FA Cup Final Preview

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FIFA getting themselves in hot water (about time!) may have deviated minds slightly, but coming into what is arguably in the top five of important matches this decade, there is no doubt where the focus is. The FA Cup may have lost some of its sheen (or a lot, admittedly), but for a season that has been largely underwhelming, provides colossal reason for relief and celebration.

Of course, the pressure on the players and the manager is not nearly as immense as it was last season. Last May's trip to Wembley had so much at stake, the stadium should might as well have had a board outside with a disclaimer for people with heart problems. Arsene Wenger's legacy and the patience of 27 million people was compromised. Had we lost, which at a point seemed increasingly likely, people would have been out on the streets for blood.

Losing to an Aston Villa managed by Tim Sherwood would be ridiculously disheartening, but it won't be as catastrophic as last year could have been. Aside from the obvious inherent pride and hunger to win among the players, manager and supporters, there isn't much at stake. Wenger's future is sealed until 2017 (unless this happens), none of the players are viewing this game as a decider for their Arsenal futures, and if you hadn't noticed, we broke the trophy drought last season. Despite the significance of today, one foot is already into preparing for next season's title challenge.

 However, I'm firmly of the opinion that as long as Arsene Wenger is in charge, a Premier League win is impossible. If his Arsenal failed to grab second away from an unstable United and a City in reckless form, I don't see him overtaking Mourinho over 38 games. Winning an FA Cup and assembling a starcast of Gunners is the closest he can get to the perfect farewell swansong.

Anyway, today's not a day for this argument.

In terms of team news, everybody except Danny Welbeck is fit. Oxlade-Chamberlain's run out against West Brom means that there is a likely chance he will be involved, if not fit enough to start. The vast availability for Wenger comes with its problems of leaving some out; a really good problem, in hindsight.

The reasons for and against starting Szczesny in goal are so varied and so many that Wenger might as well go all Harvey Dent and decide it on the toss of a coin. As such, I hope he starts Szczesny. Leaving him out of last season's finale at the expense of a goalkeeper who was a definite goner was unfair toward him. Szczesny's been at Arsenal for around nine years - he's lived the trophy drought as painfully as we have. He deserves to earn a trophy. In addition, it would ensure that Wenger's newfound protocol of playing a "cup keeper" in every game remains intact.

The back four of Bellerin, Mertesacker, Koscielny and Monreal should pick itself, but it's the midfield trio that could provide another conundrum. Should Wenger assume that Villa will set up to play pragmatic football, and play two of Ramsey, Wilshere and Cazorla in central midfield, dropping Coquelin altogether? Or should he be a bit proactive himself by starting Coquelin, and substituting him if it becomes clear that Villa are looking for little more than soaking the heat?

I hope it's the latter - playing two attack-minded midfielders in front of our back four could be perfect for someone like Fabian Delph. Even so, there's wiggle room for understanding even if Wenger opts for a more courageous Ramsey-Wilshere duo instead.

And then there's the question of who partners Coquelin, assuming he starts. The more obvious answer seems to be Santi Cazorla, with Ramsey playing on the right. I really hope that's not the case - Ramsey is not capable of giving Arsenal width or protection on the wing. Wilshere is marginally better but he's also hardly favourable. It's time for Wenger to be ruthless and drop either one of Ramsey or Cazorla for a player offering width. As much as it pains me to say it I hope it's Santi, because he doesn't have the energy to be buzzing for all 90 minutes, or a possible 120.

Come to think of it, Mesut Ozil seems the only certain starter in midfield today.

Alexis Sanchez should occupy the left flank with hopefully Theo Walcott and not a central midfielder on the right, which leaves Olivier Giroud to play as the lone striker. I really hope he has a good game today, because he doesn't seem to cut it under pressure. Thierry Henry was marginally right about him when he said Arsenal need better. Giroud has a fantastic work ethic and hunger, but he's still pretty second rate. It's time for him to up his game when it counts.

