We Won The League At White Hart Lane 2

As we keenly await the first visit of the club up the road to Ashburton Grove on Saturday I’m looking at Arsenal’s most significant triumphs at the home of the visitors.

In the second of two articles I’m going back to the 2003-2004 season when the Gunners clinched the title at White Hart Lane for the second time.

Newcastle’s defeat of Chelsea earlier in the day meant a point for Arsenal at the old enemy would secure a thirteenth league title.

In only the third minute Bergkamp accepted a pass from an Henry break, and crossed for Patrick Vieira to put the visitors ahead.

Arsenal continued to dominate, and ten minutes before the break Vieira pulled the ball back for Robert Pires, a serial goalscorer against Spurs, to increase the lead.

In all honesty, the celebrations had already started for the travelling faithful, and were barely disturbed when Redknapp knocked in a speculative effort on the hour.

The sides traded half chances until injury time, when ‘mad Jens’ objected to Keane standing on his toes and handed out his usual shove on the perpetrator. The referee booked both players, and awarded a penalty for the retaliation! Keane duly put away the equaliser, but too late to prevent Gooner celebrations at the other end of the ground.

Sol Campbell judiciously waited until the home fans had dispersed before coming out to celebrate with an inflatable Premiership trophy. He must have been reflecting on his second championship medal in only three years since leaving the under-achieving hosts.

As I have an early start to get to the Grove tomorrow I will be back online with my reflections on the big game on Sunday. Have a great Saturday folks.

We Won The League At White Hart Lane

Just a couple of words about Fulham. Three to be precise. We were crap.

Let’s face it, Craven Cottage was just a taster for the main event this week anyway. For those of you in need of a lift I’m looking back at our two title triumphs at the Lane. Tomorrow log on for the 2004 success, for now I’m going back to May 3rd, 1971.

My own memories of the momentous night could have been so different. The teenage Goonerholic was outside the ground by 4pm for an evening kick-off, but so was half of London. The gates locked before I reached the turnstile at seven. Walking back dejectedly to find a pub with a radio I walked past one gate that astonishingly was open, with no queue, and I was in! Estimates of the numbers locked out varied from fifty, to two hundred and fifty thousand.

From the back of a packed Shelf I looked around and of the fifty thousand in the ground it would be fair to say well over half were Arsenal fans hoping to see the team draw 0-0, or win. Any other result would have handed the title to Leeds.

Tottenham were determined that the old enemy would not triumph on their patch and gave everything but with just four minutes remaining George Armstrong latched on to a Jennings clearance and from the left-wing produced the perfect cross for young Ray Kennedy to power a header in off the bar.

At the final whistle the pitch became a sea of celebrating Arsenal fans. They had waited eighteen years for this title, and were determined to enjoy it to the full. Five days later Liverpool were defeated at Wembley and Arsenal had the first of their three doubles in the bag.

That win at the Lane was a memory we thought couldn’t be bettered. Little did we know we’d go on to witness the title being secured at Anfield, Old Trafford, and of course, White Hart Lane all over again. More of that tomorrow.

An Open Letter To FIFA Coaches

Gentlemen,

You astound me. Allegedly you are the most qualified judges in the game. I would love to hear how you came to select the three candidates for the World Player of the Year award.

Five years ago Zinedine Zidane was the most mercurial player on the planet, no question. In the last twelve months however he has been a bit-part player with a Real Madrid side humbled by Thierry Henry and friends in the Champions League. His swansong saw glimpses of glories past, in particular one outstanding display against Brazil, as he accompanied Henry and his French team-mates to the World Cup Final, where he saw fit to end his career with an absurd attack on an opponent.

Ronaldhino has enjoyed bathing in the reflected glory of Barcelona’s late, late triumph against ten man Arsenal in the Champions League Final, a victory in which he was largely anonymous. His World Cup displays were equally nondescript as his team were unceremoniously dumped out of the competition by a Thierry Henry goal for France.

Cannavaro formed part of the Juventus defence that lifted the Serie A title under a cloud. He is probably the only valid selection of the three, on the basis that he was not directly implicated in the Juve scandal, and led his side to an unexpected World Cup triumph. Yet who was responsible for dumping Juve out of the Champions League at the quarter-final stage. Yes, that’s right. Thierry Henry and his Arsenal side.

What has Henry got to do to win you over? He is a serial winner of the Golden Boot in the Premier League, regularly features towards the top of the assists charts too. The old chestnut about him not turning up for big games was blown apart by his match-winning goals for Arsenal in Madrid, and France against Brazil. What has he done that has upset you so?

I do hope it wasn’t the fact that he turned down influential, powerful, Barcelona!

