To the Guardian/Louise Taylor

Responding to this article:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/feb/07/newcastle-united-arsenal-premier-league

Football Editor/Louise Taylor:

If you had hoped to write an article commending Alan Pardew with regard to his halftime talk, well done. The two-sentence paragraph which you have written is a superb documentation of his efforts.  However, if your intention was to criticize Arsene Wenger's refusal to agree that the match was a good advertisement for football, you have failed.

The headline for your article describes Wenger as "One-eyed", but I would suggest that any writer so careless with their reporting of the events which transpired should be the one earning such a moniker.

You certainly have your right to your opinion with regard to the challenge on Diaby by Barton. Equally good arguments can be made on either side of the issue, and you have made your opinion clear with your highly edited version of the incident. However, leaving out important facts as a means of supporting your criticism of Wenger is an effort more commonly associated with either an amateur or a propagandist. Diaby shoved Nolan AFTER Nolan shoved Diaby. On the field, Dowd awarded a yellow card to Diaby for that push, and added to the yellow card for his neck grab, got him sent off. Nolan was not punished.

Your description of another Nolan escapade was equally "myopic". His headlock on Szczesny (see attached pic), which you so politely refer to as a "hefty" shove before dismissively claiming the keeper was petulant in refusing to return the ball to Barton. Excuse me, but the ball belongs to Arsenal in that instance and Nolan again displayed the same behavior as Diaby earlier. It is certainly correct for Wenger to expect equal application of the laws of the game.

To claim that Wenger does not "see the big picture" is ironic, considering that while you may enjoy the thrill of a big comeback, you do not mind seeing it accomplished at the expense of abandoning the concept of fair play. Your view is akin to that of a self-professed racing fan who is actually more excited when viewing accidents than actual skill behind the wheel.

As an Arsenal fan I am disappointed we only earned one point, rather than three, from the game, and I do not for one minute begrudge the joy Newcastle fans must feel following their comeback. However, the inept display by Dowd (even you concede that errors were made) has me worried for the game. The quality of play by Arsenal in the first half, the determination of Newcastle in the second half, and the amazing long range strike to equalize, should be memorable, but the intervention of the referee erased all of that. He was the amateur on the pitch, his failings on display for all to forever associate with the English game.

So, it is left to you and all of the sports reporters out there, to see "the big picture". This is a league you want to promote as the best in the world. This is a league which you hope will attract the greatest players. Yet, articles are written chastising managers for simply asking that fair play is enforced. Articles are written celebrating a match that, had it taken place in South America or the Middle East or Asia, would have us laughing at the ineptitude of the officiating, or scratching our heads wondering what type of corrupt forces were at work.

Every player knows the rules of the game. If everyone played by the rules no referee would be necessary. The official is on the pitch to ensure that the rules are followed. When that official, entrusted by the League, by the teams, by the players and by the fans, no longer follows the rules, nothing good can come of it. Wenger is absolutely correct in his belief that this match was not a "peerless advertisement for the English game".

Victoria Concordia Crescit

Arsenal 2 - Everton 1

Arshavin 70                   Saha  24
Koscielny 75


Despite the best efforts of the match referee, Arsenal overpowered Everton scoring two goals in the second half to claim victory at the Emirates. The game was a high-energy affair with plenty of physical play. Moyes sent out his team with instruction to press and disrupt the Arsenal flow, but the home side was up to the task and responded with equal determination.


Second half substitutions included Diaby on for Song(injury), Arshavin and Bendtner on for Rosicky and Wilshire. 


Arshavin was brilliant and appears to be on the road back. His confidence on the ball producing wonderful opportunities, and his goal well-deserved. The back four handled a barrage of long balls and set pieces while coping well with the tricky Saha.


The opening goal was allowed to stand despite Saha being in an obvious offside position when the ball was struck.


Great character exhibited by the Arsenal kept everyone on the pitch and spirits high. The focus remained on equalizing, then pushing hard for the second tally. With Man U and Chelsea winning it was imperative the Gunners earn all three points. The victory, and the manner in which it was accomplished are a testament to the great spirit and determination within this Arsenal team.


Victoria Concordia Crescit

Time to Begin the Build Up

Tonight: Arsenal v Everton.