While I'd fancy a more Szczesny - Bellerin - Mertesacker - Koscielny - Monreal - Coquelin - Ramsey - Ozil - Walcott - Sanchez - Giroud lineup, I suspect Wenger will instead find a way to fit Cazorla in, at the probable expense of Theo. Don't forget that the coin toss means Ospina has a 50% chance to start too!

To be honest, back in October if I was told that Arsenal would finish third and win the FA Cup I'd have jumped on it the same way James Franco did when he saw a puddle of muddy water (muddle?) in 127 Hours. I know it's underachieving compared to the lofty ambitions we had back in August, but we've had way worse falls from expectations before (read 2010/11).

It's debatable whether we've made progress or not this season, but there'd be little debate we've gone backwards if we lose today. While my opinion that Wenger may never win major honours again stands, FA Cups such as these stall the departures of the world class we do have at Arsenal. They need to believe that Arsenal is the place to be if we're hoping for post-Wenger success. They won't stick around if the club isn't winning things or, at least, competing for them.

Come to think of it, there are stakes for today. If we want to mount a sustained Premier League challenge for tomorrow, we need to secure this win today. If we want to make our real rivals Chelsea uneasy, we must win today. If we want to (at least) restore an illusion of genuine competition, we must win today.

If we want to justify Arsenal's illustrious and staggering history of accolades, we must win today.

Come on you Gunners - and Gooners. Make today special.

-Santi [Follow me on Twitter @ArsenalBlogz ]

Hull vs Arsenal: Match Preview

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With Chelsea sealing the Barclays Premier League crown, at least all of our hopes can be pinned on something more realistic i.e. second. It's a job made much easier after Manchester United (heh) fell prey to West Brom. And for obvious reasons, it would be an important step toward challenging for the title next season.

I feel that we really need to curb on injuries if we want to win the league, though. Obviously variables like Wenger's relatively one-dimensional tactical approach won't change, but his rotational policy has shown signs of progressing. Not enough of course, seeing that the likes of Theo Walcott and Tomas Rosicky don't play even though the season approaches its formality stages.

Mesut Ozil was overplayed whilst carrying an injury against Bayern Munich and Chelsea and missed the subsequent two months or so. Alexis Sanchez burned out around the January-March phase because he played straight 90s for around a dozen games. Look at Chelsea - despite their superior training regime and relatively relaxed style of play, everyone minus Hazard ran out of steam in the second half of the season.

Giroud was on an enforced quarterly break and came back a lot stronger, partly because he was augmented by Danny Welbeck, who played in the FA Cup to take some of the burden from him. Now compare that to the Giroud of last season who seemed like running through cement because he was knackered toward the tail end of 2013/14. No prizes for guessing which policy is better.

We don't need Ozil nor Sanchez to intimidate or overrun a Hull City as good as immune from relegation. In fact, the only two games needing a full-strength squad are against Manchester United and the FA Cup Final. Bringing in a few fresh legs at this point would not only take the heat of our more prominent personalities, but would also make squad players relatively positive about their Arsenal futures. Making certain that our top players don't get long term injuries now is also part of preparation for next season title assault.

Hull caused us plenty of problems in recent times with the 2-2 at the Emirates and the FA Cup last year, but we weren't in the best of places back then, and a marginally better Arsenal easily saw them away 2-0 a couple of months later. If we manage to make hard work of this then that's on us but I suspect we won't. Won't we?

Right, till then happy St. Totteringham's in advance (I'm that confident!) and take it easy. Later.

-Santi [Follow me on Twitter @ArsenalBlogz ]

Arsenal vs Chelsea: Match Preview

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Mathematically, this match is almost an irrelevance. We won't miss out on Champions League nor snatch the crown from Jose Mourinho's hooked nose based on today's result. Today's not a day for sealing top four or having a go at the title. In the context of the present season, absolutely nothing hinges on this game.

