USArsenal
355 comments February 10th, 2007
Well, Arsenal have struck up a link with the Colorado Rapids. At this stage it’s being called an “exchange of ideas”. Although it remains to see exactly how close the relationship will be, it’s certainly a good move on the part of the club – by getting into the American market ahead of Beckham’s arrival, we have increased worldwide exposure of the Arsenal brand without inconvenient pre-season tours or having to sell up. Like I said, it’s hard to know how this will affect the playing side in any way, but I suppose an exchange of players will be a possibility at some stage. In the next few weeks I may well profile a couple of Colorado’s star players.
The main team news ahead of Sunday’s match at home to Wigan is that Julio Baptista is back. Abou Diaby has also returned, and I’d expect both players to be on the bench this weekend ahead of starting against Bolton next week (a game in which Alex Hleb could also feature).
Cesc Fabregas has rightfully won the Player of the Month award for January. If he isn’t PFA Young Player of the Year this season then something is very wrong.
Arseblog has some interesting quotes from Arsene on International football. I have to say I agree: it is always dull, drab, and often depressing. I would support holding all qualifiers as a summer tournament, or during a January break – they should all happen at once and be dealt with.
It looks like I might be going to Cardiff for the Carling Cup Final. Exciting stuff – we’ve got nothing to lose, and it’s always a great day.
