The Unexplained On Halloween

I'm undecided whether its down to Halloween, but some very strange things have been happening tonight.

I've followed the debate elsewhere about the alleged booing of our Lord Henry on Saturday. I have to say from Block 26 there was not the slightest indication of such treason. According to sites far better populated than this the ghostly jeering also could not be heard from the South Upper, the East Upper, the North Lower, well, just about everywhere really except the press box. Methinks Thierry forgot to give the hacks a sweet or two when they came knocking on his door.

I've had great fun trying to follow the events in the Camp Nou on ITV this evening. A combination of Spanish television direction and the worst in commercial commentating left me completely confused by the circumstances surrounding our Ash, bless him! Confusion aside I guess we have to confess the contest was riveting. There was an intensity that I have previously experienced only in our clashes with Manchester United and the giants of the Uefa Cup from the other end of Seven Sisters Road.

So to our own clash with CSKA Moscow in a little under twenty-four hours. Already their travelling support has disrupted a British Airways flight into Heathrow last night. I'm given to understand they were unhappy that the caviar tasted like fish droppings. Or was that the Vladivar? Anyway, the Goonerholic wager was in the balance after Saturdays performance, but I have a feeling the boys will be out to put on a show to make up for that. Add the fact that Thierry is still raging about the non-existant handball in the away game, and I have decided to put a small sum on a 3-1 win. Here's hoping that any non-existant jeering doesn't spoil the evening.

Book Review - We All Live In A Perry Groves World

John Blake Publishing RRP £17.99

At a time when we are being inundated with ‘life stories’ from footballers who have barely made it out of their teens it is a relief to see Perry Groves story hit the shelves.
Born in Bow in 1965, Perry signed for Arsenal from Colchester in 1986, and served the Gunners for six years before injury cut short his career at Southampton.

If you preferred Tony Adams book to Bob Wilson’s then this will be for you. It starts, as you would expect, with a couple of chapters on his childhood years, and failure to get taken on by Wolves, Norwich, and Peterborough. By chapter three he is an apprentice at Colchester United pestering the manager for a first-team chance.

It’s chapter six before Perry finds himself heading to Highbury to become George Graham’s first signing for Arsenal. Groves knows his likely audience well. He goes into some detail about the infamous ‘Tuesday club’, and the players’ black market ticket sales, but his most damning revelations are about himself.

I can imagine some team mates shuffling uncomfortably as they read the book, but he reveals nothing about named former colleagues that wasn’t already common knowledge. For the main part he reveals himself to have been a binge drinking womaniser.

Turn to chapters seventeen and eighteen if you want the Groves take on ‘That’ night at Anfield. The ginger one breaks the party line on everybody being full of confidence in George Graham’s decision to play a back five that night.

‘Don’t you think we’ve got a chance?’ Theo asked.
‘We’ve got two,’ I said. ‘Slim and no.’

The closing chapters deal with the painful end to his career at Southampton, his divorce, and his subsequent working life. The mood is lifted by a proud father’s tribute to his two sons.

Given the recent spate of releases from those only too happy to criticise those who have helped them to positions of wealth and substance this book deserves to sell well. Perry has more reasons than most to bemoan his lot, having been forced to retire early from his career. By and large, though, you get the impression that you have just read a man who appreciates both his faults, and the life that top football afforded him in his prime.

Another Bad Day At The Office

Well, another day that started, and ended, so well was punctuated by the all too typical home game. Spirits were high in the garden of the Gunners before the game as good company was mixed with good ale. Always an enjoyable combination I find.

The game has been well documented. Everton, like eighteen other sides that have or will visit the Grove this season, came with little ambition and what has been described elsewhere as a 'flat back ten'. Arsenal created, for the most part, their usual blend of intricate and impressive passing and movement. They also created enough chances to have won comfortably, but Thierry had one of those days, and the best shooting opportunities fell to the least likely net-busters!

A good chunk of the game was lost to the visitors frustrating time-wasting tactics, but let's be clear about who was to blame for that. Mr Riley was charged with refereeing the match, and should have clamped down on it. We cannot continue to berate opponents who look to frustrate a side who, if they are allowed to play, are simply irresistable. It's up to us to find the answers, and most weeks we do. We do require the officials to do the job for which they are increasingly well rewarded though.

It wasn't all doom and gloom. About half of my travelling party managed to make the post-mortem venue, the excellent Twelve Pins, without getting snaffled up in the 'congestion management' queue for Finsbury Park Station. The return home seems much less stressful if one spends an hour or three digesting the afternoons fare while everybody else crams every inch of space on our capitals laughable public transport system.

About A Ball

Yesterdays Carling Cup draw has paired the Young Gunners with this coming Saturday’s Premiership opponents, Everton. The mention of the men from Goodison evokes memories of a man who wore the colours of two of Englands biggest clubs.

