Ho Ho Ho!! The holidays are here! Five days into my extended break and I’ve already been into the office, twice. That’s dedication for you.
Since my last update, Arsenal have played four games; Wigan (A), Olympiacos (A), Everton (H) and Manchester City (A).
As I predicted, we beat Wigan comfortably with an impressive performance at the DW Stadium. Wigan had become a bit of a bogey team for us of late, a 2-2 draw last December, a 3-2 defeat in April 2010. On both occasions the Gunners were in front, only to let crucial leads slip. To win 4-0 this year shows progress and the score made it a thoroughly enjoyable away-day for the fans. Despite the great result, my most memorable moment was at the final whistle, when Szczesny walked over hushing the crowd only to start up the chant, ‘And its Arsenal… Arsenal FC! We’re by far the greatest team.. the world has ever seen!’ Ledge. On our way to the railway station, some of the players got the opportunity to meet me, with my friend Dan lucky enough to get The Ox’s shirt!
Arsene decided to rest the majority of the first eleven as we travelled to Olympiacos in a pointless match. Pointless, because unlike our Premier League rivals, we had already qualified, as group leaders, for which we were rewarded with a mouth-watering tie against Italian giants, AC Milan. Two massive clubs, two amazing football arenas - this is what Champions League football is about.
The game itself was almost unbearable to watch. Hilarious goal-keeping, calamitous defending, schoolboy midfielding and nothing up front. If ever there was a sign to Arsene that our second string needs massive reinvestment, this was it. Having assessed the season thus far and as we rapidly approach the next transfer window, I think we could do with (in no particular order), a good backup goalkeeper, a versatile full-back – someone who could play either side and would happy to be a squad player – similar to a John O’Shea, a creative midfielder who should replace Arshavin and a top draw centre-forward. Personally, I’d like to see Arsene make a sneaky bid for Fernando Torres. Always been a big fan of El Nino and think he would be explosive in our system.
David Moyes brought his Everton side to town in the shape of a bus and parked it firmly in front of the goal at the Emirates. After a very sluggish start the game had 0-0 written all over it. A tight game, on a cold winter’s day, was graced by a sensational goal, courtesy of our captain, Robin Van Persie. A great passing move ended by RVP smashing in a volley from Alex Song’s chip pass. That’s 46 goals in 54 games for club and country in 2011. Phenomenal. And on the weekend of the club’s 125th anniversary celebrations, how fitting that the result was 1-0 to the Arsenal, a result so synonymous with the club.
Yesterday’s SKY Super Sunday saw us travel to Eastlands to take on current league leaders, Manchester City. In all honesty, I’d written this game off and thought we were in for a hiding. Upon reflection, to lose 1-0 considering our performance is probably a disappointment. I felt we had the chances to score and perhaps on another day, we’d have netted to get a point from the game.
I’m all set for my first trip to Villa Park tomorrow. Not sure if I’m more excited about visiting the Colonel with the usual suspects at Newport Pagnell or the football! The team must take positives from the game at City and if we can carry these into our next five fixtures; Aston Villa (A), Wolves (H), QPR (H), Fulham (A) and Swansea (A), 13 points should be attainable, if not the maximum 15. Time to keep calm and carry on..
Meanwhile, the FA Cup has paired us with Leeds United in the third round on a cold January Monday night at the Emirates. The clash of the round is of course, Manchester City v Manchester United.
