Bleacher Report - Articles by Ashish Wesley

Cesc Fabregas: The Light at the End of the Tunnel!

Ashish Wesley — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 02:11:00 -0500

What a day for the young man taking over the reigns at Arsenal Football Club. What a day for us, and collectively what a momentous day for Arsenal Football Club.
Francesc Fabregas - the captain of Arsenal Football Club, and who among us could say that we couldn't see that coming.

Announcing the new captain Arsene said:

“Gallas will play against Kyiv. But he will not captain the team, it will be Cesc Fabregas"

"This is a permanent thing. But I don’t think I especially have to explain why. I have given you information but I do not have to explain to you why I make these decisions.

“This subject is now closed. You have to respect a little bit of the team’s privacy.”

Sure, I was all for Kolo Toure trying the armband on for size first before handing it over to the young Spaniard. But really, given more thought and having read Arseblogger's piece today and Amy Lawrence in the Times, I must admit that without a shadow of a doubt, we could not at this point of time find a better man for the job of cappy at Arsenal Football Club.

I don't think we had a true leader for large portions of time after Tony Adams barring the last No. 4 of course. There may have been big characters, but not the men most suited to lead a team on the pitch. And certainly, the last incumbent at the post, Gallas just didn't cut it at all.

He wasn't Arsenal through and through; Cesc on the other hand is. He was ushered in to the ways of a Gunner. The tradition, the culture and the legacy. He lives and breathes Arsenal, much the same way we do, and it's such a delight to see him at the helm.

It's proud day for all of us associated with the Club. We've all seen the boy blossom into a man, and how. Seen him as a 17 year old. Seen him step up to those big Vieira boots. Seen him put in vital performances, notably against Juventus and Milan last year and what about that goal against Spurs last season when the chips were down.

And so many countless others. Who really can dispute that he is the real talisman once Henry departed? Who can also dispute that he didn't shoulder the responsibility of leading a young team, albeit without the armband in recent times? Who can also say with a great deal of confidence that he is not the most important player we have on the pitch?

He is the real deal, and I find myself gushing immensely ever since I found out that it was him that would lead the team out henceforth. Everyone from the players to the fans needed a lift after the goings on recently and who can deny that this wasn't it. It would be churlish to think that things would be all A-ok from here on in. But it's a start, and the most positive one we've seen in sometime.

We need reinforcements to the team, some real quality needs to acquired. Some positions on the pitch need to be strengthened. It's been a dark, doom-laden sort of with almost everything at Arsenal. As messy as you will probably ever see, but with this latest development, you can see the doom and gloom lifting.

A fresh start. The slate wiped clean, and maybe with the more realistic knowledge of the ability and depth of our squad we can re-asses our strengths and weakness and likewise take another look at what can be realistically achieved this season.

But at least we need to wonder no more who it will be that will lead the team forward. Cescy has the confidence of the players, the fans and now that's quantified by the manager who allows him to lead his young squad out.

Fab has the fire power, the right attitude, the mental toughness, and most importantly, the respect of the players, and the world you would have to say.

Maybe we are asking too much out of young Cesc, maybe the weight of expectation will weigh heavily on his young shoulders. But I really don't see that happening. And I'd hate to be proven wrong, again.

I will just remind you of another great captain who took the reins of the Arsenal team a little while ago, much the same age of young Fabregas here, and is one of the most distinguished men ever to put on the Arsenal shirt.

If Cesc can even go on and emulate half of what Tony Adams did (if you're still guessing, that is) he will long be remembered.

Take a bow Cescy! (Rather prematurely, I know but can you blame me?) Really it's a great day, and a new beginning, I can feel it in my bones! Come on Cescy you have the complete Arsenal Community behind you. It's the Cesc show from here on in ( No pressure then.. heh), and we wait in anticipation for the first episode. Over to you...

And, come on the Arsenal!!!

Update!

Speaking about his new role as club captain, Cesc said:

"It is a proud moment. I know it's a big responsibility but together with my teammates, I know we have the spirit and commitment to get back to winning ways and fulfil our potential."

And will direct you to what Gael Clichy who was also in the running for captain as you would believe, had to say about Cesc being handed the armband, that's here.

And I'm outy!

What Arsenal Needs Right Now

Ashish Wesley — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 14:50:00 -0500

There are some things in life that make you scratch your head in disbelief, others that leave you with a sense of bewilderment, and still others that throw you onto the the floor and leave you lying there in utter and complete bafflement.

The Arsenal performance against Villa at the Grove last Saturday would definitely fall into the last category. Another late take on the game, as I didn't want too much of a knee-jerk reaction. Sadly, though, the gloom still hasn't lifted yet.

I'm sure all of us Gooners the world over would have been beaming, uncontrollably so and taking the piss out of any Mancs in sight after the game just two Saturdays ago. I think it was Arseblogger who said "what a difference a week makes" after the Manchester United mauling, this on the back of a pathetic draw to the Spuds and a defeat to Stoke.

But it couldn't be more poignant to say "what a difference a week makes," now more than ever. Wasn't this the same team to a man that controlled the game so well against a Manchester United team and won all the plaudits? As rapturous as the win against the Manky Shite was, there were large portions of the Arsenal support who were happy, but more than happy we were hopeful. Hopeful that the team could kick on from here. That the confidence would be at an upswing after the uplifting win.

We were not going to come a cropper after this? Were we? We hoped not. But normal service had resumed against Villa, at least normal as this season goes. You could also replace the word "normal" with "unpredictable," and you know it.

The Villa game would be the litmus test of whether we had turned the corner and would kick on on from here on in. I think it would have been plain to any observer to see the sheer determination and drive lacking right from the off against Martin O'Neil's men. You could brush it aside, like I tended to do in the early stages and say, "Well, its not Man U this time round, so the boys will be up for it eventually, and get the job done."

When Almunia made the save you would get the feeling that maybe it was going to be our day. Or so I thought. I cannot really comment of the rest of the match till about the 70th as I could not catch a glimpse of it owing to some "electricity difficulties." But I am informed that it wasn't too much better from what I had seen.

I was hoping to see a revitalised Arsenal come out second half, and take control of the game. But, sadly, all momentum from the Man u game had just fizzled out, much like it had "fizzled in" before the ManUSA game.

Even at 1-nil down in the 70th, we didn't create too much. There was 20 minutes on the clock, surely more than enough time to get an equaliser and a winner too! But we lacked the verve and desire to really push on from there. A complete wet blanket. It can't be a personnel problem, can it? Surely not, at least I am wont to say, that it isn't. So what is it?

I think our inconsistencies are born out of two things we sorely lack in this squad. And it's not for the first time that I am voicing these concerns. We lack leadership. And the other being sheer desire and drive. There's no other conclusions that you can draw from it. Especially since we know what they are capable off after the Manky Shite encounter.

I winced after Billy Gallas said something to the effect of him being a good captain after the big Manure win. He is so far away from the truth. I really think the leadership issue needs to be sorted out now, even at the cost of Gallas being slighted. It really is the need of the hour. And come on, it's not like any of the lads look up to him too much, so it can't really have a detrimental effect on the squad. That in effect could then see Gallas dropped to the bench, and Toure take his place.

We've tried the Gallas-Silvestre combo at the back, with mixed results at best. Maybe it's time to try out the Toure-Silvestre combo, surely it can't be much worse. With Gallas being stripped of the captaincy and subsequently dropped to the bench this idea could see the light of day. I would give the man replacing Gallas on the pitch the captains armband, and I think he should at least give it a go.

Toure is Arsenal through and through, and he is worth the experiment if not anything else. You would have to say that since Toure has been an Arsenal boy for so long he definitely needs to get a look in as captain, the lads look up to him, and well he's the man for the job at the moment.

There are some theories that Cescy would make a good captain, and surely you couldn't do much better than getting the young Spaniard to wear the armband, but I would definitely like to try out ol' Kolo first. Kolo could instill some old fashioned Arsenal pride and drive in the lads, and man do we need it right now.

Arseblogger, in response to to the performance against Villa, wanted us to buy a "leader" in the January transfer; I am at best skeptical with the most agreeable Arseblogger. I think we cannot go out shopping for someone like that. The leader has to be an Arsenal boy, and an old head at that. I think if we can do this and maybe get one or two key players we could get some more consistency.

I think we are very much an outside chance for the Prem, at best and even with just a third of the season done and dusted with. I have not seen "Champion" material from this team thus far. As euphoric as it was dispensing the Manks with disdain, it is the four losses, against, with due respect the lesser lights of the league that are seeing us languishing.

We may not be too far away from the top, being a long way to go and all that. But the inconsistency and performance thus far has not warranted a rightful title challenge.That said a quick couple of wins could get us up and running, but maybe, just maybe we may end up paying for past sins this season as far as the Prem goes.

I am however looking forward to our CL challenge this season. We could go far in the competition, the team we have now is strung in this way. More often than not it's going to some European big shite that we take on, and the boys will definitely be up for it, won't they? I sure as heck hope so.

Heads up, Gooners! Always. And a special shot out to all the fans who lingered to sing at the end of the Villa game at the Grove. You lads rule. All.

We get off our Arse, and how!

Ashish Wesley — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 02:07:00 -0500

My last post was after the disheartening fiasco of a week against the Spuds and then the subsequent loss to Stoke.

It was shattering and I was looking to the Fenerbahce game to get some of that frustration out, a release I thought we definitely needed, and heck, wasn't it the Mancs who come a visiting on Saturday?

But as it panned out, we were not really keyed into the game and it was another frustrating performance.

So it wasn't the best lead up by any stretch of the imagination to a day I would 'ring in my calender', to quote Le Prof.

We were seriously depleted going in to the game. Already without Van Persie who was suspended, we would also be without the "Togonator" who should be out for three weeks. To add to that, a big cloud also hung over Theo, Billy Gallas and Bacary Sagna.

Didn't really know how the boys would react to the visit of the defending champions. Would we step up? Or would we roll over? I hadn't the faintest idea. "Right , let's 'ave it then", was the most appropriate thing for me to say then going in to this one. A loss would re-affirm all that has been said in most Arsenal forums, including this one, about the lads inexperience and general lack of quality in key areas, and oh the character, or the lack of it thereof.

A win on the other hand would set us back on track, would help us forget some previous sins, and let us focus on the rest of the season ahead. Some Gooners we're likely to accept a draw as a good return for us, given the recent outcomes.

It does not require infinite wisdom to work out what formation Wenger would adopt for this game.

Unsurprisingly it was the lone Dane striker, Nicklas Bendtner deployed upfront, unsurprisingly also the five-man midfield.

But surprisingly, Theo was declared fit to take his place on the right wing and so also Sagna behind him on the right and Cap'n Gallas was partnered at the back by Silvestre.

Diaby, Denilson and Nasri made up the other numbers in midfield, while Gael Clichy marshaled the most despicable of all divers, an unholy diver if you will at left back. While on the subject, give this a go, it won't disappoint. And oh Almunia resumed his position between the sticks.

Here in Bangalore, we got some of the Gooners together to watch the big game at SBX Sports Bar, Marathalli. There were plenty of the poseur 'United' fans as well. So the atmosphere was unlike any other I had witnessed at a pub before.

Right from the off it was tingly neck stuff. But some things were different from the Arsenal performances we were accustomed to in recent weeks. We were right up for it, right from the off, getting stuck in , putting a foot in, fighting for the 50-50's. We were not going to let them boss us, not on our home patch! We showed desire, steel and resolve and were going to go down, if we were that is with a fight.

If The Mancy Shite expected an easy outing against a young Arsenal side, who were in the worst form in years, they definitely had another thing coming.

There was a scary moment early on when a dodgy back pass from Silvestre was handled was Almunia. Luckily nothing came off the subsequent free kick. We created chances early on with Nasri dancing his way along the left, with Clichy to back him up on the overlap. Two good crosses with Bentdner as the target were floated in to the box from the left, but one missed the target narrowly and the other was put over by the young Dane.

Agonising.

I could feel a goal coming for us though. The crowd was much buoyed by the response of the Gunners and were in good voice, the best I've probably heard at Ashburton.

Needless to say I was really thrilled to bits about the response by the team. It really was so awesome, after all the dark days we've witnessed in the recent past, not to mention the criticism.

The Mancs had their chances as well, but surprisingly their sharp shooters were a bit shite all nite, fortunate for us! When the doubly damned ( A Spud and then turning out in ManUsa colours, what a hideous combination) Berbatov did get the ball past Almunia in goal, it was from an offside position.

But it was soon all forgotten when a Fab freekick on the right was Cleared by Vidic, whose header found Samir Nasri in the box who took a couple of touches and drove it goalward past the crowd. The ball took a deflection off Gary Neville and beat the flapping Van Der Sar.

Cue Chaos! 'Insaneness'. Absolutely And Completely. One nil to the Arsenal!

And Oh, Manky Shite nil.

Many people think it was a fortuitous goal. They better be kidding! It was a goal fair and square and on the balance you would probably say we were more deserved leaders than the Manchester lads.

This was in the 22nd. You will have to depend on the match report here for a better, comprehensive account of the game. Manure did have a couple of chances, Park forcing a save out of Almunia, who I thought was outstanding at times.

