The season begins! Arsenal are set to travel to Tyneside for their first game of the season. With so much going on off the pitch at Arsenal, the season opener will be a much needed relief from the on-going Cesc and Nasri transfer sagas. Wenger’s latest press-conference shows signs confidence and belief as usual. 

Cesc and Nasri will not travel with the squad. The reason may be that they are not match fit or that their impending transfers to Barcelona and Manchester City respectively forced Wenger to make them sit back in London. RVP and Gibbs are available for selection with Walcott and Vermaelen back in the squad as well. Wilshere is still out and could possibly return for the Liverpool game. Alex Chamberlain could make his PL debut this Saturday as Miyachi sits out with the paperwork on his work permit yet to be completed. Diaby is still recovering from his surgery and is probably the only long term concern at the moment for Wenger in terms of injury. RVP is set to captain the side ahead of the season opener on Saturday. 

Probable line up : Szczesny, Sagna, Vermaelen, Koscielny, Gibbs, Song, Ramsey, Rosicky, Arshavin, Gervinho, RVP(capt)

Gervinho should make his first official start for the club. I expect Walcott and Ox to start from the bench alongside Chamakh and Vela. Introduction of Walcott ahead of Arshavin could strengthen our side further but it still lacks the quality that Nasri or Cesc would provide. Arsenal would miss Nasri in someone who can hold the ball longer and Cesc in someone who can split open the defense at anytime. RVP holds the key for tomorrow’s game and Arsenal who often start well hopefully continue the tradition. 

However strong we are at the front, the same level of weakness is exposed at the back. Vermaelen and Koscielny have formed a decent partnership in the pre-season. This pair has leaked the least number of goals. Szczesny is in a strong position to start ahead of his compatriot Pole. The team definitely looks lacking in depth without Cesc and Nasri. If the pair were to move, Wenger must find quality replacements immediately. Otherwise, another promising campaign could go down to pieces as early as October.

Also, the CL qualification is looming in doubt with the star duo set to leave before then. Were Arsenal to play in Europa League this year and also set to lose Cesc and Nasri without adequate replacements, I fear to say, but we would be making another Liverpool.

Nevertheless, keep the faith! Wenger has done it on many occasions and will once again prove to be a mastermind in football. I hope he invests properly and sensibly as he often does but the only thing I am concerned his that he invests in short term signings and not long term. I predict a winning start for Arsenal with Gervinho and RVP amongst the goals. 2-1 to Arsenal!

My opinion on the new faces arrived and expected to arrive at Arsenal this summer :

Gervinho : The Ivory Coast international has finally made the switch from Lille to Arsenal in a 11m move. Gervinho is touted as a very versatile player who can play on the left, right and through the centre. With Rosicky and Arshavin failing to perform upto the standards, we needed a replacement on the wings and Gervinho should just provide that. We needed depth and consistency in the wings. Gervinho comes to Arsenal as a winner after helping Lille to their first title in so many years. Physically quite strong, this guy did impress me in last year’s WC but I least expected him to be an Arsenal player at that time. Comparisons between him and Henry have arised but I would not comment on it unless he proves himself. There’s no time to establish himself. Arsenal need players who can impact on the short-term. I just hope Gervinho’s signing will add a much needed creativity upfront.

Carl Jenkinson : Saw this guy play against Chinatown in the 2nd friendly. I was shocked when I saw his huge built. This guy did stand out amongst the small Arsenal players. Carl ,an understudy to Sagna should provide a good back-up at right back. Eboue has never impressed me as a right back even though as a right midfielder,Eboue has performed very well sometimes. I personally think Eboue must be used at RM this season to get the best out of him. Coming to Carl, the 19 year old is a player for the future. He will gradually take the place from Sagna in the years to come and the only missing link that I find in Carl is experience. He needs time and needs to play a lot before establishing himself as a first team regular.