The Fixture That Nearly Wasn't

It’s definitely a funny old week. If you are a fan then all eyes are really on the lipsmackinmotivatinfortyfiveyeartauntinthreepointswinnin’ clash with Tottenham on Saturday. I will return to that on Thursday and Friday. Mrs Goonerholic is under orders to rescue the match ticket if fire breaks out in the east wing of Goonerholic Towers!

The players, however, have to focus on another little derby skirmish at Craven Cottage first. Strange to think that if Sir Henry Norris had got his way in 1910 we would now be one club, and this fixture would not exist. The good news is that Fulham will be without Pearce, and could be missing Quedrue. That leaves the far from subtle physical threat of Brown and Diop, which doesn’t prompt the same concern we faced at the Reebok.

In the wake of the rare Anelka strikes we face another old boy, Boa Morte, who will be favourite to breach the Gunners defence. Wenger is expected to have Henry, Van Persie, and Rosicky back in the squad.

You have to have some respect for the way that Coleman has kept Fulham in the top flight, but it’s fair to say this is not usually Arsenal’s toughest test of the season. Anything less than a three point haul would bring the doom-mongers out in force. Not only that, it would plant the seeds of doubt for Saturday, and we can’t have that now, can we?

I’ll close with a quick word on the Ballon D’or. If Thierry cannot win it in a year when he played in the Champions League Final and the World Cup Final, then he never will. In truth the award will invariably go to a player from an Italian or Spanish club because of the voting format. Ask me would I rather have Cannavaro or Titi in my starting line-up and I know who I would take every time. It’s scant consolation I know, but Titi, you are definitely my Player of the Year!

What Have The Romans Done For Us?

No-one likes us, it was the chant of Millwall fans but until a decade ago it applied equally to Arsenal. From 1926 when Herbert Chapman, at the insistence of Charles Buchan, introduced the stopper centre-half to football, Arsenal have not got the credit that their achievements have warranted.

Between 1930 and 1953, and let’s not forget a chunk of that era was lost to the Second World War, the Bank of England club landed seven titles and three FA Cups, and was despised for its success. Even during the sixties, when Billy Wright signed wonderful forwards but awful defenders, the legacy of envy continued.

When the double was secured in 1971 the artistry of Armstrong, George, and Graham was ignored. According to popular view we bludgeoned our way to success through the twin battering rams of Radford and Kennedy, and the physical approach of Mclintock and Storey.

Even when Liam Brady lit up the late seventies there was no love lost for the Gunners, and George Graham’s triumphs in the eighties and nineties owed everything to the ‘famous five’ at the back, or so we were implored to believe.

For those of us who have endured the mid decade slumps of the last fifty years the Wenger years have been a journey into territory only before experienced by our fathers and grandfathers. The decade of success and exhilarating football has also won over all except the most one-eyed followers of other clubs.

So how strange it is that now we are being universally acclaimed, question marks are being raised amongst the Ashburton faithful. Trawl the forums and you will even find the Pythonesque plea, ‘What has Wenger ever done for us?’, or words to that effect.

There are some valid points being raised. Yes, we do have a notoriously soft underbelly at present. Not too surprising when you look at the loss over the last couple of years of the likes of Vieira, Bergkamp, Pires, Edu, and Campbell. The switch to 4-5-1 has been designed to strengthen the midfield, but at what cost?

Henry is starting to miss a few more games than previously. Yes, he has had a long summer with the French advance to the World Cup Final, and his insistence on coming back for the Bergkamp testimonial , effectively ruling out a summer break to recharge his batteries. It’s more pertinent however that as the lone forward he is starting to see more of the ball with his back to goal, and for the first time defenders are gleefully whacking into, rather than only seeing, the back of him.

The 4-5-1 formation is most effective when wingers are providing genuine width and menace. The only true winger in the squad at present is a seventeen year old who is quite rightly being introduced gradually and sparingly.. While in Europe, where you are given time to play in midfield, we have made the formation work, on the domestic front we have been worked out.

And now everybody loves us. ‘They play the best football in the country’. How many times have you heard that in the last year or two. I wonder how loved we will be when we start beating teams who are nicking points off us with no more than discipline and honest hard graft? That time will come, Gooners, but there may be some more departures and arrivals before we get there. Have faith, and a little patience.

The Pain, Boss, The Pain

So, once again Sam and his boys have got the points. I'm so nonplussed by the whole thing I don't know how I feel and how to react.

The big man in one tiny corner of me says hold your hands up and praise Bolton for another job well done. It may not be pretty but if you were managing them that's exactly how you would get them to play. You have to have a grudging respect for them, although I'm still wondering why the other big sides don't have the same degree of difficulty with them.

The angry, frustrated, me wants to know why so many players just didn't give their all. Flamini and Freddie appear to be the focal points at which most disparaging comments are being aimed. Eboue and Adebayor need to look at their contributions in my opinion. I'll forgive Kolo an off-day, it's been a very long time since his last.