However, today could bear huge implications with respect to next season. There's indeed no use in crying over this season's spilled milk, but we could look to make amends by laying foundations for a title challenge next season. Winning against Chelsea could bring about a big-club perception Arsenal have been lacking for too long.

You don't need an expert to tell you that that's vital. We've been compared among the likes of Liverpool, Tottenham, even Everton for too long. Rising to a better class of football clubs does psychological wonders for the club. Smaller teams are too afraid to take a shot at causing an upset. Bigger teams exercise caution. The inferiority complex dictates that most home matches are won before the ball is kicked.

Arsenal terribly need some of the hubris, and breaking Mourinho's curse would go a long way to restoring that. Mourinho's record against Wenger is not a jinx or a curse, it's simply because he's a better manager.  Calling it a curse promotes the "luck" factor and invariably inaction, just like Arsenal's injury woes. Both of them were not down to luck, they were down to incompetence.

However, despite their managerial skills, Arsene still has a chance to put one over Mourinho today. Chelsea know they have won the title and they don't look too bothered about today, whereas Arsenal are in roaring form and know that this match is not about three points. The moral of the players could make all the difference today.

Arsenal and Chelsea have both been on phony runs of form lately, but the players of Chelsea seem to know that their performances have not warranted the results. Conversely, however, Arsenal believing that their run of form have been supported by brilliant performances reeks of ignorance, but provides the confidence that Arsenal needed to smash Liverpool away. That same confidence could help them overturn a skeptical Chelsea, not to mention provide credence to the "Ignorance is bliss" statement.

Having said that, I fear Mourinho may be leading Wenger into a trap. Having a whirl at Chelsea is all well and good and definitely characteristic of a "big team", but it must be exercised with caution. The whole world is rambling on how Mourinho would look to park the bus and hit Arsenal on the break. There is the possibility that, for the sake of catching that particular assumption off-guard, Mourinho might do something different.

Where is the guarantee that Mourinho will set up to merely get a point at the Emirates? Granted, he did that against Manchester United (at Stamford Bridge, no less), but that doesn't mean it's set in stone he'll do the same today. For safety's sake, Arsene at least needs to exercise caution at least for the initial minutes and then have a crack, should it transpire that Jose has indeed employed the expected gameplan. Be brave but not foolhardy, certainly not 6-0 foolhardy.

Most of the team pretty much selects itself. David Ospina should start in goal; I'm guessing Mathieu Debuchy would get the nod over Hector Bellerin; Nacho Monreal will take over from Gibbs, and presuming that Mertesacker won't make it, Gabriel should slot in to partner Koscielny.

I would have preferred Mertesacker to make it today. David Ospina is certainly the better keeper on form, but he still exudes a certain nervousness at set pieces, which Chelsea specialize in. Paulista and Koscielny would amount for terrific pace, but with Chelsea looking to start an aging Didier Drogba, that pace may not be all necessary.

Francis Coquelin is a sure starter in midfield, and based on current form, Ramsey, Cazorla, Ozil, Alexis and Giroud would play ahead of him. I don't see it happening, but I hope Cazorla is benched for Theo Walcott. The Spaniard has looked out of touch in recent games, probably because there are too many similar players in that team. Walcott would add a different dimension in terms of width, and his knack of scoring against Chelsea could be crucial today.

However, if Cazorla starts (which seems likely), I'd prefer him on the wing than Ramsey. While both of them do not have the skill set to provide Arsenal width, Cazorla is certainly more tactically aware than Ramsey. I've heard the argument that a more energetic Ramsey could stifle Hazard on the left but it doesn't rub with me, because Ramsey spends half the time in the centre of midfield. While Cazorla tends to drift in, he certainly does not do it to Ramsey proportions.

To me, though, it's only Alexis Sanchez or Mesut Ozil who could make the difference for Arsenal. Mourinho had ensured Azpilicueta was onto Sanchez in the previous encounter which had hugely minimized his impact. Perhaps home support or the danger of having other players in form to mark would mean that Sanchez gets more space to work his magic, but I don't see it happening.

