The month of April could be a time for jubilation or the beginning of despair until August. For many Gooners, it has been the latter for the past five Aprils that we been through. It does not look like it is going to change this April too.
We have been dumped out from the Champions' League in the early part of the month. Then we lost a League 'derby' for the first time in a decade, which did not spell the end right away for the title challenge as other contenders suffered setbacks in the programme too.
Unfortunately, when we thought we have shown enough character to remain in the hunt, we also showed that we also have the other side to our character. Losing 3-2 after leading by two goals with just about ten minutes left at Wigan certainly ended our faint hopes of a silverware this season.
Wigan boss Roberto Martinez who in some quarters believed to be a younger clone of Arsene Wenger due to his belief in playing the passing game would be very glad to get one over the master himself. I would not be surprised if he is being earmarked to fill the hot seat at the Emirates if Wenger himself decides to leave for a new project.
Since his arrival I have been a keen supporter of Lukasz Fabianski and would not have any qualm in defending him for his so called 'blunders'. However, it seems the frequency of these blunders have been quite high and most of the time would be costly. Wenger may have his own opinion but right now I feel we need a more solid goalkeeper at the heart of our defence.
The review has been good about another Pole custodian, Wojciech Szczesny currently on loan at the lower league with Brentford. Like another young goalkeeper in the Gunners' book Vito Mannone, he seems to benefit from playing in the lower divisions where the game is more physical in addition to more playing time which for a goalkeeper is very important to keep him in match shape.
Hugo Lloris or Manuel Neuer would be most welcomed by many Gooners but the asking price would probably turn off Wenger. But with many Belgians currently plying their trade in the Premier League and the success of Thomas Vermaellen this season there could be a hint of possibility that Wenger would attempt to bring Belgium current #1, Logan Bailly from German club Borrusia Monchengladbach.
Many would say that Arsenal lack the strength in depth and this season's injury list seems to be giving the statement its credence. But with many youngsters going out on loan this season to gain the necessary experience they would add more strength to the squad next season. Thus I would think there would only just be two new signings, three at the most be made during the close season.
Right now Wenger would be focusing on this weekend clash Manchester City. A win would certainly cement their grip on third place which is essential in order not to rush players too soon after their World Cup campaign in order to play in the play-off matches before the group stage. As for me, a win is just perfect after the suffering that we have endured at the hand of City in the league and cup this season.
C'mon you Gooners!
...
Tuesday 20 April 2010
Saturday 10 April 2010
Messi-ed Out!
Watching how my beloved Gooners being destroyed single-handedly by Lionel Messi at the Nou Camp should have been a traumatic experience.
After coming back from two goal down to draw the first leg match at the Emirates one could be forgiven for thinking that Arsenal could get a result in Catalonia and progress to the last four of the Champions' League. But seeing the name Messi in the line-up certainly reduced the hopes of the optimistic Arsenal fan as the little Argentine has been in the form of his life.
Nicklas Bendtner's goal got our hopes a bit higher but the air of inevitability hung around and true to the belief, the lead only lasted for a mere three minutes before Messi blasted the ball past Manuel Almunia to level the score. And the way he completed his hat-trick before the break confirmed that I was watching 'The Lionel Messi Show' and despite Arsenal were at the risk of being totally humiliated I did not feel any animosity towards Barcelona.
For I knew that it was a rare occasion was unfolding right in front of my eyes and it was most unfortunate that Arsenal were at the receiving end of a beating by this exceptional player.
So what next for Arsenal and Arsene Wenger? I read that he feels the need to complement his home grown squad with a few more experienced players for next season campaign. It is a piece of news that I receive quite positively and I am sure many Gooners feel the same way.
But for the time being, Arsene has to make do with all the available players at his disposal for the short trip to play the other team in North London. Three points behind the leaders with just five matches to go do not leave much room for error thus Arsene must be hoping that his decisions on Saturday will enable Arsenal to maintain their challenge for the Premier League crown.
Come on Gooners!
...
After coming back from two goal down to draw the first leg match at the Emirates one could be forgiven for thinking that Arsenal could get a result in Catalonia and progress to the last four of the Champions' League. But seeing the name Messi in the line-up certainly reduced the hopes of the optimistic Arsenal fan as the little Argentine has been in the form of his life.
Nicklas Bendtner's goal got our hopes a bit higher but the air of inevitability hung around and true to the belief, the lead only lasted for a mere three minutes before Messi blasted the ball past Manuel Almunia to level the score. And the way he completed his hat-trick before the break confirmed that I was watching 'The Lionel Messi Show' and despite Arsenal were at the risk of being totally humiliated I did not feel any animosity towards Barcelona.
For I knew that it was a rare occasion was unfolding right in front of my eyes and it was most unfortunate that Arsenal were at the receiving end of a beating by this exceptional player.
So what next for Arsenal and Arsene Wenger? I read that he feels the need to complement his home grown squad with a few more experienced players for next season campaign. It is a piece of news that I receive quite positively and I am sure many Gooners feel the same way.
But for the time being, Arsene has to make do with all the available players at his disposal for the short trip to play the other team in North London. Three points behind the leaders with just five matches to go do not leave much room for error thus Arsene must be hoping that his decisions on Saturday will enable Arsenal to maintain their challenge for the Premier League crown.
Come on Gooners!
...
Sunday 4 April 2010
Back Again!
What more can you say about the inconsistent posting of this blog. As much as I would like to post my thoughts before and after every match, it seems the task is not possible... not at the moment at least. With the last post way back in November there are a number of important matches that do not see any comment from me (of course life goes on irrespective whether I comment or not).
During the period I missed the double despair when Arsenal failed to score a single goal against London rivals Chelsea, losing 3-0 and 2-0 at home and away respectively. Of course losing against both Manchester teams hurt badly but I did not feel like sharing the pain here.
Of course there are also joyous moments, especially when we did the double over the Red half of Merseyside and the breathtaking display during the 5-0 win over Porto to qualify to the last eight of the Champions' League. Of course I also miss the character defining display when we came back from two goal down against favourites Barcelona to snatch a 2-2 draw before the return leg this Wednesday morning.
So hopefully these pages will be updated more consistently, perhaps as consistent as we would like Arsenal to display their full potential and bring more success to the fans who have been waiting for a notable number of seasons now.
C'mon you Arsenal!
...
During the period I missed the double despair when Arsenal failed to score a single goal against London rivals Chelsea, losing 3-0 and 2-0 at home and away respectively. Of course losing against both Manchester teams hurt badly but I did not feel like sharing the pain here.
Of course there are also joyous moments, especially when we did the double over the Red half of Merseyside and the breathtaking display during the 5-0 win over Porto to qualify to the last eight of the Champions' League. Of course I also miss the character defining display when we came back from two goal down against favourites Barcelona to snatch a 2-2 draw before the return leg this Wednesday morning.
So hopefully these pages will be updated more consistently, perhaps as consistent as we would like Arsenal to display their full potential and bring more success to the fans who have been waiting for a notable number of seasons now.
C'mon you Arsenal!
...
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