Reading 2 Arsenal 5 – Nice and Easy!

Reading 2 (Le Fondre 66, Kebe 71) – Arsenal 5 (Podolski 14, Cazorla 32, 34, 60, Walcott 80)

Man of the Match – Santi Cazorla (Arsenal)

The smiles have returned, finally. Steve Bould sported a smile, Theo Walcott sported a smile, Santi Cazorla sported a smile, I sported a smile, and more importantly, Arsene Wenger sported a smile.

Yes, it was only Reading, the worst team in the Premier League at the moment, but the feeling of a victory after such a depressing week comes as a major relief. The win takes us to 5th in the table, and now within touching distance of 4th spot, while Reading remain rooted to the bottom of the table.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Theo Walcott and Lukas Podolski was the preferred front 3, as Olivier Giroud, just back injury was named on the bench. Also on the bench were Tomas Rosicky and Laurent Koscielny, still building on fitness, after their returns from injuries. Gervinho was on the bench as well. Phew!

Chamberlain had the first go, when he literally robbed Cazorla and shot from outside the box, but Adam Federici made a fine save. Russian international Pavel Pogrebnyak got in behind the Arsenal defence, but wasn’t able to put a proper shot away. And moments later, Noel Hunt, saw his header just go over the post.

Arsenal took the lead, in the 14th minute, when Kieran Gibbs played in a cross. Lukas Podolski took it down, and calmly slotted it past Federici. It was the German’s 8th goal of the season, in all competitions. Arsenal missed further opportunities to score, first when Walcott had his shot blocked by Federici’s legs, and then Podolski’s shot went wide.

Arsenal were looking strong, and Wilshere forced another save from the Australian international, and Theo Walcott should have made it 2-0 when put through. It didn’t matter much, as Lukas Podolski crossed in from the left, and Santi Cazorla, of all people, the shortest man on the pitch, headed the ball home.

The Spaniard couldn’t believe he had scored off his head. Reading looked to pull back something when a McAnuff cross almost fell into the path of his teammate, but Thomas Vermaelen cleared the danger with a last ditch challenge.

Cazorla would add to his tally, when 2 minutes later, he turned and buried the ball into the net for Arsenal’s 3rd goal. Reading were surely out of this now.

The Gunners started the second half with the same flourish that they had ended the first with. Reading, however had tightened up. Walcott and Chamberlain were forced to shoot from long range. Arsenal added the fourth when Lukas Podolski got his hattrick of assists, as his pinpoint cross was met with a pinpoint finish from Santi Cazorla, with the goal open to score. It was the Spaniard’s first career hattrick.

However, Arsenal being Arsenal, almost handed the onus to Reading. Kieran Gibbs misplaced his pass, and Jack Wilshere slipped over, straining his groin in the process. First, Le Fondre rounded Wojciech Szczesny, and 5 minutes later, more poor defending resulted in Jimmy Kebe slotting the ball past Szczesny into the corner of the net.

Thoughts of a comeback were well and truly on, and considering that the last time these two sides met, one team came back from 4-0 down, to eventually draw in normal time, and win 7-5 in extra time, anything was possible.

But, Arsenal made sure of the points, when Walcott finished crisply with his left foot. It was the strikers 11th goal in all competitions, and surely an indicator to the manager that his future lies in playing centrally.

Plenty of positives, then. Nothing better than a win to better your battered confidence. Cazorla and Podolski were impressive on the evening, while Walcott was crafty, as he got into some good positions, as well as created space for others by getting into some good positions.

Chamberlain worked hard all night, and looking like he is getting into his groove, after a slow start to the season. Defensively, I think we still lack a bit of conviction. We conceded two sloppy goals against the 20th placed league team, and both were avoidable.

But, nothing can spoil the taste of a good win.

Jai Arsenal 🙂

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Reading Preview + Lineups, Old Boys Chatter, Transfers and Wilshere

So, it’s Monday. I am sure no one likes games on Monday, because it leaves an emptiness over the weekend. Watching van Persie and his chums win again gets you more frustrated, and the word Monday in itself is quite repulsive.

But, here we are, thanks to the Premier League schedule, travelling the relatively short distance to Reading, on a cold December night. It comes after a fairly disappointing week, where, you know, I have been questioning my sanity, and my aim in life.

Anyways, the usual chatter around the club has been about how precarious Arsene Wenger’s position has become, in light of recent results, and various people related to Arsenal in the past have been doing their talking up.

Stewart Robson has been the most critical, and has labelled the Frenchman a dictator, who doesn’t allow a free flow of ideas and input from the coaching staff, while Ian Wright is of the opinion that Arsene Wenger continually lies in his interviews, and the supporters who still support him are ‘deluded’.

But some former players have come to the manager’s rescue as well, with Martin Keown saying that Wenger deserves more time to achieve his dream. Ray Parlour has rebuffed Robson’s views that Wenger is a dictator, and has said that Wenger defends his players in the media, but discusses the onfield problems with them in private.

George Graham has confused me, himself, Wenger, the media and the monkey’s in London Zoo, by making contradictory statements, in the space of 3 days. He first told that Arsenal won’t win another title under Wenger, and then he changed his statement to saying that he backs the Frenchman to continue his reign at the club, but needs to rediscover his transfer ‘magic’.

Finally, another former Arsenal player who has rejected talk of Arsenal being in crisis, is the manager who will be in the opposing dugout tonight, Brian McDermott.

Arsene Wenger, himself, revealed that this has been one of his most focused Arsenal squads, calling them very serious, and hardworking.

I’ve had groups who had fantastic results [but] were less serious than these players, believe me,Players who were less focused than this team. Of course these players are hurting.You think they don’t care and they go home and think they had a fantastic game? They do care.We prepare for games seriously. It was a cup game on an English December night in Bradford. You have to give Bradford credit.Unfortunately we paid the price – they knocked Wigan out as well. That shows they have something and that they are difficult to beat.We put ourselves in a more difficult situation when we were 1-0 down. We got off the hook with 1-1 and we should have made the difference with 30 minutes [of extra time] to play.

I am sorry if you cringed a bit at the manager comparing Bradford knocking out Wigan, to Bradford knocking out Arsenal. But, there you go. Jack Wilshere too has called on for a strong display at Reading, urging the team to get over the Bradford defeat and pick up 3 vital points at the Madejski Stadium.

