Manic beginning

The Summer is setting itself up nicely

2010-05-06T00:53:00.005+08:00

I'm sorry, but the drooling has started.

How often do we get to celebrate a new signing that isn't an injured player making his return?

The prospects of Chamakh is rising. He's going to be exciting to watch. For starters, he's 26, which is a good age for any football player, especially one that comes to Arsenal, keeping in mind that Wenger likes to sign people who are under age for practically everything (driving, drinking, sex etc.) so yes, this is very welcomed.

And if the day or news couldn't get any better, the boss is targeting EXPERIENCED TOP players. I mean, that's exactly what he should have been doing eons ago. I hope this is some sort of acceptance that we cannot rely 100% on the youth policy and bringing in established personnel could make a world of difference.

Also, Wenger degree in Economics had led to the following analysis: the cost of English players may be less inflated than before. That's a big hint isn't it. Personally, I think the only English player on our radar is Joe Hart. Just have no idea how that will turn out though. It's going to be a long summer of waiting for transfers to happen so I'll just let it be a pleasant surprise, if it happens.

The general consensus amongst Arsenal fans about Joe Hart is that he's still young and not ready yet. Buffon decided to announce his possibly availability and it's a pretty no-brainer, to choose between Buffon and Hart (if it were up to us of course). I don't think Hart can be considered inexperienced. His loan spell at Birmingham really significantly helped the team and his performances put him ahead of Reina and Cech in the PFA team of the year. We all know how the PFA awards is nonsense so it may not be a good gauge but it can't be too far off, when you're being put in the same sentence with Reina and Cech. (I still think James Milner shouldn't have been awarded the PFA young player of the year.)

Anyway, if only Bordeaux was having a buy one get one free:

We could use a Yoann Gourcuff in the squad. I know we're not paying anything for Chamakh, but damn, it's worth a shot. Gourcuff is a quality player who plays behind the striker. Can also play on the right wing as well.

Cannot be too greedy now. I know we're going to sign more than Chamakh this summer. It's going to interesting. We need at least one centre back with Gallas and silvestre outgoing. Nordtveit (see below) will be returning from his 2-year loan spell to stake his claim on a first team place while Djourou will be making his way back from his long injury. That's 2 CBs plus Vermaelen, so signing one more would be enough cover with Sol making the 5th.

He has aged up very nicely. I don't know how I didn't notice this before.

I hope Ramsey makes a good return to action. We all know what happened to Eduardo and he's really not the same player. Hopefully Ramsey can overcome his injury better and kick the asses of the double Ds in midfield. Also, I hope Wilshere returns as well. Owen Coyle has moved him from the left side of midfield to a more central role and he's thriving in there. He has the trickery but not the pace to play on the wings and his vision and passing is fantastic, and this should be better used in the centre of the park. If Coyle can see this, I hope Wenger knows it too. I'm really adopting an anything but Densilson or Diaby ethos here. They're freakin strollers with no ambition whatsoever and despite the wealth of chances to step it up, they simply wilt and die on the pitch.

City vs Sp*rs later. I don't want Sp*rs to get 4th spot, but the other alternative really sucks as well. I mean, damn you Liverpool for being so shitty this season. And wannabes Aston Villa is a fuckin disgrace, after Martin O'neill and his lousy antics last season when fighting us for 4th. 7-1 loss to Chelsea is simply an embarrassment. I want a draw so Arsenal have 3rd in the league since the players can't guarantee it on the pitch. People are under the impression that City will go on a huge ass spending spree this summer when they claim the CL spot. I think that spending big may not necessarily guarantee success. Bringing 10 new players into the club simply upsets the balance and too many players of a similar position destroys morale and disillusions the ones out of favour. The only thing I hate about City is their propensity to offer disgusting wages. If any sport could benefit from a salary cap, it would be football now. They were considering offering Ronaldo 500,000 pounds a week.

I'm sticking with my ANS - anything but Sp*rs philosophy. I mean, some numbshite in a sp*rs kit walked past me today and I felt sick to my stomach.

Think happy thoughts. Think Harvard Nordtveit.

We Need Change.

2010-05-04T21:24:00.006+08:00

Football has evolved plenty over the years. We fans have sooooo much to say.

I'm reading team news (other teams too) and specifically, stuff on Liverpool. They're probably going to finish 6th or 7th, and haven't won the league since 1990.

It's how funny, that their fans are pondering the following:

Rafa Benitez or Fernando Torres?

Apparently if Benitez stays, Torres wants out. If Benitez goes, then Torres possibly stays.

These things will never be up to us fans.

Arsenal, according to statistics, aren't any much better than Liverpool, but the extra 3 games that we've won and the fewer draws means that we're in 3rd place, possibly 4th. If we relinquish 3rd spot to Sp*rs, it would be unthinkable. It is still mathematically possible, provided we throw the last game at home and Sp*rs win their next 2.

Whatever it is, 3rd is absolutely necessary to seal right now, because not playing those extra 2 tricky qualifiers for the group stages of the CL would mean that we won't go through almost half a season with a lame 'game-in-hand'. These days, it's way better to have friggin' points on the board. This 'game-in-hand' nonsense did not bode well for Arsenal, a team that has developed 'complacent' as her middle name.

While the scousers are debating Rafa's exit, there is a bunch of Gooners who are calling for Wenger's head. They have gotten quite a tad louder this season, and it's hardly a surprise. I don't think it's 100% warranted, but I think the management at the club and the players need a good kick in the butt. We just aren't good enough as of late and Wenger does what he always does, by defending each of their sorry asses even though they aren't up to it at all. The squad needs reinforcements, but thanks to Vermaelen and previous signings being 'unknowns' until they get to Arsenal, Wenger seems to prefer to stick with people that simply aren't good enough because they're at the club longer. There is not a single fuckin' doubt that we need reinforcements, and if the boss does not recognise this and most importantly, take action, then we're really doomed for next season.

Every fuckin season, we always harp on the next season being better. Every damn fuckin season, there is an excuse. Injuries, injuries, injuries. Always injuries. You'd expect that those who get their chances when the first XI is out to take their chances, but apparently they behave as though they will walk into the team anyway. The whole issue about injuries is that it's not a new issue at all. It's been there since Adam and Eve and if we don't have a squad with good cover, we're always going to suffer. Had Wenger paid Bordeaux the 8 million they wanted for Chamakh, I believe he could have been the player to make the difference. Bendtner crashed his Aston Martin and his groin suffered more than his car. Van Persie has never stayed fit for an entire season. Eduardo is struggling to overcome that horror leg break. Chamakh, would have made a difference, instead of playing Arshavin up front.

In the previous season, we needed midfield reinforcements. Wenger refused to pay 2 million more for Xabi Alonso. Don't need to tell you what he could add to the team.

The truth is, his transfer policy needs to change. The bulk of us still believes in him but that trust isn't going to stay forever. It is not the same as the blind faith he puts in the hands (or legs) or Denilson and Diaby, classic strollers. Or how about the joke of two keepers? I'm still sore over the way he did away with Jens Lehmann. I don't understand why he couldn't do the same with those 2 numbshites. Lehmann cost us 2 points. I don't think I need to count how many Almunia and Flappy have. It's like, the situation is not glaringly obvious enough.

So, the day after the Blackburn game and yet another diabolical performance by Flappy, the media is in full swing. Gigi Buffon seems to be open to a move to England, but his contract doesn't run out for another 3 years. He'll cost money no doubt, but I won't bet on Wenger signing one of the best keepers in the world because he can't make he any better than he is. However, anyone with ambition would not want to come to Arsenal because this is a team of strollers.

I don't blame Arshavin for wanting out. Sometimes I look at the squad and I think about how Fabregas manages to choose to stay over the glitz and glamour of Barcelona. No one's going to remember Cesc Fabregas of Arsenal who didn't win anything. And for Arshavin, he turns 29 soon and it's probably his last chance to win anything in his career now. Even Thierry Henry left for Barcelona and it was with them did he win the European crown. The only thing is, Shava's performances in the team this season really isn't worthy of winning anything either. He's one of the players who can make a difference, and he did it at Zenith when they won the UEFA Cup. He was magical for Russia as well. We all know that if he steps it up and gives his best he has the power to change things but clearly, he doesn't want to take his foot off the brakes either so screaming that he wants to go to Spain is probably the only option left, considering how he enjoys bleating to he media. There is no difference between him and Adebayor really, except that Adebayor is dumber for giving that interview where he blamed the fans for his poor performances to a legit source, the BBC. Shava simply banks on the concept of being 'lost in translation', by bleating to foreign tabloids. My guess is that he's off.

I think we have severe midfield problems, especially when Song and Fabregas do not play. Joe Cole is so not the answer to this one. A combative player that asserts himself and hates to lose is one. Had Ramsey not been out I believe he could have made a difference. He's an ambitious boy, evidently, more ambitious that the double Ds who I believe don't deserve to wear the shirt. Diaby provides glimpses of what he can do, but it seems that when he doesn't suffer niggling injuries here and there to take a break once in a while, he's really shit when playing games on the trot.

All I want now, is for Arsenal to seal 3rd spot. Sp*rs and Citeh play each other, and if Sp*rs don't win that one then we're there. That game is a pretty tricky one to predict. It's almost a cup final. Anyway, after unambitious Citeh watched the Blackburn game, do they regret not attacking our goal as much? It was one of those games where 3 points against Arsenal are handed to you on a platter. Any game against Arsenal is, as long as one of Almunia or Flappy is in goal. If Sp*rs beat Citeh then they're going to rue just that.

P.S. I'm kinda glad that united pretty much only have the Carling Cup. The faggot next door really is damn irritating.

Same Old Again. We're lucky to be third.

2010-05-04T02:10:00.003+08:00

We're all going to be highly disappointed with this performance at Ewood Park.

When Robin scored, it looked like we were on our way but of course, scoring early means that there is time for it to change, and change it did.

Before the game, fat Sam said that he has constantly 'outplayed' Arsene Wenger.

The players did little to prove him wrong.

Vela came in on the left for his first start this season while Eboue dropped deeper into our makeshift midfield, with Song missing out, probably from an injury.

There's no point in taking apart the game, because it's the same old story through and through, hence nothing new. Robin showed why we missed him so much and continued his goalscoring record against Blackburn but this time, it didn't help us win the game.

Sometimes, we should be grateful that we don't normally score goals in the first 15 minutes. Bad things do happen when we do, because evidently, the players' mentality drops off quite a bit and they get fucking complacent, as if chasing the game is harder. Having a lead means protecting it, and it's obvious to see that no one really wants to take charge and defend the team's ass collectively.

Alex Song has been the one to make the difference, seemingly being the only one in the team that is 'okay' with doing the dirty work of mopping up in front of the defence. Diaby has no desire whatsoever to help his team out in this area, being highly casual in possession and being caught out on many occasions, not just in this game. The lack of desire from some players is really alarming and Wenger really needs to take a good look at this. These are the players he raised and he has chosen to put his faith in them and it's his responsibility ultimately, when they don't perform up to shit.

Arshavin had a game, but I'm pretty much indifferent towards him now. He was an exciting signing when he came, but his true desire is not to play for us but to play for Barcelona. It was his dream before Arsenal, and coming to Arsenal simply didn't change that so if his time is up, then it is up. We've got players who can play in that position and evidently, Nasri really is better on the wings, no matter how much he prefers the central role. It's not just about competing with Cesc Fabregas. He can't seem to do a decent job there consistently enough.

If Barca do come for the Russian then by all means. He hasn't contributed enough this season and he talks too damn much and does too little. Also, it's funny how the Spanish press is quiet on this one, when it definitely has more truth than any Fabregas rumours. A sign that it really is true? So true that it's not worth reporting, or they just aren't keen on the Russian.

So, part of the same old story, is Fabianski. I mean, what can I say. Wenger has said that it isn't an area he necessarily wants to strengthen this summer. I mean, it really can't be more glaringly obvious. The goalkeeper is a liability and we need at least a decent enough one who can catch and dominate his penalty area. Blackburn, had more ambition than City and they tested Flappy so much more and this is the result. If any of them bring up the City game as a good record on his CV again I think we're all ready with our pitchforks to poke them with it.

Like the Wigan game, it is infuriating to lose, but yet again, we deserve to. Identifying the problems now won't change them. They don't just go away when players simply aren't good enough. This has to addressed in the summer. It could be a lot different if Flappy had put in a decent shift today. Wenger would have declared him his number 1 and we would all faint and die. So better now than next season, new keeper please. If the boss chooses to ignore this and we don't win anything next season because of Flappy or Almunia, I really don't know what I will do.

Really looking for this season to end right now. Contrary to what Wenger thinks, I do feel that the midfield needs reinforcements too, at least someone to kick Diaby and Denilson in the butt. I know we have Ramsey from that, but it might be too much to ask so quickly. Besides, that's 4 butt cheeks to cover. Getting another in would do the job nicely. Diaby knowing that he is first choice when fit has really planted the seeds of complacency in his head. The midfield is the engine room of the team and if we don't have all 3 in there busting their asses in every game, there's a problem. Technique is one thing, desire is another.

Cesc Fabregas does not need to go to a team of diving cheats

2010-04-29T13:12:00.003+08:00

After the City game, it's been rather quiet on the Arsenal front, as boring as the game itself.

Nothing much into it really, because there's nothing to talk about, nothing to play for anymore, but 3rd spot. I mean, it's a real improvement from playing for 4th, but the tables don't lie - we were really 3rd best in the league. People might argue that the top 2 aren't any better, but the truth is, they're better, just not by a mile so it's not that obvious. Still, top spot was still up for grabs but the team decided to take their foot off the gas completely and throw in the towel prematurely so there's nothing we can do.

There has been stuff though, about our goalkeepers. Well well well. I don't want to keep harping on our need for a new top class one, and just wait for us to announce the signing of one. If Wenger doesn't sign one then I would probably go berserk. The only problem I have is Fabianski being seen as 'number 1'. That guy obviously has a lot of issues and only performs well during training (wth). And he managed to use the eventless City game to redeem himself. Sometimes, I wished City had more ambition. Did they even know that Flappy was in goal? All you gotta do is bombard the goal for the last 10 minutes of the game and I guarantee you, he'll flap. Considering that City still have Villa and the spuds to play, getting a result against Arsenal would count for something, while giving them a little bit of room to maneuver. Now, nothing less than a win against those two would let slip 4th spot.

Not going to go into candidates for that number 1 shirt because it's pointless. It's all up to the manager. All I can say is that Joe Hart fits best, with BPL experience and all, but City are unlikely to let him go because he's good and Shay Given had to dislocate his shoulder. Besides, they're the team most likely to have trouble with the new home-grown rule next season. It's funny how the tabloids announce a full City squad clear out consisting of HG players like Stephen Ireland and SWP. They'll absolutely need them to make up the 8. I'm a big fan of Ireland, but I don't see Wenger signing him anyway.

So, the Emirates Cup is set. Lyon, AC Milan and Celtic. Why did we invite the Scots who called us cheats after the Eduardo incident? They were always going to lose the tie, if that penalty made a difference then fine, but those cunts chose to use it to mask their own failings, and then now we invite them to our home. Geez. Then there's Lyon. I wonder if it's part of the deal to bring Lloris to Arsenal by arranging a friendly. We'll know in due time. Also, Flamini should be coming home, assuming his contract isn't just about up and he's not planning to sign for someone else on a free transfer.

Last night, I watched the Barca-Inter game. It was rather entertaining, because anything with Mourinho is entertaining in some way, and I don't mean on the pitch. His reaction to Thiago Motta's sending off was one of sarcasm and spite. Then there's Barcelona, who are really a bunch of diving cheats. You can now add simulation and acting to their repertoire. Whatever Sergio Busquets did last night was nothing short of disgraceful, and it's not the first time he rolled around for no apparent reason. He did that against Arsenal, but thank goodness no one gave him a chance with a hand to his chin. (not that it would have mattered) For the best team in the world, and they do claim that, they really have a ton of cheats, with Dani Alves their commander-in-Chief. He paid for it when Barca were denied a penalty at the San Siro when he was hacked down in the box by Sneider. Had he not been such a cheat, the ref wouldn't have hesitated as much to point to the spot, and the 1-0 they got at the Nou Camp would have seen them through to yet another final.

For all of Arsenal's failings, everything is pointed back at Arsene Wenger. He picks the team, it's his players he chooses to stick with, and the signings he chooses not to make. And that's hardly as bad as picking a team, knowing that they're all cheats and divers, and doing nothing about it. Wenger doesn't like it when Eboue dives. Pep Guardiola turns a complete blind eye. I mean, if you think/know that you're that good, to the extent of accepting the title of best team in the world, then why the need to cheat? If he hasn't realised by now, it's the cheating that cost him the game. Mourinho for all of his antics and anti-football tactics, actually looks more 'honest' than Barcelona.

So Inter are through. They meet Bayern Munich in the final and it should be a crackin' game. I fancy Arjen Robben scoring, but Mourinho knows his ex-players too well, enough to know how to nullify their threat, like he did to Drogba and Lampard when he played Chelsea.

Also, Barcelona is extremely classy in defeat. They turned on the sprinklers on the pitch as Inter were celebrating. I suppose, it was a substitute for confetti.

Lastly, I hope Wenger was watching the game. He needs to see what a good goalkeeper brings to his team. Julio Cesar's save from Lionel Messi's shot could have been the turning point that changed the game. Barca were needing a 2-0 win and Inter wasn't going to try to score at all. Had it been 1-0 earlier then the game would be on and Inter's mental strength would be tested for longer than 6 minutes + 4 minutes of extra time. They were always going to hold out. Can't say the same had the Messi shot crept in.

No Ambition whatsoever.

2010-04-25T02:39:00.002+08:00

After Wigan, we all wanted a reaction.

All we got was a reaction from the fans in the stands, to former Gunners Toure, Vieira and Adebarndoor.

A 0-0 draw, and it was hardly undeserved, considering how both sides played. Tevez decided to take an off day (prolly from weeping about last week), Adebarndoor didn't play from the start (even though he brought nothing when he came on), Flappy changed his gloves. They look pretty mean now, black and yellow. I'm not sure if the colours made it look nice and big with plenty of grip, but it sure looked that way. Good quality industrial strength stuff, to catch balls.

And Flappy didn't fumble a single ball!!!!

Which tells you a lot about City and their attacking threat.

Couldn't ask any more from Fabianski. Looked more assured instead of the bundle of nerves he has been. I would think that he would be continuing in goal for the last 2 games. Don't know about his or Almunia's future, but if Wenger signs a new goalie, it would spell the end for at least one of them. I state here that if Wenger doesn't sign a new goalie, I would go absolutely mental. We simply can't win things with either of them being first choice, and unlike Wenger who likes to wait around to make people eat their words, I am so not one of them. The very least that fans deserve is something to celebrate about, especially if it is well within our grasp. Chelsea and United are super lucky Arsenal do not have a top class keeper this season. If we did, the table could look a whole lot different. We coped with our injuries and then some, until our goalkeeper decided it was necessary to fumble this and that with ultra bad decision making.

So near yet so far. I can't tolerate another season of that.

You guessed it! Nothing much to talk about, this citeh game. Utterly boring as hell. At least Diaby showed a little more commitment. Song back was very welcomed, even though he went down quite a lot. Still made it through 98 minutes.

Also, if you still can't see how a good goalie can make a difference, Shay Given did. He did at a high cost, but he reached and kept Diaby's shot out. Had he not gone for it like he did, I'm pretty sure it would have hit the bottom corner and it would have been 1-0 to the Arsenal. It sucks that Arsenal had the chance to sign him for a reasonable price (what City paid) but Wenger chose not to.

Enough with this goalie thing. As long as Wenger makes amends, I will have no issue.

Adebayor's return was no event at all. Well the fans really made an effort to boo him, but it didn't really matter.

we're all hoping for a response

2010-04-24T16:26:00.002+08:00

It's been almost a week - enough time to take some distance from the worst Arsenal performance in history and look forward again.

Tonight, Arsenal play Man City.

After the corresponding fixture at the Eastlands early in the season, we were all looking forward to the time when Adebarndoor made his first Emirates Stadium return. Had he chosen not to celebrate his goal against us in that sort of fashion, I believe the fans would still cheer him on. But of course, his stupidity and ungrateful spirit decided it was necessary to express how happy he was to score against his former club - the one that propelled him to stardom. When Robinho decided that he has had enough of the English game, Adebarndoor officially became the highest paid player in the league.

Not too shabby eh?

Except that he hasn't been justifying whatever wages he now earns. Not that I want him to prove his worth. A crappy game for him tonight would do us a world of good.

Out of the 38 games in a league season, I'm pretty sure he only gets fired up (or wants to play) in 2 games.

Arsenal face an in-form City who has gone on quite a remarkable goal-scoring blitz (before United of course) on the back of 3 defeats. It's funny how the Wigan loss was the worst of them all, considering that we lost to Sp*rs. Anyway, it's kinda like the rejects vs rejects, both who failed to beat their very close annoying as hell neighbour. We need something from this game to seal 3rd place and automatic qualification in the league, while City want the holy grail of football. They're knocking on the doors, but Sp*rs are also in the reckoning. I don't want Sp*rs to claim 4th, but hey, between City and Sp*rs, Sp*rs are the ones who are more likely to throw a Champion's League qualification. One thing's for certain though, with Portsmouth denied European football, up to 7th place will play in Europe, meaning Sp*rs would. Then next season would be a completely different story for them because they simply can't accommodate too many things on their plates.

Anyway, I just want a good performance tonight. I actually miss watching Cesc Fabregas play, so too Robin Van Persie. The latter should be fit and ready for this game for some payback, that Wenger has been quick to play down. It seems that Adebarndoor has severed all ties with existing Arsenal players (by not returning phonecalls lol) so his ex-teammates should be fired up for this one too, against an ingrate.

We shall simply not worry anymore about who takes the pitch tonight. It's neverending. Flappy is set to continue in goal with Silvestre and Campbell in front of him. That combination, vs Adebayor and Tevez.

Hopefully we match them in attack and maybe win the game 10-9.

Enjoy the game wherever you are.

Taking Responsibility seems to be a problem from top to bottom

2010-04-19T21:42:00.004+08:00

This season is incredible. There has been crazy highs, and last night, it hit an all new low.

If this doesn't call for a squad clear out, I don't know what does anymore. Some of those players just ain't up to it, and I gotta emphasise that they've been given a wealth of chances to prove that they have the goods. This blind faith that Wenger has, needs to stop right now.

DEADWOOD:

Almunia

Only brilliant when Lehmann was ahead of him. If he never took his chance that season, he might as well disappeared. The speed at which Wenger removed Lehmann from power was alarming to say the least. The first, didn't cost us points and we won. The second fumble, made a 1-0 win over Blackburn a 1-1 draw. All Lehmann has cost us that season, was 2 POINTS. That's all. I can't begin to count how many this Almunia donated to the opposing team. United fans can come and whine about Van Der Sar reaching 40 but he is miles better than our resident clown, so are the other 19 keepers in the league.

Denilson

This dude has made 121 appearances for Arsenal already. Many will remember him as the one who let the 40-year old ref outrun him for Rooney's goal at the Emirates this season. And the Stoke FA Cup clash at the Britainnia. Totally lost interest in marking the player who was advancing into our penalty area and the result? Goals conceded. Can keep him around as a SQUAD player only, not to be relied upon. He will definitely stay because it's Arsene Wenger, but when Aaron Ramsey makes it back from injury, Rambo HAS GOT TO BE AHEAD in the first team.

Diaby

For all of his talent and technical ability, he lacks passion and drive. I can't think of anything that would motivate this asshole. Has stepped up brilliantly (AT TIMES ONLY) this season and was winning the fans over, until last night gave us a reminder that he will never be the player the fans and the manager hopes he'll be.

Silvestre

We simply don't need cover for the left back position. Is the 6th choice CB at the club, and plays that way, even though he's from Manchester United. Nuff said.

Flappy

Either pursue your career at a lower league, or go on loan somewhere to gain experience before setting foot again in Arsenal. Last season, he did well when given his chance in the cups. Since returning from injury, he has been nothing short of flappy. You would think that having a crap keeper like Almunia in front of you would signal that the number 1 spot at Arsenal is there for the taking. Had he done well (OR HAD NO INCIDENTS) last night, he would most likely start all the remaining games for this season. Like the rest of the Arsenal players, nothing motivates them.

----

There is lazy culture at Arsenal it seems. First, there was Adebarndoor. He was literally the definition of lazy, after signing a new big $ contract. His downfall was that 30-goal season. Never considered that 6 out of 30 was against Blackburn, and with goals, it's forever going to be quality over quantity. Quality in this case, simply means goals that win us games. 6 past Paul Robinson is hardly an achievement that translates into a move to Barcelona or Milan.

Why the midfield is a crucial position that cannot tolerate lazy people, is because it is the engine room of the team. From this crop of youngsters, only Alex Song has stepped up to 'key player' status. The rest really can fuck off. I'm not including Ramsey in this one though, but had Shawcross been that little bit smarter and less of a cunt, Rambo could have made some difference. His work rate is there, he probes and he passes. He gives passes away but he gets them back and tries again. We don't fault players on ability, we absolutely abhor laziness.

Craig Eastmond did really well last night. His inexperience showed, but he's an example of a player who took his rare chance in the first team and tried to put in a performance to stake his claims on that first team place. Sadly, with Diaby and Denilson as regulars on the team sheet, they saw no need to bust their ass to prove anything, because let's face it, Wenger's going to forever and ever trust in them no matter what they do. Make a mistake? No worries, Le Boss will defend your ass anyhow.

That is the greatest problem with the youth policy and no top class players in front of them. There's no competition for places and no other option. Diaby can stroll his way though that game and guess what? He's still going to start the next game against City, injuries to Cesc or not. The first choice midfield is Cesc-Diaby-Song. How can a first choice midfielder at Arsenal have that kind of attitude?

Arsene Wenger has got to sort out his youth policy. It's now or never. Get quality players in to show them who's boss and who they have to emulate to improve. As it stands, it sure looks like it's going to continue unless there is a change of management. Not something I will rally for, but even his biggest fans are having their doubts.

With regards to the GK situation, Joe Hart seems to be the name bandied around the most. Completely fits the profile of a player Wenger will sign, except that moneybags city might refuse. They're going to keep faith with Given next season at least, so Hart may relish being number 1 at Arsenal. Let's face it, whichever goalie we sign is going to waltz straight into being number 1. The situation is utterly bleak now, but I think it can be a huge draw for our GK targets. There's no secret about Hugo Lloris being admired by Wenger, and the French connection is very delicious over here. The last more probable one is Igor Akinfeev. I think his contract has 1 year left or so (according to FM!!) and Arshavin could take matters into his own hands and correct the goalie situation in case he expects Wenger to do nothing. Shava holds Akinfeev in high regard and I don't think he thinks of Almunia or Flappy in the same way or anywhere near that standard.

Also, transfer policy has to change. We're getting 'signings' this season simply because, Chamakh is free. Wenger keeps reiterating that he's the only one that decides the transfers so aside from just talk, this part he has to take responsibility for as well. It's not like our injury situation is ever highly unprecedented. Not having enough cover year after year is simply his fault alone. Can't come out and say that "I pick the transfers" and then shirk responsibility when you only sign 1 player at the start of the season, while condemning Senderos to nothingness, with Djourou out.

All the football talk should simply stop here. It's been an infuriating month so far. Every end-of-season period we only want next season to come sooner. Why is it the same every year? This has got to be examined a ton more. There is a difference between winning the league and simply finishing 4th. Are we only going to settle for being 3rd best? That fag of a brother keeps repeating that United have never finished below 3rd before. You know srsly, I don't give a shit about United. This inter-club discussion doesn't interest me. That fag always accuses me of being biased but he doesn't stop to look at himself in the mirror. I know I am biased. I am a gooner. Saying 'kudos to United' will never be in my language so screw off if you can't handle that. Being objective was never part of me as a person anyway, and if you can't handle that then I'm ready to sever ties. I'm already reaching the point where Arsenal trumps everything, even sibling relations.

I think people who are so free to write up petitions to fire Wenger should just devote their time to other things. He's still the man for the job, and when he goes, what follows is the managerial patterns of Chelsea. Benitez hasn't won the league before and he's still around, but not for long. I'm not sure any Arsenal fan would want Jose Mourinho taking over. He's just about the most capable manager there is out there, but simply unsuitable. The ManUre fans are all calling for him to take over from Fergie even after all his antics while at Chelski. If that ain't the definition of being hypocritical, I don't know what is. Maybe a United fan can enlighten you. I'm not sure they're gracious and forgiving people. People who sing "sit down you pedophile" simply haven't got it anywhere, in their brains or up their asses.

Here's a hiatus till the City game.

Flappy makes Almunia look like a goalkeeping GOD

2010-04-18T23:04:00.003+08:00

HURHUR.

I always thought Wigan was going to be trouble, but I definitely didn't think it would pan out this way. I thought it was going to be down to their crappy pitch, but credit to them - their pitch was playable today (as compared to last season).

I think there are a lot of gooners out there who don't deserve to call themselves fans. All the Wenger bashing is really unnecessary. Before this game, he already stated that he knows the problems with this squad and will be setting out to fix it. Stating the problem doesn't fix it immediately in the next game. He is still the man to take Arsenal forward.

We should take heart that 'flappy' Fabianski didn't put in the performance of a lifetime. In his statement about the GK situation, the tone of it probably implied that he wanted to give Flappy a chance at least, to be number 1. If this didn't happen today, it won't be more obvious that even our backup keeper just isn't up to it. Now, instead of planning for a signing with Fabianski at the back of his mind, he can go all out and get that top class keeper we desperately need.

Only if, he doesn't do just that, can the Wenger bashing be justified.

Don't really want to comment on the game. The title is over, nothing more to play for anyway. There's no point in being angry. It's not as though this situation is something new and not known. We know the problems, and they don't magically disappear.

I just need to say that Diaby was horribly casual today, and he could have given more protection to Fabianski. He didn't bother marking Watson for the first, and didn't jump for the corner for the second. Really expected more from him but in the end, I guess we do need midfield reinforcements too.

Better now than next season really.

same old story, but I can't change the book

2010-04-15T19:46:00.002+08:00

it sure is tough to be a fan in times like these, watching your team getting fucked by Barcelona and then by the likes of sp*rs.

we all know that things like these shouldn't be happening to a top team like arsenal, but they have. what remains now is to close the book on the 'same old fucking story' and move forward. we were on the ascend 2 seasons ago when we almost won the league. and then we lost flamini and wenger's trust in his players, in addition to his frugal transfer policy, simply meant that departing players weren't properly replaced.

and that story continued, while he gave his players time to decide when it was to actually step up and be counted. one of the beneficiaries of that was Alex song. happened in a timely fashion as well, when we really needed him. what remained, was a decent enough back up. when injuries occur, a lack of players to do a decent job simply means taking a step forward just to take several fucking steps back.

what needs to be done in the summer is plain and simple. bring in decent cover. we definitely need a striker and a centre back. I can't see wenger replacing almunia but he really has to. almunia is worst than all of the keepers in the top 8 teams. everton have Tim Howard, villa have brad fredriel, city have what given, so on and so forth. you get my point. almunia just isn't top class.

wenger has always been known for his ruthlessness in the transfer market and he needs to do the same for his squad - rid all the deadwood. reliance on youth isn't a bad thing, but complete and blind reliance is. you look at denilson, and it's really fucking difficult to think any more than him being cover for any of the midfield positions. will his name always be first on the teamsheet? can't see that happening. even Aaron ramsey was making strides ahead of him and could have made a difference had that fucking shawcross not been such a retarded Fuck face. put simply, just not good enough to even be called upon when needed, even less on a regular basis and he's had arguably the most chances to make it in the first team as compared to the others.

peter hill-wood has came out several times to state that Wenger has the funds to spend. the boss simply chooses not to. he's going to assess the squad's capacity to win things before committing his future. he kinda has some part to play in that and if he is the cause of arsenal's lack of competitiveness at the highest level on all fronts, then how is he the one who's to make that 'informed' decision?

all I want now is the club to take the experience of this season in good stride and move forward. we need at least 3 top players to really put up a better fight.