At home the Gunners should be looking to correct the course. The match against Huddersfield was a warning. Let your foot off the gas and even the least likely will do their best to catch you.


A good run is needed, with a return to form and the confidence that will bring to the squad. Barcelona is on the horizon and the next two games need to be seen as a "ramping-up" opportunity.


Good support from the fans is crucial and a solid win tonight will go long way toward improving the sometimes restrained displays of encouragement echoing through the Emirates.


We will miss Nasri, but have the personnel to cover in his absence.




Victoria Concordia Crescit

Leeds United 1 - Arsenal 3

Nasri 5, Sagna 35, RVP 76


Playing good football at Elland Road, knocking the stuffing out of their loyal and boisterous home supporters, and advancing in the FA Cup, Arsenal capitalized on the confidence gained against West Ham at the weekend. A solid performance showcasing talent at both ends of the pitch.

Excellent games by Gibbs, RVP, and Sagna impressed. The currently "out of favor" Arshavin has predictably been the main focus of those who enjoy taking the "glass half empty" point of view, but to his credit he was on the receiving end of a great deal of rough treatment and never slowed in his efforts to be involved and contribute.

Of course Arsenal should never have allowed themselves to be in this position but the response to their own dismal effort at the Emirates was inspired. Leeds was aggressive and never appeared willing to concede defeat. Some are saying that they would be a welcome addition to the Premiere League next year, and their style of play would indeed fit in well with several BPL mainstays.

The first goal resulted from wonderful play by the Russian and this seasons MVP Nasri, sending a clear message that the "real" Arsenal team had shown up with full intention. 

Sagna's blast was a shocker. Unexpected by Arsenal fans and certainly Schmeichel, it is fascinating to imagine the effect more of those would have in League play, opening up defenses and allowing more space for the Arsenal attack in front of goal.

To Leeds credit, they responded well, and despite questionable aggression against Arshavin to win the ball deep in Arsenal territory, hit back with a storming shot perhaps equally unexpected by the home supporters.

Arsenal was in control however, and any apprehension Gunner fans may have had expecting a dip in focus following the half time break were quickly dispelled. The energy level maintained, the desire evident. Wenger wisely substituted late to ensure fresh legs and the dividend just reward. A fine cross by Bendtner met by RVP and the game was finished.

A string of home fixtures including the return of Ipswich to progress in the Carling Cup requires that Arsenal maintain current form. The opportunity to avenge the earlier draw with Wigan, double up on a patchy Everton squad, and knock out another lower level team in the FA Cup should be approached with optimism. A good run will do wonders for the team prior to a tough trip away to Newcastle.

Another home match follows, this one against Wolves, and should serve as a decent tune-up prior to the highly anticipated arrival of Barcelona to the Emirates stadium.

Often overlooked by pundits when assessing this Premiere League season, the Arsenal schedule over the first half of the season has been a difficult road, and our current position in the league table often underestimated. Assuming we make it to the Carling Cup final, the Spurs game away at White Hart Lane will be moved to a later date and may congest an otherwise inviting run to the end of season. On paper at least, that match and the home fixture against Man U the only obvious tests facing the Gunners.

I will leave the speculation surrounding potential new signings to the experts, but let's hope that the current squad continue to grow in confidence and fully realize the potential for greatness this season promises.

Victoria Concordia Crescit

...Missed

Manchester United  1  -  Arsenal  0


This season has produced several results which left many Arsenal fans questioning the players desire. All sorts of skill but focus and effort lacking. Tonight, the Gunners expended huge amounts of energy but were let down by errant passing and poor touch.

Neither team played particularly well, and though the statistics and many Man U fans may suggest otherwise, the final score was in fact the result of a fortunate deflection. To be fair, Park's header required quick and instinctive reflexes, and it floated up and over the outstretched hand of Sczezny clearing his gloved hand by inches. Nani was going for goal, but as so often this evening, Clichy was there anticipating correctly and getting his foot to the ball. Unfortunately that deflection sent the ball in front of goal and Park reacted quick enough to deflect it again, this time into the upper left corner.


Other notes:


Webb wasn't at his worst, but there were several inconsistencies and the call by the linesman to award Man U the penalty kick clearly a response to the pressure being applied by the home fans.


Wilshere was excellent. He handles the big stage like a seasoned pro.


Cesc and RVP are still rusty.


