Well well well
It has taken us a while to get here but thankfully the time has come. Arsenal are back in action!
We travel to Norwich on Saturday afternoon. Hopefully the break has revitalised us in terms of energy, and our form can continue.
For me, the season starts here. We've had a bad spell, we've recovered, the players are starting to gel. We've had the break, now the hard work truly starts here. Paul Lambert's men have impressed, with three impressive showings against Chelsea, Man Utd and Liverpool. Whilst they were defeated against Chelsea and Liverpool, they were by no means an embarrassment. The front pair of Grant Holt and Steve Morison are a real handful, and our centre backs will need to be on form, as they have been in the past few games.
We go into this game bereft in the full back position. Kieran Gibbs has undergone surgery and will be out for 4-6 weeks, Carl Jenkinson has a back injury requiring a few weeks rest and Bacary Sagna will miss most of the season. This gives Johan Djourou the chance to stake a claim at right back. He impressed at Stamford Bridge, so he definitely is capable.
Forgotten man Abou Diaby is back in training. I'm a big fan of the Frenchman. I hope he can put his injury worries behind him and realise his potential. He could be a massive asset to us this season. I really don't know what the team will be tomorrow as we now have plenty of options across the park.
I'd love to see Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Ju Young-Park get a run out, these two players are exciting to watch. As for the game, I think we will win. 3-1 to the good guys. It will be a challenging match, with the Carrow Road faithful buoyed and roaring their team on. Having said that, our team is stronger so over coming that shouldn't be a problem.
Have a good weekend, here's to three points!
Friday, 18 November 2011
Thursday, 17 November 2011
Back into the swing of things
Hoorah!
The dull mist of the interlull has cleared up, and Arsenal are within viewing distance (provided you can wait 48 hours)
I will admit, this interlull hasn't been too painful given Arsenal's recent run of results. By all accounts, our players have had a good international break which is good.
November is usually a horror month for us, but I'd like to say we're over our bad run of form now. We've got a lovely bit of momentum behind us and to keep that going we just have to keep winning the next game.
On Saturday lunchtime, we travel to Norwich who have had an impressive start to the season. A favourable tie to get us back into the groove, but by no means easy.
Keeping this post short and sweet, as I will go into a match preview tomorrow.
That is pretty much it for today, can I just say (and excuse my french) but what a complete cunt Sepp Blatter is. Name one business where you can do such an incompetent job yet i) be safe in your position, and ii) and get paid so handsomely for.
the mind boggles, it truly does.
The dull mist of the interlull has cleared up, and Arsenal are within viewing distance (provided you can wait 48 hours)
I will admit, this interlull hasn't been too painful given Arsenal's recent run of results. By all accounts, our players have had a good international break which is good.
November is usually a horror month for us, but I'd like to say we're over our bad run of form now. We've got a lovely bit of momentum behind us and to keep that going we just have to keep winning the next game.
On Saturday lunchtime, we travel to Norwich who have had an impressive start to the season. A favourable tie to get us back into the groove, but by no means easy.
Keeping this post short and sweet, as I will go into a match preview tomorrow.
That is pretty much it for today, can I just say (and excuse my french) but what a complete cunt Sepp Blatter is. Name one business where you can do such an incompetent job yet i) be safe in your position, and ii) and get paid so handsomely for.
the mind boggles, it truly does.
Tuesday, 15 November 2011
A look to the future
For as long as I can remember, the future of Arsenal football club has always been bright. We've always had young players to look forward to, to see them progress through the ranks. This time around though, the quantity as well as the quality is higher than at any other period I can remember.
We have four first teamers who have the ability to stay at the highest level for the best part of 15 years. Wojciech Szczesny, Kieran Gibbs, Aaron Ramsey and Jack Wilshere are all part of our first team, and around them we can develop into the worlds elite.
