Take Your Chances Arsenal

Gut Feeling: After three important points on the opening day of the season with a slow stuttering performance I have a feeling that Arsenal will put on a show against Fulham. I think they will keep a clean sheet and win by two or three goals.

What Arsenal Need: As with every game, Arsenal need three points and no injuries, but apart from that I think that most Gooners will be looking for a performance worth talking about.

Hope for the Match: I'd like to see Arsenal breaking with pace when they gain possession of the ball, instead of the often slow build ups they prefer. I just think back to the invincibles and recall so many goals scored from lightning counter-attacks, where three or four players sprint like their lives depend on it to be part of the attack.

Hopes For The Rest of the Transfer Window: Wenger still needs to by a replacement for Flamini and after watching the Swiss friendly this week it looks more likely that it will be Gokhan Inler. A signing most would applaud.

I called for Wenger to make a Harry Redknap type signing of an old school Keown-style centre half after the West Brom game and my wish came true. I didn't expect it to be Silvestre, but he ticks all the boxes... Premiership and Champions League experience, vocal, versatile and good against long balls.

Team Selection: Nasri has recovered from his injury and will feature against Fulham, which is a God send as he provides much needed creativity. Fabregas is still recovering from his injury and summer exploits but he may feature against FC Twente.

Amidst all the speculation that the Silvestre signing would automatically cause Djourou to be sent out on loan, I'd actually start the young Swiss defender on Saturday. He deserves to retain his place and I'd leave Toure on the bench. I honestly believe that Djourou could be a star for Arsenal in the coming years.

Surely Song can't be in the starting lineup, after his return from China? But suddenly it looks like we have lots of depth at centre half with Gallas, Toure, Djourou, Senderos, Song and Silvestre providing lost of choices for Wenger.

I'm not sure why Wenger started Bendtner over van Persie against West Brom but I truly hope to see the Dutchman line up alongside Adebayor at kick-off. Until Wenger buys a ready made defensive midfielder he'll have to choose between Eboue, Ramsay and perhaps Song to partner Denilson in moidfield.

I heard a rumour that Vela got injured whilst away with Mexico but Arsenal haven't confirmed it, so we'll wait and see.

Team selection for this game: van Persie, Adebayor Nasri, Denilson, Eboue, Walcott Clichy, Gallas, Djourou, Sagna Almunia Subs: Fabianski, Silvestre, Song, Toure, Wilshere, Vela, Bendtner

Unavailable: Rosicky, Eduardo, Fabregas, Diaby, Senderos, Toure

Prediction: Fulham 0 Arsenal 3

Dutch Class and Silvester the Cat

It was good to see van Persie on the scoresheet for Holland against Russia during the pointless international friendlies last night. Let's hope we see more of this throughout the coming season for Arsenal.I've always argued that he was Arsenal's most talented player but injury has plagued his career.




On a different note I'm a little non-plussed about the signing of Silvestre the Cat. A lot of Gooners are questioning why the likes of Pires and Campbell didn't get the two year contract that the new acquisition has received. Silvestre has suggested on ATVO that he isn't coming to sit on the bench and that he'll play CB but how will this affect the development of most importantly Djourou but also Senderos?

I guess beggars can't be choosers and when Gooners moan that we have no depth and that any depth we do have is largely inexperienced, this should be seen as an intelligent addition to the squad. But will Gooners be able to forgive and forget his previous 9 seasons as a Red Devil?

Job Done, Poor Performance

Gut Feeling: Prior to the match I thought we'd maintain 60% of possession, with neat intricate passing but no real end result. I expected Arsenal to create and then miss a bus load of chances and eek out a one nil win.

What transpired: Well we did eek out a win, but our passing and tempo were way below par and for the majority of the match we were outplayed. They didn't link well through midfield and it seemed like we passed the ball back to Almunia more often than necessary.

What Arsenal Needed: Arsenal needed a win and not to concede, which is what occured but they also needed a good performance. They got the job done but I was disappointed with the performance. I don't recall any moments of skill or determination that got me out of my seat. There was no spark.

Things To Watch Out For in the Next Few Games: With Diaby out for a month, I think he'll miss his chance to cement the DM position. Just like last year when Gilberto was injured and lost out to Flamini, but I've got no idea who could step up and make the position their own. In my opinion its not just about finding a player with the performance to match Flamini, but replacing his personality and passion on the pitch. I don't recall one game last year where he didn't run himself ragged, regardless of Arsenal's team performance. To be honest, this is my greatest concern for the upcoming season.

Hopes For The Rest of the Transfer Window: Obviously Arsenal need a high energy, sharp tackling, tireless defensive midfielder to replace Flamini. I cannot see this replacement coming from within the current squad.

Most Gooners would agree that Wenger also needs to buy an old-school Keown-style defender. We need to strengthen up against long balls that would have been bread and butter with the likes of Campbell, Adams and Keown in the side.

To be honest, I'd be happy for Wenger to make one or two Harry Redknap type purchases. You know what I mean, some free-agent, twilight of their career players, who can give us leadership and experience. Look how influential Bergkamp was in his last few years at Arsenal.

Team Selection: Basically Wenger had almost no real choices to make with team selection. The back five chose themsleves, with Djourou the only senior replacement available to cover for Toure. I'm pretty sure no Gooners argued with his choice for the back five. It was a no brainer.

The real issues were in midfield. I'd argue that Arsenal's four first choice midfielders were unavailable last night so Wenger had to play a Carling Cup midfield. And I'm afraid it showed too.

Up front was the only place where the first choice players were available. Saying that they looked tired and rusty.