Other Transfer Targets - 

Samba - Personally I feel all of Arsenal’s defenders have the quality except for Squillaci but I have never been able to find out as to why they fail during the big occasion. Arsenal’s defensive problems can be solved from within rather than from outside. But, considering Arsenal’s consistent injury records, we need depth in defense and Wenger must buy atleast one centre-half. And that CB should be able to come and play immediately and not someone for the future. Samba, captain at Blackburn, has loads of PL experience and is physically very damaging. Arsenal have always been short when it comes a physical match. Samba will prove to be a big asset on a cold Tuesday night at Stoke. Moreover, Samba is a fantastic ball winner in the air and scores a lot of goals with his head. Having conceded more than 50% of our goals from set-pieces last year, Samba, with PL experience and leadership qualities, should be Wenger’s first signing when it comes to strengthening defense.

Gary Cahill - A highly rated defender. Ex-Arsenal players compare him to Tony Adams. This guy too is a good ball winner and a very influential player at Bolton in defense. Cahill also scores a lot of goals with his head and is technically a better player than Samba. But considering the fact that we always come short against strong physical teams employing a long ball strategy, Samba would be a better choice than Cahill. I would still reckon Samba to survive on a cold Tuesday night at Stoke, not Cahill. Anyways, given the choice, I would add Samba than Cahill who is cheaper, stronger and will provide a different dimension to our defense than Gary Cahill.

Benzema - I am not sure if Benzema is Wenger’s target. Valued at 27m, Benzema is an out and out forward that Arsenal desperately need. RVP is more of a No.10 mould just like DB 10. We need a Thierry Henry like scorer and Benzema will just fit in so easily in this Arsenal attack. But his 27m price is quite high and only Wenger knows if he’s going to invest in him. There’s absolutely no doubt that both Arsenal and Benzema will shine if Benzema does make the switch from Madrid to Arsenal. Moreover, the No.9 shirt at Arsenal is available unless Gervinho chooses to wear it.

There are other small targets like Ricky Alvarez and Jose Enrique being linked with Arsenal but I am sure they will add nothing to this current Arsenal team but the wage bill. 

And it looks more and more likely that Cesc Fabregas is leaving London despite claims from Wenger that he is desperate for his captain to stay. However, Samir Nasri is staying and could possibly play at his best position in a CAM role. Just like every other Arsenal fan, I am eager for the season to begin and know how my team is going to line-up for the new season. Just like every other season, the hopes are high but we need to strengthen in all key areas. I just hope Wenger convinces Cesc to stay. We need him. Keep the faith and Arsenal will deliver soon.

Welcome back to football as the holidays are about to end by this weekend. One of the hottest summer periods for Arsene Wenger as Arsenal manager awaits him as he looks to potentially re-build a side capable of lifting a trophy. The rumours have been circulating like forest fire and there’s no absolutely no end to them. Infact, the rumours are the only piece of information regarding football that keeps us entertaining in this lengthy holiday period.

Let’s look at the possible Arsenal exodus and their significance.

Cesc Fabregas - Eight years on and Cesc looks set for a move to hometown club Barcelona. If rumours are to be believed, Cesc who is on a holiday at Barcelona at the moment may not return for the pre-season training on Tuesday. Came in as a 16 year old pretender and took over the first team place from Vieira in 2004 and has turned into a world class midfielder at age 24. Captain Cesc is the dictator of Arsenal’s game and stats clearly indicate a higher winning percentage with him in the team. Unfortunately, such talent has never been credited with more than one trophy at club level and the lure of his hometown club calling is too good for Cesc to refuse. However, Cesc is not assured of a start at Barcelona unlike at Arsenal where he is respected on and off the pitch. Cesc is the best player in the current Arsenal side and if he did move on, Arsenal will surely find it tough but nevertheless, Arsenal is not a one-man team and should Cesc move, I wish him good luck. His service has been top class and I hope he spends his best years at Arsenal.