The long-suffering Gooner in me is trying to remain calm. Around the middle of the last five decades we have slipped into various stages of disrepair. I think we have dined on caviar for so long we don't realise we currently have a mixed platter before us that is still being refined by monsieur le chef.

Most of all though it just plain damn hurts that we clearly will not contest the one prize that says after thirty-eight matches you are the cream of the crop. It's like a kick in the solar plexus that won't go away. We can beat Manchester United at Old Trafford but we cannot cope with dear old Bolton. Where is that bottle, I'm off to oblivion for a day or two!

For What We Are About To Receive...

Let’s face it, we know what’s coming at the Reebok don’t we? Big Sam sending his boys into battle with the words of Corporal Jones ringing in their ears, “they don’t like it up ‘em”

Faye, Campo, Nolan, Davies and Diouf are hardly going to transform into beautiful swans overnight. They have one proven tactic against Arsenal, copied by so many these days. Then there is l’enfant terrible himself, Anelka, gearing up to put one over his former employers.

So pay-per-viewers can look forward, if that is the right description, to ninety minutes of run, close-down, kick, nudge, and hoof. Yet for the neutral it is the classic David versus Goliath battle with the giant possibly expected to come a cropper. In other words, gripping entertainment, if you’re not a Gooner.

So are we about to witness Arsene’s solution to the curse that cost us so dearly last season? Could it be 4-5-1 for starters in order to contest the battle in the opening phase and earn the right to play later in the game? Will we ignore the opposition and try to impose our quick passing game on them regardless?

Like a Christmas dinner, the anticipation is usually better than the main course, unless a tasty stuffing is served up! In the words of one good friend, to whom I am indebted for a wonderful analogy, “my sphincter is twitching like a rabbit’s nose!”

Losing Van Persie through suspension is unfortunate, but there are good signs for Arsenal fans though. Cesc is showing an eagerness, maybe over-eagerness, to stick his foot in these days. Gilberto should be fresh and ready for the tussle ahead. Kolo Toure showed against Hamburg he is more than willing to beef up the midfield if he sees the need to venture forward. Then there is the possibility of an outing for ‘the Beast’. Julio Baptista, welcome to the Premiership!

It’s a big few weeks coming up, and there would be no better, or more timely, lift than a victory at a bogey ground. A lot may depend on the referee’s interpretation, but given an even playing field I’ll plump for a 2-1 win to the visitors. For no reason other than I would love to see Fat Sam’s post match interview when we’ve put it up him!

Yo Ho Bleeding Ho!

It looks like it will be a pretty frugal Christmas for relatives of Gooners. Have you had a look at the fixture list?

The next month will certainly shape the rest of the season, and we face a staggering five away games in our next six matches. The only home game is a grade A fixture against our neighbours from the other end of the Seven Sisters Road, so a minimum £46 plus travel and beer for that one.

Around that game are trips to Bolton, Fulham, Porto, Chelsea, and Wigan. It doesn’t get much better after that with trips to Liverpool, Watford and Sheffield United punctured only by a couple of home games against Portsmouth and Blackburn.

Interestingly, there has yet to be a general sale for a game at the Grove, and astonishingly the Portsmouth game has already sold out. If the same happens with Blackburn you can see the board licking their lips at the prospect of hiking prices for next season. That’s a debate for another day.

So if you’re a Gooner you’ll be sounding out the relatives about now. ‘Can we come to you for Christmas, but no presents this year please’. Otherwise you could be listening to the Queens speech with beans on toast and a half of mince pie each.

Bah humbug!

Jim'll Fix It - Or Will He?

Well, have you got any fingernails left? Once again we contrived to concede an early goal to an average side, and the pattern for the night was set, or so we thought.

Robin Van Persie’s cool finish from Cesc’s astute through ball sparked a surprising show of bravado from Hamburg as they substituted a striker for their left-back, thus creating the opportunity for Eboue and Walcott to open them up in the last ten minutes.

Full marks to Arsene for the substitutions. Adebayor, Baptista, and little Theo just overpowered tiring opponents in the closing stages. Has Walcott done enough to earn a starting berth soon? The trip to Fulham next week appears a good opportunity to rest one or two players for the trio of massive games that follow it. Hopefully the teenager will be in the frame.

In the other Group G encounter we saw the worst possible outcome as Porto won in Moscow. Now the conspiracy theorists are out in force as both Porto and ourselves only need a point from the encounter in Portugal in two weeks time. Do you not think Porto would love the opportunity to put last season’s beaten finalists into the UEFA Cup?

I have also heard a nonsense theory that Chelsea may not try too hard to beat Werder Bremen tonight so that Barcelona could struggle to get through. If you are Mourinho, and you know you have games against Manchester United and Arsenal either side of your final group game, do you really want to leave certain qualification for matchday six?