Team selection for this game: van Persie, Adebayor Walcott, Denilson, Ramsay, Eboue Clichy, Gallas, Djourou, Sagna Almunia Subs: Fabianski, Hoyte, Gibbs, Randall, Wilshere, Vela, Bendtner

Unavailable: Rosicky, Eduardo, Fabregas, Diaby, Toure, Senderos, Nasri

Result: FC Twente 0 Arsenal 2

Houston We Have a Technical Problem

Just a quick post to apologise for the lack of activity on the site last season. My internet access at home has been non-existent, thus rendering me incapable of running the site with any level of consistency.

I am pleased to announce that at last the ISP who shall remain nameless has sorted themselves out and I am back online!





A post on the trip to Sparta Prague in the Champions League will follow shortly. Thanks to Alex Fordham for sending in pictures from the trip.

"We were surprised they gave so much head in Prague!"

The Wonder of You

Arsenal have adopted the 1970 Elvis Presley number 1 "The Wonder of You" as the their equivalent to Liverpool's "You'll Never Walk Alone". The Elvis classic is played just minutes before the Gunners take the pitch and it has divided opinion. Many traditionalist Arsenal fans have erred away from the newly adopted song, whilst others have taken the song to their hearts.

Although no intelligent Arsenal fan can deny the financial implications of the move away from Highbury, many lament the move. Some point to the Board's failure to mount the Clock End Clock within the new stadium as a mindless oversight and an insult to the history of the Club. Football fans are creatures of habit and superstition and as a result they resist change and take time to adopt new traditions.

But I believe the club's choice is a good one and I can only hope that one day it'll be sung with the spine-tingling passion of "You'll Never Walk Alone" at Anfield. For those of you who don't know the words, here they are.

The Wonder of You

When no-one else can understand me
When everything I do is wrong
You give me hope and consolation
You give me strength to carry on

And you're always there to lend a hand
In everything I do
Thats the wonder
The wonder of you

And when you smile the world is brighter
You touch my hand and Im a king
Your kiss to me is worth a fortune
Your love for me is everything

I guess I'll never know the reason why
You love me like you do
Thats the wonder
The wonder of you

As a matter of interest Port Vale have been running out to the sound of "The Wonder of You", so technically we're stealing it from them but that's no big issue. I'm pretty sure that 60,000 Arsenal fans singing the song at the Grove will sound a lot better than a three or four thousand singing it at Vale Park.

Just remember that both Celtic and Fulham both claim to have been singing "You'll Never Walk Alone" before it was adopted by Liverpool. So it's not about who sung it first, it's more about who does it best.

So sing up and bring a scarf.

Arsenal v. Bolton - My Predictions

Gut Feeling: I try not to be optimistic for the sake of it. I usually curb my enthusiasm for Arsenal when predicitng results in games but I feel as though today should be a comfortable win for the Gunners. With Anelka out for the visitors their scoring threat will be diminshed and I can't see them keeping up with the high tempo passing the young Gunners will have on display.

What Arsenal Need: An early goal will make all the difference. If it's still scoreless after half an hour the crowd will start to get disgruntled and Bolton will gain in confidence. Bolton will come out all fired up and I just hope that no-one gets caught by any silly tackles from the visitors. We don't need any more injuries.

The Gunners need to take a better percentage of their chances in front of goal. If they can take one chance in three or even one in four they'll average three or four goals a game because the statistics show they create ten or twelve chances a game.

Things To Watch Out For: I'll be watching Gallas closely throughout the match because I don't think we've seen the best of him in a red shirt and hopefully there's more to come from him. I'm still not sure if the partnership between him and Toure is as good as everyone presumes. I like one mobile, dynamic centre back paired with a more robust 'big-man' and I feel as though Toure and Gallas are too similar, which is why I'm looking forward to seeing Djourou play for the Gunners again in January.

Hopes For The Match: I hope Eduardo has a good game as I really like him. Without wishing to jinx him, I feel like he's the elusive 'fox-in-the-box' Wenger has been looking for since Pires left. Before you say Pires was no 'fox-in-the-box' stick the Invincibles DVD in and see how many goals he scores from 6 yards out. Eduardo should have an extended run in the team as a result of the injury to poor van Persie, who looked like scoring 25 goals this season. We all wish him a speedy recovery, but Eduardo should be looking to establish himself as a credible contender for a starting spot up front.

I also hope to see Bendtner get 20 minutes at the end of the match. I know he's moody and thinks he's the best striker in the world, but that hasn't hurt previous Arsenal goal-scoring legends has it? The reason I want him to perform is that Arsenal needs four established strikers that can be used throughout the season not just three and some kids you can stick on in an emergency.

Team Selection: I agree with Wenger to leave Almunia in goal and although I'll never forgive him for letting that goal in during the Champions League final he has done well so far this season. The fact that Wenger has left Lehmann out of the squad altogether doesn't bode well for the German.

Clichy and Toure have been ever present this year as has Sagna but his performance against Sunderland was poor and mnay are blaming the 'Sampson Curse' as he'd got rid of the blonde and gone bald. He needs another good performance today or he'll feel Eboue breathing down his neck.

In the midfield Diaby will probably continue on the left, a role for him I find hard to jusitfy. I accept that as a technically gifted player he could well play anywhere in the team but I feel like it's too much of a 'square peg in a round hole syndrome'. I just don't feel he fits there. Flamini and Cesc have become the pairing of choice in the middle and Hleb will continue to forge his partnership with Sagna on the right.

Up front we'll see Adebayor team up with Eduardo, who replaces the passionate van Persie. I'll miss watching the Dutchman play because I feel like he treats every match like it's his last and doesn't rest on his laurels. Lets hope Eduardo can pull something out of the bag today and get on the scoresheet.

My team selection for this game: Eduardo, Adebayor Diaby, Flamini, Fabregas, Hleb Clichy, Gallas, Toure, Sagna Almunia Subs: Fabianski, Denilson, Diarra, Rosicky, Bendtner

Unavailable: Lehmann (rested?), van Persie (knee), Senderos (back)

Other issues: Good news from the AGM on Thursday with regards a new long term lock-down agreement announced that could last up to 2012. Arsenal.com has a detailed transcription of the agreement if you want to know more.

