Kru-el Day for Gooners

November rain brought with it the cold climate that is usually associated with the monsoon season. But tonight it was colder than usual to the extend that it sent chills through mad redo1's spine when Andy Carroll's header rolled gently over the goal-line at the stroke of half-time to give visitors Newcastle United the lead at the end of the first forty five minutes.

It was that 'one of those days' feeling that he felt during the West Ham United's visit last time around. Unfortunately, unlike the match against The Hammers there was no last minute goal this time around as The Toons held on against an Arsenal onslaught to register their first victory at The Emirates against The Gunners.

In a nutshell, Arsenal simply did not really turn up in full for the match and for mad redo1, skipper Cesc Fabregas had a really bad day at the office, playing well below his best. To make things worse his team-mates seemed to be infected by the same virus as they could not sustain the pace that was necessary to break down the Newcastle defence.

While it was true that we hit the woodwork twice and forced Newcastle goalkeeper Tim Krul into making a couple of excellent saves there was no fluidity in our movements. Put that against an away side that was more determined than most of our players today, we just knew how the outcome of the match going to look like, and it was not pretty, not pretty at all.

Was Lukasz Fabianski to blame for the goal?

mad redo1 would have to say yes but just for a small part of it. When the ball is driven into the area the goalkeeper will be in two minds, to stay on his line and react or to come and take it cleanly. Many would say he should have stayed as Carroll's header was hardly a bullet and he would have collected easily. But you just can never be certain of that as under no pressure the striker could have adjusted accordingly.

Fabianski decided to come. There were two options for him, to take the ball at his highest or to take it at his most comfortable height. The risk of the former was he could be a bit under the ball and it could fall loose which could result in a goal and he would be blamed all the same (or even worse for spilling the ball). The latter's risk was having the opponent cutting in front of you and beat you to the ball, which exactly what happened.

As for mad redo1, he would have chosen the former. if you feel that you are not hundred percent able to take the ball cleanly, at least you could have reached the ball with a hand and just push it away from the danger area, thus taking it out from the path of the opponent.

But that is life as a goalkeeper, any misjudgment could be fatal and if you are not strong enough it could affect your confidence. However mad redo1 believes that would not happen to the Pole as from a similar situation in the second half Fabianski came out again and this time he took the ball cleanly. Based on his performance so far I believe Fabianski would have saved Arsene Wenger from spending money on a new goalkeeper in January.

Every Gooner must accept the fact that Arsenal were poor tonight. Theo Walcott who notched a brace in Toons' country in the Carling Cup match was largely anonymous today while Jack Wilshere could not raise his game in front of the watching Fabio Capello. Marouane Chamakh was a bit hesitant to shoot despite having the opportunity to do so on a few occasions. Samir Nasri had a goal bound shot saved by Krul but he and his replacement Andrey Arshavin were able to show just glimpses of their true ability.

The most important thing is to keep the belief that we have the capabilities to end the trophy drought that we have endured for the last five seasons.

And pray for a huge slice of luck for us for the rest of the season.

Come on Arsenal!


...

Ukraine Jinx Continues

Frankly, mad redo1 did not bother to get out from his bed this morning to watch the delayed telecast between Arsenal who were visiting Shakhtar Donestk. But upon checking the result and reading the report on ESPN-Soccernet he found oout that The Gunners failed to win again in Ukraine.

The 2-1 defeat would have put him on a bad mood but this time it was not so bad. Perhaps it was rather expected due to past record there where Arsene Wenger only managed to show a draw as his best result so far. But to give it a positive spin Theo Walcott found the net again with a goal that combined the quick thinking of Jack Wilshere, Walcott's explosive pace and the calm finishing that he executed.


Prior to the match, Wenger had hinted of giving the England international a more central role but if he keeps scoring from the position he is right now by all mean just play him there, especially with the availability of big tall strikers such as Nicklas Bendtner and Marouane Chamakh that he can feed on.

Another plus point was the performance of Lukasz Fabianski who could not be faulted for both goals and for pulling off a few good saves. Perhaps lady luck was not smiling on him today when Craig Eastmond's head deflected the ball past him as the youngster challenged Dmytro Chigrynskiy's header from a free-kick.