Sczezny absolutely has what it takes.


Clichy contained Nani, taking the ball away from him in several one-on-one situations. He had the toughest assignment defensively and performed well.


Clichy, like many others, were often let down by their indecision when they had a moment on the ball. "One-touch" became two or three and advantage lost.


Song seemed "out-of-sync". He had one of those games where every attempt to anticipate left him out of position and chasing.


We appeared much too reliant on Nasri to create some magic. 


Ferdinand deserved a yellow for his waist-high-leading-leg-shirt-cutting-superman impersonation.


The general feeling seems to be that despite the final score, there must be some satisfaction in the performance defensively. In addition, we have completed our away fixtures against Chelsea, Man U, Man City and Liverpool, and home wins against all of them a very real possibility.


Tough result, but not the end of the season.




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An Opportunity...

Tonight Arsenal have an opportunity to "undo" some wrongs committed earlier in the season. Well, not "undo" so much as "offset" points lost in games played previously. As always, games against your nearest rivals begin to be seen as 6-point rather than 3-point affairs and a win at Old Trafford would have such an effect. The Chelsea-Spurs draw yesterday adds to the mix exponentially as points gained would also provide some cushion in the build-up to our return match with Chelsea at the Emirates.


That draw also takes some pressure off of the squad tonight, a win not vital in the grand scheme if we assume victories against both Man U and Chelsea are obtainable at home. Whether such a reduction in pressure allows Arsenal to play "looser" and more positive or less focused and lackadaisical will be revealed at the opening whistle. Let's hope for the former.


It can be argued that older, more experienced players have a better capacity for handling the pressure, yet often we have seen young players in sport, apparently energetically oblivious to concern, perform equally well. My contention is that the real drawback to youth, in particular on a team which has been so close to title glory, is that the players don't grasp the opportunity at hand. Seemingly spoiled by success they assume that these opportunities will be forthcoming for years to come. The list of players who have never held a trophy is long and certainly each of those on the list would admonish these young Gunners for not seizing the moment.


Apparently Fabianski is a doubt on the bench this evening, but his young compatriot seems to be the type of confident and hungry athlete more than happy to step in and prove his worth.


Cesc also looks doubtful and in many ways I am hopeful that he is not on the pitch so that he may heal fully.


Much has been made of Nani but my concern is the middle and our inability to coordinate our offside trap effectively. Rooney may not be in scoring form but he can push the pass well. Evra will hope to contain Nasri and it will be vital that Sagna pushes forward to apply offensive pressure.


The opportunity has arrived, let's make the most of it.




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Thinking the Unthinkable

At the weekend we witnessed the Unthinkable with Samir Nasri demonstrating pure genius, propelling Arsenal to the top of the League and himself to the top of every Player of the Season list.


Arsenal fans that have been following his career cannot be surprised at his ability, perhaps only the dramatic increase in goals not entirely expected. The absence of Cesc has allowed him to blossom, and despite my admiration for the Spaniard, it is my opinion that Nasri is the only Arsenal player capable of fitting into the Barcelona squad. His pace is the key. He has the close control skill of Hleb, the speed of Walcott and the "trickery" of Arshavin, mixed with a feisty intensity and desire that all great players must possess. Onward and upward Samir.


And likewise Arsenal. Written off amidst a dazzling start by Chelsea, the tradition of Man U and the expected rise of Man City, the top of the League was considered unobtainable by so many pundits. Yet here we are leading the pack in the month of December. The defensive frailty that has even ardent supporters concerned may wreak havoc on the heart, but it is a problem without a singular or definitive cause. Caught up in the momentum of misguided opinion, blame has shifted from goalkeeper to the new center backs and now to Song. But, as with all things great and small, perspective is needed.


A look back reveals that a missed penalty kick and one "brain freeze" handball have had at least an equal impact on our season than all of the supposed shortcomings in personnel. The Rosicky effort at Sunderland should have sealed the game and three points rather than just one. And the mental mistake by Cesc denied us at least one point against Spurs, and possibly three as we chased a third goal rather than play for a draw. At a minimum, three points given away needlessly. Of course those three points do not offset the poor performance against WBA. Two goals at home should be enough. But the result against Newcastle cannot be blamed on the defense, an abysmal effort that hopefully will be the low point of our season.


