Home Sweet Home. Arsenal v Manchester City; Match Preview

This looked much more fun before we lost to Wigan.

I wish I could write an easy article on this match. But YAMA and Gunner faithful, I don’t have a clue.  The loss to Spurs aside there should’ve been no reason why this Arsenal squad – even with the missing starters let a 2-0 lead go away to Wigan. With that still very freshly in my mind I just don’t have a solid read on this match. And to be honest it has as much to do with City as it does with Arsenal.

City by all means should likely be comfortably in the 4th spot. What with Liverpool’s implosion and the quality of the players they have, they really should be more consistent. But the fact of the matter is this with the exception of shredding Chelsea and every bottom feeding club in the league against mid-table and stronger opposition they have been very feeble. They may have won some of those matches but the look more disinterested during those matches. Seriously they may have signed ex-Arsenal players but they are also playing like Arsenal of the last few years.

Take a look at the two matches against Liverpool. A top side on the way down. I am going to be honest those were two matches that were the most boring, uninspiring and absolutely energy saping events I have ever seen. Really! They built the team with money and I guess everyone just naturally thought they didn’t have to play the matches because seriously in many of the matches I have seen of City (and in true schadenfreude fashion I have seen a lot) they take the field and don’t put forward an effort – unless they are playing someone of stature – eg Arsenal, Chelsea, United.

From match to match you never know which side is going to show up. Additionally, some of the stars they have signed have been collossal duds. Tevez has been the single best signing and so has Andrew Johnson. Everyone else like the make up of this squad have been hit and miss. Adebayor still is a lazy player and takes more time off on the pitch then he does off. Bellamy is okay but not anything to write home about. King Kolo is a shell of his former self and younger faster players are having his scalp often.  And I am not even going to go on about how I think Paddy Viera should’ve just either stayed at Inter or retired. He is no where near the legend or the half-legend he used to be.

But hey this is Arsenal and has been evidenced the last two weeks – something is woefully wrong with this squad. Like City there is talent – even amidst all the injuries. But whether its woeful performances by the goal keepers or just plain out shutting down for periods of time, Arsenal, who were in good form for most of the season have laid a big fat goose egg in the last few weeks.

Whether the gas has run out on a team that is beset with injuries, or maybe they just were overachieving all season and it caught up and bit them in the ass. Either way the team that was in the title hunt, isn’t and doesn’t look like it did only a few weeks ago.

There are lots of reasons we could aruge why but to me its simple, Cesc Fabregas is out and this team  doesn’t believe in itself when he is gone. No matter how much Sol Campbell tries he can’t give the kids the heart the need to get through this. Robin Van Persie’s return is a few weeks too late to maybe have been a stop gap. Whatever, it is, this team is a shell of the good squad we saw through most of the season.

Another reason for my generally uncertainty (or is it apathy) is that it looks like Flapianksi (part of the dynaic GK tandem we have) will likely start in goal again. So if Almunia is really hurt and Flapianski is doing his best wounded duck imitation why wouldn’t give Vito Mannone a run out? Even with his mistakes  he’s better than both of these guys combined. Vito in my opinion should be given the chance go.

Overall, if the lads want us to give them more credit (as Samir Nasri asked us to do) than they need to come out today and play like they care. The need to seize on whatever Sol Campbell is taking. Unfortuntately I am not sure there is a pill for heart. Even when winning 2-0 against Wigan, thee was a general laxidasical effort on the pitch. In order for them to win this today they need to find a “pair”, strap them on and play with the verve they’ve displayed throughout this season and was last seen in the draw against Barca in the first leg of the Champion’s League. They need to muster themselves and give the fans a reason to believe.

It is very easy for us say this squad is merely exhausted from trying to sustain themselves through the injuries. And it is quite possible that it has finally all caught up to them. And frankly, not because I am trying to make excuses I do think there is some validity to that. However, it does not excuse the players who remain from shrivelling up like a set of raisins.

While slagging Arsene is also easy, I am not sure what he could’ve done this season. I do think there is some blame to be had. I think the fact that he didn’t go out and get a new GK is a problem. I don’t think he could’ve managed the squad any better then he has this year. If anything he has to get some kudos as well for directing the team through the worst injury patch I’ve seen on the team. But he also has to bear the criticism for reliance on some classic non-performers like our GK tandem, a certain Brazillian and an ex Manc defender.

What it all means? Well I don’t know. Just like I don’t really know how this match should play out. City are certainly a good team. They are a Tottenham good in my oponion – perenially in the mix but always likely to be in the 5,6 or 7 position. They too have been benefactors of this wacky season. Had the title chasers and Liverpool actually been as good as they were billed, I don’t think Man City would’ve been as close to where they are today. But again Arsenal itself is a huge question mark and I don’t know if we’ve overachieved or if we have moved on this season. It’s likely more of the latter with some of the former sprinkled in. But that’s a story for the end of the season.