There's goes the season.

2010-04-15T04:58:00.003+08:00

If we were to go into individual performances, it would look like this:

Almunia: prefers punching the ball when catching it is the better option 99.9% of the time
Sagna: got owned by Bale
Vermaelen: not on the pitch long enough to influence things
Campbell: STAR PERFORMER. Should have had 2 goals.
Clichy: totally gave up
Denilson: defensive side of his game improving, forward passes same old story
Diaby: for someone as skillful as he is, poor touches all around
Nasri: definitely not a replacement for Cesc. No spark, no penetration.
Rosicky: a lot of misplaced passes
Eboue: poor
Bendtner: also poor
Walcott: should have started ahead of eboue, whipped in that perfect cross for Bendtner to make his only contribution so as to not look as pathetic
Silvestre: needs to leave. Campbell at 35 is miles better than he is.

This is an all-rounded shit performance. So often this season, we've been the team that has been beating the odds. Then Barcelona came and bossed us around, because they're good. This time, we let Sp*rs, look good.

It was the same old story really, with Barcelona. You would have thought that playing against the best team in the world, it's ok to look bad. The team looked equally bad this time and their keeper was made to look top class, in contrast to our clown.

To Almunia's credit, he did do well on most occasions, save for the goals he conceded. The second was no fault of his, but the first definitely was. Continental keepers like to punch instead of catch huh? At least punch it out of play or get more distance with it. Isn't the easier solution catching the ball? His brilliant punch made way for that goal. Nice assist la.

Every game, he does well, except when he concedes. There is simply no chance of him having a good game.

Having a one week break was supposed to be helpful, but we looked so fucking lethargic and hung over.

There is no spark in this side without their captain. No spark without Arshavin. No spark without Van Persie. The latter, proven, when he came on, he changed the game. His shot on goal galvanised the side and we pressed on and pulled one back but it wasn't enough. We coped with the loss of Van Persie all throughout the season, we had Cesc who literally carried the team on his shoulders. Now that he is out, his beloved team simply crumbles.

The season is really over after this defeat. The team knew that anything less than a win would spell the end, and perhaps this weighed a tad too long on their minds. Like the game at Wolves, it really took incredible mental strength to come away with the win and perhaps it has all ran out. Sp*rs wanted it so much more than we did.

I think this is karma for laughing at their Pompey loss. And I think this game is fixed, because Arsenal were the big fat favourites to take this one after Sunday's events.

So, who took all the money at the expense of pride?

A massive game draws near yet again

2010-04-14T01:14:00.003+08:00

It's been a helluva long time since I posted. I blame my computer. I considered typing an entire post on my phone but decided against it. For all of the Hero's perks, the touch keyboard just ain't up to it. Besides, the Android auto correct is enough to drive me nuts, yet without it, slight typos make for a lot of back-spacing. Scratch that. Typing on my Hero totally means tons of back-spacing.

We face Sp*rs tomorrow morning. Or night. Whichever way you have it. It's a big game, as with all North London Derbies, except that this one would spell the end of the season for the club that doesn't get 3 points. If Arsenal wins, we're on course to overtake United for 2nd spot, and could still claim the title if Chelsea manage to fuck up and drop at least 4 points. And then we'll declare St. Totteringham's Day and drink till we all forget our names.

If Sp*rs lose, then they effectively take themselves out of the reckoning for 4th spot, leaving City sitting there comfortably. The brother wants Sp*rs to claim that 4th over City, but if I had to choose between those 2 cunts then City it is. Same reason, same rationale behind our choices. Liverpool aren't even close to smelling 4th so Rafa can eat his words, along the lines of "I guarantee 4th spot".

The last weekend was nothing short of magnificent. It was a matchday with plenty of goalless draws in the league, and in a game that mattered. United were held 0-0 at Ewood park. We are due to travel there too, but I'll save this for when it's about to happen. We gotta cover that hilarious FA Cup semi final between Sp*rs and Pompey.

Portsmouth prepared for the game with their official relegation from the league. They've been poor when the season started, but kept it together and against all odds, reached the semis. Sp*rs on the other hand, must have thought that it was their's to lose, and probably thought that their name was already engraved on the cup. It was not to be, and I was choosing between watching the league game between Hull and Burnley and that semi-final game. I thought the spuds would entertain me better and it proved the right choice.

All I wanted really, was it to be level on 90 minutes so that there was extra time. And by George, it happened. Initially I hoped it remained level with the game going to penalties so that David James in Pink could be the hero but the result I didn't wish for, was 7843095745873045870 times better. A Dawson slip and then the deadlock was broken, and Pompey never looked back, with the help of the ref of course. If you asked me, this is all karma. I've always thought Arry to be responsible for Pompey's current plight. When he went to Sp*rs, he brought over their best players at a cut price. The way he spent before was nothing short of disgraceful as well, so I guess this is his just desserts.

Ahead of the big clash, we have some very positive news. Robin Van Persie makes his return from injury, but with B52 in good scoring form, he should be on the bench. No news about Song though, so I hope he'll be in there, otherwise, Diaby could drop deeper while Rosicky and Nasri take care of things as the other 2 in the midfield 3. Both teams play each other on the back of cup exits, but I think the extra time we've had to get over ours could prove crucial. Besides, we were beaten by the best team in the world. Nothing to be ashamed of, nothing hilarious either. With our current injury ravaged squad, it really isn't too bad to get all the help we need, especially the favour Pompey provided.

Thank you Avram Grant. I have a new found respect for you. That win over Sp*rs, really has got to be credited to his ingenuity.

I am so excited to see RVP in Arsenal colours again.

We need new signings that are actually new signings

2010-04-07T23:59:00.003+08:00

The whole Arsenal-barca hype is finally over. Or is it. The official site managed to come up with this nonsense.

So, I've put my entire life on hold thanks to those 2 games. The first leg was nothing short of exciting, the second, was a walkover. We all had our hopes up but it wasn't meant to be. Barca is still years ahead of Arsenal. The argument always will be about having our full squad on the pitch but with Arsenal, it seldom materialises.

Been playing Football Manager a lot lately, and I'm into my 2014/15 season already. I play around with editor a lot, so I know which players do good and which will flop. I don't edit the game I'm playing, I just know their stats and their potentials and find out who to sign first before money bags Man City snag them all. My bro is 2 seasons ahead of me and the city squad is phenomenal. They sign all the fantastic players. Fret not, my Arsenal is very well prepared. For starters, my scouts (Grimandi & co.) pick up all the good players for me and I've managed to get them in my squad before City moved for them.

And I have Edin Dzeko. He's so fine I'm already in love with the player. Unlike all the other big strikers i.e. 190 cm and above, he has an excellent first touch (Bendtner fails this one) and a very high technical level. Not just in FM, where his stats are generated by the game makers. Just youtube a random compilation of his and his goals are absolutely fantastic.

Just what Arsenal needs, and he has came up on Wenger's radar too. The only problem is that we have Bendtner, who is arguably the same type of player, just not as good.

This could go on really. If there were to be any positives from this loss, it would be Le Boss dipping into the transfer market in the summer. Plenty of opportunities to look at players at the WC, with the biggest downside being the hefty price tags that come along with it. If he does add more quality to the squad with better players than his current crop, then this would be the biggest positive everrrrrrrr. I am hoping it happens, because a big club like Arsenal really can't sit around without any trophies (like Liverpool) and solely keep their philosophy of grooming young talent. If you've got the talent like the ones from the Barca academy then hats off, please continue because you're actually winning things. When you've got Arsenal's academy that produces less quality players but still possess some degree of good, then we'll only be a mediocre club at best, left with looking back at the 2005 FA Cup and that's that.

Players like Nicky, Diaby, Denilson, Song, Walcott are still developing and have made remarkable improvements in recent times but are nowhere near 'world class' yet. It is wrong to expect any more from them but it's hard not to. Barca added another dimension to their play by adding a world class striker in Ibrahimovic, moving from Inter Milan for 40 million plus Eto'o going the other way. That's essentially a 60 million dollar signing. That is a real statement of intent, one that Arsenal needs, but not necessarily with the same cost. I'm all for signing quality players for less, but Arshavin at 15m being our most expensive signing says it all. I am convinced Wenger will not play beyond that for anyone but I hope things change in the summer. We desperately need special talents in the squad. More often than not, we're stripped to our bare bones with injuries.

The home grown quota kicks in next season. It'll probably dictate how transfers proceed as well. Players aged below 21 do not have to be registered, while 8 of the 25 squad numbers assigned need to be from players trained in England for 3 seasons before they turned 21. We've got a wealth of that so there'll be no worries, and there's certainly room to add more.

Currently, the lads need to keep on going for the last 5 games of the season. The Wigan game has been confirmed to be on the 18th of April, Sunday night 2030 (+8 GMT) thanks to our Champion's League exit. I really do care more about the league title but at the moment, it's still beyond us because Chelsea have to drop 4 points. When they do though, United will be there to pounce as well. Imagine if we didn't draw at St. Andrews. We would have been ahead of United and just 1 behind Chelsea. That's life, but how costly was that?

We'll only know at the end of the season.

I'll be rooting for United to go through later. They'll be the only English representatives left in the competition and also, those 2 more games could come in handy. Besides, if they meet Barca in the final, they'll probably lose anyway.

No football this weekend, but what's interesting is that Chelsea meets Aston Villa at Wembley. After that 7-1 drubbing, I think the blues will proceed to the final comfortably, either that or Villa puts up a big ass fight which severs the legs of Drogba and co.

And like I said before, I really don't care for the legs of other players anymore. We've got 3 broken legs in 4 years and it's high time the numbshites of the lesser teams broke the legs of other teams so that the world would actually respond to stamp it out, because clearly, it's ok for Arsenal legs to be broken since nothing has been done. Not only has nothing been done, but people have came out in support of the perpetrator. So yeah, Shawcross can add to his collection of broken legs.

Going to enjoy this weekend of no football. It's one of my bestie's birthday anyway, so it's perfect. This past week has been nothing short of intense - late goals, late comebacks(2-0 down to 2-2), raised hopes (bendtner goal) that were taken away (by messi) and the ultimate demolition of my team (by messi again).

I need a breather.

P.S. I don't suppose all those out injured will come back 'like new signings'. We'll have Fabregas, Djourou, Van Persie, Song, Arshavin and Gallas. 6 new signings even before the transfer window opens! Fabregas the pick of the lot, tipped to be the signing of the season.

Could it have been a different result on another day?

2010-04-07T04:38:00.002+08:00

Barcelona 4 Arsenal 1

Not a lot in it, except that we've been trashed quite comprehensively. With the tie at 2-2 before the game began, there was all to play for. But like the previous semi final game against Man United, at half time in the second leg, it was all but over, 3-1 the score.

The reasons for the above scoreline are many, but it simply exposes all of our frailties this season. And this time though, Manuel Almunia couldn't be blamed for all 4 of the goals. The 2 he conceded to Ibrahimovic in the previous leg, yes, but this time, not one is down to him because they were unstoppable.

We really really need a central defender. Had Big Sol played instead of Silvestre I'm not sure it would have been a different story but somehow, so far with Campbell there, we haven't look so exposed for a good long while. He might not have speed, but he keeps our defence organised. Silvestre is not half the player he was at united, and like my brother says, he's more of a LB then a CB. The team had to be stripped down to our bare bones for him to take the field but that's life.

At this point, I'm not sure if having Fabregas, Arshavin, Song and Van Persie all in the side would have changed anything. Barca is the finished product of the type of football we pride ourselves upon and this game simply proves that fact. They managed to be technically superior to an Arsenal side - they passed the ball better, retained possession better. For an Arsenal team, who only know how to play possession football, it's little wonder why they couldn't cope - they don't know how to play it any other way.

Another point to make is the work rate of the team overall. It's not there. The way Barca keep possession is down to them working hard to retrieve the ball when they lose it. They press all over the pitch, and we just let them. When we match like for like, we get punished because they can break even faster, by passing the ball to a player in a better position. I don't think we're new to that at all. And it's also why the less technical teams prefer to let us come at them and all they do is defend with 11 behind the ball and soak up the pressure till the full 90 is up.

Only the league left, and this team has 5 big games to play. The next is at White Hart Lane. Anything less than a win there would mean the end of our season.

Get Set For The Wildest Ride of Your Life

2010-04-06T15:07:00.005+08:00

I don't think I have ever anticipated a football game this much in my life.

I went to bed last night after catching up with several blogs and the last picture I looked at before I shut my eyes, was this:

And I woke up, from a dream, a really fuzzy one, but I remembered the details - Eboue scored a double and we beat Barca at the Nou Camp 2-1.

LOL.

It's quite hilarious how my subconscious mind retained Mr Eboue and then projected it on what I desire - a win.

Be wary of what you imprint on your brain before you sleep - it might appear in your dreams. (hahaha)

Okay so team news i.e. injury news ahead of the Barca game aren't favourable at all. Song has gone down. I'm not sure if the boss already decided that he would be the one playing in central defence with Vermaelen, but at least for now, it's pretty up in the air. All that remains is Silvestre or big Sol to fill in. Personally, I think Sol will start. I think he's got it in him to do it, and he cuts a more assured figure than the other option. The brother keeps telling me that Silvestre is more of a left back than a centre back but he prefers to play CB. Whutttt. Still, not really a great judge of things considering that in the last game, he did play at LB but Wolves didn't have anything in their locker to test him at all. Anyway, the point is, we have all sorts of trouble in the centre of our defence.

In midfield it's almost certain that it'll be Diaby and Denilson mopping up the back while Nasri drives the team forward. He only signed for us last season so this is his second season and he's been thrust into action as a replacement for our capitan, Cesc Fabregas. Large shoes to fill no doubt, but he has done well in recent games and has it in him to do a decent job. I think Walcott should start as well, and give Barca a little bit more to worry about. Bendtner's name will definitely be on the team sheet, so what remains is the left side of our attack.

Rosicky, a good candidate for that spot, is 50:50. I don't think that is unexpected at all, considering he played 90 minutes at the weekend. Since returning from injury, Wenger has given him time to slot back in, limiting intitial appearances to half an hour per game or less, used ultra sparingly. It has worked out so far, because he's been fit for the longest time possible. It's just ironic that when he was called upon to play the whole game he comes out 50% crocked. Oh moi Rosicky, I hope you make it. Regardless, I hope the boss doesn't play Eboue on the left of midfield again. A predominant right footed player will suffer greatly on the left. Walcott on the other hand, could do a decent job there (he scored against Barca with his left foot). He'll always be a danger when he cuts in a shoots, and if he cuts in from the left, he'll get to shoot with his stronger right foot, assuming we aren't depending on him for crosses. His final ball is wuzz anyway, so just shoot.

Then we have Almunia. I really don't know what to expect.

All I know is that the entire team will have to snuff out all their individual errors and create something special.

I hope the game lives up to it's billing. The worst thing that could happen is the game being over (i.e. like barca 3-0 up in 6 mins) before we have a chance to fight.

9 hours to kick off.

My Heart Flew out of my chest

2010-04-04T00:03:00.004+08:00

Watching the Arsenal is not good for your heart, not good at all.

In fact, it might shorten your lifespan.

Bendtner at the death, going into the 5th minute of stoppage time, gives us the 1-0 win over Wolves.

Arsenal started the game pretty well, but without Bendtner up front and Diaby in midfield, we lacked a bit of physicality. Theo made it up with raw pace but his final balls were absurd at times and he lacks the technique to really get past his man. He did well against Barcelona as an impact sub, but as a starter, he's just not there yet.

Eduardo missed a glorious chance early on, with the goal at his mercy and no one closing him down but it's evident that taking shots on his right side just doesn't work. I've always thought dudu better as a support striker in a 4-4-2 rather than the front man of a 4-5-1. Make no mistake, we're so not playing a 4-3-3. It's a 4-5-1 made to sound nice.

Going into the break at 0-0, Wolves probably felt how we felt going in after Barca. So technically, we felt how Barca felt, except that coming out of the half, we didn't score in 27 seconds. Waited till injury time to do it.

Eboue just isn't a player that will be effective on the left side because he's quite plainly, a right-sided player. He still gave it everything though. Wenger waited till Karl Henry got the boot for a late tackle on Rosicky to ring the changes, which I thought should have came earlier. Henry's sending off was harsh, and you'd get the feeling that it was related to Ramsey's injury. On the other hand, that ass fucker went in behind Theo, didn't get the ball, and left his foot deliberately in Theo's calf. Should have seen a yellow for that, and still the red for the one on Rosicky. No sympathies there. He's a cunt and I enjoyed waving him GOODBYE.

Rosicky surprisingly, could continue. He was filling the large shoes of Fabregas, driving us forward, but it just wasn't working. Hahnemann in goal was denying us left right and centre and the score remained goalless. Silvestre switched positions with Vermaelen, with Wenger probably wanting him forward a little more.

Being a man up against a bottom side sometimes isn't all that rosy. From then on, you simply are condemning them to set their stalls out to defend. The way Arsenal unlock defences is with space and decisive play, which also didn't happen till that last last minute.

We're now missing Arshavin and Cesc who were key players so far and it's going to take a lot to cope without them. Barcelona looms and it would take a lot to not make a mess of it. Barca will be missing their first choice centrebacks but up front, they have the power to outscore anyone.

Anyway, Vela finally gets a game, but showed why he isn't getting any more than that because he's just not there yet. When Wilshere comes back from his loan spell he'll take his place in front of Vela in the pecking order I reckon.

Okay, watching the Burnley-City game while posting this and guess who just scored. He always has stupid goal celebrations doesn't he. The douche who said he didn't make the switch to Eastlands for the money. He's kinda the highest paid player in the BPL now, enough to buy his 72 virgins.

And it's 3-0 now in 6 minutes. -_-

I blame Owen Coyle.

Alrighty, I was being Arshavin-kinda-pessimistic and posted on twitter about how I'm not going to watch any more games this season if they lost/drew. Lol. I guess Mr Bendtner popped up and changed that. I'm pretty darn frustrated with all the shit already and I'm about to have my exams and this Arsenal is adding on the stress. My papers start the day after Arsenal entertain Fulham at home in the last game of the season.

To round off a sweet sweet night, Sp*rs fell to former man Bent and lost 3-1. Hur. When is St. Totteringham's day this year? Might go calculate right this moment.

ETA: YES. If we beat Sp*rs in the next game, we celebrate St. Totteringham's day.

Injuries are no joke at all. Wolves come for a visit.

2010-04-03T11:43:00.003+08:00

I THINK INJURY NEWS ARE A FORM OF MIND GAMES.

We know Rooney got an injury in Germany, but he'll be out 2 weeks tops, and will only miss 3 games and be ready for City. Before the confirmation of that news, I think the whole world (esp Chelsea fans) laid in wait for news that he won't face Chelsea. In any case, United will be out to prove that they are not a one man team (they so are lol. Before, it was Ronaldo's team.). Chelsea haven't gone to Old Trafford and got a win in a long time and they're missing quite a few first teamers too, so it might be down to Malouda vs Gary Neville. Um. Is there even a contest there? Malouda is no Ribery but well, we see tonight. Faggotson will prolly play Park and command him to provide support for old Gary. Yet again, Asians and their work ethic.

After United and Chelsea fuck each other up their cunts, Arsenal will face Wolves. Regardless of the earlier result, we need all 3 points, no question about that. Denilson and Clichy who had minor injury complaints were passed fit and I'd expect them to start. Sometimes, resting players can backfire. Have a full team out there to provide continuity for Barca. That game at St. Andrews didn't do much for the teams morale.

Wenger in his press conference has clarified several 'rumours' about Cesc playing through injury with an already broken leg. I think that's pretty absurd, and it's funny how Wenger has MRI scans to back him up. I would think that Arsenal owns their own multi million dollar scanning machine since we use it so often. I can imagine us running a free clinic and still make money. But yes, only one Tony Colbert and I think he is the busiest man in the whole wide world.

More clarification on the Cesc injury is that he'll be out 4 weeks min, and 6 max. Not min 6 weeks. But you know Wenger and how he's obsessed with taking the max and quite rightly so. He gambled with injuries in recent times and I haven't really thought of any that really paid off, save for the Cesc cameo at home to Aston Villa. After that, he was out again.

The other injury we got that night was to Gallas. It sure looked serious and the official site said 3 weeks but Wenger feels it could be longer. And then Domenech comes out bleating and whining. Good Lord. International managers can simply fuck off, just just follow in Capello's footsteps. He doesn't interfere with club selections and minds his own business while plotting behind closed doors. That lousy Domenech, will never win anything for France. And he's too free from having nothing better to do, enough to shit Wenger for playing Gallas. Yo. We pay his wages. And for such a big clash like Barca, which walking wounded wouldn't want to be fit and play. That shit French manager can simply fuck the hell off. Arsene Wenger owes him nothing, and when he returned Diaby crocked from playing for him, there was nothing wrong with that.

Lastly, Mr Arshavin is a pessimist, but is not negative. I don't see how the two are unrelated really. Aren't they almost the same thing? Your poor outlook will add to negativity. He turns 29 at the end of May though, and at that sort of age, you know your days are numbered. Next season could be the last chance to win anything, esp if we don't win anything this term. If he didn't miss a sitter last week then we would be in an even better position now, not having to depend on Sp*rs. We have to beat them after Barca and then pray that they beat Chelsea and United. And it's a double-edged sword at best, because beating those 2 will put them in serious reckoning for 4th spot and CL qualification. I, however, think that it isn't such a bad idea. They don't have the squad capable for challenging in all competitions. When they were in the UEFA Cup, they screwed up the league and was fighting relegation. Then their current twitchy manager managed to haul them back from the bottom end for a mid-table finish, but not enough for Europe. The only reason why they're doing well this term is because they don't exactly have much to play for, just domestic matters. While their players are being awed by Europe's elite competition, they might just be fighting relegation again next season.

Before we can continue to dream again, we gotta do away with Wolves. This month, is going to be fucking crucial, and how many times have we played April with all to play for?

The Clown in Goal Made his April Fools appearance

2010-04-01T13:15:00.001+08:00

When Ibrahimovic scored that lob over Almunia 27 seconds into the second half, I thought it was over.

Note: Almunia beaten at his near post again

When the same Swede scored another from the same side to make it 2-0, I thought it was over.

Again.

And the final score? Arsenal 2 Barcelona 2

Unbelievable. Absolutely unbelievable.

Happy April Fools.

The clown in goal, decided that he's the keeper for the big games. He kept us completely in the game in the first half, having to pull off 6 fantastic saves from Barca in the first 30 minutes. And then conceded a stupid one when the half time break was over. From zero-to-hero, and then hero-to-zero, and again, zero-to-hero. I'm speechless on this.

Wenger took 2 gambles before the game. He played Gallas instead of Sol Campbell and started Fabregas. Both backfired, and you can understand why he doesn't like to rush players back too quickly or play them when they're not fully fit. And then we had Arshavin who definitely suffered something serious because that guy has been playing through minor injuries for us. For him to come off that early into the game and go straight down the tunnel after the substitution says it all. That is 3 players lost in one game, one unplanned and unanticipated.

Like everything about Arsenal, everyone would simply write us off as undeserved, no matter what we do. So whatever. 2-2 it is, and it's down to the Barca defence who couldn't deal with Walcott's pace. I would start him in the second leg, and that's a very high possibility, considering Arshavin should miss out.

Denilson came on for the injured Gallas and Song moved to centreback. Song could have done more about the two goals but otherwise, did well. Denilson did an Almunia and put in a very good performance. Excellent in fact.

The ref, on the other hand, was poor. Very very very very poor. That douche. You know, when the touchline ref held up the number '8' instead of '3' for the substitution, you damn well know that he suffers from ASTIGMATISM. Not sure if good eyesight is a requirement by FIFA for referees but they seem to only concentrate on the physical aspect. What's the point of running up and down when you can't fucking see? Needless yellows were flying here and there, and the time Pique brought down Cesc illegally, he waved play on. Then he sent off Puyol. Ha? srsly? One red and one yellow for the 5 of Arsenal. The worst one was the one shown to Fabregas but I'd expect him to miss the return leg through injury anyway. If we do get a result there, then at least we'll have him for the semis. Thanks to the ref, both Puyol and Pique will miss the next match. If the Barca defence can't cope with Walcott's pace then they're pretty screwed.

Our tackles were flying in, totally legit, and the ref managed to penalise us for it. Does he not watch English football? Such a wank of a ref, who decided it was necessary to 'protect' the Barca players. When will any ref decide that they have to protect us too? No one in Barca has had their leg broken by opposition. FIFA is a fucking shyte organisation that cannot function, so is UEFA. For two games now, since the knockout stages, the ref has threatened to ruin the game. From Barca's point of view, the red card was retarded. If yellow cards flew at this speed in the BPL though, shawcross wouldn't have been able to break Ramsey's leg. All these lame ref associations should decide what they fucking want or what they fucking think is best and have some continuity in their decisions. Don't come fuck around with a crazy cards party. Playing football by the rules is what most people (I exclude Shawcross) want to do, but it is baffling when the rules are according to the ref's personality. Maybe this Swiss bloke thinks it necessary to book a player who got the ball in a challenge that is purely legit in the English game, but completely out of it in Europe. Get it together. I'm sure no one can work like robots but at least be close to a certain standard. These refs owe the game at least that.

Now now, while the whole wide world is lamenting Arsenal's draw, they should take a step back to consider the following:

1) Both of Barca's goals, come from LONG BALLS and not intricate passing from their supposed BRAND OF FOOTBALL. When they tried to pass into the net, they were stopped by the clown in goal who wasn't a clown until the long balls came.

2) We had only 2 shots on target. (excluding the penalty; Theo's goal + Bendtner's saved header) How many fuckers out there have said over and over and over that goals count more than the attempts and the possession? Now that Arsenal have 2 shots on target and 2 goals, all of you shits can shut the fuck up on this one. Barca didn't make all their possession count, when we had the ball we made the difference and we're level. Where's the fuss?

3) The best team in the world, made Manuel Almunia look like a top top top top class keeper. Nuff said.

4) Valdes had only 3 saves to make - from Theo, Bendtner, and the penalty. Only pulled off ONE.

5) we lost 2 players duing the game (excluding Cesc who was hell bent on continueing in spite of), had to make 2 unplanned subs, leaving Wenger with just 1 to make a difference. Had he had 2 more with 2 of our first choice players on the pitch, we could have turned the game on it's head even more, as much as the Arsenal haters and Barca fans would disagree. Now now, look who pulled 2 goals back?

6) A draw, felt like a win. It really does, considering the whole host of chances that Messi couldn't put past our top top top top keeper Almunia. Their attack on our weakest link was really toothless to say the least. You can't even put the ball past Almunia? There's something really really really really wrong with you. You might want to sign Kevin Phillips.

The world would see this game as a triumph for Barcelona over Arsenal, both who pride themselves on their desire to play football the way it should be played. Barca simply showed the world how to be wasteful and paid for it. Had they been clinical at the same time, it would have been a different story. Still in disbelief they let Almunia foil that. How was that possible?! 2-0 up and you still could be pegged back to 2-2. 2-0 and you thought you won the game. Well I thought it too, but who knew? The mental strength this Arsenal team possesses is epic I tell you. Any team 2-0 down to Barca really need a whole lot of balls to pick themselves up from it and come back from it. Theo came on with all the balls in the whole wide world and didn't get starstruck. Fabio would be pleased as hell with his impact. This is an Arsenal team with balls. Balls they never had before. If the douches of the world tell you that Barcelona showed Arsenal how football is played, then Arsenal showed them what sheer mental strength and determination is. Only Manchester United have came to the Emirates in Europe and came away with a win, in the last 28 games.

Statistics, don't lie.

It's not over yet. We have 5 players on yellows so that'll be a big problem if we do go through but it's a worry I really want to have.

A not so glamourous Wolves tie is coming up. The games are coming thick and fast in April. We need the 3 points to stay in the title race while Chelsea and United fuck each other.

I have a fucking epic headache from staying up for the game and the intensity of the match fucked my brain so bad.

Post-Bayern, Pre-Barca

2010-03-31T13:28:00.005+08:00

I got up at 1 p.m. thanks to the brother.

Thanks to MIO actually. Can't have too many complaints over the FREE Champion's League coverage, but that meant that it was only available for viewing in my room. The TV in the living room has been stripped bear of all cool cable TV gadgets because shouting outside in the living room will disturb the mother. Shouting in my room on the other hand, has less damaging effects. Also, with MIO currently only broadcasting the CL, it is not viable to get another box now. I will get another for the brother, otherwise, I can forgo all privacy, and if our games clash we will clash too.

But last night was rather enjoyable. I meant the game, save for Bayern conceding a stupid freekick which resulted in the United goal in like, the first minute, from the second pass of the game which was a LONG BALL, something in which the brother is super against because apparently, that's all Liverpool know how to do. It's all part of the game really, if Man Yoo don't hit long balls at all, then you are eligible to condemn Pool. Say, like if you're an Arsenal fan, then you can condemn long balls all you want. We do hit them, but at a rate of close to zero per game, considering that Almunia's distribution is also just as shitty as his handling.

As that game progressed, Edwin Van Der Sar got more and more impressive with his saves, and made me think of our keeper. I think VDS would be quite depressed to know that he reminded me of Manuel Almunia, but for all the good reasons for him, and the bad for us. We really need a good quality keeper that can keep us in games. Almunia has the ability no doubt, but his mental seems to be failing him quite a bit. We all know he can do a good job, but his flapping is getting worse and I really can't think of reasons for that. Is that John Terry screwing his wife?

United's first goal, was a gift from Zorro, a.k.a. Demichellis. He committed the foul, and then slipped when marking Rooney. Jeez. Can you get any luckier than that? But Man Yoo, not being themselves, decided to fuck it all up. I mean, I've never seen them play worse after gaining a lead. Normally, you know, they build on it and keep going and destroy the opposition? Did it to Arsenal, couldn't do it to Bayern. HMM. Mr Brother said after Rooney scored that MU were going to win 4-0, because MU's experience will show. But yeah, the curse of the sister struck again. I think I posted before, about the Everton-MU game over CNY period where it was an early kick off and we were all out on one of our big family dinners. He had no choice but to watch Football Channel on my phone and they lost 3-1. (and he blamed me hahahaha) Had MU lost by the same scoreline, it would have been quite the jinx. A loss, nevertheless. My phone and my TV sent a signal to Frank Ribery and woke him up in the second half. Alert, alert, red devil fan invading gooner territory. Exterminate, exterminate.