However there were concerns about Gael Clichy and his tendency to put Arsenal in danger with his defending. The French fullback should have cleared when Shakhtar's Darijo Srna put him under pressure. But he went on to lose the ball to the Croatian and from his low cross former Gunner Eduardo diverted it past Fabianski.

Once again credit to Dudu, he did not celebrate his strike.

Putting the defeat in perspective, Arsenal are still at the top of their group and the result means The Gunners have the advantage over Shakhtar if the remain tied on points after all six matches have been played with a better head to head record having won 5-1 at The Emirates during their first meeting.

It was a bit of an understrength side with just four players from the hard fought win against West Ham on Saturday started the match at The Donbass. The confirmation of their place in Round Two could wait, at least there will be something to play for when they travel to Braga for their penultimate group match later this month.

Clearly Wenger was thinking about the visit of Newcastle on Sunday when chose the team for last night match.


...

Late Song of Joy

As expected the London derby between Arsenal and West Ham at The Emirates turned out to be a nervous affair for many watching Gooners around the world. On paper Arsene Wenger's men should not have much difficulties in disposing the bottom side but this being the Premier League, one is never certain of the outcome of any match.

Wenger's Arsenal were on a four match winning streak and were looking forward to making it the fifth. Of course, West Ham being West Ham, they just would not lay down and play ball. After creating a few openings the feeling was we would be celebrating an Arsenal goal soon.

Unfortunately Robert Green in the Wet Ham goal had other ideas. Why it is always against Arsenal that goalkeepers tend to show their best? (with the exception of Tim Krul on Thursday) Green performance should catch the eye of Fabio Capello in the stands saving from Cesc Fabregas and Sebastien Squillaci.

Based on this he should be back for the next England squad for the friendly against France. Another player who should be in that squad too is Theo Walcott. His introduction after 67 minutes caused more concern for the visitors and many Gooners thought he had scored soon after coming on but his attempt despite beating Green hit the post and the loose ball went safely into the goalkeeper's hands.


Earlier Samir Nasri had hit the bar with a long range effort and this had the fans thinking this could be one of those days. Nasri who had a good scoring run coming into this match would likely to be in the French squad facing his team-mate Walcott during the friendly.

If this was a drama, the scriptwriter could not have written it better. With just minutes before normal whistle was blown a cross from Gael Clichy found it's way into the six yard box and looked like it had evaded everybody until Alex Song stooped low to divert the ball past Green.


It was cruel for the goalkeeper but as a Gooner I was glad to be cruel just as long the three points were safely on the board in order to keep up the pace with other contenders.


...

Clean Sheet in the North-East

You might feel that Arsene Wenger never really put a serious assault on the League Cup since taking charge of Arsenal. His usual line-ups would consist of squad players and promising youngsters that have excelled in the reserve side.

However he has proven so many times that his belief in the ability of young players at his disposal is not an act of blind faith. The have dispatched quite a number of big name sides in recent years such as Liverpool and Manchester United and a few sides that fielded their strong sides when facing The Gunners in that competition such as WBA and Wigan Athletic.

This morning Carling Cup tie at Newcastle saw Wenger continued playing his young players. Craig Eastmond and Kieran Gibbs continued to feature while Havard Nordveit made it to the bench. But for me the most important player starting the match was goalkeeper Wosciech Szczesny who has been crying out for a chance to prove his worth for Arsenal.

The Polish youngster certainly did not disappoint with a few good saves against a Newcastle side that was not really at their full strength, with Chris Hughton clearly putting his priority to the weekend North-East derby against Sunderland at the same venue.

The emerging Szczesny, whose display during his loan spell at Brentford really showed his potential to become a good goalkeeper; will now make the contest for the spot between the sticks even hotter at The Emirates between him, Lukasz Fabianski and the 'injured' Manuel Almunia. Of course, the three of them will have to content with Vito Mannone once the Italian loan spell at Hull City ends in January.

After a long period of feeling vulnerable with their goalkeepers, Arsenal fans can now breathe a bit easier knowing that Wenger is right after all by sticking with the ones at his disposal. Fabianski certainly growing with confidence during each match he played and he would have to work hard in order not to make any mistake, knowing that his place could be taken by others.