As the minutes ticked by though, you get the feeling it was going to be our day. The signs were there, our "shambles" defense improved with every passing minute, Rooney failed to hit the target when presented, and we were mixing it toe to toe and even bossing it for large periods of the first half with Fergie's lot, no mean task, i'll have you know. Sample this, the average age of our front six was just 21, eat that!

So we went in at the break with our heads held high, and a well deserved lead. That was just half the job done, ManUSA are known to be a second half team. So we all knew, as nerve racking and end to end the first half was, it would be a walk in the park compared to the second half.

Amazingly young Nasri, a debutante in the Man U-Arsenal Ruckus' had other ideas, latching on to some neat work and space created in midfield by Fab, he found himself just inside the box with Van Der Sar to beat. And he drilled it past the Dutchman, into the top left hand corner! Oh, now your talking!! 2-0 to the Arsenal and Nasri wrote his name up in lights, again in the 48th.

Well, well well, an unlikely result looked well and truly on now.What ointment this win would be, if we pulled it off, could we?

A nervous 40 some minutes ensued, some decent saves by Almunia helped us along the way. Some surprisingly astute defending by the back four, played a pivotal part. A revitalised midfield stood defiant, as they broke forth in search of more goals. While they all played a part in preventing us from conceding. Some of the most biased refereeing I have seen by Howard Webb ensured that the Shite always, and I do mean always got their decisions, and broke up our play. Aargh!!

The manks did have their chances though, Ronaldo, the unholy diver cited above, missed from close-on. It was nervy stuff, but the manks never really looked like scoring. But this was the Manky shite at two goals down, of course they were going to come at you and they did.

In fairness we really did our bit to keep them at bay. We survived all until the 89th when sub, Da Silva unleashed a rocket past Fabianski, who came on for the injured Almunia who took a boot to the face from the shite kicker Carrick, also doubly damned you might note.

Hmmm you thought, as you wrung your hands and shook your head in utter and sheer fright! The celebrations were put on ice, could we collapse again. The palpitations ensued, six minutes of injury time? six whole minutes! It was the longest six minutes. We survived, we learnt something from the Spurs game, and didn't attack, not as much anyway and protected the ball better.

That's it! Full time. We had kicked the Manky Shite where it mattered most, and how! What a game! What a result. Pandemonium. Delirium. The Manky dissing that was on all game reached a crescendo. We really let them have it in the pub. And it was pure, unbridled joy! It was one of those feelings that you will savour for the rest of your life. You live for these sorts of days!

I was so happy. Happy for every Arsenal Supporter who stood by the team through the harrowing last weeks. The players who pulled it off. Brilliant. And for Arsene, how sweet it must be for him. How sweet indeed!

The press wrote us off, some of us Gooners didnt think the team had it in them. But the players showed the strongest character to prove their detractors wrong. A real dagger it was. A complete performance by the young Arsenal team. Absolutely proud of the lot of them! while Nasri will rather deservedly get all the plaudits, it was a proper shut up and dominant job by the entire Arsenal team. Each one of them did us proud!

The past disappointments were forgotten. The felling of the Manure will be long remebered. And now for me two days on, I still can't stop smiling!

It's a bit late to say savour it, Gooners, but I know some of ya still are! Come on you Gunners, lets kick on from here!!

Cheers!!

Arsenal-Man Utd: We Get Off Our Arse, and How!

Ashish Wesley — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 02:07:00 -0500

My last post was after the disheartening fiasco of a week ago against the Spuds and then the subsequent loss to Stoke.

It was shattering, and I was looking to the Fenerbahce game to get some of that frustration out, a release I thought we definitely needed, and heck wasn't it the Manks who came a visiting on Saturday?

But as it panned out, we were not really keyed into the game and it was another frustrating performance.

So it wasn't the best lead up by any stretch of the imagination to a day I would "ring in my calender", to quote Le Prof. We were seriously depleted going in to the game. Already without Van Persie, who was suspended, we would also be without the Togonator who should be out for three weeks. To add to that, a big cloud also hung over Theo, Gallas and Bacary Sagna.

A loss would re-affirm all that has been said in most Arsenal forums including this one, about the lads inexperience and general lack of quality in key areas, and oh the character, or the lack thereof.

A win on the other hand would set us back on track, would help us forget some previous sins, and let us focus on the rest of the season ahead. Some Gooners were likely to accept a draw as a good return for us, given the recent outcomes.

It does not require infinite wisdom to work out what formation Wenger would adopt for this game. Unsurprisingly it was the lone Dane striker, Nicklas Bendtner deployed upfront, with a five-man midfield.

Surprisingly though, Theo was declared fit to take his place on the right wing, with Sagna behind him on the right and Cap'n Gallas partnered at the back by Silvestre. Diaby, Denilson and Nasri made up the other numbers in midfield.

Gael Clichy marshalled the most despicable of all divers, an unholy diver if you will, at left back. While on the subject, give this a go, it won't disappoint. And oh Almunia resumed his position between the sticks.

Here in Bangalore, we got some of the Gooners together to watch the big game at SBX Sports Bar, Marathalli. There were plenty of the poseur 'Untied' fans as well. So the atmosphere was unlike any other I had witnessed at a pub before.

Right from the off it was tingly neck stuff. But some things were different from the Arsenal performances we were accustomed to in recent weeks. We were right up for it, right from the off, getting stuck in, putting a foot in, fighting for the 50-50s. We were not going to let them boss us, not on our home patch!

We showed desire and resolve and were going to go down, if we were that is, with a fight. If United expected an easy outing against a young Arsenal side, who were in the worst form in years—they definitely had another thing coming.

There was a scary moment early on when a dodgy back pass from Silvestre was handled by Almunia. Luckily nothing came off the subsequent free kick. We created chances early on with Nasri dancing his way along the left, with Clichy to back him up on the overlap.

Two good crosses with Bentdner as the target were floated into the box from the left, but one missed the target narrowly and the other was put over by the young Dane. Agonising. I could feel a goal coming for us though.

The crowd was much buoyed by the response of the Gunners, and were in good voice, the best I've probably heard at Ashburton. Needless to say I was really thrilled to bits about the response by the team. It really was so awesome, after all the dark days we've witnessed in the recent past, not to mention the criticism.

The Mancs had their chances as well, but surprisingly their sharp shooters were a bit shite all night, fortunate for us! When the doubly damned (A Spud and then turning out in ManUsa colours, what a hideous combination) Berbatov did get the ball past Almunia in goal, it was from an offside position.

It was going our way so far. We pressed and probed as both teams forayed forward. The visitors more on the break. They had one beautiful move where they cut our defense to ribbons, and that was really worrying. But it was soon all forgotten when a Fabregas freekick on the right was Cleared by Vidic, whose header found Samir Nasri, who took a couple of touches and drove it goal-ward past the crowd.

The ball took a deflection off Gary Neville and beat the flapping Van Der Sar. Cue Chaos! Insanity. One nil to the Arsenal! And Oh, Manky shite nil. Many people think it was a fortuitous goal. They better be kidding! It was a goal fair and square and on the balance you would probably say we were more deserved leaders than the Manchester lads.

As the minutes ticked by, you get the feeling it was going to be our day. The signs were there, our defense improved with every passing minute, Rooney failed to hit the target when presented, and we were mixing it toe-to-toe, even bossing it for large periods of the first half, no mean task, I'll have you know. Sample this, the average age of our front six was just 21, eat that!

So we went in at the break with our heads held high, and a well deserved lead. That was just half the job done, ManUSA are known to be a second half team. So we all knew, as nerve racking and end to end the first half was, it would be a walk in the park compared to the second half.

Amazingly young Nasri, a debutante in the Man U-Arsenal ruckus' had other ideas, latching on to some neat work and space created in midfield by Fab, he found himself just inside the box with Van Der Sar to beat. He drilled it past the Dutchman, into the top left hand corner! Oh, now your talking!!

2-0 to the Arsenal and Nasri wrote his name up in lights, again in the 48th. Well, well well, an unlikely result looked well and truly on now. What ointment this win would be, if we pulled it off. Could we?

A nervous 40 some minutes ensued, some decent saves by Almunia helped us along the way. Some Surprisingly astute defending by the back four, played a pivotal part.

A revitalised midfield stood defiant, as they broke forth in search of more goals. While they all played a part in preventing us from conceding. Some of the most biased refereeing I have seen by Howard Webb ensured that United always, and I do mean always got their decisions, and broke up our play. Aargh!!

The Manks did have their chances though, Ronaldo, the unholy diver cited above, missed from close-range. It was nervy stuff, but the Manks never really looked like scoring. But this was the Manky shite at two goals down, of course they were going to come at you and they did.

In fairness we really did our bit to keep them at bay. We survived all until the 89th when sub, Da Silva unleashed a rocket past Fabianski, who came on for the injured Almunia after taking a boot to the face from Carrick, also doubly damned you might note.

Hmmm you thought, as you wrung your hands and shook your head in utter and sheer fright! The celebrations were put on ice, could we collapse again? The palpitations ensued, six minutes of injury time? six whole minutes! It seemed like the longest six minutes of my life.

We survived, we learnt something from the Spurs game and didn't attack, not as much anyway, and protected the ball better.

That's it! Full time. We had kicked the Manky shite where it mattered most, and how! What a game! What a result.

Pandemonium.

Delirium.

The Manky dissing that was on all game reached a crescendo. We really let them have it in the pub. And it was pure, unbridled joy! It was one of those feelings that you will savour for the rest of your life. You live for these sorts of days!

I was so happy. Happy for every Arsenal Supporter who stood by the team through the harrowing last weeks. The players who pulled it off. Brilliant. And for Arsene, how sweet it must be for him. How sweet indeed!

The press wrote us off, some of us Gooners didn't think the team had it in them. But the players showed the strongest character to prove their detractors wrong. A real dagger it was.

A complete performance by the young Arsenal team. Absolutely proud of the lot of them! while Nasri will, rather deservedly, get all the plaudits. It was a proper shut up and dominant job by the entire Arsenal team. Each one of them did us proud!

The past disappointments were forgotten. The felling of the Manure will be long remembered. And now for me, two days on, I still can't stop smiling!

It's a bit late to say savour it Gooners, but I know some of ya still are! Come on you Gunners, lets kick on from here!!

Arsenal Back in the Mix With Three Points Against West Ham

Ashish Wesley — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 14:27:00 -0400

Apologies for no game preview blog yesterday. My internet connection was acting up yesterday and that put paid to any attempts to get anything up.

It was a bit of a laboured Arsenal performance yesterday at Upton Park. All three points nevertheless and that's all that matters.

We started brightly enough in the opening minutes yesterday, enough for the Arsetard to think that we were going to run riot, but that was not how it panned out.

Robin van Persie and Theo Walcott came close on occasion and Almunia had to make a fine save from Bellamy, who was put in by Scott Parker, to completely open us up. Another shot from distance brought about another fine save from our number one.

A super run by Theo on the right channel ended up with him in the box and hitting the bar.

Arsenal came close again when Fabregas floated a ball in for van Persie to beautifully chest down to set up Theo, but Green pulled out a decent save to deny him. A couple of half chances for Arsenal and some pops from distance from the home team meant that the half time score remained 0-0.

I think it was more a case of us being less penetrative than West Ham being overly good. Arsenal picked up the pace towards the latter stage of the first half, but nothing was forthcoming. The central defensive pairing of Silvestre and Gallas did have their "moments" but I would have to admit it was much better than most.

We failed to pick up from where we left off in first, we were bossing the possession but failed to produce too many clear cut chances. RVP hit the post from a free kick and that was pretty much it until Adebayor who came on in the 67th for Walcott. Adebayor danced his way into the box past a couple of defenders to put in a cross/shot which Faubert turned into his own net for the opener.

You will have to admit it, Ade was the spark we needed to get the win and he proved it once more with a well worked second after a sublime pass from Bendtner, who didn't have his best game by any stretch of the imagination. A more detailed match report is here.

After the game Arsene remarked that we couldn’t afford to drop points today, he said:
“It is a big win for us because if we had come out of it with a frustrating 0-0 draw, we would have felt that we had wasted an opportunity to get closer to the top.

"For us it was important not to make a mistake and to take one of our own chances. We gambled a lot and fortunately we had some strikers on the bench and in the end that made the difference.

"We knew before the game that we couldn’t afford to drop points today but I must say that West Ham can feel frustrated because they defended very well and gave absolutely everything today. In the end we got a little opening, maybe they got a little bit fatigued in the last 20 minutes.”

So three vital points it was, especially since two of the usual suspects dropped some this weekend.

Arsenal now lie four points behind Liverpool, who conquered the Russians in their own backyard, one behind the Russians, and one ahead of the Mancs who dropped two points at Goodison on Saturday. That puts us right back in it. We did drop points early on this season, but we are hanging in there, tough games await us and we will have to step up.

Before that however its the rejuvenated Spuds up next at Ashburton. Our meek North London rivals picked up their first win and will be raring to go when we take them on this Wednesday. More on that later.

So long mates!