I would gloat, but I learned not to, because Arsenal play Barcelona tonight. Home form in Europe suggests that, finally, FOR ONCE, statistics are on our side. We've only lost 1 out of 27 home games in Europe. Don't need to remind you where that 1 loss came from. It's a pretty impressive record, but records are always there to be broken, so hopefully, good things happen and we'll have a chance to maintain that streak in the semis, i.e. by beating Barcelona over 2 legs.

Injury news now are all about Fabregas' fitness. Darn Birmingham City's shitty Craig Gardner asshole decided that he wanted Fab's legs but couldn't get it so he tried to take them off. Then that darn Howard Webb, representative of England at the WC, didn't even bother taking out a yellow from his butt pocket. Srsly. They should stop with the promo materials. He's a shit ref, and with no vested interest at the WC, I hope he fucks up his career in South Africa and just go back to being a policeman.

Other than that, we're good to go. No really. Gallas will make it back and restore the fantastic CB partnership with Vermaelen, who decided that it was necessary to say that he quit Ajax to play against Barcelona. Heh. From Dutch football, to the premier league, and doing an excellent job so far. Yet another crown jewel unearthed by Le Prof. Chamakh scored last night with an excellent header and if he does come, I think he'll do very well over here, no matter how much I want Edin Dzeko. I signed him in FM and he is awesome. But yeah, we have Bendtner, who is the same type so Wenger will never sign him or it'll 'kill Bendtner'. Then when Dzeko becomes a big hit in another team, Wenger will say that he was considering a move for him but it wasn't viable. So, we should just stick to NB52 (nahbeh 52) and hope for the best, especially tonight. He will be jey no doubt, and his bust up with Adebayor wasn't the only bust up with another striker he thinks he's better than. In the very special Scandinavian rivalry, he and Ibrahimovic had a 'war of words' in the media when Denmark took on the Swedes. I always feel that the stars like to align on matters like this ergo make this all happen. Neither players have spoken about each other but I don't think they like each other very much. Nicky was on the winning team that time, 1-0.

I WOULD SO TOTALLY TAKE THAT SCORE TO THE NOU CAMP.

I think stopping the away goal is key, and I really don't mind if Arsenal put on a great defensive shift, i.e. being responsible at the back. We always have the ability to score, but not the ability to defend. Between 2 teams who rely so much of attacking play, perhaps the key lies in their defensive performance. Don't know what to expect tonight, in terms of tactics, but it should be a cracker of a game, regardless. And of course I exclude any possibility of Barca scoring and us not winning. (only then it'll be a cracker.)

Winning ugly when we absolutely need to, is another mark of Champions. Tonight, I don't care about the pretty football. All I want is a win and a clean sheet.

Do it, lads.

P.S. credit to Singtel for the free coverage. Nothing like winning Singaporeans over with FREE good quality stuff. A marketing genius. The queues outside ST shops will never subside and everyone I know will be catching next season's action. Offering lower prices means higher sales and more satisfied customers, while they have a chance to market their other channels, no matter how crappy they are. I'm just here for the football. The concept of Season Pass however, is a very good one.

Same Old Story, Same Old Almunia

2010-03-28T00:56:00.003+08:00

Dodgy Almunia strikes again.

Carlton Palmer called Almunia the 'clown in goal' and QUITE RIGHTLY SO.

For a game that would mean absolutely nothing for Birmingham in terms of the standings in the table (Europe is a damn fucking long shot for them), they put in a fantastic display against Arsenal who had an entire week off. They played Blackburn at Ewood Park midweek and nothing showed.

Just as well hauled ourselves back into the title race, we're falling behind yet again. Story of Arsenal isn't it? It would take nothing short of magical to win the title, and something spectacular to win the Champion's League, the other competition we're still in.

Not going too much into the game because recalling it will be utterly painful. Walcott didn't threaten with his pace, Rosicky couldn't provide the spark, neither could Cesc, Clichy still can't cross, Bendtner's touches suddenly grew heavy again, Denilson is back to being the Denilson of old, and yes. Almunia really is a clown.

For all of the team's individual failings, if you could at least rely on your keeper for a bread and butter save, then the result would be so different. Almunia really needs to go. A big club like Arsenal cannot cope with a shitty keeper like that and Wenger needs to know this.

Anyway, I thought Sol, Song and Diaby were the team's top performers regardless of the crappy shift the rest of their teammates decided to put in. Diaby in particular was fantastic. His touches were perfect to say the least and he was making things happen.

So, this game was down to maturity and Arsenal do not have it yet. Barcelona looms and the manager said that a win at Birmingham would be the best preparation for the big game but obviously, the lads did not share his sentiments. He needs to get in their ears again and scream at them the same way he did at Anfield. Today, they really weren't fit to wear the shirts.

About our run-in being perceived as easy, going to play the not-so-top sides means shitty pitches. St. Andrews is just one of them. We still have to travel to the DW stadium which probably is 100 times worst.

The title was never in our hands. St. Andrews once more, isn't a good ground to go to.

Don't know if I have it in me to keep believing.

P.S. not completely gutted. nothing new about Arsenal who can't defend even if their lives depend on it, in the 90th minute.

Yet another must win game

2010-03-27T10:54:00.003+08:00

Considering that we don't play any of the big teams, Alex Ferguson's dissing of the FA for not extending Thomas Vermaelen's ban after our appeal is as ridiculous as the FA dismissing it.

Why did the FA extend Rio Ferdinand's ban?

IT WAS A FUCKING ELBOW TO THE FACE.

Does he not understand the FA rule book? Vermaelen's alleged 'foul' will never ever come anything close to VIOLENT CONDUCT.

So up yours, Ferguson. May karma find you in ways where Wayne Rooney is out for the rest of the season.

It's obvious to see that the dick of all dicks is finding Arsenal a real threat now, so much so that he has to use his mouth and the media to play his 'mind games'. Oh dicky, we're not worthy. Keep your 'mind games' for your own players.

Besides, even if the ban did get extended, it would be against Wolves at home. It is plain to see that Faggotson is looking for anything he can get. Try a hooker website. I hear money can buy you love.

So, tonight. There is indeed a lot of hype surrounding this fixture at St Andrews. The good thing, is that Martin Taylor has pursued a different career path at a lower league, that bastard. Wenger believes in Eduardo and he hopes that the Brum fans don't sing Taylor's name. If the betting agencies have this one, I would buy it. Fans in the midlands simply have no class. When we played Villa not long after the incident, they too were singing shit. Can't count of retards to not behave like retards right?

Stoke fans included.

Good thing Aaron has 2 legs now.

I'm a little nervous about the game but I guess it's normal. Whatever it is, it's going to be a tough game but I think the lads have it in themselves to cope. What maturity they've gained over the course of this season will be tested tonight, with Barcelona in sight. I think the next 2 games in the league are pretty crucial. Past track records do show that Arsenal's focus falters with a big European game midweek. Hopefully the lads, led by Fabregas will have their concentration with them and get the 3 points. They can think of Barca all they want after they've won the game.

The Verminator could miss more games, while Thierry knows how to tug on our heart strings

2010-03-23T10:08:00.004+08:00

Most disturbing news of the day: Arsenal is appealing Vermaelen's Red

Judging from statistics, the FA hasn't overturned many decisions this term. Instead, they have relentlessly added on to the punishment for apparent 'frivolous appeals'.

Good Lord.

Don't know if it's well worth the risk, but Vermaelen could potentially miss the visit of Wolves too, i.e. fresh for both Barca ties. Won't miss the trip to Sp*rs either so we'll see if this pays off.

Most endearing news of the day: Thierry Henry's dread of facing Arsenal

Don't know if he'll be taking the field to face us, but it's going to be an emotional day for him and fans. Everytime I think Thierry now and his love for Arsenal, Adebayor seems to pop into my head. Thierry was his mentor yet the finished product is a total cunt. Don't need to remind you of how he went out of his way to celebrate his goal. Nosirrr.

I personally think that Thierry is a model pro, and you give your best for whichever team you're on, regardless of previous connections. It's going to be the same for Cesc, so if Thierry plays, I'd expect Henry to do his job.

Since we're on the topic of Adebayor, Jay-Z, husband of Beyonce, has reiterated his support for the Gunners. HAH. I think we're more interested in Jay-Z's reaction to Adebayor pimping off his wife, using her to symbolise AC Milan. If Jay-Z were a true Gooner then he should be absolutely pissed as we were, that this Arsenal player could find it in himself to court another club so openly. Of course, it's not surprising that anyone uses Beyonce as an analogy. Honey B's stocks are always rising. Perfect collaboration with GaGa.

Anyway, on the whole Thierry thing, he may well be leaving for the MLS in the summer. I don't think it's a bad thing really. And like most of the European MLS players, it would be a dream if we could loan him during the MLS close season. Just a thought, for a perfect dream to become reality.

It's time to get ugly

2010-03-22T19:18:00.002+08:00

Even the captain himself doesn't think that Arsenal's a one-man team with him being the centre.

He did his research and apart from the Everton game which he missed, we've won the other 4. Nevertheless, we all know that an Arsenal team is better with him in it. There is no doubt about that.

He goes on, keeping both feet firmly on the ground, when broaching the subject of Barcelona. It's going to be a massive game for him and Arsenal, but he's looking more towards Birmingham. According to him, the mark of Champions is being able to look to the next game and focus, rather than the bigger game after that. If you asked any Arsenal fan though, they would rate the Birmingham game as highly as Barcelona. Slipping up in either matches could prove fatal to both of those competitions. Many a times in previous seasons, the team had performed spectacularly in Europe against the big teams but struggled badly in the league when we played the mid-table to bottom-table teams. This season though, with the amount of maturity the squad is starting to show, I hope that wouldn't be the case. The boss did mention in his post-match interview that the fuss of the Barca draw did play into their heads at the beginning, right until they were down to 10-men did the urgency come back. I hope the lads do not need a repeat of that to get things going at St. Andrews.

With regards to the title race, United did away with Liverpool with ease, while Chelsea faltered at Ewood Park. I guess it's not safe to assume everyone's going to roll over at Chelsea's feet. It is however, spot on to assume that they do it at United's feet. Liverpool is really a spent force. Chelsea play their game in hand midweek at Fratton Park with Avram Grant surely out to prove a point or two. Not sure about that game, but if Chelsea still wants the title they have to win it. It's going to be quite tough though, thank God for that.

We gotta continue to grind out results and abandon the showboating. Winning at all costs involves winning ugly and I'd like to see more of that. Finishing of chances as soon as you can, taking the shot first time instead of passing in order to show off our technical quality. A goal's a goal, whether it's pretty or not, and goals win us games. Since we're the Arsenal though, some might argue that showboating is part of the way we play, but I'm sure all fans will agree that it can come after we're at least 3-0 up instead of 1-0. If we had taken at least one of the chances after being 1-0 up in the first half, Vermaelen may not have been sent off at all, and West Ham wouldn't have had that golden chance to pull themselves level, served on a fucking golden platter by the linesman.

I'd rather 5 ugly goals scored than 1 pretty goal. Winning 5-0 is ultimately more satisfying than 1-0.

Dodgy Linesman Almost Proved Costly Again

2010-03-21T03:34:00.003+08:00

Firstly, Sky Sports, please update your tables.

On the game...A 2-0 win over West Sham at home and if you looked at the scoreline alone, once again, it looks like a rather routine win, which should have been the case.

Denilson, played the game of his life tonight and got us ahead in the first 5 minutes. Now now, we keep complaining that we don't get goals in the first 15 minutes of games. Last game against Hull, we did too. That game didn't get any easier after that as well and Hull equalised from the penalty spot, from yet another dodgy decision from the ref.

The difference is, Almunia saved this one. If you can recall the Roma game last season, he couldn't save a single one. Now when it mattered a whole lot more (since we won that shootout anyway), he steps up and delivers.

This game was what the players needed. The much-maligned dudes came out and put in a great shift. Denilson wasn't his old self. Wasn't spectacular, but got his head down and did what we needed him to do and was there to finish brilliantly. Eboue was magnificent yet again and I can see why he is starting games now, whether in right midfield or at right back. His quick feet and skillful dribbling often leaves the opponent with no choice but to foul him. The downside is, we didn't make any of it count, aside from Eboue's lob to Fabregas who was handballed by Matthew Upson.

In a game where we were a man down though, having Eboue run at their defence and drawing the spot kicks was actually very smart tactical play. All credit to the player, and the manager, who unlike Zola, was spot on with all his substitutions. Diaby on for Bendtner, wasn't a straight swap because obviously, Diaby isn't a towering striker. He however, has a physical presence too and added a lot more to the midfield battles as well as defensively.

Then Nasri was taken off for Sagna with Eboue moving further forward, being the move to draw the fouls and to break up play more often to wind down the clock.

The last, Eduardo for Arshavin, was probably to lessen the agony of Shava who clearly doesn't enjoy playing centre forward at all. At times, he could have shown a little more commitment and made the run to the near post more often but didn't. Can't really think of an explanation for that.

Vermaelen got sent off with a straight red late in the first half. It was a fucking dubious decision to say the least. Fuck you Martin Atkinson. Didn't have the balls to overturn the linesman's decision to flag profuriously and FUCKING NOTHING. Couldn't see for himself either. SIMPLY NO BALLS.

So, the lads did their part today. Now it's up to Liverpool and Blackburn. It was refreshing to be the first to clear our weekend game and actually be able to put pressure on Man U and Chelsea.

The Gods Sabotaged the French

2010-03-19T19:20:00.003+08:00

WHAT THE FUCKKKKKKKK.

The above is in response to the Champion's League quarter final and semi final draw.

Q1 Lyon vs Bordeaux
Q2 Bayern vs Man Utd
Q3 Arsenal vs Barcelona
Q4 Inter vs CSKA Moscow

winner of Q1 plays winner of Q2 and Q3 play Q4 in the semi finals, i.e. we're at the tougher part of the draw.

The draw is made. The fixtures are laid. Game on.

I blame Messi really. He had to come out to talk about Arsenal. And then Thierry Henry. Thierry had to say that he would totally have an emo break if he had to play Arsenal.

For me, it has been a long time coming. Somehow, we all knew that we'll face Thierry someday and with his contract at Camp Nou expiring in the summer, this was probably the last chance for the footballing Gods to arrange this match up. Also, probably the ONLY chance for an all French quarter final. Didn't they know that Arsenal is French too? It could have been all French is some other way.

On the plus side, Arsenal vs Barcelona will be the biggest highlight of the draw. Two teams that zip the ball so well on their day, against each other, competing who can zip the ball better and put it in the back of the net. Both play possession football so it'll be interesting how the posession statistic is balanced.

Cue more Cesc to Barca stories but I'm sure he'll be licking his lips with regard to this draw.

Alrighty. Not a welcomed distraction from the league. West Ham tomorrow. We need business as usual amidst all the hype that will be building leading up to Barcelona.

If you're BLUE and you like it clap your hands

2010-03-17T14:54:00.002+08:00

When you're feeling BLUE, it helps to go for a run to release some endorphins. You'll feel exponentially better after you get your heart rate up. That's exactly what I did a while ago and my spirits are high again.

Of course, if you're feeling BLUE because you're a BLUE, I got no remedy for you.

*cue incessant laughter

...and the gloating should stop here.

Chelsea got knocked out of the Champion's League by Mourinho's Inter Milan. Oh how thou art moan and whine, you know, the same bunch who accused Arsenal fans of moaning and whining when we had players with broken legs. Now they're doing the M&W themselves. Pot calling the kettle black much? Not much sympathy there. Read the reports, they deserved to lose by the way they played. If you bothered yourself with what a blues supporter has to say, then you can go read their post Inter Milan musings. Gotta be a funny read where you can quote here, there and everywhere, examples of M&W.

So why the gloating has to stop is 1) Chelsea just cut out at least 2 midweek games from their fixtures. Pulling their concentration on the league perhaps is some consolation for their M&W fans.

2) Inter Milan, who have been quite impressive over the 2 legs, will be in the hat for the quarter final draw. Probably one of the teams to avoid, yet if there is a conspiracy theory out there, then I'll bet they'll draw an English side again, meaning Arsenal or United.

Barcelona play Stuttgart tonight while Bordeaux play Olympiacos. They'll be fighting for the last 2 places. Barcelona have a higher chance of qualifying at home really, while Bordeaux take their one away goal and the one-goal lead home. What were the odds of 2 French teams being in the hat?

So the 6 so far are:
1) Arsenal
2) Bayern Munich
3) Man Yoo
4) Lyon
5) Inter
6) CSKA Moscow

CSKA is pretty interesting. Everyone would remember the 0-0 draw we had with them which was like 20 chances and no goals thanks to players (TR7) missing from 2-3 yards in front of goal and all that. I hope it's a one time thing. It's nearing spring now so I don't think a trip to Russia would be more daunting then travelling there in winter during the group stages. Other than that, I think we'll take it as it comes.

Last season, out of the 8 teams in the draw, 4 were English. This season, only 2 English teams have made it. We have this consistency in Europe and it's no mean feat and down to Arsene Wenger. Hopefully, we'll be able to take it all the way to Madrid this season.

April couldn't come sooner man.

Liverpool beat Portsmouth emphatically and yet another conspiracy theory ensures that Gerrard does not face discipline action despite elbowing someone and then bringing him down. He'll be facing United and I'm sure the whole team will be galvanised for their upcoming clash with Man Yoo. It could well be a major title tilt.

Last season, when L'pool were right up there with United, we were the ones who were fighting for 4th and the ones to play both teams in the season run-in. This time, it's Liverpool's turn to have a say in this title fight. For once, I hope they do well.

An All Rounded Laboured Effort, but Ultimately a Win despite blind refereeing

2010-03-14T03:33:00.004+08:00

If Porto was the performance of the season, then Hull was landing back on earth, back with the toothless attack we're all too familiar with.

At the end of it all, we won courtesy of a Bendtner goal at the death.

The ref obviously has srsly issues. Who would blame Steven Gerrard for giving him the 'V' sign a week ago. This wuss of a ref didn't see the need for further action either, after being on the receiving end of a demeaning gesture. His incompetence prevailed in this game and hull's goal, shouldn't have even been a goal because their striker was in a obvious offside position that the linesman missed as well, despite the rugby lines on the Godforsaken pitch. Blind bastards this bunch is.

The ref and his shitty madness we have no control of so I'll drop it here. The league simply does not possess top class refs for top class football.

George Boateng, captain of Hull City, led his team out to carry out the instruction of Phil Brown which was pretty obvious - to once again, get into Arsenal's faces. This time though, not so lucky for him. The bummer about the incident surrounding his first yellow was Bendtner being booked as well for being poked in the eye. Yet another stupid call by the blind bald linesman. That was a straight red for Boateng. Had he been sent off there and then he wouldn't have had another chance to have a go at an Arsenal player, this time with a rash challenge on Sagna. 2 challenges that deserved a straight red. Do you see anyone else doing it to any other team?

So, despite being level at 1-1 and having the one-man advantage, Arsenal didn't make it count at all.

I guess this has to be the negative of the game.

The shine of Porto simply wore off.

But credit to the lads who kept going and for Bendtner to not miss. Arshavin was having a bendtner-day with shots that he would have buried easily.

Having played in Europe already last week, we have an entire week to recover. Hopefully, the lads will put in a better shift when West Ham visit next week, West Ham who totally crumbled at Stamford Bridge. They're not going to give us a game as easy as that though. I'd imagine Cesc to be back by then. It's quite obvious that he is still that bit of quality we need. We'll definitely get Song back too.

8 games to go.

being in the competition and fighting to be in it are two very different things

2010-03-10T15:20:00.003+08:00

A fantastic win, and I can't help but give a few moments to ponder Emmanuel Adebayor.

He's missing out on ALL the juicy action. His move to City has made him the best paid footballer in the premier league thanks to Ronaldo departing for Spain.

Was it all worth it?

His arch enemy Nicklas Bendtner bagged a hattrick that saw Arsenal through to the quarter finals of the Champion's League, with the team still in the hunt for the title. It makes my stomach twist and turn quite a bit more with excitement at those two prospects.

Yet what is Adebayor doing?

Whining about how he was forced out of Arsenal. If he really were and he didn't leave for the money after blaming us fans, then what a move by Arsene Wenger. Can't help but wonder as well, how Kolo Toure would fit into this side.

As it stands, Wenger whose moves are all so spot on, has gotten rid of the two weakest links in the Arsenal side and it proved to work so damn well.

In the Bendtner-Adebayor dispute he will never come out in defence of either player but Adebayor made it sound like everything was in favour of the big Dane, victimising himself yet again. Nothing's set in stone yet but what a time Arsenal is having and I wonder how much he regrets his move away.

Luck is on Adebayor's side though - Liverpool have been nothing short of nonsensical this term, paving the way for the top 4 wannabees to waltz into the last Champion's League qualification spot. As it is, Liverpool may not even make the Europa league if they don't get 5th spot either.

I don't care about City being in the CL at all. They seem to only play for the big games but they lack a whole lot more to be able to handle more than one competition, especially one like Europe. Next season, the home-grown regulations in the league kick in and I think they're going to have a lot of trouble with that one. Nevertheless, as long as Sp*rs don't get it I'm happy. I'm rooting for City and Villa and Sp*rs for 5th. You'd notice that when they're remotely in the European second tier their domestic season goes haywire. They were battling relegation at the start of last season weren't they? Yet another team who cannot have more than 1 competition to compete in.

If I'm not wrong, the winner of the Europa League gets a straight ticket into the CL next season. Imagine if Liverpool achieved that feat - they're still in the reckoning for it. That would probably mean the top 3 getting the CL spots while the battle for fourth will be rendered lost.

The above would be clearer in the coming weeks but we need Liverpool and Sp*rs to up their game (until we travel to WHL) with them still to play Chelsea and United. Those games could be pivotal. Can Sp*rs actually help us indirectly?

So. After going through to the next round, the potential oppositions spring to mind. There won't be any easy match-up and I'm not sure if it's our turn for an all English quarter final. We did play United last season in the Semis. What an incredible season this will turn out to be if we draw Chelsea or United and WIN. People will stop bleating about how we don't deserve the league having not beaten them. So if we do, do we deserve the CL crown then?

Plenty to speculate till the draw. With the knockout stages being played over such a long period in order to maximise TV revenue, there's still a pretty long wait for the lottery to take place. What's more interesting is that Chelsea might not even go through. Inter Milan is no Porto. If the fixtures are considered kind, then us being one of the first teams to get qualification for the quarters out of the way is fantastic. Attention can now shift to the league and like Wenger said, Hull will yet be another big game for Arsenal. They have their work cut out now - win the remaining 9 games.

BENDTNER PAID BACK SOME BITCH

2010-03-10T05:39:00.005+08:00

HOLA!!

To those who missed the game, it ended 5-0 to the Arsenal.

And you missed a Nicklas Bendtner HATTRICK, first of his entire career.

May many more come.

Everyone was magnificent today. Almunia pulled off the saves that preserved our lead, the full backs bombed forward with purpose and Clichy put in a couple of brilliant crosses even though he can't cross. Vermaelen was excellent as usual and the number of blocks he put in was astounding to say the least. Campbell was a little shaky but his experience shone through anyway. The midfield 3 was an extremely cohesive unit - Song swept up, Diaby supported him, and Nasri brought the ball forward to the front 3. Bendtner led the line very well. His holding up of the ball and lay-up play has improved tremendously where he manages to bring his teammates into it and not give the ball away like before. Arshavin was fantastic and Rosicky on the right added that bit of experience.

1st goal:
brilliant pass by Nasri to Arshavin who was through on goal between the two centre-backs where one decided to tackle his own keeper and Bendtner was there to apply the finish on the loose ball.

2nd goal:
Arshavin taking on the defence after Diaby chased down a ball on the left touchline and a dumb porto defender cleared the ball into the Russian's feet. Bendtner held his position well to be onside for a tap in after Arsha did all the work. (heh)

3rd goal:
Arsenal soaking up some pressure; needed a moment of spark and Nasri provided. Diaby slid the ball to him and Nasri did the rest. Took on 3 defenders, twisted and turned, dropped a shoulder; changed direction; broke free and fired a grand shot at a narrow angle to beat the keeper and go in in-off the post. Brilliant brilliant brilliant goal. My goal of the season so far. And what an easy assist for Diaby. (another heh)

4th goal:
Porto corner. Clichy super headers it away; another dumb porto defender decided that Arshavin is too short to reach it but the little Russian out-heads him and nicks the ball. Eboue made a run ahead and Arshavin hit a sweet weighted diagonal pass for Eboue to run to; with a perfect first touch and a drop of a shoulder, made the keeper commit and then rounded him to finish with his left foot.

5th goal:
Eboue was Eboue and dribbled into the box and got the penalty (legit!!) Bendtner stepped up to convert for his hattrick.

That Eboue substitution was a masterclass. Picking Rosicky ahead of Walcott was another fantastic move. Going into the game needed an early goal Wenger went with experience first and it worked. Got the lead, then bring on the pace and the dribbling of Eboue to stretch the opposition. Extend the lead then bring on Walcott to stretch them even further.

The Porto goalkeeper actually did quite well to keep his team in the game with some super saves but he alone couldn't deny Arsenal. It's bye bye Porto and their team of diving cunts and fans who go home with their frying pans.

A fantastic win and hopefully the momentum will carry on. Fancy the team peaking at this crucial moment. Simply fantastic.

And they did it without Fabregas.

P.S. first game on my MIO. Tell me, why are their constant blips during the game? Bad satellite? -____- Can't help but wonder if it's because it's plugged into a modem instead of a TV box. No matter how good your TV is, the service provider hold all the cards. That part sucks the most because it's horribly out of our hands.

2010-03-08T18:18:00.002+08:00

hahahahaaaaaa

I would so buy that. I wonder if they have a waffle maker too.

More great photos at the source.

A good article here at Avenell Road. Puts great stuff in words about how players who value the game over $ choose Arsenal. I realised most of my friends don't understand my obsession completely.

Arsenal's support of Ramsey was fantastic at the weekend game. And he is rightly touched by it too. There have been articles circling the web regarding his recovery status and how he's not in a cast but on crutches already thanks to a different sort of treatment they gave him. It sounds quite morbid of you ask me. Nevertheless, it's great that he's healing up. Like Wenger says, there's no need to rush anything and he should take his time.

Fabregas seems to have suffered a recurrence of his hamstring but is still 50:50 for the Porto game. Don't think I want to speculate about his inclusion. It's a home game so there's plenty more time for the boss to consider and I'll leave it up to him. No one wants him out of the game for a long time so I'll go with whichever's best. He is maturing into the captain's role splendidly and there's still so much more to come.

Sol Campbell should return to partner Vermaelen in defence. The team that we put out on Tuesday, with or without Fabregas should be capable enough to overcome Porto. Personally, if I had to choose between the league and Europe I'd take the league any day right now. But yeah, who doesn't want both? In a cup competition, my philosophy is that if you ain't going all the way to win it, then maybe it's better to take an early exit. I realised this point this season when we crashed out of the Carling Cup and FA Cup so early. If we had overcome Man City, we would have had a two-legged semi-final tie with United, which would have been quite close to our league encounter. 3 games against United in the span of 2 weeks would be quite damaging. If we had beaten Stoke in the FA Cup we would have faced Chelsea at Stamford Bridge once more. Not quite sure how that'll turn out either and I'd rather not know after we totally crumbled against those 2.

I guess Europe's different since there are teams from the other leagues as well. All I know is, with 9 games left, and the league there for the taking, we gotta keep out momentum. If that means getting the possibility of the European crown out of the way then so be it. An exit tomorrow night would be very difficult to stomach and would make the entire world utterly happy but it could go a long way to play harder for the league and eventually winning it.

The FA Cup and Carling Cup exits sure were blessings in disguise, however painful.

Still, I'd want to believe in this Arsenal team and cheer them all the way.

score with your legs!

2010-03-07T01:08:00.002+08:00

When Arsene Wenger didn't sign a striker in the January transfer window (DESPITE ALL OUR PROTESTS), Nicklas Bendtner said the following:

"All I have to do now is show him he made the right choice. I'm sure he has and I've got to show it on the pitch."

Arsenal 3 Burnley 1

A scoreline like that normally reflects a relative easy day out more often than not but like Stoke, it wasn't. Should have been more if not for Bendtner's clear cut missed chances.

This fellow, sure is damn frustrating. To put simply, he's completely full of himself and he thinks greater of his own ability than his actual ability.

4 clear cut as hell chances and he spurned them all, on a day where our CROSSING was the most amazing it ever was this season. The number of fantastic goal-scoring chances those crosses provided was astonishing to say the least, since our crossing has been really bad this term. Nasri played extremely well and he was there pulling the strings, and provided that beautiful lob for Fabregas to get onto and score. When Cesc was taken off for precautionary measures, Nasri stepped up and did a splendid job at driving the team forward. He did it fantastically. Walcott had the ball played to his feet on more occasions and did so much better. He has been in for a lot of stick this week after the England game but he responded superbly. His final balls improved drastically, except that the fellow who was on the end of it decided that strolling onto it without busting your guts to put a good foot to it wasn't needed. Walcott probably decided that he's never ever going to get that assist so he FINALLY made a cut in into the penalty box and got a sweet shot away that hit the bottom corner. Great great great response to his critics.

Despite all the glaring misses of one Nicklas Bendtner, he really brings a different dimension to the team with his height and physicality. When he went off we weren't as much of an attacking threat as before. His crime today was simply his finishing. Gotta cut out that cockiness and get your head down and work hard. Walcott is a testament to that. I'd still start him against Porto and pray those don't happen again. If you swapped Eduardo with Bendtner I'm not sure he would have been able to get on the end of those crosses at all. Since dudu has came back from injury he has been a shadow of the player we all thought he was. He seems to lack the pace to outrun the central defenders and that's pretty important when your job as a striker is to try and get ahead. The defenders close him down with ease and our attack threat is nullified just like that. Bendtner for all his crimes, holds up the ball pretty well and allows his teammates to get forward. The bad part about that is he might have gotten into a great position to shoot and decides to pass instead.

It was a good team performance and although Burnley got the equaliser, I never felt that we were in any danger of not holding onto the lead when Walcott gave us the lead back. They weren't very good going forward and even with the knowledge that Silvestre isn't the best defender in the world. Everyone knows that you take your chances against Arsenal with set pieces but they didn't play with belief that they could have gotten something out of the game at the grove. Never thought that the team could be emotionally vulnerable from Ramsey's horrific injury which only happened a week ago.

Luck was on our side today. I know some people would disagree with Bendtner missing all that but I don't think those missed chances were down to luck - they were down to him and him alone. It's just frustrating because he gets into those great positions and simply don't finish it off. I still can see him being a great player for Arsenal but he really needs to stop being so cocky because pride always comes before a fall.

At this point, even if Arshavin didn't add the third in injury time, I would be happy with the 2-1. All we need is to keep winning, regardless of the score. No need to be greedy. No need for fancy goals. Just 3 points.

A Battle Cry - Arsenal UNITED

2010-03-03T02:30:00.005+08:00

I don't know how Ramsey's broken leg has led to the World vs. Arsenal, but it has.

Too many jealous cunts out there. They're envious of our success in all areas and simply, would not fancy us winning the league.

If you look at our team's mental strength though, they are hardly undeserving. They've been tested time and time again and still managed to stick together to get where they are now, you know, even when you can't trust our goalkeeper.