Samir Nasri - Selling Cesc could signal a bad intent for a frustrated figure in Samir Nasri who has refused to sign a new contract. He is either expecting money or proven signings. If he is expecting money, Arsenal is not the club for Nasri. It would be wise for Wenger to cash in on him before he leaves for free at the end of the season. But if he is waiting for Wenger to sign quality players, Nasri may well stay as an Arsenal player this season as I am pretty sure Wenger is investing this time around. Nasri has been outstanding last season and will look to build on that reputation in the coming years. This is definitely the period for Nasri to peak and I hope Wenger persuades him to stay. 

Gael Clichy - Another contract issue. I guess Clichy is moving away and that leaves us with potentially no winners at the club. Only Clichy has won a PL medal at Arsenal and the 25 year old in the past two seasons has looked past his best. But, he is a player whom Arsenal cant lose and there are hardly any better left-backs who can come in and perform immediately. Baines is too costly and bringing players from a different league is a huge gamble and this is definitely not the right time for Wenger to gamble. However, if Clichy is refusing to stay, selling him is the best option. Reports claim that Clichy is on his way to close rival Man City on a 7m deal and that Wenger is looking for Jose Enrique as replacement.

Bendtner, Denilson, Vela, Arshavin, Almunia - The bunch of under performers last season. It looks like Bendtner and Denilson have no potential buyers. If Vela’s agent is to be believed, he will remain an Arsenal player for the upcoming season. Arshavin is attracting interest from Galatasaray and only time will tell if he’s moving. Despite performing far below his best, Arshavin has contributed significantly stats wise. Almunia is definitely facing the exit door.

Players who may be coming in - Gervinho, Samba, Cahill, Alvarez, Enrique, Dann

Contd in Part 2

My blogging frequency has drastically reduced in the past few months due to my personal work and Arsenal’s relatively poor games de-motivating me from reviewing their games. But, as a fan and a new blogger, I would like to continue this work for the pre-season and the new season as well. Before that, I want to finish this year with the pre-match review of our last game at Craven Cottage.

The first leg of this game was a memorable one. I can still remember Nasri dancing past Hangeland and another Fulham defender and making them fall on their ass to blast past the keeper. Another one from Nasri sealed the game. The second goal was majestic as well but those were the days when Arsenal promised so much. Arsenal looked like potential champions only to be dethroned again.

This time though, Arsenal play for third spot after being humiliated, embarrassed and criticised from all corners for their pathetic display. This game is Arsenal’s 11th in the PL since the CC Final defeat. They have just taken 11 points so far in the PL from their previous 10 games and hopefully look to make it 14 points this Sunday evening. Even with virtual full strength, Arsenal failed to win games that must have been won and today is nothing different. Cesc Fabregas is not fit enough and could have played his last game already according to many. But I hope he’s still an Arsenal player. He’s our captain for God’s sake. If there is anyone who deserves a trophy at Arsenal after Wenger, it is Cesc Fabregas and I want him to stay as much as everyone. But as I had mentioned in my previous post, having an half hearted player doesn’t help and Wenger does have a big question to answer in the summer. Coming back to the match, it is said that Clichy, Nasri and Diaby will have late fitness tests. Koscielny and Djourou are doubts forcing Squillaci to partner Vermaelen again. Gibbs and Sagna will start if Clichy fails to pass the late fitness test. It is likely that Song, Wilshere and Ramsey will start despite Denilson quitting Arsenal at the end of the season. This is too important a game to give Denilson a testimonial match. He has done nothing to give him a big farewell and I doubt if he is even going to make the squad. Upfront, RVP will lead the side and Walcott and Arshavin could occupy the flanks.

There’s nothing more to say about this game. The only motto is to win and hope City fail to take all three points. City potentially have a tougher opponent than us but even if City fails, an inconsistent Arsenal could still lose points and stay behind them. Rather, I hope Arsenal will show some fighting spirit and put in a performance that saw them beat Chelsea, Barcelona and United this season. I am quite optimistic today like all other match days and I sign off for this season with a 4-0 Arsenal win prediction. The same scoreline on the last day of last season against the same opponents.

KEEP THE FAITH!

ARSENAL, FOR THE FUTURE!

IN WENGER, I DO TRUST ONE MORE SEASON!