How the Match Should Play Out:
Like I’ve been saying I don’t know. The Arsenal that gave Barca a right scare can show its head and if it does Man City does not stand a chance. If the team that let Wigan back into the match shows up, I am not sure we stand the chance. As it stands like everything I have tried to convey in this preview, it is going to wind up a classic draw.

Players to Watch:
Arsenal: Robin Van Persie. Oh what a season we could’ve had had he been healthy.  He will likely start today and it will place him back on the pitch for a full 90 minutes against a team whom there was so much controversy last time they met. Robin definitely has a score to settle and it could propel him and some of the team. He has shown how he changes the team in both of his brief visits to the squad since he returned.

Man City: Patrick Viera. Sure Emmanuel Adebayor and Kolo Toure are also returning to the Emirates but Paddy is a legend. And while his time back in the EPL is not anything to write home about or more importantly likely to get him added to the French National Squad, this is his first time back since he departed Arsenal. Let the love an adulation begin until the match begins

Probable Starting XI:
Arsenal: Fabianski, Campbell, Song, Clichy, Sagna, Eboue, Diaby, Nasri, Rosicky, Van Persie, Bendtner

Man City: Given, Toure, Kompany, Onuhoa, Bridge, Barry, Vierra, DeJong, Johnson, Adebayor, Tevez

Injuries/Suspensions:
Arsenal: Gallas (calf),  Djourou (knee), Fabregas (leg), Ramsey (leg), Gibbs (foot), Almunia (wrist)

City: Sylvinho (calf) M Johnson (knee), Petrov (knee), Lescott (hamstring)

Last Meeting (EPL)
Arsenal: 2

City: 4

Leading Scorers:
Arsenal: Fabregas: 19 (15 league) Bendtner: 12 (6 league) Arshavin: 11 (9 league)

City: Tevez: 28 goals (22 league) Adebayor: 13 goals (13 league)

League Form:
Arsenal: LLWDW

City: LWWWL

Match Officials:
Referee: Mike Dean

Assistant Referees: Peter Kirkup & Rob Lewis

Fourth Official: Mike Jones

TV Broadcast:
US: Fox Soccer Channel 1230 PM EST

UK: ESPN UK 1730 BST

Online Feeds:
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www.iraqgoals.net

www.justin.tv

www.myp2p.eu

GAMEDAY CHAT will be open: www.youaremyarsenal.com/gamedaychat

YAMA Prediction:
Arsenal: 2

City: 2

Popularity: 24% [?]

No Really This Should Be Fun: Arsenal v Wigan, Match Preview.

Hope Springs Eternal?

Oh for the love of Pete would some one please end this season? I mean last week United draw to Bolton and Arsenal lose to Spurs. Then this weekend with the league at stake Chelsea go and lose to that same Spurs. Seriously does anyone want to make any progress towards wrapping up this season?

For Arsenal fans many are asking themselves – is there hope. I mean a win against Wigan and they are back to 3 points off of Chelsea with 3 to play. Is it real hope or does False Hope Spring Eternal? Seriously, with the way the top three ping pong back and forth in mediocrity to sublime anyone one of them could wind up on top and more than likely just because they happened to win on that weekend.

On a Saturday that saw United eke out a win with no less than 15 seconds left on clock and saw Chelsea absolutely imlode and lose to Spurs – the league still has no idea who will this thing. Arsenal for their part face off against Wigan. A team who are now five points off the relegation zone. They managed that feat by drawing with relegation leaders and Harry Redknapp rape victims Portsmouth. They have a good manager in Roberto Martinez who is trying to get the Latics to play in a free flowing attacking style. Frankly though, the style isn’t befitting of his talent and they must still look in the rear view mirror to make sure they stay out of danager.

Arsenal need to be on their toes with this team. More so than they were on Wednesday. Chelsea and Liverpool were victims at the DW Stadium. They have had a penchant for taking some big scalps and with most of the Arsenal first teamers running around with the physio it could be another scalp they collect.

The sporting cliche’s have been used in abundance with this Arsenal squad this season. It’s a must win, they have to to keep pressure on the top – yada yada yada. The perspective right now depends on how view the season so far. Is it a success in that they have managed to stay in the title hunt despite having pretty much every member of their first team on the trainers table at one point for the season. Hell they’ve had 6 of their starting 11 on the trainer’s table for a minimum of 2 months. The other view is – its just another season without a trophy, Arsene has lost the plot, youth won’t get us anywhere, (fill in your own here).