Alan Ball enjoyed his finest moment in football at Wembley in July 1966 when he was an integral part of the England side that lifted the World Cup, and during that glorious summer he became the first player to be transferred between English clubs for £100.000 when Everton secured his services from Blackpool.. The highlight of his stay at Goodison was a Championship triumph in 1970.

The following season Arsenal won their first double, and in December 1971 Bertie Mee made Ball his Christmas present to the Highbury faithful, again for a British record fee of £220,000. I remember well the excitement on the old ‘football special’ train as we headed to Nottingham Forest on the day after Boxing Day to watch his debut, which ended in a 1-1 stalemate.

Over the following five years Ball was a prominent character in the Arsenal dressing room, and opinions about his value to the club split the support down the middle. Some saw his partnership with the teenage Liam Brady as pivotal in the Irishman’s rise to prominence. Others heard the many tales of dressing room cliques and disruption to the spirit that had united the double squad.

The closest the Gunners came to success in his stay came at the start. In his first season Leeds United pipped Arsenal by the only goal in the FA Cup Final, and in the following season Liverpool were pushed all the way to the League championship and Ball had to settle for being a runner-up again.

Clearly his last years at Highbury were less fruitful. He was stripped of the captaincy of both club and country in 1975, and when Bertie Mee announced he would be retiring Ball unsuccessfully attempted to lead a dressing room campaign for the appointment of coach Bobby Campbell.

It was no surprise that he did not get on with Mee’s eventual replacement, Terry Neill. When, in December 1976, Ball missed a penalty in a 2-1 League Cup defeat at QPR the writing was on the wall. Second division Southampton bid £60,000 and Ball was on his way. Ironically he would restore his reputation in the autumn of his career on the South Coast.

Everton fans will doubtless remember Ball with more fondness than many Gunners. I think it is fair to say he was a square peg in a round hole at Highbury. Yet England fans will forever recall the little ginger fireball with the magical first touch and his contribution to the greatest day in our footballing history.

Theo Is A Wide Boy - For Now!

Arsene Wenger has spoken of allowing Theo Walcott to continue his footballing education on the wing for the next season or two in order to aid his progress to becoming a top-notch striker.

Walcott made his second Arsenal start in the Carling Cup clash at West Brom and turned in an impressive performance as the Gunners eased to a 2-0 triumph which puts them into the last 16 of the competition.

Showing electrifying pace and good awareness, Walcott was part of a Gunners side much too good for the Baggies, setting up Jeremie Aliadiere for the match-clinching second goal just after half-time.

While Wenger feels the 18-year-old will eventually become a major Premiership force in attack, he is confident the lessons learned as a wide man will only add to his armoury.

"When you have a player like Theo, it is important to let him develop on the wing," said Wenger, reminding us that Thierry Henry started his footballing life on the left flank. “He has to learn how to dribble and gain confidence in attacking people in one-on-one situations. Then, in a year or two he can move into the middle and use those abilities to do a better job."

Wenger’s faith in his January capture from Southampton is plain to see. Fans who saw Walcott’s two recent strikes for England u-21’s are clearly hopeful that Theo will in time develop into the natural replacement for Henry.

Exciting times are ahead!

Baggies Undone As Kolo Commits

There will have been worse days for Arsene Wenger during his tenure of the Arsenal hot-seat. This evening, the latest of his young Carling Cup creations cruised all too easily to a victory at the Hawthorns. It must be disheartening for so many that Arsenal's second string can so comfortably brush aside a team that just in May lost its Premiership status.

Star of the show in the midlands was Jeremie Aliadiere, who struck from the penalty spot after he was brought down in the 33rd minute, and then cleverly converted a Walcott cross four minutes into the second-half. The 2-0 victory avenged a league defeat at West Brom last season.

Monsieur Wenger may have been happier still with the news that Kolo Toure has extended his stay with the Gunners for a further four years.

“I can see myself staying here for the rest of my career,” said Toure. “Why would I want to leave. I love my football here, my family is settled here and the club is ambitious. It is fantastic...We have great players here capable of achieving much success with one of the best managers in the world."

Yes, all in all, a very good day indeed!

Henry Leads Gunners To Royal Flush

The Arsenal players decided to give Arsene Wenger the perfect birthday present at the Madejski stadium. A fifth consecutive league win was secured as the Gunners turned on the attractive passing style that has become their trademark under the Frenchman.

Thierry Henry hit the target twice as Arsenal beat Reading 4-0 to move up to fourth place in the Premiership.The skipper opened the scoring after just 58 seconds, thus setting the tone for the match. Alexander Hleb added the second just before half-time after Reading had briefly threatened to level matters.