Time to do some research on Saturdays opponents for my preview piece. Anybody got a spare copy of Cloggers Monthly?

A Plea To The Silent Majority

I’m looking forward to the upcoming Ashes series. Cricket, I know, is not everybody’s cup of tea, but there is something about the atmosphere at Test matches when the Barmy Army are in full voice. You can see the players put that extra couple of percent in.

Rugby at Twickenham is another example. A crowd united in ‘Swing Low Sweet Chariot’ sends shivers up the spine and is said to be a powerful motivator for the boys in white.

I’ve yet to find anybody who doesn’t agree that a vociferous support is a definite advantage to a team. So I’ve got a question to the fans who have benefited from the extra seats at Ashburton Grove. If you are Arsenal supporters, WHY AREN’T YOU SINGING THE PRAISES OF YOUR TEAM?

I understand the demographics are changing. There are so many reasons why the typical matchday crowd at Arsenal has changed in nature over the last fifteen years or so. What I don’t understand is why people who profess their love for the club are prepared to be a passive audience rather than passionate supporters playing their part in a team effort.

It’s a fair point that they may not want to join in chants attacking Ashley Cole, or the wannabe big club from up the road, but why don’t they join in the chants for Arsenal, or the individual players? The hardcore support looks upon them as being somehow from a different class, and that is the answer. That doesn’t wash with me as the typical rugby or cricket crowd will be demographically similar, yet not as reserved.

I don’t know the answer, and I’m not alone. All we can do is keep imploring them to get behind their team. Yet Thierry Henry has already tried this, and if they won’t take any notice of him, what chance have you or I got?

Ok, one more time, please stop sitting on your hands and get behind OUR team. We will all get the benefit. You know it makes sense!

Return To Sender-os?

Typical, after I’ve written two recent columns singing the praises of William Gallas the terrible news came through today that he’s out for several weeks with a thigh injury. Perhaps I should consider waxing lyrical about the likes of Rooney and Drogba in coming days? Or perhaps not!

Billy’s misfortune presents an opportunity to Senderos or Djourou to partner Kolo Toure. My initial thought is with a trip to Bolton, and a likely aerial bombardment coming up on Saturday, it will probably be Senderos who gets the first crack of the whip.

Big Phil must have been thinking that he would finally have a starting berth when it became clear that Sol Campbell was moving on to pastures new at the end of last season. Then came a shoulder injury in the World Cup and he had to watch first Djourou, and then Gallas, impress in the heart of the Gunners defence.

Better news appeared though with the apparent recovery of Robin Van Persie from his weekend knock, and the return from Brazil of Gilberto. Both will be needed for the visit of Hamburg in the Champions League tomorrow night.

The Germans have struggled domestically this season, and are suffering an injury crisis of their own. Nigel de Jong, Guy Demel, Vincent Kompany and Juan Pablo Sorin are all out injured for a side that has won just twice all season. Hopefully, even if the visitors are gifted the customary opening goal, Arsenal should comfortably record a victory. (Closes the article with ‘famous last words’ drifting painfully through my head!).

Mourinho Covets Our William!

I've just been listening to Talk Sport and the tale of a 'jolly' either last night , or the night before, at which messrs Ferguson and Mourinho were present. Somebody apparently put the question to them both 'Which player would you most want to sign now?'

Dear old Fergie, bless him, came out with Robin Van Persie, no less. Not a surprise really, given that old purple nose has seen his team, minus Keane and Van Nistelrooy, over achieve thus far. One assumes that Van Persie would, in an out and out striking role, bring much to to United's table. Nice to note though that in a off-guard moment he rates our Robin so highly.

Mourinho produced a more hilarious response. 'William Gallas', he is reported to have said. This begs the question. Does he hold his former player in such high regard that he is angered by being backed into a corner over the deal that took Cole to Chelsea?

Cole is clearly struggling to win over the Stamford Bridge faithful. The Chelsea forums are full of praise for Bridge and questioning the wisdom, and cost, of Cole's capture. Now Mourinho is fanning the flames. Well, here's my view Jose. If you really rated Gallas you would have paid him what he was worth. Same as us really, if Cole was that critical to our team. Given that we had Gael Clichy, and had the opportunity to add Gallas to the squad, he clearly wasn't!

I accept that Mourinho may have held a higher opinion of Gallas than the paymasters at Stamford Bridge. In fact I am delighted with the deal that saw him join Arsenal. Insiders tell me it may be worth more to us (or more precisely, Gallas) than the reported £5m plus Ashley. If this is true however, then the special one may not have the rock solid relationship with his employers that we are being led to believe. Shame!

Here is a message for all you Chelsea fans out there moaning about losing Gallas for Cole. We're chuffing delighted. It was the deal of the summer. BILLY IS A GOONER!