We have got some great leaders in this team – people like Thomas Vermaelen and Mikel Arteta. But all the players can lead by example. We all have to step up now, it’s a tough time but we have to stick together and be united.A lot of people are criticising the manager at the moment, but there will be a time when they look at the players and ask questions of us. We don’t want that, so we have to step up and be counted.We have to get the result, that’s the main thing. We know it won’t be easy, especially having just lost at Bradford.They can play football as well, they are desperate for a win too, down the bottom of the league. So we need to roll our sleeves up, put our foot in and do what we are good at – keeping the ball. When we create chances we know we have to take them.I think technically we are probably the best team out there. We keep the ball well and that’s what we have to try to do against Reading. We need to try to create chances, outplay them and also remember our defensive duties.As soon as we lose the ball we have to win it back. As long as we have possession, the opposition can’t score. That’s where we start from, and then when we create chances we’ve got to score them.

To some transfer news then. With Arsenal being now linked to more strikers than a carrom board can hold, the talks of Thierry Henry returning to the club for an unprecedented 3rd spell have been played down by newly appointed New York Red Bulls Head of Global Soccer, and former Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier.

There are also rumours that Arsenal have extended the deadlines for talks on Theo Walcott’s deal, with a resolution looking far from away and Christmas approaching fast. Of course, the manager has spoken of his desire to keep the England international, who is the top scorer this season, but we will have to wait and see if an agreement is reached between club and player.

Another player, disgruntled at the lack of chances is Johan Djourou, who has played twice this season, in the Capitol One Cup. A decision is expected to be taken soon.

After Arseblog revealed that Jack Wilshere and Aaron Ramsey will be handed new long term deals, recent media reports claim that the club will offer the English contingent of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Carl Jenkinson and Kieran Gibbs long term contracts as well, to maintain a strong English core.

Here are my views on the transfer business. Starting with Henry. While I think Henry coming to Arsenal is fantastic, I would prefer if it was more of a coaching or motivational role, rather than a player’s role. No disrespect to the greatest player to pull on an Arsenal jersey, but a 35 year old on a one year loan deal is not what we need at the moment.

Emphasis should be on securing the services of a top marksman in Europe, to bolster the squad on a long term basis. Demba Ba joins an already burgeoning list of Huntelaar, Llorente, Remy, Lopez etc, linked with a move to the Emirates.

Secondly, I feel Walcott should sign the contract. I am unsure whether he will get his desired striker’s role elsewhere among the clubs he has been linked with, except maybe Liverpool, but he will miss out on playing top notch European football. Arsene Wenger has given him the freedom recently, and he has proved himself, by banging in the goals, and a move at this stage of his career could be detrimental.

Finally, it is great to see a new generation of English talent coming through the club. Many have their doubts on Aaron Ramsey, but I feel he has a lot to give, and has tremendous potential. Wilshere, Jenkinson and Gibbs are boys who have grown supporting the club, and it is fantastic to see them fulfilling their dreams. Nothing better than local boys fighting it out for the clubs, unlike boys growing out of grown men, and urging them to move to Manure.

Right, team news then. A few positives, with Giroud and Koscielny returning to training. Koscielny has been injured for 3 weeks now, after limping out against Everton, while Giroud missed the cup exit at Bradford. Walcott is still being assessed.

Reading will welcome back strikers Jason Roberts and Pavel Pogrebnyak, both a handful on their day, while Jimmy Kebe and Jem Karacan are sidelined.

Here is how I expect the teams to lineup.

Reading are going through a worrying run in the league, having lost 5 games on the trot, after a hard fought 2-1 home win over Everton in November. This has seen them firmly rooted to the bottom of the table, recently taken over by QPR, who recorded their first win of the season over the weekend.

If the game these two sides produced the last time they met at this ground, is anything to go by, we are in for a goal-fest tonight. On a crazy night, in the Capitol One Cup, Arsenal went 4-0 down, but miraculously levelling matters at 4-4, and then going on to win 7-5 in a game of table tennis. It was so crazy Marrouane Chamakh scored twice.

Reading’s style of play ensures that the game is often open. They have the tendency to score goals, as well as concede in fair measure, their 4-3 loss at home to Manchester United perfectly demonstrates. They have weakness all over in defence and midfield, where the fail to cope with quick, neat passing.

They are physical, and Arsenal will have to work hard in midfield, to enjoy the upper hand. Jason Roberts and Pavel Pogrebnyak, if introduced, add that bit of muscle and aerial presence should they come on.

With Walcott still out, and Gervinho looking poor, Chamberlain will get his chance on the right hand side today. Lukas Podolski has been under par recently, and he has to show improvement. Defensively, Thomas Vermaelen needs to prove himself, after some poor showings recently.

Overall, this is a stern test for the Gunners, and though a victory may not completely put to bed the negativity, it surely is a start.

Enjoy the game wherever you are!

Jai Arsenal 🙂

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To Arsenal and Arsene

The last few days have been painful. The last few weeks seems more appropriate. Let’s just say months, or even years. It’s been 8 years since I first played my part in lending my voice to the cosmos, that is Arsenal.

I have barely missed watching any games, and I always prepare my schedules a week before the actual game, just to make sure I have my big fat arse sufficiently planted on the couch, when Arsenal are playing.

The club has engulfed my life, and is a big part of me. I seriously wonder what my life would be without the club. My social life is nothing to be envied about, my academics was a shambles, I sucked at sport and well, work is work. Arsenal kept me going.

But I have never felt as much hurt as I felt in the wee hours of Wednesday morning, whilst supporting Arsenal, before. Ever. The 8-2 mauling at the hands of Manchester United comes close, but doesn’t beat the loss suffered at the hands of Bradford.

The fact that it is still hard to comprehend, a good 3 days since it happened, underlines my dissapointment. To watch one of my idols, Arsene Wenger himself, become a pale shadow of himself, is equally saddening. I have never questioned his methods, his management, or his vision. But, I would be a liar, if I told you that doubts about them are not creeping into my mind.

The tone in the interviews has changed, the edginess in the technical area has increased, the furrows over his brows have multiplied, and you can sense that something is not all that right. There seems to be a lack of communication, a lack of intensity all over.

I seriously wonder at times, if this was the Arsenal I started supporting. Don’t get me wrong. I am not a fair weather supporter. If that was the case, I would be supporting Manchester United or Chelsea by now.

All the negativity on the field has been transferred to every echelon at the club. The players are not performing. It is the coach’s fault. The coach’s are not training well, and communicating well. It is the manager’s fault. The manager doesn’t have enough funds. It’s the boards fault. The board doesn’t want to involve itself. It is the major shareholder’s fault.

I cannot remember the last time when most of the talk about Arsenal was the delightful football they played and enthralled the world with. These days all the Arsenal chatter on the net is only about the owner throwing wads of cash on ranches, Gazidis speaking about Arsenal’s future, and the marketing team talking about strategy.

When it is the players being talked about, it usually revolves around glaring misses, that moment of uncertainty, the fat pay packet the players take home, and also how little they are bothered about the club’s performances.