At the start of the second half, Hleb made a goal for Robin van Persie, Henry soon added the fourth from the penalty spot, after Hahnemann had pulled down Cesc Fabregas.

The Gunners now turn their attention to the midweek Carling Cup visit to West Bromwich Albion. With so many top youngsters currently on loan the side could include a number of new faces. It is probably a fair bet that Gael Clichy, Philippe Senderos, and Mathieu Flamini will figure if they are all declared fit. Theo Walcott, Emanuel Adebayor and Alex Song, all brought on as substitutes this afternoon should also start.

Happy Birthday Arsene Who?

‘Le Boss’ celebrates his fifty-seventh birthay today. It is a day when all Arsenal fans should raise a glass and toast the man who has transformed our club, and has also had a major impact on English football generally.

At the time of his arrival a decade ago the headlines read: "Arsene who?" but the genius that is Wenger already stands comparison with Herbert Chapman, whose visionary management in the twenties and thirties gave birth to the modern Arsenal.

Wenger previously had led Monaco to the French championship, then moved on to a spell with Nagoya Grampus Eight in Japan. Since then, however, the deep-thinking Frenchman has made Arsenal a dominant force in England and Europe, having led the Gunners to their first Champions League Final last May, and coming within thirteen minutes of lifting the famous trophy.

Players such as Lee Dixon, Tony Adams and Dennis Bergkamp performing at the highest level well into their 30s were testament to their manager's dedication to a continental fitness and diet regime.

What has followed is a remarkable series of achievements for manager and club. Premier League success in 1998, 2002, and the ultimate attainment of the unbeaten season in 2004. Four FA Cups and two European finals have also added to the Wenger legend

His unearthing of inexpensive gems sets him apart from most of his peers, and a look at the young talent from across the globe currently developing in the Arsenal academy is a glimpse into a rich future for his adopted club.

We pray for another decade from the great man, and pay him due homage today. Joyeux anniversaire monsieur ‘Le Boss’.

Arsenal Old Boys Preview

It was interesting to read Arsene Wenger’s comments about the likelihood of English youngsters starting to come through the Arsenal youth set-up. He told yesterdays AGM In the next three or four years we will have developed the top-level domestic talent we have growing at the club."

Sunday’s trip to Reading could see the Gunners lining up against three of the lads who didn’t quite make it at Highbury. James Harper and Steve Sidwell have established themselves in the Royals midfield, and with skipper Graham Murty ruled out there could also be a place for defender John Halls. Keeper Graham Stack is likely to be confined to the bench.

Reading boss Steve Coppell doesn’t believe they will be ‘more up’ for the game as a result. He said, "If you've been brought up there for a number of years then its bound to be significant. I don't think there's any more of an edge for our players though, they are highly motivated anyway."

Sidwell is an interesting player, who has drawn praise from 'Le Boss' on more than one occasion. He seems destined for a bigger club, although I doubt he will be returning to North London, at least not in a red shirt. He is probably more valued by the Gunners faithful as a result, as he appears to lack the arrogance and ingratitude that has been apparent in some of his former colleagues.

Coppell is only too aware of the challenge facing his side at the Madejski Stadium. "They (Arsenal) are terrific. They're probably the most pleasing team around on the eye, but they're effective as well. We're relishing the prospect but are aware of their capabilities."

Freddie Ljungberg will again be missing for the Gunners, but Gael Clichy, Philippe Senderos, and Mathieu Flamini, could all feature in the squad. Wenger could also hand a second start to Theo Walcott, who grew up just down the A4 from the home of the Berkshire club.

Such is the degree of preparation these days I am confident we will not underestimate potentially difficult opposition. Goonerholic’s hard earned few bob is going on a 3-1 win, including a goal for young Theo at some stage of the contest.

Cesc Deal Confirmed

Good news in a strange week, as the genius that is Cesc is confirmed as a Gooner until 2014.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger revealed in September that midfielder Cesc Fabregas would sign a new eight-year contract with the Gunners. Wenger said: "The real new contract is now. Nineteen plus eight is 27. There are not many longer contracts. "But when you are 19-years-old and are already a regular player in the team, I do not have a problem. It is a wonderful commitment from him."

Wenger added the willingness of Fabregas to sign such a long deal was a reflection of the investment and work they have done with the player. "It is a reward for us because we brought him over at 16 years of age," said the Gunners boss.

Fabregas, 19, recently signed a new contract that was agreed when he penned his initial deal with the club. His agent, Joseba Diaz confirmed yesterday that the deal has been done. 'It is a fabulous contract for the player and also for the club,' Diaz said. 'Cesc feels very happy with how much Arsenal value him and in the knowledge that Arsenal are going to build their future around him.'