Cheers!

Arsenal Update: Everton Review, Fenerbache Preview

Ashish Wesley — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 15:16:00 -0400

Hello again! How goes it wherever you are? Much better after the return of real football and the Arsenal win against Everton on Saturday, I'm guessing.

It wasn't the most convincing win by any stretch of the imagination, but it's three vital points and hopefully Arsenal can get their season back on track after the stop start stuff so far.

I think a big factor which is going to determine whether Arsenal are successful at all this season is mental toughness.

Van Persie deals with it by saying: "At this time, in football, the mental aspect is really important, maybe more than 30 or 40 percent [of the game]. If you look at the matches against Bolton and Blackburn, the mental aspect was more important than the way we wanted to play.

"I do not think it is a real big problem for us, but every single time we have to prove it again. Last season we played fantastic for three quarters of the season and then suddenly everything fell down.

"I do not know if the reason was mentality, maybe it was a bit of everything, but we learned a lot from last year.

"The season is long. We've lost some points but we've won some as well, so we just have to stay positive."

While Arsenal did have to come back from a goal down to win the game, it wasn't against the toughest of opposition. Arsenal looked sluggish in the opening exchanges and indeed for most of the first half.

It was only in the second half that they began to take control after the crucial goal by Samir Nasri. Maybe it was all the traveling by Arsenal's international players, but maybe it was lack of real thrust and drive, which is what I think will determine whether or not Arsenal can win any cups this season.

Do they have the drive? The team still needs to convince me of that. Again I am nit-picking a bit , especially after their comeback win against Everton. I can't help but wonder if Wenger has a determined, driven bunch at the moment. Some heads with real character are needed to lead the young 'uns.

To say there are no experienced campaigners in the squad would be stupid, but then again, will they step up sufficiently to prove themselves? I haven't seen enough of that yet.

We are just into the season, but Arsenal could have had a better start, and can't afford too many more slip-ups in the Premiership. They need to show real character from here on out.

Post Everton, Le Boss spoke about Samir Nasri, who is one of the stronger characters and a vital cog in the present set-up.

Wenger said: "When you look at the impact he had already here you can say he’s ahead of what I planned for him.

"He's 21, goes from France to England, and I must say I'm quite pleased with his attitude and his performances. He's doing extremely well and he is already becoming an important player for us and that is why you do not want him to get injured."

Fabregas dismissed speculation that he had refused a contract at Arsenal with this here. Read all about it, if you haven't already that is.

It's back to CL action tonight as Arsenal take on Turkish powerhouses Fenerbache in their own backyard. The fans really create a cauldron-like atmosphere. It's one of the toughest places to go.

I think Arsenal should be able to deliver there though, and I fancy the gunners to come out on top. While a draw won't be too bad, I really think they can do one better.

The complete squad for this game is available here. Djourou and Bendner are back for this one, and we are missing all but Clichy from our starting back four. That could mean a Djourou and Silvestre partnership at the centre, while I really hope that Arsene deploys Eboue at right back.

That's about it for now. A win today will get Arsenal well on track and restore a lot of much-needed confidence.

Come on you Gunners!

Arsenal Face Everton Today as the Real Football Returns!

Ashish Wesley — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 16:47:00 -0400

Greetings fellow Gooners! I arise from the very depths of the international break to salute the return of real football. And it's the Arsenal once again in action, Everton provide the opposition this time.

And, needless to say, we need all three points. The mood in the camp understandably has been better.

And all that had definitely got our midfield general thinking. The man who rescued a point for us last time round, Cesc Fabregas, had stated earlier in the week that this team probably was too young and not as skillful as earlier teams. But he "clarified" those statements, saying:

“Arsène has built an unbelievable squad here,” said Fabregas.

“We have great spirit and I have complete trust in the manager’s policy.

“Arsène is the best at giving youngsters a chance. No-one else comes close to him for that. He doesn’t care how old you are, as long as you are good enough, and has the confidence to give young players a chance.

“Anything said to the contrary is simply not true and I would like to reiterate to all Arsenal supporters that I am 100 percent behind the team and the manager.

Well it's plain to see that Cesc shares the same opinion that we all do as stated earlier this week. But like him we have to get behind the team and get some spirit going. A win today will be a good start, if not we could be in for a long season.

Le Prof is well aware of the situation we are in, saying:

"I believe that this is a new start,” he said. “In fact it is the real start of the season because there is now no interruptions anymore. It looks like to me there is a new championship starting.”

I watched the Invincibles DVD yesterday, and was reminded that the 49 game winning run started from a disappointment. They stated their run as if they were beginning a new season and that's what this present lot has to do as well.

If we can capture some of the resolve and consistency into this team, then I think we can go a long way this season. I definitely agree with all the opinion out there that central defence needs some chopping and changing and that we need a DM. But besides that, I think the squad is all in place. Most of all though, we need some unshakable steel, once we get that then I think we can be unstoppable.

Maybe I'm getting a wee bit carried away after watching the Invincibles. But heck, they proved that anything is possible!

We are walking a bit of a tight-rope from here on in. Arsene addressed that saying:

“I think if you ask me how many games I think we can lose I would say zero. I always start a season thinking you cannot lose a game, but we have lost two already and we are in a position where we have given ourselves a handicap."

“I still think it is manageable to get back to the top. I know that there is not a lot of margin of error left but I still think we can do that.”

Hmm a long way to go come May and rot like that, but we need to get our act together pronto. And it could all begin today for us.

We will be missing Gallas, Sagna, Bendtner, and Djourou all out through injury. So this will mean plenty of mixing and matching with the back four and will also provide Silvestre a chance to slot in and show us what he's got.

On the good side of things though, RVP (quick glance upwards and "thank you" to the heavens) has returned unscathed from the international break and Cesc should play with a broken nose.

And what do you know? Diaby is fit again. Could he be the missing ingredient in our deficient midfield? Well we'll just have to see, won't we.

The game is a 1500 kickoff in the UK, and therefore is a 1930 kickoff here in India. A couple of mates and I here in Bangalore are really trying to unite all the Gooner faithful in Bangalore and eventually the whole nation.

To begin with join the Google group (link alongside on the right) and come over to SBX Sportsbar in Gopalan Mall on Mysore Road to watch the Everton game. Even if you can't make it this weekend, join the group and maybe we'll catch up later for a game. But game watching is not all, we have plenty of other grandiose plans, so do sign up and you will receive regular updates and much more. This is your chance to be part of an Arsenal Community in India.

Hope to see you at the game and come on Arsenal!

Fantastic Result, Questions Answered and Bolton Hoodoo Laid to Rest

Ashish Wesley — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 14:18:00 -0400

Anyone who has followed Arsenal in the recent past knows that the football it plays is a thing of beauty. If you have followed Arsenal long enough, another thing would be plain to you: beauty does not always win.

But beauty did win Saturday at the Reebok. It wasn't the most complete performance. Our team had its harried moments, especially in defence, but but it rode them out to come out on top.

A complete match report is here, so I won't go into details of the game. Three sublime goals it was that put Bolton to the sword, and 3-1 was the final score.

We laid many of our demons to rest with the performance. Can the team mix it in a hostile place like Bolton, with them kicking you for 90 minutes on the pitch, where the fans will bite your legs off given half the chance of it? Yes.

Is it going to get bullied off the ball, so much that it loses its rhythm? No.

Can it get a result away from home? Yes.

Was the Fulham result a one-off? Yes.

Do the players have belief in their abilities as a team to come back strong from a setback? Yes.

Are we really title-challengers this season? Oh yes!

If you really think about it, it really is a kick in the teeth for the "ugly" version of the beautiful game. Bolton's hoofing the ball forward and hard man tactics were effective, and the team was in many a precarious situation either side of the break, but it still held firm. Holding even firmer to the belief that it could score more than it let in.

I really believe the team could score at will in this game. As usual, there we squandered chances, but that's almost a given with the present setup. The team will have to learn to score off of them against tougher oppositionwhen the chances do dry up.

It must be said that, as irresistible as things were going forward, Arsenal is quite vulnerable at the back. Maybe it was just Bolton's physical prescence and their strength in the air, but our team was found wanting every now and then, and that clearly has to be sorted out.

Standout players yesterday: Almunia, Song, Adebayor, Denilson and Walcott. Also, the battler Clichy seems to be OK.

In the end, though, it was a fantastic, battling win for Arsenal. It was a win of character. The boys put mind over matter, knowing that they were the better side, and just well did the job.

They will forget about the jitters at the back and say it was a very satisfying result, many things proven, and it also puts them atop the table for the first time this season.

You could see it meant a lot for the lads, too. And it gets better, who is at the bottom of the table, you ask? Well, who indeed. North London isn't the biggest place in the world, but if you look at the table, you get the feeling there's enough room for about 18 teams between Arsenal and Totscum.

Enjoy your Sunday, lads, and look out for Chelski, Manky Shite game at 1830 in India and that's 1400 in the UK, a draw would be an ideal result, as usual.

Cheers!

Bolton Preview, Kroenke, Financial Results, and Other News

Ashish Wesley — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 14:21:00 -0400

Greetings Gooners! How goes it? It's another working Saturday for yours truly. I work alternate Saturdays. Isn't that one of the biggest tragedies you would ever encounter?

Anyway, the prospect of football later on today keeps me going. The last of the three away trips on the trot for us it is today, and away we go to the Reebok to take on Bolton.

Bolton hasn't been a happy hunting ground for us. They are probably nowhere near the type of kickers they used to be, but that's not saying much. A glance at the table shows that they are lodged in mid-table with four points, having won one and drawn another while losing two of the other games away.

We on the other hand have managed to put the Fulham away disaster behind us with our away win at Blackburn last weekend. But fatigue will surely be a factor, after our more recent excursions in the Ukraine on Wednesday. But Arsene is not making room for any excuses, especially fatigue:

“It will not be an issue because we don't put that in our brain. You want just to keep the focus as we had it at Blackburn and Kyiv then let's get the maximum out of the game."

“When you are a competitor you want competition so you cannot complain when you have that competition and you are tired. This is a fantastic opportunity because when you are a football player you want to play football matches.”

All I have to say is that if we have any title ambitions it's weeks and games like this we will have to endure and come out on top off. The manager also spoke about the recent encounters at the Reebok, with special reference to the last game there between us:

“I felt it was always very good or very bad. Rarely in between. But then for years they had a very good side and to be honest they still have. Nobody likes to go to Bolton because everyone knows they give you a tough commitment.We are preparing ourselves for another away game and one where we need mental resources to get the result.

“Only this time we want to win the game without being 2-0 down.”

Hmm, while it was quite a rollercoaster last time around, I would prefer something a bit more sedate. Speaking about the team we might expect today, "Le Prof" said:

“Nobody has come back from Kyiv with any knocks. But we will rotate a little bit because it was a very physical game.”

So that still means that Nasri, and Silvestre will still be out for this one.

In news at the board room level, Stan Kroenke, who holds about 12.4% shares has accepted the invitation to become a Director on the Board. He is not party to the "lockdown" agreement which binds the other directors but, "Mr Kroenke has confirmed that he will not increase his shareholding beyond 29.9% of Arsenal's issued share capital within the twelve months."

This is the American we'd rather have and NOT Fat minus the Orange.

Arsenal have also recorded their second highest profit ever, owed largely to the new stadium, and Peter Hill-Wood speaks about this, Kroenke and more. One poignant thing he does say in this interview, which gives you an insight into the state of mind of the club, and it's this utterance by PHW:

“We are committed to operating the Club as a business which is financially self-sustaining. This is clearly demonstrated having achieved our second highest ever pre-tax profit of £36.7m."

The financial results were announced as well yesterday, and you can give that a once over here.

Wenger speaks about Gallas, Denilson, Walcott and Song, and you can read all about that at those respective links.

Will end this fairly longish one with this—Jens Lehmann has annoyed someone, and not for the first time. Man, do I miss his finger wagging and whatnots. Keep at it mad Jens!

So here's hoping we get the result today to end a fairly succesful week for Arsenal Football Club. The game kicks off at 17.30 UK time, so that makes it 22.00 and another late kickoff for us here in India.

It's on Star Sports for viewers in the sub-continent.

Come on you Gunners!

Arsenal 1 Dynamo Kyiv 1: Could Have Been Better

Ashish Wesley — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 17:27:00 -0400

One goal scored and one let in means one point gained for Arsenal.

It wasn't the worst result ever, but it could have been better against Dynamo Kyiv in our first outing in the Champions League proper yesterday. The .com match report is here. You will have to admit to being just a touch chuffed with the performance.

Song coming in for Eboue was the only change from the team that started against Blackburn, Song displacing Denilson to wide left and he sat in the DM slot.

We started brightly enough in the first half, RVP having two chances working the home 'keeper Bogush (man! he wasn't bogus at all), Ade coming close. But the best chance of the half was when Theo passed to Ade outside the box, who then looped a pass for Van Persie also in the box just outside the left hand post. RVP then laid it into the path of an approaching Fabregas to shoot from point blank range, but he wasn't able to convert.