Prediction: Arsenal 3 Bolton 0

Big Phil Won't Face Little Sam

Philippe Senderos played the first half of the mtch as Switzerland beat Austria 3-1. He was replaced after 45 minutes and Sky Sports News is reporting that he has injured his back and is doubtful for the visit of Bolton on Saturday.

Johan Djourou played the whole match and it's times like this that some Arsenal fans wish he'd never been sent on loan, so he could deputise in the centre of defence.

Gunners fans will hope that Gallas will come back from international duty in good shape, because if not, it looks like Gilberto will be asked to play alongside Toure.

West Ham v. Arsenal - My Predictions

Gut Feeling: I think this will be Arsenal's toughest test so far this season. West Ham are a combination of Portsmouth and Blackburn in that they have dangerous players like Bellamy and a few hackers like Neill and Bowyer, so it's going to be tough. The tackles will come flying in from the home team and I just hope the referee clamps down on it early on so that no Arsenal players get hurt or worse retaliate to the tackle.

What Arsenal Need: They need to play their beautiful game and stay confident in their play even if they don't break the deadlock early on in the match. Arsenal need to take a high percentage of their chances in front of goal because I don't see them getting more than six or seven shots on target as West Ham will be defending with all eleven men from the outset. Curbishly isn't stupid so he won't try to 'play' against Arsenal, instead he'll look to soak up pressure, limit shots on goal and hit Arsenal on the break.

The two centre backs will have a busy day keeping tabs on Bellamy and the newly resurgent Ashton but both Gunners have dominated far superior strikers and should cope well. They should expect a good amount of long balls for Ashton to flick on for Bellamy.

Things To Watch Out For: Fabregas will get similar rough treatment to that he received from Reo-Coker last season. Everyone knows he makes Arsenal tick so he'll be picked out for special treatment by the Hammers. If Fabregas maintains his movement around the pitch then the home side will be chasing shadows and may not get close. West Ham will fade in the last twenty minutes of the match and Arsenal know this so expect the Gunners to score during this period.

Hopes For The Match: I hope van Persie looks sharp today and gets on the score sheet. Many had tipped him to be Arsenal's top goal scorer this season but at the moment he's trailing behind the blistering Adebayor and Fabregas, so a goal would be great for his confidence. I hope Flamini puts in another lung-busting display because I think Arsenal need his enthusiasm and Ray Parlour-like work rate in the middle of the park.

Arsenal have a number of world class players unavailable due to injury and it would be terrible to add to this list. I just hope that if any players get knocks they are smart enough to come off as soon as possible rather than continue running on the injury which only makes it worse.

Team Selection: The back four picks itself at the moment, I just hope Wenger doesn't give Senderos a rest and play Gilberto at centre back. Don't get me wrong, the Brazilian is a solid 'emergency centre back' but he shouldn't be picked in defence over established players.

The midfield four picks itself too. Fabregas is a must, Flamini is on fire at the moment, Hleb is a must on the right and Diaby is the only player that Wenger likes to deputise on the left. I personally wouldn't mind Wenger using Armand "Knuckles" Traore as a left winger. I was impressed by him in the Carling Cup match against Newcastle and his cross for the Bendtner goal was inch perfect.

Up front Adebayor will be looking to add to his six goals already this season and van Persie will start alongside. The young Dutchman has been out of sorts for a while and should be back fully rested and raring to go. Bendtner will start on the bench but will get twenty minutes at the end of the match.

My team selection for this game: Adebayor, Eduardo Flamini, Diaby, Fabregas, Walcott Clichy, Senderos, Toure, Sagna Almunia Subs: Fabianski, Denilson, Diarra, Hoyte, van Persie

Unavailable: Lehmann (elbow), Gallas (thigh); Rosicky (hamstring); Eduardo (groin), Song (calf), Walcott (rested).

Other issues: As shrewd and ruthless as Wenger is, I was surprised not to see him let Lehmann leave the club in the summer. He only had one season left at best and at some point Wenger has to blood a new keeper. With Lehmann gone, Almunia would assume the number 1 shirt, with Fabianski as his understudy. Then all Wenger would need would be a third keeper as backup. There are a number of promising young keepers in the reserves such as Mannone and Szczesny, which are both under-21 internationals so there is not shortage of shot stoppers at the club. I just don't see the benefit in keeping a 38 year old keeper around when you are building a team of youngsters into Wenger's next great team.

Prediction: West Ham 1 Arsenal 2

Arsenal v. Derby - My Predictions

Gut Feeling: Usually, my gut feelings about matches are quite sensible. I rarely predict that the Gunners will deliver an exemplary display which allows them to walk off the pitch after 90 minutes with a three, four or five goal win. But today I feel as though they may net a hatful of goals.

I think this match will have been one that Wenger earmarked as a chance to rotate, but with the Carling Cup match against Newcastle in the week he may rotate less than many would assume. The majority of the changes made to the starting personnel will have been enforced by injury to key players.

What Arsenal Need: The basic needs are obvious. Wenger needs the three points and no new injuries but I see the 'need' in this match to be more of a personal thing for some of the players. A number of the squad will get to play today and they will need good performances as their playing time may have been limited up to now. The players I have in mind are Walcott and Eduardo and I hope they both get a chance to play the whole match today.

Things To Watch Out For: I'm watching for big performances from Walcott and Eduardo, both of whom should retain their place in the team for the midweek game. Walcott has shown glimpses of quality but needs to produce it for a whole match and Eduardo keeps scoring goals with limited playing time so hopefully he can net a few today. For me, Eduardo is the first "fox in the box" Arsenal have had since Pires and the more I see him play the more I like him.

If Wenger goes with his best four defenders, they should be able to control things at the back quite comfortably and I'm looking for them to keep a clean sheet today.