Spanish side Real Madrid expressed an interest in signing the midfielder during the summer -- but Fabregas made it clear he was happy in London. Fabregas, who played for Spain at the World Cup in the summer, joined Arsenal from the youth ranks at Barcelona in July 2003, and has quickly established himself as one of the biggest young stars in the game.

I have a feeling though we are faced with seven more summers of one Real president or another claiming the wonderkid wants to go to Madrid. Memo to all of them, remember where that tactic got you with Vieira?

Out In The Cold

My good friend William Hill is chuckling tonight. A good proportion of my Saturday winnings were re-invested in a 1-1 draw tonight. Only William himself and Senor Gonzalez considered that the final score was anything different!

There, that's got it off my chest (rather like Thierry as he slotted the equaliser that never was). What was just as galling was the fact I had just said to my companions for the contest that the referee (the aforementioned Senor Gonzalez) had been superb. In his defence the handball or offside decision appeared to be called by his assistant, who really should have gone to Specsavers!

That having been said, you cannot argue that too many Gunners had an average evening. No brickbats from me, it happens from time to time. It was unfortunate that players who have been outstanding of late should have collectively allowed themselves to be hurried out of their comfort zone by, I have to admit, a very enthusiastic and accomplished opposition.

I imagine the boss will be trying to focus on the positives in his debrief. The much maligned Hoyte was not the most nervous defender on view and should be pleased with his nights work, given his lack of experience at this level. Clichy looked good in his cameo role as a substitute. Rosicky was the pick of a midfield that misfired, under pressure, for much of the contest. Kolo Toure was, well, Kolo Toure, outstanding.

I will not focus on the positives when I go to the cashpoint in the morning. Henry, largely out of touch for most of the game, clearly grabbed an equaliser. Senor Gonzalez, at this moment I really don't give a toss that you were peforming well for nearly an hour and a half. For a split second you were a prize incompetent, and you owe me a hundred and twenty beer vouchers!

Come On You Reds

Arsene Wenger has been talking about the task facing Arsenal in Moscow. You would expect ‘le Boss’ to show the opposition some respect, and so he does, well aware that his Arsenal sides have yet to register a victory in Russia.

It’s not just the quality of the opposition that concerns him,
“While I feel we can beat them, you always have ingredients in Moscow during October that you cannot master. I have heard that the quality of their pitch has been destroyed by a tournament, and it is already cold there now.

Goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev, midfielders Dudu and Daniel Carvalho, and striker Vagner Love, will probably be the best known of the CSKA squad. Wenger notes, “They have some good Brazilians there and also seven players from the Russian national team, which is a solid combination.

For all of that cautious approach the French maestro is well aware of the benefits of a third straight triumph in this season’s first group phase. “A victory would nearly qualify us, so of course we will really go for it. We want to qualify as soon as possible, because it is always a relief. You can go into the winter and focus on what is coming next.”

The tie could see the first involvement for Arsenal’s own Brazilian prospect, with Denilson included in the eighteen man squad as cover for Gilberto and Fabregas in the centre of midfield. Gael Clichy makes the squad but is unlikely to start.

Older Gooners will have mixed memories of Arsenal’s first competitive meeting with a Russian side. In the 1982 UEFA Cup the Gunners lost the first leg in Moscow to Spartak 3-2. The two away goals looked good but were rendered useless by a sparkling five goal display from the visitors in the second leg at Highbury. They played a swift-passing attacking game, not dissimilar to the modern day Gunners.

We all ended up cheering the Soviets enthusiastically that night, but now has the time has come for payback? Goonerholic tips a 1-1 draw, but don’t expect lightening to strike twice after my Watford prediction hit the target.

Living The Dream

Ok readers, hands up, how many of you as kids used to pick your 'dream team'? We all did it, didn't we? I think my first would have included the likes of Joe Baker, Geoff Strong, and George Eastham (We had some good forwards when I was a nipper!). At the back I would have plumped for Gordon Banks and Bobby Moore. Pele and Eusebio would have featured in my very attacking line-up!

I ask only because it dawned on me as I was reading yesterday's match reports that probably the managers of 'the big four' in the Premiership are playing that game for real. Get a class of ten year olds today and one or more of them may wax lyrical about the players who only made it onto the pitch from the substitutes bench yesterday.

Doubtless with a bit of research I could have picked another week when the examples would have even more outstanding. Just look though at who was sitting and waiting for the call to action.

Arsene Wenger waited 64 minutes to introduce possibly our most consistent performer this season, Alexander Hleb, against Watford. Robin Van Persie, scorer of two goals for Holland since notching the 'goal of the month' at Charlton just a fortnight ago, had to wait ten minutes longer.