I started supporting the club, purely because I was mesmerized by the football they played, the players they had. I didn’t know who David Dein was till he was sacked, though I have read more than a novel about him since.

The ticket prices have increased like crazy at the Emirates, and it seems like the fans don’t even enjoy what they are paying for these days.

I didn’t bother about Arsenal’s finances, or Peter Hill Wood’s cigars, or even Arsene Wenger’s salary. All I knew of was how the club was doing on the pitch, the results, the buzz of the next game, the anticipation of the Champions League draw, the romance of the cup.

The game has become so alienated these days, and the media is filling up so much information on the internet, I just have one plea to make to Arsenal football club.

I have loved you unreservedly for 8 years, and will continue to do so. Red and white has always been my color, the golden cannon always something I wear proudly on my chest. However, as in every relation there are differences. And I am feeling the differences at this very point of time. I feel alienated, lonely and even bitter. You were my life, but now you have become some sort of money making machine, with money grabbing whores all over you.

Arsene, you were my idol, my ideal of a man, but now you seem like someone I can barely recognise. I remember the day you walked into Old Trafford, your head held high, but the last time i checked, you were a man walking head down, on a cold night in Valley Parade.

Arsenal, I just have one thing to ask of you. Fuck the money, and concentrate on what’s important. The football and the fans. The money will follow. As simple as that.

Arsene, just be the Arsene everyone knew. Unflinching, charming, and ferocious at the same time. Again, very simple.

Just give me my Arsenal of old back! It’s not that hard, really!

Jai Arsenal 🙂

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Bradford City 1(3) Arsenal 1(2) – Appallingly Devastating!

Bradford 1 (Thompson 16) – Arsenal 1 (Vermaelen 87)

Penalties –

Doyle – Scored 1-0 Bradford

Cazorla – Saved 1-0 Bradford

Jones – Scored 2-0 Bradford

Chamakh – Missed 2-0 Bradford

Darby – Saved 2-0 Bradford

Wilshere – Scored 2-1 Bradford

Connell – Scored 3-1 Bradford

Chamberlain – Scored 3-2 Bradford

Jones – Saved 3-2 Bradford

Vermaelen – Missed 3-2 Bradford

Man of the Match – Matt Duke (Bradford)

This is my third and final attempt at writing the match review. Third time because, I have been utterly and completely out of words. Twice I started writing, but I just could not conjure up anything.

I was awake till 4:00 AM last night, and watched one of the most horrendous Arsenal performances in recent memory. I seriously wouldn’t mind taking another 8-2 than losing to League Two opposition on penalties. I woke up, sleep-deprived, groggy, and heavy eyed, 5 hours later, only to thoughts about Arsenal’s performance.

I have gone absolute bonkers. It’s official. I love this club to bits. I will continue watching games, no matter what time into the night they come to an end. But, the shambles of all this should stop, really. It may really be taking a toll on my health. I am pretty sure I will die due to a heart attack caused by some goal we concede in the future, in stoppage time.

The match. Whatever of it that was. Arsene Wenger took me and everyone by surprise with his team selection. It was the strongest 11 on the night. All available regulars started, except for Arteta. I was surprised that Andriy Arshavin, with 5 assists and 1 goal in 2 games in the Capitol One Cup wasn’t even on the bench.

The setting was perfect for a romantic cup tie. The Valley Parade ground was packed, and recorded its highest attendance, for decades. It was biting cold, the pitch was slippery, and the goal posts looked like they were taken right out of the 70’s. The dugouts too looked ancient.

Bradford looked like a typical lower league cup team. They worked hard, harried and troubled Arsenal, pressed like Barcelona even at times, and just didn’t allow Arsenal players to settle down. There were talks of how Bradford could make use of their height at set pieces, especially with their lanky striker James Hanson.

But it was the tricky Nahki Wells who was making mincemeat of reputations, as he gave a torrid time to Belgian international Thoms Vermaelen. He attempted to play the ball past the Arsenal skipper, and tumbled at the slightest contact, to earn Bradford a free-kick at a dangerous spot.

Almost all Arsenal defenders were caught napping, and Garry Thompson smashed home the opener. The stadium erupted. Arsenal stuck to their task, but were almost negated by a Bradford side, ready to put their bodies on the lines on every single occasion.

Arsenal’s first attempt at goal came minutes later, when Cazorla’s long ball, aimed at Podolski bounced off former Liverpool defender Stephen Darby into the path of Kieran Gibbs, who managed to blaze narrowly above.

Bradford had set up like a firm brick wall, and barely allowed time and space for Arsenal to exploit. The Gunners had to wait 37 minutes to come close to scoring, when a Coquelin shot struck the post. Gervinho was at his woeful best, and if I had a gun I would have shot myself. He missed from less than a metre out from goal, with nothing but the goal to aim at, when a cross whizzed past him. Ah, the agony.

Nahki Wells, however, almost heaped more agony, as he tangled with Vermaelen again, but his shot went just wide off the mark. With rumors that the team had got a proper Wenger hairdryer, it was expected that Arsenal would do the needful in the second half to progress to the next round.

It was however the same old story as Bradford looked unpenetrable. Podolski looked very disinterested at one stage, barely making any meaningful runs, and Gervinho looked confused every time he had a ball. Clearly, not a trait of a professional footballer.

Jack Wilshere looked like the only player in the Arsenal lineup really battling hard for his side, and his effort, after creating space for himself was palmed away by Bradford’s resolute goalkeeper Matt Duke.

When it seemed like everything was over, and I was slumped over my couch like a sloth, with a complete look of bewilderment on my face, Cazorla retrieved the ball after a corner was cleared. He sent the ball straight back into the melee, and Thomas Vermaelen somehow bundled the ball home. RELIEF! Ah, I could finally walk to the toilet and relieve my bladder.

Cazorla almost scored the winner in extra time, when his shot, first off a free kick, and later in open play were both well saved by that monster of a keeper Duke.

The game went into extra-time, and Arsenal clearly looked like the side with more urgency about them, as they controlled more possession, but with very little to show for it. Arsenal came closest when Cazorla’s shot struck the woodwork, and then Chamberlain made a hash of his shit, sliding in to reach the ball.

The game was to be decided by penalties. Nerves everywhere , and by now I was on the edge of my couch. I never have had as much tension even while going to take some of my engineering exams.

Nathan Doyle scored for Bradford. Santi Cazorla did little wrong with his shot, but it was one fantastic save from Matt Duke that prevented the ball from going in. Garry Jones stepped up and dispatched his. Marrouane Chamakh stepped up, which meant I was on the verge of nervous breakdown. I had lost complete faith in his ability to kick a ball, let alone score a penalty. He didn’t disappoint. His penalty struck the post. “No wonder Bradford side haven’t lost in 8 penalty shootout’s” I thought to myself.