Hopes For The Match: If Arsenal are ruthless in front of goal they could score a few goals today. Eventhough there will be some changes to the starting eleven they are bound to create five good chances in each half and if they take just half of them things could get ugly for the visitors. Derby will park the proverbial bus in front of the goal but the Gunners are technically and physically superior so a comfortable win is on the cards.

Team Selection: Logic would suggest that Eduardo will get a start today especially, with van Persie looking a little less sharp than usual and a pairing of Adebayor and Eduardo looks more appropriate to me than van Persie and Eduardo.

With Rosicky out injured the left wing position is up for grabs and I hope that Wenger doesn't choose to play Diaby there. I like him as a central midfielder but I cringe every time I see him play left wing, it reminds me of watching Emile Heskey play the same role for England. Diaby is an excellent young talent, don't get me wrong, but he's not a left winger and I feel sorry for him whenever Wenger plays him there.

I would play Walcott on the right wing today and play the ultimate squad player Flamini on the left wing. The Frenchman's heroics at left back in the Champions League run to Paris showed us he can operate on the left side and his versatility really is a bonus for Arsenal. If anything today's list of unavailable players shows us that Arsenal have no depth on the wings.

I believe Fabregas will start today but I think Wenger will give Gilberto the day off so Diaby could partner the young Spaniard in midfield.

I don't see Wenger making many changes in defence partly because he has little room for manoeuver with the injuries to Gallas and Eboue.

My team selection for this game: Adebayor, Eduardo Flamini, Diaby, Fabregas, Walcott Clichy, Senderos, Toure, Sagna Almunia Subs: Fabianski, Denilson, Diarra, Hoyte, van Persie

Unavailable: Lehmann (Elbow), Gallas (groin); Eboue (ankle); Hleb (knee); Rosicky (hamstring).

Long-term issues: Arsenal's young guns will be on display for the midweek Carling Cup match and I'm really looking forward to seeing them live. They promised so much in this competition last season and I hope they can show the same quality this season. I'm looking forward to watching Bendtner and Traore in particular.

Prediction: Arsenal 4 Derby County 0

Adios Jose... What did you say again?

Mourinho moved to Cheslea in June 2004 and won two Premier League titles but the Champions League trophy seemed inevitably out of his reach. And with all the money in the world he still couldn't make Chelsea the best team in Europe, or get them to the final for that matter.

So he left the club by mutual consent and his ridiculous tirade about eggs, Waitrose and omelettes will be the last 'Jose' quote we'll hear for a while. So here's some other jose classics to make you laugh.

"Please don't call me arrogant, but I'm European champion and I think I'm a special one."

"There are only two ways for me to leave Chelsea. One way is in June 2010 when I finish my contract and if the club doesn't give me a new one. It is the end of my contract and I am out. The second way is for Chelsea to sack me. The way of the manager leaving the club by deciding to walk away, no chance! I will never do this to Chelsea supporters." ... Ahem.... yeah right.

"If I wanted to have an easy job...I would have stayed at Porto - beautiful blue chair, the UEFA Champions League trophy, God, and after God, me."

"The circumstances are difficult for us with the new football rules that we have to face. It is not possible to have a penalty against Manchester United and it is not possible to have penalties in favour of Chelsea. It is not a conspiracy, it is fact. I speak facts. If not, I need big glasses."

"Young players are a little bit like melons. Only when you open and taste the melon are you 100 percent sure that the melon is good.Sometimes you have beautiful melons but they don't taste very good and some other melons are a bit ugly and when you open them, the taste is fantastic."
And for those of you who missed the eggs metaphor...

"Omelette, eggs. No eggs, no omelettes. It depends on the quality of the eggs. In the supermarket you have eggs, class one, class two, class three. Some are more expensive than others, and some give you better omelettes. When the class one eggs are in Waitrose and you cannot go there, you have a problem."

Ladies and Gentlemen... Jose Mourinho has left the building.

You're Getting Sacked in the Morning!!!

Gut Feeling: I feel positive about this game. Spurs have only beaten an Arsene Wenger Arsenal side once in 25 attempts and I think the young gunners will keep up the tradition this afternoon.

I was right to be confident. This young side plays some beautiful football but their maturity when behind and when chasing a winning goal is inspiring to see.

What Arsenal Need: They need to play their beautiful game and their opponents won't be able to keep up. If the Gunners play their quick, short, dynamic passing style they are sure to create chances in front of goal and then it's just down to taking a good percentage of your chances. If Arsenal create ten chances, they could score two or three today.

At times today I felt that the Gunner's wasteful display in front of goal could cost them a deserved victory but scoring three in the derby game will keep the smile on Arsenal fans faces for a while.

Gilberto needs to have a good game, even though he'll be getting over his jet lag, but at least at centre back there's less running to do than at centre midfield. Whoever plays in place of Gilberto in midfield needs a good game today by protecting the back four and disrupting their opponent's play.

Gilberto did play quite well but the credit should go to Flamini who flew around like a wasp at a picnic, irritating and harassing anyone in a white shirt. Yes there are players in the Gunners squad who are technically better than Flamini but not many can match his Ray Parlour-like work rate.

Things To Watch Out For: Spurs are going to come out kicking and screaming, like a child having a tantrum and the Gunners will have to be professional and patient in dealing with this approach. Jol will have them wound up in the dressing room and I can see the home side getting a few bookings early on. The Gunners cannot retaliate and need to let their football do the talking.

Arsenal let their football do the talking and stood up for themselves but without being petulant.

I believe Wenger will go with Adebayor up front but I think he'll be feeling Da Silva breathing down his neck. The Crozilian has scored 12 in 17 appearances for Croatia and scored three in two games during the international break.

Da Silva wasn't included in the 16-man squad. Maybe Wenger is saving him for the Seville match?