Our friends in West London lost Petr Cech in the opening minute and were able to field the impressive Carlo Cudicini in his place. Later the 'Special One' (yeah right!) introduced Salomon Kalou and Joe Cole as he sought to protect a slender lead.

Fergie and Rafa 'the gaffa' were able to tell Ryan Giggs and Xabi Alonso to 'get the trackie bottoms off' in their repective encounters.

There are so many reasons why I would not want to be ten today, but the quality of the football, and obviously the footballers, on display every week in the Premiership is not one of them. At ten I knew of Pele and Eusebio because they were clearly outstanding talents from the rare glimpses we got of them at the World Cup in England. I knew that players like Di Stefano and Puskas must have been superhuman because they had played for the Real Madrid side that won five consecutive European Cups, and until Celtic upstaged Inter in 1967 no British side had won it once.

How long will the money, and the attraction, for the top stars last? I don't know the answer to that, but I hope it is for a good while longer yet. Especially as Arsenal appear to be leading the charge towards the next step, which is to buy the worlds greatest players before they become great. Fabregas has established himself, Walcott took his first steps on that path yesterday, and the likes of Traore, Denilson, Merida, Barazite, Parisio, and van den Berg are being carefully nurtured.

Live the dream, at least until it becomes just that again.

The Bookie Basher!

First of all, an apology. Those of you who checked my preview yesterday will remember I told you not to bother backing us to win 3-0 beacause that was my prediction, and I never win bets. Allow me to rub it in a little, 15-2 were the odds. Thank you William Hill!

I should also thank Watford who created plenty of half chances but failed to convert any of them. I'm sure they'll forgive me though for saving most of the praise for Arsenal players in general, and Theo Walcott in particular. At seventeen his potential is frightening. He will remember his first Premiership start. At no stage did he look out of his depth and for an hour we were treated to a glimpse of Arsenal's future.

It took just over half an hour for the first goal to arrive, and joy of joys, it was a scrappy affair, the sort of goal we don't score enough! Cesc floated in a free-kick, Adebayor headed goalwards but defender Stewart was credited with the crucial final touch under pressure from Toure.

Just before half-time Henry latched onto an Adebayor flick and produced another effortless finish to effectively end the contest. I say effortless, it obviously wasn't, but the man just makes it look so damned easy.

The third goal was a symbol of what Wenger has achieved with his charges in his ten year reign at Arsenal. Fabregas opened up the Watford rearguard with a precision pass, Henry raced clear and selflessly set up the opportunity for Adebayor to grab a deserved, and confidence-boosting finish.

After the final whistle Wenger was at his most gracious. He was almost gushing in his praise of Watford, but saving his most eloquent tributes for young Walcott. "He gives the feeling he can be decisive and make a difference...Theo also gave some good balls through the lines. For a 17-year-old, he has done very well."

Don't forget to log in next week for my Moscow prediction, and whatever you do, keep your money in your pocket. Lightening never strikes twice in the same place!

Deep Joy - Real Football Is Back!

Thank goodness after a week of international drudgery we are back to proper football at the weekend! For Arsenal that means the visit of newly promoted Watford, who have proved to be difficult opponents in the past.

In Watford’s only previous Premiership season (1999-2000) the Gunners achieved a double, winning by the only goal at Highbury before edging a five goal thriller at Vicarage Road. Things were not as comfortable in the old First Division during Watford’s first spell in the top flight of English football. From 1982 to 1988 the clubs met on twelve occasions, and Arsenal won just three of them, with one drawn.

Arsenal may be wishing this was an FA Cup tie. In five meetings the Gunners have won four of them, most recently at Vicarage Road in the 2001-2002 double season.

All logic points to an Arsenal victory this time around. The Premiership newcomers are without a win, having drawn four and lost three thus far. However, Arsenal seem to suffer more than most after international breaks, and are without the services of Emmanuel Eboue and Freddie Ljungberg, both injured while playing for their respective countries. Julio Baptista is also ruled out by a hamstring strain picked up in training.

That means a likely starting eleven of Lehmann; Hoyte, Toure, Djoourou, Gallas; Hleb, Gilberto, Fabregas, Rosicky; Van Persie, Henry. Not bad eh? Of course that ‘likely’ formation could be adjusted by Le Boss to include Walcott, after his midweek heroics, or Adebayor. Monsieur Wenger seems to have some idea about what he’s doing so I’ll trust him to pick a side to win the game.

For any gamblers out there I will do you a favour. Goonerholic’s weekly punt is going on a 3-0 win. With my record you should avoid that bet like the plague!

Oh Robbo, What Have You Done?

Just a few brief, and probably disjointed, notes on last nights internationals. It was a good night for Arsenal players generally. Thierry Henry and Robin Van Persie were both on target. What a frightening prospect faces the Watford defenders on Saturday.