Dynamo had decent spells of possession, and frustrated us. Maybe it was because they played five in midfield to our four, but our passing game deserted us and we never really got it going throughout the game. But we still had the pick of the scoring chances in the first period.

The second half was more of the same stuff. Almunia, who had little to do so far in the game, was beaten by a shot on goal. Luckily enough for all of us, it came off his left upright and did not nestle in the back of the net. Instead, it rolled in front of goal for our No. 1 to smother.

The home side went ahead in the 61st though, when Sagna was adjudged to have brought down Dynamo lone frontman Bangoura in the area. It was a horrendous decision, if it was a foul at all, it was Sagna who was the victim, as he was held by the Dynamo striker. Bangoura then dispatched the kick from the spot, 1-0 Dynamo.

After this, as hard as we tried we could not really get our game together and the home side we buoyed by their lead. All this meant that we failed to create clear cut chances. Song—who was really good on the night—made way for Bendtner on 70 mins and RVP made way for Vela on 84. They failed to improve the situation though. We got ourselves in decent positions but failed in the scoring third.

It was not until the 88th minuted that we scored. It was another low cross from Walcott that Ade got a touch on infront of goal. It probably was heading goalward anyway, but Billy Gallas was not taking any chances, he stabbed it home, to cue huge sighs of relief amongst the travelling fans. And for us indeed.

There wasn't enough time for a winner and that's how it ended.

I know Gallas has come in for plenty of stick for his defensive frailties. While they are true, he does chip in with some really pivotal goals for us. I'm convinced it was his touch that brought us up on level terms last night. Three goals for us this season in Europe if I'm not wrong, and absolutely vital ones at that. So credit where it's due and rot like that.

Arsene got it spot on after the game when he said:

“The game is a mixture of frustration and relief. The game should be over at half-time because we had clear chances in the first half, but it is a relief because with three minutes to go we were 1-0 down," he said. "I felt our level dropped in the second half and we did not create as many chances as we would have liked to. We feel we have lost two points today."

The point we got sees us level with our opponents on the night, while Porto saw off Feberbache with a 3-1 victory. So Porto it is then who sit pretty atop the group.

In hindsight it was an important point, and we can build from here. It's not the easiest group to progress from—we will have to battle at the away games and try and get maximum points from our home games, and that's not beyond us.

Will leave it there for now, but Bolton away, another historically bad place for us in recent times is up next. Bulid up to that later.

So long!

They're Having a Larf, Mate! Spurs Off to Rough Start

Ashish Wesley — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 13:58:00 -0400

I watched the Spuds fall to another abysmal defeat to Villa at Shite Hart Lane yesterday. Their worst start to a Premiership season. Ha! Spurs top four and Champions League football...hilarious!!

After all the money they blew up, and Modric and Bentley and Geovani, and the pre-season hue and cry about how they would displace us...It's just so pathetic.

Otherwise, there's nothing besides some post-match reaction from the Blackburn game. Arsene Wenger speaks about the title race, and thinks we could see a few suprises here.

According to Arsenal's website: "With the likes of Manchester City and Tottenham investing heavily over the summer, Wenger feels there is more pressure than ever on the so-called ‘Big Four.’ As a result, he predicts the title will once again go down to the wire."

Hmm, I know it's kind of premature to slag off the Spuds, but I ask you now, is there ever a bad time? What I thought!

The buildup to the Kiev match hasn't really kicked off, maybe there will be more later in the day. More on this when there is more.

Anyway, have a look at the table as it stands above. 'Nuf said!

Have a good one you lot!

Arsenal-Fulham: No doom-mongering, just an honest opinion

Ashish Wesley — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 18:36:00 -0400

Very uninspiring, pedestrian stuff it was by an Arsenal side at Craven Cottage yesterday. Fulham managed to get a goal and held on for all three points. And we can have no complaints about the result.

It was a very dull game overall and as about as insipid a performance as I can remember in recent times. It was Denilson and Eboue again in the heart of midfield, and that in itself sums up our inadequacies in that part of the pitch.

Everywhere else we were almost full strength, but our inability here showed. We had to resort to long balls and crosses, which is not how we have played in recent years. Just goes to show you how much we miss Fabregas in the engine room, dishing out stuff to the front men.

That clearly wasn't happening yesterday, and Ade and RVP were fed on scraps. We did have the odd chance though, Ade hit the post in the first half, RVP had a shot whistle wide in the second, and he also had three free kicks in decent positions, but failed to capitalise.

All game long we looked as dangerous as the opposition did, and that's not saying much. I've never seen this many passes going astray in one game. No one in the team took it upon himself to lead the team by example and drive the rest forward.

Eboue looked bright in patches in the second half, and I think Ade had a good game, Nasri as well looked good, but overall as the result states we lacked cutting edge.

I'm too depressed to read any of the papers or reports today, quite sure they will be full of doom and gloom. We've got to realise though that Cescy is such an integral part of our game. We need him there.

That said Denilson who played in his stead yesterday will have to step it up a bit if he's going to cut it, or we just might be in for a bad season if Cescy goes away injured.

Of course we can't attribute the result yesterday completely to Cescy's absence. Maybe it was the midweek internationals or whatever, but we clearly lacked sharpness yesterday. We didn't push for it, till maybe the 80th minute or so.

We will have to rise from this one quickly coz Twente come a visiting soon. Still, as bad as it is to lose, it's much better to have a wake up call such as this early in the season, when it can be heeded to and the situation rectified. And it definitely can.

Heads up, Gooners!

Weekend results ease the Monday blues!

Ashish Wesley — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 18:31:00 -0400

A bit of a short one today as there is pretty much nothing happening. It was a fine weekend for us, results wise that is, the Manky shite tripped up against Newcastle yesterday, collecting just a point while the Scum lost.

Brilliant stuff. That after we collected all three points on Saturday. Nothing to go overboard about, not by any means, but I can't help feeling smug.

Arsene had a few things to say about the Adebayor booing situation:

“We have to get behind him and support him because he is tremendous. What happened in the transfer period did not always reflect his deep desire [to stay] and there was manipulation from agents on both sides.”

I'm not one to forgive and forget too easily, and also a bit neutral towards the boo boys as well. One thing I'm sure about is if the booing is going to affect the way Adebayor performs on the pitch, then we'd have to give it up in the interest of Arsenal Football club.

Arsene speaks about the latest Gunners sensation, Nasri likening him to Bob Pires. He really is one to look out for when we line up. And after the long drawn out will-he-won't-he saga, it's nice to know we got some quality.

We were in for some praise after our opener on Saturday against West Brom prompting their manager Mowbray to remark:

"Arsenal's philosophy does not change... it is the individuals who change, they are the benchmark."

High praise indeed, as it was not our best performance by far. Well that's about all I could dig up today. There are international friendlies on this week. Finger's crossed that all those from our squad who participate in these meaningless matches, come through unscathed and ready for our next assignment this Saturday.

Meanwhile, let's hope Arsene secures the services of the midfielder we so desperately need. He said the player will be here by the time the second leg of the Twente tie rolls by, and that's the 27th, so that gives him less than nine days!

Signing off now. Can't quite believe that the season's back and that we are already two points ahead of Manure and three ahead of the Scum. Lets hope it gets even better from here on in.

Cheers!

One nil to the Arsenal!

Ashish Wesley — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 19:01:00 -0400

Arsenal 1- WBA 0, was how it finished up at Ashburton Grove. The very impressive Samir Nasri scoring on his Premier League debut. It was the decider as it turned out in what was a tasty move and wraps up a rather good week of competitive football for us.

It was not the most commanding performance by an Arsenal team but it still is three valuable points and a good start to the domestic campaign. I missed the first 38 minutes of the match due to circumstances that can best be summed up as "following football in a non-footballing country." Any hoo will leave it at that.

I was more surprised than shocked that Arsene started Eboue as holding midfielder along side Denilson. Nasri played wide left and Theo right. The usual back four was missing Kolo Toure and Djourou took up his starting position next to Gallas. Ade had Bendtner up top for company, and the rest was more familiar.

From the highlights of the first half I gathered that we created a few chances in the first half after scoring as early as the fourth minute. It was neat move down the left with Clichy in the thick of it.

A through ball in the box was collected by Denilson for him to cutback to Nasri yards away from goal and was slotted into the goal, all one touch stuff. Good awareness and positioning by the young French winger. The finish reminded me so much of the way Freddie used to play for us.

After that we created a few chances. Bendtner's header off a corner, Ade had a couple of pops goalward and Nasri and Gallas had some long rangers. I don't remember Almunia having too busy of a first half. He was called upon once though, making a fine finger-tip save. We failed to really go for the jugular and put it to bed. But will reserve further comment on the first half as I missed the majority of it.

In the second half we had more of the ball, but weren't as decisive as we should have been. Nasri showed us what he was capable of, good skills on the ball with upper body strength to match. A fine signing indeed and MOTM in my opinion.

Nasri it was who played a delightful ball to Adebayor who was one on one with the goalkeeper but failed to squeeze the ball between the keeper and the post, his shot ending just wide of the right upright. Van Persie came on for Bendtner and his simultaneous spin and shot in the box missed the target by a small margin. A splendid move and he just might be the name I would get on my new jersey.

These were as about as close as we got to doubling our lead. Meanwhile while we had the majority of the possession, West Brom hit us on the break and there were one or two heart in mouth moments, including a goal mouth clearance by Djourou.

But we survived it all. Arsenal.com as they are wont to do have put up a more comprehensive match summary and can be found here

I expected us to score maybe one more goal, but in the end it was the result that mattered. We were missing some key players and with maybe one more signing in central midfield we could do the business this season.

It was a rusty performance, but I'm not perturbed at all. It's just the start of the season, and I'm sure we will click in to gear in due course. If the pre-season was all about performance and not the result the regular season is more about the result than anything else. And that's three points in the bag, thank you!

And oh the Scum lost, after all that pre season talk and signings (seven mill we made off Bentley, remember) ! Fine start to the season for them innit? Brilliant stuff!

After the game Arsene said:

"I am pleased with the fact that we didn't concede a goal. We scored two on Wednesday, one today, so it's better than the reverse. Overall it was a good week for us. A winning start, a win in the Champions League, so yes a good week."

On our prospects this season, Le Gaffer said:

"We made 83 points last year and lost only three games. We have stability in this Club that allows us to feel that we can improve on last year. We lost three games and in two of the games we were leading 1-0 with 20 minutes to go. We lost some big names but what is important is what we produce on the pitch.

"Last year we were four points behind Man United and we didn't win a trophy. However we won the trophy of the most unlucky team. We had injuries to players for very long periods too. We lost [Tomas] Rosicky, [Robin] van Persie and Eduardo."

We don't want to win the trophy of the most unlucky team again this season again, so let's see how this one pans out, a long road ahead though!

The Hull City manager remarked after their win yesterday that "one swallow doesn't the summer make." This win yesterday really made my weekend though.

A fine Arsenal week it was, and dear goodness me the footers back, for crying out loud!

Have a good one arsefans!

The first day of the season: FC Twente & I'm Back!!!

Ashish Wesley — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 15:10:00 -0400

Is it a coincidence of sorts that I'm back to my ramblings on the first day of the season?? Well I'd sure like you all to think so. My last regular post was at the end of last season, and now ostensibly I'm back at it! A lot has happened in the interim, so lets get stuck in, shall we?

Hleb was packed off to Barca for a tidy sum, and the Nasri signing completed. We also signed another French kid, Coquelin and of course Aaron Ramsey, the latter who may be pushing for first team status in the forthcoming season.

Gilberto left on very amicable terms to Panathinaikos. Ideally we could have used his presence, as our youngish team got even younger, but oh well. A big welcome to the lads who have arrived and so long to Gilberto, thanks mate. And well, about that other fella who went to Barcelona, we won't miss him too much, naw we won't!

So just to sum up on the transfer business so far in the closed season, Flamini, Hleb and Gilberto are out and we have brought Nasri, Ramsey and Coquelin into the squad. Ade is still playing in our colours after probably the most annoying and long drawn transfer saga of all time.

With the offers from AC Milan and then Barca running cold, the lanky Togolese had to cut his losses and grow up! He put in some good performances in the pre-season notably against Real Madrid (and Ajax), where he was all verve and dedication, culminating in a penalty scored, and he resorted to "badge kissing" after sticking the ball past Buffon. This after he was received a mixed reaction on his return to the pitch after what could be mildly termed as a turbulent summer.

I have a very strong dislike towards Adebayor, while he was a bit of a revelation last season, we were more surprised to the manner in which he held the club to ransom in the closed season. It was murky goings on for a good deal out there especially where Ade on one occasion declared his love to Arsenal and in another interview a few minutes later being as ambiguous as possible about his future.

In the end when no one seemed interested in his services, Ade then said he was never really interested in a move, and signed a new deal for reportedly double the salary.

It was a very unpleasant affair, I just felt that Ade should go, I mean who the 'eck does he think he is? We were getting good money for him 25 mill if reports are to be believed, and we could replace him with someone else.

In the end analysis however I have to concede that as despicable as Adebayor's behaviour was last season, and as much as he rudely snatched away all the love and appreciation he received from the Gooners, and replaced it with quite the opposite really, it would be easier in the interest of the team if he did much the same as last season or better.