For my perspective, if Arsenal are truly on an upward swing after two disasterous seasons then a win is the imperative. Not for the title reason but to show that the players have progressed, that they are indeed maturing and that everything that has been said about them is true. Yeah a win would be nice because it puts them right back into the title hunt. But it would be equally nice to show that the mentality we’ve – okay I’ve been talking about is true. If they’ve matured they need to move beyond the loss of Wednesday.

The line up for the match should be interesting. Denilson is a question mark and Song is out. Song’s presence is being missed more than Fabregas. Against Barca he was key to controlling Messi in the first match. In the second leg without him, Messi went wild. Without Song in the midfield against Tottenham, the defensive cover was weak and we did not get the ball back too often from that vantage point.  Throw in the starting tandem of Vermaelen and Gallas form the defense and replaced by the dynamic duo of Campbell and Silvestre, well its an advernture almost worth watching (with one eye shut).

Also, while he played for 20 minutes on Wednesday, Robin Van Persie could start the match. It will be interesting whether Wenger puts Nicky B in the centre and RvP on the right wing or vice versa.  Either way, the RvP adds a solid proven attacker to the team. He pairs up with an in form Nicky B and possibly Nasri on the other side and from an attack stand point its not a bad trio to have.

As for Abou Diaby – a quick word here. I suspect we will see a good show out of the lad. He hasn’t beenthe same since his last stint on the injury list. But its no longer a big match and Diaby does show up for the lesser matches.

How Does It All Play Out:
Let’s be blunt shall we. Arsenal controlled the Spurs match but Spurs were hungrier and made their chances count. Arsenal like playing against Wigan adn they have scoed four goals in each of their last few meetings. With the need to reassert themselves for now and for the future – Arsenal will come in hungry and on the attack.

Players to Watch:
Arsenal: Robin Van Persie. He’s baaaacccckkkk!!! He came on briefly against SPurs and in the first few moments made a beauty pass, had four shots and set Bendtner up for the shot. It goes with out saying what this season could’ve been like with a fit Robin. Simply put he changes the dynamic of play for the Arsenal attack.

Wigan: Hugo Rodallega. He’s killed Chelsea and Liverpool this year. Arsene has an eye on him. So should the Arsenal defenders and the Gunners faithful.

Probable Starting XI:

This should be fun. Really.

Injuries/Suspensions:
Arsenal: Arshavin (calf), Gallas (calf), Song (knee) Djourou (knee), Fabregas (leg), Ramsey (leg), Gibbs (foot)

Wigan: Caldwell (suspended), Thomas (thigh), Kingson (groin)

Last Meeting (EPL)
Arsenal: 4

Wigan: 0

Leading Scorers:
Arsenal: Fabregas: 19 (15 league) Bendtner: 12 (6 league) Arshavin: 11 (9 league)

Wigan: Rodallega: 9 goals (9 league); N’Zogbia: 6 goals (4 league)

League Form:
Arsenal: LWDWW

Wigan: DLLWL

Match Officials:
Referee: Lee Mason

Assistant Referees: Jake Collin & Mick McDonough

Fourth Official: Mark Atkinson

TV Broadcast:
US: Foxsoccer.tv

UK: Sky Sports 1

Online Feeds:
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www.iraqgoals.net

www.justin.tv

www.myp2p.eu

GAMEDAY CHAT will be open: www.youaremyarsenal.com/gamedaychat

YAMA Prediction:
Arsenal: 3

Wigan: 0

Popularity: 34% [?]

Happy St. Totteringham’s Day: Arsenal v Tottenham; Match Preview

It's Derby Day

St. Totteringham’s Day: (N) Quite a simple concept, St. Totteringham’s day is the day when Arsenal have gathered enough points to be mathematically assured to finish ahead of Tottenham in the league table. When Arsenal have an advance on their North London rivals large enough that it becomes mathematically impossible for them to be overtaken, that day is declared by Arsenal fans to be St. Totteringham’s day.

Because the celebration is based on the points difference between the two clubs, the exact date of St. Totteringham’s day varies from year to year, depending on the respective forms of both clubs that season. For obvious reasons St. Totteringham’s day can only occur the years when Arsenal finish the season ahead of Tottenham in the league table. Since the inception of the EPL in 1992, it has happened every year, except for the 1992-93 and 1994-95 seasons when Arsenal last finished behind Tottenham in the league.