It was not such a good night, of course, for England followers. Much flak is flying this morning about tactics, and even the manager himself. The fact remains that if Paul Robinson had done his job properly a point, however undeserved, could have been secured. Note to Tottenham fans who gleefully abused David Seaman.....have you ever heard the word karma? I think 'England's blunder one' could be in for some 'light-hearted banter' for the next few weeks.

The other story that really caught the eye yesterday was the Online Gooner's tale of the fan who has been banned for selling a spare ticket to a friend at face value. Obviously we have all benefitted from instances like this down the years, and on the face of it this is a real potential headache for all supporters, not just Arsenal fans. I would like to see the club respond because, knowing only one side of the incident, it would appear they are guilty of a massive over-reaction and a real public relations 'own-goal'.

Anyone got a spare for Reading away?

From Serie A To Arsenal - A Goalscorer Supreme

The youngsters in the crowd at Ashburton Grove today marvel at the skills of a lightening fast goalscorer who endured, rather than enjoyed, a brief spell in Italy.
Rewind just over forty years, and the young Goonerholic was entranced by a lightening fast goalscorer who endured, rather than enjoyed, a brief spell in Italy.

As Thierry Henry is idolised today, so was Joe Baker in his prime at Arsenal. Born in wartime Liverpool the son of a Scottish sailor he was returned north of the border as soon as his father left the navy. That accident of birth would later see him pull on the three lions as England’s centre-forward, although he was capped by Scotland as a schoolboy international.

It was in the colours of Hibernian that Baker made his name, scoring a staggering 159 goals in just four seasons. Little wonder he became the first player from outside the Football League to be capped by England, and he scored on his debut against Northern Ireland in 1959.

With such a formidable strike record it was no surprise that the big clubs came looking. Along with the young Denis Law from Manchester City, Joe moved to Torino in 1961 but the following year both left the club after being involved in a car crash. Newly appointed Arsenal manager, Billy Wright, persuaded the board to part with £70,000 to secure the diminutive finisher.

Joe spent nearly four years in an Arsenal shirt, scoring 101 goals in just 156 games. That statistic only goes part of the way to illustrating why he was held in awe by Arsenal fans starved of success in the ‘swinging sixties’. Though only five feet seven inches tall Joe was more combative than players half a foot taller, as Liverpool stopper Ron Yeats discovered in an FA Cup tie at Highbury. Both players were sent off for the punch up that ensued, but it was the giant defender who had to pick himself up off the floor to make the walk for his early bath.

Shortly before the 1966 World Cup Baker scored England’s clincher in a 2-0 win away to Spain, but the last of his eight caps came in a home draw with Poland and he missed the final cut when the squad for England’s successful campaign was announced. By the time the tournament kicked off Joe had been transferred to Nottingham Forest.

Joe went on to appear in the colours of Sunderland, Hibs (again), and Raith Rovers. In 2003 Joe sadly succumbed to a heart attack. At the age of 63 my first idol was gone. Every now and again I pull out the history of Arsenal tape and fast forward to the clip of Joe’s debut goal for Arsenal at Leyton Orient. His flying header in the first ‘Match of the Day’ at Anfield also gets a regular airing. Cue an old cliché about players from the past, ‘I wonder what he would be worth today?’ This much I do know, with his pace, control, and finishing ability, you can bet Arsene Wenger would have been in for him.

We Love You Freddie

News of Freddie Ljungberg’s calf injury will have done nothing to appease Arsene Wenger’s view of the increasing number of international breaks. Surely you have to sympathise with the clubs when they are losing their top stars for a hundred days of the year. That’s over a quarter of the season, for which the clubs are paying handsome salaries, and their employees are at the beck and call of the various national associations.

On this particular day though my thoughts are more with our Swedish midfielder than the ongoing club versus country debate. Mention of Freddie’s name brings back fond memories.

Think 2002, when Arsenal were challenging for a second double in four years. Robert Pires, since described by Wenger as the best player in the world at that time, took a tumble at Highbury against Newcastle and prematurely ended his season. As supporters we bemoaned our luck, certain that fate had dealt a sickening blow to our twin challenge. Step forward the man with the red streak through his hair to switch to the left side and feast on the supply of the mercurial Dennis Bergkamp. In the FA Cup Final he did not even need the Iceman’s help to strike a spectacular twenty-yarder in the defeat of Chelsea.

Fast forward two years and Freddie was an integral part of the invincibles, restored to the right hand side but equally adept at being just where Bergkamp placed his most telling through balls. Everywhere we played you could be sure that several renditions of ‘We love you Freddie’ would ring out.