The point is, the only way to make the world even more jealous and unhappy, is to win the league and let them wag their tongues a little more. They all are fully aware of the position Arsenal is now, with the harder fixtures out of the way and the top 2 still to play each other and Liverpool as well. They're just scared shitless that we're in an extremely favourable position and is taking the chances to push us as far away as they possibly can.

I'm afraid it's not going to work this time. Watch this video and watch our little captain in action.

The emotions. The Vermaelen goal moment was the peak of it all.

Don't anyone dare doubt this team's togetherness, spirit and sheer determination.

Cesc never gave up. He tried and tried and tried, for 90 minutes until stoppage time and beyond, he was in the centre of it all.

There was some dicky Chelshite fan recently who decided to take all her Arsenal hate out on Ramsey's leg break and rub it in like 100x more, like coping with a man down isn't enough. Well there's great news for you: Arsenal have leapfrogged Chelsea in the rich list. For all of Abramovic's billions, Arsenal, without foreign owners, are richer. Yet another aspect of this club to be jealous and bitter about. Have fun at that.

People think that supporting a football team means nothing more than watching them play and cheering them on and sharing in the glory when they win. It isn't just that. It's being there for all of what football has to offer, on and off the pitch. With Arsenal, you have a club that is run in the right way from the top management to the bottom, from the seniors to the youth team to the academy, the lads all go through the same education, which is the Arsenal way. Financially, frivolous spending has no place. Everything to do with money is well thought out and so well managed that the fans bemoan the lack of big money signings. Yet this season, as much as we would have wanted a better keeper, a big striker and back up at central defence, we're still in the reckoning for the top 2 honours - the league which we have not won since 2004, and the Champion's League, which has eluded Arsene Wenger for a great long time.

Nobody would have dubbed this season to be the season but it sure is turning out to be a season we've never had before. Struggling through injuries have always been part of Arsenal. This season, we've arguably risen above this stumbling block quite remarkable. When Van Persie got injured we hit the rocks a little bit but the team dug deep and the midfield stepped up with the most-needed goals. We've come this far and we're so in the title race it makes my stomach churn so much with excitement and the tingling in my fingers, like none I've experienced before. People can wank off all they want about this and that about Arsenal but who are they to say anything? They're simply a bunch of nobodies who don't know any better and what's good for them. Arsenal is football done right in every fucking aspect there is to it. No question.

All that's left for all of us fans to do is to unite as the team has, and cheer them on, from whichever part of the whole wide world. According to wiki, we are 27 million strong. No more doubts, no more whining, just one thought - Arsenal will win the league.

Surgery went well.

2010-02-28T21:47:00.002+08:00

So much going on in the world of football from one incident on the pitch.

Ramsey's on the mend.

The first step is the surgery, then the rehab. The club has done this before so I believe we are well prepared to handle the entire situation.

There are tons of people out there who simply have misplaced morals and brains. They chose to do the despicable and take out all their Arsenal hate to use it on this incident.

And we happen to be hated for all the reasons that make us the way we are - a footballing club with superb financial management. We are prudent, as much as us fans call for the big money signings, but the management of the club is second to none. Our debts are in control and you won't find us in a position to file for bankruptcy protection like, tomorrow. When the foreign owners of Man Utd, Liverpool and Chelsea choose to do that they're completely screwed.

Arsenal bloods youngsters and does this extremely well. We buy young talent and created polished gems. Then this makes people say that we're just a feeder club to clubs like Barcelona. Everyone wants to find an opening to screw with Arsene Wenger.

People who don't follow the Arsenal have all sorts of stupid theories and opinions. They don't know how shrewd Wenger is. Look at Adebayor. Banned for 4 games, with nothing better to do, has decided that it's appropriate once more to open up the Arsenal didn't want me files. It took a bus shooting for him to realise how lucky he is to be playing football at the highest level to actually stop being lazy. Keeps stating that he didn't make the move for the money. Look, you're the best paid player in the premier league. You make 8.5m Euros a year. Arshavin is our best paid player. He's in number 47 in the top 50 best paid. Adebayor is in the top 5. If he were still at Arsenal, he wouldn't be raking in more than Arshavin, being out of the top 50 altogether.

The whole Ramsey issue is not about us wanting to wallow in self pity. Another douche managed to rope Eduardo in and said we'll use it as an excuse if we don't win the league. Yet another uninformed asshole who simply talks without actually knowing what's going on. If Arsenal don't win the league, hell, even if they do, our problems ain't going to disappear. Our defending hasn't been the best and we're not cohesive enough. The goalkeeping department is a big big headache. Whoever mentioned an injury to Aaron Ramsey?

And if these scum knew better, Arsenal ain't going to take it lying down like they did 2 years ago. There's a good possibility that this incident could be a blessing in disguise (as painful as that is) and the final push for the players to unite and win the damned league title. Man Utd and Chelsea scum can savour their 6 points out of 6 against us and lick their lips but they both lost to Everton. And Chelsea just fell to City. You don't beat Arsenal and then lose to Everton and City. It totally defeats the purpose. The points ain't yours.

What we all want is for something preventable, to be prevented. That's all. We want our players to not get crocked by another player's recklessness. Malicious or not, recklessness is the problem here. Easy to say you're sorry when you're not the one with the broken leg. Shawcross is no angel either. He has made dangerous challenges in the past without breaking someone else's legs.

Then there are the people who blame it on Ramsey for having it coming. These people should just go screw it.

In contrast to last week, this week's going to be pretty hyped up even though we don't have a midweek game. For all the wrong reasons probably. I'm not even considering the international games.

All too familiar. Shawcross attacked the player I've grown to love so so much

2010-02-28T03:33:00.004+08:00

Pictures of Ramsey's injury are circulating the web and and generally disturbing.

This is horrifying.

What may be even more horrifying is that the Bridge-Terry saga is going to get much more media attention.

Anyway.

Stoke, are thugs. Ricardo Fuller, looks like a thug. Is a thug. He's due to face trial for assault.

Yet another team who enjoys having a go at Arsenal. Yet another of our players suffering a horror injury like that.

If you said that Arsenal are inexperienced then you are wrong now. It's the same bunch playing together for the past couple of years and unfortunately, an incident like this is nothing new. Unfortunately or fortunately, take it whichever way.

At 1-1, they went on to win the game. At St Andrews when Eduardo was the victim, we lost the lead and derailed our entire season.

This incident, if taken in a positive light, which Ramsey would want, is for the team to go from strength-to-strength. What's more positive now is that Eduardo is in the team and he's on the mend and he'll be there for Ramsey and the rest of the squad and they should all get through this better than the last time.

I'm beginning to think how lame the English are. Firstly, in the Chelsea-City game, they found it in themselves to boo Wayne Bridge, former player, dude John Terry screwed over, literally. Misplaced morals much? Someday, your best mate is going to sleep with the mother of your kids and she's going to moan with delight.

Then came the horror tackle on Ramsey and the away fans sang "There's only one Aaron Ramsey" and the Stoke fans, classy as they are, sang "There's only one Ryan Shawcross".

February seems like a bad month for Arsenal. Eduardo's injury is almost exactly 2 years ago. Had to be at an away game on a physical ground. Eduardo was on the rise since his transfer to Arsenal and playing well, showing us why Wenger brought him to Arsenal. This time, Ramsey finally is ahead of Denilson in the midfield pecking order and is looking fantastic, taking his chances and doing well. And then this happens. With modern medicine it's less like a career-threatening injury. At the end of the day, the psychological side is the much tougher part and you'd see that dudu isn't the same person. I'm sure he'll get there, back to his best. If you need a good example of someone who came out of it then we have Diaby. His fitness will always be a question mark but he has really came good this season.

Stoke pretty much have nothing to play for. They're not gunning for Europe, neither are they in the relegation dog fight. They're doing really well in the FA Cup, save for the draw against Chelsea. Was there a need to do that to Arsenal? I know we can't ask teams to be like Wolves and lie on the road (Old Trafford) and let the car run over you but seriously, there was no need for over-the-top challenges like that. Surely it's all about the desire to "put Arsenal in their place" and keep their 100% record against Arsenal at the Britannia but there was no freakin need.

And people are standing on the side of Shawcross. They're a bunch of retards really. Another case of misplaced morals and siding with the enemy. If you'd look at his initial reaction before his theatric showing of tears, he was bemused at the red card, actually taking the time to glance up to ascertain the colour of the card, not knowing what he really did. Only when he saw the condition of Ramsey's leg did instant remorse surface. If you fault Eboue for being overly-drama in his game, then this one is Oscar worthy.

Photo evidence:

Credit to Tony Pulis though. He enjoys having a go at Arsenal, mostly unjustified. In his post match interview he wished Ramsey all the best and refused to be drawn into discussions about the game.

Cesc won the MOTM award but he won't be going to celebrate with champagne anytime soon. The positives are, that we're within reach of the top 2. Chelsea dropped points today and it was important to win. We got it, but lost a great player in Ramsey but life still has to go on. The team has learnt and will cope this time. It'll take years for Rambo to come back and Eduardo isn't completely his old self yet. Like Diaby, all is possible. The team will rally around them and this team sure looks like a very close unit.

How good a captain Cesc is, will show in the remaining games. And what a signing Sol Campbell is. Cesc is not alone. He has other captains to help him out. Vermaelen is there too and he's such a fighter.

3 points of Chelsea. 2 of United. They are to play each other, and Liverpool, who will be trying like hell to get the last Champion's League spot. The team didn't manage to do it for Eduardo the last time round. This time, they have a chance to do it for Ramsey, with Eduardo.

I understand the dread surrounding stoke game

2010-02-27T10:10:00.001+08:00

first post from my mobile. don't know how to input links with this so there won't be any lol.

stoke vs arsenal at 1.30am. it's the last kick off of Saturday gaMes, meaning united have already played their game and chelsea would have played man city as well. yet another match we have to win to keep up with the top 2.

it's not going to be an easy game and the team is well aware of stoke's threat from set pieces, the long throws in particular. clichy reckons we have it under control but I'll wait till I've seen for myself to agree.

the thing about delap is that he is their strong set piece taker from throw ins. what he adds to the game otherwise is debatable. gave away a penalty at the emirates after his clumsy foul on arshavin. the arsenal players should go to the britannia with that in mind and not let his long throw ability play into their heads.

a sucky outfield player means 11 vs 10 so if arsenal can make use of their "extra man" it might turn out ok for once.

please win.

I like to Eboue Eboue.

2010-02-22T21:19:00.004+08:00

In the blink of an eye, CNY is half over already. I think most of us had a very busy weekend considering that it was sorta the only weekend in the 15 days. Let's not count the last 2 days. I don't think any kiasu Chinese will wait till the last 2 days to go visiting.

Anyway, there's no midweek game so it's all quiet. The media can repost interviews post Sunderland and it's still boring. Cesc to Barcelona circus has taken a short short break, well at least until the next time Arsenal screws up.

Chelsea play Inter Milan for their round of 16 game and we did ours last week. Which means the team has an entire team to prepare for Stoke, a place the Gunner dread visiting and they should well learn from the FA Cup exit we suffered there. There can be no excuse for tired legs (lol Ferguson) and the lads should put Stoke in their places. Failure to do so would most definitely mean that we're out of the title race. Every game from here on end is decisive and dropping points is not an option. United may have faltered but Chelsea are still going strong even without playing well at all.

There's been much talk surrounding Walcott and a World Cup call-up but the lad knows that he needs to do well at the club level first. He also knows that he needs to improve on his final ball. I'd start him against Stoke and give them something to worry about while we worry about Delap. Although in the return fixture at the Emirates Vermaelen did very well in that game. He took it upon himself to clear the long throws and they didn't cause us any troubles.

Nicky B has received backing from the boss, like he really needs any. I hope he'll become more and more like a striker i.e. shoot when in good position. Don't need to take an extra touch, don't pass it out wide again when you have it in the centre too. And don't assume that the defender in front of you is definitely going to head the ball clear. Just go for it. Bottomline, is, don't be lazy.

Injury news haven't been updated but I'm hoping Arshavin returns. Stick him on the left with Walcott on the right and you'll have craft, creativity and speed. Then of course there's Cesc in the centre. If Diaby doesn't come back I'm hoping Ramsey keeps his place. Diaby of course, is still the preferred choice. We need all the height we can get.

Anyway, I really love Eboue.

He has come a long long way since the fans booed him off in the Wigan game at the Emirates last season. Do you recall twatybayor using that incident to blame his bad performance on the fans? This is how you win the fans over, something that Adebayor failed to do. He chose to give up and continue to be lazy. It wasn't until he realised that he could actually in a coffin (from the Angola shootings) that he started to be more appreciative of playing football and giving his best. Well his best got him nothing against Liverpool last night but he was trying. Anyway, Eboue got his head down and worked hard to win the fans back and I'm sure I'm not the only one who lub him many many now. There was always the easy way but he chose the harder way and came out stronger. His dribbling is breath-taking. I can't recall him giving away possession while with the ball to his feet all game on the opponent's flank. Finally. There is competition for that right back slot. And good competition it is. Sagna could take the cue and improve his attacking side and it's a win-win for the whole team.

Just like how Denilson should take Ramsey's cue to simply be a better footballer.Wenger's faith in Diaby is almost completely repaid now, so is Song's.

I'm not too excited about the World Cup. I don't care about who's going and who's not. In the past, like 4 years ago, I would be so interested in Arsenal players playing in the tournament and watching it for them. Probably how I came to like France when Titi, Pires and Vieira were playing. I think France is nonsense now though. And I would love if our dudes took the summer off to recharge and prepare for the next season than taking part in some tournament which benefits the bookies more than anything else and risk injuring our players. The international managers don't seem to care much about the condition the players are returned to the clubs anyway. I don't think they actually care if the player has to play through pain and injections.

To end off, I have a friend who thinks John Terry is hot. Jaw-dropping. Ashley Cole already has his 5th mistress and counting. Tiger has 18. (Is there a need to count?) Anyway, their records make JT's look juvenile. Only 1 Vanessa Perroncel. Of course, he prolly has more from the past. Smart enough to pay them all off to keep it quiet. Or he must really be damn farkin hot to charm their pants off and seal their lips too, although sealed lips sure means less for him.

A Striker Scores!

2010-02-21T01:09:00.003+08:00

A game we needed to win, and we did. Arsenal beat Sunderland 2-0 at home.

And Denilson didn't start. He only came on in the 89th minute. Hah. That certainly was pleasing. Ramsey put in a decent performance.

1 game down, 11 to go in the league. As Arshavin says, we need to win all of them to stand a chance. Reasonably speaking, 9 wins and 2 draws should do the trick. Man Utd dropped all 3 points at Everton (Thanks!) and oh how I celebrated Jack Rodwell's goal.

Anyway, on the Arsenal game:

We dominated possession. Lost the ball and got it back pretty easily. Did well during the 50-50s and created a fury of chances up front. We should have scored a lot more goals with the scoreline getting comfortable earlier but it's Arsenal - we make things difficult for ourselves. The most negative of fans would have prepared for the worst, meaning Sunderland grabbing a dramatic equaliser at the death but it didn't happen because ex-sp*rs man killed off any chance of that with a foul on Fabregas which actually looked to be outside the box but the ref gave the penalty anyway. Not a match changing decision, but a welcomed out all the same. Now Arsene Wenger can't cry foul as much huh?

Song as usual did extremely well. He was there doing all the dirty work and he owned the opposition in one-on-one situations. The same cannot be said about Silvestre. I'm sure he should be looking at his performance today and how his positioning is atrocious. Not sure Sol Campbell would have done any better if he played but we do need Gallas fit asap.

Clichy was better, Vermaelen business as usual and Bendtner did pretty well, even if he screwed up a few clear cut chances. At least he didn't choose to pass the ball and tapped in the goal. Walcott showed how he offers a different sort of attacking play on the right but was poor when it came to the final ball. He needs more games to get back into it but he's definitely not a lost cause. I'd like him to start the next game as well. It's been a long long time since his pace has caused the opposition that much trouble and it's such a big welcome.

Undoubtedly, the show today belonged to Eboue. He got in there and despite playing at right back, shone more than Walcott when he went forward. He seemed to have the ball glued to his feet and it's as though his dribbling has improved immensely. Just a little drop of the shoulder and a twist of the hip and he's past his man. Created the first goal and did very well to get the the byline to pull back for someone to knock it in. If anyone need a lesson as to how an attacking full back goes forward, they can watch this performance. His quick feet left him on the receiving end of Lorik Cana's two-footed lunge and that fellow should have been sent off for that. Nani was. And Cesc was wrongly carded for a late block on Mensah and there was hardly any intent there, yet they both were cautioned in equal measure.

So, the story of the ManUre brother and my HTC Hero. I am unfortunately, a Starhub mobile user. And we got that big family dinner just now which meant that his only chance of watching the Everton v Man Utd game, was on my mobile.

Hahaha. Look at the outcome. He had a meeting with his friends after the dinner and kidnapped my phone and totally watched Everton put the last 2 goals past his team on my phone.

Awesome stuff. He has vowed never to watch a game on my phone again. And oh, I told him United will possibly drop points at Everton when I told him that Arsenal can still win the league and he totally dismissed it as impossible.

Never say never!!

Getting MIO had better not be futile

2010-02-19T15:39:00.003+08:00

Greetings. I signed up for MIO a week before CNY and they only managed to fix it today. Which is fine really, even though I missed the Porto game on TV. I caught it via an internet stream. Anyway, what sucks is that the Porto game did and if the lads don't pull off a winning result at the Emirates I would have gone through all that trouble just to watch 1 game.

No thanks to Fabianski and certainly, no thanks to the referee who needs a cornea and brain transplant. How he is still refereeing is beyond me. I bet a female referee would do better.

Injury news ahead of the Sunderland game is quite sucky as well. Song and Almunia make it back while Diaby checks back in. There are several implications:

1) Almunia is still our best keeper and because Fabianski is a match-losing keeper, he shall once more play though pain for the sake of the Arsenal team even though he isn't a match-winning keeper either.

2) Denilson sucks, but still will play even when Song regains his spot as DM because Diaby is out

The central midfield trip of Fabregas, Song and Diaby sure is a great set up but when one is down, why does it seem like fuckin Denilson gets to step in? For all of Arsene Wenger's belief in his players, I'm sure he believes in Ramsey too. I'd rather a kid with lotsa energy and drive to give away passes when going forward then some numbshite who only does backward passes and isn't disciplined enough to defend. He thinks he's so damn blardy skillful he can play his way out of trouble but he's so damn farkin weak he can't hold off challenges. I've really had enough with this dude. Not busting his ass to stop Rooney's goal at United was the last straw. You'd remember the 43-year old referee outrunning him. Was responsible for not running FASTER for Stoke's 2nd goal too.

It seems like Gallas, Arshavin and Eduardo will miss the following game at Stoke too. That could prove costly, so we'll save that for a later time.

I told the manUre bro that Arsenal can still win the league and he laughed it off. Who can blame him man. From this point on, every game is a huge test of our title credentials and if they don't go on a winning streak then that's it. As it stands, fate is out of our hands. We've got to keep winning and the team needs to start by not conceding early and defending better.

Sorry for such a negative post, but Denilson really sucks.

ARGH YOU ARSENAL.

2010-02-18T05:37:00.005+08:00

Porto 2 Arsenal 1

This was a fucking frustrating game. It's not about losing. This Arsenal team does not look like winning anyway. Nice of Wenger to declare his concentration on the Champion's League and the domestic league. The players simply do not show up to anything.

It was a damn open game with end-to-end action. It's like all the defenders gave up defending and everyone was given abundance in time and space with absolutely NO ONE closing ANYONE down. It's the kind of game that a team like ARSENAL would enjoy and run rampage in, except that we were fucking poor in every department.

All Porto did was moan and whine and dive and the referee bought it all. You'd expect some sort of standard from referees in this sort of tournament but all we got was the douche who allowed the Thierry Henry double handball. You'd think that incident was a one off, but apparently not. This is a referee that thoroughly sucks through and through with no merits whatsoever. Nevermind that you missed the stone walled penalty from the foul on Rosicky. Porto's second goal? C'mon. It's a kick in the box and I can't remember the last time teams were allowed to take a quick freekick anywhere in the opposition's half. Players get booked on those occasions where they did not wait for the ref's whistle.

So yes. Our goalkeeping department. It says a lot when Wenger said that he had Almunia play through pain. And that caused us pain. I'm not sure it really redeems that fellow for both losses to United and Chelsea. So now we know that he was our BEST option because Fabianski, is simply, SHIT. To blame for both goals. He has bleated and bleated to the media and the official site on how ambitious he fuckin is, wanting to claim the number 1 spot in goal. All that talk and nothing he did that makes him a viable option, now or in the future. The worst thing is, I'm damn bloody sure he's going to keep his place when Sunderland visits. I'd play Mannone at this point.

The defence, was shit too. Campbell got owned quite a lot on pace but his recovering tackles were excellent. Vermaelen wasn't his usual self, and while Clichy looked as though he was waking up, he's back to the Clichy who plays headless. Srsly. There is something wrong with all of them.

In midfield, we have, Denilson. I fucking hate him, and he didn't change my opinion much. Why won't Wenger FUCKING PLAY RAMSEY? Or move Rosicky or Nasri into the middle and START Walcott or Eboue.

Then there's Fabregas, who simply looked terribly out of sorts. He basically got caught up with being pissed about people fouling him here there and everywhere in every way possible instead of simply playing his football.

Then there is Bendtner. Another bleater. Oh how he bleats about him being the chosen one. The one the fans wanted to be signed in the January transfer window. Oh how I will deliver. This fucker talks too much. Just fucking shoot the ball on target and then maybe talk more.

I hope the entire team's performance isn't a result of the release of the top 50 best paid footballers data. I mean, Our only representative is Arshavin at no. 47.

This is a team that is missing Song and Arshavin. Denilson is a fucking piece of shit. Arshavin, would have flourished today with all the space in the world for him to work his magic. I don't fucking get it. With all that space, we couldn't keep possession at all. Not only did we lose, this time, we didn't have 70% of possession. That is beyond horror, coming from a team who plays like fucking possession wins the game. And we gave the ball away so fucking cheaply it was like a whores for free day. The team must be too used to playing in SMALL spaces that they fail to capitalise when playing in HUGE spaces.

And the substitutions couldn't have came any later. With play being that fucking open, you need an attacking player with PACE to get in behind the defence. And we have Theo Walcott, who was only summoned at the 67th minute. By then it was too fucking late. You see, when you have the fucking LEAD, it would make greater sense to SIT BACK AND DEFEND. By then, having Walcott on the pitch wouldn't be effective at all.

I get the feeling that Arsene Wenger fucking believes in all his stupid players, but has misplaced belief in certain players. For one, I still don't get why he loves fucking DENILSON so fucking much. Over 150 appearances for Arsenal and still nothing. He's a fucking weakling who can't stand up to challenges and simply isn't up to the task if you asked him to DEFEND. Instead, he prefers to go forward and then PASS THE BALL BACKWARDS. What is the point? Since you love playing passing with the defence you might as well just stay back and defend in our half with your best friends while the good people attacking can actually attack without fear of something DIABOLICAL happening when they lose the ball, which is inevitable. Misplaced passes in acres of space? What nonsense is that?

Every single player on the pitch played fucking badly today and I really don't fucking get it. The game was there for the taking and no one bothered. Fabregas sure looked like he has agreed to go to Barcelona already. I don't want to hear any of these shitheads bleat some more. At least when the goats do it, they're supposed to.

ARSENE WENGER, PLEASE GET RID OF ALL THE WEAK LINKS IN THE TEAM. WE REALLY CANNOT AFFORD TO WAIT ANY LONGER FOR THEM TO GROW UP.

P.S. WE HAVEN'T WON WHEN CAMPBELL PLAYS

Stalkers! The scouts are stalkers!

2010-02-12T05:18:00.003+08:00

Arsenal scouts are better stalkers than Man Utd scouts.

They made Ramsey feel more wanted and that's how he made the switch to North London.

I listened to what the two managers had to say to me and I was just more impressed by how much they [Arsenal] knew about me, what they wanted me to do to improve and the path they had for me.

Love this boy, really wish the boss valued him a little more than Denilson.

Injury news is heading towards the dark side once again, with Song and Arshavin possibly the latest casualties. Nasri's okay after suffering a slight knock against Liverpool and it's funny how the one who was taken off early on for precautionary measures is the most okay of them all. Arshavin's due to have a scan on his hamstring while Song looks to be out for more than a week.

We've got Diaby now, and he's definitely a starter in the midfield trio alongside Cesc. If Song is out, it makes way for Denilson's return. That is nothing short of diabolical. I really wish Ramsey is ahead of Denilson in the pecking order because Ramsey evidently has more desire and a higher work rate with a determination to want to change things. If you fault him for giving away possession, then do note that it's because he's making forward passes instead of opting for the safe route back to the defence, which happens to be Denilson's favourite route. Any more injures to our central midfield positions could be bad, except that we do have more attacking players who can fill in but the boss obviously prefers to put them higher up on the pitch.

Until the last 3 games, I never realised how similar Nasri and Rosicky are. Neither did I ever envision the two of them being fit at the same time, with Rosa being out for the entire 08/09 season. Nasri is also a player who has been dogged by injuries so it's nothing short of a miracle that both of them are fit. I suppose Rosicky is the player the boss will less likely want to risk because he is more fragile but his experience is invaluable and it showed in the previous game. His cross was utterly delicious.

Arshavin's absence might not be a bad one either, especially when we have Walcott back. He provides a very different option altogether and has a point to prove. I won't be surprised if he started the game at Porto.

Still some time to pass before the next match. Lots of things could happen and players can miraculously return from injury. I'm sure Mr Bendtner should be fit to start and finish and game by next week. I'd play him ahead of Eduardo.

FINALLY. 6 OUT OF 6.

2010-02-11T05:47:00.005+08:00

How are Gooners feeling now? Well after going through the 5 stages of grief, I'm sure a win over Liverpool makes it all fucking better.

Thank you Liverpool. Not too long ago, we won at Anfield, thanks to Wenger's screaming half time team talk. And from there, we went on a great run to make up ground.

Now, we got a 1-0 win at home off them and that makes it 6 out of 6 points off them.

This is a very significant result, considering that Man Utd drew with Villa and Chelsea lost the Everton (hahahahaha), it sure makes the lead those 2 have at the top much smaller. For all of Ballack's bleatings, you stupid cunts beat Arsenal just to lose to Everton. I'm sure it's more satisfying to beat Arsenal but YOU DROP 3 POINTS you stinkin blue cunts.

And then there's Harry Redknapp and Steven Gerrard who were targeting third spot. With this win against Liverpool and Sp*rs losing to Wolves (yet another hahahaaha), we've put 8 points between 3rd and 4th, which is massive.

Who knew a 1-0 win against Liverpool could be worth this much.

All that remains now is to keep winning the remaining fixtures and the table could look very different at the end of the season. As Wenger will put it, we have an 'outside chance'.

On the game...
I think both teams started pretty slowly in the cold. Defensively, there were major improvements. Almunia actually showed why he dethroned Jens Lehmann and look a lot more assured at the back. He made a fantastic save from Ryan Babel's shot and that was a match winning save. The back four operated better as a unit and Clichy managed to reclaim his former self from the devil. Eboue and Clichy did very well going forward and it is obvious that in our formation, the full backs make good contributions too, and to do that, you got to be in control defensively first.

Eboue is proving to be a very useful player. The difference between him and Sagna is that he brings a lot more to the plate offensively. No disrespect to Sagna but Eboue has very quick feet and he draws the foul much more easily, save for his theatrics.

Bendtner did well. He led the line and it helps to have a big striker in place to hold up the ball and play in the rest of the attacking players. He had a couple of clear cut chances which he screwed up but you can't argue about his commitment. I hope Wenger sees that starting a striker makes a huge difference. Arshavin was doing what he does best - feeding the striker. Had Bendtner done better with the chances Arshavin gave him, we would have been a goal up sooner.

Things are looking bright again. We got the win, the top 2 who beat us didn't. And Sp*rs lost. I enjoyed that one the most. Teach twitchy Harry to not state ambitions he can't live up to. And screw Ballack.

Lastly, we all know that this win is going to be marred with Cesc's handball. Not going to give a shit. A win's a win.

Thank you Liverpool once more!!!

A team in need of redemption

2010-02-09T11:58:00.002+08:00

Team news ahead of the Liverpool game ain't out yet, but I think it should be quite similar to pre-Chelsea.

It's high time Wenger started a STRIKER in his first XI. We only have 1 pathetic striker who keeps bleating to the media on how he's the one yet the manager doesn't seem to trust him enough to start him. I mean, where is the logic? If he's good to play 60 minutes, then start him, and then take him off. 60 minutes with a STRIKER could make a huge difference. Instead of being 2-0 down when you introduce him, perhaps our toothless attack may have reaped a goal thanks to putting a tall person in the box.

It's obvious that Wenger clearly thinks Bendtner isn't goo enough. Yet he refused to sign a striker. I don't think providing good competition for the big Dane is a bad thing, considering how much he needs to be brought back down to earth constantly because he's an arrogant ass who likes to get ahead of himself. But hey, no other striker except numero uno so the only thing Wenger can do now, is to START HIM.

Maybe he's just afraid numero uno will get injured again and then it'll prove our point. Seems like he's battling more with us fans than the likes of United and Chelsea.

The official site is ran a 'goal of the month' contest in which Rosicky won, for his goal before half time against Bolton. Kinda reminds you that not too long ago, Arshavin scored the 4th goal that sent us to the top of the league for like 3 days. Since then, it sure seems like confidence and desire have plummeted. Why, I really don't know. Did the team use up too much steam to make up ground on Chelsea just to lose everything we worked for?

We all kept talking about this run of 4 difficult games. I don't think we were sufficiently prepared. Then we got screwed. If you discount Vermaelen's goal, our attack has produced nothing since Villa, or Arshavin's goal against Bolton. Nothing. The boys are going to be entertaining Liverpool at the Emirates and from recent results, I'm sure Liverpool will have the belief and will aim to take a 2-goal lead to half time. This season, it's all about giving away 2-goal leads. Last season, it was all about drawing endlessly. Drawing doesn't hurt your pride as much, but it gives the manager his favourite reason of an unbeaten run that means nothing when you see that 5 draws is equivalent to 10 points dropped. 2 games lost however, is 6 points dropped, provided you win the remaining 3. As painful as it is, losing may be a better thing but the boys need to do a lot more to turn things around.

They need to be happy playing their football again. And defend better. And not close your eyes when Drogba shoots at you.

The 5 stages of GRIEF of a GOONER

2010-02-08T07:46:00.000+08:00

1) DENIAL
happens when you agree with Arsene Wenger that the team ain't that bad. Oh, there were positives here and there, so-and-so did well. Defending was poor, but we did well going forward (but didn't score). We're xx games unbeaten and that's fucking fantastic even if you draw nil-nil 5 games in a row.

2) ANGER
this is the part where we find places to put the blame on. Some gooners (the stupid ones) call for Arsene Wenger to be fired. Others blame Denilson. Then there's Almunia. Clichy came along. Oh, Walcott. Bendtner. Diaby. Eboue. RVP injured. Screw the Dutch FA. No new signings when we clearly need a centre forward.