The earliest occurence of St. Totteringham’s day in a season is 9 March 2008, matchday 29 of the 2007-08 season. The least amount of games needed to reach St’ Totteringham’s day was 28, on 13 March 2008. Both the 1995-96 and 2005-06 seasons went down to the wire, with both clubs’ rankings relative to each other only decided on matchday 38, the very last day of the season.

Ah, it’s that time of year. We are winding down at the end of the season and we are faced with putting our North London rivals in their right place – below us in the table.  Yes, my friend’s rejoice it is today that we will likely dance and shout for joy at the arrival of St. Totteringham’s Day. Songs will be sung and pints will be drunk and by the end of it Fat Harry and his over achieving bands of misfits will once again be lower than Arsenal for another season.

Yes, every day you pick up a paper and the man who is partially responsible for Pompey’s demise (though he won’t admit it) proudly shouts (to anyone who will listen) that his club are closing the gap on Arsenal. I am not sure Harry has bothered to check the table nor reminded himself of their last result. But Harry in his wildest dreams will never have a club that could hold Denilson’s jock strap. The fact that they faded out to Pompey in the FA Cup semis is a testament to that. A big club or a club on par or near Arsenal would’ve neatly dispatched woeful Pompey with a ton of verve. And as we all know that didn’t happen.

True Harry does have some talented players – Jermaine Defoe, Jenas, Nikko Krancjar, Aaron Lennon and Jonathon Woodgate are all quality players. Even the monkey face welshman; Gareth Bale is slightly respectable. But all in all they don’t have the depth or the managerial verve to ever supplant the big four – five if you count City.

Harry is not the saviour of English football as some in the press or he himself tout him to be. He is capable. But he is old school. When the chips are down he resorts to tired tactics and doesn’t know how to pick his team up. His whole game is around the lanky legs of the freak of nature Peter Crouch. The talent he has is more by mere coinidence than actual identification. He wants rid of Roman Pavulychenko who has quietly shown the quality of his stature in spite of the English lion of Football. Bah.

Harry Redknapp is overrated, a thief, and a poor manager. The sooner we dispatch of Tottenham on Wednesday the better – so we can be done with him and tell where he can stick his team’s projections.

In reality for Arsenal the task is as it has been since the end of January – win and stay in it. Win and pass United on the table. Win and close in back to 3 points on Chelsea with a more favorable run in to the end. Arsenal have been impressive in their last 8 league matches taking 22 of 24 points. There hasn’t been a better squad.  Additionally, the have developed a fighting mentality which should tell every team playing them – if you shut down when you are ahead – this team will make you pay. Ask Barcelona – the best team on the planet – what happened two weeks ago when they had a 2-0 lead on Arsenal and decided to fritter the match away.

Arsenal have shown patience and verve that is uncharacteristic of an Arsene Wenger squad. The simply will not quit for 90 + minutes. They have scord 17 goals in the last 10 minutes of matches this season. More than any other team in the league. In their last 3 matches they have closed out those matches in that last 10 minute span.

This is a different season for the Gunners. It has been marred by an incredible train of players heading to the training table for long periods of time. It is a season when noone figured they would do well, when they seemed to be the team voted most likely to be looking outside the big four this season. When in fact they are one of three teams who has been in the title hunt since October. That’s right when you look at the season in its entirety even when they were counted as out – they came right back and were well in it. Granted, the opposition seemed every intent on letting all comers play in the season.

This Arsenal squad can build on the enduring recent history against Spurs this week. In their last 20 league meetings Arsenal have not lost to Spurs. 7 of the last 9 meetings at White Hart Lane have ended in draws. The last league win Spurs had against Arsenal was a 2-1 win in 1999 – which featured a Spurs side with current Arsenal defender Sol Campbell.

Arsenal will be bouyed by the return (to the bench) of Robin Van Persie – he of the ankle injury and the placenta treatment for cure. He’s been out since an injury against an international friendly against Italy. He has returned to first team training and while his likely match fitness is limited , he does seem to “look” rather fit. You can see pictures of his training session on Arsenal dot com. There are some good images of his full out sprinting and angling with the ball. He’ll likely start on the bench but it is good to see him back in the squad. Especially with so many others out.

Speaking of out, Alex Song will miss the derby and this weekend’s tie against Wigan. Gallas is out indefinitely (still) and Arshavin could be back to the squad in time for the Man City match.

How the Match Will Play Out:
I am not sure how much creedance I put into how tired SPurs will be. Sure they played 120 minutes of losing football this past weekend. Sure it was only Sunday and sure they have to turn right around and play on Saturday.  Okay maybe it is a big thing. Arsenal are a week +1 removed from a masterclass on handling the ball. They will have all gotten the exhibition against Barcelona out of their system. They should be fresh and they should smell blood of a team that is unsure of itself given their recent loss. Both sides a reeling from injuries so neither squad has a one up in that department. Except that Arsenal are out on a mission and out to prove everyone wrong. Look for an early Nicky B goal and then a late winner from either Nasri or super sub Van Persie. If Arsenal do not score early – it will be a 1-1 draw.