You Win Some, You Draw Some

Arsene Wenger is struggling to come up with the answers why we are dropping so many points at home. We all are. Every game the stats read impressively in Arsenal's favour, but it seems if we concede first the game will finish 1-1. Villa, Boro, Everton, and now Newcastle, have cost us eight valuable points.

Thierry Henry was summoned from the bench at half-time following an injury to Robin Van Persie. This was meant to be a rest day for the skipper, but his blistering free-kick was required to cancel out Kieron Dyer's first-half strike for Newcastle.

Honestly, Wenger conceded "You cannot drop as many points as we do at home...we have to learn some important ingredients in the game that make the team successful at the top, top level. At the moment we do not master that. You cannot give the goal away like we do it every time and not be punished. We just make it difficult for ourselves."

It would be so easy to moan once again about the negative defensive performance put in by the visitors, but that is too easy a get out. Let's be honest, they have to play that way or we will slaughter them. We should still have sufficient guile and collective ability to beat the sides who are giving us most difficulty.

Next week brings a trip to the kings of anti-football, the Wanderers of Bolton. Before that comes an opportunity to feast on Hamburgers in the Champions League. The Germans will surely show a little more ambition than most given their need for points. A morale boosting victory for the hosts is required to raise the spirits before the trip to the Reebok.

On a positive note there were valuable minutes of match practice for Julio Baptista today. If Van Persie is missing for any length of time as a result of todays knock, the powerful Brazilian may be an interesting alternative.

That's all the positive I can muster I'm afraid. I want November to be erased from the calendar in future!

Swede Off The Menu!

Reports are starting to hit the wires that Freddie Ljungberg has been ruled out of the clash with Newcastle. With Gilberto also missing for 'family reasons' it is looking increasingly likely that Arsene Wenger will be forced into a 4-4-2 formation with Adebayor coming in up front, and Flamini playing the holding role.

Le Boss is decidedly 'dischuffed' with French coach Domenech for playing Henry and Gallas for the full ninety minutes in the week, but mutterings that the captain may be rested could prove to be wide of the mark.

Julio Baptista is back in contention, but may have to settle for a cameo appearance from the bench as he looks to build match fitness. Jens Lehmann is thankfully fit to return between the posts and, without wishing to offend Manuel Almunia, that is mighty good news!

With Emre suspended Nicky Butt is expected to partner Scott Parker in a combative looking central midfield partnership for the Geordies. It is further forward though that the Magpies have suffered this season as their misfiring attack struggles for goals.

I'm backing Arsenal to win 3-0. Perhaps backing is the wrong word to use. At a miserly 8-1 that doesn't look to offer much value, so I'll probably be having a small wager on 4-0 and 5-0, and praying Newcastle don't strike first. Until tomorrow chums....

El Pel On The Radio - A Reminder

Here is a quick reminder for Gooners that the legend that is Perry Groves is on Talk Sport this afternoon with Hawksbee and Jacobs at 1.00pm.

Perry’s book, ‘We All Live In A Perry Groves World’ is the must-buy present to put on your Christmas list. To quote the synopsis from Amazon (where you can buy the book for just £11.87)…

“This is the most truthful and hilarious book about professional football you will ever read.”

This is the one book out there at the moment written by a true Arsenal legend, and must surely outsell the waste of trees put out in the name of England’s left-back. Take it from me, it's well worth a read.

Geordies - Foe or Goal Fodder?

Not much to do today other than scan the news reports to ensure the internationals yielded no injury worries for us. It’s looking good so far.

With an eye on Saturday’s clash with Newcastle I’m interested to see the Sun reporting that the Geordies are down to just three fit defenders. Others suggest that Titus Bramble is fit to return (yippee!). Further forward Emre is suspended and Shola Ameobi wants to make his last appearance before going under the knife in America for a persistent hip problem.

Newcastle’s plight is not made any easier by reports that they are in the midst of takeover talks, much to the delight of their long suffering fans, keen to see the back of Freddy Shepherd.

The Arsenal forums are suggesting a goal fest, maybe even the seven goal hammering we seem to hand out to one hapless opponent a season. I hope they’re right, but I wish I could get rid of that nagging voice in my brain. Villa, Middlesbrough, and Everton have shown what can be achieved at Ashburton with limited ambition and a massed defence.

The key this season seems to be the first goal. If they can nick one from a set piece you can be sure we will be facing a 9-0-1 formation for the rest of the game. If Arsenal strike early, then yes, it could be a drubbing. Just be aware that the Geordies have not conceded more than two goals in a game this season, and that includes trips to Old Trafford and Anfield.

If you are going to the game then be aware that London Transport are once again determined to make your day as uncomfortable as possible. Check Arsenal.com for the numerous tube closures, and please, leave time for a long journey home.