A replacement would take a bit to get used to the system and such. I'm not one of Adebayor's biggest fans, even when he was banging them in for us. He wastes too many chances, and well that could make all the difference in the pivotal clashes. That said he could only get better and he will have to get better-fast. And put his head down and put in those performances, frequently if he is even going to begin to reclaim the faith and respect of the Ashburton Faithful, and indeed my own. 'Nuf said!

The strength and depth of the squad this season, as has been debated all summer long lacks a bit in experience, especially in the centre of the park. We need someone to partner Cecsy in midfield. Diaby, who was primed for the job is injured way too often and then there is only Denilson. Don't get me wrong, I'm not slighting the Brazilian, but as you'd expect he doesn't quite bring the experience, and also is more a "Cesc," than say a "Gilberto," if you know what I'm on about.

So thats the place we definitley look lightweight in, Arsene looks to strengthen it though, and the names of Gareth Barry and Alonso have been thrown in to the mix also the latest the Swiss Inler. But then no one knows Wenger's mind. I would also like to add another centre back, it was defence that let us down more than anything else at key moments in the latter half of last season. The Kolo—Gallas combo doesn't quite fill me with confidence and after that we have Senderos and Djourou.

Going forward we have very little problems though, the kids and the additions to the squad have lit up our pre-season. (Winning us our first bit of silverware at the Ajax tourney.)

The brightest amongst them would have to be Jack Wilshere, Carlos Vela with Ramsey, Nasri, Theo and Bendtner earning a very honourable mention. With Ade, RVP, Eduardo (back soon, not sure when though, a safe date would be sometime in November '08) Bendtner, Theo and Vela, we do not need to add to the squad.

Ok so it's the first day of the season it's Steve Mclaren's FC Twente in the CL qualifying that we are up against. We will be without Cescy, Ramsey the 17 year old Welshman looks to take his place.

That in itself will inform you of our lack of midfield players. We are also without the services of Nasri and the other key absentees are Toure, Diaby and Rosicky. It looks like Ramsey, if handed a start will be partnered by Denilson in central midfield. A full available squad list for tonights game is here.

It's our most important clash at the start of the season, more important than even the first few EPL matches. We will have to play CL, can you imagine us languishing with the lesser likes in the UEFA cup? Right , you get the picture.

We will need to come through this unscathed, to fill the lads with confidence, the fans with confidence and shut up the tabloids and the other shit-stirrers! I was quite devastated to learn that Cescy wouldn't be part of the squad for the Twente match, but after it festered on the old bean, I think we still have a bit too much for the Dutch team anyway.

It won't be a rout by any means, but we need to come back with a healthy advantage for the second leg, or if possible finish the job in Holland.

It's here Gooners, good old football, is there anything else quite like it!!? Naw you would have to say, naw not quite! Let's get this off to a good start, us to win the treble, why not??

For the first time this season, COME ON YOU GUNNERS!

Update-The FC Twente game is at 19.45 London time which is a 00.15 kickoff in India. It's not on TV here, but you can check for streams on justin.tv

Can't seem to locate any sure-fire streams at the moment. If any of you lot do, write me up!

PS. I have tried to keep this as comprehensive as regards our closed season happenings, but I well could have left out something important. Would appreciate it if you would rub my nose in it and let me know if I did!

EPL: Arsenal 1-0 Sunderland

Ashish Wesley — Mon, 12 May 2008 19:45:00 -0400

Hello there Arseurs! So that's the season done and dusted, and for the third time running there's nothing to show for it. The Red Chumps rounded it off rather well yesterday, with four points separating first and third place in the final standings.

On to our away fixture yesterday against Sunderland. I didn't get to watch the game yesterday, as we here in Asia only got to watch the top two play out their games live.

It ended with a 1-0 scoreline, and it was Theo who got on the score sheet for us with his 24th minute effort, a fine pass from Gilberto to set the young man on his way, and another national team callup.

So that finishes it up for us , with 83 points and with a sense of yearning for more. That sentiment is not lost on Arsene.

Arsene spoke about the performance yesterday:

"It was an anticlimax, but part of our role is to do the job when it is less prestigious and glamorous. We did that well. We scored and we should have scored more. We had a very young side out. The average age was 22.3 without the bench. With the bench that would have gone down to 20."

And about the season in general:

"There is disappointment. We don't fight and work as hard as we did all season to finish third. But there is hope for the future if you can make 83 points with such a young side."

There is a future which the Chairman backs him up on, and us indeed. I'm sure we will do the business next year. I really don't know if it will be in Europe or domestically, but we are nearer the finished product, I think.

Arsene, though, will have to add to this squad, and with some real talent, experience, and quality in the right areas. A fit RVP was something we lacked for the majority of the season, and he is someone else who sees us adding to the trophy cabinet next season. He is someone who will have to be a prime figure, now only if he could stay out of the blood bin...

Arsene also has it in for Milan, saying that trophies are not everything, and comparing the histories of Flamini's current employers to our own club:

“I’m not sure that in the history of Milan, you’ll find the same values this club has.

“And, for me, that is a big club, a club that comes out of people’s desire to respect values. Look at our whole history, it’s clean.”

This story here claims that we are close to signing Mario Gomez from VFB Stuttgart. He's a 22-year-old striker, scored a bagful of goals and was player of the year last season in the Bundesliga.

His Wiki page (I've checked) says at the end of the 07/08 Bundesliga campaign, Gómez is said to be joining Arsenal FC.

I somehow don't really think that a striker will be on Arsene's shopping list this summer, considering all the talent we have in that area already. Maybe Wenger will turn him into a centre half or something.

And I will have to leave it at that today... the post season has begun and now over to the rumour mongers... and I would get used to it if I were you!

Cheerio!

Arsenal: A last hurrah!

Ashish Wesley — Sun, 11 May 2008 17:30:00 -0400

I’m back once again for the last day of the season, and what a summer we have in store, and by no means mean the Euros. The rumour mills are on over drive, rather sooner that we expected, and I’m back here again laying before you the latest goings on of a certain north London club.

So Alex Hleb is leaving according to his agent, most probably destined to leave English shores to join the Flamster in Milan, on opposite sides of course. Hleb looks set to turn out for Milan's cross city rivals, Inter.

This leaves me far less perturbed than when I heard that Flamini was on the move. While Flamini was our engine, Hleb was just one of the cogs. It’s one thing to lose one’s engine, quite a different thing to lose a part of it, which in my opinion is replaceable with a better fitting component.

Speaking about the Hleb situation in particular Le Prof said: “It has been suggested that Hleb may employ the new Webster clause and buy out his own contract."

"That is not as simple as it looks," retorted Wenger. "And you should not forget that what players can do to us we can do to them. The Webster clause is not easy, you can't come in next day and buy out. There is no rule that says what it is all about."

"You have to go to a tribunal and then to FIFA and if you don't agree with FIFA [you] have to go to ACAS. It takes a lot of months. And you can be banned for the whole period if it is not done in a proper way."

But his agent made it sound a lot easier than that, and made it sound like it was signed and sealed that Hleb would be a Gunner no more. Well... well indeed, more waiting and watching and rot like that.

Arsene addresses the rumours saying that players want to join Arsenal not leave, saying that 220 players were all vying to play for us next season.

At least we are not losing out on Fabregas and Adebayor both of whom have pledged their foreseeable futures to Arsenal Football Club. The rumours however will continue all through the summer. Groan, I say… groan. Drat and double drat!

But rest assured Arsene’s got it all covered saying we should see some new faces at Arsenal, which will make us forget all about losing Flamini and Hleb.

Arsene said today:

"I know what I want and I am very confident, I hope to turn that around in the next two or three weeks. They (fans) should be re-assured by what they see. It would be better to buy someone who has played in England because they are less risky, but it costs more money if they are from The Premier League," he went on.
"Maybe I will try to do both."

The names of Kranjcar, Ben Arfa and Makoun have surfaced and resurfaced recently, lets see what construes. A busy summer ahead of us, but before we focus on the upcoming season we do have to negotiate a trip to play Roy Keane’s Sunderland, who I must say I continue to hate from his playing days much into his managerial career!

He’s right up there with the most hateful of Manks! I hope we stuff them, and I think we will for sure! A full match preview is here from .com.

Arsene says he will let the likes of Kieran Gibbs and Mark Randall show us what they’re made of in this trip to Sunderland. Also he went on to speak about the English talent at Arsenal, especially the up and comers:

"... But there are lot of English talents in the squad overall. We have Gibbs, Randall, the younger Hoyte, Jack Wilshere and Henri Lansbury, who might be included in the group next year.”

Those who said that we are not English, coz we have no home grown talent, they can now line up and receive their spanking from the Professor. That said Le Prof reckons that the current set is his best since he was at the club. I know most of us will have mixed opinions about this, but I for one wouldn’t want to mess around with Arsene, no siree bob! He said:

"I believe that this team was beyond expectation from the first day of the season," said Wenger. "Unfortunately they don't get the credit they deserve at the moment for the quality of their displays."

"I think we have learned a lot. We were very close to winning the European Cup and the Premier League. We were unlucky with some bad decisions from the referees' consistency since the Birmingham game."

"And maybe when we were under pressure we lost a bit of freedom in our display. That's what we have to learn."

"But I feel it bodes well for next season because since I have been in England this has been the unluckiest team I have had. But as well this is the best team I have had."

Right then, he will have to do his best to keep them all together, a task I think he will accomplish.

According to the manager, Rosicky will most likely miss the Euros, and looks at what lies ahead for Mad Jens after this season. Gilberto, who has endured quite a bit this season and one of the players who is rumoured to be on the move in the summer speaks about how much he likes it here and his future. The Brazilian captain said:

"I want to stay at the club. I enjoy being at Arsenal—the people, the atmosphere, the football, everything about it here. I don't know if the club have received any offers”.

“The situation could change if the club gets one. I hope to stay, but I don't know what the club are thinking. Manager's make plans, but then things happen at the end of the season that they didn't expect to happen."

And that's as far as the roundup goes. Sunderland it is today and I don’t think we will get to watch the game live in the Asia region, and I'm informed by the Arestard that it's not even on delay here.

Those sneaky Manky, Chelski loving twerps over at ESPN Star!! So if you want to see some poxy shite faced idiot hold up the Premier League trophy you will need to know that all games kick off at 19.00 India time and that's 15.00 UK time.

Before I go now…

… Jenas must be ‘aving a larf…again! Have a good Sunday! (even though most of us in Asia will probably have to make do with highlights of our game.)

So for the last time this season: Come on you Gunners!

Fare Thee Well, Flamster: Mathieu Flamini Signs With AC Milan

Ashish Wesley — Tue, 06 May 2008 17:15:00 -0400

Well it's been all over for a while now, and it was finally confirmed yesterday that Mathieu Flamini has signed for AC Milan ending months of speculation and torment for all concerned with Arsenal Football Club.

Flamini signed a four year deal worth in the region of €5m (£3.9m) a year. Though we'd have loved it if he had stayed, his leaving is far from acrimonious and is not at all suprising. Money would've been the deciding factor, not to mention the opportunity to play for the great AC Milan.

Flam has really been the backbone for us this year, the anchor which enabled us to do all the stuff we've done upfront. He really was a pivotal player for us. He always had this never give in spirit, and the hard work he put in on the pitch is the stuff of legend.

The Flamster was also the kind of character that drives the rest of the team. He will be missed by one and all. All the best Flamster!

Now that that's a part of the past, Arsene must look to replace the terrier, but you would agree that's not going to be the easiest thing in the world.

Vital Football takes a look at who from the current team could possibly step into the Flam's vacant position now. However any replacement from within our fold will have to be temporary, ideally we will have to acquire someone. You never know though, Wenger could spring one, another one on us!

Jens speaks here about his tearful farewell, and about what he leaves behind at Arsenal.

A couple of days and a couple of players lost, and important players at that. Arguably we wouldn't have to replace Mad Jens right away, but the Flamster we would need to replace pronto!

Well Flamini's departure has been a downer, could I stick my neck out here and say Arsene's got it covered? Yes I would.

Till tomorrow then.

A Game of Not That Much Consequence, Abschiedsspiel Jens!

Ashish Wesley — Mon, 05 May 2008 17:44:00 -0400

It was a game of little consequence to us, atleast that's what the performance proved in the game against Everton at Ashburton Grove yesterday. Quite a dull outing, Everton would hardly ever come out to play and we did just enough in the end to get the three points. A super Traore cross and a nice towering header by Bendtner late on in the piece sealed the win for us. There was not too much rhythm yesterday but our rhythm deserted us.I was expecting a bit more from the lads, but you have to keep in mind that the team was missing seven of the usual starters, and " it was and end of season game".

Speaking after the game, Wenger commented about the performance-
"The fluency was a bit difficult sometimes. You could see that it was a little bit an end of season game, especially with the fact that they didn't open up at all. They played with Johnson up front, but we were sound at the back. We didn't create as many chances as usual but we scored a great goal and, in the end, I think we just deserved a win today. They didn't create a lot and overall we deserved to win this game."

