Remember Me

Arsenal were poor for the majority of last nights proceedings. After falling behind to a questionable goal, the product of collaboration between Lee Mason (the ref) and Everton's Louis Saha, the gunners floated aimlessly in a turbulent sea.

Arsene Wenger's men were behind on the score sheet and uncharacteristically adrift in the possession stakes. Fabregas failed to get on the ball thanks to Felliani and co. Theo made his trademark dashes into the box but failed to convert any opportunities. His blistering pace was evident as it always has been, but this was a night for cool heads and worryingly for Arsenal none were forthcoming. The vast Emirates pitch seemed to shrink by the minute as we were constantly hounded by the men in blue. Thomas "sick note" Rosicky signalled his presence on the pitch with a yellow card, his number in the ref's book was the sole indicator that he actually took to the field. The performance itself was cause for concern but as Alex Song began to hobble an imminent cloud of despair threatened to settle. The half time whistle sounded as the players sauntered off to a chorus of "1-0 to the referee". Putting the dubious nature of Saha's goal aside, we were behind at home to an extremely competitive and increasingly stubborn Everton outfit.

The second half brought with it confirmation of my fears Song has picked up a knock, given the broad label of a 'thigh injury'. Just ask those connected with Newcastle and Andy Carroll's bar room antics to discover how costly they can be. I couldn't help but envisage last seasons saga revisited, with both Nasri, Song and to a lesser extent Denilson on the treatment table. Robbed of our pivotal players at the most crucial of junctures. The gates of the Camp Nou loom, not a place to visit with a weakened contingent, just ask the class of 2009/10. Diaby replaced the injured Song and made the most of an unfortunate situation, I felt that he performed well bringing with him a much needed physically imposing presence. The Frenchman is tall, strong and willing to run his socks off, the comparisons to Viera are understandable but I feel that the best of Diaby will come further up the pitch. However, in Song's absence he will fill the hole in front of our back four for the time being. Despite Diaby's hustle and bustle our woeful show continued. We were toothless in attack and looked increasingly fragile in defence. Having conceded a higher percentage of goals from set pieces than any other club, one couldn't help but hold one's breath every time Everton had a corner. The need for a physically dominant center back is disturbingly evident, Arsene's lack of movement in the transfer window makes that need all the more disturbing. Everton stamped their authority on the game with the likes of Fellaini, Arteta and Rodwell at their snapping, snarling and at times savage best. Arsenal allowed them to thrive, for the majority of the match we attempted to play Everton at their own game and lost.

We couldn't match the brutes in blue physically and should never have attempted to do so. Fabregas and Wilshere were dwarfed by Fellaini who revelled in sticking his boot in at will. There was a lack of any form of meaningful exchange between the midfield and attack. As time continued to pass at its unrelenting pace, the lights of our title charge began to dim. With 65 minutes on the clock, Arsenal had 25 minutes to secure their place in the battle for top honours. On came Andrey Arshavin for the tepid Thomas Rosicky, the composure that the little Russian brought with him was a welcome tonic. Given his impressive display against Huddersfield on Saturday, I was surprised that he didn't start. The attacking threat that Arshavin posed had an undeniable impact on the game, his positioning is at times breathtaking so much so that defenders are put on the back foot constantly. Bendtner came on to join Arshavin and the pair impressed as they did on Saturday, promise can be found in this little and large double act.

After a period of largely disjointed play, a chip into the box from Fabregas was helped on by Everton's Rodwell the ball fell invitingly for Arshavin, instead of lashing at the ball compulsively the Russian composed himself waited for it to drop and volleyed home. Had the ball fallen to an explosive but less experienced Walcott I genuinely fear that the scoreline would have remained 1-0. I am not proposing that Arshavin is the perfect footballer, his flaws have been  the subject of the media's attention for months. He can be lazy, absent at times and something of a damp firework. Yet, with all his flaws Arshavin is a complete footballer. At the age of 29 and able to draw on a wealth of experience for both club and country, a match winner with an eye for the big stage. For all of his promise and raw talent Walcott isn't a complete footballer, I have no doubt that he will reach the hallowed halls of greatness, he has the potential to surpass some of the best, but he's not there yet. Arshavin came back from the wilderness last night to remind us of what he offers, composure, a clinical edge and a cool head when it was needed the most.