3) BARGAINING
after United, win the Chelsea game and we're back in it. Beat this team and we'll go all the way. Oh, the team has been 2-0 down before. They'll turn the game around and put in a performance worthy to be in the history books. 3-0? No problemo. Pull one back and something might happen. Everything's going to be a-okay until the final whistle. 5 minutes added on - time enough to score 2 goals. It takes seconds to score one anyway (applies to all teams but Arsenal). Banging on superstitions - I'll wear my lucky Arshavin jersey for 1 week

4) DEPRESSION
bargaining doesn't help. The final whistle goes. Yet another loss. Tear yourself up inside. Stare at league table. bemoan the last 8 points lost. Throw a tantrum. Have a screw-everything attitude. Go on an eating binge. Finish a tub of butter. Listen to Arsene Wenger defend his team again. Scream at TV. Gesticulate at Drogba.

5) ACCEPTANCE
Transfer window is closed. title race is over. 9 points behind Chelsea. Team has zero desire. Denilson wasn't at fault for Chelsea defeat. Cesc might leave in the summer. Only the champion's league to play for now. Harry Redknapp is right about Arsenal. 3rd place is jeopardy. My life is over.

Same Old Arsenal, always crumbling.

2010-02-08T01:58:00.004+08:00

Watching this game gave me such a headache.

I went about doing the things I needed to do, like doing my CNY spring cleaning (at an ungodly hour I know, considering that the game started at midnight) and simply felt nothing when Drogba banged in Chelsea's first goal on 7 minutes.

There I went, fixing a new shelf from Ikea for my house and then not long after, Chelsea was 2-0 up.

Same old, same old.

Once again, a performance that was piss-poor, even if it wasn't as bad as the display against United a whole week ago. The lads knew what was at stake and never found it in themselves to make things happen.

Wenger came out at midweek to say that he almost signed a player. That's simply adding fuel to the already big fire. Well, I'm not burning inside at least. I'm past that to the point of indifference. Hoping for the best simply has ended in disappointment and United and Chelsea have taken 6 out of 6 points off Arsenal this season. A lot of fans are angry, probably because they actually pay for season tickets, but seriously. I'm way past the stage of being pissed. It's just not happening, and it helps to be a bystander.

I don't think there has been a greater low as a gooner. Ever. Well last season was crap too, but at least the manager brought in someone in january to try and change things and Arshavin lifted the team and helped us to 4th spot. I don't understand why this time, with the right money spent, a player in January could help us win the title. Is a top 4 spot all we are playing for?

Not too much on the game really, because this result was always going to happen. I would act all surprised if something different happened but it didn't.

Liverpool's next and a loss and we're more than just screwed.

Wenger thinks Arsenal were the better team for some periods on the pitch. OMFG is my reaction. We didn't get in behind the defence, we created but missed out on the final ball, when we did get in a good final ball (RARELY), someone there screwed it up.

Indifference is the word. Resignation too. We all knew this 4 game fiasco was coming and did nothing to prepare well for it.

If you need a reason to be positive, then Chelsea face Villa next and United face Everton. But wait, we face Liverpool.

Yup, we're such weepy fans

2010-02-06T11:06:00.003+08:00

Wenger has claimed responsibility for the home defeat at the hands of Manchester United:

We lost the games and I am responsible for the results of the team. When you lose a game, you feel responsible. Of course, I want our fans to go home and be triumphant. When they go home and cry you feel responsible.

Did you go home and cry? I think we were up in arms in anger more likely.

Nothing much ahead of Chelsea besides John Terry being stripped of England Captaincy. Not dropped from England squad though. I thought that part was pretty important too. Anyway, you'd hope it'll play into his head.

Injury news is the same as the last game. Diaby has a chance of featuring. If he manages to pass fit then Denilson will be dropped for sure and we'll all be happy gooners. If he isn't though, Denilson will start the game for sure. I doubt the boss will go with Ramsey ahead of him because he seems to have a soft spot for that numb shite who doesn't help the team at all. We might as well be playing with 10 men really.

Tomorrow night's game is pretty important. We've gone to Stamford Bridge and won before but this won't be any easy game. Chelsea are a physical team and they've even spanked us when they came to the Emirates the last 2 times. Any chance of winning the game it would depend on the players on the pitch to make it happen. 2 different styles of football, one important result for both teams.

My hate for Denilson is growing stronger and it'll do good for him to know that and man up to the task.

Finally, something to thank Hull City and Phil Brown for.

2010-02-03T06:12:00.002+08:00

For the most pessimistic of fans out there, we actually have a result that went our way.

Chelsea only managed a 1-1 draw with Hull City at the KC Stadium.

It's more good news for United really, since they're only 2 points off Chelsea. The table is somewhat easier to look at now with all 3 teams being level on games played. We're 6 points off Chelsea and we play them at the weekend.

The team knows that it's a massive game. In fact, this run of 4 games were all massive but they crumbled like cookies against United. If they're itching to set the records straight then they have to at Stamford Bridge. If they do not even put on a fighting display then I'm ready to concede the title. Sometimes the result doesn't matter. Desire and effort shows for it too and if you have both then you're most probably going to come away with something, barring complications.

Yet again, the team who stands to gain this weekend is United. The result from the Chelsea-Arsenal game would yet again be influential.

I don't believe in calling games a 'must-win' since Arsenal is a top team and they're supposed to win every game.

So I guess every Arsenal fan is hoping against all hope that something special happens. It's times like these where you can see where the real fans are. Those who call for the head of Wenger should seriously take their own head. He brought us the good times, and has taken us through the ugly. He has made several miscalculations but they aren't light decisions. At this point, we can only trust that he knows what he's doing and the team will wake up.

A screaming Arsene would be a great welcome. He can start throwing boots in people's faces too. IDK, just get it together already and prove the world wrong.

Complacency. It's part of Arsenal.

2010-02-01T17:41:00.004+08:00

For all the angry Gooners out there, have lots of chocolate. I hear chocolate releases endorphins which tells your mind to be happy because it's better to be artificially induced to be happy instead of living in the aftermath of yesterday's defeat.

I could list a dozen players who could have changed the team but it would be impossible for them to even walk through the doors because we have the world's most stubborn manager. He threw the FA Cup away on the pretext of making the league top priority and look where we are now. The league could be out of reach by next Thursday and then there's only the European Cup left and chances are, that hope may well be screwed over soon.

Wenger claims that there is a lack of quality players for the right amount of money but seriously, he has the options and the possibilities but simply placed all his trust in his players who have done him ZERO justice at all.

1) Eidur Gudjohnson
He's a fucking striker with loads of experience playing for top sides like Chelsea and Barcelona. Available on short term loan. Gone to Sp*rs who happen to already have 4 strikers - Crouch, Defoe, Keane and Pavlyuchenko. how so that they happen to all be FIT? Gudjohnson has the ability still, to make a good contribution, even at 31. If Wenger always had protecting his players in mind, then a short term loan won't kill the talent he thinks he's nurturing.

2) Landon Donavan
Unproven at best, but a hit in the US. Sometimes it helps to take small risks that actually can amount to a big step. Is doing well for Everton. And he too, is a fucking striker.

3) Roman Pavlyuchenko
Disgruntled at Sp*rs. Cost them a fortune. May never be allowed to put on an Arsenal shirt but I doubt he ever caught onto the North London Rivalry since he came. Is Russian Teammates with Arshavin and too, a fucking striker. Has been a flop for Sp*rs but may do well for Arsenal. Moans a lot. Has been moaning about his lack of opportunities at Sp*rs. If we showed interest and he knows it he could have moaned his way to the better side of North London.

4) Ryan Babel
Yet another disgruntled player, this time at Liverpool. Is still young with potential and pace that can kill. Was that stinkin diver who caused us that Champion's League exit 2 seasons ago but if you remember that game, stinkin Bendtner blocked the path of a certain goal and he's still in an Arsenal shirt. He may not be an out and out striker but he certainly will make Arsenal better and fit our style of play perfectly. Wenger actually was looking at him too before he signed for Liverpool and recent pitch troubles have seen him wanting out and Birmingham wants him. If Arsenal showed the slightest interest I'm sure he'll be Arsenal bound instead, even if Liverpool don't want to sell. He makes a lot of noise on twitter. Could do a Darren Bent.

5) Marouane Chamakh
screw this fellow. Rose to fame with Arsenal's interest but then chooses to stay at Bordeaux. Good for him. Probably need 6 months to settle and his goal return in the FRENCH league isn't impressive at all.

6) David Villa
Looking for a new challenge, possibly in the Premier League. Spanish connecting with Cesc Fabregas, best mates off the pitch. That understanding between playmaker and striker is ever so important and if he had come, he would be able to make a big impact. Cesc cited Villa as the one player he wants to come most to Arsenal but of course, too expensive so Wenger never bothered pursuing.

And oh, he's a fucking striker too.

7) Andre Pierre Gignac
Performing well for the French team. Good goal return in the French league. Is a fucking striker. Possesses good physique (I mean height here). Don't really know a lot about him except that he's on Wenger's radar but Wenger ain't making a damn move for him coz he's yet another expensive fellow.

Bottomline: last season, it was all about not replacing the outgoing players. We lost Diarra, Gilberto and Flamini who happen to play the same holding midfielder position. Half a season later, Song stepped up and has been phenomenal this season. That part is solved, except the part where he's so damn good now he's irreplaceable when gone. Diaby did fill in nicely but you can't depend on Diaby to stay fit for prolonged periods of time. Denilson on the other hand, is a prick. It's obvious that the boss loves him a lot ever since he signed for us at 18. Has risen through the ranks and has been a first team regular for a long time. If laziness is a bug, then it jumped from Adebayor to Denilson with Adebayor departed. Like I said before, this little fucker is a lousy holding midfielder. He's crappy going forward too and you won't expect him to dictate play. So what is his purpose exactly?

We made a lot of mistakes and went through a lot to give Song time to be the player he is now. Are we going to keep going through these motions for each player to mature? We'd never see or even smell a trophy for the next 10 years. Then maybe they'll get better and then attract the attention of the Spanish wankers and leave. Wenger will be licking his lips in satisfaction with all the money in the bank and look at the team he has left. Their current state is nothing short of shambolic and quite frankly, I think Arshavin should be quite sick of playing for a club with no ambition. Last club during the peak of his career and he chose Arsenal. Sure does look stupid now.

Then there is Cesc. We need magic from the little maestro but it didn't happen but he was trying. He was trying when the rest were busy slacking off. He was making forward runs and trying his hardest to make things happen but they didn't. He desperately wants to win things and with the kind of team he is in, he is better off playing for the Spanish wankers really. We can't blame him if he makes that choice.

The saying is that Arsene knows. Does he really? Mistakes are made so that you can learn from them. In his case, the mistakes prevail. Can't ask for a win at Stamford bridge. We only can ask for a performance. If the team loses but they put in a great shift then there is no blame. It sure looks like there is no more fight in this team that is desperate for a major shake up to move forward.

They're not getting any and hence have to dig real deep to get something going. It seems like an angry Wenger only lasts 10 games. He should start dropping players to show that he means business, starting with Almunia and Denilson.

I listed 7 strikers that could have made the switch to Arsenal. the first 2 have been snapped up by people who saw a little further than what Wenger could have seen. There were options he had. He just simply dismissed them as too expensive. Spend the money, make a difference. At the end of the season, even if you don't end up with a fucking trophy you won't be faulted for not trying when you could have made a difference. Keeping money in the fuckin bank ain't going to win you anything for being the world's greatest miser. This is the statement of intent we will never get. Sit atop the league for 3 days and you think you've won it. He anticipated these 4 difficult games and was making plans early on. I guess he never expected that kind of result at home to United. We're halfway through the 4. It would take nothing short of a fuckin miracle to turn things around with the same group of numb shites in the team. Desire. where has it all gone to?

Lastly, with respect to our goalkeeping situation, Gigi Buffon has stated that he is under appreciated at Juve. One bold move to take a world class keeper to the Emirates could change everything. United moved for Van Der Sar. We could do with Buffon.

This goalkeeping situation is fucking me up.

2010-02-01T01:55:00.003+08:00

The defeat, was deserving.

First of all, we fielded a strong team. We wanted Song back and he was. The back four were as we wanted as well. Front 3? It was Nasri-Arshavin-Rosicky.

Arsene Wenger has refused to sign a striker yet he doesn't trust Bendtner enough to start him. Could be fitness issues, but we really need a good enough striker in Van Persie's absence.

Arshavin did his best to carry the team but he was left all alone most of the time. If he wasn't getting support you'd imagine everyone else to be busy defending their arses because of a United bombardment. We however found ourselves on the back of a 3-0 scoreline on 55 minutes.

By that time, the game is all over no matter what you do.

Almunia continues to be crap and I don't know what it takes for him to be dropped. He got Jens out of the club and was looking to be a solid replacement until this season came and we might as well not play a keeper there. His distribution is ever so poor and his throwing is nonsense as well. Then you look at our 2nd choice and it's Fabianski. Everyone wants to be the number 1 keeper but no one is good enough. It's all talk and no nothing else. Mannone has jumped on that bandwagon too, by declaring his intent to claim that number 1 shirt just after signing a new long term deal at the club. Goalkeepers often train separately from the rest of the team because it's a more specialised position so I guess the 2 behind Almunia should have an inkling that the position is there for the taking. But nooo, they all become best friends and talk a load of crap and under perform when given the chance. Mannone did well when the season started but if Almunia is dropped, Fabianski will be the one with a chance. It would take nothing short of a disaster for us to drop our first 2 goalkeepers if injuries do not play a part. Anyway, perhaps Almunia will get a dodgy 'chest infection' now. I really hope he does.

Then now we come to that left back position. Clichy got crocked. Gibbs filled in. Then Gibbs got crocked. Traore filled in. Traore was doing so well until he got owned. And then he got owned some more. Clichy came back. And he's getting owned. We have 3 good left backs and one who has been proven to be defensively sound with good pace but he's getting owned. And I thought the only criticism of Gael is that he can't cross. Otherwise, he does a good job. Now it seems that he has forgotten everything else. And still can't cross.

United haven't won at the Emirates in the league and now they have. They've won here in the Champion's League and by the same scoreline. Those were warning bells weren't they?

The Villa game should have set the bells ringing already. But they didn't. No goals in the game, and had Vermaelen not pulled one back for us it would have been 2 games in a row without scoring. I'll bring you all the way back to the FA Cup game at Stoke where our form was fantastic. Had we fielded a stronger side we stood a better chance of winning it. Going into the Villa game, the players will be a tad more tired but they have more belief. Perhaps they could have won and then this game could have been a lot more different.

As it stands, we're out of the FA Cup. Our title hopes look particularly bleak at the moment and it's almost as though the lads need the media and the rest of the world to write them the fuck off before they start producing the goods again. It's as though sitting atop the league isn't big enough for them to prove anything. The battle's not lost. Chelsea still to come and I think a loss sends more urgency though their veins more than a draw. Had we lost at Villa, the importance of this game would have been even more and perhaps they need that final push. Chelsea is in front now and if the boys still think they want to be in the fight for the league title they have to show it in the next game. United and Chelsea are to play each other and other difficult teams as well so there's a reason to keep on believing.

Anything less than a win at Stamford Bridge will be deemed a nightmare. We've got to claw back points and we've got to do it fast.

The transfer window slams shut tomorrow. Wenger will once again be faulted for not spending when there was a difference to be made.

Those are fucking good news.

2010-01-29T14:06:00.003+08:00

Just when you thought things were getting worse, they actually are getting better.

It's so easy to slip into an completely negative stage when you suffer setbacks but if you've taken the cues from Arsenal, that's not what you should do.

Remain positive! And good things will come to you. Or, you can expect the worst and then be pleasantly surprised when the good things come.

Vermaelen didn't break anything in his leg. Which is splendid. I thought it would have been nonsensical if he did after being rested at Stoke so perhaps that tactic did work. We all expected him to be out for a long long time but would you take a look at this? He could even make United if he recovers within 2 days. If you'd compare the 2 injuries the team picked up at Villa, Eduardo is completely out of contention for the United game. Vermaelen with a suspected serious injury could return.

Must be an awesome roller coaster ride for United fans who may have been a little more happy that we lost one of our key players of the season.

Of course, they too think that the FA moves in slow motion. No, they don't. Experiences with Moneybags Adebayor and his stamp on RVP tells me that retribution is swift when it comes to being charge with violent conduct, even if you poach video evidence (from Mascherano) to support your case. You'll see C. Ronaldo and the use of Messi's video to help his case but failing (and in the process, piss off fatherly Xavi). In any case, when the ref puts in his report that he would have sent the player off and awarded a penalty to Hull, that pretty much means that you'll get a 3 game ban, simple as that. Except that he chose to plead 'not guilty' and it's byebye Rio for Arsenal game and 3 more. 1 extra suspension for a 'frivolous' claim. Good thing Adebayor pleaded 'guilty'.

It's really stupid on Ferdinand's part but not surprising. If he were available for United then they'll most probably field their first choice centre back partnership of Ferdinand and Vidic. Good news for us. Vidic should be back though, and partner Evans.

Wenger also stated that Eboue and Song are back in London as planned. I think 2 more days of rest from them till United is a good thing. Had the game been on a Saturday then chances of them featuring will be slim. Sol Campbell has himself fired up to face United and knows that he faces the task of stopping Wayne Rooney. One man does not make a team though, but we still need to stop him. Cut off supply to him and he'll start lumbering back into his own half to try and nick the ball from us and that makes him less effective. We need to keep possession well and get our passing game going. Bendtner's back and despite his inability to shoot, being tall makes a world of difference. We can play the ball off him and bring the other midfielders into the attack, of course, if he doesn't give the ball away as a result of a crappy return pass. We all know what to expect. No other choice though, because he happens to be the only striker left.

If Vermaelen can't play, I'd put Campbell in. Song needs to be in that holding role. If Diaby is scared fit too then it's obvious that he partners Cesc. The front 3 will be Arshavin, Bendy and Tomas. I hope Denilson doesn't play. Every effort on his part to win the ball back from the opposition have been half-hearted lately and it's irritating me. Either you're in or you're out. There's no in between.

It should be a crackin game at United. Maybe a game against Villa didn't fire up the lads as much. United, should.

True Positions

2010-01-28T13:28:00.003+08:00

That was a game that was there for the taking. Unfortunately, Villa and Arsenal played out to a goalless draw.

The difference between a top club and some club who only wants to play for a Champion's League qualifying spot, is that post match, one manager says that we should have won while the other is ever so contented to skim off a point. What ambition?

Maybe he knew more objectively then the scum commentators who claim Villa to be the better team thanks to some 'clear cut' chances that fell to Stewart Downing, in which he screwed wide. At least have the courtesy to say that they weren't on target. Just by those 2 chances alone, they think that Villa should have won. I guess it's worth forgetting that Cesc hit the post late in the first half and Rosicky missed a glorious chance when he riffled the freakin bar. You don't get any more clear cut than that, suckers.

There should be an option to turn off commentary. I don't do that because I enjoy listening to the fans singing, our fans in particular. No one needs to listen to lame ass Villa fans singing 'same old Arsenal, always cheating' when they're the same people who sing about Eduardo's broken leg. People of Birmingham seem to have something screwed up in their brain somewhere.

Anyway, what we should be most concerned about is the injury to Vermaelen. It doesn't look good and he's going to have lots of scans to determine if it's a nerve problem or a broken leg. This is highly unfortunate. Just when the players are miraculously returning to fitness for once, 2 more get crocked. With dudu it was always going to happen. After his broken ankle you'd expect him to suffer niggles like that. But a broken foot for Thomas? Don't think it's expected at all. It's really stupid that the manager decided to rest him at the weekend, essentially giving him one week off to rest up and he gets injured on the subsequent game back. Makes you think that you should have played him anyway, and perhaps the result at Stoke might be a wee bit different. Now we may not get to test that theory this season because he might be out for the rest of the season as it stands.

Also, it's funny to note how Sol Campbell is ahead of Silvestre in the pecking order. I guess he does realise what a lame prick Silvestre is. I think Arsenal should do more to sign Chris Smalling. If he chooses United then fine. But we do need more cover at centre half and he's actually featured in the league already for Fulham so he will create an additional option. Who faces united though, remains to be seen. Campbell has been out of action for a long long time and is now thrown right back into it but I think it's a challenge he relishes. He sure looks a whole lot better than the Campbell of old actually. He is committed and has no room to be conceited and is working hard. It's a competition of places, even though you don't really have to do much to bump Silvestre out of it. Even after all these time, he is still twice the player Silvestre is.

Right so we'll await further news on Vermaelen. Looking at the injury list, it is looking pretty bad. Only Diaby and Eduardo are short term injuries. We knew for sure that Van Persie, Gibbs and Djourou are out till next season. It's good to shorten the damn injury list but it ain't cool to add more. They're playing tag team here where ones comes out, another will go in. Arsene Wenger certainly will not be signing a striker because he prefers to collect interest at the bank. Makes perfect sense actually, since our crazy run of games have already started and by the time reinforcements arrive they can't actually be thrown into the fire immediately. At least no one available is of that standard. We need a big squad with sufficient depth to challenge for honours and there is no harm keeping 4 strikers. We have 3 and 2 are out while 1 just came back from injury and I'm not sure if he's a striker because he gets into good positions in the box (WITH THE BALL) and doesn't shoot. Tell me that he's finding his way back from fitness. Oh yes. Then why is he doing the same old thing as before? The same old frustrating shit. When he had to come on to replace Eduardo he brought a glimmer of hope that he soon extinguished when you see him back to old ways. Nicklas Bendtner, messiah. Drives me nuts as usual. At least now with only ONE striker left Wenger's not going to put him on the.....right.

Lastly, it's always news when Rosicky isn't the one who is crocked. He's putting a decent run of games now so, you know it's coming. Prove me wrong, baby. And I hope Song is back for United. It'll restore balance to the team and then Denilson can be dropped. What kind of stupid holding midfielder slips here and there and allows the opposition to go past him that easily? It ain't protecting the back 4. It's just maybe slowing down the attack for half a second. And he doesn't look quite up to it fitness wise because somehow, it seems that every player manages to outrun him. Cuckoo. I want Song back. Denilson can sit on the stupid bench. Even Diaby does the holding role better than him. In fact, he attacks better too. If Denilson can't hold and not attack without passing the ball back, what is his true purpose? This knowledge is beyond my understanding, just like how Bendtner refuses to shoot when in the penalty box WITH THE BALL in a GOOD POSITION. Is he a striker? If he's not that what is he?

Best Injury News Everrrrrrrrr

2010-01-26T23:29:00.003+08:00

Aston Villa tomorrow.

Team news is out. I think the main highlight is Samir Nasri is back. I mean, not too long ago he was supposedly out for 3 weeks. And he's back, waaaaaay ahead of expectations. I think Arsene Wenger's repeated investigations into his team's injury problems have scared everyone fit.

Joining the list of returnees is Nicklas Bendtner. He's been out a long time and he definitely will feature tomorrow, without a doubt. Whether he'll start remains to be seen. Ramsey made his return at the weekend so we do have quite the full squad, on the attacking side of things at least. Nasri returning does make our bench a whole lot more pleasing where we have quality to call upon, quality we can actually depend on. Vela and Walcott at the moment look out of sorts and I don't think their current abilities allow them to come on when the game needs changing and do us a favour. So, welcome back Sammy.

Personally I'd opt for Arshavin-Eduardo-Rosicky as the front 3. They do combine well and the last time they did, 2 out of the 3 of them had goals to their name. I think with every game, dudu's growing into that frontman role and he deserves his place to keep on going. Of course, Bendtner scaring him into action isn't too bad a thing. Let's hope the boss does not play him on the right. He's our tall centre forward and if you ain't gonna sign one, you gotta play him.

And now we finally figured out why Wenger did not feel the need to sign another defensive midfielder. Hoho. Cameroon dropped out of the ACN despite being one of the favourites to win the tournament. The downside is, that yesterday's game wasn't as straightforward as we might have liked. If Egypt has beaten them in normal time then fine, but they were made to play an additional 30 minutes, and even Le Boss has admitted that Song looked a little bit tired. The team will travel back to Cameroon from Angola and then he will make the trip back to London. The earliest he'll reach is right after Villa on Thursday. Considering the amount he has played and the travelling he has to do, Wenger warns that he may not face United on Sunday. I suspect he might anyway, or otherwise be benched. His importance to the team can be seen quite clearly. I hope Cameroon does better at the World Cup. They probably failed so badly at the ACN with so many Gooners rooting for their downfall lol.

So, the back 4 will be restored tomorrow. The ideal, first team back 4, of Clichy-Vermaelen-Gallas-Sagna.

I think for the first time in a long long time, we're going to have most of the first choice players taking the field. In contrast to the team fielded at Stoke, tomorrow's team is going to be a strong one that isn't lacking in experience. Nasri entering the fold could well mean Rosicky playing a little deeper, partner Cesc in the centre of the park with either Denilson or Ramsey holding. (If only we had Song) Cesc and Tomas are the best of buddies off the pitch and it's highly rare that they get to play together in the same team thanks to one of them who gets crocked on a regular basis. (No more, thanks TR7) They're going to have so much fun together. Their understand of each other's runs are second to none.

Here's to a great great game tomorrow. For many, they're going to be starting their day at 4am. For me, I think I'll sleep after the match.

I bring you the only positive from the game at Stoke:

there is no depth.

2010-01-24T23:28:00.003+08:00

I need some cheering up.

3-1 it ended, us on the side of the 1. The most in-form team in the league has lost.

There are positives despite all that.

We never looked like winning, even when we threw Arshavin, Eduardo and Ramsey. At 1-1, you'd understand why Wenger would want to go for the win. At that moment, the thought of scheduling a replay in the midst of our congested fixture list was just plain bad. DNW is the phrase. At the end of the game though, I don't know how many of us would have taken that 1-1 scoreline instead of being greedy.

It was all not meant to be because the 3 that came on didn't really impose themselves on the game enough to turn the game around. Instead, our lacklustre attack left us more exposed at the back, and we couldn't deal with it. As it was, the back 5 weren't the first choice first teamers you would have liked and they were always going to have problems. I thought Sol Campbell did well with what he was given to do and Silvestre did ok. Stoke rarely threatened in open play. When we could deal with their long throws and high balls the defence did fine, up until they were left wide open with unsuccessful attacks.

The youngsters did as well as they could. I though fielding Fabregas was a statement of intent and he worked tirelessly for the team but things just didn't fall into place for him. This game ain't a bad thing really. Gives our young captain a little bit more experience. Things will never always be smooth-sailing and you gotta learn how to react.

All in all, either you go through to the next round, or you don't. It's one trophy lost. We're still in the running for 2, the 2 that aren't the most straightforward. Hopefully this doesn't result in a bad run of form and the depth of the squad was tested and they failed. There's still time for that to change but I doubt it, with Bendtner due to return at Aston Villa. Not a lot of time between then and the end of the window for him to screw up just in time for Wenger to realise that he really needs to buy. And this probably gave us a glimpse of how diabolical it'll be if one of Vermaelen or Gallas has to be replaced.

Games are going to come in thick and fast now so there's not time to mope but to look to the Villa game. Till then.

No. 1 Fan! It sings!

2010-01-22T17:11:00.003+08:00

Sooooo. I bet you peeps who have Facebook would have added Arsenal FC to your watch list.

And they came up with something utterly hilarous.

I can't stop lol-ing at it. Here's the description:

Are you Arsenals No. 1 fan? Well this little fella is! He sways, waves his scarf and sings five famous Arsenal terrace chants!

HEH.It looks so retarded.

Kay team news see Sagna rested for Stoke from a sore shoulder and Diaby out for at least Stoke and Villa next week with a calf injury. You get the feeling that everytime Arsenal hit highs on the pitch, the injury list lengthens. Either they try too damn hard or they simply need to be bubble-wrapped. Last season it all went downhill as the injuries piled up but this season it's completely different. The squad is going from strength-to-strength. May it long continue while people make it back from the treatment room.

Bolton in the form of Owen Coyle and Paul Robinson are busy whining to the press about that one Gallas mistimed challenge to cover up for the fact that they fucked up a 2-0 lead. Quite rarely are the visiting team gifted 2 goals and they couldn't hold on. Please do not blame it on one Gallas challenge. The bunch of douches had at least 3 men who could stop Cesc from putting the ball into the back of the net but they failed. Not 1, not 2, but at least 3. Who do they have to blame but themselves. Hence. Once again, diverting attention away from their own incompetence. It's just like how the Haiti President is complaining about the slow relief efforts when he should have done a whole lot more for buildings safety that would most definitely lessen the devastating outcome. Never considered that the non-existent infrastructure may be the cause of the delay. I mean, hell, people have to help them repair their ports and run their airport.

Lastly, the tension between City and United is getting to epic proportions. Bunch of petty people aren't they all? You said this, and he did this and then someone gives you the finger. There's still another leg to be played so it'll be better to wait till the end to have the last laugh. Anything done between now and then is pretty pointless because it's the result that matters. Anyway, as I was reflecting, it was a good thing Arsenal were dumped out of the Carling Cup by City. I think 2 games against Man Utd would affect our current run. Our fixtures are congested as hell as it is and if we were in the semis we may not have played out our game in hand and definitely would not be top of the league at the moment. Also, it gave Hughes something lame to hold on to as he got the boot. Oh...I got city into the semi-finals of the Carling Cup yay! And then failed to win a whole bunch of league games.

Going back to laughing at the musical doll who is the number 1 Arsenal fan, probably because he only sings and does not groan at misplaced passes. Heh.

Tomas scored an important goal. finally!

2010-01-21T05:49:00.003+08:00

So. Arsenal are top of the league for the first time in a long long time. And for once, we're the ones who don't have that game in hand because it is all but PLAYED.

And we've got Bolton out of our system as well. 2-0 at the Reebok, now 4-2 at home. Both results, not without toil and determination, more so for the game at home.

Cesc Fabregas described his team as hungry, and boy did they show it.

Not from the start though. I said earlier that Bolton will come at us once more and they did, this time, they were rewarded with 2 goals. 2 early goals. The only difference was that we always looked like scoring and the second goal, was a gift from Denilson.

Then my Tomas scored a beautiful right-footed shot to pull one back just before half time and that was highly important to keep the momentum of the team going. You always knew that the lads were going to come back and win it. Going into the game, I think everyone in the team knew that they needed a 2-goal winning margin to go above Chelsea. At 2-0 down, you got to be able to summon incredible mental strength and belief to go for 4 goals. Regardless of opposition, pulling back 2 to level terms is difficult enough. Tonight, the lads did 4.

The common misconception about Arsenal is that the team is young and inexperienced. Yes, the team is young. But they've been playing with each other for a long long time and I wouldn't be surprised if part of their belief was built on coming back from 2-0 down at the Reebok 2 seasons ago to win 3-2.

Post match reactions are going to hinge on the Gallas foul on Mark Davis in the build up to Cesc's equaliser. It was a poor foul and shouldn't have happened, but if we're honest, even if we didn't get our equaliser then, it was all the more coming. If that goal was a difference between a Bolton win or draw then I guess it should be open to more debate but we won, hands down.

What teams need to know is that when you play Arsenal, the last thing you should do is to rest on your laurels. Even if you have a 2 goal lead. We'll come right back at you.

And Vermaelen ended his recent goal drought (heh) to make it 3-2 from a corner. He showed real determination to get that in and Arshavin made it 4-2 and sent us to the summit of the premier league. It was more than the icing on the cake. It was everything. Arsene Wenger's 2 signings who made a difference with their goals and their performance.