Players to watch:
Arsenal: Sol Campbell. Its less about what the reborn defender can do than what the reaction of the Spurs fans will be to his presence on the pitch. The acrimony of Spurs fans to the Arsenal defender is legendary. He has come out and said it won’t bother him. In fact I think it will inspire him. Let’s just hope it doesn’t inspire some of the more lunatic fringe of spurs fans.

Tottenham: Roman Pavulychenko. In January it was no secret he wanted out and that English legend ‘Arry didn’t want to play him. But then again he didn’t work very hard to move him. Needless to say it has inspired the Russian striker and he has been solid for most of the time since then. ON a couple of occassions his performance has forced ‘Arry to actually praise him. Novel stuff ‘Arry.

Probable Starting XI:
Arsenal: Almunia, Vermaelen, Campbell, Clichy, Sagna, Diaby, Denilson, Nasri, Rosicky, Bendtner, Eboue.

Spurs: Gomes, Corluka, Bassong, Dawson, Bale, Bentley Huddlestone, Gudjohnsen, Modric, DeFoe, Pavlyuchenko.

Injuries/Suspensions:
Arsenal: Arshavin (calf), Gallas (calf), Song (knee) Djourou (knee), Fabregas (leg), Ramsey (leg), Gibbs (foot)

Spurs: Palacios (suspended two matches) King (thigh) Cudicini (broken wrists), Jenas, (groin),Lennon (groin), Woodgate (groin), Kranjcar (ankle), Rose (knee)

Last Meeting (EPL)
Arsenal: 3

Spurs: 0

Leading Scorers:
Arsenal: Fabregas: 19 (15 league) Bendtner: 11 (5 league) Arshavin: 11 (9 league)

Spurs: Defoe: 23 (17 league) Crouch: 12 (7 league)

League Form:
Arsenal: WDWWW

Spurs: LWWWW

Match Officials:
Referee: Mark Clattenburg

Assistant Referees: Dave Bryan & Michael Murphy

Fourth Official: Stuart Atwell

TV Broadcast:
US: Unknown

UK: Sky Sports 1

Online Feeds:
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www.iraqgoals.net

www.justin.tv

www.myp2p.eu

GAMEDAY CHAT will be open: www.youaremyarsenal.com/gamedaychat

YAMA Prediction:
Arsenal: 2

Spurs: 1

Popularity: 25% [?]

Frustrated? No. Disappointed? Yes. Post Champion’s League Thoughts.

He made a proper Messi of things.

 In 2007-2008 Gooners I was delighted to see Arsenal take jump at the season and pretty much contro things heading into February. I was dismayed tha after the horrendus events of that match-day in Birmingham, Arsenal’s season, one of so much promise faded quicker than it had started.

Last season, Arsenal completely frustrated me as we never got out of the chute and were out of it before we were even in it.  The only saving grace were semi-final appearances in the FA Cup and the Champion’s League  – if you call those saving graces.

This season, I did not know what to expect. Would it be the ugly beast of the previous season? Or would a more matured brand of football rear its head. There wasn’t much movement in terms of transfers. Optimism rode high from the offices of the Emirates. Not so much through the homes of the Gunner’s faithful.

But the optimism seemed well founded. Even after losing to City and United the Gunners were still at threat and taking care of the opposition they faced. The season though has gone horribly wrong. Not because we are still fighting for a league title but because the team is ending its season on 1 good leg – if that.

Last night I watched the complete dismantling of a good Arsenal side by a great Barcelona team. The movement off the ball, the attack to get the ball back when it was lost and the skillful elegance of the best player in the world – some guy named Messi, you may have heard of him was astounding.

I’m not sure we ever had a chance. Sure we scored first and sure thing if Diaby hits Walcott on the right intead of passing to Bendtner on the left, and had Theo scored – it could’ve been a different game. But it wasn’t. Arsenal got played off the field. I don’t think there are any teams that can handle this Barca side so overall I say no shame in going out to a team like that.

The game was lost in my opinion before we took the field and word was that Alex Song was not playing. Song did an outstanding job last week handcuffing Messi. While Song is improved and improving he showed why he was Arsenal’s most improved player this season by limiting the path the little man had. Without him the squad, Arsenal could not contain Messi and he had his way with a make shift defence.