Hopes For The Match: I hope Da Silva gets a good run out this afternoon. Wenger will probably only play him for about twenty minutes but I'll be watching him closely as he does excite me as a player.

No luck. I hope he plays in the Champions League.

I'm looking for the strikers to start taking a better percentage of their chances in front of goal. What I don't want is another "20 chance but one goal" display like we had at home to Everton last year.

This is a serious issue at Arsenal, which I'll address in a later post.

Obviously I hope the Gunners don't pick up any needless bookings and more importantly any injuries.

To finish a feisty Derby with a win is the most importnat thing. Hleb got booked for moaning at the ref after being elbowed in the face (dissent) and Sagna got booked for unsporting behaviour.

Team Selection:

Apart from Gilberto replacing the injured Gallas it'll be the Gunners first choice back four starting today, so I'm looking for a solid performance from them.

To be fair, the selection of this back four was a no-brainer. Gilberto looks ok in the centre of defence but I can't wait for Gallas to be back. Senderos will be available for the Seville match, so Gilberto may move back into midfield.

Once again in midfield it'll be three of the first choice four players starting the match. I'm not sure who Wenger will start alongside Fabregas, but I have a sneaky feeling it'll be Flamini. Although from the poll I conducted last week most fans would prefer Diaby or Diarra.

I was surprised not to see Rosicky start this match partly because I don't like Diaby as a left midfielder and I didn't see Wenger had any other option but to play the Czech. Rosicky replaced Diaby on 55 minutes.

My hunch that Flamini would partner Fabregas was correct. This match was the kind of match that Flamini's work-rate and effort were needed in and he played well.

Up front will be van Persie and Adebayor, but the Togolese player will be feeling the pressure from Da Silva.

Da Silva didn't even make the bench.

Denilson replaced van Persie on 84 minutes and should have scored when clean through. He'll be disappointed with his scuffed shot.

Wenger's selection for this game: Adebayor (9), van Persie (6) Diaby (5), Flamini (7), Fabregas (8.5), Hleb (7) Clichy (7.5), Gilberto (7), Toure (8), Sagna (7) Almunia (7) Subs: Fabianski, Song (x), Rosicky (7), Walcott, Denilson (6.5)

Lehmann, Gallas and Eboue will all still be unavailable for the Seville match.

Long-term issues: I'm not sure Wenger has enough depth up front or on the wings but the transfer window slammed shut a few weeks ago and so we have to go with what we have.

Rosicky was replaced on the left side by Diaby and I guess the use of the young Frenchman on the left side highlights the lack of depth in left sided players in the Gunners squad.

Prediction: Spurs 0 Arsenal 2
Score: Spurs 1 Arsenal 3

Performance of the day: Adebayor could have scored more but his two goals in the Derby will endear him to Gunners fans. Fabregas was excellent again today and kept the team ticking over almost effortlessly.

Laugh of the day: The Gunners fans singing... "You're getting sacked in the morning!" and "You're not rivals anymore!"

The Derby - My Predictions

Gut Feeling: I feel positive about this game. Spurs have only beaten an Arsene Wenger Arsenal side once in 25 attempts and I think the young gunners will keep up the tradition this afternoon.

What Arsenal Need: They need to play their beautiful game and their opponents won't be able to keep up. If the Gunners play their quick, short, dynamic passing style they are sure to create chances in front of goal and then it's just down to taking a good percentage of your chances. If Arsenal create ten chances, they could score two or three today.

Gilberto needs to have a good game, even though he'll be getting over his jet lag, but at least at centre back there's less running to do than at centre midfield. Whoever plays in place of Gilberto in midfield needs a good game today by protecting the back four and disrupting their opponent's play.

Things To Watch Out For: Spurs are going to come out kicking and screaming, like a child having a tantrum and the Gunners will have to be professional and patient in dealing with this approach. Jol will have them wound up in the dressing room and I can see the home side getting a few bookings early on. The Gunners cannot retaliate and need to let their football do the talking.

I believe Wenger will go with Adebayor up front but I think he'll be feeling Da Silva breathing down his neck. The Crozilian has scored 12 in 17 appearances for Croatia and scored three in two games during the international break.

Hopes For The Match: I hope Da Silva gets a good run out this afternoon. Wenger will probably only play him for about twenty minutes but I'll be watching him closely as he does excite me as a player.

I'm looking for the strikers to start taking a better percentage of their chances in front of goal. What I don't want is another "20 chance but one goal" display like we had at home to Everton last year.

Obviously I hope the Gunners don't pick up any needless bookings and more importantly any injuries.

Team Selection:

Apart from Gilberto replacing the injured Gallas it'll be the Gunners first choice back four starting today, so I'm looking for a solid performance from them.

Once again in midfield it'll be three of the first choice four players starting the match. I'm not sure who Wenger will start alongside Fabregas, but I have a sneaky feeling it'll be Flamini. Although from the poll I conducted last week most fans would prefer Diaby or Diarra.

Up front will be van Persie and Adebayor, but the Togolese player will be feeling the pressure from Da Silva.

My team selection for this game: Adebayor, van Persie Rosicky, Diaby, Fabregas, Hleb Clichy, Gilberto, Toure, Sagna Almunia Subs: Fabianski, Hoyte, Diarra, Walcott, Da Silva

Unavailable: Lehmann (Elbow), Gallas (groin); Eboue (ankle); Senderos (suspended)

Long-term issues: I'm not sure Wenger has enough depth up front or on the wings but the transfer window slammed shut a few weeks ago and so we have to go with what we have.

Prediction: Spurs 0 Arsenal 2

The Derby Looms and Poll Results

With Djourou on loan at Birmingham, Senderos banned after his wrongful straight red against Portsmouth and Gallas still recovering from the groin injury he sustained at Blackburn it looks like Gilberto will be used on central defence in the Derby.