Last season was probably Freddie’s least effective in an Arsenal shirt. We saw the limited inclusion of Bergkamp as a possible cause. We felt for the Swede as it was revealed he was having blood drained from a foot after every game. In all fairness he could have done without being at the World Cup this summer, but he went and gave his all in the yellow shirt of his homeland.

Despite the form of the now fully settled Hleb, and the very promising Rosicky, Freddie has found himself a regular so far this season, albeit switching from right side to left seemingly weekly. Dare I suggest this latest injury should prompt the Arsenal medical team to order a period of rest and relaxation? Ljungberg at his best is an invaluable addition to the Arsenal team. His high-energy, high-tempo style fits the way Wenger wants to play the game, and the way we want to see it played. A half-fit Freddie serves little purpose. It would be a shame to see one of the true stars of the Wenger revolution become a target for the Grove’s discontented minority.

Any Sauce With That Hat Goonerholic?

Well it's indigestion time for Goonerholic. I have to say my hat was almost as inedible as England's inept performance against Macedonia. Thank goodness no Arsenal players were involved in that debacle. The only saving grace was that Goran Pandev did not complete my humiliation with a winner for the visitors!

Which brings me to another conclusion I would not have thought possible a few years back. Watching the national team fumbling for some semblance of form would once have caused me much consternation. I used to enjoy going to Wembley to see England play, but the advent of the England Supporters Club, and increase in ticket prices, and temporary loss of our national stadium, has led me to follow them from the comfort of the armchair, or pub.

And do you know something? I don't miss seeing them one bit. Apart from one or two tremendous performances, against Holland in Euro 96 or the 5-1 in Germany, for example, for the most part watching England play has become tedious and uninteresting.

What sets watching Arsenal apart from seeing England play is that even when they have struggled on occasion the Gunners will still produce patches of sheer footballing inspiration. Even on the days when we have come a cropper against the likes of Bolton and Blackburn there have been spells where Wenger's team puts together wonderfully intricate, pacy, passing moves, albeit without end product.

The frustration I feel on such days is tangible. It eats away at my insides and I will go over the games in my head and look for the causes of our fallibility. I will be restless until we get out there again and carve out the victory that puts us back on track.

As for England, well, I will be watching the Croatia game. I will be half-heartedly cheering them on. In my heart of hearts though I have to confess that I will not be affected one way or the other by the result. I also have a pretty good idea that the game will not live in the memory for long. But no predictions this time, as my hat was decidedly tasteless, and my head is now cold!

Macedonian for Arsenal?

A topical story hits the press this morning. Surprise, surprise, one of the Macedonia players is talking up a potential move to the Grove. Lazio striker Goran Pandev says he has hopes of moving to Arsenal in the near future. The story says the Macedonia striker was linked to us during the summer, but talks over his proposed move failed to reach a positive conclusion.

“I want to leave Lazio and I hope I can move to England soon,” Pandev allegedly told the Daily Star newspaper.

"I know there were negotiations over the summer with Arsenal – who are one of the world's best clubs.

“If I continue to play well and receive some good offers in the future then I will go,” continued the forward.

The 23-year-old was signed by Inter as a youngster and made such an impression he was then loaned him to Spezia and Ancona! Lazio picked him up in 2004 and his strike rate in 65 Serie A matches, fourteen goals, makes this a non-story for me.

It's a tad tiresome when little more than average players, or their agents, use Arsenal as a vehicle to let other clubs know they are available. I would be very surprised if there were any more to this 'scoop' than that. I'm not expecting to eat my hat after tomorrow's game. It matters not if England play 3-5-2 or 4-4-2, because in all honesty Macedonia should not prevent a comfortable defeat of the visitors. Mister Pandev should not get the opportunity to impress.

Dein Conquers Europe!

As the international week begins to bite, and Arsenal news of any note starts to dry up, I am indebted to the G14 group of clubs for appointing David Dein as its new chairman. He will be part of a new management committee, elected by the G14 assembly on behalf of its 18 clubs whose British members include Manchester United and Liverpool, as well as Arsenal.

Dein said: "I hope that as chairman of G14 I will be able to build bridges with UEFA and FIFA. "I want to bring about change harmoniously and constructively."

The former vice-chairman of the Football Association acknowledges there are many challenges to be met. "There are issues, such as player release, insurance and the calendar, which remain a source of dissatisfaction for many professional football clubs - not just G14 ones. "We think these can be resolved if we all work together. I hope that over the next nine months we can achieve this."

Dein became a director of Arsenal in 1983, when a stake of less than £300,000 secured him 1161 shares. He is the man credited with bringing the son of God, or Arsene Wenger as he prefers to be known, to Highbury.

The Ones That Got Away

Well , of all the things I could have done without tonight, Thierry Henry being voted the greatest foreign import to the Premiership in Sky One’s show was perhaps the main one.