Barca also adjusted very well to this Arsenal squads potential threats. Maxwell didn’t start and the defenders played deeper off of Walcott negating his speed effect. The size of Bendtner and Diaby was negated by no less than 3 players crowding them out as they had the ball. They weren’t losing the ball so much as they were having it taken away from them when pressured. They also did a good job of pressing Nasri out of the midfield.

Throw all of that in with a clinic on how an attacking squad should hold the ball up from their opposition and the night was over after the first Messi goal.  Sure they started better and the chances that Barca did have weren’t nearly as good as they had last week. Frankly, I am of the mind I would’ve preferred a frentic start to get Almunia engaged early and at his intinctive best.

 Overall though I think what I really want to say, is I am not frustrated we did not win and this another trophy we won’t have. It doesn’t come from some kool-aid drinking notion of the love for Arsenal. It’s from a realistic view that Arsenal have delivered more this year than they should have or were expected to.

 The litany of injuries of first team stars and key players is well known. If any other team had as much talent out on the bench would they

Dejected

 be doing so well? Everton which have a very talented squad have gotten better because they have healed. Their early season woes were directly because of their own early injury problems.  Still with all the injuries Arsenal are competing day in and day out. Yes, there are off games, but they are still gaining results. Who cares when they come, they come and it keeps them going as the little engine that could.

I am disappointed more for the fact that a squad that has worked so hard, a manager that has worked so hard to keep it together, and a fan base that deserves a Champion may not get one this year. And its not because of wrong policies or not spending money, or the age of the squad or paying off debt. It is because the size of the injuries deprived this team of much of its talent for a good portion of the season.  this is not an excuse – it is a fact. United cannot overcome the loss of Rooney as they’ve shown. If Drogba were out for an extended period of time Chelsea likely wouldn’t handle it (the ACoN doesn’t count – because most of the matches he was out were cancelled because of snow). It happens and teams have to overcome – in my mind we have. It is why we are still fighting for a league title.

I am disappointed because I loved the atmosphere and pride that being in that match meant to the fans. Whether it was the rabid Gooner nation on Twitter or the fans at Nevada Smith’s yesterday. It was a great thing to see and experience.

The phrase wait till next season is to early to use right now and frankly I hate it because I always get so caught up in this season. But I am looking forward to next season, when there are new signings (Chamakh and Jerome Boateng anyone?) and bodies are healed. There are never any guarantees but I would suspect that a healthier Arsenal squad will do much better than one that is held together by band-aids and tape.

We got beat by a better team and I bow down to the football man that is Lionel Messi. What a stunning performance. Did anyone else on that team even have a shot on goal? So I am going to turn my attention to the remaining league games., think about the arrival of St. Totteringham’s day and let this go back and wistfully think about what could’ve been this season.

Cheers. DAG

Popularity: 41% [?]

Once More Unto The Breach: Arsenal v Barcelona (CL QF 2nd Leg)

This time its for all the marbles

Once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more,
Or close the wall up with our English dead!
In peace there ‘s nothing so becomes a man
As modest stillness and humility;
But when the blast of war blows in our ears,
Then imitate the action of the tiger:
Stiffen the sinews, summon up the blood,
Disguise fair nature with hard-favoured rage;
Then lend the eye a terrible aspect. -  Henry V Act 3 Sc 1 William Shakespeare

 One of Shakespeare’s most iconic lines. It is so fitting for this match against two of the giants of European football.

Last week I spent 60 minutes in a pub in abject frustration. I watched a team, a classy team, my team get thoroughly outclassed. I watched a team become as poetic in motion, as ruthless as a killer and as potent as any single malt shred a team I thought had all those qualities. Thanks to the lucky feet hands and face of our keeper it was thankfully oly 2-0 when it could easily have been 6-0  GAME, SET and MATCH.

There would have been no need for today had Manuel Almunia not played the best 25 minutes of his career (Shortly followed by the worst 10 minutes). Had not the pace of Theo Walcott completely out maneouvered Maxwell and had not Carlos Puyol been stupid this game would’ve been a formality and we would’ve been likely crowning Barcelona as the European Champions. (hey we still might).

The task for the Gunners is huge. They have more injuries than a hospital can take care. Fabregas, Gallas, Arshavin, Song, oh the list goes on are all out of this match. That means many players who would not normally be called on to be the heros will be. Samir Nasri will lead the attack. Personally, I am eager to see this because Nasri has shown that when he plays the central role he is almost as good as Fabregas. Yes, it was against Porto but he shredded them completely spearheading the 5-0 thrashing of the Portoguese side in the last round of the CL. He plays better here and frankly I think he has more ofg a physical side than Fabregas has. Fabregas though has the all around complete game and sees the play devleop better than anyone I’ve seen. So there isn’t much loss there.