The Gunners were thrown a lifeline when Stephen Darby took a weak shot, and Szczesny made the save. Wilshere converted his, but former Sp*rs player Mathew Connell converted his. Chamberlain made it 3-2, and Szczesny pulled one more from the hat when he saved former Manchester United trainee Ritchie Jones’ penalty.

Thomas Vermaelen stepped up, but his penalty struck the post, and Arsenal were duly knocked out of the Capitol One Cup by Bradford City. As I sunk into the depths of the sofa, I knew this was an all too familiar feeling, Arsenal being knocked out of cups.

But this was even more painful considering we had been beaten by a side, 3 divisions below us. The parting scenes were those of the Bradford fans going wild, crowding their heroes, whilst even sparing a consolation or two for Arsenal’s players.

There is no doubt in my mind that this is one of the worst defeats under the tenure of Arsene Wenger, and it comes at an increasingly worrying time, when nothing seems to be going right at the club. I can only feel for the fans, who made the long trip to Bradford, battled the elements, sang their hearts out for 120 minutes, but only returned with glum faces, and the free Santa hats that the generous Bradford Fans Association had handed out to them.

Right, I cannot conjure any more than this now. I am reeling. Crying almost! Where has my Arsenal gone?

Jai Arsenal!

P.S – I sincerely hope Bradford progress and maybe even win the cup. They were sensational!

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Bradford Preview + Lineups, Arshavin, Eisfeld and Parkinson

The crazy League Cup is back. This competition has been pretty crazy to Gunners fans, in recent seasons. We lost to newly promoted Wigan in 2006, won 6-3 at Anfield, lost the final to Chelsea that year, beat Blackburn 3-2 at Ewood Park, lost the final in 2011 so cruelly and won 7-5 at Reading after going 4-0 down at one stage.

Watching Arsenal in the League Cup is a joy for the neutrals, but nothing short of roller coaster ride for us Gooners. It provides some of those crazy moments in what is otherwise a normal league season.

Tonight’s game sees us travel to the north to face a Bradford side, that finds itself 5th in League Two, and already playing in its 31st game of the season, thanks to their runs in the cups. Despite being expelled from the FA Cup for fielding an ineligible player, they have progressed well in the St.Johnstone’s Paint Trophy as well as in the Capitol One Cup, in which they ousted Wigan in the last round.

The Gunners arrive on the back of a morale boosting 2-0 win over West Brom. After couple of weeks of indifferent form, including draws at Aston Villa and Everton, and losses to Swansea and Olympiakos, the West Brom win was one that displayed some resoluteness and some spirit from the Gunners.

Despite Bradford being over 60 places below in the league system from the Gunners, Arsene Wenger has urged caution from his team.

We have to win the game in normal time. They have gained confidence in these types of competitions and confidence plays a big part in that. Hopefully we won’t need penalties,Bradford are a force in their league, they are a team who play very good football and very efficient as well. We take them very seriously. They are very efficient at set pieces, so we will have to be very strong on that.Valley Parade was a difficult place to go to when we played there in the Premier League,It is a passionate place with a very special atmosphere as well. That’s what you will get again in this match.I believe when you go to places like this, you need to tell your players that it will be as difficult as a Premier League game, and it will be.Therefore you want to prepare yourself. If you don’t do your mental work before the game, you have no chance and that is where our job lies.

Lower league sides make it hard for the Premier League sides by setting up resolutely in defence, usually pressing hard for the ball and working hard. In short, making it uncomfortable for the top sides on what usually are boggy pitches. Much of the same can be expected today from Bradford.

The last time the Gunners faced the Bantams at the Valley Parade was in 2001, when they were still in the Premier League. The Gunners drew 1-1 on that ocassion, with a young Ashley Cole scoring. The previous year, the Bantams beat Arsenal 2-1.

And, there is still one player in the Arsenal lineup who has played at the Valley Parade around the same time. Andriy Arshavin made his Zenit debut against Bradford, in 2000, in an Intertoto Cup clash. Zenit won the game 3-0, and the tie 4-0 on aggregate.

Right, team news then. Olivier Giroud has been ruled out with a back problem. Walcott, Koscielny, Santos, Diaby and Fabianski are all out. It’s been a while since we heard or saw Johan Djourou. Rumours are that he was last spotted at Area 51, and helping the Americans in finding more about aliens. Djourou, who has had encounters with the likes of Messi, is helping them in their investigation. Just kidding, he’s out!

Vito Mannone is back in the squad, and I expect him to start. Thomas Vermaelen started against Olympiakos so I have a hunch Per Mertesacker will partner the Squid in the centre of defence. Ignasi Miquel and Nico Yennaris are out which means young Jernade Meade and Carl Jenkinson will be the full-backs.

In midfield, Arshavin returns to where it all began. I am expecting starts for Coquelin, Rosicky and maybe even the impressive Eisfeld as well. The German has scored 8 goals for the youth sides. Goal machine Marrouane Chamakh will start, as well, with Podolski and Gervinho on the bench.

It will be a dream come true for Eisfeld to play along side his idol Tomas Rosicky, who like Eisfeld, arrived from Dortmund. Eisfeld was quoted as saying

I have a shot of Tomas Rosicky in my room and it is fantastic to play with him. I have never met him but in my opinion he is a great player and I focus on his game. I watched every game he played in Dortmund but I play a little bit differently.

Bradford have their injury concerns too. Former West Ham duo of Kyel Reid and Zavon Hines are out, while Luke Oliver and Andrew Davies are out as well.

Here is how I expect the teams to lineup.

It is going to be a cracker of a contest, between two completely different footballing sides, enjoying completely different fortunes, which makes cup games like these so magical! Bradford lie 4th in League Two, and pushing for automatic promotion, and are deemed to be doing well, while Arsenal, in 7th place in the Premier League, are fighting for Champions League qualification, are deemed to be a club in crisis!

Bradford manager Phil Parkinson, supposedly an Arsenal fan, will be relishing this historic moment in Bradford’s history. He was approached by the club to take up a scouting role, last season when he was manager at Charlton, and was instrumental in the early part of Carl Jenkinson’s career at the Addicks.

If rumours are to be believed, he was also offered the role of assistant manager after the departure of Pat Rice, but opted for full time management. He has called for the Bradford fans to be vocal and enjoy the occasion.

Enjoy the game wherever you are!

Jai Arsenal 🙂

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Go ahead you lazy bum, that’s all I ask of you!

 

Arsenal 2 West Bromwich Albion 0 – Something To Hold On To!