“The Invincibles to The Vulnerables” - (2004 to 2011)

I have never been one of those to point at Arsene for all of Arsenal’s shortcomings but then it must be said that he is the one responsible for Arsenal’s unacceptable downfall this season. By February, Arsenal had offered so much after beating Barcelona and earning the short Wembley trip for the Carling Cup. I, along with million other fans across the world was hoping for the long wait to come to an end. Yet Arsene’s boys failed to nick it. The nerves played their part and Arsenal’s another defensive lapse costed them a first title in so many years. But it was not the end of the tunnel for Arsenal. They were still in the CL with a 2-1 lead over Barcelona, still fighting for the PL title and were ofcourse still in the FA Cup.

But as many feared, the psychological breakdown occurred. Arsene was too less inspirational and motivating and his team failed to untie the knots one too many times. The following two months that has followed the CC defeat has been a tragedy. Exits from the CL and FA cup in the space of 4 days announced Arsenal’s arrival into the late season mishap. With everyone claiming it to be a blessing in disguise and only the PL to fight for, Arsenal proved it wrong as they went from bad to worse in the 10 PL games that followed the CC defeat. 11 points in 10 games shows a mid-table performance and the players have proven that they are simply not fit enough for the task.

Or is it that no one within the dressing room had it in them to up the tempo and inspire these young guns to take the next step. Cesc Fabregas is a master at passing the ball but as a leader he has failed to bring the best out of this team when it all mattered. Robin has been scoring at will but it hardly helps when the rest do not sync with him. Nasri and Arshavin have not shown what they are capable of in the past two months. Above all, Wenger did not know what to do when things were getting tough. He is not the tough character who can get the things going nor din’t he have one within the squad to do it when it was going all too bad for Arsenal. This simply puts Alex Ferguson and Jose Mourinho one step ahead of Arsene. Wenger had a group of players more talented than the United players. Yet, Alex was able to get the best out of those shitty bastards to what IMO is an undeserving 19th title.

This season was the time for these players to show their experience and maturity but the world has seen nothing but a few months of entertaining football combined with nonsense defending. Arsenal were easily the front runners for the title this year but lack of maturity and leadership within the camp has once again costed them,what could have been, their first title in so many years.

Even the Arabs have now won a trophy and it will not be long before they overtake us in the league table. Ending the season in 4th place could be the worst possible result for Arsene after being so close till March mid. But, this is what these bunch of players deserve for playing horribly bad in the past two months. Wenger has kept an over-level of trust on these young players and they simply don’t know what to do to win a title. Experienced heads may be and not will be the solution. Arsene’s mistake was to let the big heads of Arsenal to leave when the current crop of players were still transitioning from the youth team to the first team. It was huge pressure on these players to straight away take the responsibility from the Invincibles but they have surely done well to remain where they are.

Realistically, Arsenal must be competing for a top four place and that’s exactly what they are doing. It will take years of hard-work before this team can take the next step. I still feel this team may have to wait another year or two if Wenger is sticking with his policy. But if Arsene does make the required changes and get in more players with character and personality, some one like Scott Parker, Arsenal can achieve better.

But, the wait has been too long for the fans and the players. Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri are running out of patience and may force out a move and if it does happen, then all these years, considered as the foundation years will go in vain as Wenger needs to start from scratch. It’s important for Arsene to hold onto the players around whom the game is being played. Cesc, for sure is now only 50% interested and selling him may be worthy business-wise but football-wise, it could cost Arsenal big time. Nasri is the immediate solution to that position and it could well balance the midfield but losing Cesc is definitely a big blow. At the same time, keeping an half-hearted player is not good enough for the cause and Arsene has a tough decision to make this summer.

Wenger needs to invest and invest sensibly. I am not calling for the big money signings like Torres or Messi or Ronaldo but I am looking for players with presence and character. I am looking for Arsene to sign a Gary Neville like player who wants to fight his skin out till the 90th minute. I would like a few changes in the backroom as well,someone who is brave enough to tell Arsene whenever he goes wrong. Pat Rice, is now merely an head-shaking animal for all of Arsene’s crap. 