It's the FA Cup weekend coming up so we should be sitting at the top for a while longer. Heh.

Barca Boys Bring the Beatin. Round 1 to Arsenal.

2010-01-18T01:57:00.002+08:00

That sure was a tough game.

Arsenal beat Bolton at the Reebok 2-0. Ever since Sam Allardyce left, it seems that Bolton as our bogey team has since passed. Actually, it has passed since that 3-2 comeback win 2 seasons ago in the pouring rain, when Cesc scored the winner.

We came away with the points, but it didn't come easy.

Evidently though, it was Arsenal with the shooting boots on. (Thank God for that)

Cesc got us the early goal. I love early goals. In Arsenal terms, early goals means goals in the first half, not in the first 20 minutes. He was magnificent throughout the game and that was probably the reason why he was getting fouled like nobody's business. Nasty stuff really, from Bolton. He should have had 2 penalties as well.

Eduardo did pretty well today, despite not getting a goal to his name. Both goals were a result of his assists and he is growing into this role. He was always dangerous when the crosses were coming in and that isn't easy especially when you're often the only one in the penalty area. Crossing was much better today, and it was down to Rosicky. He adds so much more to the team and he seems to be like the only one in the team who can put in decent crosses.

Traore was getting owned on the left side by South Korean winger Lee Chung-yong, probably because Arshavin wasn't really supporting him. I suppose that's the difference between playing centre forward and on the wings. You have defensive duties as a winger, even though we all know that Arshavin does what he does best, goal side of the pitch. Clichy then came on and he brought more defensive stability on the left side. A good comeback from him after being out for so long.

Latest injury news see Ramsey and Nasri joining the list. This isn't good because we're wearing really thin in midfield. Diaby sure does look like a 90-minute player now and he definitely is Wenger's starter, making him and Fabregas 2 out of 3 in midfield. Song is the third but he's away so there's a chance for Eastmond and Fran Merida, who did very well to get on the scoresheet. I'd imagine Merida to play higher up in the pitch with Rosicky dropping deeper in the centre of the park. The only problem is, Mr Tomas Rosicky cannot be trusted to stay fit just yet. I'm so thankful he's back, but I feel like it's all borrowed time. Need to get that feeling out.

I think Wenger will sign someone. He knows his team and he has ambitions too. And of course, Sol Campbell and Galindo do not count. We really need someone who can slot right into the team and make an instant impact. Time is running out. We may have beaten Bolton, with another game against them still to come, but I don't think we are able to match Chelsea like for like. That run of games against the big teams is going to shape the title race drastically and might put us out of it so we need reinforcements for this crucial period.

Bolton again on Thursday morning. Owen Coyle hasn't had a chance to bring any of his teams to the Emirates. Make no mistake - they're going to come at us as they did last night.

The FA Cup is magical afterall

2010-01-14T22:14:00.003+08:00

Sol Campbell hasn't officially signed for Arsenal yet but you'd expect the deal to go through. He has been speaking a lot of Arsenal.com and here's a quote worth taking a second look at:

"Yes [I wish I had never left]

Sometimes when you go away you realise what a top club Arsenal is. Slowly but surely everyone moves on but sometimes you move away and you re-think things."

Don't think he'll be saying anything about Sp*rs. Don't think anyone would feel that way about Sp*rs with the exception of Robbie Keane. Maybe it was because he went to Liverpool.

...that is a club in shambles at the moment and I'll get to that later.

I think Arsene Wenger is awesome. He normally gets the best out of his players before letting them go and this has been the case for almost everyone who has came his way. Campbell may prove to be a little blip to their record but I believe in Arsene Wenger and Arsene knows. There's been much talk about Flamini's return to England and here's a player we would welcome back. He might actually be happier here and partner Cesc again in midfield but Song owns as the anchorman.

On to pool. Ahahaha. srsly. I didn't expect this after the Reading draw and the FA cup replay being held at Anfield. But oh. It did. And now all Liverpool have to play for is 4th spot and a chance to win the first ever Europa League. Rafa Benitez has guaranteed 4th spot. Even Arsene Wenger did not do that last season. And this is probably KARMA for their fans who laughed at our quest for 4th spot. Sheesh man. Karma stings. Won't want to mess with karma.

So Man Utd and Liverpool are out of the FA Cup in the first round they played in. Arsenal have Stoke in the way but it's not too shabby to get both teams out of the way. If the FA Cup wasn't that important at all, it sure is a good indication of how the big 4 clubs are doing so far. Man Utd are still challenging for the title and in the Champion's League as well as the semi-finals of the Carling Cup but they've been far from impressive. Liverpool is just, well, Liverpool. They can blame all their troubles on off-pitch shenanigans but truly, they've been poor and the faster they accept it the faster they'll get back on track.

Arsenal always make things tough for themselves but if they manage to produce that something extra they can pose a real threat. The West Ham game is testament to that.

Lastly, Chelsea always have it easy.

Arsenal are the true underdogs here.

2 ex-Gunners doing the shirt

2010-01-13T12:04:00.006+08:00

The phrase "seeing is believing" is never overrated. Never ever.

There has been speculation, loads of speculation, speculation I chose to dismiss. And then Arsene Wenger proved me wrong and signed the above fellow. "re-signed" to be exact.

Honestly, between Patrick Vieira and Sol Campbell, it's obvious who our choice would be. What remains is that the boss didn't think we needed Paddy but we would have a use for Sol's services.

The period of time of my 'great awakening' as an Arsenal fan was probably right around now. Previously I know I was following blindly at a young age. I was mesmerised by Henry and Pires for the most part (maybe Freddie too). I wasn't conscious of Sol's move from Sp*rs and all the drama that went along with that. But I do like him. Since his departure, I don't think anyone as big as him has been in our defence.

This season is getting interesting ain't it. Paddy's back but with Man City while Sol signs for us again. This could be Arsenal's year in so many ways. If City does do well we arguably have a part to play since they like our ex-players.

Except that one of our ex-players don't seem to possess enough City shirts he had to rope in one of Arsenal's and he did an interview in it.

Nice shirt. It's from 2 seasons ago I think. I liked the polo then. I think we'll all be up in arms if he ever donned the Arsenal shirt again.

Flamini is reportedly unhappy at Milan, probably due to the lack of first team appearances. Last season, we would have taken him back in a heartbeat. It's different this time. I never thought I'd say that Alex Song strikes a far more impressive figure than the combative Flamster.

At least we've cleared Everton out of our system.

2010-01-10T13:09:00.002+08:00

I said that I wanted a Tomas goal that wasn't for shiok value only. That I got. Except that it wasn't the difference between a win and a draw, but a draw and a loss.

Good all the same, but I would have preferred if we had won.

If you gave the game considerable thought about the manner of our goals, you wouldn't consider them lucky. Yes, both were a result of deflections, but those were clear reflections of the tactics David Moyes set his team out to do.

Defend in numbers. Get bodies in the box. Throw bodies in the line of fire.

And that is what you get really. No clear cut Arsenal goal but deflections.

They could moan and blame their luck but in the spells where we were superior, we deserved to win as much as they thought they did. Their goal from Pienaar was not a result of brilliance but a result of us wanting the winning goal so badly to get the 3 points. Credit to them to know exactly what we wanted and to use it to their advantage but I am not disheartened by the performances of the lads. In truth, they could have been better but the spirit was there.

The headlines all read that Arsenal were lucky but these are the ignorant fools of the press who do not know any better. It was simply down to the way Everton defended. If you put that many things in the way of the keeper, you got to watch out for deflections. I don't need to make myself any clearer than this. Just take a look at the Beach Ball incident at Sunderland. Even a lousy pool beach ball can cause a deflection that great to leave no chance for the keeper. What about men in front of the keeper. The beach ball they could get out of the way. Everton players? They're no better than the beach ball.

At least this time, it wasn't an Arsenal fan who put the Everton player there. The Liverpool schoolboy is probably still living in utter shame.

On another day, if we had Fabregas in the side, this game could have been a done deal. And yesterday, we saw how important Song is to us. Denilson, who got stretchered off injured, is no Alex Song. The key to a successful attack in a 4-3-3 is a good holding midfielder to be there whenever we lose the ball, to shield the defence. Without one, we put our defence in a whole lot of shit. I dare say, that had Song been playing, the Pienaar goal wouldn't have happened. That said, their first goal was from a corner and we didn't show enough desire to close down the ball.

Their goals perhaps could have been prevented had Song been playing but more importantly, a good holding midfielder also holds the key to good attacking play. He is important to the team at both ends.

I thought Donovan did pretty well today. For a player to come and slot right in immediately in the league and do well is quite remarkable. I'm wondering why Wenger never considered bringing in players from the MLS on short term loan to provide cover. There aren't many strings attached and Beckham is a good testament to their worth, even though he ain't American.

The good thing is, Man Utd decided that they really do want us to over take them, or at least have the possibility to. So they drew 1-1 with Birmingham. What's left is Chelsea. They are expected to drop more points because their chief goalscorer is currently in Angola. I never realised the Chelsea were pretty dependent on their African players till, well, now. There's Drogba and Essien for starters. A team missing those two could genuinely be short on quality.

What's left to do now is for Rosicky to return to full complete fitness because he was a gem when coming on. It's always an 'all hands on deck' situation at Arsenal so we need everyone. EVERYONE. I don't believe Arsene Wenger is close to signing anyone besides Sol Campbell. I am so not betting on January signings. The minute he excluded Edin Dzeko for being too expensive I stopped praying even. There aren't a lot of tall hitmen around who can slot right into the Arsenal team so that's it. We'll most probably have to rely on whatever we have. Arsenal Football Club is a bunch of scrooges when it comes to transfers. Good thing the window is closed over Christmas or they'll be the red and white grinches stealing our Christmases.

Dream signings will always be a dream. I mourn Dzeko. Chelsea always signs him in FM and he always scores against Arsenal. Booooo.

Were they targeting moneybags?

2010-01-09T12:55:00.004+08:00

Okaaaaay. I chose to shut up a bit before the game in case it gets postponed.

The Emirates pitch is heated so the pitch isn't a problem, the surrounding area is. And the Bolton game got canceled. I didn't think it was a bad thing really. Bolton are in managerial turmoil and naming a new manager might spark a revival but if you think about it, Arsenal's always going to come out tops. We don't have to rely on Bolton and manager troubles to win the game.

The boss says that the extra rest time was helpful. Hopefully it'll show tonight.

So I guess the top of the news is the gunmen attack on the Togo team bus. What really concerns us is probably Emmanuel Adebayor being on it.

Not that we would want him dead, but I think it's possible that the gunmen were aiming for him but got his teammates instead.

That said, it would be bizarre if that was the case because that would make the gunmen gooners. I do think that only we would have a personal vendetta against one Emmanuel Adebayor.

This is just a speculation of motives. It is from watching too much CSI. I became a Las Vegas fan, and then AXN had to catch me at a bored hour with NY and it's pretty good too.

So, fortunately, MoneyBags is doing fine, except that he claims to not be able to sleep at night. I doubt it. With City's money, I think he'll sleep just fine. Just give him a couple of nights.

The next World Cup, is in Africa. Damn.

On tonight, Rosicky is back. I think he's definitely raring to go with his new contract out of the way. I hope he scores an awesome goal even if it's just for shiok value. I miss that.

And Arsene Wenger. Supreme master of interviews and puns. He made this statement about Chamakh:

"He is a player we have an interest in, but we are focused on short term at the moment."

Which essentially means he's an unpolished gem, and not ready to slot right into the first team and make an impact. If we all knew better, we would never have heard of this dude had he not been linked with Arsenal. Now it seems that Liverpool's interested. If we do table an offer for him in the summer and he chooses Liverpool over us, it's his demise. The last I checked, Rafa Benitez isn't one who does well with unpolished jewels.

So screw it Chamakh. His form at Bordeaux isn't that fantastic anyway and srsly, if not for us no one will know about him.

And now, Andre-Pierre Gignac is good enough for Arsenal now. SUCK THAT CHAMAKH. Ass. You can go to Sp*rs. When Arsenal declares an interest in you, you don't list your options. The destination is obvious.

And we have players to bear testament to our formula that works. My Aaron Ramsey. He chose Arsenal over United and look where he is now. Cesc Fabregas left Barcelona for Arsenal and he's a world class player at 22. When it comes to turning talent into class, there is only one Arsene Wenger to do it.

Rosicky. Yay.

2010-01-05T13:49:00.002+08:00

The above left midfielder has signed a new Arsenal deal.

It has been a long time coming, yet I'm still surprised.

It's our manager really. He puts faith in his players and make them want to repay him. It seems like all about repayment huh.

I'm happy the deal has been inked. What's left is to hope against all hope that Tomas will make a big contribution in this second half of the season. He has goals in him too and is a model pro and has experience. When he is playing Cesc sparkles that little bit more because he has his buddy on the pitch and their telepathic waves are second to none. Well Cesc is building that kind of understanding with Mr Arshavin too.

Speaking of Arsha, he's going to be on the front cover of the February issue of Arsenal Magazine giving an interview about his first year at Arsenal. Pansing, the company that imports foreign magazines, have significantly lowered their prices. I got my Jan issue for $12.50 which is like 5 bucks less than usual. For once, prices are going down. I don't know the reason why, but it is welcomed.

I've more or less devoured the Jan issue and it's Alex Song on the cover and his cover story gives a few insights on how the players develop. He went on loan to Charlton and I suppose, that really helped with his development. There is a difference when you play regularly as opposed to coming on as a second half substitute. I hope little Jack will be able to go on loan because I think that is the last hurdle he has to cross before staking his claim on the first team.

Bolton in 2 days time. There's a lot going on with Owen Coyle and him taking over as manager at Bolton. If that is the case, it sure does make the 2 upcoming Bolton games more tricky ties. So far, he has masterminded a few upsets against Arsenal and he is a good manager.

Till then.

West Ham couldn't do a Leeds and we aren't Man Utd (thank goodness)

2010-01-04T02:20:00.003+08:00

There is only one Aaron Ramsey.

This dude has the fans singing the Arsene Wenger chant with his name in it, and quite rightly so.

It's a classic example of taking chances. The opportunities for him in the first team came and so far he has taken them in style, showing everyone what a big player he is going to be for us.

He became the darling of the team when he first arrived when Alex Ferguson and United legend Welshman Ryan Giggs couldn't convince him to join them and he chose us instead.

Look at how far he has come, this time, popping up at the right time to score the equaliser to set up a grand stand finish for Eduardo's header, which was nothing short of fantastic.

The game was pretty evenly matched from the start. Both sides created very little but eventually, West Ham got the goal they deserved for all their hard work. I'm not sure we needed to give a game to Silvestre who really isn't the player he was at United. He was slow to react and Diamanti managed to keep onside thanks to him and got the goal. I don't see why Traore couldn't continue in the first team since Wenger chose to keep 3/4 of his back four intact.

He shuffled the pack in front of the defence somewhat but Song kept his place to play one last game for us before catching the plane to Angola. Ramsey kept his place too with Merida completing the midfield trio. Up front Wenger brought in Vela and Wilshere but chose to play Vela in the centre and dudu on the left. I think Eduardo should be primarily deployed in the centre. He's not new to playing centre forward and is a natural striker while Vela has been mostly deployed on the wings. If Vela's in the centre because of height then there is not much case for that since there isn't a very great height difference between the 2. Overall, before Diaby and Nasri were brought on, we struggled to get behind their defence to create anything.

West Ham came out after the break and started to settle in a little more. At 1-0 against any Arsenal side there is simply no time to sit back. Behrami and Kovac continued to match us like for like in midfield and were doing a good job at that. Then Wenger, who has been really smart with his substitutes as of late, brought on Diaby and Nasri for Merida and Wilshere. I think before, if you mentioned Diaby as a sub late on to change the game, I would have laughed it off and expected things to stay status quo. But he came on and did really well and if he manages to stay injury free and consistent, he can make a difference this term.

So the draw for the 4th round has happened and looks like we'll be travelling to Stoke City. It's so early in the Cup and we're facing all the premier league sides already.

Sp*rs entertain Leeds United. Heh. I'm wondering if they'll learn from United's lesson or simply be Sp*rs.

So, this was quite the eventful 3rd round of the FA Cup. Man Utd crashed out to Leeds at mighty Old Trafford and Hull City, who created all that drama from nothing last season are out as well.

Ferguson has declared that the peeps who took the pitch tonight are not fit to face City in the Carling Cup semi final coming up in midweek. I think that'll do the youngsters' confidence a world of good. So much for youth development.

The Lads are really Stepping Up

2009-12-31T05:44:00.005+08:00

Wow. Eduardo (courtesy of Kaboul) got our 48th goal in the league this season. And then Nasri the 49th, hot Aaron Ramsey with the 50th, and Song, the only song you'll have, with the 51st. His desire going forward to grab a goal to send a message of love home is priceless.

You only have one Song.

If today was a parting gift before he left for the ACN, then it was a real good one.

The 4-1 victory was a repeat scoreline of the earlier corresponding fixture played in August.

Fabregas has been confirmed to be out for 2 weeks so the team knew beforehand that they will be without their captain. Not that the team really needed him today. Diaby started well and played well the entire game but was fading as the game wore on. He sure does look like he has the one-half syndrome. Lol.

So, Ramsey filled in for Fabregas and Denilson. He did well generally and got a goal for himself. His goal with Song's means 2 more for central midfield. So, what would you give to have the two players in front of you out of contention through injury for a place in the first team?

Same question directed at Armand Traore.

Who too, was excellent. This time though, he was really good going forward and if you lined up all 3 of our left backs, Traore is one gifted with the most pace and probably the more purpose going forward. Between Gibbs and Traore, there honestly isn't much difference except that sprint tests puts Armand faster than Gibbs. Clichy would be the more defensively sound option with the most experience but we have a lot of quality in the trio.

The odds of injury to the 2 front runners are always pretty slim but when you're talking about Arsenal, it's possible.

Pompey did put up a fight but we proved too much for them. Arshavin didn't need to show up for the game either but put in a decent enough shift. Nasri was excellent once more and he did really well to win the ball a few times in opposition area. The lads did a good job and enjoyed their football.

This probably isn't the highlight of the game but my highlight is Rosicky coming on. He miraculously returned from injury faster than anyone else. I am amazed. Hence my personal highlight. Now, we cross our fingers he doesn't crock his groin or hamstring or any part of him before the next game. Or the next.

So, Alex Ferguson delved deep and came up with several of his 'wise' words, declaring the league yet another 'two-horse race' between his team and Chelsea, completely writing Arsenal off. It pisses me off, but with Arsenal, you have to thank every lucky star out there they're still in it right now. It wasn't this way when the new year approached on a few occasions now. We can't count our chickens before they hatch. We get through one game at a time and I'll wait till we win the corresponding fixture before I diss people like Ferguson. It's sorta like a mind game too, by not taking Arsenal seriously. The only way to triumph is to prove him wrong and I hope that's on the cards.

For now, I'm going to enjoy this win and our league position and the endless possibilities. The most desired one being us winning the league in May.

P.S. Bolton have parted ways with Gary Megson. It could swing in our favour when we play them twice in 2 weeks in January.

Wenger needs to beat Grant

2009-12-29T22:20:00.003+08:00

Arsene Wenger said that we'll get news on Fabregas on Monday. Heeeey. It's Tuesday in London already.

And the websites out there are all reporting the same shit, twisting Wenger's words from the post match interview on Sunday. That's old news ya know? We want the latest!

I think most certainly though, we will be without Fab for Portsmouth.

This is a tricky tie. When Portsmouth visited the Emirates we dismantled them. Now, under new boss Avram Grant, they have beaten Liverpool and will look to take at least a point of us too. I think we may be too much for them but there's still a lot of football to be played so we can only hope.

Statistics wise, during Grant's tenure at Chelsea, Arsene Wenger has never beaten him. Things might be different though, because it's not Chelsea we're facing. Somehow or another, Grant probably got his formula right on those occasions with Chelsea and we should be in for a tough game.

The lads know that they have to fight on, even in the absence of Van Persie and Fabregas. It will be down to Arshavin to carry the weight of the team.

By some twist of fate, Clichy and Gibbs are both out meaning Traore has had an unprecedented run in the first team and will make the trip to Fratton Park, where he went on loan there last season.

When is Clichy coming back? He seems to be out for an awfully long time. We haven't been talking about him because his deputies have been putting in good shifts. Gibbs took over for a couple of games before getting injured and Traore is doing a pretty decent job for us now. What remains is Bendtner's return. We do need his height and physicality so I hope he's close.

Portsmouth will be the last game of 2009. The transfer window then opens but I don't think we'll sign anyone until it is closing. We like to haggle a lot I think.

Here's to a win. And all those suffering from gastic flu I hope we all get well soon. It's the Cesc Fabregas fever. He sent all of us into raptures and we injured our digestive system in the process.

Bye Bye Villa

2009-12-27T23:26:00.002+08:00

First and foremost, Carlton Palmer is a douche.

And then, thank you Cesc Fabregas.

So, I waited till now to celebrate an earlier result, from last night.

AHAHAHAHAHAHAHHA CHELSEA.

You see, if we didn't beat Villa, it would be pointless to be happy about Chelsea drawing.

But we have. I am proud of the boys.

Villa has taken the scalp of Chelsea, Man Utd and Liverpool (at this point, I don't think we need to bother about them). They don't have Arsenal's. That's a really good thing.

Villa matched us pretty well after the first 5 minutes where the boys started well. As the game wore on, they got tired. The lads trained over Christmas and were focused, and that's all down to how Arsene Wenger operates. Then Cesc came on and the team stepped up a gear and Villa simply couldn't cope.

Finally, a sign of a top top team that can challenge for the title.

I thought Wenger has became a lot less patient with his subs. Before, he would give the players on the pitch more time to make something happen. Sometimes, that proved a little too late to really change the game. So thank you for putting players on early, players that have the flair to create something magical. It was 28 minutes of magic, enough for the man of the match award I reckon.

And then there's Diaby. We've all asked for a little more consistency and he really showed up. Outstanding. Even in the absence of Cesc, he was the man driving the team forward and Denilson and Song supported him nicely. The midfield trio are really gelling together and you have another 3 goals to credit the centre of midfield for.

Thank you for the sweet Christmas present Arsenal.

I hope Cesc didn't aggravate his injury and the team gets pumped for Portsmouth.

Happy Holidays

2009-12-25T12:24:00.003+08:00

The lads will be spending Christmas day training in the morning and then the rest of the day with their families.

Awesome stuff.

So maybe I should spend my day buried in my books.

Besides the part where I already slept half of Christmas away, by waking up at noon. I hope I'm not the only one who enjoys getting a little more sleep during the festive season.

I'm not eager to go paint the town red and all. Turned down attending an event today. I just want to be lazy at home. Besides, got a Christmas dinner tomorrow night. So-called. And if you knew me, I only agreed to it because Arsenal's playing on Sunday instead of boxing day itself. So happens this year it's on a Saturday so it's like a normal match weekend. It actually was more drama if it fell midweek. It would seriously test the players' commitment levels. I only remember drawing with Portsmouth on more than one occasion. Those were bummers.

So, Villa on Sunday. They have grown quite a bit, maintaining their consistency from last season. Their consistent start to the season at least. Not sure when they will all crumble due to their small squad but they've been good so far. They're done pretty well in the games against the big 4, beating Chelsea and United. I'm sure they would want to add our scalp to their conquests.

Diaby, oh frustrating Diaby, came back from injury strongly. That was unexpected. Hopefully he will have his first good run of form in his career instead of simply displaying glimmers of quality. He has an eye for goal for sure and a little consistency would be nice.

Next year will arrive in exactly a week. 2010. Does anyone remember goal 2010? Hehehehe.

Can't even reach the finals of the Asian Cup.

Merry Christmas you guys. There are less and less Hallmark moments for me.

Merry Christmas, from Arsene Wenger. Presents come later.

2009-12-23T10:23:00.004+08:00

Robin Van Persie has undergone a successful surgery and will be back in April, the soonest. And when the season is reaching it's end, it doesn't make much sense to rush the player back so Wenger already knows ahead of the January transfer window that he has to plan the rest of the season without his star striker.

In the Christmas mood, Van Persie is like a present. Not a present you can open. But a present that could potentially surprise you, if he is fit earlier than expected. So we'll just assume he's out till May and then if he's able to make a comeback then we'll celebrate like there's no tomorrow, or something.

Hmm.

It's the most wonderful time of the year. The Emirates in snow again. This time, the sky makes a different sort of backdrop. Last season's was pretty darn awesome. With the amazing snow and the clear night sky as the backdrop, Andrei Arshavin arrived and gave his first interview.

This time, the sky's a lot gloomier.

What is a whole lot exciting is, who will be giving his first interview in January in the snow?

There's a long list of names but I suspect, the one who makes it to Arsenal isn't on the list everyone expects Arsene Wenger to possess. I think we'll snag a relative unknown or an unpolished gem ready to shine on the Premier League stage. You saw the magic of Arshavin. You're still watching the magic of Arshavin.

And while all the Christmas events were cancelled at the Emirates, the webchat with the boss still went on and boy, did he answer some really good questions. We're really in the market for a striker and even if he is cup-tied for the Champion's league, he's still someone we'll go for. We all saw the impact Arshavin made. He helped us to a top 4 finish. This time though, it could be a whole lot different. If we keep up at the top of the table (esp by beating Villa on Sunday), come the new year, the new recruit could actually help us challenge for the title. That sure is a better looking prospect than Arshavin coming over to simply aid Champion's League qualification. What better than to sign for a club and then win the league in your first season?

It has got to be a exciting prospect for anyone who's interested in coming. That much said, we need to beat Villa at the weekend. If we lose or just scratch a point, then we'll be behind again. We got to keep snapping at Chelsea's heels and apply genuine pressure in order to be considered contenders. It's been a roller coaster ride this season and we started it well, just to stumble when Robin got injured. Some days we were in the title race, other days we were simply written off.

Whoever comes in January would have a big influence on the rest of our season.

It rarely gets this exciting when it comes to Arsene Wenger and the transfer window but this time, we can expect something to happen. Not sure if it'll be like Arshavin where it was ding-dong the entire month right up till the end, when the snow managed to extend the window a little bit longer. That is simply hilarious yet painful from a fan's point of view. I remember following BBC's minute-by-minute coverage on the last day.

In team news, Samir Nasri has escaped a 3-match ban for the stamp. That's good news because we need all hands on deck right now. He is feisty to say the least. You can't discount a player's passion for the game but he needs to be a little smarter because such actions may have gotten him sent off and condemning your team to 10 men doesn't help their game at all.

Junichi out.

Wolves do not belong in the Premier League

2009-12-22T16:54:00.003+08:00

Wolves beat Burnley at the weekend to further justify fielding an under strength side against Manchester United.

Arsene Wenger is simply the professor. You could quote him all day long forever and ever and it wouldn't be enough.

"We will have to compete with Manchester United over 37 games instead of 38"

Such brilliance.

If you'd recall, Wolves fielded a full strength side against Arsenal and matched up to us pretty well until, well, it all crumbled. But they started well and if they had gone all the way they would have been able to squeeze out a result. We worked hard to get that 4-1 win while at United, it was practically a walk over.

He didn't consider the long list of injuries United had and perhaps, their heavy 3-0 defeat at Fulham would be indication enough that had they chosen to fight the same way they did when Arsenal visited, they would have had more than 3 points at the end of last week.

That said, I have a new found respect for Burnley who do not lay themselves out to be shot but went for it, and they beat United at the beginning of the season and fought successfully for a point when we visited. Frustrating as it was for us to drop points at Turf Moor, for the neutrals, that is the way the league should be. No game should be a walkover.

When United visit Wolves for the reverse fixture, I don't think there'll be any more to it then United coming away with all the points once more. By then, it'll be 36 games instead of 37.

I don't know the extent of these decisions have mentally on players but it does give them reasons not to step up and show up for the game when they're up against opposition they perceive to be stronger. They can just throw that game and work hard for others against lesser or more similar opponents when they feel like. Being a footballer and wearing the shirt means so much more. You got to strive to outdo yourself every single time otherwise, there isn't a point is it?

If I were a Wolves player I won't put my life in the hands of Mick McCarthy. I would sure as hell put mine in Arsene Wenger. That's what our players do. You so got to get a copy of Sagna's interview in the December issue of Arsenal magazine. Sagna speaks about the boss and how he trusts his players to deal with their trying times. We saw how he allowed Almunia to handle his own personal issues at the beginning of the season. Sagna is pretty endearing. There's pretty much nothing to hate about him. He gets his head down and plays his heart out for the team.

We all saw how Arshavin ran to celebrate with the boss after his goal. We have seen Henry do it too. Fabregas did it at Milan. I'm sure there are more. This is what a manager is. Plus, he makes such witty remarks it's difficult not to jump on his bandwagon.

I tried to imagine him blasting the players in the Anfield dressing room and it made me LOL so hard.

Oh Arsene.

P.S. If Wilshere does go on loan to Burnley under Owen Coyle, it's actually a good thing. I think Coyle is a decent manager and it'll do good for Wilshere's footballing education. It would be some feat if lil Jack played a part in helping them stay up, a team that deserves every moment they have in the top flight.

7 out of 9 points for the Arsenal. Jetstar can go fuck themselves

2009-12-21T11:03:00.004+08:00

After whining about the Burnley draw, it seems that Chelsea and Man Utd heard my cry.

We amassed 7 points out of 9 in the last 3 games, away to Liverpool and Burnley, and at home to Hull.

Not a bad result, considering how Chelsea and United have stumbled. We're within 2 points of United and 6 of Chelsea, with a game in hand.

Things are looking good, except that this weekend, we face an in-form Villa. The only good thing is that we will be playing at home and hopefully, Cesc would be fit by then.

I didn't manage to catch the Hull game because I got delayed by fucking Jetstar in Bangkok. My flight landed almost 7 hours late. Just because it's a budget flight they think they can treat their passengers like shit. We weren't aware of the flight delays at all because there was no announcement. The timing on the departure board just changed and we had to keep checking and even then, it took forever and ever for the plane to arrive to take me home. And mind you, my ticket cost $300 and my psycho family decided to book it without my knowledge, while they took SQ. $300 to fly to Bangkok is insane. I'd rather had not gone and watch both the Burnley and Hull games. Besides, the shopping in Bangkok sucks unless you want low quality stuff that do not last. And the things aren't exactly cheap either, with the entire population out to con tourists, especially their taxi drivers.

It's been 5 years since I visited and clearly, nothing has changed. Their Taxis may be of a difference make and model (vios) but their drivers are still untrained and are simply out to con you. Basic things like transportation is such an issue and there is no regulation. Tons of taxis are out on the roads and all they create are jams. And while in a Jam, they're so ready to offload their passengers at the nearest BTS station after running the meter till they're satisfied, completely not taking us to our destination.

If I never have to visit Bangkok again in my life, I'll be a happier person. Going there just exposes me to the ugly side of human beings. Being surrounded by Singaporeans is enough. We irritate one another but it's because it is innate, by possessing no logic at all, not to deliberately hurt another. If you need an example it would be not allowing people to come out of the lift before squeezing their asses in, same for the MRT. And the jumping of queues. How about boarding the aircraft when their row isn't called? The list goes on. Yup. We irritate one another. People with no logic. But we are kind-hearted and do not seek to cheat one another. It doesn't have to be a dog-eat-dog world everywhere.