Justin On Target

After all the withdrawals in this strangely positioned international week I’m delighted to be able to mention Justin Hoyte’s match-winning performance for the England U-21’s in Holland.

Justin has been on the fringe of things for a while now and spent last season freezing his cobs off at Sunderland in a vain attempt to help the Black Cats survive the drop. Nobody could accuse him of being afraid of hard work!

Injuries to Clichy, Lauren, Senderos, and Eboue have given him some game time for the Gunners this season. Although he can play across the back four he has the problem, when everybody is fit, of probably being third choice for each of the defensive positions.

Certainly at his preferred right-back berth he lacks the attacking impact of Eboue, or the steel of Lauren. That having been said, he is proving to be a valuable squad player and deserves a little more credit than he has been given.

There is a new crop of fine young defenders coming up behind, including his very impressive brother Gavin. That makes this a make or break season for Justin, and his recent performances, capped by last night’s impressive goal, could well have put him firmly back in Wenger’s thoughts.

At the end of the day his Gunners career could depend on if he is happy to continue as a squad player, or will his ambition as a good young defender lead him to seek a first team opportunity elsewhere? The dearth of good young English right-backs could be the decisive factor, and Justin may have to look for regular football elsewhere if he is to challenge for a full international cap.

Good luck lad.

Gallas - A French Perspective

You have been writing in your one’s to ask if cousin Goonerholich would be back after commenting on our match with CSKA. Sadly he is now safely back in his dacha so I have asked my cousin Franglaise to give us his take on new boy William Gallas. Here is his unique take on our capture from across town.

‘Merci Goonerholic, tu must know that Gallas is un hero here in Goonerfontaine. It was un disappointment majeure when he left Marseille to join Chelsea in 2001. Et les batardes tight only paid £6.2 million pour him! Then what do they do? They play him in a different position every semaine, merde!.

Nous chuckled muchly when Chelsea had to give L’Arsenal our William and at least £5 million for that pudding anglaise, Cole. Nous sommes chuffed to mintballs that William has settled in quickly at Ashburton de Triomphe, while Cole is having some difficulty proving his worth dans l’oest.

We celebrated his first goal against Sheffield United, parce que nous backed him at 33-1 to be the first goalscorer. Tres bonne! Et on Sunday he ghosted into the box to score the third goal against, how you say, the Mickeys? C’est magnifique!

Je pense in Eboue (il should be francais!), Toure (il should be francais aussi!), William et Clichy (bon, il est Francais!) vous have le fastest back-line dans l’Europe. You should be very proud of them. Up the Arse!’

Well, thank you Franglaise. We are indeed extremely proud of them. Perhaps next time you will give us the low-down on Thierry Henry. That’s assuming the readers want you back!

Wenger Wins The Tactical Battle

The defeat of Liverpool was a triumph for Arsene Wenger. The talk in the pubs around the ground an hour before kick-off centred on the absence of Lehmann and the selection of Flamini. Concerns that were expressed proved premature and unnecessary.

In fact it transpired that the manager who got it wrong was Benitez. I’m convinced that Flamini owed his selection to the probability that Liverpool would switch Gerrard to the gap in the centre of midfield created by the injury to Sissoko. Not only did Rafa go for the lightweight Zenden, he also stuck with the 4-4-2 formation rather than the five man midfield that has been used most successfully to throttle Arsenal at the Grove this season.

Flamini found himself with enough time on his hands to convert Cesc’s delightful pass and that first goal transformed the contest. In the second half the visitors defence was not surprisingly left exposed by the lack of cover from midfield and Arsenal’s central defenders galloped forward to claim the clinching goals.

Kolo Toure is a player at the peak of his powers, and his finish demonstrated his confidence. Sadly Adebayor is a player who has no part to play in a 4-5-1 formation, and his late cameo saw him in a similar position to Toure, only to see his effort saved. That’s what happens when the footballing gods conspire against you. Ade will get his chance. I’m sure, when Wenger deems 4-4-2 will be the suitable formation for lesser opposition. He will need to demonstrate more assured finishing when that time comes.

So Arsenal are up to third, and still have a game in hand over Manchester United and Chelsea. The season is bubbling up rather nicely, unless your name happens to be Benitez.

Happy Birthday Jens

Jens Lehmann is thirty-seven today. Every Gooners favourite crazy German celebrated three years with the club in the summer while on World Cup duty.

On his arrival at Highbury, as successor to David Seaman, Jens divided supporters with some high profile errors and his willingness to react to the mildest of challenges from opponents. By the seasons end Arsenal were undefeated in the Premiership and the faithful had responded to the quirky shotstopper.

His pedigree was not in question, having won the UEFA Cup with Schalke in 1997 and the Bundesliga with Dortmund five years later. But like his team-mate Vieira he had also endured a less than happy stint in Milan.