The biggest loss will be Alexander Song. I am amazed at how far this kid has come this season. I was ready to have him shipped out this season. Frankly when he was starting in the early parts of the season I was wondering how this would work out. To say that he has been one of our consistent performers each night out. is an understatement. He has. He controls the midfeld very well and creates havoc for opposing attacks. 

So the Gunners do not have their full allotment of weapons and all the pundits and some fans have written them off. And if I am a realist I could very well write them off. Hell, they are playing the best team on the planet right now. Even the nouveau galacticos in Madrid pale in comparison. So you wouldn’t nor couldn’t blame a Gooner if he thought their boys were going down. But as has been the case all season long this team sets out to prove doubters wrong.

It remains to be seen if this current crop of Gunners is merely achieving beyond its ability or if this is the beginning of a glorious time in Gunner lore. That script won’t be written till next season when they are either competing for a title or sadly for the fourth Champions League spot.  What is known is that at ever chance they have been written off that have stormed back to steal away. How long that lasts is unknown. But they did it to this Barcelona squad last week and there is no reason to doubt they can’t do it again this week.

Why you ask? For one thing Bracelona are not invincible. They lost 2-1 at home against Rubin Kazan and by the same score to Sevilla in the Spanish cup. Also while Arsenal are lacking, so too are the Blaugrana. Ibrahimovic, Puyol and Pique are all out. That’s two first team central defenders and one star attacker. Iniesta if he makes the squad will not start. He is a game time fitness decision. While they remain a formidable side (any side with Messi and Xavi in it are) they are weakened and can be had.

Regardless of the team’s situations this again could provide much entertainment for all. Hell, if it has half of what was evident in last week’s match this will go down as a legendary tie. It will be one we always remember whatever the outcome. Whether its the swashbuckling style of Barcelona or the determined spirit of our Gunners, this will be a tie for the ages. I am glad it is happening. I am glad I will get to see a proper football match.

Our beloved Gunners head once more into the breach and into a possible dance with destiny (hey I can wax poetic if I want to). I am of the mind that if they get past Barcelona then they will win the Champion’s League. Like they say, if you want to be the best you have to beat the best and the Gunners can do that.

I see you stand like greyhounds in the slips,
Straining upon the start. The game’s afoot:
Follow your spirit; and, upon this charge
Cry ‘God for Harry! England and Saint George!’ – Henry V Act 3 Sc 1 – William Shakespeare

How the Match Should Play Out:
Barcelona will look to be as ruthless as they were last week. I think the ferocity of their attack last week not only showed how good they are but how afriad they were of Arsenal’s ability. They were absolutely intent on knocking Arsenal out of the match early and if not for Almunia they would’ve done so. While I expect the same level of play, I don’t expect Arsenal to be mere viewers. They took what Barcelona had to give and they survived. There is no more awe. Any way, I don’t have a score for this. I think it comes out a draw and we go down to PKs. Just because it would make this more classic than it already is.

Probable Starting XI:
Arsenal: Almunia, Vermalen, Campbell, Sagna, Clichy, Denilson, Diaby, Nasri, Eboue, Rosicky, Bendtner

Barcelona: Valdes, Alves, Milito, Marquez, Maxwell, Toure, Xavi, Keita, Messi, Bojan, Pedro.

Injuries/Suspended:
Arsenal: Fabregas (leg) Arshavin (leg) Song (groin) Gallas (leg)Van Persie (ankle), Gibbs (foot), Djourou (knee) Ramsey (leg)

Barcelona: Puyol, Pique, Abidal, Iniesta

Recent League Form:
Arsenal: WDWWW

Barcelona: WDWWW

TV Broadcast:
US: Fox Soccer Channel/Foxsoccer.tv 1445 EST

UK: ITV1

Online Streams:
www.atdhe.net

www.justin.tv

www.iraqgoals.net

www.myp2p.eu

GAMEDAY CHAT Will Be On: www.youaremyarsenal.com/gamedaychat

YAMA Prediction:
Who knows?????

Popularity: 18% [?]

Back to Winning Ways: Arsenal V Wolves; Match Preview

Arsenal look to extend unbeaten streak against Wolves

It was a rough week for Arsenal, surrendering a painful equqalizer to Birmingham and getting a masterclass on passing and attacking by Barcelona. Throw in the injuries to Cesc Fabregas, Andrei Arshavin and William Gallas and well it wasn’t all roses for the Gunners. With that week out of the way, Arsene’ Wenger’s side stay at home and face off against this year’s league darlings – Wolverhampton.

