Archive for August 23rd, 2008

It’s not good when you’re worried about playing Fulham

115 comments August 23rd, 2008

Today it’s Fulham away today, and I’m worryingly worried.  Fulham are traditionally fairly easy opponents for visiting Arsenal sides, but for whatever reason I’m slightly concerned that we might witness a slip-up today.

Perhaps it’s the continued absence of Cesc – a fact which means that Alex Song could come into the line-up on a ground where he experienced the nadir of his Arsenal career.  One would also expect Robin van Persie to come in for his first Premier League start since 1952.  New signing Mikael Silvestre is likely to miss out with a thigh strain.

It’s odd.  This evening’s match will be our third game of 08/09, but I still feel like the season hasn’t really started.  Perhaps it’s because I am waiting for our midfielder to arrive – once the transfer deadline has passed and the dealings are done, the fact the season is underway might begin to sink in.

The Independent has a very thorough, very interesting interview with Arsene Wenger.  What that piece emphasises is something we already knew – that Arsene is man of principle.  He also defines his current managerial strategy with greater clarity than ever before:

“When we decided to build the stadium I wanted to anticipate the possibility of financial restrictions, so I concentrated on youth. I also felt the best way to create an identity with the way we play football, to get players integrated into our culture, with our beliefs, our values, was to get them as young as possible and to develop them together. I felt it would be an interesting experiment to see players grow together with these qualities, and with a love for the club.  It was an idealistic vision of the world of football.”

I am full of admiration for Arsene’s ideals, but I would understand if some fans don’t respond well to the idea that the club has been subject to an “experiment”.  Our culture, our beliefs, our values and our football are all terribly important.  But let’s not forget about our trophy cabinet.

Martin O’Neill says he finds Arsene Wenger talking about Gareth Barry’s future “strange”.  It’s a bit rich when you consider that the original story linking us with Barry was leaked from within Villa.  By O’Neill simself.

Let’s smash Fulham today, and send a message.  Come on Arsenal.


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