Of course we would all like to see Arsenal dominating teams week in and week out. But the League is a much different one than we enjoyed 6 or 7 years ago. No team is doing that today and may never again. Chelsea was considered a shoe-in for the title just a month ago, a team so full of talent, experience and strength it was considered naive to question their expected dominance. Yet, here we are, at the top of a very crowded table with more contenders for the crown than ever.


My point would be that while we all may have strong opinions with regard to strategy and squad strength, we must respect that Wenger has chosen to play for goals. Lots and lots of goals. Risky? Yes. Exciting? Certainly. Potential for greatness? Absolutely. Goals change games. Scoring first and scoring often means that the opposition must adjust their game and the advantage is gained. So, while others may cry out for more defense, I align myself with Wenger and push forward.


Now as the Gunners prepare to meet Partizan at the Emirates, we are discreetly forced to think about a much different "Unthinkable". This time not of glory, but rather of the potential for humiliation. No time for complacency, the ramifications of not qualifying for the next round are tremendous. Certainly in regard to financial reward, but more importantly to the psychology of the players. The confidence of the players would take a huge blow, the negative press that would ensue a daily reminder.


It could also have a long term impact on player personnel as witnessed at Liverpool. Established players find themselves traveling to strange places for matches in pursuit of a trophy that pales in comparison to Champions League glory. Suddenly the grass really is greener on the other side of the fence.


So a good effort is in order. RVP may start which may be his opportunity to regain his star status. His build-up play has been exceptional and he should feel quite satisfied, but at the heart of the Dutchman is a goal scorer who thrives on putting the ball in the net. Let's hope he announces his full return with such glory.




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Second Win(d)

Tonight marks a return to the Emirates for an important semi-final Carling Cup match against Wigan, and an opportunity to re-ignite the passions of Arsenal players and supporters alike.


The scent of silverware continues to linger despite the chilly conditions and a win would/should provide a much needed confidence boost. Success at Villa has certainly helped in that respect but a bit of perspective is in order. Without the dog-faced Agbonlahor, Aston Villa were rather weak going forward and Pires offered little threat. Even the GIANT Carew was muted. It was delightful to see our fluid offensive play with Arshavin back in favor, complementing the outstanding efforts of Nasri and Rosicky. The lineup may differ tonight but we should expect to see no change in the style and execution.


There has been plenty of analysis on the ups and downs of Arsenal with most choosing to berate the players "mental toughness". A convenient bit of jargon used when no specific cause can be ascertained. With the benefit of hindsight the specific reason(s) goals are scored/conceded can be pinpointed and contributing factors applied.


Despite the reluctance from fans and press, Fabregas has to be held accountable for the handball against Spurs. A moment of stupidity? An involuntary reaction? Perhaps he did not expect the ball to continue to rise, hoping to catch it on his chest below his upraised arm, but a blunder nonetheless. Of course one goal should not have turned that game. Wenger erred when he did not respond to the change by Tottenham at the half. Tired legs? Most certainly, and it is his responsibility to monitor the fitness levels of those on the pitch. A tactical change by the opposition? Definitely, as Bale was shut out in the first half so effectively they had no choice but to try their luck through the middle. Sadly, Denilson chose to replicate what must be his most glaring fault as a defender: an amazing ability to watch an opponent run past him and somehow NOT respond.


These mistakes are not about mental fragility as implied by critics. It is my contention that the only consistent area that we have shown vulnerability is in the air in front of goal. Sunderland, Newcastle, Spurs and Villa have all taken advantage of this and except for Villa, points taken from us. Some may point to our central defenders as culprits, while earlier criticism was leveled at Fabianski, but it would seem that regardless of who is at fault, better preparation is needed.


On a more positive note, the game played last night between Barcelona and real Madrid was quite entertaining. The "Great One" humbled and Ronaldo quieted. To his credit he did not lose his temper like so many of the other Madrid players. "Lass" Diarra was demonstrating why Wenger was so quick to let him leave, hacking away at anything that moved, while Barca showed that "tippy-tappy" football can work when done right. The pace of their passing (with the exception of Abidal, certainly their weak link) and quick movement, combined with incessant pressure on the ball, allowed Real very little opportunity into the game.