Wolverhampton have been on a good run as of late winning against both Spurs and West Ham. You couldn’t blame them for brimming with confidence at the prospect of facing an Arsenal side that do not have Fabregas or Arshavin in the line up.  Their current run of form equals their longest unbeaten run in the EPL and the have as many points away from home as Liverpool. Next to Portmsmouth they have the worst attack in the league  having scord only 28 goals in 32 games. In facing Arsenal, they are meeting for the 108th time and haven’t won against them in 31 years.

However they are a tenacious club and should not be underestimated. They’ve been impressive lately and did a fantastic job of fighting Everton to a scoreless draw. Unlike their opponents they do not have the injury concerns that would rattle a smaller cluib like Wolves.

For Arsenal the task is simple, win today and keep the faint hopes for EPL glory alive. Draw or Lose and surely the season prospects will have dried up. Arsenal have a shot to still win the league but they will be required to win their last 6 matches. A feat not impossible. Prior to drawing to Brum last week they ran a season best 6 wins in a row. But they had access to Cesc Fabregas in some of those matches.

Arsenal will be without their talismanic captain as he figures tomiss the rest of the season with a fractured tibia. The team captain has been on his own impressive run building up his Arsenal legend status at only the tender age of 22. He was scored many of the last minute winners the team has had this season, even scoring the equalizer against Barca. A move that would result in not only keeping Arsenal alive in the CL, but possibly breaking his leg at the time.

In his place will be Samir Nasri who since coming back from early season injury is showing why Arsene went out two seasons ago and signed him. He has deputized for Cesc when Fabregas was out for a short stint with a hamstring injury. In those games he was authoratative and skillful with the ball. He not only made the absecence of Fabregas seem okay, he made some plays of his that were classic, especially his wonder goal it in the 5-0 thrashing of Porto. Nasri is now likely the most important cog in Arsenal’s continued fight in both the EPL and CL. How he responds to this new responsibility will be essential for Arsenal’s continued success.

The signing of Sol Campbell now looks to be a masterstroke. WIth the injury to William Gallas looking like it will keep him out for the rest of the season as well, the Gunners needed size, strenght and experience in back four and they’ve gotten it in spades with Campbell. His resurrgence to Premier LEague form has amazed pretty much everyone. As Arsenal will need a bedrock in terms of defence and as a leader Campbell can add to his Arsenal status by being the leader the club need to get through this patch.

All in all this looked like an easy match two weeks ago. They will want to avoid a repeat of last season where they only won 3 of their last 6 matches (drew the other 3) and they will want to continue their run that sees them unbeaten in their last 7. In favor of the Gunners – the comforts of home where with the exception of losses to United and Chelsea they have been nearly unbeatable. If they are to remain in the title hunt, they will need to channel that.

How the Match Should Play Out:
While Arsenal were made to look silly for 68 minutes on Wednesday, they should have no trouble exerting their style of play on this match. Wolves do not posssess the same class or abililty as Barcelona. But they still represent a tenacious challenge and will be looking to press on against the Gunners. Still though, when they last met in Novemeber, Wolves had no Answer for Arsenal pressure and they allowed two own goals (set up by Eduardo)  because they couldn’t handle the reds around the box.  While Arsenal will have to get used to the new realities of their squad, it will still be too strong in the end for Wolves.

Players to Watch:
Arsenal: Samir Nasri. Its not often you are called on to replace a player like Fabregas. But Nasri has shown two things this season – 1. He can fill in just fine for the Spaniard and 2. He plays better without the captain in the squad. They need him to be magical for at least 7 more games (6 EPL and 1 CL).

Wolves: Kevin Doyle. He leads the Wolve attack and while he does not possess the greatest of skills he still gets the Wolverhampton pack running.

Possible Starting XI:

Back to winning?

Injuries:
Arsenal: Van Persie (ankle) Djourou (knee) Arshavin (groin) Gallas (leg) Fabregas (leg) Ramsey (leg) Gibbs (foot)

Wolves: Ebanks-Blake (virus) Knightly (ankle)

Most Recent League Form:
Arsenal: DWWWW

Wolves: WDWDL

Leading Scorers:
Arsenal: Fabregas 19 (15 League) Arshavin 11 (9 league)

Wolves: Doyle 7 (7 league) Craddock 5 (5 league)

Last Meeting: (EPL)
Arsenal: 4

Wolves: 1

Match Officials:
Referee: Andre Marriner

Assistant Refs: Adam Watts & Phil Sharp

Fourth Official: Jarnail Singh

Broadcast TV:
US: Foxsoccer.TV 1000AM EST

UK; ATVO 1500 EST

Popularity: 18% [?]