That's it for my Bangkok rant.

It's Christmas week. Don't have a lot planned, save for a family Christmas party. I'm totally not in the mood to soak up the festivities because Christmas gets less and less significant as I grow older and further away from Christianity.

And then it's Villa for an early kick off on Sunday.
Mark Hughes is long gone. Heh. No sympathy here. Pride always comes before a fall. He was never a big enough name for City and boasting about a record number of draws is something not worth bragging about.

RIP Brittany Murphy. Cardiac arrest at 32.

The Squad Has No Depth

2009-12-15T17:08:00.002+08:00

I can't seem to get into blogger new post on my zune and that sucks.

So. I think we're all still ecstatic from the win at the weekend which isn't too long ago. I saw some dude in a Gerrard shirt and I'm quite positively sure he has brain damage. Anyone who likes Gerrard has brain damage and a set of screwed up morals.

Games are now flying in thick and fast. Burnley at Turf Moor is next and we know what to expect, given the manner they knocked us out of the Carling Cup on their grounds last season. With the current number of injuries we have it will be yet another tough game. The lads have to build on the Liverpool win and not do a Liverpool. I mean, they beat Man Utd and went on to lose the next game, making it quite pointless. Burnley pose a stern test and may well have an advantage mentally, having virtually nothing to lose and the last time they faced Arsenal they played very very well.

Fortunately, or unfortunately, there is very little time to ponder these things as they travel to that Godforsaken cold spit of a stadium for the game.

There aren't a lot of good news in the treatment room. I think the one closest to a return probably is Bendtner and that's been earmarked for the new year. One more injury and we'll be more screwed than we know it. I don't know how this very thin squad is going to make it through Christmas and still be in the title race come new years.

This is me, being utterly negative but it you'd imagine, an injury to one of Vermaelen or Gallas, or Cesc, or Arshavin and it's the end. Nasri's picking up with more playing time and I'd hope for something similar with Theo but this season he's just not up to the standard we all expect him to be at. His running at defenders has to improve. No one can rely solely on pace to get in behind and score/create goals. Technique is as important and at the moment, it is not showing. He's been touted countless times to play at centre forward but has never been deployed there long enough for judgments to be passed.

Once again, I think we'll have to rely on the flair of Arshavin to carry the team through. Denilson is stepping it up too, probably under the influence of one Alex Song. They were both crap before, but Song has since elevated his status and is doing extremely well and it should push Denilson as well, although it still drives me absolutely nuts when he chooses to pass sideways or back. The goal's on the other side dude.

January could be a very interesting month but we have December to get through first.

Fingers crossed, fingers crossed.

I'm going to bangkok for a couple of days. Kinda don't want to go but it's yet another family trip. I mean, who goes and books the damn tickets without your consent? Evidently, I'm not a big fan of Thailand. And what bums me the most is missing the next 2 games.

From Russia with Love. You too Glen Johnson.

2009-12-14T02:07:00.003+08:00

AWESOME STUFF AT ANFIELD.

Captain Fabulous and the Verminator gave the post match interview and finally, Arsene Wenger threw the fit we all know he is capable of.

YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY because it worked.

The first half was piss-poor. As the boss put it, we weren't winning the 50-50s and the commitment level wasn't there for a big game like this. He quite rightly blasted the dudes and they woke up at half time.

I'm just wondering about the thickness of the walls of the Anfield dressing room. Did Glen Johnson get frightened into submission?

Heh.

That own goal came out of no where but it's down to the pressing and getting in behind the defence. Walcott put good pressure on the defence and I think he might prosper better as the lone front man instead of on the wings. The defenders would be more aware to his presence and that might result in openings for the rest of the attack.

Or an own goal by his fellow Englishman. It's kinda funny when you look at it from a different angle. Walcott plays on the English right wing while Johnson at right back. Aren't they supposed to link up well? They did good today. Fabio will only be proud of one though.

After that it was all Arsenal. Wenger got through to them and they pushed on with more purpose while Liverpool simply wore away. Must have been trying to show Xabi Alonso how much they missed him while he yawned away.

When Diaby came on I thought we might throw it away but it didn't happen. Somehow. Him being tall and being able to exert a physical presence isn't really significant to me because he is Diaby. Yup. And now, since returning from injury, he's going to slot right back into the midfield won't he? And our weak link is back. Boo.

Song and Vermaelen did fantastic today. I have no higher praise. Song was there to nullify any Liverpool attack and got stuck in really well. he didn't make lame challenges like Mascherano just for the sake of breaking our rhythm. He wanted the balls to jam start our attack and that's pure commitment. Mascherano had a good game though, right until he got a yellow card and then he gets a little more cautious. Of course, Denilson gave him a kick in the butt cheek. That must have been painful. Removing Mascherano helped us on quite a bit since there isn't that little prick to frustrate our attack.

Between Song and Mascherano, I'd take Song any day.

The Verminator took responsibility for every set piece, as at Stoke last weekend. He took it upon himself to clear the damn ball from danger and did really well. I couldn't count how many balls he got to and kept out. Another showing of pure commitment.

He must have realised that he can't trust the one behind him to come out to punch any shit without looking for protection from referees that aren't always given. Damn you Almunia.

Traore did really well today as well. He dealt well when up against Torres and held his ground. Starting to make that left back slot his own now when the front two are out. He's an asset to the team and is taking his chances well. Clichy coming back will be a boost too, and knowing that there are capable players who are fighting for that spot should make him a better player.

You have no idea how much I miss Jens Lehmann. He made Almunia work for that no. 1 shirt. It is no coincidence that his best season happened with Jens piling the pressure.

Damn you Almunia again. He gets shittier and shittier with every damn game.

So, all in all, a great win. I honestly didn't think we would turn it around. To be fair, Liverpool made it easy. Finally, a win against a big 4 team. After losing to Man Utd and Chelsea, we needed to beat Liverpool. The implications of a loss today would have been massive. We would be further from the league leaders and not making the most out of slips from Chelsea and Man Utd.

And Arshavin. He does love scoring at Anfield. What a goal to win the game. I'd imagine him enjoying this one better than last season's 4 because we won. That's a team player for you. I love how he left Reina rooted while his shot went in with power. Amazing stuff.

Arsene Wenger lost his temper at the right time.

It runs in the Arsenal family

2009-12-10T22:05:00.003+08:00

My internet is shittin slow. Man.

Anyway. I caught the game last night, at least the first half. It was torture to watch because I was dead sleepy by the time the kick off came, and then the lads didn't make it any easier.

I know it was a young team being put out there but with the way they started, the expectations simply mounted and I was just looking for a great show where the youngsters beat the Greeks but it was all not meant to be.

The lads did a good job at emulating their senior players in the style in which they jink the ball around and their movement was fantastic.

The bad part is, like the senior team, without a proper target man leading the line in a 4-3-3, it's the same old story all over again. A lot of possession, but no goals to show for it.

We all love that smooth attacking football the team plays but last night just reminded me of why we simply can't win a game dirty and other teams can. We keep possession really well but when it doesn't translate into goals due to the final balls being shit or the opposing team crowding the attack out, there are genuine problems over there.

Possession doesn't win things. Goals do. This is precisely how we can lose to teams who have one shot on target and one goal. They take their chances. We don't always do and it's been costing us.

I know I'm being too overly negative over last night since it was rather meaningless but yeah, it just brought out all the frustrations that have bottled up over the seasons.

The positive side of things were that the lads never gave up and kept fighting. They were punished by a goal that was pretty soft and basically how people play when they're up against us. They play 11 men behind the damn ball and we struggle to create chances and when someone squanders possession in dangerous areas the opponent counter attacks and gets the goal with their first shot on target.

Yep. The story of Arsenal.

So the Champion's league moves on to the last 16 and the draw will be taking place next Friday. Obviously, thanks to Singtel, I won't be able to watch the draw. Unless of course, I just remembered, I'll be in Bangkok next week where Singtel is out of bounds from. That makes me happy.

The teams we would possible face are a mix of the peeps we want to avoid and those others that look a little more manageable. This time though, since we've topped the group, we wouldn't get to whine if we got someone more challenging. Last season's draw was pretty dangerous but we managed. It's all down to luck, this one.

Anyway yeah. The possible teams are Bayern Munich, Ac Milan, Inter Milan, CSKA Moscow, Lyon, Porto and Stuttgart. Every team presents a challenge. Bayern seems to be on the rise now while the two Milans are best avoided. A trip to Moscow may not be at our best interests considering our past records in that freezing wasteland. Karim Benzema is no longer at Lyon and Porto we've already played many times. Stuttgart would be pretty interesting.

And I can't help but notice Liverpool missing out on all the action. They might go on and win the first ever Europa League you know.

Hah.

No football till Sunday. I have survived the entire day with 2 hours of sleep. I'm going to burn out very soon.

it was a long time coming - 2 nil and you fucked it up!

2009-12-07T10:34:00.004+08:00

I caught the first half of the Sp*rs game. And then the beginning of the second half, up until the point where Defoe scored to make it 1-0.

And then I switched to watching Private Practice.

And went to bed without checking the score.

So I just did. And Everton came back from 2-0 down to draw 2-2, with Defoe, the league's top scorer thanks to that fluke game with Wigan, missed a penalty. I mean, this has got to be the weekend of missed penalties. Cesc was probably the one who started it off and then Chelsea and now Sp*rs. What's funny is, Cesc's penalty miss did not result in points loss. In Chelsea's case it could have made a difference. In Sp*rs case, they lost 2 points. What should hurt more is that they missed the chance to overtake Arsenal once more in the league and stay 4th.

TWO NIL AND YOU FUCKED IT UP.

This has totally made my day. I mean, after watching Adebayor at the weekend and how he decided to become a defender as well and then scored an own goal. It's like Vermaelen for us. He's been a top top top defender who has goals in his Arsenal. So Adebayor, wanted to prove that he can do both as well. Of course, it's a one-match thing. He only steps up a gear when he plays the bigger teams. Oh how hardworking he is. He did create City's equaliser and City went on to win but no one's complaining since it's Chelsea. I don't know anyone in the world in the right mind who would root for Chelsea if you are a neutral supporter. Of course, being neutral means not being emotionally involved but that is hardly possible in football.

Just like how watching Sp*rs fuck it up totally sends glee through my veins.

No more Monday blues for me.

I wore my white kit out yesterday, the one dedicated to Arshavin. Should flaunt it a little more, that expensive thing. I met a Sp*rs fan. How often do you meet weird people like that, when you don't live in North London. Anyway ahahaha, it makes me so glad to know how he's feeling a lot of shit right now. It's priceless when this happens to the spuds. Why do they even bother.

So, there isn't any updates regarding the injuries suffered at Stoke. Man Utd is having a ball of a time with their extremely makeshift defence. Our problems probably lie in attack but that's where we have the greatest depth in. That's got to start showing soon. The lads would be getting a good rest while the youngsters take the field. Hopefully the senior players will play in the same way they did against Stoke, in addition to better finishing and no missed penalty. heh.

We've lost to both Chelsea and Man Utd already. We need to take the Liverpool game at least. Man Utd have shown last season that you don't have to take maximum points from the big boys to win the league but this season may not be the case with Chelsea taking lots of points from the rest of the title challengers. We need to keep on winning.

3 points, a clean sheet. I like it simple.

2009-12-06T01:00:00.002+08:00

I am all about vulgarities. And I've had complaints. Oh bother.

This time though, it's vulgar for a good cause.

FUCK ME, ARSENAL KEPT A FUCKING CLEAN SHEET.

In my previous post it was rather gloomy. But yay, I was right. Desire. Desire is all it takes. Nevermind the height disadvantage. Desire. It gets you there.

Rory Delap came at us at every opportunity with ling throws to get balls into the box. If the boys learnt well from last season's game at the Britannia Stadium, it was to always go for the first ball. The way Stoke gets the ball into the net is built on a Stoke player winning the first ball and then flicking it anywhere in the sea of players for another teammate to stab it in.

And everyone all back defending that nasty throw-in went for it.

DESIRE. THAT'S ALL IT TAKES.

We took 3 points. That's all that matters now. Wenger has been talking up Arshavin and trying to get him focused on Arsenal instead of him missing out at the world cup and what a response that was. Eduardo suffered a set back just before the game, and it allowed Arshavin to slot into that lone striker role and he has done immensely well today. Who knew, that Robin's replacement, wasn't another striker but Arshavin. I don't quite know what he is. An attacking midfielder? He's just brilliant running at defenders. He has the pace and the intelligence and he had several chances for one-on-ones with the keeper, only to be denied by his first touch or his delaying of the shot.

When he didn't screw it up though, it resulted in a goal. That chance that became the goal was arguably the hardest of all the chances that were presented to him all night. He once again exhibited his zero backlift to fire the shot into the bottom corner. Brilliant.

Thomas Sorenson did pretty well in goal but was pretty powerless to avoid defeat. With Robin out, it sure looks like we've lost a penalty taker as well. Kudos to Cesc though. A penalty miss like that could destroy a person's confidence but he still manage to carry the team and get stronger and stronger. He never gave up and neither did the team and the second goal duly arrived, save for us who should have been 3-0 up at half time.

Vela came on for Rosicky and I hope it wasn't for an injury because I would most seriously flip. Vela did really well and when Fuller came on for Stoke, he was causing some problems and at one point, Traore looked to have too much on his plate and Vela came right back and swooped in a brilliant tackle to take the ball and then get back on his feat. Lovely.

Ramsey came on for Eboue who was struggling a bit and to be honest, I didn't think he would have featured as much if Eboue could continue. If we do lose Eboue though, it'll be a great shame. He was doing a really good job and is maturing a lot as a player. He was good going forward and provided good cover at the back too, providing support to Sagna, who too had a good game. I can't help but think that Eboue and Sagna link up really well, probably from their off-field relationship.

Ramsey stole the night at the end with his very well taken goal. He's always looking to score and he has and it was a fantastic strike to say the least. He's such a hottie.

If Rosicky, Eboue and Traore have injury concerns, this probably sucks a lot. Gallas looked to be struggling too. I hope the official site didn't put a hex on Rosa and Gallas by announcing that their contract extensions are imminent.

Midweek, it's Olympiacos and since we're all but assured top spot, it should be a Carling Cup team out there. They've got much to prove, especially after the defeat to Man City. Last chance for first team action before they get shipped out on loan.

All in all, a good shift put in by the boys. Desire beats the lack in height. Brilliance over brute force.

Height isn't all that matters

2009-12-04T18:01:00.003+08:00

As we all know, the defeat at City was the 2nd 3-0 in a row, also the 3rd defeat too.

There isn't much cause for alarm given the fact that the Carling Cup is a competition to blood the youngsters who definitely aren't world beaters. As it is now, even the non-injured first teamers aren't world beaters either.

I don't know if it would have made a difference if a first team were put out there, to be honest.

I only managed to wake up for the last 10 minutes and I'm not the kind who turns off the TV before the game ends, even when they're being humiliated. Watch them lose I did. And I caught the 3rd goal which was no more than a sucker punch really.

I saw Alex Song get cautioned and hence missing the next game which is the visit of Stoke City.

I think it's going to get very nervy everytime they get a throw-in in our half of the pitch. We've got the bunch of shorties out there and now even Theo's injured.

Clichy, Bendtner and Diaby are probably 2 weeks away from a return.

People think we lack height and blah blah blah, but look at Bendtner and Diaby. They, the 2 people who have scored own goals from set pieces when they were supposed to defend it. The irony. Vermaelen isn't the tallest of central defenders yet when he has the willingness to go for the ball, he can put off even Peter Crouch. Sometimes it isn't about height but desire.

That's probably something the boss would be preaching. He is going through a rough time now staring at the defeats and Mark Hughes making a big hoo-ha about the handshake snub. He handed us our 3rd defeat in a row. He probably has to look back at why Wenger shook Steve Bruce's and Carlo Ancelotti's after those games yet denied him one.

A win has to start tomorrow and hopefully it does. I'm pretty sick of watching the team lose and post match, it's always the same excuses. The players have to take responsibility for it and want to make a difference otherwise, the road downhill is going to continue.

City have drawn United in the semis and that's just super funny. It's like United is going to be the one who'll destroy Hughes again after he thinks he has won something.

And we, Singaporeans, can totally just say screw you Starhub, we don't care about Carling Cup coverage.

All I Desire is Full Football Coverage. Apparently That's Too Much to Ask This Season

2009-12-02T11:05:00.002+08:00

The lads travel to the City of Manchester Stadium again.

Carling Cup tonight, which will be interesting. Man City will be looking to bounce back from their record 7 draws in a row. We really got rid of that hex by selling them Toure and Adebayor.

Now, we're simply losing. If you look at it though, we've lost 6 points over 2 games and if we start winning again, it's fine.

On the other hand, to throw away 14 points over 7 games is just retarded.

Both teams need to get wins to at least gain some momentum for the league games to come and I foresee the winner taking it all.

Lazy Adebayor will once again be fired up to play against his former club, the only games of the season he decides to not be lazy because there is a huge need to bite the hand that fed you, or made you who you are today, minus the lazy part. He has the potential to cause problems (when un-lazy) so whoever's playing at centreback should be watching him closely. The laziness in him will wait for a free header so the only way to frustrate him is to mark him for 90 minutes + extra time and I believe the likes of Senderos, who should be putting in a shift tonight, is capable.

Youngsters like Ramsey, Wilshere, Vela and co. will play. Nasri has just spoken about his happiness at the club after making his 50th club appearance last weekend. He hopes to hit 300 or 400 because he simply loves it here. I mean, when all the shorties are out on the pitch, the team is incredibly hot. The girls would love to believe that Arsene Wenger hires on looks.

Imagine a team with Nasri, Vela, Walcott, Fabregas, Ramsey, Wilshere (DIMPLES). Oh, I forgot Arshavin. The shorties have looks. Ramsey drives me crazy with his lack of screentime.

I didn't include giant Bendtner who constantly hurts his groin.

So, I got the email from Arsenal Singapore, which contained the response from Starhub regarding Carling Cup match coverage. Riggghhhht. I saw the part where negotiations reached a standstill and I just rolled my eyes. Trust Starhub to hit a glitch in "negotiations". Have they looked at Singtel's football coverage prices? That's a big boy who knows how to play the game. There is no need for basic groups and all you need to pay is a freakin $25/month to watch every fucking thing, including tennis and F1. This season sucks because I don't have UEFA Champion's League coverage. When FA Cup season kicks off we'll know if we have that too. Consumers are always the last to be informed but the first to be charged.

Singtel's doing an awfully good job at winning us over. Low prices are key. It's the part where they win our trust that scares me. That's when we get screwed.

No game to watch tonight. I don't think anyone's surprised.

Come end May 2010, I'm throwing my set top box back at Starhub. Suck that. I can't believe I got a Starhub mobile phone plan just to get the hub club discount. So going to dump that when it's over too. If Singtel could charge us so much less, why was there a need to constantly increase the subscription prices over the years when Starhub had the rights?

Switching to Singtel is like getting a 50% discount. In Singapore terms, that's absolutely fucking worth the trouble to switch. And I doubt we'll get shit like "negotiations hit a standstill" or the fucking broadcaster selecting which matches not to broadcast just so that the football fans get the notice like the fucking day before the game. Oh yes. Sunderland away of last season.

Football fans don't forget.

A shitty end, to a shitty week

2009-11-30T01:59:00.003+08:00

Instead of turning things around, it's 2 losses in a row. 4th of the season.

And the boys did put in a good shift, but not good enough to overcome Chelsea.

What hurts is Sp*rs leapfrogging us into 3rd place.

What hurts is the league leaders being 11 points ahead.

What hurts is Ashley Cole having a hand in the first 2 goals, which were decisive to say the least.

What hurts is the team falling apart without Van Persie.

And it's completely stupid to pin it all on Robin's absence. He led the team well and was key in the 4-3-3 formation. Eduardo hasn't been given the time to settle into the role and has been unconvincing so far.

I never wanted to admit it but height is really an issue for Arsenal. Chelsea were coming in with the blocks and defending in numbers and there weren't many clear cut chances at goal. Sure, the second half had more drive to make things happen but after handing a 2-goal cushion to the opposition it's going to be difficult. If there was a time to step a gear up it would have been nice if it were right from the kickoff.

The most optimistic of us hoped against hope at half time that the team would turn it around but it was not meant to be.

Another key incident could be when Arshavin's goal was disallowed when Eduardo managed to knock it off Cech's hands. I believed it should have stood, and getting a goal that early in the second half could have made way for a comeback or so. Honestly though, it would have been difficult.

It's going to get busier and we've got to be able to get through it. I never thought we would be counting the consequences of not signing Chamakh in the summer just so Wenger could spite Bordeaux and not pay a cent next summer. Then again, who knew Bendtner would do his groin either.

November is a horrible month. It's over. December will be here and it's time to get everything back on track.

The Shorties have Won.

2009-11-25T09:38:00.003+08:00

There is an injury hex placed on the month of November. I now believe so.

Gibbs looked to have survived any long term injuries from the international break and slotted right into the squad, with Clichy out. Obviously, Mr Wenger was unconvinced about Traore.

But now, Gibbs couldn't avoid what looks like the inevitable. His first metatarsal is fractured. It should keep him out for 2 months, if you believe the ever reliable estimates thrown at us.

Somewhat fortunately, there is still Traore. Maybe the forces of the universe want to give him an extended run in the team, by crocking the 2 left backs in front of him. What remains to be seen, is if Wenger will go for Silvestre at left back ahead of him for Chelsea.

I'm not sure if the Chelsea game will be the biggest Traore has ever played. He needs to step up.

As usual, thanks to being busy and it down to not being a zombie i.e. alive in the day, I missed the game. Well, I would have stayed up to watch if I had it on fuckin cable TV but it is all not meant to be. I am looking forward to next year when I switch to bloody Singtel and have all my football but not vote PAP at the next election. Hey, someone has to bear the brunt of all these frustrations. They just sat around and did nothing.

Our population is so small and it isn't viable to have multi competitors torturing the minute pool of consumers yet it is still happening.

I shouldn't get started.

So, Arsenal won 2-0 at home to Standard Liege thanks to goals from Nasri and Denilson. These 2 are coming back from injury pretty strongly, if goals were to vouch for them. Denilson's finish was nothing short of spectacular while Nasri looks to be growing into the 4-3-3 a little more.

The downside, was of course, Gibbs.

It's the 25th. 5 days to go. 1 match to see out before December comes. It doesn't look like we'll be getting any of the absentees back in December.

All I hope is that we do not add to the injury list.

Liverpool is probably hogging the headlines now with no good reason. I can't help but feel sorry for them but hey, Benitez and them pool fans have pride themselves as a club who does well in the Champion's League, better than domestically. Now they're neither.

Maybe every season there'll be one of the big 4 fighting with the wannabes for 4th spot. Last season it was us. This time, it's Liverpool. Whoever laughed at Arsenal last term should start eating their words.

I read the match report on Arsenal.com and it was hilarious, particularly the part on the goalmouth melee. Ahaha. Ever seen a funkier match report?

It all started when Fabregas took a corner...

* Arshavin's point-blank shot was saved
* Then Vela's collected the rebound and planted the ball against the post
* Then Gallas had two efforts blocked by the keeper
* And finally Vermaelen's vicious shot beat everyone, hit Arshavin on the line and flew wide

Stupefying.

I <3 my extremely short team.

I realised we have an additional day of rest, unlike Chelsea. Normally those are the things that happen when Man Utd have a midweek game and face a top 4 team. The fixture list so far, has been very kind. May it long continue. It also remains to be seen, if that extra day to recover makes a difference.

They Had Better Pick Up the Freakin Pieces

2009-11-22T01:25:00.003+08:00

This loss was always coming.

We have a squad that has strength in depth, but there are 2 positions that particularly, do not have a back up who can do the job like the first choice does.

And you could always put your money on Van Persie getting crocked playing for Holland. It has happened a lot over the years.

With Walcott returning and Vela waiting in the wings, we still had Eduardo. Rosicky, Arshavin and Nasri, all available.

Yet all of them couldn't find the magic today.

Eduardo did the job to the best he knew how. Robin took a few games to get the hang of it and he learnt the position well. Dudu just got thrown into it today and it was clear he wasn't accustomed to the positions he had to get into and lacked the ability to bring the rest of the players into the game. It is no fault of his. I believe, that with time, he'll get it.

In the meantime though, while Robin is placenta-ing, we might have a situation at hand.

The other position is the defensive midfield one which Song currently owns. That's another problem in January.

Looking at the team sheet today, it looked to be set up for an absolute stormer. Eduardo was up front with Nasri and Rosicky flanking. Seriously. I can't recall Samir and Tomas playing on either flanks before. Fabregas was in the heart of midfield with Ramsey starting and Song behind them. It looked so juicy on the attacking front.

I guess one of the problems could be the lack of communication up front. The players train together a lot but it's pretty different on the pitch. The on-pitch understanding has to be spot on when applying Arsenal's playing style. The player's movement and the interchanging of positions have to be very exact. When the regulars are missing the players coming in for them weren't able to string it all together.

At least they couldn't tonight.

The opening minutes were optimistic though. Rosicky's shot from a determined Fabregas cross was a fantastic one but it was met by a fantastic save. Apart from that, I don't remember any other time we came that close. After that Rosicky faded quite a bit and I forgot he was even on the pitch.

I'm actually pretty glad a bad game like this did not end up in a draw. Sure we lose 3 points instead of 2, but when a loss comes, it really forces everyone to sit down and think hard about it. A draw gives them consolation which I think is rubbish. Screw unbeaten runs. I'm only interested in winning streaks. If it takes one loss like this to get it all together then by all means.

And we all knew the day when the free scoring will screech to a halt. I'm sure no one expected it so soon after Fabregas declared his fear.

Meh.

Credit to Sunderland. They did well and deserved to win. Steve Bruce is an impressive manager. To be able to put together a team consisting of that many new players and be successful thus far is no mean feat. I don't need to cite Man City do I? 2-1 and they fucked it up in seconds. It was pretty funny. In the post before I said I'll put my $ on them drawing again. True enough, it happened. Their equalisers sure come at the most painful moments. I kinda thought we got rid of 2 hexes - one of drawing uncontrollably, and the tendency to concede right after scoring. And we shipped 2 players off to them. hah. I kinda watched the game for Adebayor. He's still the same lazy wuse who probably will only work hard when playing Arsenal, and then just wait for free headers in the box to score.

I hope I don't have to eat my words after this. I'd prefer a loss and then a run of many many wins to 5 draws in a row. I realised we play Chelsea next who are in top form.

2 losses in a row ain't what I have in mind. The team has Liege midweek to regroup. I don't want a horror show next week.

drama mama just because it's Henry

2009-11-20T10:07:00.003+08:00

Ahahaha. Seriously. Just when I thought the international break was just going to be boring and uneventful with a whole lot of our players getting crocked, I was wrong.

So wrong.

The angry Irish people are angry. Angry at Thierry Henry. Oh baby.

It's not like a whole lot of whining and anger will get them to the world cup. You're out of it, suck that. I look at the Irish team and there's Robbie Keane and I have zero sympathy.

So, the angry Irish have written to FIFA to request a replay of the play-off in France, one that is so not happening. I mean, even the Irish prime minister has chosen to intervene. Lol at Football mixing with politics. They're going to start bombing each other soon. Or start a world war.

Why are the Irish angrier than the Scottish?

Because that goal Gallas scored sent them out.

Why weren't Celtic as pissy after the Eduardo dive?

No matter what they did, they were never going to win.

These are just the horns of the lesser nations blaring at their inability to win the game. We can all whine and scream about all the injustices on the football pitch but ultimately, the ref's decision is final. That's the part that hurts, but that's just part of the game. Kill the ref, not the player. If Robbie Keane was in the same situation he would have used both hands.

Titi is still my hero. Everyone has a point in Arsenal history where they started becoming a fan and mine's Titi.

Oh and part of being Irish is being a little bit on the cuckoo side. Henry currently plays for Barcelona. Why is Arsenal even in the news?

He didn't cheat while at Arsenal. Use the brains God gave you.

On the Arsenal side of things, if there are to be positives from this horrible 2-week break, it has got to be certain injury news. I was incensed to find out that Cesc and Vermaelen played 90 minutes in a pointless friendly. Srsly. Gallas playing 90+extra time is for a good cause. (HEH) Arshavin did 90 too so I don't know if the boss will be resting these guys at Sunderland. The positives come from players returning to fitness. I think Gibbs got crocked at a very stupid timing. Traore is fit and ready and probably hungry to take that left back spot and I think the boss will go with him ahead of Silvestre. Hopefully, I'd say. All that is associated with Silvestre is his experience.

After that, it'll be interesting to see who takes the left back position against Liege since Gibbsy is earmarked to be ready for that game.

Denilson is back too, so is Vela. Timely for the both of them. I'm hungry to see Vela play in our 4-3-3.

That's about all, besides giving Eduardo the time to sign a new contract. He's one of those players who are extremely settled over here.

The true tests of the season starts tomorrow. It'll be playing every 3 days soon enough and still grinding out important results.

Liverpool play Man City. hahaha. srsly. I think I can put my money on a draw.

Lastly, the charity video for the Great Ormond Street Hospital is the love. Cesc as a bunny couldn't be more apt. And Arsharkvin. Sagna is cute too. And Theo as a lion hitting on a girl? Awesome.

Internationals are so freakin LAME

2009-11-18T11:52:00.003+08:00

It's midweek. The pointless international friendlies aren't all over yet, some still to be played tomorrow and all. Only France and Russia have good reason to play football with their World Cup playoffs.

I think the November international break is the sickest of its lot.

Gibbs is the latest casualty while Robin probably the most severe. He's going to seek alternative treatment with placenta fluid and there is a whole lot of misinformation about that one. I don't know if it's COW/HORSE or HUMAN placenta. It's just placenta. Hope it helps.

I think we were harping on how gifted Arsenal is at the left-back position. And Kieran goes down. I think that there's a possibility that Tom Vermaelen might deputise there while moving in Senderos or Silvestre to partner Gallas. But in view of Wenger's recent comments about not breaking up the centre-back partnership, I think Silvestre will just slot in at left back.

Bad news all around.

It would be quite fantastic though, to see how the Verminator plays as a full-back. He is quite a complete centre-back with goalscoring ability. I think I want to see his crossing. Our left-backs can't cross even if their lives depended on it.

But of course, the heart of the defence should still be top priority. I think playing Silvestre there instead would be diabolical. Senderos I don't know. I kinda feel that he should be given a chance to come on again. I don't think featuring in the Carling Cup is enough. At this stage in his career, he should be playing more. I would be sad to see him leave. If not for Djourou though, he could well be at Everton.

Okay so there'll be a return to real football action this weekend at Sunderland. Can't wait. Then Liege again midweek. A good chance to all but seal qualification and be a step closer to taking the top spot in the group. Then Chelsea will come along and it's a good chance to see where we all stand after that. So far, Chelsea have been seen as solid title contenders. We'll find out if we're at their standard too.

'Oh my God, this is so ugly!'

2009-11-09T12:12:00.003+08:00

is what Robin says when he watches other teams on TV.

Imagining him saying it in his Dutch accent makes it funnier.

He had some tough choices to make at 14 and he chose football over drinking and smoking and stealing candy so that's a good thing.