Cesc would have a hard time finding a place on that team, his lack of speed the drawback. Of the Arsenal squad only Nasri would seem to have all of the ingredients. His ability to control the ball at his feet, pace, and touch in front of goal the equal of many of those starting for the Spanish team.


As a team, Arsenal should seek to replicate the pressure Barca put on the opposition. It begins immediately and is continued throughout the pitch. There were no "soft" areas for real Madrid to settle in to and reorganize. While it is fascinating to watch the offensive prowess of Messi and his cohorts, much can be learned by observing the structure of the team when defending. They maintain a shape, often a "pentagram" of five players, that is incredibly effective. The five "points", one on the ball, two on either side marking close passing targets, the fourth and fifth ready to close down anyone entering the pentagram. This shape was maintained throughout the back half, shifting from side to side without interruption. The efficiency of this formation may be what allows their players to maintain energy levels throughout the match. Puyols was still at full speed when the final whistle blew despite his age and the threat of Ronaldo for 90 minutes.


Well, enough with my attempts to advise Arsene Wenger on the fine art of football. Enjoy the game tonight, stay warm if you are attending at the Emirates and let's hope we have good news to report afterward.




Victoria Concordia Crescit

1979 The Unexpected Journey

1979. My first visit to England, tagging along with my dad, his wife and their young daughter as I was taking a break from University following a depressing first year experience. Christmas in London is not much different from Christmas in Ohio. Same lousy weather. Same lousy Christmas decorations.


However, two highlights. A purchase of "London Calling" by the Clash, and my first taste of British football, Tottenham versus Aston Villa (or Aston Villa versus Tottenham). Maybe someone could tell me where the match was played, I honestly don't recall, and who the players of note were that cold evening, but they could never overestimate the intensity of the experience on my teenage mind.


First, the man behind the counter at the train station asking who we were going to watch and jokingly referring to Aston Villa as Aston "Vanilla", the team everyone liked to lick. Worth a chuckle perhaps, if only because we were possibly the only ones in London never to hear that reference before. Then the crowd, seemingly everyone dressed in dark winter coats, standing, packed in like sardines. At the half a visit to the vendor selling drinks, including some serious alcohol, then back to the match and more chants and songs and general mayhem. I couldn't tell you who won, time robbing me of such unimportant details, but I do know that at some point I purchased a Tottenham shirt. Yellow, long sleeved with blue cuffs, two blue stripes running vertically down from either side of a blue collar and the "Cock", on the chest. Admiral was the supplier then, their logo on display, and they would be the ones to blame for the disgusting synthetic material.


Viewing it today brings two questions to mind that leave me perplexed.


First, is it even physically possible for me to have been thin enough at 19 years of age to wear my souvenir? Honestly it looks to be about the right size for a healthy 10 year old. Fashionably tight some might say, especially for 1979, but this thing is ridiculously tiny.


My second question is more puzzling, and contrary to suggestion not about fashion or being fashionable. Why not Spurs? Why, after such an invigorating and  impressionable experience did I not attach myself to this football club? I still enjoy listening to London Calling, the chilly weather and dreary sky haven't put me off the occasional UK visit. My first taste should have lead to a lifelong appetite, so why not Spurs? Or better yet, why Arsenal?


This is where the doubters pounce. That gap in the story line which fuels their accusations, questioning the reason or reasons I chose to support Arsenal. Their claim is the choice was based on recent history which at the time included medals and glory, an undefeated season and just a bit of perceived arrogance. "Jumping on the bandwagon" they surmise,  because "everyone loves a winner".


If this were a Hollywood story I would indeed be a Spurs fan. My dramatic introduction to English football an integral part of a memorable trip overseas, reconnecting with a father distanced by divorce, and even the tiny jersey stored away in a box reemerging after so many years providing the requisite link to a precious memory.


But the truth is far too simple for such emotive drama. Fast forward nearly 25 years and my journey places me in the Golden Triangle of Kuala Lumpur. Life priorities have conspired to relegate football  well down on my list. The avid Asian interest in British football is just enough to allow me glimpses of the sport, but my head is elsewhere.


I wish I could recall the date of the match being played on my television that fateful evening. Up late, working at my computer, with no satellite or cable service, my choices for background noise were limited to just three local channels. With station sign-off usually occurring around midnight, my guess is that the football match may have been my only option. It wasn't that I no longer enjoyed watching football, but when faced with deadlines and poor reception, fuzzy green grass and unrecognizable players names usually conspired to keep my eyes on the Mac.