Arsenal 2 (Arteta 26 (pen), 64 (pen)) – West Bromwich Albion 0

Man of the Match – Jack Wilshere (Arsenal)

Relief! 17 days after last recording a win, the Gunners fought out a 2-0 win over a stubborn West Browmich Albion side, which must be feeling hard-done by two contentious penalty decisions.

Quite a few surprises in the Arsenal line-up, with Bacary Sagna passing a late fitness test, to start the game. Even Lukas Podolski was fit enough, but he was named among the subs. Theo Walcott was still out, which meant starts for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Gervinho. There were no surprises for the Baggies, with Peter Odemwingie starting in place of Graham Dorrans on the right side of midfield.

Arsenal started brightly, and with more intent in the opening minutes, looking to score the all important first goal. Gervinho missed a good chance, before West Brom were forced to make their first substitution, when left-back, Liam Ridgewell was injured.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, looking to redeem himself, after a poor season so far, crossed, but Cazorla’s shot was way above the target. West Brom fashioned their first effort on goal, when Chris Brunt’s effort went just over the goal.

On 24 minutes, Arsenal were gifted a penalty when referee Mike Jones adjudged Steven Reid to have bought down Santi Cazorla. The Spaniard, looking to cut inside of the defender, made most of a wayward challenge, and television replays showed that there was minimal contact. Mikel Arteta stepped up and dispatched the penalty right down the centre. 1-0 to the Arsenal!

West Brom looked to up the pressure, but Arsenal’s rearguard looked solid for it’s part. Gervinho, who looked lively, and for once, did not dangle on the ball too much, or spectacularly try to end his own team’s attacks, got behind the West Brom defence, and his pass was slashed wide by an onrushing Jack Wilshere, with the goal gaping.

West Brom could have had a penalty when Mertesacker handled the ball in the area, but the linesman noticed that Jonas Olsson was all over the lanky German. Arsenal closed with more chances, first when Gervinho created space, but his shot was weak, and then an overhead kick from Chamberlain.

The Baggies, started the game with more purpose in the second half, but it was Arsenal who had the first effort on goal, when Gervinho’s header, unsurprisingly was wide. And, seconds later, he was unable to connect to Giroud’s header, with the defender managing to clear the danger.

Arsenal got the much needed 2 goal cushion, when Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain beat Goran Popov, and ran into the West Brom penalty area, only to be bought down by Chris Brunt. Giroud clearly wanted to have a go, but Arteta stepped up, and like his first penalty, sent this one down the centre as well.

With this, Arsenal looked more relaxed and looked happy to spray the ball about and produced some fine movements, one of which almost resulted in a goal, when some lovely work from Jack Wilshere, set up Chamberlain to cross for Giroud, but Myhill punched the ball away.

Arteta almost got his hat-trick when his free-kick whizzed by, and West Brom looked to test Szczesny with efforts from Rosenborg and Lukaku, but to no avail. Arsenal had the best chance of the match late on, when Wilshere set up Podolski, but the German striker fired over, after taking time to switch over to his left feet to shoot.

All’s well’s that ends well. A very important victory, and one that will hopefully trigger some spark and confidence in the team, as they look to move to the top 4 spots. Gervinho looked bright, and released the ball earlier than he usually does, which is always a positive. His finishing has gone to the cleaners, though.

Chamberlain looked good as well, and created several chances. Wilshere was superb again, and so was Arteta, whose calmness handed the Gunners 3 points. Defensively, we were rock solid again, and a clean sheet is always welcome. Vermaelen looks like the Vermaelen of old. Solid and uncompromising.

More of the same please!

Jai Arsenal 🙂

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West Brom Preview + Lineups, Response, Talking, Henry and Sagna

“Life’s not about how hard of a hit you can give… it’s about how many you can take, and still keep moving forward.”  – Sylvester Stallone in Rocky Balboa

One of the greatest quotes in movie history could not be more symbolic than to describe the current status of my beloved Arsenal. I have to admit, this season is harder to watch than last season. Even the 8-2 defeat at the hands of our bitterest rivals seems watchable.

Already with 15 games gone in the league, and having lost 4 of them, and more frustratingly, 6 draws as well, the Gunners lie in 10th position, and in urgent need of some impetus, freshness, direction, and more importantly points to plot a way towards the top reaches of the table.

I would be lying if I said all the negativity at the club has not bogged me down. In fact it has bogged me down to a great extent, and made me retreat into my proverbial shell. Days trudge on pondering about the next game, and wondering if the slide can be arrested. Each freaking game seems tough. Even a Swansea home fixture, which a few years back, looked like a wall in the park, is now a highly competitive fixture.

The recent splurge of articles over the online diaspora has been maddening, with all kinds of thoughts and views being poured about literally everything at the club. From the formations and tactics to Peter Hill Wood’s heart attack to Arsene Wenger’s salary to Stan Kroenke’s ranch to Laurent Koscielny’s groin to Santi Cazorla’s stamina. It’s just gone beserk.

You would think the only way to stop this seemingly unstoppable flow of crap from the internet gutters would be to string together a few results and give the fans something to cheer about in the cold dark winter months of December and January.

And it all starts today, a home game against high flying West Brom, who have started stuttering recently. Most Arsenal players have been doing the talking in what has been a couple of weeks of introspection and self-question. Steve Bould, who accused the players of not taking enough responsibility, in his ‘reported’ post Swansea outburst, may have probably ignited some spark among the team.

Mikel Arteta has rallied his angry bunch of teammates to respond positively.

People are hurting, people are upset with themselves, the players are angry. I think that’s a good thing. It’s not like players couldn’t care less, they know what they need to do.At Arsenal you have a group of players who want to give 100 per cent and that makes things so much easier. I always see that in the dressing room. Always.You look at the players’ faces, the disappointment, the hurt. They want to put it right. You’ve got players here demanding and wanting to do extra training. It’s in themselves to work harder to put it right.We have been watching videos over and over again of games, looking at what we’ve done wrong. That comes from everyone, absolutely everyone.There’s still six months to go, so you have to keep believing. It’s all about how you react. If you want to show you are a big player at a big player club then you have to react. That’s what we need now.We go to Bradford on Tuesday – if we win that, we’re in the semi finals. We’re in the Champions League knock-out stage. We’re five points behind fourth place. That’s not far.First place is now very, very difficult, if I’m being honest. But there’s a lot still there for us – the FA Cup is there, the Capital One Cup, the Champions League. We have to be ready now and give our best in every game whether it’s good or bad.That’s the attitude you have to have if you want to be at the top clubs.The players want to put it right. I’m expecting a big reaction. I know we will get that from the players.

Oh, and in the meanwhile, Olivier Giroud, Tomas Rosicky, Bacary Sagna, Kieran Gibbs, Thomas Vermaelen et al have been doing up quite a bit of talking. It is about the players start talking with their performances on their pitch.