The waves of relief that echoed around the Emirates were heartfelt as the gunners began to come out and play the football that we expect of them. Clichy was the embodiment of pace and efficiency, Theo began to razzle and dazzle his way into the Everton area his run ended shamelessly by Osman. R.V.P loaded his left sided cannon for the free kick with great anticipation, forcing Howard to parry for a corner. The Dutchman's left boot provided a fiercely driven corner met by Koscielny in acres of space. As the Everton net bulged for the second time the toffees reeled, punch drunk, the tide had turned. Sagna was his usual solid self as our defence managed to repel a muscular trio of Saha, Fellaini and substitute Victor Anichebe. Clichy could have put the result beyond doubt after an impressive raid deep in the Everton box. The full back erred in electing to pull the ball back instead of taking the shot on himself, a goal would have been a just reward for the Frenchman's efforts.

Ultimately we held our nerve to take a vital three points from a dogged and determined Everton. Character rather than class highlighted the performance. As it stands Arsenal still cling to the coat tails of a rampant united. Ferguson's charges will need to falter if the title is to rest on our mantelpiece, they must face Chelsea twice. Lets hope a double barreled shotgun of Drogba and Torres can do some damage. The heir to Chelsea's throne will have to be willing to grind out the wins amidst adversity, as we proved we are willing to do. A trip to face Newcastle at St James' on Saturday will provide yet another bruising encounter. Cometh the man, Cometh the hour. The man last night was a diminutive saviour in the form of Andrey Arshavin. Come on you Gunners !.



Three Goal District

Arsenal toyed with Wigan on Saturday. Similar to the manner in which a cat brings home a budgie or small rodent only to parade the poor bastard in front of its owner. As the gunners purred, stalking lithely around the Emirates before an expectant Arsene Wenger, the result was on the cards from the off.

Wenger's strongest team took the field and delivered (in my humble opinion) our most convincing performance of the campaign. With Cesc taking on the role of chief conductor (of music rather than buses), the gunners were simply mesmerising. Both Nasri R.V.P and Fabregas were denied by the heroics of Ali Al Habsi (Wigan's stand in keeper, Catchy isn't it).The first goal was imminent as the Emirates crowd smelt blood, Sagna made a constant nuisance of himself bombing up the right at will and the usual suspects of Cesc, Nasri and co were popping up inside the Wigan box with menace. Nasri combined with Song, the latter providing a sumptuous ball for R.V.P who obliged with a calculated and powerful finish.

Despite the unwelcome and illegal attention of the likes of Messrs Caldwell and Thomas, Fabregas continued to ensure that the offensive contingent stayed in tune with his inspirational beat. Theo had an attack of the jitters infront of goal, an ailment that I thought had been cured through his latest rich vein of form. At the end of the first half Ali Al Habsi, was the difference between 1-0 and 4-0. Of an impressive 10 attempts at goal (8 of those on target), a solitary goal was a rather poor return. Wenger's post match interview spoke of the potential of an end result of 7-0, le proffessor wasn't exaggerating.

The half time interval cooled the raging inferno that went before it and we took a while to get out the blocks. After huffing and puffing for an entire first period, we needed to blow Wigan's house down. The goal that would come was worth the wait, a sumptuous long range pass from Cesc met with a volley from R.V.P, even the commentator broke character, throwing a bit of praise at the gunners, "a goal made in footballing heaven". As the clock ticked on Caldwell got his deserved reward ,a red card for felling Cesc in the penalty area, a woeful challenge on the last man in a goal scoring oppurtunity, it was an easy decision for the Ref (Kevin Friend). As the Scot spat and stomped over to the sideline, R.V.P missed the spotkick. Im going to repeat that for those sat at the rear, Robin Van Persie missed a penalty. I'm sure that the miss shocked you as much as it did me as R.V.P never bats an eye at the penalty spot, scoring with aplomb and robotic consistency. A rare miss together with an attempt that rattled the post couldn't deny the Dutch ace entrance into the revered three goal district. Theo held of the advances of the Wigan defence while R.V.P finished with his less preferred right, claiming his first hat-trick in professional football. Arsenal 3 Wigan 0. Nine Goals scored in our latest three games and perhaps more impressively (given our well documented lack of depth at the back) we have only conceded one.