But this night was different. Perhaps taking a break, or genuinely finished with my computer efforts, I turned to the television. The team in red were lively. Their play easy and fluid. Having played the game myself, I could recognize the skill on display. Not just bursts but a continuous flow of excellent passing and teamwork. This, THIS, was football. Beautiful football.


That was the moment.


Everything else came after that. The name of the team, Arsenal. The manager, Wenger. The players names, the stadium, the history, all would invade me over the following weeks and months. My fascination turning to adoration, then to dedication.


I didn't "inherit" my Arsenal support from a father or an uncle. There is no geographical link nor school mate pressure on a playground to dictate my chosen team. The history of the club more foreign to me than the origins of the universe, my Arsenal experience, my Arsenal journey, began that evening in my one bedroom apartment half way around the world from Highbury.


When the doubters pose their question, my answer is simple and pure.


My choice is Arsenal, because they play THE BEAUTIFUL GAME.




Victoria Concordia Crescit

Test 1, 2, 3

Back from the US just in time to watch Nasri and Co take apart England. Samir and Sagna both played well and more importantly went uninjured (though arseblog is cautious regarding Sagna who was subbed late in the game). Gibbs looked rusty but considering he has been out for a while that was expected. RVP played 45 minutes for the Netherlands and by all accounts did well and looks healthy. Cesc had 45 minutes of frustration as Spain got spanked by Portugal. Hopefully the bitter taste will remain and he will be fired up for Spurs, while Chamakh maintained his taste for scoring, notching another for Morocco.


All things considered, the Arsenal have weathered the storm well enough this month. The defeat to Newcastle was painful, one of those games where you watch and wait, hoping that what you are seeing is some sort of dream being played out in the dark corners of your mind. Losing in and of itself is not the problem. Playing so poorly most certainly is. The game at Everton righted so many wrongs and, combined with results for Man U and Chelsea, left the Gunners in a very healthy state.


This weekend will be difficult. Spurs are a strong side, with attacking potential and the midfield will be put to a serious test. As much as I have enjoyed watching Song getting forward, restraint will be required Saturday.




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Pain in the Ukraine

Shakhtar 2  Arsenal 1

Prior to this game I was hopeful that a lineup of new faces, or at the very least relatively old faces at new positions, might lead to a spirited performance. As the final scoreline indicates the only spirit displayed was perhaps the ghost of past away Champions League displays by Arsenal.

The early goal by Theo was lovely but disguised the fact that the team was struggling to establish their game. A combination of Arsenal miscues and Shakhtar determination dictated play and denied the Gunners their usual display of flowing football.

At home, Shakhtar were energized by their boisterous supporters and obviously anxious to redress public opinion following the previous meeting at the Emirates. Errors in judgement by Arsenal were at the root of both Shakhtar goals but it would be disingenuous to deny that skill and tenacity put the ball in the net. They tested Fabianski several more times and were unlucky not to register a third.

Arsenal looked disorganized. Wilshere had a mixed game, with good play interrupted by the occasional poor pass. His shot on goal in the second half seemed to sum up his evening. A great opportunity to equalize undone by a slip in quality.

Eastmond was disappointing. He seemed to be out of his element and the close up of he and Squillaci just before the start of the second half was telling. Squillaci appearing frustrated, almost desperate, instructing a non-responsive Eastmond.

Eboue had nothing to offer. Usually I am a fan, happy with his bursts up the field to open things up for others around him, or his ability to defend in place of Sagna. But tonight he provided neither and gave the ball away when forward and out of position when retreating.

Overall a real disappointment, and perhaps most troubling in that the performance clouds the issues regarding squad depth and positional strengths rather than clarify.

Focus on the League becomes a priority now and confidence must be regained.

Victoria Concordia Crescit

The Week Ahead

Early reports indicate that Fabregas and Song will miss the trip to Shakhtar for our Champions League match up. While the rest for Cesc and his hamstring will be welcomed, the quick succession of games that follow will serve as an accurate measure of his recovery.