That is, however, if Wenger thinks he's recovered from his jet lag after returning from the US where he played in a 3-1 friendly win over Mexico. If the Brazilian does get the nod in central defence then the following question springs to mind.

Who should partner Fabregas in the Derby?

I carried out a poll and 1360 readers voted. Here are the results.

Player	Votes	% of votes
Denilson	113	8.3
Diaby	449	33.0
Flamini	353	26.0
Diarra	437	32.1
Song	8	0.6

Denilson only got 8.3% of votes, Flamini got a credible 26.0% and eight charitable folk amongst you voted for Song. I have a feeling that Wenger will go with Flamini but the majority fo voters thought otherwise.

It was neck and neck between Diaby and Diarra only for Diaby to win by a mere 12 votes. I'm not sure how many Gunners fans have seen Diarra playing in a defensive midfield role, as he's played predominantly at right back since his move to Chelsea, a position he played in France's loss to Scotland (Great result for the Scots by the way!) Anyway, Diaby gets the nod and maybe the way foward is for Diarra to play at right back if Sagna and Eboue are still unavailable.

There seems to be a good depth of full backs at the club this season but many Gunners fans still feel that Wenger was a few purchases short of a full squad this off-season.

What holes are there in the Gunners squad?

I carried out a poll and readers 1103 voted. Here are the results.

Position	Votes	% of votes
Goalkeeper	189	17.1
Full Back	25	2.3
Centre Back	263	23.8
Defensive Midfielder	27	2.5
Attacking Midfielder	23	2.1
Winger	460	41.7
Striker	116	10.5

Central midfield (attacking 2.1% and defensive 2.5%) and full back (2.3%) received very few votes, so it would seem that most readers are satisfied with the depth in these positions.

Ten percent thought that the squad needed additions up front, whilst goalkeeper (17.1%) was felt to be lacking too. I agree that more striking options are required because apart from van Persie, Adebayor and Da Silva the depth is largely unproven (Bendtner and Walcott).

Almost one quarter of votes suggested that Wenger needed to purchase another centre back, but this may have beena knee jerk reaction to Djourou being sent on loan to Birmingham. Perhaps if he had not been loaned out then this result may have been different.

The overwhelming weakness identified in the squad was on the wings (41.7%). Two in five votes were for wingers and if you look at the squad the opinion is probably correct. The established wingers at the club are Rosicky, Hleb (both of which were more central at former clubs) then the depth looks patchy with Eboue (who is being converted from full back), Flamini (who plays anywhere he can get a game), Walcott (who is fast but inexperienced) and Diaby (who has been played on the left wing but is no winger).

So will Wenger get the cheque book out in January? If runours are to be believed (and they never are) Modric will be joining his old team mate Da Silva at the Grove.

Thanks for all your votes.

Danny Commits to the Future

Below are notes from a meeting members of the Arsenal Supporters Trust board held with Arsenal's senior shareholder/director Danny Fizsman on 7th September 2007.

Danny Fiszman invited the Arsenal Supporter's Trust (AST) to meet with him before the Champions League match against Sparta Prague. The meeting took place in the Directors box and was attended by AST Board members Nigel Phillips, Glyn Taylor and Tim Payton.

This was the AST's first meeting with Danny, although we do keep in touch with the Arsenal Board through regular dialogue and meetings with Managing Director Keith Edelman and occasional meetings with other Directors including Ken Friar, Peter Hill-Wood and Sir Chips Keswick. We were pleased that Danny was aware of the work of the Trust, describing us as important stakeholders and contributors to the club. He also recalled the Board's award of the 'orphan share' to the Supporters' Trust.The main reason for the meeting was to discuss the current ownership issues at Arsenal.

Danny told us to ignore all the media speculation that he is about to sell his stake. In fact he said it was quite the contrary and that he was looking to spend more time on club issues as he gradually wound down his involvement in other companies.We pressed Danny on this, saying surely he had a price at which he would sell. The response was emphatic - no 'selling' price has been set. The analogy he used was to compare moving into the Emirates with moving into a dream home; 'you don't think about the value because you don't want to sell'. He also made it clear that the commitment he has previously made not to sell the club applies for much longer than next April.

The Trust follows closely the financial performance of the club. Our expectations are that with a full year at the Emirates behind us, the next set of results will be very impressive and demonstrate that there are funds available to the manager. Danny expressed his admiration for the work of Arsene and reassured us that quite rightly the Board leave all footballing decisions to him. It was encouraging to have it confirmed on the record that the Board would support the manager with any activity he wished to make in the transfer market.

Danny also confirmed that Arsene has been very happy working with Ken Friar to complete transfer dealings and it seems this arrangement will continue. The meeting concluded with Danny confirming that he would be at the club AGM in October and that he would maintain a dialogue with the Trust and all Arsenal supporters, who he cares passionately about 'doing the best for'.

The Arsenal Supports Trust response to the meeting: "The AST was delighted to meet with Danny, and even more delighted to hear him express his love for Arsenal and how committed he was to taking the club forward. Years of hard work by Danny, working together with Keith Edelman and Ken Friar have given us a stunning stadium that matches the attractive, entertaining football served up by Arsene Wenger.We have previously read Danny's words about his role as custodian of the club. Meeting him in person allowed us to see just how genuinely he takes this commitment. The AST looks forward to working with Danny for many years to come and will remain a constructive supporter of the Board's work."

Thanks to Barry for the AST notes.

Who should partner Fabregas for the Derby?

Arsenal will be without Senderos for their trip up the Seven Sisters Road as a result of his sending off by Halsey against Portsmouth. If you watch the incident again it's clear to see that Toure was level with him and Kanu, who hit the deck far too easily.

The straight red will keep him out for three games and once again I feel that Senderos was hard done by. Anyway, it's all academic now, at least we got the three points on the day. Gilberto filled in very successfully and will have to deputise in Senderos's absence as Gallas is still laid up with a groin injury and Djourou is on loan at Birmingham.