Home form has been a concern this season. The manager has stated that the team has failed to find their rhythm at home, and have started slowly. Draws against Sunderland and Fulham were compounded by losses to Chelsea, Swansea and Schalke.

It had been a case of freedom on the pitch in the past, where the opposition has come and parked a bus in front of the goal, only motoring out rarely. But, this season, teams like Chelsea, Swansea, Fulham and Schalke have come in with a positive mentality and a proper gameplan. For example, Chelsea were clinical in shutting out the Gunners, whilst capitalizing on Arsenal’s errors, while Fulham never relented from attacking. Swansea defended well, and took full advantage of a fast tiring side, to strike late on, while Schalke controlled the game from start to finish.

The Emirates has not yet lived up to its billing of a ‘fortress’ this season, and it’s about time Arsenal take to the sword and start finishing off games, to bring back the fear factor for visiting sides to North London.

Right, some transfer news before we get into the teams. Despite the untrusted goal.com reporting that Thierry Henry has agreed to sign for Arsenal, a third time on a short term basis, New York Red Bulls have quashed the rumors instantly.

Personally, I think Henry would be a fantastic influence on the team, but bringing him as a player would be taking a step back. The club should be looking at long term quality strikers at the moment, rather than a stop gap. No disrespect to Henry at all, but it is time the club take some strong decisions, if we are to finish in atleast the top 4 this season.

The Huntelaar, Llorente and basically all other European strikers, in the prime of their footballing careers ‘rumours’ have died down at the moment, and it is time the club finish their December on a high note before starting to think about the January transfer window.

In the meanwhile, the manager has reiterated that the talks between the club and Bacary Sagna have been positive, contradicting the media reports, that the France right back is unhappy over what was offered to him. Wenger also revealed frustration at the contract situation with Walcott.

Team news, then. Lukas Podolski, Theo Walcott, Bacary Sagna, Laurent Koscielny and Andre Santos are out with the usual suspects Abou Diaby and Lukasz Fabianski. The news about Podolski is quite surprising considering he is there in the training pics, but for the moment he is out. The one positive on the injury front is the return of the perenially injured Tomas Rosicky, who played one half against Olympiakos and scored too.

For West Brom, Ben Foster remains out with a surgery, and Welsh international Boaz Myhill will start. Forward Peter Odemwingie and midfielders James Morrison and Chris Brunt could return after being rested for last weekend’s defeat by Stoke.

This is how I expect the two teams to lineup.

West Brom have been very strong at home, this season. This is based upon a very strong defensive line, and a hardworking midfield. Up front, Shane Long has been delivering goals, while they have dangerous options such as Romelu Lukaku and Peter Odemwingie on the bench.

I wouldn’t be surprised if the game is cagey, considering West Brom’s formation, but Arsenal will have to be wary at all times of Shane Long, who is an excellent poacher. Zoltan Gera, Graham Dorrans and James Morrison are all players who can ruffle a few feathers as well.

For Arsenal, I have the hunch Wenger will start with Rosicky, because of the freshness and the directness the Czech international provides in attacking midfield. With so many teams marking out Cazorla, it will give the Spaniard a bit of freedom as well, operating with Wilshere on the left side.

Chamberlain has been disappointing thus far this season, and has recently pulled a plug on Ox TV, till the end of the year, and will look to impress in the absence of Podolski and Walcott. Gervinho, who has been at his woeful best in recent games, hopefully will be warming the bench, with the usual suspects, Messrs Arshavin, who will be raring to go against Bradford in midweek.

In these hard times, there’s nothing better than 3 points, than to lift the mood at the club, the players, the staff and much beleaguered fans like me.

Enjoy the game wherever you are!

Jai Arsenal 🙂

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Olympiakos 2 Arsenal 1 – In The End, It Doesn’t Even Matter!

Olympiakos 2 (Maniatis 65, Mitroglou 73) – Arsenal 1 (Rosicky 38)

Man of the Match – Djamel Abdoun (Olympiakos)

In the end, it doesn’t even matter. Er, it really didn’t matter, as Arsenal ended their Champions League qualifying group with a 2-1 loss in Athens, to the Greek champions, who chased around the Gunners throughout like a pack of wolves.

Arsenal, as expected made several changes for the game, with Jernade Meade starting at left-back, er..Squillaci at center back, a midfield of Coquelin, Ramsey and the returning Rosicky. Upfront were the uninspiring duo of Gervinho and Marrouane Chamakh, the former an expert in killing off attacks, with his amazing dribbling and heading skills; who were partnered by Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

Olympiakos, top of the Greek league, and unbeaten in 11 games, started with Roy Carroll, the man in goal for the opposition, the last time Arsenal lifted silverware. Rafik Djebbour was preferred to that monster of a striker Kostas Mitroglou.

Arsenal made the brighter of the starts, and Gervinho displayed some intricate skills in blasting the ball high and handsome. The Ivorian then fed the Morrocan Chamakh, who gave enough time for the Greek defence to clear their lines.

Thomas Vermaelen, one of only two regular first teamers, prevented Djebbour from opening the scoring. Chamakh was creating, er, all sorts of problems for the Greek defence, but his run off a Coquelin long ball was called offside.

In the meanwhile, young Jernade Meade was looking tenacious and hungry, like his predecessors in the Arsenal left-back production line, which has produced Ashley Cole, Gael Clichy and Kieran Gibbs in the past.

Arsenal had a great chance to go ahead, when Chamakh cleverly headed the ball down, which fluffed off an Olympiakos defender, to the feet of Aaron Ramsey, in a great shooting position, but the Welshman fluffed his shot as well, with his left foot.

The Greek side looked more enterprising than their English counterparts, as they pressed like they had inherited the ghost of Barcelona. They created some chances of their own, and almost scored, but for a Rosicky cleared off the line, and Szczesny saved.

Djamel Abdoun was getting increasingly hard to handle for the Arsenal defence. Sebastien Squillaci, playing after nearly a year, honestly said, was pretty decent. He set up Torosidis, who fired over the bar.

Gervinho then had a great chance to set up Chamakh, who was running clear, but the Ivorian decided to take on a chasing pack of Olympiacos defenders, and eventually lost. The Gunners then had the lead, when Gervinho looked like he was spectacularly ending another attack, but he decided to pass this time to Tomas Rosicky, who scored a delicious goal into the far corner, from the edge of the box. It was the Czech international’s first start, and first goal of the season.

Andriy Arshavin, probably must have felt like Santa Claus, as he took his place on the bench, alongside James Shea, Martin Angha, Saad Hajrovic, Elton Monteiro, Chuba Akpom and Zak Ansah. “Who the hell are these bozos and what are they doing on the Arsenal bench? Where’s Santos and Djourou?” must have been the Russian’s sentiments in the first half.