I am very pleased with the developments as I have been a fan of Fabianski since he first came to the club. His erratic displays prior to this season really made me wonder whether he is just a good goalkeeper in a low quality league in Poland or he really is a great goalkeeper in the making. Right now my opinion is of the latter and I really hope that he will keep it up for years to come.


The 4-0 win against Newcastle also marked good return to the side by Theo Walcott and Nicklas Bendtner. The England international brace sandwiching another good strike by Bendtner who has scored twice in as many matches after a similar strike against Manchester City on Sunday.

It was a match with a lot of positives for Wenger and he will be looking forward to Saturday London derby against West Ham United at The Emirates as another potential three points on the board even though matches against The Hammers were never easy.


...

Fruitful Trip to Lancashire

At the time of writing mad redo1 has not seen the goals from the Arsenal visit to Blackburn Rovers last night. After the conclusion of Terawih and Witr prayers he immediately took Mortimer to the McD Drive Thru Restaurant where Eezmo has been watching together with returnee GanuGooner, Spalding.

What left on the clock was just minutes and the score was 2-1 in favour of the visitors. Then Arsenal broke on the right and in the end the ball reached Jack Wilshere who only had Paul Robinson to beat. However the teenager's attempt was blocked by the veteran custodian and shortly after the man in the middle blew for full time.

It is good to know Theo Walcott keeps scoring goals for Arsenal and his opener certainly shows his continuous development as a forward which will bode well for Arsenal challenges on all fronts this season. However there must be a bit concern about Laurent Koscielny ability to withhold the physical nature of Premier League after he was shouldered off the ball by El Hadji Diouf en route of the home side equaliser, which was scored by Mame Biram Diouf.

Arsenal defended stoutly for the rest of the match in the face of Blackburn's direct route football and Manuel Almunia performed efficiently despite the uncomfortable nature of the match which saw heavy rain pouring down in Lancashire in the early part of it.

Andrey Arshavin's winner just six minutes into the second half did not kill off the match as the home side tried to force an equaliser. But the resilience showed by the Arsenal team was enough to ensure all three points went The Gunners' way, much to the delight of all Gooners around the world and especially the three at kT's McDonald's Drive Thru Restaurant.

However, there was some concern when Robin van Persie hobbled off with an ankle injury and according to Arsene Wenger the Dutchman will be out for ten days. Van Persie started his first match of the season and so was skipper Cesc Fabregas whose blocked shot led to Arshavin's winner in the second half.

Arsenal fans could be reunited with their former skipper William Gallas as early as September when both North London clubs were paired together in the Third Round of the Carling Cup competition. The match which is slated for 20-09-2010 will be at White Hart Lane. Arsene is expected to field his youngsters while Harry Redknapp will do otherwise, seeing the competition as one where his side could get their hands on a piece of silverware this season.

That will be a fodder for another day. For the time being just enjoy the fruit of labour from the trip to Ewood Park. It is certainly a good birthday gift for mad redo1 who turned 41 on the 19th day of Ramadhan.

...

Reunion in the Champions League

Arsenal will be reunited with one of their alumni when the Gunners face Shakhtar Donetsk of the Ukraine in the Champions League Group H campaign. Arsene Wenger's men will also travel to Portugal and face their doppelganger side Sporting Braga who also play in red and white kit. Then another trip to one of the former iron curtain countries to face Serbian side Partizan Belgrade.

Many would say it is a relatively easy group but Arsenal do not have a good record against sides from the former Soviet bloc. In fact they were beaten 3-0 against Donetsk in 2000 before a Martin Keown stoppage time header in the return leg at Highbury secured their trip out of that group. Then another thing to be vary about is former Arsenal players tend to do well against their former club, thus I really hope that would not be the case for Eduardo, who has scored three so far for his new club.

Followings are Arsenal Champions League fixtures:

15-09-2010 SC Braga (h)
28-09-2010 FK Partizan (a)
19-10-2010 Shakhtar Donetsk (h)
03-11-2010 Shakhtar Donetsk (a)
23-11-2010 SC Braga (a)
08-12-2010 FK Partizan (h)

In another development, ESPN-Soccernet reported the completion of Sebastien Squilachi's transfer from Spanish side Sevilla to Arsenal despite no announcement has been made by Arsenal.com. The addition is certainly a welcomed one by many Gooners as the defensive unit looks a bit lightweight after the departure of Sol Campbell, William Gallas, Mickael Silvestre and Phillip Senderos.

