Posts filed under '2004-2011'
February 16th, 2008
If you can find a way to contact Arsene Wenger within the next few hours, you’ll probably at least be on the bench for today’s match at Old Trafford.
At his pre-match press conference yesterday, Arsene came up with a couple more additions to our hilariously long injury list.  One can’t help but feel that a couple of those “muscular” knocks have been rolled out by Arsene at this late stage as an excuse for resting players for Wednesday’s game with Milan.  Still, maybe this fella will be available.
I would very much love to win today. I would very much love to get to Wembley, and be absolutely over-the-moon to win the FA Cup. But I back Arsene’s judgement here: the league and Champions League take priority over this competition. Indeed, if I could guarantee a win in one of the games against Man U, Milan, or Birmingham, I might plump for the latter of those three.
At the risk of pessimism, I’m half-expecting to lose today. It feels a bit like a Carling Cup tie away to a big side. But we’ve won those before. I’m sure today will be very interesting.
Arsene has denied a £15m bid for a 36-year-old goalkeeper. I don’t know about you, but my jaw hit the floor.
Finally, Red & White are standing in a corner somewhere jumping up and down and shouting “We’re still here!!!”
Nobody cares.
February 15th, 2008
Well, they might have to be.
I would say more, but there isn’t much about, and I haven’t got the time.
This is a sorry excuse for a blog post, and I know it. But then, that’s what happens when you oversleep. And I’m not sorry one bit.
Have a good Friday people, and I’ll bring you a nice little preview for Man U tomorrow.
In the meantime, here is a picture of the world’s most frightening football:
February 14th, 2008
With The Sun claiming that Theo Walcott and Cesc Fabregas are set to be added to our depressingly long injury list, one wonders if Arsene will even have the option of resting players against United. Our bench on Saturday contained the likes of Kerrea Gilbert, so it’s not as if he has a huge degree of depth with which to rotate.
That means folk such as Emmanuel Adebayor, whom Aleksandr Hleb has moved to praise for his recent form, could start. It’s a very tricky call for Arsene, who will doubtless have one eye on AC Milan (who will be without the original Ronaldo).
Giovanni Trapattoni has been unveiled as the new Republic of Ireland manager, and is looking to appoint our Head of Youth Development, Liam Brady, as his assitant, in a role similar to that of Gus Poyet’s at Spurs. Whatever happens, I hope Brady is able to continue his sterling work at Arsenal in some capacity.
Finally, The Daily Mail claim Arsenal want to spend £15m on a 36-year-old goalkeeper. That is genuinely one of the least believable transfer stories I’ve ever read.
Have a nice Thursday.
February 13th, 2008
It is often said of somebody persuing a bad idea that they are like a dog barking up a tree. If Barcelona think they can lure Arsene Wenger at the end of the season, they’re like a dog that is so stupid it’s not even barking up a tree. It’s probably barking up it’s own arse.
Rosicky, Eboue and Toure could all return to the side in Saturday’s FA Cup tie at Old Trafford. Jens Lehmann will also play for the third time out of our last four games. One thing I didn’t say about the win over Blackburn was how happy it made me to see Gilberto and Jens in the post-match huddle, and enjoying it. I wouldn’t pick either of them in my best XI, but this is a squad game, and I think their decision to stay in January shows a recognition that they have a vital role to play between now and the end of the season – it’s worth remembering that between them, they’ve already made 32 appearances this season.
I imagine we might not see our strongest side against United. I think the likes of Bendtner and Hoyte may be given opportunities, with Adebayor a probable choice to be rested. I just don’t think it’s where Arsene’s priorities lie. With only twelve games to go in the league and Milan looming on the horizon, he may want to focus on the two major competitions. However, should we lose on Saturday then get beat on Wednesday by the Italians, it might not look so clever. We’ll have to wait and see, I guess.
Finally, Toronto Gooner has found the subtitles for Adebayor’s latest interview, and they are as englightening as ever.
February 12th, 2008
We knew the prize that victory would grant us, and we started in a suitably determined fashion. We had already had a couple of decent chances when Philippe Senderos powered home a header with just four minutes on the clock.
However, after that, our performance waned. With Gilberto and Flamini in the centre (Cesc played on the right in the absence of Rosicky and Eboue), we lacked a creative spark, and Blackburn were allowed to come back into the game. However, despite having large amounts of possession, they never really threatened.
In the second half, we were markedly improved. Adebayor, who had been poor, became a genuine outlet, whilst Aleksandr Hleb (who was excellent throughout), stepped up his game, striking the post before having another long range effort saved.
It was no surprise when it was those two who combined for the second goal in stoppage time. Hleb’s pass found Adebayor, who flicked the ball back inside before firing into the near bottom corner to continue his remarkable goalscoring run – inspsired, he claims, by Thierry Henry. That’s twelve in nine, including a run of scoring in seven consecutive league games.
The goal was good, but the interview the pair provided afterwards was even better. Funny stuff, and indicative of the team spirit within the camp.
Finally, a word for Bacary Sagna, who was undoubtedly my Man of the Match. On a night when David Bentley’s advanced position kept Gael Clichy pegged back on the left, Sagna marshalled the right touchline with authority, pace, and intelligence. The best right back in the league? Beyond doubt.
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