Arshavin came on to face a weakened defence, undoubtedly in line with Wenger's ploy to provide the Russian with a much needed confidence boost. Sadly it didn't come Arshavin's performance was a lacklustre one. You get the sense that he is all to aware of his dip in form, his head was bowed as the magic evaded him yet again. I for one have not given up on the little Russian, he is to much of a mercurial talent to be thrown to the curb. He does however need to find himself as the race for the title gathers pace, support not dissent will aid him.

Tonight Arsenal host Ipswich at the Emirates, in a crucial Carling Cup semi-final. The "tractor boys" will undoubtedly park their blue and white bus in front of their goal, its our job to move it.

Un-Song Hero

Reminiscent of John Coffee's walk down the green mile towards an awaiting electric chair, Avram Grant showed an understandable amount of distress as the jeers of the Upton Park "faithful" greeted him on Saturday evening. The Israeli manager was kindly led to the front line by Arsene Wenger while the all seeing eye of the media hovered with malicious intent. The events that would unfold failed to provide Grant with any form of shelter from the storm of uncertainty that rages in East London. Arsenal romped to a 3-0 victory, upon contemplation of such an emphatic win it is either the deficiencies of the loser or the prowess of the victor that grabs the headlines. I opt for the latter.

West Ham's problems are well documented. A tale of despair, with an all too familiar cast of injury, mismanagement and financial crisis. Scott Parker's absence left the hammers without their talisman, a plucky terrier willing to scrap and snap at the heels of his opponents, how he was missed. Arsenal's play makers were left with the luxuries of time and space at their disposal, conditions in which they thrive. Cesc Fabregas had more touches of the ball than the entire West Ham team combined in the first half. Grant's charges were out of touch, pace and without answer, to put it bluntly woeful.

Yet the manner in which Arsenal prevented any hint of an upset must be commended. These are my thoughts on Saturdays showing.

1. Robin Van Persie must perform consistently to keep title aspirations alive.

From the opening whistle the Dutchman was up for it and eager to impress. Scoring two and creating the other, Robin showed glimpses of his elegant and exquisite two footed best. He is such an important member of an extremely talented but potentially fragile squad. Now aged 27 he can no longer rely on the excuses of youth or inexperience to justify a lack of goals. The striker has been dealt a cruel hand of injuries and setbacks, but one has to hope for Arsenal's sake that a sunnier forecast is ahead. Goals from the front as well as the fringe are required to win titles. I believe that R.V.P can provide them; you feel that after a quiet world cup and spate of injuries he is only beginning to discover match fitness. Sharpness, a product of fitness paves the way for goals., R.V.P needs to fire consistently and lead from the front, providing a strong finish to a troubled season. His impact on Saturday (and last night at Leeds) showed just how essential a component he can be in an attacking Arsenal setup. Only the post denied him a deserved first hat-trick of the campaign. It was his grit together with the sublime creative display that impressed. He made his presence felt beating the likes of Upson to the high ball as well as tracking back and retrieving in midfield. A massive performance, long may it continue.

2. Jack Wilshere has risen above the label of an "exciting prospect"

Wilshere was superb, efficient and composed. Jack the lad has now cemented his place in the starting line-up, reward for Wenger's decision to recall him from Bolton. The young Englishman has shown that he is comfortable with the weight of defensive duties, allowing Song to venture forward on fruitful raids. His spacial awareness is truly something to behold. Wee Jack enrolled at the Arsenal academy at the age of nine, great football is an integral part of his genetic material and it shows. If you didn't know it already, Wenger's home grown boy has come of age.

3. Sagna was missed

Eboue's tendency to venture forward is at times commendable; however his dazzling runs frequently leave our goal exposed, as the commentator took great pleasure in pointing out. (I use the term "our" loosely as an Arsenal supporter) Sagna is now eligible to return after serving a three match ban for very nearly pulling in to Zabaleta. The Frenchman offers an attacking threat without Eboue's tactical naivety. Fortunately West Ham didn't have the guile or personnel to punish us, upcoming opponents will, welcome back Monsieur Bacary.

4. Alex Song continues to evolve

At Upton Park Song more than earned his wage as a defensive midfielder, he has become so much more than that. The hard man, enforcer and driving force from the rear, the Cameroonian ace is flying. His contribution this season has been unmatched, scoring vital goals ( against Chelsea) while consistently putting in a massive shift in the engine room. He may lack the regal presence of the celebrated Patrick Viera, but his determination and strength have set him apart. Song has brought the crucial element of physicality to the table week in week out. All of this whilst looking more and more like Abel Xavier by the day.