This dude is desperate to win trophies with Arsenal, having only won 2 in his Arsenal career, a meaningless community shield and the FA Cup.

And we all know how Cesc is on the same frequency with this.

It's FABPERSIE!!

The way these 2 link up is awesome.

So anyway, the Wolves game was a good win. Yes. Now it's time to examine the other positives. They were all wet from the heavy rain and there was Ramsey. And then Nasri came on. Did you notice all the cute faces on the pitch?

Arsenal ain't just a team that plays beautiful football. They are beautiful.

And Nasri's English lessons have paid off (assuming he hired a tutor). His English is sexy.

So, last night, Chelsea and Man Utd played the ugly game. I mean, I got so bored I went to watch How I Met Your Mother, switching after each episode to check the score, not that it matters. HIMYM is friggin hilarious. Neil Patrick Harris FTW srsly. Anyway, I still managed to catch Johnny Evans' double kick on Drogba and his theatrics. Give that guy an oscar!!!!! He totally vibrated on the ground like he was reaching orgasmic enlightenment. If anyone didn't know, like the blind referee, he's just trying to get the player sent off that's all.

SAF probably thinks the ref was blind too. Everytime they lose, it's the usual complaints and the blasting of the referee. It's so typical it's boring now.

So Chelsea go 5 points clear and then the press has decreased Man Utd's title chances. That is purely lame. It's as though they have nothing else to write. Maybe their naive minds believe that Chelsea, after beating United, will go on to win every damn game this season so the 5 point gap is enough to win it for them.

So, Man City seems to be on a downward spiral. They should know that the rest of the world will laugh at them when things go wrong. And the City fans are labeling Mr Adebayor a lazy sulk. It's sooo funny. It's funnier when his last goal was against Arsenal. I mean, after he started the season with aplomb, scoring in every match leading up to the face off with us. And then his motivation went out the window.

Again.

I think he'll stay at Man City all his life. I don't think the clubs he dreams of joining (Milan, Barcelona) will want him now. He is a quality striker but his attitude is not there. He ain't gonna get more money for playing better really.

At this point in the season, Robin has 7 league goals while Cesc has 6. Adebayor has like, 4? That's on par with Arshavin who probably hasn't even kicked into top gear yet. And somehow, that's not down to being lazy.

Who, at the start of the season, would put $ on Cesc scoring more goals that Adebayor at this point?

Now, I read the City fans and how proud they are of Adebayor after that win against Arsenal and I really want to laugh. Guilty as charged. Counting chickens before they hatch. Celebrating a player not worth celebrating. Then 5 draws in a row. Hilarious.

Man Utd has lost a great player in Ronaldo. (Nobody mentions Tevez either) Arsenal ain't whining about losing Adebayor. In fact, he was a weak link. I mean, he was first choice at Arsenal and he had Fabregas and Van Persie providing good service to him. Yet he only moaned about how it sucks to play in the lone striker role. Look at Robin now. He is thriving. He had a rough start while adapting to this new role and now look at what hard work does for you. Peak of his career, scoring more goals than ever, enjoying his football, and of course, fatherhood.

I love you Robin Van Persie.

Thank you ZUBAAAARRRR

2009-11-08T03:32:00.002+08:00

Hah. Once again, the boys let the talking be done on the pitch.

Mick McCarthy set out to attack or whatever he calls they did and was soooo sure he'll get something out of this game. Didn't try to park the bus but play a really high line and press high up the pitch.

It worked for the first 20 minutes.

Or you need to play well only for 28.

Until Zubarrrrr hipped the ball in for our first goal, courtesy of pressure from Eduardo. I think after Eboue stole his goal the other time he decided to let the team know that it wasn't his before they started celebrating. The thing is, it is OKAY to celebrate an own goal like it's yours. Everyone does that.

After the first goal, you get the feeling that Wolves were falling apart. They lost their zest and determination to keep Arsenal at bay. But aww, these sort of tactics aren't going to work for the whole 90 minutes because I'd like to think that Arsenal have this gear shift and they can up one when needed.

Eduardo got a goal finally but it was thanks to a deflection off a wolves defender. Haaar.

Ramsey had a part to play and he did pretty well today. He has such a pretty face.

Jokes aside, the first 20 minutes saw Song relegated to the bench with Rambo coming it. Then Diaby had to limp off and Song came on and resumed his shift in the holding role. I think this has totally showed us how important he is to the team. He's doing so well and it his strength and presence which allows the rest of the team to play that swift attacking football we only know how to play. It was pretty diabolical without him and I'm looking towards January and it might be hell for us when he's gone. Or even if he (NONONONO) picks up an injury. I read this before the game (from Arseblog) and it's a really endearing article. I like him so much more.

Now that Diaby is probably going to be out injured, Ramsey has a chance to prove himself in the first team. His energy is fantastic and he's so cute to look at. Wrong reason I know. And then we have an international break and that's 2 weeks. 2 weeks for the national teams to crock our players, 2 weeks for the injured players to come back. Moo. They're the 2 sides of a freakin coin really.

Fabregas continued his scoring run in injury time of the first half when Wolves were just waiting for the whistle. Haaaaaaaaaaaaaa. Srsly.

The lads then strolled through the second half with Arshavin adding a fourth and then we allowed them to get a consolation.

The commentators were a load of crap to say the least. I don't get why people are so anti-Arsenal. These shits can just fuck the hell off because as a bloody commentator you're supposed to be bloody objective, otherwise just shut the hell up. Who says that at 3-0 up, Wolves will master a great comeback worthy of going into the premier league history books?

You can only say that at the City of Manchester Stadium. No wait. They weren't 3-0 up. The came back from being 2-0 down and then scored 3 and fucked it up. Oh yes. I have been waiting a long long time to say this. 3-3 it ended with Burnley equalising.

Another huge haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa.

that's 5 draws in a row for them. 10 points dropped. I guess we got rid of Adebayor who brought on the knack for drawing except that he is no artist.

HEH.

That's all folks.

MOAR GOALS

2009-11-06T10:50:00.003+08:00

I rarely get a good chance to sleep in and then I do, and then some numbshite upstairs decides to do construction work.

It's such a lovely rainy Friday morning. What are the odds?

Thanks to technology though, or whoever who invented in-ear ear phones, I'm pumping music into my eardrums to kill off the shitty construction NOISE. They're working very well.

Okay so, there's a game tomorrow. The lads travel to Wolves, while Chelsea meet Man Utd. I've always wondered about the fixtures. It's pretty darn amazing. It probably happens by chance but hey, look at the situation - the top 2 clash, giving the 3rd in the table a chance to make up some ground should one of them slip up, which is bound to happen. Of course, the ideal result when big teams clash is a draw, so both teams lose 2 points. But whatever, this is a situation Man Utd got into so much last season. They had no lack of opportunities to "make up ground". I kinda like our fixture list this campaign.

Confidence should be high and Fabregas is banging in the goals like nobody's business to be on par with Van Persie in the club's scoring charts. I suppose the final layer of his development does lie in goalscoring and he's developing well. It's pretty scary to know that he's just 22 and has a long way to go in his footie career and his potential is boundless. He sure if enjoying his football and his captaincy. I still find it hilarious that the captain gets to decide short sleeves or long sleeves every game and the rest of the team will have to comply. I mean, Arshavin in short sleeves with gloves is pretty hilarious, and Song with long sleeves rolled up just as much.

Wenger has no intention of rotating the centre back positions, allowing Vermaelen and Gallas to own. I think stability in that position is pretty important. Everytime Gallas starts limping or is tackled roughly my heart sinks quite a bit. Last season, after he got over the whole loss of captaincy thing, he really stepped it up and played really well. Then when he had to go off injured and miss the rest of the season it coincided with that horrible slump. Nevermind that Djourou who came to fill in got injured in the following game. Without a doubt, Gallas is a top class defender and a model pro. The way he's handled the events in his career is admirable. His partnership with Vermaelen is fantastic. They kept Peter Crouch quiet even with the difference in height. You know, Crouch who got his first career hattrick against Arsenal. Of course, he was playing for Liverpool, who practice long balls only every training hence their service was definitely waaayyy better than Sp*rs can ever be.

So, no injuries to Thomas and William please. They're doing so well. I hope Wenger talking about it didn't just put a hex on them.

In other news, I have Football Manager 2010! It's kinda crappy so far. I mean, Hull City is really strong in there. That's shitty.

I am convinced Abou Diaby Scored that goal for me

2009-11-05T07:32:00.003+08:00

What a game.

Fabregas on the double, while Nasri made it through 90 minutes and had a goal to his name too. And Diaby? I asked him to shut me up and he got a goal.

Right after the boss says Cesc has grown up a lot in the past 2 years hence the goals at Sp*rs, he bags a brace this time. ILU Cesc Fabregas.

The only thing is, I only caught the game after 75 minutes because I was asleep. Games at 3.45 am are difficult to stay up for, especially when there isn't guaranteed coverage thanks to two telcos. This is where game theory is relavent. The twosome are engaging in zero sum game where one cannot be better off without making one worse off. The pool of football fans will remain the same, regardless. Singtel having exclusive rights will not create more football fans. These 2 parties don't seem to realise the inconvenience and undue stress they're causing people like me, as if being human is not enough to deal with already.

The online streams are pretty good though, but being me, I get very stressed before the game while waiting for one of the streams to work, especially one with English commentory. No to Chinese please. It's cheesy and just wrong.

Ya, I know I am Chinese.

So, I guess it's how the universe works. I watched the game when it was 3-0 and then Diaby scored. I woke up for Diaby's goal.

Ha ha ha.

How hilarious.

Arsene Wenger should drag him to press conferences more often.

A good 4-1 win against AZ and we look good value for top spot in the group.

I wonder how it's like, when it's crazy noisy at the Emirates and dead quiet across the street, you know, the douches who want to build a new stadium to match ours but fall short at a 57,000 capacity only. They're the nutjobs who want to tap into the pool of North London fans as well, when it is fixed and I don't see how anyone in the right mind will ditch Arsenal for Sp*rs. Perhaps they want to attract the impressionable youth and give them a one-way ticket to becoming losers.

The Next Game is coming!!

2009-11-04T10:59:00.005+08:00

It's funny how the next game is coming, yet much hype is still coming from the Sp*rs game.

It's even funnier when there are people out there with common misconceptions about derby rivalries. Sure, we do not live anywhere near Ashburton Grove, in the thick of the action but we sure as hell understand the importance of a big game like that.

It's kinda like before, when it was Man Utd vs Arsenal, and living next door is my devil brother.

But yes, we all grow up as the years pass by and it translates into mutual respect.

I don't think that will ever happen with Sp*rs because they will never match Arsenal's level.

But in Derbies, what makes it exciting is how lousy players (Sp*rs shites) can find it in their engines to step up their game just because it's Arsenal. Not that they managed that sort of gear shift last Saturday. In fact, they didn't. It was kinda like a walkover, but evidently, ol Harry didn't agree. He only harped on the goalless 42 minutes. That's all. It was like a desperate attempt to search for posivites from a match that had none for his team.

So yes, the boss says that Cesc would never be able to score that Sp*rs goal had he been 2 years younger.

Yup, I concur.

Injury news consists of Clichy being out with a possible stress fracture to his back. Once again, it's a matter of weeks. The boss reiterated that Bendy's injury is quite severe but it's just 1 month. Not a matter of months. The good news is, we seem to have a lot of back up in the left back position and I'd love to see Gibbsy play more. He's growing on me. His goofy smile especially. I feel so old.

The other good news is, Rosicky is back. Like HA HA HA. OMFG. Most unbelievable piece of news for the day really. Now I figured that being a negative arse when it comes to Rosicky helps a great deal. At least you're not looking for him to come back when the boss says it's a 'matter of days'. If you expect weeks or months then when he comes back in less, REJOICE!

When it comes to Champion's League press conferences, I am rather intrigued at how they pick who the bring along. Do they draw from a hat? Or does the boss decide?

It's Diaby this time, and he talked about why Wenger was frustrated during the Sp*rs game. I mean. It was simply because of youuuuu. Lol.

Maybe that's why he was chosen.

And probably to shut the fans up for giving him stick when the boss thinks he has a whole host of attibutes that can make valuable contributions to the game. Apparently he has a good attacking instinct from the deep positions and needs to find the balance between attacking and defending, somewhat similar to what Robin said about himself here.

I hope Diaby shuts me up. I really need him to. He has the boss's backing and all but he really needs to step it up all the time and not when he feels like it.

I shall end off with Arsha. He's soooo happy at Arsenal.

♥♥♥♥♥

I need to parade my arsha jersey more often. It's gorgeous and downright $ sucking.

42 Minutes

2009-11-02T02:15:00.004+08:00

I turned on the TV yesterday when I got back from the Liz and I jinxed Liverpool. Normally, when I do that, I have to watch them win. But nooo, everything went so well on Sp*rs demolition day I decided to try my luck again, with Man City.

They got a draw. I watched from the hour mark so I missed the penalty save by Shay Given. Damnnnn. Should have started watching waaaaaaay earlier. A draw nonetheless, their 4th in a row. Their drive to go forward only lasted the initial stages of the season. Adebayor didn't play and I guess that made a difference (no compliments to him tyvm).

It is interesting to note that there is a Ferguson and a Benitez in Birmingham City.

I had a great time reading all the Arsenal blogs after the Sp*rs win.They were epic and awesome. Much of it was centred on Keane's comments before the game, talking up Sp*rs to Arsenal's level. He claims good ol sp*rs have strength in depth even though Defoe, Lennon and Modric were unable to participate.

And then after the game, Sp*rs started moaning about their injury woes.

Nothing like finding excuses really, just like ol Harry's game of football. If you played in Harry's football league, every game comprises only of 42 minutes. If you hold off the team you're playing against for 42 minutes, keeping the score goalless, you're on your way to pulling off a 'great result'. All you need to do, is play well for 42 minutes.

Sad to say, Sp*rs are playing in the Barclay's Premier League, and like all other football games at the top level, the game lasts a minimum of 90 minutes.

I guess, for teams who come to the Emirates, we are such a formidable team to beat, hence keeping it goalless for the first 42 minutes is a mean feat you can be proud of, regardless of the final score with 90 minutes have passed, plus added time.

Hold off Arsenal for 42 minutes and you're guaranteed a win. They should have a sign somewhere to motivate the away teams.

Sad ol Harry. He couldn't come up with more creative excuses.

I'm going to watch Cesc's goal again and laugh some more. I don't know if he has any idea what he did to all of us, fans at the Emirates and fans catching the game elsewhere. I think we went bonkers for the next 5 minutes in utter disbelief yet complete joy which words can't describe.

Oh right. I got the word.

It's pandemonium.

Why so sore, Harry?

2009-11-01T00:26:00.004+08:00

Sooooo.

Got back from the Liz where it was the most happening it has ever been. Or at least when I'm there. The atmosphere was fantastic and so was the game. What a splendid pairing.

The signed Arsenal ball went to someone who didn't know Cesc Fabregas' previous number before he got the 4. Hell. I even know the number he first got at Arsenal. MEH.

We should have an Arsenal knowledge quiz instead boy.

The game. It started quite badly, we thought the lads were doing badly. They weren't going for the ball as much as we expect them too and Sp*rs were getting on really well with the interceptions and the disruption of our flowing attacking football. They probably spent too much time doing that until they didn't have much chances in front of goal. At one point we had 6 shots on target already and they were still at zip.

At that point, I feared the worst. Things like this are typical of Arsenal. Lots of shots on target, while the other team had none. I was expecting Sp*rs to hit that one shot on target and the ball going past Almunia.

But it was all not meant to be because Robin did very well to get at the end of a Bakary Sagna cross to guide the ball in while he was half in mid air. It was like leaping and hitting the ball, somewhat like a volley. You'll have to watch the replay a few times to actually see that the goal wasn't as easy as it looks.

While we were busy screaming and celebrating, we were watching the replay of a Cesc Fabregas goal. LOL. I think at that moment, we all went utterly nuts. Bonkers. It was as though screaming was friggin overrated.

When Sp*rs kicked off, Robin got somewhat in the way and Fabregas capitalised by surging forward with the ball, cleverly going past Ledley King and then driving the ball past Gomez into the back of the net. We've always known Fabregas as the type of player who passes and passes and rarely dribbles and takes on his man. He isn't known for his pace too. Today, he showed that he has the technique and the intelligence to do it all. He is such a complete midfielder it's really very scary that he's only 22.

Also, that kind of thing where you nick the ball from kick off all the way into the back of the net only happens in a FIFA game. Hell, you could even take the goalkeeper and make him dribble all the way to the other end and score too. Little did I know, our lil captain could do it. Goal of the season so far for me. He took on at least 3 players and of course, any goal against Sp*rs will be in the running for goal of the season.

3 goals. And sore Harry has described them as...scandalous. I lol-ed so hard at that one. Plus, the comment that none of our goals were good. Sour grape.

Robin got a brace today and did really well. I think it'll be quite the contest for player of the month of October. That is such a good thing. Robin's first goal was good technique. The second? Really scandalous. Not regarding the ref allowing play to go on, but Gomez actually missing the interception.

Getting home, it's instinctive to turn on the TV and track the other matches. Oh Liverpool. They're really funny. They beat Man Utd and was on a high. Midweek, Arsenal kids did them in. Rafa Benitez hailed a good performance from his side, despite losing. He probably assumed that the lads will play the same way again today but it didn't happen. And then he took Torres off. Grave mistake dude. It gave Fulham the drive to go on. It was 2-1 and then that was when the drama happened and the ref gave a series of reds, reducing pool to nine men. Pool can whine all they want at the decisions but Fulham played well and did fantastic to get to 2-1 when it was 11 v 11.

Now I am so grateful we managed to carve out a 1-0 win at Craven Cottage. Clearly, it's not an easy place to go to.

Refs today have dished out a whole lot of wrongful red cards it seems. And then Mark Clattenburg that douche, failed to dish out more cards. David Bentley had a deliberate handball and he wasn't carded. After that, he went in really hard on Vermaelen and didn't get punished at all. Bummer really. He shouldn't have been on that pitch.

Not that it made any difference.

Lastly, the Arsenal kids travel to Man City for the Carling Cup quarter finals. This is all fated. The kids beat Liverpool, when Wenger found the right balance of experience and youth. I'm sure he'll be doing it again. An opportunity to put certain people in their places but let's not get too far of ourselves. Heh.

Never say 'It's good to be back!'

2009-10-30T12:05:00.002+08:00

The story of Arsenal.

Fabianski: It's good to be back!
Arsenal.com: Fabianski out for 3 weeks

Srsly. So the goalkeeping position is still down to 2 players, them being Almunia and Mannone.

And no one has any idea who's going to start tomorrow's game. Absolutely no idea. It's 50-50 both ways.

Nasri completed 90 minutes but reckons he's not completely match fit yet. He should be a substitute for tomorrow night. What the team really needs is a good ball keeper and he's one of them. The other one, however, is currently crocked.

As expected, an injury setback which was said to be a matter of days, has become weeks. It may well add up to a month and then probably a year too.

OH TOMAS. YOUR KNEE.

If he doesn't get more playing time under his belt he'll most certainly be released next summer when his contract runs out.

Another dude who's holding out for a new contract is Fran Merida. The lad scored a stunner and the team won and so he has a little bit more bargaining power at the contracts table. I hope he stays. I don't enjoy players leaving Arsenal unless they are Emmanuel Adebayor-ish. Speaking of whom, has told the press that Cesc Fabregas will quit Arsenal. When will he realise that it's completely none of his business. No matter what Cesc does, he'll always be in a better place than stinkin Adebayor whose dream was to play for Barcelona but now is at Man Citeh.

Srsly. Real Madrid has already had their crack lines being exposed at the weekend, suffering 4-0 humbling by a lower division side. Citeh's turn should come soon enough. They have people like Adebayor for one who likes to flirt with other clubs (ahem Milan) and then Robinho, who Barcelona are rumoured to be chasing after. Everyone there has a better place to go to.

At Arsenal, I can say that there is no better place. Cesc may one day return, but he won't leave unless he's left a legacy over here. Thierry Henry has set the precedence.

The desire to transform a nobody into a superclub doesn't last all that long. history will forever count for something. It is naive to think money can change everything. There are a lot of things money can't buy. Sure you can buy Adebayor. What you get is his temporary allegience. That's all.

So, Sp*rs tomorrow. I think it'll be wise to go to the Liz early to reserve seats. No Adebayor who likes to score against Sp*rs. We have a whole lot of other people who do as well. It's never too late to start scoring against Sp*rs. The whiners are playing up their injuries so that if they lose, they'll have a direction to push the blame to.

The Zest of Youth put together a great game

2009-10-29T12:44:00.002+08:00

My stream didn't work last night and I didn't want to download another China program and I was totally in concussion mode. I did however wake up to check the result and went back to zzz.

It's Arsenal 2 Liverpool 1, goals here, courtesy of Merida and Bendtner, both of which I decided to arrow in my previous post.

It worked!

I don't know about Fabianski though.

The lads are through to the next round and there's nothing to be unhappy about. They beat Liverpool rather comfortably (as the match reports indicates) and are in the last 16. This means there'll be another game for the youngsters to gain important first team experience. The further they go, the better.

If you went to see the goals, you would see Merida's sweet strike. It won't get any better than that. I suppose Wenger did keep the faith in him and that probably gave him confidence. I think Arsene Wenger is the master of utilising the Placebo effect I tell you.

Football is such a mental game. It relies a lot on the strength of the mind, much more than common people know. Instead of feeding his players the magic pill before each game, he tells them he believes in them and they go out and put on a great show. Granted, it doesn't happen all the time. Works great with youngsters I'd say. It's always a plus to have someone believe in you when you're young. If your mind can handle it you have the potential to work those wonders.

I too spotted Cesc standing up and celebrating Merida's goal. Heh. He's so cute in a cap and informal wear.

Bendtner then scored the winner. The type of goal typical of him if he bothers working hard and hitting shots on the stretch. Thank you for not being lazy.

All in all a good game, would have been better if there was TV coverage. It's the friggin 21st Century and we're still debating about football TV coverage.

This is primitive talk.

Big Game Not on TV. What is The World Coming To.

2009-10-28T22:15:00.003+08:00

Correct me if I'm wrong: I've checked the Starhub TV listings and I can't seem to find any coverage of the Carling Cup.

I think that means that no one in Singapore can watch it on TV. If Singtel does have it though, they would have made a lot of noise about it by now.

Is there no coverage of the Carling Cup in Singapore?

How puzzling.

Anyway, tonight's game will be worth watching. It's Liverpool and we drew them this early on. The good thing is, we are playing at home. I love watching home games. The TV quality seems to be better. The one at West Ham sucked. It sucked even more when the team got only a point when it should have been 3. So now I shall address the fact that there is no TV coverage so the TV quality would be as good as it gets on an internet stream, assuming I'm determined enough to stay up. Lots of coffee today just because it's good. Has the world realised that white coffee is more pleasant than black coffee? I think it's because it's sweet and milky. I was in a secluded Ipoh town not too long ago having fresh white coffee where the coffee beans are roasted with butter.

Sounds sinful.

So, team news ahead of the game sees Nasri and Fabianski make their first appearances of the season. Another reason why this game is worth watching is to see how Fabianski performs and if it means he slots right into the number 1 spot after regaining match fitness. So interesting. If that is the case than Manuel Almunia looks like he'll be on his way out, except that no one wants him. I'm being mean I know. But he got the love when he managed to oust Jens from being first choice and that was by far his best season yet. He just hasn't got started this season. I would give him more chances to prove himself but hey, I'm not the boss, and perhaps his attitude in training had caused the world's longest chest infection on a goalkeeper. An excellent excuse I'd say. Arsene Wenger always seems to find the best excuses for all his players, more so when protecting them. I am envious.

I'm pretty bummed Jack Wilshere will not be featuring thanks to a bad ankle. The return of the many first teamers will limit his chances in the senior squad and the Carling Cup is mean to be his tournament and his stage to shine. Plus, it's such a huge pity to separate Aaron Ramsey from little Jack. They do link up together well, as though they train an extra session everyday together, forever.

Bendtner's in the squad too. He should feature. I hope Liverpool is big enough for him yeah. Everytime I think 'carling cup' and 'nicklas bendtner' I think that 2-0 loss at Turf Moor and his arrogance throughout the match, as though being the only senior player in the team means working less hard, like he's too good to be there. Cocky fellow. He has so much to offer and is so full of self-confidence and belief, that actually is his downfall. Walk tall dude, the right way.

From this article, it looks like it's make or break for Fran Merida. He's in his last year of his contract at Arsenal. He really needs to be spectacular tonight in order to have a long term deal served up on the table. We'll see.

Wenger speaks about Nasri too and it seems that he views this injury positively. I don't think Arsene Wenger can be negative when he comments on his players. Anyhow, it seems that he has invented a new position called the 'half winger'. I'd really like to see how that works.

So many reasons to catch the game. No TV coverage. Meh. Streams will be out later.

Having games in hand doesn't mean points won

2009-10-26T02:13:00.002+08:00

Liverpool got out of their 4-game slump while we sink into one.

2 games may not make it a slump, but it sure as hell is following a pattern. This time, it was far more infuriating than the midweek game because we threw away a 2-goal lead.

And rather stupidly as well. 2-0 and they thought they were cruising to an easy win.

I don't know if it's complacency or over-confidence, the team really has to sort itself out because it's just idiotic to watch and this shouldn't be coming from a top side who wants trophies. Arsene Wenger promised trophies at the AGM and the players never rose to the occasion.

Frustrating to say the least, and no less regarding the goalkeeping situation. I don't know exactly why Almunia still hasn't regained his place. Mannone was only spectacular for the Fulham game and is still very very raw. I'm not showing any support for Almunia because he hasn't exactly impressed at all this season with the mistakes he has already made but things between the posts need to be sorted out asap. If Wenger's idea of all 3 of them being good enough then we shouldn't be conceding soft goals, whoever's keeping goal.

Midfield wise, the trio of Song, Diaby and Fabregas were doing extremely well. Basically, the entire team were doing extremely well until West Ham's first goal came. I don't get it. It's as though winning the game wasn't important enough. I think games like these are further exposing Cesc's shortcomings as captain. It is always going to be an easy job to do when the team is winning. The captain is supposed to be the one who makes the difference in situations like these.

Everyone has a part to play to ensure a win in the game and certain people have heighted responsibilities and the captain is one of them.

Certainly, a sound goalkeeping department would help things a lot. We've sorted out the defensive midfield position with Song stepping up well and Vermaelen has shored up the defence quite a bit. With these 2 done, yet another position coughs out more problems.

It is really high time we got it all right really. That's the only way we'll win trophies, not by declaring it and some meeting with the shareholders. The battles are won on the pitch and I cannot tolerate games being thrown away like that. It sure as hell does not make sense for wannabe champions to do things like that.

The penalty we conceded was stupid to say the least. Song blatently tripped Carlton Cole from behind so there you have it. Such carelessness shouldn't be tolerated.

As always, after every game, win, lose or draw, we look to the next one. It's Liverpool in the Carling Cup in midweek and I'm not too bothered by that. If the lads do well then alright. If not, they'll all be shipped out on loan by January. It's the big game on Saturday that matters.

Sp*rs.

Happy 60th!

2009-10-22T22:48:00.003+08:00

Le Boss turns 60. He doesn't seem all that old to me. Age is just a number!

Does it feel like it is celebration after celebration? Previously, not too long ago, we were celebrating his 13 years in charge of Arsenal, effectively making him the longest serving manager. Now a birthday~ We all love this man.

The feature on Arsenal.com is pretty cool. Masters degree in Economics eh? Everytime I'm feeling sick in Econs class maybe it'll do me good to think about him. A level Econs is fun. University Econs is crap. At A levels you can basically smoke your way through the essays. Now it's all graphs, graphs and more graphs to drive me nuts. I might eventually become cross-eyed. I really hate graphs. And mathematics.

His birthday coincides with the AGM and lots have been said, as expected. Issues about our goalkeeping situation have been raised and he thinks that all 3 of them are good enough. The funny part was him stating that the threesome have made mistakes so I guess they have common ground on this one. I personally feel that none of them are good enough to be a top 4 keeper but there aren't many options elsewhere.

This is one issue worth sticking around to find out more. I think we'll be wondering before every game if Mannone keeps his place in goal.

So, I came across the new attractions at the Sentosa IRs and figured that you'll be able to see Rooney in Singapore. They have a shrek-themed section at Universal Studios Singapore. Pictures here.

West Ham on Sunday. I'm supposed to have a mini party. Hah.

Missing the game doesn't mean they draw!

2009-10-21T09:37:00.003+08:00

I hope I am not to blame for the draw. That draw sure felt like a loss, given the circumstances of the equaliser.

Unfortunately, I was too dead beat to stay up for the game and I fell asleep. A deep deep sleep. Got jolted awake at 6am naturally, like I was getting up for the game but at that time, the match was over~~

So check score, and then went back to sleep.

1-1 it was.

First draw of the season. I hate draws. Draws like these feel like defeats. Anyone would be lying if they didn't see it coming.

Vito Mannone kept his place in number 1 and I think this was his champion's league debut. It'll be interesting yet again, to see if Almunia returns for the West Ham game.

The draw might have been harsh, but we're still top of the group and have a good chance of qualifying so there is no need to be worried.

Other than the above, I can't say much because my brain wanted a good snooze. Heh.

Ciao.

Oh the red beach ball

2009-10-20T01:13:00.004+08:00

As expected, the injury news just keep piling up.

Theo's out for a month, Rosicky has a niggle too. Apparently his niggle will last at most 3 days, but whadddaayaaaknowww. It's Rosicky. 3 days could mean 3 weeks or 3 months or him retiring.

Meh. Please don't do this to me.

The good news is, Nasri and Fabianski will both be making their return for the reserves. If they have a good game each then they'll be in contention for the senior squad and Nasri sure is a welcome boost, now that we're going to miss Theo again.

The other issue was the Birmingham City fans and their sick chants about Martin Taylor. Somehow, with all the China-bashing, it's the ang-mohs who have no substance. They criticise the yellow people and then they can't think and behave themselves.

Speaking of the Chinese, the funniest shit going on now is the Liverpool beach ball that provided the winning goal in their Sunderland game. It is epic. I never expected such an episide, given this time and age but it happened. Liverpool have a right to be aggrieved but they can't complain too much since the ball was thrown in by their own supporter and their keeper made no attempt to clear it out of his area. I mean, he even went for the beach ball instead of the football. Oh I'll show you alright.

The beach set was subsequently sold out on the Liverpool website as one suspects the Man Utd fans bought them all to throw onto the pitch come the next game when they play each other.

May Arsenal never ever make a beach set. EVER.

Liverpool have lost 4 already and Benitez is still defiant they can win the title. Sounds a bit like our situation last year. It's different for us this year though. We've got the players to make the difference when it counts. We've got the players who have the ability to finish the game off. It could be our year, we just have to keep believing and keep winning.

It's AZ coming up. A win would go a long way to secure qualification for the knockout stages early. That's pretty valuable. If the senior squad takes care of qualifying early then the youngsters will be able to gain valuable experience in the later games while the seniors get a good rest. I like it when this happens. It's always so exciting to see the likes of Ramsey and Wilshere stepping up to lead the team.

It's time to sleep. Dead tired. School tomorrow. Moo.