The tall French international will add reinforcement with his good reading of the game and man-marking skills even which would make up for his lack in speed even though the pace in the Premier League is a notch higher than it is in La Liga. Thus it will take a while for Squilachi to adapt to his new environment.

Another development in the transfer front is the availability of Newcastle defender Steven Taylor after the player fails to agree terms for a new contract with his hometown club. However, I do not see Arsene making a move for the English defender, especially with his defensive unit is already full with French speaking nationals.

The manager also calls for more protection for goalkeepers during set-pieces, especially corners when opponents have a specialist in obstructing goalkeepers from getting to the ball fairly. This is especially true when facing physical sides such as Bolton Wanderers and this weekend's opponent Blackburn Rovers.

Former custodian Jens Lehmann was the favourite among opponents to use this tactic as the goalkeeper could be easily provoked just by having a player standing in front of him. However current short-stopper Manuel Almunia is more stable in that sense. However after seeing how Stoke City scored against Sp*rs last weekend, Arsene feels more protection is needed against such unfair plays.

The trip to Ewood Park will see the return of midfielder Denilson from injury while Laurent Koscielny who was suspended against Blackpool should take his place alongside Thomas Vermaelen. Thus there would be some changes in the midfield with Alex Song is expected to take the role as the enforcer in front of the back four. If Cesc Fabregas is fit, then the skipper is expected to take his place alongside Tomas Rosicky which will see Jack Wilshere and Abou Diaby dropping to the bench.

With an early kick-off time it will be interesting whether mad redo1 will place his butt in front of the telly or otherwise. Whatever it is, C'mon Gooners!

...

April Gloom

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!


...

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!

...

November Rain

October has passed with Arsenal quietly making their way into the top four. Unbeaten during the month which started with a 6-2 demolishing of Blackburn, the 3-0 win over Sp*rs is certainly the best way to end it.

However, events in between the two results certainly raise doubts whether we can sustain a meaningful challenge for the Premier League title and also the Champions' League this season. The win over Blackburn is followed by a 3-1 win over Birmingham City while the young Gooners' victory over Liverpool in the Carling Cup precedes the win over the neighbours.

But it is the draws at AZ Alkmaar and West Ham that really put the question mark whether Arsenal could maintain their challenge this season. In both matches, Arsenal are cruising at 1-0 and 2-0 respectively when they fail to deliver the knock-out punch, a goal that would ultimately seal the match on both occasions.

Despite the draws do not really bear any bearing at this stage, it could be detrimental to the Arsenal cause in the long run. Drawing too many matches certainly cost us dear last season and we must avoid the same thing happening again.

November will see us travelling to Moulineux and the Stadium of Lights to face Wolves and Sunderland respectively. On paper these two matches should be just a walk in the park but in football just about anything can happen. Champions League campaign will see AZ and Standard Liege coming to the Emirates and at the end of the month it will be another London 'derby' with Chelsea being the visitors.

Nine Premier League points in November could be a tall order but in order to cement their credentials as genuine title contenders this season, Arsene Wenger's boys and men have no choice but to push for it, and push very hard.

C'mon Arsenal!

...

Half Dozen of Delights.

Arsenal showed their patience and persistence during their Champions League match against Olympiakos by constantly bombarding the Greeks' goal which was well kept by the greying Nikopolidis (A reminder of the state of mad redo1's hair). He was finally beaten by Robin van Persie's goal created by substitute Eduardo. There was a big hint of offside with the second goal scored by Andrei Arshavin but at the moment mad redo1 will take it any which way they come.

Then the visit of Blackburn Rovers on Sunday. It is never easy against Rovers, and Arsenal struggled most of the time when they came up against Sam Allardyces' Bolton Wanderers in the past.

Going a goal down inside four minutes was not what many Gooners had on their mind. Vito Manonne conceded his first Premier League goal as Steven Nzonzi looped over him from a long punt by Paul Robinson. The equaliser which came nearly quarter an hour later was the prelude of how Arsenal will score goals for the rest of the match.

