Think happy thoughts. Think Harvard Nordtveit.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.