We have exciting players on the fringes: Emmanuel Frimpong, Francis Coquelin, Ryo Miyaichi, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Ignasi Miquel. We have seen glimpses of them this season. Not a lot, but enough. That is ten players there. I fully expect at least six of them to become integral parts of this football club. Next are the likes of Benik Afobe, Chuks Aneke and Oguzhan Ozyakup who all have the potential to be part of Arsenals future.
Out on loan, we have Henri Lansbury, who I feel will be a great member of the squad to have. I really rate him. And being rewarded with a new contract before his loan departure to West Ham, it would seem Wenger rates him too.
As Arsenal FC, given the way we are run, we will always have up and coming youngsters coming through. What impresses me is the number of players coming through together. Look at Barcelona, it took years for them to achieve what they have. Could we achieve the same?
Well that is very plausible.
This group of players all seem to get along with each other, as displayed on Twitter. Which I love to see. Football is an enjoyment, they should be enjoying playing football. That enjoyment will translate into performances on the pitch.
We have a great bunch coming through, let's hope they reach their potential.
Thanks for reading.
We have four first teamers who have the ability to stay at the highest level for the best part of 15 years. Wojciech Szczesny, Kieran Gibbs, Aaron Ramsey and Jack Wilshere are all part of our first team, and around them we can develop into the worlds elite.
We have exciting players on the fringes: Emmanuel Frimpong, Francis Coquelin, Ryo Miyaichi, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Ignasi Miquel. We have seen glimpses of them this season. Not a lot, but enough. That is ten players there. I fully expect at least six of them to become integral parts of this football club. Next are the likes of Benik Afobe, Chuks Aneke and Oguzhan Ozyakup who all have the potential to be part of Arsenals future.
Out on loan, we have Henri Lansbury, who I feel will be a great member of the squad to have. I really rate him. And being rewarded with a new contract before his loan departure to West Ham, it would seem Wenger rates him too.
As Arsenal FC, given the way we are run, we will always have up and coming youngsters coming through. What impresses me is the number of players coming through together. Look at Barcelona, it took years for them to achieve what they have. Could we achieve the same?
Well that is very plausible.
This group of players all seem to get along with each other, as displayed on Twitter. Which I love to see. Football is an enjoyment, they should be enjoying playing football. That enjoyment will translate into performances on the pitch.
We have a great bunch coming through, let's hope they reach their potential.
Thanks for reading.
Monday, 14 November 2011
A new challenge awaits
So, let's clear this up: England will win the Euro Championships. Might as well give them the trophy now. Winning that competition will also be the catalyst for them winning the World Cup. Ahem.
I hate the interlull. I'm sick of international football. It really doesn't mean anything to me. Club football will always come first. I can't feel the same way about England as I can Arsenal. Just ain't gonna happen.
We face an interesting interlull this time around though. We have had a break whilst inform, as apposed to a defeat. I hope we hit the ground running as soon as we return to action.
And there's no reason why we can't. The players are hitting form, gelling together nicely as a team led by the star performer, Robin van Persie. Returning in good spirits is a new thing for us this season, and I hope the team don't forget the run of form they were in previously.
The way we recovered from our disastrous start to the season is admirable. We are on level terms with the media darlings, Liverpool. Who'd have predicted that?
There is still alot of work left to do, but I'm sure we have the right set up to ensure we are in safe hands.
Hope you have a bearable day at work, thanks for reading.
I hate the interlull. I'm sick of international football. It really doesn't mean anything to me. Club football will always come first. I can't feel the same way about England as I can Arsenal. Just ain't gonna happen.
We face an interesting interlull this time around though. We have had a break whilst inform, as apposed to a defeat. I hope we hit the ground running as soon as we return to action.
And there's no reason why we can't. The players are hitting form, gelling together nicely as a team led by the star performer, Robin van Persie. Returning in good spirits is a new thing for us this season, and I hope the team don't forget the run of form they were in previously.