I'm not sure if we really deserved to win the game, but like Isaid maybe we just edged it.Arsene also confirmed Jens Lehmann departure-
"It was a farewell, yes. I wanted him to say goodbye to the fans and to show him that we respect him for what he has done for us. He was a 100 per-cent professional, not always an easy character but you take that if the guys is committed every day."
We are really going to miss Mad Jens between the sticks, he was a good servant, and we had a few succesful years with him as the last line of defence. He was a volatile figure on the pitch, often given to altercation with the opposition, and causing more than a few ruffles in the opposition camp. He was a steely character, and was dependable. The fact that he was not getting any younger and the two mistakes at the start of the season cost him his starting place. That was met with some deragatory remarks by the big German and added to the humour he provided , not to mention his finger wagging at opponents and referrees. Here's wishing him all the best! Thank you Jens! More of what Arsene said about Mad Jens lower down in this piece.

Arsene's complete post match comments are here, including him talking about Bendtner's progress and the Flamini issue. Wenger also said he will sit with Gilberto and discuss his future, also saying he hoped the Brazilian stayed a Gunner. Arsene said-
"I would like Gilberto to stay. But I have to sit down with him to see what he wants to do. Gilberto is like Jens Lehmann, you can rely on them, they are fantastic professionals. Gilberto is a fantastic guy. We won trophies with Gilberto and Jens because they are special human beings, you know? You do not win with average people."

Arsene makes a good point abolut winning things and the kind of people we need to win stuff, thats whywe need to add a few to the team, and retain some of the ones who plan on leaving. While we are on the subject, this report in the Telegraph speaks about Flamini travelling to Milan on Sunday evening to sign a contract. Well what's to say now? Huh? Mathieu did not play yesterday, and this pic in the report shows Flamini waving goodbye to the fans, but I caught nothing of this on TV. Flamini's departure or impending departure or whatever it is now has not been confirmed on .con.

Arsene sums up the situation rather well here-
"At some stage you have to make a decision and if he goes we have to look at our options.
We can't wait until July. You could lose players if they come on the market."
"My ideal solution is that he stays so I am not happy if he goes - but we have done everything we can."

Today's the day I think where we will finally find out how this story ends.
That was the last home game of the season, and we remain undefeated all this season at home. Maybe we could have had a more swashbuckling display, but anyhoo...
Oh well, see ya and G'day!

A Game of Not That Much Consequence, Abschiedsspiel Jens!

Ashish Wesley — Mon, 05 May 2008 17:44:00 -0400

A super Traore cross and a nice towering header by Bendtner late on in the piece sealed the win for us. There was not too much rhythm yesterday but our rhythm deserted us.

I was expecting a bit more from the lads, but you have to keep in mind that the team was missing seven of the usual starters, and "it was and end of season game."

Speaking after the game, Wenger commented about the performance:

"The fluency was a bit difficult sometimes. You could see that it was a little bit an end of season game, especially with the fact that they didn't open up at all. They played with Johnson up front, but we were sound at the back. We didn't create as many chances as usual but we scored a great goal and, in the end, I think we just deserved a win today. They didn't create a lot and overall we deserved to win this game."

I'm not sure if we really deserved to win the game, but like I said maybe we just edged it. Arsene also confirmed Jens Lehmann's imminent departure:

"It was a farewell, yes. I wanted him to say goodbye to the fans and to show him that we respect him for what he has done for us. He was a 100 per-cent professional, not always an easy character but you take that if the guy is committed every day."

We are really going to miss Mad Jens between the sticks, he was a good servant, and we had a few successful years with him as the last line of defence. He was a volatile figure on the pitch, often given to altercation with the opposition, and causing more than a few ruffles in the opposition camp. He was a steely character, and was dependable.

The fact that he was not getting any younger and the two mistakes at the start of the season cost him his starting place. That was met with some derogatory remarks by the big German and added to the humour he provided, not to mention his finger wagging at opponents and referees.

Here's wishing him all the best! Thank you Jens! Here's a little glimpse of the Mad man at work. More of what Arsene said about Mad Jens lower down in this piece.

Arsene's complete post match comments are here, including him talking about Bendtner's progress and the Flamini issue.

Wenger also said he will sit with Gilberto and discuss his future, also saying he hoped the Brazilian stayed a Gunner. Arsene said:

"I would like Gilberto to stay. But I have to sit down with him to see what he wants to do. Gilberto is like Jens Lehmann, you can rely on them, they are fantastic professionals. Gilberto is a fantastic guy. We won trophies with Gilberto and Jens because they are special human beings, you know? You do not win with average people."

Arsene makes a good point about winning things and the kind of people we need to win stuff, that's why we need to add a few to the team, and retain some of the ones who plan on leaving.

While we are on the subject, this report in the Telegraph speaks about Flamini travelling to Milan on Sunday evening to sign a contract. Well what's to say now? Huh? Mathieu did not play yesterday, and this pic in the report shows Flamini waving goodbye to the fans, but I caught nothing of this on TV. Flamini's departure or impending departure or whatever it is now has not been confirmed.

Arsene sums up the situation rather well here:

"At some stage you have to make a decision and if he goes we have to look at our options. We can't wait until July. You could lose players if they come on the market. My ideal solution is that he stays so I am not happy if he goes—but we have done everything we can."

Today's the day I think where we will finally find out how this story ends. That was the last home game of the season, and we remain undefeated all this season at home.

Maybe we could have had a more swashbuckling display, but anyhoo...

Oh well, see ya and G'day!

Arsene assures that there will be no Arsenal exodus

Ashish Wesley — Sat, 03 May 2008 19:35:00 -0400

We'll kicking things off today, Arsene assures us that only one player will be allowed to leave this season and that player will be Mathieu Flamini.

This comes in the light of speculation that we might lose quite a few players in the summer, of them possibly Hleb, Ade, Gilberto and Mad Jens.

Let's hope he keeps his word, and adds this summer to a team that looks like reaching its true potential next season.

Continuing about Flam he said, "We have only one player who is free, that is Mathieu Flamini. He can go where he wants but he can as well stay.”

Arsene also mentioned in his Friday press conference that Flamini's "will he stay, will he go" issue will be put to bed early next week, as he has extended the deadline for the midfielder till the coming Monday.

That should be enough to consume the Flamster over the weekend, or not, if he's made up his mind already. Don't forget that Flamini should take his place in midfield again tomorrow, back from injury, in what could be the last time he plays in front of the home fans.

I have a gut feeling that he will stay though, but we should all know really soon.

And about Hleb, Arsene added, “Alex Hleb has two years’ contract. He is not for sale.”

Arsene is also furious about the Inter-Hleb-ice cream thingy. Arsene says that recently some more details of the meeting have emerged which have got him incensed.

Le Prof said that he will take this up with FIFA but did not divulge anymore details. You have to be really pissed off with what Hleb did. It really gets my goat. That is unacceptable behaviour from the Belarussian.

Arsene says the strength of a team can only be measured over time. He added, “I feel you have to take a distance from immediate results. What is important is to make the right decision, have the right philosophy and the decision you make today is the one you still make if you want to be successful in 10 years."

“You must take distance from the immediate game that was won or lost. That can sometimes be down to the decision of the referee and not your skill."

“The only way to show some quality is over the longer distance. We can all win one game and over six months be strong. The manager can show his strengths if he makes stability for eight, 10, 15, 20 years, (like) Ferguson at Manchester United."

“The quality of a club and strength of it is more judged on a longer distance. It is a marathon to lead a club and I believe this particular club has always shown different strengths to other clubs.

"For the rest, I am not involved in the politics.”

Hmm... let's hope all the hard work in previous season comes to a head and we walk away with a treble or something.

But fair play to the Professor, we know where he's coming from. We are patient, and we will continue to be patient.

Arsene also talks about the wage structure we have in place at Ashburton Grove, saying that we have it or go bust. I think that more than anything the players at Arsenal will have to stay here with a paycut, and it could be a quite a considerable paycut.

There are so many things on offer at Arsenal Football Club, but money is not one of them. Players know this and no amount of holding the club up for ransom is going to change anything.

I'm sure all of us would like to pay our players more, this also ensures that we keep them at the club for longer, but unfortunate as it is we can't do that at this point of time.

That said, it's not like the players are starving or something. I'm glad we are sticking firmly by the wage structure, which is here to keep us from going down the tube.

We are maybe in the market for Portsmouth's Kranjcar, as his father Zlatko confirms, more on that here.

Our last home fixture of the season sees Everton come by. They have a UEFA cup place to play for, so it really should be something. It's a 13.30 kick off London time, and that makes it an 18.00 kick off in India.

It's on in Asia on ESPN, so now you know. But before that, can West Ham do us the hugest favour ever, when they destroy the Manky Shite find out today that's on in a little while from now, while Chelski take on a beleaguered Newcastle also today. Two matches any Arsenal fan will be keenly following.

In a follow up story to the Edelman departing story, Arsene says that he is surprised by his leaving. Some one here is terribly irritated that Edelman was shown the door only at this late stage, but that's just his opinion, read all about it here.

And that has to do it for today. Here's hoping that Chelski and Manky Shite can commit suicide or something!

Arsene Wenger Assures That There Will Be No Arsenal Exodus

Ashish Wesley — Sat, 03 May 2008 19:30:00 -0400

Well kicking things off today, Arsene assures us that no only one player will be allowed to leave this season and that player will be Mathieu Flamini. This comes in the light of speculation that we might lose quite a few players in the summer, of them possibly Hleb,Ade, Gilberto and Mad Jens. Let's hope he keeps his word, and adds this summer to a team that looks like reaching it's true potential next season.

Continuing about Flam he said- "We have have only one player who is free, that is Mathieu Flamini. He can go where he wants but he can as well stay.”

Arsene also mentioned in his Friday press conference that Flamini willhestaywillhego issue will be put to bed early next week, as he has extended the deadline for the midfielder till the coming Monday.That should be enough to consume the Flamster over the weekend, or not, if he's made up his mind already. Don't forget that Flamini should take his place in midfield again tomorrow, back from injury, in what could be the last time he plays in from of the home fans. I have a gut feeling that he will stay though, but we should all know really soon.

And about Hleb Arsene added- “Alex Hleb has two years’ contract .He is not for sale.”
Arsene is also furious about the Inter-Hleb-ice cream thingy. Arsene says that recently some more details of the meeting have emerged which have got him incensed. Le Prof said that he will take this up with FIFA but did not divulge anymore details. You have to be really pissed-off with what Hleb did, it really gets my goat, unacceptable behaviour from the Belarussian.

Arsene says the strength of a team can only be measured over time , he added - “I feel you have to take a distance from immediate results.What is important is to make the right decision, have the right philosophy and the decision you make today is the one you still make if you want to be successful in 10 years." “You must take distance from the immediate game that was won or lost. That can sometimes be down to the decision of the referee and not your skill." “The only way to show some quality is over the longer distance. We can all win one game and over six months be strong. The manager can show his strengths if he makes stability for eight, 10, 15, 20 years, Ferguson at Manchester United." “The quality of a club and strength of it is more judged on a longer distance. It is a marathon to lead a club and I believe this particular club has always shown different strengths to other clubs. “For the rest I am not involved in the politics.”

Hmm... let's hope all the hard work in previous season comes to a head and we walk away with a treble or something. But fair play to the Professor, we know where he's coming from, we are patient, and will continue to be patient.

Arsene also talks about the wage structure we have in place at Ashburton Grove. Saying that we have it or go bust. I think that more than anything the players at Arsenal will have to stay here with a paycut, and it could be a quite a considerable paycut. There are so many things on offer at Arsenal Football Club, but money is not one of them. Players know this and no amount of holding the club up for ransom is going to change anything. I'm sure all of us would like to pay our players more, this also ensures that we keep them at the club for longer, but unfortunate as it is we can't do that at this point of time. That said it's not like the players are starving or something. I'm glad we are sticking firmly by the wage structure.The wage structure is here to keep us from going down the tube, and that's reason enough. So there.

We maybe in the market for Portsmouth's Kranjar, as his father Zlatko confirms, more on that here.
Our last home fixture of the season sees Everton come by, they have a UEFA cup place to play for, so it really should be something. It's a 13.30 Kickoff London time, and that makes it a 18.00 kickoff in India. It's on in Asia on ESPN, so now you know. But before that, can West Ham do us the hugest favour ever, when the destroy the Manky Shite find out today that's on in a little while from now, while Chelski take on a beleagered Newcastle also today. Two matches any Arsenal fan will be keenly following.

In a followup story to the Edelman departing story, Arsene says that he is suprised by his leaving. Some one here is terribly irritated that Edelman was shown the door only at this late stage, but that's just his opinion, read all about it here. And thats has to do it for today. Here's hoping that Chelski and Manky Shite can commit suicide or something!

Derby 2-Arsenal 6: No News on Mathieu Flamini, Alexander Hleb

Ashish Wesley — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 17:19:00 -0400

Arsenal ran out easy winners yesterday against bottom club Derby yesterday. It finished 6-2, but frankly it could have been goals galore for Arsenal.

