Things we learnt this week
13 comments March 13th, 2010
This week has been longer than the string on a yo-yo that has been purpose-built for Lacina Traoré, and subsequently I’ve been left feeling weaker than that joke. The stonking win over Porto aside, it’s been a week in which a few things have crystallised.
Nicklas Bendtner and Emmanuel Eboue have come a long way in a year.
Just twelve months ago both players were more likely to be booed than cheered, but on Tuesday night it was their songs that rang most raucously around the Emirates. Admittedly that’s partially because Samir Nasri doesn’t really have a song yet, but it’s clear that Bendtner and Eboue are developing new and infinitely more positive reputations. The Ivorian in particular is emerging as a cult figure to rival the Grimandis of yesteryear.
William Gallas could well leave in the Summer.
Arsene Wenger has announced he will meet the defender’s agents next Thursday to try and thrash out a deal. With rumours that Roma officials flew in to London to meet Gallas on Tuesday, it might be too late. In the past eighteen months we’ve been extremely vigilant with our contract renewals – I suspect that if Gallas was to get the deal he wants, it’d be sorted by now.
Andrey Arshavin is mental.
Whether it’s in a Q&A on his official site or in an outspoken interview in today’s Times, there’s no denying that our Andrey is one of football’s more idiosyncratic personalities. At times his comments make him look something of a fish out of water – a consequence, surely, of growing up in such a different culture. The same can be true on the pitch. Occasionally he looks disinterested and unaware of the importance of a team ethic. And yet it is his individualistic conviction that makes him such an extraordinary talent. He could be vital in the run-in. Oh, and if you’re a member, this might just be a very entertaining occasion.
Cesc Fabregas won’t be fit to face Hull.
Unless a miracle occurs we’ll have to do without Cesc today. One suspects that had Nasri not performed so admirably on Tuesday, the skipper might have been rushed back a little quicker. There are doubts over Rosicky and Campbell, and Alex Song is suspended. Theo Walcott, Mikael Silvestre, and Denilson are all on standby to step in.
Every game between now and the end of the season is a cup final. Victory is essential. Come On You Reds.