Alexis has been documented as Arsenal's runaway best player by everyone in the footballing world, so much so that they've overestimated his impact to the team. They're wrong - in the second half of the season, Cazorla, Ozil and Giroud have contributed more than Sanchez. However, Jose is likely to jump on the bandwagon and make Sanchez his top priority, which could be of huge advantage to us.

Mesut Ozil could have a screamer today because his run of form hasn't been caught on by the media yet. It's amazing that they still perceive him as some overpaid flop who doesn't run around enough to make the cut for Arsenal, but it could work to our favour today. There is the possibility that Jose could underestimate Ozil's (or even Giroud's) importance for Arsenal. He certainly has the ego to think that.


I have a feeling that Arsenal might draw, but I certainly know that today is winnable. Chelsea are uncertain and they don't have a lot to fight for, but we do. And while today would not have much inkling on this season's Premier League winner, it certainly could on next season's. Today is an important step in future Premier League (or maybe, maybe, Champions League) glory for Arsenal. We need to take it.

P.S. If you're wondering why I haven't mentioned the Cesc Fabregas subplot today, the answer is simple: I don't care much of him. He taught me a valuable lesson about loyalty and trust, but that's about it. He doesn't owe Arsenal anything and nor do we, him. I'd rather focus on the creative players who ply their trade for Arsenal than Chelsea. I suggest you do too.


-Santi [Follow me on Twitter @ArsenalBlogz ]

Ethan Rowe from BiggestFreeBets previews Arsenal's Wembley venture

Ethan Rowe - tipster from BiggestFreeBets.com and Arsenal fan gives
his view on Arsenal's upcoming match against Reading at
Wembley in the FA Cup semi-final.

Arsenal come into the match arguably the form side in Europe having won their last 8 Premier League matches in a row and winning their last 16 of 18 matches. Mr Wenger knows his side are in great shape to retain the FA Cup and will create history in doing so as Arsenal will have won the competition more than other side. However, a match against Reading isn't a foregone conclusion, especially as we all remember a trip to Wembley in the League Cup Final when they went into the match against Birmingham City only to be on the end of an Obefemi Martins 90th minute winner.

Good for us as Reading have really had a poor season so far and given their terrible league position they will have seen the FA Cup as something of break from their Championship woes. The Royals will come into the match as massive underdogs but will be in good voice at a full Wembley on Saturday evening.

Arsenal will likely field a similar side to the one that ground out a 1-0 win at Turf Moor on the weekend with this season's revelation Francis Coquelin expected to retain his position in the side. Oliver Giroud will lead the attack and will be hoping to add to his goal tally after his run of 6 goals in 6 games came to an end at Burnley. I must say I've been impressed by the performances of our defence something that seems to have been forgotten amongst the goals and fine performances, there seems to something less showy about Ospina in goal and he's growing in confidence with each win and clean sheet to his name.

Forgive me, but I'm still unconvinced by Mesut Ozil and the quality he brings to the Arsenal side. It's fine for him to play in a Real Madrid or Germany team that possess world class places across the whole side but for an Arsenal side that has a splattering of world class players can we really afford a luxury such as Ozil and an expensive luxury at that. I'm confident the German never really dreamed of a move to Arsenal and I've no doubt the player is one of the best players to ever grace a football field, but maybe if it were 10 years ago back in the invincible days the German would have been much more effective in the style of Robert Pires. I certainly wouldn't be surprised to see Ozil depart - if not this summer, 100% the next.

My next thought is Danny Welbeck - a player who has really impressed in his opening games for Arsenal but has similar to his player style drifted out of the team. It's clear Mr Wenger thinks highly of the England international but Louis van Gaal's comments of the former United player not scoring enough goals seem to be true, although it's undoubted he's a player of immense quality and as an Arsenal fan I'm happy to see him play.  However, I don't seem him as a natural striker and more of the opposite of a Thierry Henry. Is he a striker we can turn into a winger?