It was Derby though who started out on top, and were a lot sharper in the opening 20 or-so minutes from the start.

Arsenal lacked rhythm to begin, but that was all to change.

A bad pass by the Derby defence allowed a neat one two from the front-man on the night Bendtner and Robin Van Persie, with Bendtner slotting home past Carroll for the opener.

Some more sloppy defending allowed Derby back on level terms a few minutes after to level—something that's become an all too familiar pattern for Arsenal towards the latter half of the season.

The last few minutes of the first half saw Arsenal retake the lead when Toure delivered a well timed overhead pass to a streaking Robin Van Persie who chested the ball down before crashing it into the back of the net. (This after he missed another easy chance one—on—one with Carroll.)

The second half was all Arsenal

Earnshaw though scored one more for the already relegated Derby.

Derby, however, ultimately were just cut to ribbons.

Emmanuel Adebayor scored three when he came on to start the second half for Van Persie who did not return due to injury.

His first was made by Theo Walcott who made a fine run on the right hand side, beat a defender in the box and squared for the telescopic legs of the Togolese to slide home.

Walcott scored a fine goal of his own, this time running down the left side and smashed home—this almost immediately after Earnshaw scored Derby's second.

The score was then 4-2.

Adebayor added two more before the close to round off the rout.

His three goals of the night were no.'s 28, 29, and 30—a splendid achievement for the striker. He has looked a bit non-plussed in recent months, but it was nice to see him get amongst the goals yesterday.

This was his second hat-trick of the season—his first coming in the reverse fixture. He may not quite be in the highest bracket as yet, but maybe we won't be saying that for long.

While it was a splendid display going forward, the defending still left a lot to be desired. To concede two to the bottom club—a club who is struggling to score, puts things in perspective. Arsenal really need to spruce it up if they are going to challenge for the title next season.

Maybe a certain Tony Adams could help us out.

While even the most ardent Gooner has given up their title hopes, Cescy still believes.

The PFA young player of the year winner said: "Nothing is impossible. We have to win the last two games and then we'll see. We are not the favourites, but you never know."

You have to admire his optimism, but really it would have to be a huge miracle and the most unlikeliest of possibilities for them to win from here.

But it would be wonderful wouldn't it?!

Cescy continued here and again pledged his future to the Gunners, saying: "I'm very happy at Arsenal and thinking about next season already. I'm sure we will be up for winning trophies again next year, and I cannot wait for the new season to start.

"It is disappointing how we were leading the Premier League at one stage and then lost our way. That should not happen at a club like Arsenal, but I still think we have been improving. It didn't happen because we didn't play well or didn't give 100 per cent - it's just a better team won."

Wenger saluted the performance yesterday saying that Arsenal are now stronger than they were at the start of the season, and saying we are paying now for a rough patch in March, he added:"I feel in this team you can score goals. You will always get good service, it is not only down to the strikers. Everybody tries to make life easier for the strikers."

"I think he (Adebayor) took advantage of the work the team had done in the first half, it was easier. We know he can score goals, he has now scored 24 in the league but Van Persie played well and Bendtner played well as well."

There's more post match comments from the man they call The Professor here.

There are no updates on the Flamini to Milan and Hleb to Inter story. Arsene has given Flamini time till tomorrow, and I can only assume that no news is the worst at the moment and we will not see the Flamster turn out in our colours next season.

As stated before, Arsene's prime objective after it all fell apart for us this season was to keep this team together, but that looks in serious danger with the impending moves of Hleb and Flamini, and we may lose out on Gilberto as well.

While Hleb may be replaceable with some one with more end product, I will be surprised if we manage to fill those big boots of the Flamster. Anyways we should find out if we do need to find someone for the Frenchman.

Until such time keep those fingers gnarled. So long!

Keeping This Arsenal Team Together Is a Top Priority

Ashish Wesley — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 02:34:00 -0400

A late post it is again, and it's becoming the norm rather than the exception. Work is to blame , but you don't want to hear about that. So straight in to the Arse news it is. With this season done as far as anything bright and shiny goes, the focus swings to the season that is to follow. Arsene spoke last week saying how his priority was to keep this team together , and build on it for next season, and it's that sort of news that dominates.

Arsene echoes the praise that young Thunderbolt Theo has received over the last week, calling him a 'man', but not a 'monster'. Interesting innit? Wenger explained-
"It was his most complete game.One where he looked most 'the man', the most mature."

"At the start of the season, when Theo was on from the beginning, you did not see a lot from him. There were only glimpses when you could say 'there is something there' and you wondered when he would come out. Now he is starting to show that."

"Theo is not a monster, but he has great body power. When he starts on the first five yards, it is like you throw him away. You do not see him, he is gone. That is more important than just more power. But the way we play, we can take advantage of his qualities."

He really is coming in to his own, and just might have earned him self more starts. For our part we must be patient and let the lad come on without heaping to much expectation on him, you know the press has blood on their hands over this. Wenger continued on the young Englishman saying-

"I feel next season began on Saturday for him. I don't know yet if I will start with him for the rest of the season, but there is a good chance yes.
"It is down to him now, how much he wants it. But I hope he continues to produce this type of performance and on his account are 10 or 15 goals, because that is what you should aim for."

Theo is huge positive to come out of the last game. Another player who we could be seeing more than we expected of in the first team is Lukasz Fabianski.Well that all but sounds the death knell for Mad Jens. He probably played his last game for us this past Saturday, and we will miss him.

Another player who we expect will be on his way will be Gilberto. He put in one of his best performances this season against Reading at Ashburton last week, and most Gooners would have been gald to see him be amongst the goals. The stripping of his captaincy and his relegation to the bench have been much discussed in Arsenal circles. The man for allhis hardship this season , has always been a model pro. He continues in this same vein (what else could you expect from him), saying that he will have a chat with Arsene about his future and that he wants to stay a Gunner-

"I will sit down with the boss at the end of the season," he said. "But for the next few weeks, I will keep focused on doing my job and try to help the team as much as I can. Whether it's on the pitch as I was on Saturday, or whether it's on the training pitch working with the players.

Arsene also warns Alex Hleb about resisting the charms of the Ice cream man and believes that the potential of the squad at Ashburton Grove should keep the Belarussian here. If Hleb does decide to move on in the summer he could have played his last game for us just like like Mad Jens, as this here explains.

Of all the players we are likely to lose over the summer really think that if we can hang on to Flamini and maybe Hleb and Gilberto,to a lesser extent, we can really build a strong squad for next season.

It's not yet the summer but transfer news is rife . Take your pick from this or this maybe this here or indeed this which states that the Milan And Juve have our big Togonator in their sights.

So long, and speak to you tomorrow. By the looks of things, there will be a huge change in the time I update the blog everyday.I will be more inclined to write in about this time everyday, so check in about this time everyday, or indeed the next day. Thanks.

Arsenal: We Want to Win but with Our Own Style

Ashish Wesley — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 18:30:00 -0400

I'm back at it again after giving yal the silent treatment over the last few days. Nyhoo I'm sure you are all doing quite well after the win yesterday. It does feel really good to get a win under our belts and also a clean sheet, it also helps in getting that horrible feeling out of the pit of your stomach.

It was a rather facile win yeterday, with Reading being just off the drop zone. I missed the first half, but caught the whole of the second. It finished 2-o, both being scored goals scored in the first half. The first was a well taken goal by Ade, he was put in by a fine ball by Kolo Toure and then handsomely slotted past Hahnemann. The second one was through Gilberto . Playing in place of an injured Flamini, Gilberto's shot from outside the box got a lucky deflection and nestled in the back of the net. Our luck seemed ti be turning, and for the better this time. From the first half highlights it looked like we had quite a lot of possesion , and controlled the game. The Arsetard however told me that we were playing like a pub team. But that was prior to the goals, so I'm guessing we stepped on the gas a bit after that.

The second half was all us, but with some luck and maybe a little more co-ordination we could have had a more convincing scoreline. RVP's freekick hit a combination of the bar and the post but still stayed out, while Theo had his left-footed shot from inside the box cannon of the bar. We were a lot more assured in this game, and put in a fine performance. It was all passing and movement, but still I would saythat we lack a little more penetration in the final third. But it was super performance overall, and a great way to get back to winning 3 points.

Fab had more verve, RVP looked close on getting back to his best, Gilberto had a more solid performance, and Theo was all energy and quick feet. The backline included Song , who had one or two sticky moments in the second half, but recovered to put in a decent performance.

There's not a lot left on offer for the boys, but Arsene calls it rightly when he said after this after the game yesterday-

"Yes, we responded well after massive, massive, massive disappointment. We responded quite well, I must say I was worried after last Saturday over how we could finish the season, the disappointment was so big that I was not sure we'd be capable to respond, so on that front we did very well. Overall you could see that there is a strong link in the team to play the quality of game we want to play. We have shown some pride and some mental strength not to get ourselves down until the end of the season, and that is very important. The next season starts now and we want to finish as well as possible - you never know. We can make 83 points, it will not be a shame for us, and that is still reachable."

Wenger continued his praise saying he wants to win with style, saying-

"Yes, I think the collective technical display is the best we have played in the last twelve years, I would stand for that, but we have not been... If you look a little bit back with distance you could say that at the start of the season we had nothing to lose. When we came under pressure in March maybe we were a bit unlucky, we dropped some points because every problem we had to face we lacked a little bit of maturity, but overall there is a lot of hope because if you see the game today, what kind of quality football we can play, I believe this team has to stay together and to win - to convince completely people. We want to win but with our own style."

I agree wholeheartedly with Arsene when he says that the next season starts now and that we should win with our own style. I'm sure that we will be able to do this. We've been a patient lot waiting for Arsene to deliver success, and with style, lets hold on to that patience for a while longer, we are getting ever so close now.

While we are on about next season Cescy rubbishes stories of him moving from North London saying-

"My future belongs to Arsenal, and it is the truth.I do not know why [it was brought up]. It is always the same with my situation, always putting my name in another team."

"I have always said I want to play for Arsenal, it is the best team I can be at, the best club for me. Before I even say anything, people put me in another club and I don't understand that.

"But I have always wanted to play for Arsenal."

Good lad Cescy, stay right here, you are well on you're way to being an Arsenal legend that is if you aren't one already. While Wenger says Cescy could have 'one or two real quality' teammates next season, and you can read all about it in this one here.
Arsene also pointed out that he would not be looking to sign Valencia star David Villa in the summer. More ineteresting though in the piece Wenger hinted that he might not strengthen the attack, saying he has enough faith in his young strikers, preferring to strenghthen the back instead. I will say this much- that the back end of the pitch needs a lot more work than the front. Hopefully the strike force we have will gel well next year, that is if indeed Arsene does not buy anymore attacking players in the closed season.But who knows the mind of Le Prof?

One player we need to hang on to, (and it's getting very repetitive now, but it's looking grimmer than ever) is Flamini. Wenger has given him till the end of April to sort it all out. It' looks alike an absolute deadline and that's about 10 days away, fingers are so crossed right now that they are almost gnarled!

And that will have to do. My most discerning readers will notice that I have been quite irregualr with my posts the past month or so while it reached a real crescendo of sorts or is it an anti crescendo, or whatever it is over the past week where I did not break my silence for about 3 or four days.Well it's all down to me switching jobs, and err... getting a bit tied up with the proceedings in the office. Will definitley try and keep this going as regular as possible and will keep try and keep it at a post a day.

So long folks and thanks for putting up with me, a Good Sunday to you all!

Wednesday Arsenal Round-Up

Ashish Wesley — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 16:30:00 -0400

Hello there! How y'all doing? I've just switched jobs and that has accounted for the irregular posting. Will try to keep it going as often as I can, but I'm not making any promises.

Our title chase came to a grinding halt with the loss at Old Trafford, and this is another trophy less season for us.

As disappointed as we all are, we must take heart from the fact that this team can get better from here. We are not so much behind the pace as people think, and our performance against Manure will bear witness to that.

The important thing would be however on building on what we already have at the club, and the first thing is to keep this team intact.

While we have had plenty of rumours about Flamini heading to Juve when the season comes to a close and these are here and here and are heart stopping!

We cannot overemphasise the quality and energy that The Flamster puts in the engine room. Flamini is probably the only player in the world who can overshadow Gattuso as we saw in both legs of the pre-quarters in the CL this season.

The void he will leave, if we believe the rumours, will be immense. He is irreplaceable according to my book, and we have to hold on to him at all costs. What will happen? We will just have to wait and watch, as helpless as that sounds.

In a bit of catching up with yesterday now, Lee Dixon says that he has his doubts over Cap'n Gallas and that we need a new leader in the team, and makes a good argument to back it up, it's here.

Wrighty thinks that Wenger should get out his cheque book and "splash the cash" in the summer. He said:

"Not since Dennis Bergkamp have Arsenal signed an established, world-class player and it is frustrating."

Also adding: "In midfield, I'd like to see them trying to sign Bayern Munich's Franck Ribery or AC Milan's Andrea Pirlo. In defence, maybe someone like Roma's Philippe Mexes."