Hamstrings are notoriously difficult to shake. Even worse is the affect it has on the player as, unlike a sore ankle or twisted knee, the hamstring doesn't send out a continuous stream of pain data, choosing instead to spring it's painful surprise in heated moments. Like Freddy Krueger, just when you think you have it beat, the claws come out. It messes with your head. Every run, every leap, is considered rather than instinctively pursued.

No word yet on why Song will be missing. Maybe Arshavin, tired of seeing Alex moving up the list of goal scorers this season, has hidden his boots. Or at least messed with his hair dye. Oh wait, he already did that. Anyway, he, like Cesc, will be missed.

The fan's choice to fill Song's role is probably Wilshire. A bulldog of a player, immune to injury and always willing to mix it up, the only position we may never see him play is Goalkeeper. Nasri, showing that his desire to play centrally is not wishful thinking, stepped up in the West Ham game to become playmaker, covering for the increasingly hobbled Cesc.

The month of November will be busy, the competition diverse, and the potential for reward immense. A victory Wednesday against Shakhtar will allow us to fully focus on the league fixtures. With four Premiere League games in a two week period before the return to Braga for Champions League action, Wenger will not want to be concerned with conserving energy. Four games, each offering a different dynamic but all feisty and physical.

Robin Van Perise, we anxiously await your return:

http://www.metacafe.com/watch/859783/van_persie_free_kick_against_sunderland/

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Delirious Song

Arsenal 1 West Ham 0


Quick notes:


Not a great game by our captain, but Nasri comfortably took over in midfield.


Walcott on the right makes space for those in the middle.


Chamakh needs a rest.


Bendtner is a hungry player.


Song is the new Verminator.




One of those games where the play was good but luck against us, particularly with our shots on goal, the near misses made Robert Green look very good. It may have been the West Ham game plan, or just a typical Scott Parker-inspired effort, but the match was tinkering on the brink of a foul-fest. How he finished the game without at least a yellow card is beyond belief.


Hopefully the victory will further boost the Gunners confidence, particularly in light of the Man City loss to Wolves. Onward Arsenal.




Victoria Concordia Crescit

Focus

The Arsenal find themselves in a familiar position tomorrow. Big wins, plenty of goals, progress up the league table as our closest competitors show weakness, and returning home to face a team battling at the bottom to avoid the relegation zone. This is a test which may provide us with the most accurate assessment of the evolution underway.

The criticism directed at Wenger and his youth-centric squad has often centered around our supposed inability to deal with the "physical"side of English football. The result against Man City provided proof that the Gunners are not intimidated by size or force. Teams who hope to bully Arsenal find they are up against a tenacious and determined opponent more than willing to mix it up, and critics are left searching.

For those of us who follow Arsenal, perhaps our biggest disappointments have come with poor efforts against inferior teams just as hopes have risen. Often described as "let downs" or "over-confidence", the beautiful football we expect doesn't materialize. The focus required is missing and critics are quick to proclaim the young Gunners lacking "maturity and/or mental toughness". A victory over West Ham will be seen as expected and probably not warrant more than a scoreline by the press, but to those who know this club it will signal an inspiring change of attitude. An emergence of the Champions within.

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Bendtner v Newcastle

http://www.101greatgoals.com/videodisplay/nicklas-bendtner-newcastle-7349342/


More please






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Newcastle 0 Arsenal 4

Fielding a nice mix of young players, seasoned 2nd team veterans and recently rehabbed starters, the Gunners moved into the quarter-finals of the Carling Cup with a hard fought and ultimately emphatic victory over Newcastle.


Szczesny started in goal and lived up to the hype. A big physical keeper with agility, he confidently dealt with a variety of Newcastle efforts. His only slip was early in the game, charging out to confront Nile Ranger who sidestepped the challenge and sent a shot toward goal. Koscielny was in position to block the effort, epitomizing the spirit and determination of this Arsenal team.


Play was physical and Gibbs an early casualty, the frustration evident as he made his way to the dressing room. He is only a few more good displays away from forcing Arsene into a difficult decision.


Most satisfying were the performances of Walcott and Bendtner. They appear fully fit and ready to become regulars in the Arsenal first team rotation.


Wenger will be pleased that his intentions to maintain the momentum gained following wins against Shaktar Donetsk and Manchester City have been realized. This victory showcased the abundance of talent at his disposal and bodes well for the long season ahead.



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