It's certainly worth mentioning Aaron Ramsey after he recorded is 150 game for the club and I for one was more than happy to eat my hat after a player I was highly critical in his early years and blossomed into one of the finest midfielders in the modern game. Ramsey hasn't been a prolific as he was last season but with him in the side there are goals coming from areas that we have found tough in recent years and something I'm grateful for. Hopefully Ramsey can enjoy his find Wembley scoring run and grab one against Reading on Saturday.

One thing I'm confident about is another win at Wembley and all eyes will be on a possible meeting with Liverpool; certainly something that will get my pulses racing and give our team the opportunity to get revenge on Liverpool after Michael Owen devastating double. A final against Liverpool would be all the more memorable given it would be Steven Gerrard's last match for Liverpool, something even I can appreciate.

It's clear the semi final will be a fantastic day out for both sets of fans, and for us Arsenal fans who are now becoming regulars at the home of English football (it's starting to feel like a second home!) we'll likely leave North-east London the happier.

I'm thinking we'll win this match comfortably by 2 or 3 goals - I'm going to back Oliver Giroud to find the net in this one, which should hopefully cover the cost of the expensive ticket!

All is left to say is sit back and enjoy the match and fingers crossed we don't make this harder work than it needs to be!

-Ethan Rowe [Follow our website BiggestFreeBets ]

Burnley vs Arsenal: Match Preview

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It's important to keep the momentum going, not only because of how the table stacks, but also because there's an FA Cup semi final on the way. Burnley are one of the weakest teams in the league, yes, but any away game in the Premier League has the potential to be quite tricky, as Manchester City found out at Selhurst Park.

And look, this game could be a perfect tune-up on how to approach next week. Both teams - Burnley and Reading - are of a similar ilk, which makes it rather probable that a similar mentality may be required to dispatch away both of them.

Sure, Burnley could be like how Granada were for Real Madrid - earmarking the games they need for survival and entirely giving up on the rest. However, I wouldn't put it past Heisenberg Sean Dyche to look to snatch something away from this game. They've been rather good against the top sides - especially City - and they burst a lung for the smallest half-chance.

This is just one of those games that we need to get through to get to the matches carrying greater credence like against United, Chelsea and next week. However, we shouldn't look to underestimate this opposition. We had a tough time at St. James' and Selhurst Park. There's every chance that today could be akin to those struggles.

Having said that, I'd prefer some rotation. The likes of Alexis Sanchez and Olivier Giroud are in monstrous form, but are due a breather despite having a week of rest. I understand why players like Theo Walcott are not trusted by Wenger, but surely he's Premier League standard enough to get a game today?

While Ospina is a nailed-on certainty in goal, the right back position could offer the manager some food for thought. Mathieu Debuchy is fully fit and raring to go, while the lad from Barcelona is in fine form. Personally, despite progressing as fast as he runs, I still have minor positional doubts about him. That, coupled with the need to rotate a 20 year old fullback who's played almost every match in the past 3 months means that I hope Debuchy gets the nod today.

Gabriel should act as an ice pack for either Mertesacker or Koscielny today, and I hope Kieran Gibbs gets a chance too. There are doubts about his defensive contribution, but again, he should be more than capable of holding out Burnley. Lest we forget this is the same Gibbs who made acres of strides last season and was the undisputed starting left back for a while.

Francis Coquelin should start in midfield along with Ramsey, but it's the rest of the front four that intrigue me. While I think Arsene will choose the safer option of overplaying Cazorla, Ozil, Sanchez and Giroud, I hope at least two of them are rested. We have players like Rosicky, the returning Wilshere, Walcott and Welbeck to provide much needed backup. There's really no point in having these players if they don't get the nod in matches like today.

My gut says that today could be a close match, simply because there doesn't seem to be enough seriousness coming into the game. Wenger was right when he said that we need to stay focused because the two Manchester clubs are breathing down our necks, and I hope we approach this game with the requisite rubber gloves. Certainly not by showing Burnley too much respect and taking them on the counter, but instead by cautiously imposing our style of play and consolidating once we get the lead.