Goalkeepers are often remembered for one outstanding save, and Lehmann’s last minute penalty save from Villareal’s Argentinian playmaker, Riquelme, earned Arsenal a berth in last seasons European Champions League Final. How sad that Jens major contribution in Paris was to be sent off. Many consider had he been on the pitch for the fateful closing thirteen minutes that Arsenal would now be Champions of Europe.

I have a feeling in years to come that we will recall Lehmann’s confrontational nature as much as his goalkeeping brilliance, but it will be with an affection borne out of respect. Lehmann has silenced his doubters with a string of outstanding performances. He truly has matured into one of the best keepers in the world.


Glücklich geburtstag Jens.

Calm Down, Calm Down!

Did he, or didn’t he? The hairspray question is filling column inches as the Everton camp go to war with Graham Poll. The whys and wherefores of Mcfadden’s foul mouthed tirade at the hapless official are being used to paper over the cracks at Goodison.

Let’s make one thing clear chaps. Even with ten members of a strong side you were beaten by an Arsenal side that made eleven changes from Sunday. Kids like Traore, Walcott, Song, and Denilson proved to be more than a match for a side challenging for a European qualification berth in the Premiership.

I suspect I am not the only Gooner, who feared the worst last night. Yet these incredible youngsters continue to surprise and delight, year in, year out. The draw on Saturday could throw up the big question. If we get Chelsea, who seem to be taking the competition extremely seriously, will Arsene stick with the same side? With Liverpool and Tottenham also still in there is every chance of a mouthwatering quarter-final.

Talking of Liverpool (smooth link eh?), the red half of Merseyside provide the opposition on Sunday. Adebayor did his hopes of a recall no harm with the winner last night. Eboue too showed he is ready to contest the right-back berth. Sunday looks to be a game or two too early for Phil Senderos, who was given a rough ride by Andy Johnson last night.

Liverpool are in a rich vein of form at the moment and I am looking forward to the game immensely. Is this the game we see the return of the real Arsenal? Let’s hope so.

Examination Time For Wenger's Latest Class

If you are looking for a valid reason why the fledgling Gunners may get a result up at Goodison in tomorrow’s Carling Cup encounter you need only go back two years, almost to the day.

Admittedly Arsenal enjoyed home advantage for the fourth round tie in 2004, but in-form Everton were using their first choice Premiership team with the exception of keeper Nigel Martyn making way for Richard Wright (oh please let him play again tomorrow Moyesy!)

Everton started strongly and took an early lead with Thomas Gravesen's free-kick. Arsenal were forced to bring Quincy on for Ryan Smith halfway through the first half, and the diminutive winger soon levelled the scores.

With the second half barely seven minutes old Arturo Lupoli took advantage of Robin Van Persie’s astute pass to fire the hosts into an unlikely lead, but it didn’t end there.

Six minutes from the end Lupoli latched onto a Quincy cross to knock home a third and clinch a very impressive win for a very young side.

The Arsenal line-up that night was Almunia; Hoyte, Senderos, Djourou, Karbassyoon; Pennant, Flamini, Edu (Larsson 65), Smith (Quincy 21); Van Persie, Lupoli (Cregg 89).

In terms of experience tomorrow’s contest could feature very similar sides. Could the Young Guns do us proud once more. The odds are against it, but Everton will feel compelled to show more attacking intent than was evident at Ashburton Grove ten days ago. That may just open the door for the class of ’06.

Beware The Ides Of, Er, November!

November 1935, and Arsenal’s third defeat of the season is at the hands of Aston Villa in front of a packed Highbury. Three years on and our fourth defeat of the season came at Grimsby in, you’ve guessed it, November. A decade on and Derby turned us over in the same month. 1952 and it’s West Bromwich Albions turn to inflict upon us our fourth defeat of the season with Christmas over a month away.

A month to the day before Boxing Day 1988 Derby County were the third team to beat George Graham’s Gunners. In November 1997 we lost to Derby County, Sheffield Wednesday, and Liverpool. Four years on, having already lost at home to Leeds in August, the eleventh month saw us fall to Charlton Athletic.

Ah, you’re ahead of me I can see. Yes, in each of these seasons Arsenal went on to be crowned Champions. There is a lot of wailing and gnashing of teeth at the moment. That’s understandable, it’s what we fans do when our team slips into a little trough. Some of the criticism is justified (I’m afraid so Thierry!) and some is a gross over-reaction.

Now is the time for cool heads, which would appear to be in short supply both on the pitch and in the stands at present. A testing month awaits Arsenal with Liverpool and Tottenham visiting the Grove, plus a visit to our unhappy hunting ground at Bolton, all in the next six games.