There is more to Arsenal apart from the transfer market. Wenger has been employing a 4-2-3-1 for the past two seasons and it has worked well against so many teams. But this formation has become too predictable now and Wenger needs to change it when it is required. I have never seen him change his formation throughout the season and it simply doesn’t work that way. Because of this Bendtner is played out of position and as a result Arsenal do not get the best out of him. He can be a threat when he’s played upfront but as a right winger, he’s nothing but a piece of shit trying to joggle the ball past defenders. He’s not clever enough to be a winger and this is where Wenger has failed big time this season. He has not used his players’ strength to their fullest potential.

The time has come for all to change. When Wenger came to Arsenal, he adopted a team that was strong at defending. Wenger added his flair for attack into the Arsenal team that later emerged as the Invincibles. Now , Wenger has the attacking options but his defense has become too vulnerable. He must change soon. He must get defensive minded players. He must get players who want to give their lives for the Arsenal cause. He must get players who can make him proud rather than embarrass him. If he doesn’t want to change, then Arsenal will not win for many more years and the only way to change it is to change Arsene himself.

So, Arsene, you must change or the fans will want to change you.

Keep the faith!

In Arsene, I trust one more Season!

The title’s gone. It was indeed written ever since Arsenal lost the Carling Cup this year but we have seen it too late. The same old story of almost there but never there. But nothing has been lost. We are still Arsenal FC and one of the greatest footballing sides in this world. I still support them and Arsene Wenger. Those who feel that Wenger must quit, fuck off! He’s the man and he has revolutionised this club. He still knows how to win. 

And on Sunday Wenger can inspire his team to that. A win over United is all that is needed at the moment. It’s salvage time for Arsenal. As Wenger rightly called the wounded animals to respond on Sunday, it’s time for all the young guns to show their pride. They must remember that they are playing for a club with a rich tradition and history. 

Arsenal have never been short of quality this season. In fact, Arsenal have even been quite injury friendly for the past two months and should have taken the title with style. Yet, they failed. I can only relate this failure to less confidence and belief. Lapse in concentration and no commanding on the pitch at critical situations have caused Arsenal on one too many occasions this season and the past. Perhaps, this is where Vermaelen was missed.

I posted a video in this blog few weeks ago from the movie ” Any given Sunday”. Probably, Wenger must play it often to his players in the dressing room to inspire them.

“Either we heal as a team now, or we will die as individuals”

KEEP THE FAITH!

IN WENGER WE STILL TRUST!

Three draws and 6 points and the title is no more in our hands. Before heading to an unlikely title win this year, Arsenal must first overcome “something” in their heads and get their basics right. Thankfully, I dint watch the entire game on Saturday due to my Indian fandom for cricket. I watched the last 10 mins from which I found out that Arsenal were never really pushing or aiming for that little extra that could have got them a goal. Post match, I heard Shebby Singh talking in ESPN. He was spot on in saying this : ” What’s the impact that Wenger’s substitutions will make if he’s not going to change the formation with his subs. Removing Arshavin and swapping for Cesc allowed Nasri to the left and Cesc into the middle. Removing Walcott and Nasri and bringing in Bendtner and Chamakh was of no use cause Wenger still played with a 4-3-3 and hence brought no change in tactics along with subs. So predictable.” For once, I agreed with the Singh. 

Last game though when Chamakh came in, RVP and Chamakh played in a 4-4-2 with Jack and Nasri operating through the middle and it allowed Arsenal a change of plan in the second half and the evidence was clear. 2-2 from 2-0 down. I have repeatedly told in my previous posts that Arsenal simply don’t change their formation to the availability of the players. Without a plan B, our team will never head for glory. 

Surprisingly, our defense had a clean sheet on the day. It must have been like 6 points gained than lost for Arsenal fans with Almunia in goal and yet Arsenal managed a clean sheet. But rather than the clowny Spaniard getting a clean sheet, it was the fact that our attackers left the Emirates goalless for a second match in a row that stunned me. We have scored more than 105 goals in 50 games this year and yet we failed to score a single goal at home in the past two games. What a shame! Add to it the fact that we have already dropped 15 points at home from 16 games - nearly a point a game. Look at the league leaders, they have dropped only 2 points in 15 games. Such is their home prowess and to be a champion, we need to get our home record straight. 