The unlikely topscorer, Thomas Vermaelen tackle gave Arsenal possession and when it fell to skipper Cesc Fabregas, the ball back to the central defender was like serving it on a plate. His left foot drive saw Robinson grasping air and mad redo1 hi-fiving Nina at home.

It was completely opposite the way Blackburn regained the lead though credit must be given to David Dunn who made the extra man as they hit Arsenal on the break. Manonne seemed to have the shot covered but William Gallas's thigh got in the way. The deflection was enough to wrong foot the Italian custodian and mad redo1 found himself not laughing.

This could turn bad for the home side.

Fortunately, Fabregas decided to seize the day. After setting up Vermaelen for the first equaliser, his pass opened up the Blackburn defence for van Persie to equalise for the second time. In a similar move, the Spaniard found Arshavin whose shot gave Arsenal the lead for the first time during the match.

Blackburn had a good case for a penalty when Vermaelen seemed to have brought down Dunn but the referee waved it away and Arsenal just romped away. Fabregas continued trying to create chances for others but he had a go himself just under the hour when the ball fell kindly to him. His half volley left Robinson rooted as the ball went in the top corner.

The Fabregas show did not end there and Arsenal could have blew away Blackburn for double figures. But Robinson performed credibly and the visitors were also let off by some poor finishing by Arsene Wenger's charges. But there was nothing poor about Theo Walcott's finishing as he finished off a breath-taking Arsenal counter attack started by Fabregas in his own penalty area.

His introduction in the 69th minute was Walcott's first competitive appearance this season. Another substitute, Nicklas Bendtner got his name on the scoresheet as well with ten minutes to go when he cut across the field from the left after receiving a long pass from the right. His right foot shot sizzled past Robinson before going in off the post as The Gunners completed the half dozen.

With the kind of momentum they are on now, the international break is certainly not a welcome disturbance. However, it is hoped that it will continue for the visit of Birmingham City in a fortnight.

...

Viva Mannone!

Craven Cottage is not an easy place to visit, especially for Arsenal for the past few seasons. Despite getting the required results most of the time from there, it also witnesses heartbreaks when Arsenal fail to reach their level of football. Even though a rarity but Arsenal are also known to grind out results despite not reaching that level.

Last night was one such cases. Fulham 'in-your-face' attitude did not allow Arsenal to really settle down and the trip to South London could have been a disastrous one if not for the heroics of an Italian young goalkeeper, Vito Mannone.

The saves he pulled from the likes of Andy Johnson and Bobby Zamora were first class and it kept the hopes up for Arsenal who scored the winner when Robin van Persie's deft first touch enabled him to deliver a quick finish just before Mark Schwarzer could deny the Dutchman. It was skipper Cesc Fabregas's vision and delivery that opened up the stout home defence.

It is still very early to judge Mannone even though the signs are good. I am sure Arsene Wenger will revert to Manuel Almunia once the Spaniard recovers from his illness. But one thing for sure, the competition for the place between the sticks will heat up, though I hope it would not escalate to a 'Lehmanesque' proportion.

Andrei Arshavin had a quiet match though there were a few moments that could have turned the match in his favour. But it was good to see him coming back especially with the Champions League match against Olympiakos coming up on Wednesday morning.

The three points from Craven Cottage are sure sweet but Mannone certainly provided the icing on the cake for me.

Go Gooners!

...

To a More Consistent 2009!

If this blog reflects the performance of the Arsenal team, then I will be responsible for the inconsistent performance of the Gunners in the Premier League this season. So many matches that I have failed either to preview or to review.

In a way it reflects how Arsenal have turned it on in a match and then completely disappeared in the next couple of games. Fortunately, I do not think that has been the case even though there are a number of things that I would do in order to get the lady luck smiling on my beloved Gooners.

The new year begins with us in fifth place, a complete contrast to the previous season when we were at the top seemingly cruising to our first Premier League title since the 'invincibles'. Well, you know how that one turned out.

With a squad younger than last season I was quietly confident that we would be able to emulate our achievement last season and go even better. Unfortunately the early season optimism has all but disappear following the recent last minute 'hara-kiri' at Villa Park against the team that is in direct competition for the last Champions League place next season.