Ribery's name had come up last season, but Pirlo? I don't think we can prise him away from Milan's grip. Will decline to comment on Mexes, as I haven't seen too much of him to comment on whether he is what we need or not.

Wenger says stuff he has always been saying. On asked whether he was scared to spend money, he said:

"Scared of what? I would not be scared. We couldn't afford him (Ronaldinho) now so we have to forget it. But the money (we have paid out) is not comparable to what other teams have spent on players. For example with Reyes we got a big part back and for Jeffers a little part back. If we have the money and I am convinced it is worth it, we will do it."

There's quite a bit of work to be done in the closed season but Ade reminds us that our season is not over, not quite and you can read the full story here.

... And that will have to do, more tomorrow.

Have a good day you lot!

EPL: Arsenal's Hope Hinges on This One

Ashish Wesley — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 20:01:00 -0400

I loathe the phrase "make or break," but sadly that's what aptly sums up the Arsenal encounter with Manure today.

A victory earned today will put us back into contention for the Premier League. For me though, I'm shying away from title talk for the time being. The title is a mathematical possibility, as Le Boss himself admitted.

Maybe if we get the result today, maybe then some hope for the Premier League crown will be restored. That said a victory tonight alone will not do, we will need a few other games to go our way. We are six points behind Man U, with five games to go, and Chelski are three points behind Man U completing a three way race.

Lets however take it one game at a time. Morale is on a downswing after a tough couple of weeks for the lads, but a win got today will change things drastically for us, and send a shiver down the spine the heart of the Ol' Geriatrics charges. After that though anything could transpire.

A defiant Wenger sees the toil of a whole season culminate in this 90 minute escapade at Old Trafford, and who could disagree with the professor. Adebayor and Cescy understand how monumental the game is. Ade said ahead of the game:

"I think if we win at Old Trafford we can win the title because it will bring our confidence back fully. For us to go and win there will be a huge thing. We are not so far away for that. Every morning in training, no matter what, our football is attacking.

"We are not going there to sit back. We cannot. Arsenal football is to push forward all the time. Everyone knows that."

"We are going to put them under pressure, we will show them what we can do. We have a big chance against (United) to show people that what happened in the first and second leg against Liverpool was a mistake by the referees."

"From this season, I can tell you how much we have learnt They will not be going the same again."

"Next year if we are five points ahead in March, for sure nobody will catch us."

Cescy offers his tuppence, saying:

"Being knocked out of the Champions League is still in our minds, but this Sunday, Arsenal have to give everything to win and to fight for the Premier League. I am not mad, but if we win at Old Trafford, the title is possible.

"A point has no value. We want only three points and to fight for the title until the last moment.

"A match at Old Trafford is special for many reasons. A victory in this stadium will always be sweet for me, personally, and for the team. The FA Cup defeat was hard to take and the team are dreaming of sporting revenge at a crucial time."

RVP echoes Fab's tone here. Hoping we could get a two upfront where Ade will partner RVP, while Gilberto could step into the position that Flamini made his own.

The rest of the side should look the same from midweek, I think.

RVP will be vital in this game methinks, if he has a good game he could win it for us. A Theo spark as well could do it for us. The lads we have manning the backdoor will also have to step up against a potent Manure attack, a typical team effort is required.

In a bit of an aside now the team could see some changes in the coming season as Peter Hill-Wood says Wenger will have as much money as he wants for signings next season. But we heard that last season as well, will Wenger bring the cheque book out is the big question, but it's an ill timed one, so we will dissect it another time.

We are perfectly capable of going and getting the three points today. This is probably the most important three points of the season, and as reported yesterday, the Mancs will be up for it.

The other side of the proverbial coin is that if ManUSA do go down today, it could see their race in tatters, with Chelski hot on their tails. Three points are up for grabs, and it could make all the difference to both of teams. Yesterday it was Fergie who said that they will be wary of us, and now it's Ryan Giggs turn.

A win is possible today, and when that will take place title talk will ensue and of course some euphoria.

Lets show them all!!! There's no time better than this!

Come on you Gunners!

English Football: A Glint of Hope Could Emerge on the 'Morrow

Ashish Wesley — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 01:04:00 -0400

Another late one today it is. I was in a workshop all day, and that pretty much drained the energy out of every sinew. I'll run through all the happenings today, at breakneck speed!

It's probably the last big game of the season for us tomorrow as we travel to Old Trafford to take on Manure in their backyard. We showed quite a bit of heart in the Champions League second leg against Liverpool.

If some of that could be replicated tomorrow, we just might be able to throw our hat back in the ring for the contenders for the Prem, but that's quite a big if.

I have to hand it to Arsene. Despite all the disappointments in recent weeks he has always said the right stuff , and backed his team when the world turned their back on the team.

He knows what he's got here, he knows what he's doing, and he will back it to the hilt, devil may care. He has made his share of mistakes on the way, but who hasn't? We all hope that it will come good for us someday. Arsene said ahead of the game tomorrow-

"When you are a winner you continue to fight when others give up, and that's what we want to do."

"We have a big game on Sunday now and we want to focus on that. I think we have gained a lot of respect for the quality of our game. Now we can gain a lot of respect for the quality of our behaviour on Sunday, show how much we are winners and respond in a very strong way."

He's right the manner of the loss, (if it does occur of course) will show the true spirit and underbelly of the squad. It's not beyond us to get the result tomorrow, and we know it. Morale is not at its highest, but we do have a knack of delivering when are backs are to the wall.

Wenger continued saying-

"I can't understand people who say the team's season is over. Why is it over? We are not too far behind. It depends on what happens on Sunday - if we win then we can win the title and that's what it's important to focus on."

"What is at stake on Sunday is the work of a whole year as long as we go there and don't believe then it is over. But do you really think that we will go to Manchester United thinking that our season is over? That would be ridiculous. We have worked so hard since the first day of the season. We will fight until the last second of the Premier League."

I'm guilty as well of thinking that the season is pretty much 'over' for us. I think we are a bit behind the top two in quality. So thats where I'm coming from. But my belief could drastically change if we destroy them tomorrow.

Now onto other news, John Terry says that we are lacking an 'English backbone'.

"You need an English backbone," he said. "one with that force, that togetherness, that pulling together. That's what the English players have. It's why Arsenal might come up short in the run-in."

Well what else could you expect from him? Moving on, The Geriatric is expecting a Gunner backlash tomorrow, read it here.

We are linked with a Brazilian goalkeeper who currently plays at PSV, more on that here. David Dein thinks we need foreign investment to bolster our team. Well that's an insight if I ever saw one! We all know the motive behind his statements. Who the heck does he take us for? Hleb has once again been linked to inter, and you will have to read it here.

And thats all I could put together today. Man U it is tomorrow, 16.00 UK time and 21.30 India time. It's live in Asia on the ESPN Ster network. It should be a humdinger. More as usual tomorrow.

Ciao!

Arsenal: The Heart Always Wins!

Ashish Wesley — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 02:20:00 -0400

A late, late post for you today. I'm in the process of switching jobs, and that has prevented me from posting at the usual time. I will definitely try and keep it regular, and on time from here on in.

It's going to be a short one today, as I try to cram all the Arsenal proceedings down into this post for you lot. There's a lot going on, so I will point you in the direction of the stories.

The big news today is that we will be without the services of Mathieu Flamini for the next 3 weeks. That, as you would imagine, is a huge blow for us. He is a real terrier in midfield, and his never say die spirit is infectious. This would mean that Gilberto will have more to offer in an Arsenal shirt, as he seems like the logical replacement to the Frenchman. Gilberto did not look half bad in the game against Liverpool in midweek, and here's hoping he can step into the worn out shoes of the Flamster.

Le Prof speaks about the season and particularly regarding whether he made a mistake in not making any new signings in the January transfer window. Arsene said that he did make mistakes, but not necessarily any big ones.

"Of course, I'm not pretentious enough to say I didn't make mistakes. Even if I managed for 150 years I would still make mistakes. In this job, you can never prove afterwards that you were right and nobody can prove you were wrong. Only results prove that. I'm humble enough to accept I make mistakes and I will every year. But I don't know if I made a big mistake this season."

You don't really need to be a genius to see that we are lacking some quality in some areas of the pitch, and I think that needs to be adressed in the summer. More thoughts on this will be valid in the closed season. Arsene reportedly has a large warchest at his disposal, now only if he will use some of it.

Obafemi Martins may remove himself from our shopping list if this is to be believed. There were rumours of him making the switch to Arsenal last season, what really does transpire though we will all have to wait and see.

While we are on the topic of the squad and strengthening it, Arsene thinks that we have not done too badly, considering the cash splashed by the other big 'uns. Arsene says that he will sign just one experienced player in the summer, it's here.

It sounds a bit worrying, don't you think? We will need more than one player, but as always, we must weigh in that Wenger is always very cagey when it comes to signings. Preferring to keep his cards really close to his chest.

Wenger has replied to Mad Jens' outburtsts and you can find it all here. Arsene also came in to support Senderos. The Swiss defender has had his detractors about his up and down performances. Wenger said,

"He is good enough. He had a bad game but he played well against Milan earlier on. Also we lost four goals at Liverpool last year with Kolo Toure and William Gallas in defence. We win and lose as a team."

We win and lose as a team, nice innit?

Ahead of the game at Old Trafford. Le Boss called it a must win, and said winning the title from here on in will be his greatest achievement. It will be his greatest, don't you think, considering we are a bit down in the dumps at the moment. Arsene had this to say-

"It will be the greatest achievement of my career because we are swimming against the stream at the moment. But I still believe this team can produce it."

"For us the game on Sunday is the game of the season. If we do not win this game we have no chance."

Quickly now, as I resort to do quick roundup of the stories doing the rounds. Wenger has replied to Mad Jens' outburtst and you can find it all here.

Arsene speaks about letting Thierry go last season. As great a player as the Frenchman was, I think the team has made plenty of progress this season in his absence. Arsene says he has no regret over letting Henry leave, and I will have to say I agree. Arsene has not completely ruled out a move for an Henry return, but chances of this are at best slim, so I wouldn't hold my breath.

The man at the helm also comments about the criticism of the club, saying that some of it, especially those that question the ethos of the club are bit 'over the top'.
Cescy and Ade are in line for the PFA award, and you can read all about it here.

We have a big game on Sunday at Old Trafford. My head says that we may win, and even though we win, I really don't see us winning the title. My heart though, says that we will beat the Manky Shite and bomb on to re-claim the title. In these sort of situations the heart always wins! If not, I might as well follow cricket!

Come on Arsenal!!

Arsenal News: Happy Endings?

Ashish Wesley — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 15:51:00 -0400

A Thursday Arse to you all.

The weekend is close at hand but is not here, quite. We have another pivotal game coming up on the weekend as the Manky shite play host to us in the Premier League.

It may not be quite as huge as previously thought. Many of us think that a win over Man USA on the weekend could spark a late burst, and push us on to the title. I however think that we are playing more for pride and the fact that we should never ever give up till the rather pudgy lady sings.

The title, as Arsene puts it is only a "mathematical" possibility. A win in enemy territory though will apply the much needed balm, I think.

Most of the news today surrounds the Champions League game at Anfield, and looking forward to the Man U clash.

Our big Togolese striker Adebayor beseeches his Gunner brethren to forget about the tragedy of a game against the Scousers and focus on the Premier League game in hand:

"The most important thing now is to stay focused on what we can achieve this season."

"We are still playing for the title and we still believe we can win something at the end of the season. Sunday will be another big game for us and we will see what we can do. We have learned a lot of things this year, but the boss has more experience than anyone here."

"He knows the words he will use so that we can come back on the pitch to be more successful and want it more."

Billy Gallas has blamed the team's inexperience for the loss in midweek, saying:

"We lacked experience. You can't concede a penalty 30 seconds after equalising."

Really, I think Gallas should shoulder some of the responsibility for the defeat. It wasn't for nothing that the Kop stuck four in the net.

Enough of all this talking down shite. Our defence was a bit crap, and that did us in, when it all came down to it.

A new captain in the new season? What do y'all think about that? Well that's stuff we will be left to ponder over in the close season, so will leave it at that.

Arsene will have plenty to roll over in his head come the end of the season, this piece takes a look at what Wenger might do in the build up to next season.

A lot of folks, Arsenal "supporters" and others have had their knives out for Arsene and these stories such as this, and indeed this fly in the face of general opinion.

Before I run away will tell you that Gunners Legend Dennis Bergkamp, is all set to take up a diplom a in the coaching of the beautiful game. He has all the raw materials in place according to me.

Dennis said: “I'm starting to get the itch to get back into football.” Le Prof is set to take him under his wing, as this report suggests. Cheers Dennis!

Would love to see you back in any capacity at The Arsenal.

A current Legend at the club, Cesc Fabregas' remarks have sent some of the press to read too much into what he said, and have lead them to churn out stories like this. Cescy allays all such fears here. I wouldn't worry too much if I was you.

As far as expectation at the start of the season goes, we overachieved a bit. Our disappointment though stems from how it all fell apart in the last few weeks.

We could only get better from here on in, right?

A little more patience Gooners, this story has a happy ending!