From what I witnessed in the last 10mins plus stoppage time, we lacked energy, urgency, penetration even with the likes of Cesc, Samir, RVP and Jack in the team. If these players cant get all three points against a team of Blackburn’s quality, I am not sure who will then within this squad. But still, there are 8 games to and 24 points to be taken. Win them all and we’ll be just a point behind United. But I am pretty confident that the UCL games and the FA games will take its toll on United and eventually they will lose points and allow us to close the gap. But, as I had mentioned earlier we need to focus and get our basics right. We have been missing that X-factor for the past few games and with every one available and a week to set ourselves right, Arsenal must push on now. I feel one win could bring us back into contention and considering the fact that we play all our games from now on, after United play their’s, there’s an extra pressure on Arsenal players to perform. It is that pressure and will to win and perform that could see us finally lift a trophy.

In Wenger, I still believe and trust. I can see no future for these players in Arsenal without Wenger and hence they need to up their game and play to their fullest potential.

I heard the boos after the match at the Emirates and I have already seen lots of people calling for a change but I guess Wenger himself knows what’s best. I am pretty sure he’ll invest wisely if Arsenal end empty-handed again.

GO GO Gunners :)

Back to club football after two weeks as Arsenal welcome Cesc, Theo, Song, Diaby into the squad. RVP has been given the all clear after getting a knock on the thigh during his midweek cameo. The signs are really positive for Wenger who is working so hard to get his team back on winning ways.

9 games to go and 8 weeks left and 27 points at stake. Take it all and the title heads to North London. But it is easier said than done. Wenger and all his players have been shouting over the media about their mental strength and willingness to win a trophy for Arsenal but all that counts for nothing if anything less than 3 points are taken from now on in each and every game till mid May. Arsenal are still unbeaten in the PL in 2011 but they are also on a poor run. They have won just 1 game in 6 matches in all seasons and they also play their 50th game of the season on Saturday.

Team News : Almunia is set to start in goal. Jens Lehmann, I guess is still not match fit and may need another two weeks atleast. Koscielny and Squillaci are the only available options and will start ahead of Almunia on the pitch. Sagna and Clichy are expected to start as well. Finally, Wenger will be able to recall his first choice midfielders with Song, Jack and Cesc all available. Amazingly, the last time they played together was against Barcelona at The Emirates back in Feb. Since then, the trio have never been together and the results clearly indicate their importance to the team. The trio add steel and penetration and will be key to our title charge and now the Arsenal medics will have to ensure that they remain fit until the end of the season. Also back for selection is Theo Walcott who has recovered successfully from his recent ankle injury. Theo Walcott’s pace is a lethal weapon to Arsenal’s attacking moves and his presence upfront will aid Arsenal’s cause. RVP’s given the green light to start and his link up play with Theo this season has been amazing. I would love to see them play together again and I bet one of them will assist the other on Saturday. The other flank is likely to be occupied by Samir Nasri with Arshavin dropped to bench alongside Chamakh, Bendtner, Rosicky, Diaby and Ramsey.

Prediction: Arsenal would know United’s result before they play their game tomorrow. Anything except three points for United is a gift and Arsenal will look to exploit it.Else too, Arsenal will have to win tomorrow and I have no doubt about it. I am also convinced of a strong win at The Emirates though I am not so optimistic about a clean sheet with Squillaci and Almunia in defense. I am expecting Cesc to play a big role against Blackburn and return stronger than ever.

Man to Watch : Cesc Fabregas

Probable line-up : Almunia-Sagna-Kos-Seb-Gael-Jack-Song-Cesc-Nasri-Theo-Robin

“Either we heal as a team now, or we will die as individuals”

Trust, belief and hope! None of which ,you can expect when Almunia is guarding the sticks.