Throw in a Champions League clash with Hamburg and it’s clear that the next month could well shape the remainder of the season. Let’s show some patience, and draw comfort from the seven examples above. It ain’t over until the fat lady sings, and right at this moment I can’t even hear the plump bitch clearing her throat!

Get Me Out Of Here - It's November

If the red tops are to be believed Paul Merson is heading for the outback to film 'Get Me Out Of Here, I'm A Celebrity'. Chances are there will be a few present day gooners hoping to find themselves in the middle of nowhere after the defeat at Upton Park.

A fairly even contest saw the Hammers pinch the points with a late Harewood strike. Arsenal claimed a penalty when Spector challenged Hleb in the box, and for the second game running the best chance fell to Rosicky, but there is a temporary blip in the finishing department.

The FA will be waiting for the referee's report with interest. Robin Van Persie appeared to be struck by an object thrown from the crowd, the rival managers engagaed in 'handbags' after the goal, and several Gunners appeared to rise to Sheringham's bait at the final whistle. It was unedifying and unnecessary.

At least the senior players can look forward to a week of careful preparation for next weekends visit of Liverpool. The youngsters presumably will be given the opportunity to continue their Carling Cup adventure at Goodison on Wednesday. Should the kids rattle in the goals against Everton there will be a real selection poser ahead for Wenger next Sunday.

When will we get a November to enjoy?

Pick Of The Day - Or Maybe Not

Friday is a dreadful day when the weekend action is taking place on a Sunday. You know that any team 'news' appearing today is of limited value. There is an extra day for the walking wounded to heal, or the healthy to be struck down with an exotic virus.

So I have been scouring the various sites for news which may be more accurate, and feed my insatiable lust for knowing, down to the minutest detail, what is happening at the new Home of Football.

Top of the pops at the moment is the rumour that Charles N'Zogbia is a £5 million target for Arsenal. My judgement, for what it's worth, is why would we offer that for somebody who is unable to nail down a position in the Newcastle side, particularly a position in which we already enjoy healthy strength in depth? I'm also reasonably sure that if Arsenal come knocking on the door of another Premiership club the asking price, even for the tea lady, would start at £10 million! Sorry Charlie boy, you aren't heading our way.

I'm indebted to Sky Sports for the stunning revelation that 'Rosicky is upset by miss'. No shit Sherlock! The brilliant Czech, who would appear to be settling in to the Premiership remarkably quickly, has been put under the spotlight since Wednesday. He was not the only player to miss a golden opportunity to score against CSKA, and therein lies the 'problem'. All of a sudden we are the team who play the best football but cannot score according to all the nation's hacks. Goonerholic will return to this at the seasons end when Thierry has another golden boot on a shelf in the garage, and Rosicky has at least a dozen debut season goals to his credit.

Tribal Football caught my eye with their revelation that Arsenal were among European giants chasing Leganes teenager Lucas Trecarichi, a fifteen year old Argentinian. 'However, any club interested in the player will have to cough up a staggering £2 million for the 15 year-old after Leganes managed to write a buyout clause into Trecarichi's contract.' Good of whoever sprung the original story to ignore the fact that it is highly unlikely any such clause concerning a fifteen year old would be enforceable in law. Even if that were an issue do you believe such a fee would be a problem for the clubs involved? Do the names Jermaine Pennant and Theo Walcott ring any bells here? Come on over to us Lucas, you know it makes sense!

So there, I now know everything I need to know about the Gunners today, and so do you. Until tomorrow folks......

A Few Words From My Russian Cousin - Goonerholich

Greetings Comrades,

I am enjoying very much the heatwave here in London. It was nearly three degrees tonight. It is so good to be able to take your shirt off in a strange stadium. People have been unbelievably friendly all night. Many of the Arsenal supporters were waving to us, and they have obviously heard of the food queues in Moskva as they threw lots of beefburgers and pies at us just after half-time. I am especially grateful as I had checked the prices before the game and they cost a weeks wages!

Your team was very friendly too. They play the best football anybody in Europe has ever seen, but they are too chivalrous. Three times in the first-half alone your players had got the ball past all eleven of us and refused to tap the ball into an empty net. This is a serious flaw I am thinking. In Russia we are taught to be more ruthless, but what do I know? Maybe my countryman, Comrade Abramovich, has been across town giving your players an extra bonus, he-he. Only kidding friends!

Although I have enjoyed my short stay in London, I am looking forward to the flight home. I hope it is as much fun as the trip here. You may have read about it in your, how I say? tabloids? Anyway, we are all big fans of English film, Women In Love, and my friends and I re-enacted the nude wrestling scene with Alan Bates and Olly Reed. All sixty of us wrestled all the way to Heathrow, great fun.

Anyway, thank you again for your hospitality. When I get back to the vodka distillery where I work I will tell everybody it is good to come to the famous Arsenal, the most chivalrous team in the world. Come on you reds!