With Gilberto playing at centre back there will be a space for a defensive midfielder to partner Fabregas for the next three games.

So who should partner Fabregas?

Denilson: The young Brazilian has given steady and mature performances in the times I've seen him play this year, but I feel he's more of a Fabregas type player and not really an instinctive defensive midfielder. I have no doubt that he could do a good job as a stand in but I feel his long-term ambitions are more attacking. He is also probably one of the smallest options listed here and I feel he may get out-muslced and out-jumped by bigger and stronger opponents.

Flamini: He reminds me of an ageing Ray Parlour. Full of hustle and bustle, always busy and enthusiastic, but he's not the most technically gifted player in Arsenal's midfield. He's like an annoying wasp at a Sunday picnic, just hanging around and appearing from nowhere just when you think he's disappeared. His performances have been good this year and I feel he has sorted his attitude out and looks up for the fight compared to last season.

Diaby: A lot was said about Diaby when he signed for Arsenal and comparisons were made with Vieira but I think they were premature and somewhat inappropriate. He has recovered from his injury well and looks fit and confident but I just think he is an instinctive defensive midfielder either. I believe the comparisons were made with Vieira because of looks and stature and not playing style or ability.

Diarra: I will be the first to admit that I haven't seen much of Diarra but seem to remember that Wenger wanted him before he went to Chelsea. So Wenger gets his man at last. He is the only direct replacement for Gilberto as he is a defensive midfielder, although he was wasted at right back by Mourinho. Based on reputation he should be pushing Gilberto over the next few seasons, with a view to eventually taking his position.

Song: I'm not one of those fans that booed Song last season as I respect any man or woman who plays for Arsenal but I do feel that he is the weakest of Arsenal's midfielders. I concede that he put in some gutsy and passionate displays for Charlton last season but I just don't think he's technically good enough to start for Arsenal yet. I feel that the arrival of Diarra may have sealed his fate and he may move on in January.

So that's a quick look at the usual suspects.

So who should partner Fabregas?

I'm not sure Song will even make the bench for the North London derby. If he does it will be as cover for centre back, which he can play according to Wenger. I shudder to think...

Denilson will make the bench, but I don't think Wenger would start him. I believe that Denilson and Fabregas are not an ideal combination and if anything the young Brazilian is the young Spaniard's back-up.

Diaby could push for the starting position but I don't know where Wenger thinks his best position is. Perhaps he sees him as cover for both the attacking and defensive positions in the centre of midfield? But Wenger rarely, if ever starts him at defensive midfield.

If this situation was to occur a few months from now I have no doubt that Diarra would play alongside Fabregas. But I feel that Wenger will play Flamini just because he played the first three games of the season there and looked solid. This will only happen if Flamini isn't required to fill in at right back if Sagna doesn't recover from his back injury and Wenger doesn't want to go with Hoyte.

Wenger would be taking a risk giving Diarra his debut in the North London derby, but if he did I wouldn't mind it as long as the young Frenchman knew what he was letting himself in for. This year more than ever, the neighbours from the Seven Sisters Road will be looking for a scalp... literally and figuratively.

Diarra Wanted to be a Gooner All Along

New number 8 Lassana Diarra recently told L'equipe,

"Honestly, I believe the Chelsea officials thought I would crack and finally accept a contract extension, as my contract would have been up in 2008." "But I refused every extension and now I have signed a three-year deal with The Gunners. Chelsea finally accepted, maybe because they were scared I would leave for free in one year." "At 11pm on Friday night, I got a phone call to tell me I could start to negotiate with Arsenal as both clubs had found an agreement." "I didn't hesitate because Arsenal was the only club I wanted to join. It was Arsenal or nothing. Other teams contacted me, but I knew what I wanted. Chelsea knew I wanted to join The Gunners."

The Transfer Window Slams Shut At Last

So from the way I see it Wenger has filled all but one of the purchases on his shopping list. I do concede that this shopping list didn't consider the sending of young Djourou on loan to Birmingham as I do believe it leaves us a bit thin in the centre of defence. Wenger has used Gilberto in this position and says that Song can play there but at this level we should have adequate specialised cover at all positions.
























Bacary Sagna (Auxerre, undisclosed): I never really thought Wenger would be looking for a full back in the off season but Sagna has been a welcome addition to the squad. Almost immediately, he has taken the right back slot and Eboue has been moved forward it would be seem to play right midfield. Sagna can play at left back too and looks to be level headed, a hard tackler and a great athlete. For the first time since Lauren got injured, the right back position is in safe hands.

Lukasz Fabianski (Legia Warsaw, £2m): I was really pleased when this purhcase was publicised as Arsenal needed a young buck to come in and put pressure on Almunia and the ageing Lehmann. I'd initially hoped that Akinfeev would be bought in but Fabianski was a classic Wenger purchase (young, talented, hungry, sensibly priced).

Eduardo da Silva (Dinamo Zagreb, undisclosed): I'm excited about this player, eventhough I'm dubious as to Wenger's intentions with him. I actually believe that Da Silva will end up playing more left wing than as a striker. The day that he signed for the club, Wenger said that he could play wide left too and I was immedialtely suspicious. Against Sparta prague he looked better when he was on the left wing, but if my instinct is correct, then we haven't replaced Henry. I don't believe that Walcott, Bendtner and Adebayor are good enough to start for Arsenal at the moment and they still need another striker.

Havard Nordtveit (FK Haugesund, undisclosed): Since Jay Simpson has been sent on loan to Millwall, the younsgter has been named reserve team captain. This is testament to his character but only time will tell if this is another diamond in the rough.

