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

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.




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/

Victoria Concordia Crescit