I do not see us lifting the Premier League trophy in May though I really hope we will be able to make it a race all the way. Mathematically we are still in the race but realistically it is a long shot. Arsene Wenger needs everything to be completely aligned and clicked together and on this first day of 2009, I do not see that happening.

But football has this habit of throwing surprises here and there.

I for one would really love to be surprised after the surprises that we suffered at Craven Cottage and also when Hull City made their first trip to the Emirates in September.

C'mon Arsenal!

...

The Villan in Us.

ARSENAL 0
ASTON VILLA 2 Glichy OG Agbonlahor

I just simply do not know how to call the latest defeat at the Emirates.

Is is a debacle?

Is it a disaster?

Is it a setback?

What?

I would not go as far as calling for Arsene Wenger's resignation but the team he put out against Aston Villa was a different team to the one that won all three points against Manure last week.

Different in the sense of attitude.

Do we really motivate ourselves just against the like of Manure, Liverfool and Chelski? And for other matches, we just simply turn up and all the three points will be in the bag.

Of course the lips say 'NO' but the attitude seems to be saying 'YES'.

So it is not fair to blame Arsene as he puts his trust on his players to continue the momentum from getting back to their winning ways. For me, the players really let us down with the lack of hunger against a more motivated team, especially with former Gunner, Steven Sidwell was very keen to prove his worth after being let go by Arsene earlier.

We could just put the blame on luck as Bacary Sagna was down injured when Villa broke through his side and the referee for not awarding a free-kick after Curtis Davies had taken down Carlos Vela prior to the second goal.

But the truth was the visitors who looked more deserving to go home with all the three points.

And I for one, would like to see how are wee going to get back on track.


Again.

...

Wigan Vela-ed Off

Arsenal 3 Simpson 2 Vela
Wigan 0

As usual I have to wake up in the wee hours in the morning in order to catch the Arsenal youngsters in action but as it was against Sheffield United in the last round, it was totally worth it.

Another scintillating first half display (according to the commentator as I woke up with just five minutes of the half to go) was rewarded with a Jay Simpson goal that separated both teams at the break.

Then the young Gunners just continued where they left off and when you thought there was a hint of a fightback by Wigan, they just struck. As Wigan pressured the Arsenal defence, captain for the night Lukasz Fabianski punched away a cross and the ball found it's way to Carlos Vela.

The Mexican international's pace was simply too hot to handle and he cut to the byline with ease. Having the mind of a team player he squared the ball to Simpson who finished cooly for his second of the night and distanced Arsenal from their more experienced opponents.

A while later it was 3-0, as Vela displayed the kind of skill that made Arsene Wenger persisted in bringing him to the Arsenal fold. Another ball out from defence from Johan Djourou found Vela who flicked the ball towards goal.

Then it was a race with a defender to the ball and Vela just nicked it with a sublime chip that sailed over the bemused Chris Kirkland in the Wigan goal. It was such a priceless look, as I remembered he was one of the biggest culprit when it came to time wasting at the Emirates a couple of season back.

He did not waste any time tonight.

It was also a good outing for Fran Merida, whose long range effort had Kirkland scrambling to save and also for Kieran Gibbs. The young left-side player forced the Wigan custodian into making a couple of hard saves during the match.

Eduardo da Silva appeared on the TV screen tonight, and I really hope to see him in action real soon. But one of Wenger's summer acquisition did get his first competitive action in Arsenal colours during the match.

Amaury Bischoff was given his debut when he came on for Jack Wilshere, whose pass released Simpson for the first goal. It was a descent performance under a no pressure situation.

However, in the closing stages Wigan did pile up the pressure and Fabianski was forced to work hard to keep his clean sheen dream intact. Daniel de Ridder's mazy run ended up with a shot with the Polish goalkeeper did well to save but Henri Camara was following up.

Fabianski did well to get up quickly and got his hand on the goal bound ball and push it against the bar. Arsenal eventually cleared the danger and saw out the match.

Now we are in the last eight, I wonder who we could be facing next?

...

Not A Happy Anniversary for Arsene.