He came on at the start of the second half, probably a caution to rest Rosicky. It took some time for both sides to get going, and Arshavin leapt like never before, from a Chamakh cross, and his header was saved by Carroll.

Olympiakos then hit the post, but were awarded a corner, as the referee adjudged Szczesny had tipped it to the post. Off the resulting corner, Maniatis made the most of Ramsey’s and Szczesny’s uncertainty to tip the ball home. And the Greeks took the lead instantly, but Djebbour’s header went wide.

He was replaced by the Andy Carroll of Greece, Kostas Mitroglou, who scored an un-Andy Carroll like goal, curling one in from long range to beat Szczesny. Arsenal kept the ball, but didn’t offer much going forwards, as the Greeks closed out on their 3rd successive defeat of Arsenal at home.

Like I said, in the end, it didn’t matter, as Arsenal were through. There were plenty of positives. Jernade Meade had a very good game, and considering that was his debut, it was a very very good one. Sebastien Squillaci was decent too, and the biggest positive is that this is probably the last time he will put on an Arsenal shirt.

Jenkinson was enterprising, but Abdoun had a blinder. Coquelin too was polished in midfield, while Ramsey continued his rusty form. Rosicky and Chamakh both worked hard, but Arshavin was anonymous in the second half. Chamberlain toiled, but looks like a shadow of himself last year. Gervinho was at his frustrating best yet again.

All in all, a good educational trip for some of the younger member’s of the squad, and some much needed game time, ahead of next week’s crucial Capitol One Cup quarter final tie at Bradford.

Jai Arsenal 🙂

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Olympiakos Preview + Lineups, Cazorla, Szczesny, Wenger and Wilson

Ironically, the pressure is more than ever on Arsene Wenger, but tonight, on Matchday 6, the pressure is minimal on the team to deliver a result.

The team has come at a stage of the season, where every movement of theirs on the pitch is thoroughly looked at and incisively analysed. With the 2-0 defeat at home to Swansea, the Gunners have reached an all time low under Arsene Wenger’s tenure. In 10th place, and with just 5 wins in the league in 15 games, the pressure has mounted immensely on the manager and the players to start delivering immediately.

The BSM march organized before the Swansea game can be considered a moderate success, with a reported 2000 fans taking part. While it doesn’t really represent the majority of the fan base, the signs are clear that the fans have had enough of being taken on a ride by a carefree board. The demands ranged from lowering of ticket prices, to safe standing in the stadium, to diverting money in the club on improving the squad, rather than the board’s wallets.

There were reported ramifications in the dressing room as well, with Steve Bould giving a piece of his mind to the players in a tirade that lasted nearly 40 minutes. He blamed the players for not taking responsibility, on a night, where Arsenal’s problems were thoroughly exposed, by a Swansea side, best described as mid-table.

Of course, Arsene Wenger immediately claimed that these were mere rumours. He also blamed the loss on the fatigue of the players. This excuse has riled many an Arsenal fan, who have been accustomed to these excuses for quite some time now. Gervinho, for example, starting a game after quite some time, was horrendous, and so was Lukas Podolski, who is the best paid player at the club at this moment of time. There seemed a lack of energy, drive and even a little bit of passion and conviction to fight it out for the team.

The insipid performance attracted a chorus of boos at the final whistle, and the problems at the club have been laid bare by a collective run of unacceptable results. Yes, while the team has performed exceptionally in some games, against Liverpool, Manchester City and Tottenham, there have been such dismal performances, against Norwich, Manchester United, Schalke and Swansea, where it would be fair to say, the team didn’t show up.

The team has failed to put a run of results together, to raise the spirits around the club. The general lack of inspiration and desire in the team is creating a stronger surge of anti-Wenger fans. And, surprisingly, just like Wenger, not too back in the recent past, claiming he doesn’t exactly know what is wrong at the club, even the players are singing the same song. Santi Cazorla admitted he is confused at the team’s form.

We don’t know exactly what the problem is,It’s true that we’re inconsistent. I believe that to challenge for the Premier League, those games can’t get away from us. Take the Fulham game, we were 2-0 up. You can’t then be drawing within five minutes. Those points aren’t coming back.And the other day against Aston Villa, there’s a game which I believe we really had the desire to win, because these are points that we can’t let get away. Then you see City, United winning on those days. That’s the difference. To fight for the title, it’s about taking points from those teams.It’s a little bit frustrating. We’re a good team, good players, training well. But there are moments in those games when we don’t know how to control them. There’s a significant gap between us and United and City. They’ve got away a bit. We have very little margin for error.

Wojciech Szczesny appeared aghast at conceding the second goal over the weekend, and plumetted the ball into the far stand, in anger. He has urged the players to perform for the fans.

The stadium was empty when the game finished and I don’t blame them. We must stick together and work harder because it was not good enough.Our fans do not deserve to see us 10th in the table, but it is our responsibility to put things right and make sure we get back to where we belong. I am definitely surprised by our position in the league, because when you have the quality of our players, we should be fighting for trophies and we do have one of the best teams in the Premier League.

It usually takes one moment of magic and inspiration to turn a team around, and while the win against Liverpool, the draw against Manchester City, the comeback against Reading and the mauling of Sp*rs were touted as potentially inspiring games for the team it really hasn’t happened. We had quite a few of those last season, Sagna’s header against Sp*rs, Arteta’s goal against Man.City, or even the nearly comeback against Milan.

The question is, when will that spark arrive this season. It surely has to arrive sooner rather than later, considering we are already falling behind the leading pack in the Premier League, and find ourselves below the likes of West Ham and Stoke, with only Liverpool for close comfort. Mikel Arteta had this to say.

There was a big gap last year when we were 10 points behind Spurs and ‘ we did it ‘ .
But we have to start right now.

Arsene Wenger, the man in the middle of the storm looks to calm the storm and has asked fans and players alike to believe in themselves and the team, and to stick to the principles.

Play well and keep faith in the way we want to play football and in the values we want to defend,We have always done that. We live in a world which needs drama every day. Football is a game where you have to enjoy playing; you can’t live in a dramatic world in a consistent way.This club is in fantastic shape. We have a good team, a strong structure of the club that we have built over the years, we have a strong financial situation and we are mentally strong.I can understand not everybody is pleased. But that is a fact. That is why we have to continue to behave like we do.It’s not affecting the players. I believe intelligence in life is to focus on what is important and what is important is the way we play football. The rest you deal with it.Let’s not forget that if people have something to say, then we are open to it. But as well, it is not always necessarily representative of the majority.What is important is that we play our football, improve the way we play and keep faith in our players. That at the moment is very important, all the rest…if you look at peoples’ reactions is dramatic. What is important is to be capable to play football.There’s a problem there of course, but what is important when you have a problem is to do something about it. The second thing is to have the strength to do something about it. I’m confident we have both, we have the strength and we will do something about it.I believe that [we must] develop the quality of our game and continue to play better in the way we want to do it.