The way we recovered from our disastrous start to the season is admirable. We are on level terms with the media darlings, Liverpool. Who'd have predicted that?
There is still alot of work left to do, but I'm sure we have the right set up to ensure we are in safe hands.
Hope you have a bearable day at work, thanks for reading.
Sunday, 6 November 2011
11 players pulling in the right direction
Yesterday we recorded a 3-0 win, a comprehensive victory. How often has that been the case this season?
Yes, West Brom aren't the greatest of teams. But the manner of our victory is another plus point as we rebuild from a horrific start to the season.
We find our rythym on Saturday, and the most pleasing thing for me is that we still have a lot more room for improvement. 11 players out on the pitch all fight for the same cause, battling for each other and helping each other out. I watched the full game on Sky Sports re run and I have to say the work rate pleased me.
Our midfield is gelling into a neat combination. Mikel Arteta works very hard, keeps the ball very well but is starting to show his class in the final third. Aaron Ramsey is starting to take responsibility and is driving the team forward. But it is Alex Song who keeps impressing me. I wouldn't say he is a defensive midfielder, he is an all rounder. His job in this team is to provide defensive stability, which he is improving. But his attacking play is also important to the team. Between the three of them, they provide the platform for the team, interchanging positions and roles in the team.
Our front three are the same. Of course, our attack is always going to be potent with Robin van Persie leading the line. But Gervinho and Theo Walcott, both interchanging, work hard for the team and are important to our build up.
It took us 22 minutes to open the scoring yesterday, with Robin van Persie knocking in the rebound from a Theo Walcott shot who was played in superbly by Aaron Ramseys slide rule pass. We doubled our lead shortly before half time, with Thomas Vermaelen finishing off a move, neatly finishing past Ben Foster following a knock down from our brilliant Dutch man.
The second half was a breeze, with all the hard work done. We finished off proceedings with the best goal of the game. Neat work by Robin van Persie and Tomas Rosicky teed up Mikel Arteta who finished magnificently into the bottom corner from just outside the box. His first goal at the Emirates, hopefully more will come.
So a 3-0 win. A clean sheet, no injuries and remarkably for a Premier League game, neither sound found themselves in the referees book. That win took us level with the World's Greatest Team with the greatest history etc, Liverpool. I see that splashing out money does wonders. Compare Gervinho's stats with Stewart Downing for a little taster!
I'm still not getting carried away, a lot of hard work left to be done but it is warming to see we are on the right track heading in the right direction. When the players put in the effort, you cannot ask for more than that. We have a likeable bunch of players, who are very talented. With a few more additions, you can't help but think the outcome would be rather special indeed.
Hope you have had a good weekend.
Yes, West Brom aren't the greatest of teams. But the manner of our victory is another plus point as we rebuild from a horrific start to the season.
We find our rythym on Saturday, and the most pleasing thing for me is that we still have a lot more room for improvement. 11 players out on the pitch all fight for the same cause, battling for each other and helping each other out. I watched the full game on Sky Sports re run and I have to say the work rate pleased me.
Our midfield is gelling into a neat combination. Mikel Arteta works very hard, keeps the ball very well but is starting to show his class in the final third. Aaron Ramsey is starting to take responsibility and is driving the team forward. But it is Alex Song who keeps impressing me. I wouldn't say he is a defensive midfielder, he is an all rounder. His job in this team is to provide defensive stability, which he is improving. But his attacking play is also important to the team. Between the three of them, they provide the platform for the team, interchanging positions and roles in the team.
Our front three are the same. Of course, our attack is always going to be potent with Robin van Persie leading the line. But Gervinho and Theo Walcott, both interchanging, work hard for the team and are important to our build up.
It took us 22 minutes to open the scoring yesterday, with Robin van Persie knocking in the rebound from a Theo Walcott shot who was played in superbly by Aaron Ramseys slide rule pass. We doubled our lead shortly before half time, with Thomas Vermaelen finishing off a move, neatly finishing past Ben Foster following a knock down from our brilliant Dutch man.