Arsenal 1 McShane OG
Hull City 2 Geovanni Cousin

Many were expecting a cricket score when Hull City came a visiting but I did share that view. Not after a good start made by Phil Brown's men that saw them in the top half of the Premier League table rather than the bottom.

But then again, I did not expect us to lose either.

On the 12th anniversary of a certain Arsene Wenger officially joined Arsenal it should be a week of celebration. Results from previous matches against Bolton Wanderers and Sheffield United indicated the Gunners would be too much for the Tigers to handle.

However, Brown did not spend years under Sam Allardyce at the Reebok Stadium without picking up a thing or two from the big man when it comes to playing Arsenal.

There was a quote from Brown that to come away with anything from the Emirates is to catch Arsenal on an off day. It was certainly that day.

The first half was largely a forgetable affair with neither goalkeeper has to make any serious save at all. Then suddenly everything clicked into one fluid movement with Theo Walcott finally found his groove and a lucky deflection later Arsenal finally broke the deadlock.

A collective sigh of relief by many at the Emirates.

But it was not for long. A moment of magic by Geovanni brought things level again. The Brazillian was allowed too much time and space by the Arsenal players and there was nothing Manuel Almunia could do but grasping thin air as the ball whizzed past him.

A goal of the season candidate for sure.

Things got worse a bit later. Arsenal had conceded two goals from set-pieces this season and tonight they conceded another. The way Daniel Cousin scored his first goal for Hull indicated that we still need a big tall centre-half who could take charge from this kind of situation.

Neither William Gallas nor Kolo Toure could rectify the situation. Clearly, we are still looking for the next Tony Adams.

One thing about the match last night was that many Arsenal players looked like they were fasting. They were lacking the urgency required to match the pressing game that Brown instructed his men to carry out.

I am getting tired of seeing the two Manus, Eboue and Adebayor.

We played quite a number of high balls into the box but with Robin Van Persie being not the best player with the head, it would make more sense if Nicklas Bendtner was given the slot to partner Adebayor up-front.

I would play Walcott on the left and Van Persie on the opposite flank so they could cut inside and the more damage with their right and left feet respectively. A bit predictable but there would be variety and physical presence up-front especially against a team which has this never say die attitude that we were sadly lacking during the match.

Carlos Vela should have been given the nod sooner, especially after we fell behind in order for him to make a meaningful contribution. He was quite unlucky when the ball fell too near to him from the Gallas header.

As always, the question of luck would always come in after a defeat and it is no different this time around.

We simply did not have much of it tonight.

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Back From the Dead

Dynamo Kiev 1 Bangoura
Arsenal 1 Gallas

Arsene Wenger expected a point from the trip to Kiev and a single point was what Arsenal got. The first half suggested that the trip back to London would be a jovial one as Arsenal stamped their authority all over their Ukrainian opponents.

Robin Van Persie came close but the biggest miss of the night surely had to be attributed to Manu Adebayor who shot high and wide with only the goalkeeper to beat after a mistake by the home defence.

Had Arsenal be more clinical in their finishing it would have been a different story altogether and continue Dynamo's run of defeats in the Champions League. Last season the Kiev side finished bottom of their group without a single point.

Perhaps the capital of Ukraine held a curse on Arsenal as the Gunners never get the right result there. But a point is definitely better than none though for a long time after going behind, Arsenal did not look like scoring at all.

Of course the penalty decision was very harsh and I thought the Dynamo player induced the penalty by pulling Bacary Sagna to fall with him. However it would not have come to that if William Gallas had not misjudged the flight of the ball which led to the break by Dynamo.

I was mouthing all kind of bad words to both Gallas and Adebayor when the two of them played quite a significant role in bringing the score to par. First the Togolese found the unmarked Theo Walcott wide on the right. Good for him.

Then Gallas popped up at the end of Walcott's low hard ball across the Dynamo's goalmouth to divert it into the net though there was a hint of offside (I think...) when he connected with the ball.

We continued to push forward but a point from Kiev could be regarded as a success considering previous heartbreaks that we suffered there.

Now, the Reebok awaits and hopefully we could snatch another three points there like we did last season.

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Now For the Real Thing!