Arsenal’s legendary keeper Bob Wilson has come to the rescue of the manager, in an interview on BBC Radio 4.

For a guy who has finished in the top four and got us to the best 15 years in the history of the club. Someone who has won things that no other manager has won – I’m notably talking about the unbeaten season and no manager has won that – obviously we have amazing faith in him.I would be upset if he wasn’t saying we have to find a solution to the problem.I don’t think they’ll slip further. They have a new commercial deal with Emirates which allows them now to definitely go along with the likes of Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City with the buying of a big player.But they have to accept that they are going to have to pay the wages which they never have paid similar to those three clubs.

Right. Team news, then. Amidst the fatigue and the usual mid season injury worries, Wenger has done the sensible and left a number of first team members in London to help them recover and freshen up for the remainder of a grueling winter schedule. Not travelling with the team are Kieran Gibbs, Per Mertesacker, Bacary Sagna, Mikel Arteta, Santi Cazorla, Jack Wilshere, Theo Walcott, Lukas Podolski and Olivier Giroud, apart from the injured bunch of Andre Santos, Laurent Koscielny, Johan Djourou, Ignasi Miquel and Abou Diaby.

Tomas Rosicky has been drafted into the squad, but I expect him only to make a cameo appearance, as he continues his recovery from his ‘long term’ injury. Other first-teamers who have travelled are Wojciech Szczesny, Thomas Vermaelen, Carl Jenkinson, Aaron Ramsey, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, and er, Gervinho.

This could also probably be the last appearance in an Arsenal shirt, for Sebastien Squillaci, while the young Jernade Meade will start at left-back. Andriy Arshavin and Marrouane Chamakh, linked with moves elsewhere in January, will start as well, and will get some good game time ahead of the Capitol One Cup quarter-final tie against Bradford, a week from now.

Olympiakos do not have any major injury concerns, and will have one eye on the crunch match with eternal rivals Panathinaikos on Sunday. Avraam Papadopoulous is the only player missing due to injury.

This is how I expect the teams to line up.

The trip to Olympiakos seems to be something of a yearly routine, this the 3rd time in 4 years that the final group game of the Champions League is being played in Greece. In the past it has been nothing more than an educational trip for the younger players of the squad, with the Gunners already having qualified for the knockout stages, to get some experience in Europe and a run out in the first team.

Having lost 1-0 in 2009, with a squad comprising the likes of Thomas Cruise, Kerrea Gilbert, Kyle Bartley, Fran Merida and even Jack Wilshere, Arsenal returned last season to the Karaiskakis Stadium, with a slightly more experienced squad, but came away with the same result, in a game famous for some goalkeeping howlers from Lukasz Fabiansi and Vito Mannone. Arsenal even lost Andre Santos and Fabianski himself to long term injuries.

Olympiakos will cause plenty of problems, especially with Mitroglou, who is kind of the Andy Carroll of Greece, because of his height and physical style of play. He will be partnered by Raffik Djebbour, who scored last season in the 3-1 win. They will have plenty of experience with Ariel Ibagaza in midfield.

Today’s result, irrespective of whether it is a win or a draw, will go almost unnoticed by the media, but it will be a good test for the youngsters and fringe players to get some game time.

Enjoy the match wherever you are!

Jai Arsenal 🙂

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Arsenal 0 Swansea 2 – Disastrous!

Arsenal 0 Swansea 2 (Michu 88, 90)

Man of the Match – Michu (Swansea)

It took me a lot of coaxing my friends, and the scariest of walks in the midst of an abandoned plantation in the middle of the night, to make it in time to watch the second half of Arsenal against Swansea. Having just feasted upon some scrumptuous sea food, and a couple of beers, my friends wanted to take in more of the beach.

But, the Gunner in me wanted to watch some part of the match so badly. In hindsight, I could have well spent more time on the beach, rather than risking all our lives, as we made through treacherous terrain.

Anyways, the match, or whatever I saw of it. The highlights indicated that there was very little that the Gunners offered in terms of going forward in the first half. All over the side looked jaded and less composed on the ball.

Angel Rangel, whom the commentators just couldn’t stop wowing about in the second half, had a shot saved by Szczesny, after being clear. There was an opportunity for Nathan Dyer, but a last ditch Vermaelen tackle prevented him from scoring.

Gervinho was fucking piss poor again. I cannot understand why he gets continually selected over Andriy Arshavin, who still has a bit of spark in him. The Ivorian missed two great chances.

The second half, then. Swansea keeper Gerhard Tremmel, was forced to make a save off a low drive from Cazorla’s left foot. There were a couple of penalty shouts for Arsenal, and then Rangel again forced Szczesny to make a great save.

Arsenal introduced some freshness, with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Olivier Giroud coming on for Lukas Podolski and Gervinho. Giroud almost won a penalty, when he was bought down by Chico Flores, but the referee, Mark Clattenburg, who recently returned to action, after the Chelsea racism fiasco, got it right, as replays showed, the defender got a very slight touch of the ball.

Arsenal looked more like scoring a goal, as they kept attacking, but Swansea looked comfortable dealing with the pressure. Thomas Vermaelen had his header saved by Tremmel.

Substitute Luke Moore looked dangerous after he came on, and he played a delicious 1-2 with Michu, who created space for himself, and clinically beat Szczesny.

Even though Arsenal threw on Tomas Rosicky in place of Jack Wilshere, minutes earlier, there was little Arsenal could do so late. Carl Jenkinson made a poor mistake with seconds left, as he slipped and gave the ball away to Dyer, who set up Michu.

The Spanish striker had the easy task of putting the ball in the back of the net, with only Szczesny standing in his way. And he did, as Arsenal slipped to 10th place, now below the likes of West Ham, Stoke and Swansea themselves.

There was very little I could dissect, having watched only the second half. But, the clear pointers are fatigue and a lack of ideas and creativity is clearly taking a toll in this team. Our bench looks weak, Gervinho is just poor, Podolski is way too inconsistent, the defense just cannot gel at the moment, Chamberlain has lost all the pace he possessed.

Later that night, I slept as van Cunty helped Manure edge past Reading. How I wish I had gotten some more beers, to ease the pain on a painful defeat, at home. Can it get any worse? Oh wait, we face Swansea away in the 3rd round of the FA Cup.

Roll on the drinks!

Jai Arsenal!

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