For most of today I had been preparing my tribute to Dennis Bergkamp, confident in the knowledge that nobody else could scoop that accolade. Don’t get me wrong, Thierry is the best goalscorer I have ever seen, and contributes so much more than just blistering pace and exquisite finishing. I really felt, however, that most people would consider his time in the Premiership a work-in-progress, as yet incomplete.

Dennis was the first truly world-class talent to don the red and white of the Gunners. We had witnessed, all too briefly, the talents of players like Petrovic, Schwartz, and Limpar, but Dennis was different. Having spent a full ten years playing a lead role in all of Arsenal’s contemporary triumphs I was convinced he would just pip the equally popular, but less successful, Gianfranco Zola to the honour. That Eric Cantona could be considered superior to these two will remain a mystery to me.

Elsewhere it would appear that Arsene Wenger has been lamenting the one’s that got away. Wenger took part in a webchat on the club's official website, and revealed: "Claude Makelele was close to signing for us, Samuel Eto'o too, and I missed a few. "I have been offered many players, like Cech, who could have done well for us.” Well, don’t let it worry you too much boss, we seem to have done rather well with the players you did sign!

A Question Of Balance?

So here we are again, an international break looming, usually a quiet news week. Normally you would expect the tabloids to be running stories of rodents being consumed by second-rate entertainers, while the broadsheets pour over the party conference season. To a certain extent that will be the way of things for a day or two, but this time footballs less palatable side is providing some diversion for the weary hacks.

On a weekend when we were privileged to witness one of the finest volleyed goals for many a long day the headlines are about 'cheeky' Joey Barton, and 'sinister' Didier Zokora. Tuesday mornings back pages have already been reserved for the non-story of Lord Stevens' investigation into Premiership corruption.

Let’s get a Goonerholic perspective on these starting with little scamp Joey. Older Arsenal fans will remember an evening game against Coventry in 1979 when Sammy Nelson celebrated scoring a late equaliser for the Gunners by unveiling his backside to the North Bank. It was a full moon, nothing subtle about it, and some who had been critical of the side were suitably embarrassed. Barton’s little ‘adjustment’ of his shorts and underwear surely doesn’t warrant the expense of a police investigation. In Liverpool, of all places, do our constabulary not have sufficient crime to keep their finest detectives gainfully employed on offences other than celebrating a last minute equaliser?

I can add nothing to the condemnation of Zokora’s despicable act against Portsmouth that hasn’t already been said by a multitude of fans who do not share my affiliation, and therefore bias. I have taken great amusement however in the reaction of Martin Jol. Apparently the poor lad was not touched, no argument there then fat-boy, but he did lose his balance! Something he ate, perhaps, played havoc with his ears! Jol’s squirming performance once again contrasted with the class and humour exuded by Wenger. Asked last week if he was witnessing any more foul deeds by the Gunners he responded with a smile, “You think my eyesight has improved after ten years!”

At the moment, the least said about the Stevens enquiry, the better. After the hullabaloo of today’s press conference we now have to wait another two months to discover if he has found any evidence. It’s not only Joey Barton’s derriere that’s twitching tonight!

Van Persie - The Goal Of A Generation?

There are goals that stick in the memory and provide memorable links to different generations. For me, the one's that leap to the forefront of the memory begin with Charlie George's Wembley winner in 1971. Next in line is my all-time favourite, Liam Brady's left foot curler at White Hart Lane in 1978. The hair still stands on the back of my neck when I think of Mickey Thomas at Anfield in '89. Alan Smith scored THE 'one-nil to the Arsenal' goal at Copenhagen in '94. Tony Adams' wonderful effort from Bouldy's astute chip against Everton in '98.

So many great goals have been scored in the Wenger era, yet it was fitting that the tenth anniversary of his leadership was celebrated with a very special effort indeed from Robin Van Persie. The importance of his magnificent flying volley is yet to be determined. After leaking early season points at the Grove the three points were certainly welcome, especially as news of Chelsea's home draw with Villa came through.

Lady Luck is an important ally if a title challenge is to be maintained, and for sure there could have been few complaints if a penalty had been awarded for the ball that struck William Gallas on the arm. She is a fickle companion though, as we discovered in the opening games of the season and it is starting to look as though she will not smile on Dowie's Charlton too much.

And so we head into another of those infernal international breaks. These always seem to happen just as we are beginning to put together a run of form, and invariably involve a poor display immediately afterwards. I think it unlikely that Gallas would have been risked yesterday if it were not immediately before he joins up with the French squad. I hope they do not take a risk with him if he feels any tweak in the hamstring during the coming week, as he has clearly become a significant component in our improved performances of late.