persie, who would’ve had a decent shot at a starting berth.
It means the same group of players who lost to Liverpool will have to pick themselves up in time to beat the Brummies.
I’d imagine the starting line-up could look something like this:
Cesc Fabregas, however, could retain his place in the side, though I’d expect him to get a rest.
With a substitutes bench that will contain one of Cesc or Flamini, Manuel Almunia, Philippe Senderos, and Justin Hoyte or Gael Clichy, a young striking substitute will be required in Van Persie’s absence. Could we see a Premiership debut for Arturo Lupoli?
Coooooome oooon yooouuuu reeeeeeeddds.
December 2nd, 2004
As I’m sure you can infer from today’s marvellously clear head-line, we lost.
Two cock-ups, one from Djourou, and another from skipper Manuel Almunia, allowed Avid Merrion to score within 19 seconds.
After that, there were 90 fairly dull minutes, though Robin Van Persie managed to stir things up a bit. With his elbow.
On the positive side, Philippe Senderos put in his best performance in an Arsenal shirt, whilst Seb Larsson and Mathieu Flamini were tidy and tenacious in the centre of the park.
Flamini, a player I’ve been championing for some time now, has a significant chance to start against Birmingham. Whatever the team put out, it is now absolutely vital that we win.
Roll on Saturday.
December 1st, 2004
1. They are â??Teenageâ?Â. This is irrefutable fact.
2. They are â??Heroesâ?Â. Fans all over the world look up to them for their outstanding ability to fight off Krang and his evil minions. And play football.
3. The Turtles were often heard shouting â??Itâ??s Pizza Time!â?Â. Coincidence? I think not.
4. The respective leaders, Splinter and Arsene Wenger, have more in common than you might think. Both found their talented youngsters in the most bizarre and remote of locations. Whilst Splinter discovered the Turtles in the sewers, Arsene went to Holland. It’s close enough. Greying, yet wise, they watch over and guide their young prodigies as they take on the forces of evil.
5.
Need I say more?
Hopefully the kids will give those bastards a good stuffing tonight.
COWABUNGA!
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