It is indeed a hectic by all means. The Malaysia Cup has reached the semi-finals with my local team, Terengganu had to endure a penalty shoot-out against Perlis before coming out on top.

The football season is coming to its end in Malaysia, many are relishing the coming of the Barclays Premier League new season. Arsenal has completed its pre-season programme with fans looking forward to an improved results from last season. But before that, there is the short trip to Eschende to meet Steve McClaren's FC Twente in order to qualify to the lucrative Champions' League.

The current immediate concern of many Arsenal fans is the thin layer of midfielders at our disposal with the departure of Matt Flamini, Alex Hleb and Gilberto Silva. Abou Diaby who was touted as the next Patrick Vieira due to the physical similarities seems to be spending more time on the treatment table and when given the chance on the pitch, failed to grab the opportunity to really establish himself.

Thus, the match in the Netherlands would probably see Cesc Fabregas and Denilson being partnered together. Theo Walcott and Samir Nasri (if he overcomes his injury) would probably provide the thrust from the wings. If the Frenchman does not make it we would probably see Manu Eboue operating on the right though I think Carlos Vela, Jack Wilshere or Armand Traore could be deployed there.

One good thing coming from the Armsterdam Tournament was the performance of Lukasz Fabianski between the sticks. He commanded the box well against Sevilla with several good takes when dealing with crosses. He also reacted well on one to one situations and showed good agility when required. A stiff competition to Manuel Almunia is foreseen here.

With Arsene Wenger prefers to do his dealings behind closed doors it is a bit difficult to guess who are joining the ranks though the addition of Xabi Alonso certainly would see my optimism rises a bit. Hopefully Arsene will find the time soon.

Astro has been a good satellite TV provider with the match at Huddersfield being telecast 'live' here in Malaysia. It is always good to see a good comeback after falling behind. The youngsters certainly showed plenty of character with the winner by Nacer Barazite indicated that the boy is progressing well.

Another good comeback was at the Amsterdam ArenA against host Ajax. Who would have predicted the two Manus would combine so well to score the first one with Eboue finding the head of Adebayor. The Togolese is trying his best to win back the heart of Arsenal supporters and his determination opened the chance for Nicklas Bendtner to equalise.

Then a good one-two with Denilson led to the winner by Adebayor though he would have to improve his rate of conversion in order to climb the charts of legends that have donned the red and white of Arsenal in the past. During the match alone he had me tearing my hair on numerous occassions for failing to do things that are expected of an Arsenal player.

I am hoping that Fabianski will start the match on Wednesday but I believe it will be Almunia and William Gallas to partner Kolo Toure in defence. Bacary Sagna and Gael Clichy will provide the support for Walcott and Nasri respectively. Fabregas and Denilson will provide the openings for Adebayor and Robin Van Persie and hopefully we will come back with one foot already in the pot.

Go Gooners!

...

Short Trip Across the Channel

So the draw has been made and we are going to Enschede to face FC Twente in order to qualify for the group stages of the European Champions League this season. As highlighted by Arsene Wenger, the tie requires full concentration because the Dutch side now under the guidance from former England manager Steve McLaren could spring a few surprises as they did last season by finishing a credible fourth in the Dutch League.

The short trip should work to our advantage as it would mean that the travelling would be short and simple unlike last two seasons when we had to travel to the Balkans before qualifying to the group stage proper.

There were also comments from Manu Adebayor about him never has any intention to leave the Emirates and that he did not know the source that triggered all the quotes and speculations. Furthermore he stressed that 'his heart is with Arsenal'. At the moment. For me, it is more of a damage limitation exercise on the Togolese part rather to win back support from the fans.

He would completely win me over by scoring 43 goals this season.

Then there was this news about how Arsenal youth set-up is working well, especially if we manage to get something from the transfer proceed of David Bentley move from Blackburn to the Sp*ds next door. Nice piece of business there. Perhaps, if he had more patient he could have made the Pires/Ljungberg positions his own after the duo have left Arsenal. But we will never know.

The good news for us in Malaysia is that the Arsenal versus Juventus match in the Emirates Cup will be shown 'live' by the satellite TV provider.

At two in the morning.

But I am not complaning. Now. Hopefully I would not be complaning after the match too.

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