The second half was a breeze, with all the hard work done. We finished off proceedings with the best goal of the game. Neat work by Robin van Persie and Tomas Rosicky teed up Mikel Arteta who finished magnificently into the bottom corner from just outside the box. His first goal at the Emirates, hopefully more will come.
So a 3-0 win. A clean sheet, no injuries and remarkably for a Premier League game, neither sound found themselves in the referees book. That win took us level with the World's Greatest Team with the greatest history etc, Liverpool. I see that splashing out money does wonders. Compare Gervinho's stats with Stewart Downing for a little taster!
I'm still not getting carried away, a lot of hard work left to be done but it is warming to see we are on the right track heading in the right direction. When the players put in the effort, you cannot ask for more than that. We have a likeable bunch of players, who are very talented. With a few more additions, you can't help but think the outcome would be rather special indeed.
Hope you have had a good weekend.
Monday, 31 October 2011
The One Man show (with a stellar supporting cast)
what a weekend. I have to admit, I had a good feeling we would win the game. Maybe a 1-0 or a 2-1 win, but never did I see us going to Stamford Bridge and win 5-3. A true footballing classic, made all the sweeter by us returning home with 3 points in the bag.
With regards to the media, it seems as though we cannot win. Robin van Persie is in terrific form, and his cutting edge is winning us games. What's the problem with that? Barcelona are lauded on a daily basis, yet if Lionel Messi couldn't score would they be as effective? Messi is part of the team and does his job which is scoring goals. Are they a one man team? No. Are Arsenal a one man team? well, no. He is without doubt our star player right now, but don't forget those performing around him.
Mikel Arteta was superb on Saturday, and is looking a brilliant addition by Arsene Wenger. Aaron Ramsey had one of his finest games in the red and white, showing his undoubted potential. Laurent Koscielny continued to impress with a classy showing at the back. People are saying that once Thomas Vermaelen is back to full fitness, Koscielny will find himself third choice. Not for me. Theo Walcott had an amazing 90 minutes, showing the fans how important he is to our game, and Gervinho is getting better and better with every game he plays.
I'd also like to ask the press if we are a one man team, why not tear into Chelsea for getting torn apart by one man. Chelsea are title challengers, alot of people will agree with that. How about a bit of credit for humiliating them on their own turf?
By grinding out wins lately, we were due a good win. And I'm delighted it has come against Chelsea.
If we learnt anything on Saturday, it's that we have to do whatever necessary to keep our captain, Robin van Persie. A true leader, right in the Patrick Vieira/Tony Adams mould. He is leading from the front, and every member of the team wants to play for him. Whilst he seems to score every single one of our goals, don't forget the players who are setting the play up.
Hopefully Saturdays win marks a signal to the rest of the league. Write us off at your peril. I feel we have a few more of these huge wins left in our locker.
With regards to the media, it seems as though we cannot win. Robin van Persie is in terrific form, and his cutting edge is winning us games. What's the problem with that? Barcelona are lauded on a daily basis, yet if Lionel Messi couldn't score would they be as effective? Messi is part of the team and does his job which is scoring goals. Are they a one man team? No. Are Arsenal a one man team? well, no. He is without doubt our star player right now, but don't forget those performing around him.
Mikel Arteta was superb on Saturday, and is looking a brilliant addition by Arsene Wenger. Aaron Ramsey had one of his finest games in the red and white, showing his undoubted potential. Laurent Koscielny continued to impress with a classy showing at the back. People are saying that once Thomas Vermaelen is back to full fitness, Koscielny will find himself third choice. Not for me. Theo Walcott had an amazing 90 minutes, showing the fans how important he is to our game, and Gervinho is getting better and better with every game he plays.