Lassana Diarra (Chelsea, indiscolosed): A welcome surpise the morning after the transfer deadline closed. People will say that central midfield is congested at Arsenal but most of the players that spring to mind are more attacking midfielders (Fabregas, Diaby, Denilson). Diarra will compete with Gilberto for the defensive midfield position, leaving Flamini and Song in his wake.

The list of outgoing players is quite long but just think of the money that Wenger has saved on wages by getting rid of Henry, Ljungberg and Baptista.



















A number of Arsenal players left in the Summer Sales.

Aliadiere (Middlesborough, £2m): He was at Arsenal for ages and never took the opportunities to show he was good enough to be part of the First team Squad. He never lived up to the potential he had when he arrived at the club. I never saw him as a striker, but more of a winger and if he'd embraced the position he may have carved himself a niche in the squad.
I wasn't sad to see him go.

Baptista (returned to Real Madrid): I was excited when the big man arrived at the club last season. His time in Madrid had been unsuccessful but his 50 odd goals in two seasons at Seville looked impressive. As a Brazilian, I was surpsrised to see his first touch was poor, he had very little pace and he looked like he was playing in slow motion. His strength is the timing of his runs into the box and he scored a few goals this way, but he missed far too many chances and never settled into the team. He arrived as part of the loan deal with Reyes and never got the fans on his side
I wasn't sad to see him go.

Ljungberg (West Ham, £3m): I will always be a fan of Freddie. It seems like he was at Arsenal forever and he was an integral part of the team but age and injuries caught up with him. It was sad to watch him regress over the past season or two and Arsenal certainly missed his goals and scorching runs into the penatly area. He's lost his pace and has become more fragile, so it was time to move on. He deserves to play football and not just sit on the bench.
I was sad to see him go, but more from a nostalgic point of view.

Lupoli (Fiorentina, free): I never really saw much of Lupoli, but he was well thought of and scored lots of goals in the reserves. He moved on from his loan deal at Derby to Fiorentina, but it's a shame the club didn't make any money from the move.
I wasn't sad to see him go.

Muamba (Birmingham, iundisclosed): The young midfielder was a revelation at Birmingham last year and eventually signed a permanent deal with Steve Bruce's side. It's a shame to see another one of Arsenal's young Englishman moving on without ever establishing himself in the first team squad. But he's too far down the pecking order.
I wasn't sad to see him go.

Poom (Watford, free): It's always good to have a trustworthy third goalkeeper, but the Estonian should be playing every week at this stage of his career. I thought his display at Portsmouth on the last day of last season was very good, but he never really got out of the reserves. I thought he may wish to stay on at Arsenal in order to further his experience in coaching.
I wasn't sad to see him go.

Reyes (Atletico Madrid, undisclosed): I may upset some Arsenal fans in saying this but I wish Reyes had never left Arsenal. I accept that he was a poor traveller but he worked his socks off and provided much needed pace, a left foot and the width that was lacking last season. If only he'd apologised to Wenger, his teammates and the fans because I'd have forgiven him and gladly had him back in the squad. I was so excited by Reyes after his brace of goals against Chelsea and I had high hopes for him, which will never materialise. What a shame.
I was sad to see him go.

Thierry Henry (Barcelona £16.1m): Well it was just time to go and I've talked about this previously.
I was gutted to see him go as I feel we never really said goodbye. When I heard he'd left it was like being dumped by my first girlfriend.

Ryan Garry (Bournemouth, free): Never really had a chance at Arsenal.
I didn't even realise he'd left.

Johan Djourou (Birmingham, loan): Apparently this move was to keep him playing football during the first part of the season before we lose Toure and Eboue for the ANC. I rate Djourou far ahead of Senderos and I hope he returns in January and shows Wenger that he's better than his Swiss compatriot.

Overall, I'm generally satisfied with the in and outs this summer, but I really feel that we need another striker. Only time will tell.

And Arsenal will play...

Seville or AEK Athens, Steau Bucharest, Slavia Prague... not too bad really!!!

Here is the whole draw...

Group A: Liverpool, FC Porto, Olympique, Marseille, Besiktas
Group B: Chelsea, Valencia, FC Shalke, Rosenborg
Group C: Real Madrid, Werder Bremen, SS Lazio, Olympiakos
Group D: AC Milan, Benfica, Celtic, Shakhtar Donetsk
Group E: FC Barcelona, Olympique Lyonnais, VIB Stuttgart, Rangers
Group F: Manchester United, Roma, Sporting Clube, Dynamo Kiev
Group G: Inter Milan, PSV Eindhoven, CSKA Moscow, Fenerbache
Group H: Arsenal, Seville or AEK Athens, Steau Bucharest, Slavia Prague

Petr Cech won goalkeeper of the year, Paolo Maldini won defender of the year, Clarence Seedorf won midfielder of the year and Kaka won striker of the year.

The funniest thing I've seen in ages!

Take a look at this video clip if you want a giggle. It's the Gunners doing the crossbar challenge for French TV.

Senderos and Song are awful and Theo is not much better.

Quick warning though for the xenophobes among you... some of it is spoken in "Foreign" so you won't be able to understand those bits.

But it is worth a quick look and you'll never guess who wins!!!

The "bundle" at the end may be more evidence as to why the Gunners get so many training ground injuries.

New Director of Football Seen at the Emirates Cup?

Gerard Houllier watched the Arsenal v. Paris Saint Germain game from the Director's Box.

Could he be the future Director of Football at the Grove?

Or was he there just to watch his old team PSG play?

The two Frenchmen are supposedly close friends and ironically after Bruce Rioch resigned in the summer of 1996, Houllier, the then technical director of the French Football Federation, recommended Wenger to David Dein.

Houllier's coaching history is excellent but I'm not sure if he has the financial mind of the departed David dein. Equally, we're not sure what Wenger wants from the new position, because Dein was no Director of Football.

It was just a thought I had when I saw Houllier in the crowd, but if Wenger thought it made sense we'd have to go along with it. As Arsene's knows...