With victory last night over Leeds (I won't bore you with further analysis) Arsenal are the only English club competing in The Carling Cup. FA Cup, Champions league and title race of the Premiership. The gunners resume business against Wigan at the Emirates on Saturday, eyes on the prizes boys, all four of them.

The King is Dead, Long Live the King.

It is in this period of the festive hangover that the "title race" heats up to embody precisely that which its label represents, a compelling contest of the fittest. This year the foot-balling gods have been kind, granting the deserving public a spectacle to behold, a three horse race. While the staunchest of disciples of Chelsea FC may do their utmost to quash such talk, fervent whispers echo around the premier league halls and passages, the king is severely ill and flirting dangerously with death.

Chelsea’s string of dismal performances has brought to the surface cracks that have threatened to appear for some time. The tremors that warned of an eventual quake were abound when Chelsea took on Inter Milan in March. A mere two players of the blues squad represented new additions to the special one’s roster during his time at Stamford Bridge. In a contest between Mourinho past and present there could only be one winner, Samuel Eto’o providing the nail in the all to predictable coffin as Ancelloti slumped to a 3-1 defeat on aggregate.

Time has eroded and all but swept away the foundations of the palace built by the Portuguese ace, while a host of successors have been relatively idle. Players such as Nicholas Anelka, Branislav Ivanovic and Jose Bosingwa have come in and have been succsesful. Yet Chelsea’s activity in the transfer market post-Mourinho (now a period of over three years) can hardly be defined as progressive. Undeniably there will be those cloaked in blue with the age old response of "If it ain’t broken .....". Such a retort does have its grounding and reasonably so. The continuity and generative strength that the blues have drawn from their formidable spine of Terry, Lampard and Drogba has been their primary vehicle for success. However it is an aging contingent with Terry at age 30 and both Lampard and Drogba at 32, by the very nature of mortality it was always going to be so. As it stands Chelsea’s once celebrated kings are without their rightful heirs. Mourinho’s predecessors have inherited an enviable wealth of talent and experience, yet they have done very little to ensure that their inheritance would flourish in the years to come.

Chelsea or Mourinho FC were without response to a vibrant Arsenal display at the Emirates nigh on a fortnight ago. When the old guard of Lampard and co. failed to stamp their authority on the game to whom did a forlorn looking Ancelloti have to turn to?. An unconvincing and largely untested tonic in the form of Daniel Sturridge and Gael Kakuta. Carlo’s counterpart held the aces on that bracing North London evening. Arsene Wenger was able to rely on a bench of both guile and power with the likes of Arshavin, Chamakh and Diaby on the sidelines, a mere sequence of flashing numbers away. Yet it was Wenger and not Ancelloti who faced the brunt of pre-season criticism focusing around allegations of meagre personnel resources and the lack of sufficient depth. Labels which have now been discarded, compounded by the Frenchman’s recent coach of the decade award, pipping the likes of Ferguson and Mourinho to the coveted post.

As the once titanic blue figures left the pitch one couldn’t help but escape the feeling of witnessing an empirical sunset, the death throes of a once revered dictator. The blame for Chelsea’s decline can be laid at a variety of doorsteps, from the sacking of Ray Wilkins to the loss of a defensive rock through Ricardo Carvalho’s departure to Real Madrid. Six points from a possible eighteen would seem to go beyond a typical "bad patch" A stumble at home and solitary point against Aston Villa coupled with a shock defeat to Wolves paints a morbid scene.

The crown looks less and less likely to return to West London. Manchester or North London appear to be more likely destinations with United, City and Arsenal embroiled in a struggle for the premiership title. It will be in these months that the trophy is won or lost, and so it begins. United resume business against a gung-ho Spurs outfit who no longer shun the big stage. City travel to Wolves, the Wolverhampton club lifted by recent victory over the champions. Arsenal head to Upton Park to face a desperate West ham in a good old fashioned London derby. So the million pound question remains, Upon whose mantelpiece will the trophy rest come the end of the season?. Personally, my heart says Arsenal but my head says United. The king is dead, long live the king (whoever he may be).