I'd also like to ask the press if we are a one man team, why not tear into Chelsea for getting torn apart by one man. Chelsea are title challengers, alot of people will agree with that. How about a bit of credit for humiliating them on their own turf?
By grinding out wins lately, we were due a good win. And I'm delighted it has come against Chelsea.
If we learnt anything on Saturday, it's that we have to do whatever necessary to keep our captain, Robin van Persie. A true leader, right in the Patrick Vieira/Tony Adams mould. He is leading from the front, and every member of the team wants to play for him. Whilst he seems to score every single one of our goals, don't forget the players who are setting the play up.
Hopefully Saturdays win marks a signal to the rest of the league. Write us off at your peril. I feel we have a few more of these huge wins left in our locker.
Thursday, 27 October 2011
Steady as we go
Morning all,
been around a month since I last wrote, and it that time we've put together a little bit of a run. 7 wins out of 8 in all competitions shouldn't be underestimated, and Arsene Wenger deserves all the credit for this.
The talent in the squad is there for sure. What I've most enjoyed about this run, strangely enough, is that we have yet to display our attacking ambitions in full. Sure, there has been glimpses, but nothing close to what we are capable of. Winning games whilst not playing at full tilt is a glorious trait to have.
We are now starting to see the capabilities of our new players. Mikel Arteta is imposing himself well in this team, Gervinho is looking a quality player, scoring and assisting goals of late. Per Mertesacker has been solid in the last few games and Andre Santos has put himself about well in the games he's been given. Ju Young-Park looked lively in the Carling Cup win over Bolton, netting the winner with a fabulous curling shot. All bodes well for the future, and this season.
Being written off at every corner might well just do us more good than harm. We are plugging away, winning games and to have recovered from such a disastrous start to the season, well it is very pleasing to see.
But lett's not to get carried away. We have a lot of work to do, no one can deny that. With the return of Thomas Vermaelen and Abou Diaby, the squad is again strengthening. With players like Park and Arshavin coming into some form, and with the outstanding contributions from van Persie, we are giving ourselves a good chance.
This Saturday we probably face our biggest test of the season. I know we've faced Man Utd and Liverpool, but that was when our team was all over the place. We've faced Tottenham too, but we should be looking to rival Chelsea, not that lot down the road. Chelsea are there for the taking in my opinion, and if we win this game, this season could outdo everyone's expectations.
thanks for reading.
been around a month since I last wrote, and it that time we've put together a little bit of a run. 7 wins out of 8 in all competitions shouldn't be underestimated, and Arsene Wenger deserves all the credit for this.
The talent in the squad is there for sure. What I've most enjoyed about this run, strangely enough, is that we have yet to display our attacking ambitions in full. Sure, there has been glimpses, but nothing close to what we are capable of. Winning games whilst not playing at full tilt is a glorious trait to have.
We are now starting to see the capabilities of our new players. Mikel Arteta is imposing himself well in this team, Gervinho is looking a quality player, scoring and assisting goals of late. Per Mertesacker has been solid in the last few games and Andre Santos has put himself about well in the games he's been given. Ju Young-Park looked lively in the Carling Cup win over Bolton, netting the winner with a fabulous curling shot. All bodes well for the future, and this season.
Being written off at every corner might well just do us more good than harm. We are plugging away, winning games and to have recovered from such a disastrous start to the season, well it is very pleasing to see.
But lett's not to get carried away. We have a lot of work to do, no one can deny that. With the return of Thomas Vermaelen and Abou Diaby, the squad is again strengthening. With players like Park and Arshavin coming into some form, and with the outstanding contributions from van Persie, we are giving ourselves a good chance.
This Saturday we probably face our biggest test of the season. I know we've faced Man Utd and Liverpool, but that was when our team was all over the place. We've faced Tottenham too, but we should be looking to rival Chelsea, not that lot down the road. Chelsea are there for the taking in my opinion, and if we win this game, this season could outdo everyone's expectations.
thanks for reading.
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