Right, time to catch the second half of the Everton game. See you on the other side.

Up The Arse!

-Santi [Follow me on Twitter @ArsenalBlogz ]

Arsenal vs Liverpool: Match Preview

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The race for second is much better than the race for fourth, but we're in just as much of a risk of falling as we are of rising.

That sounded like a Batman quote, didn't it?

I'm not sure if I'm supposed to be nervous or excited for tomorrow. Our run of form has been encouraging, yet thoroughly overrated. The expectation of defeating Liverpool almost comfortably tends to turn into pressure very quickly, and we don't react favourably to that.

An early goal could be vital here. Once our nerves are settled there's no denying we can devastate almost any opposition. Olivier Giroud and Mesut Ozil, in particular, tend to flourish when the atmosphere is more relaxed. Liverpool have been on a good run but the loss to United would have hurt, and an early breakthrough could turn their confidence to ash.

We must be going for the win. Manchester City are crumbling, and Crystal Palace could take advantage of that. On the other hand, United have a pretty straightforward encounter against Aston Villa. Dispatching away Liverpool will not only keep United at bay and give us a shot at second, but would also do away with Liverpool for good.

I'm wary of Liverpool. They looked like a clueless side earlier this season, but it turned out Rodgers had a plan. Jordan Henderson and Joe Allen are playing well, Sterling and Coutinho give them the extra edge, and they may be missing Martin Skrtel, but Sturridge is seemingly going to make it. It's easy to forget that he almost scored thrice at the Emirates last season.

David Ospina seems set to start in goal, and he should, for he hasn't done anything apocalyptic to warrant a dropping. Mertesacker, Koscielny and Monreal would start in defence, and despite Debuchy returning from injury it seems he may not be match fit enough and Bellerin may get the nod.

The only worry I have about Bellerin is that he tends to drift towards the center a bit too much, but that may work to Arsenal's advantage as Liverpool's presumed left winger - Coutinho - tends to cut inside rather than run down the wings. Alberto Moreno may give him pause for thought though.

I like Bellerin, but if Debuchy is fit enough I hope he's given a start because his experience could bode well for us. This is the business end of the season and an extremely important game, which is why I'd rather not see any mucking about.

Francis Coquelin is the obvious candidate in central defensive midfield, but it's his midfield partner who could win us the game. I really hope that one of Jack Wilshere or Tomas Rosicky are given a role in this game - assuming their fit enough, of course - because this is the kind of game they tend to revel in. Aaron Ramsey and Santi Cazorla are technically sound, yes, but Wilshere or Rosicky add that extra bite and flair in midfield to counter that of Henderson's. It's the manager's call, of course, but I would really prefer seeing a Rosicky or a Wilshere on the pitch.

Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez are somewhat of a given to start, but the question lies as to where to start them. Sanchez should play on the right flank, no doubt, as Bellerin will need defensive support. My gut says Ozil would play on the left with Cazorla in the center, but I really hope that's not the case. Ozil only ever played well once on the left flank (against Aston Villa at home - hardly a barometer of his quality). If Ozil is to start, I don't see any other place to play him than in the hole. If there's no place for him in central attacking midfield, fine, get a Walcott or a Welbeck in there, but please don't diminish his powers out wide.

Giroud's improvement has been fantastic, and we need another performance of that ilk today. There'll be huge pressure on him to cut the mustard, and rightly so. We need an early goal, and we cannot afford to see Giroud have a stinker, like against Monaco. Say what you will about his current form (and I'd probably agree), but Monaco at home was the only other match where the stakes were really high. Giroud has been scoring against big teams this season, which is great, but for me he still has to do more to convince me that he's a reliable Plan A.

We're really wedged in between City and United, and it goes without saying that we need to win all of our games to have a greater comfort zone. This is definitely the time of the season where results are all that counts, even though good performances invariably lead to good results. Take this one game at a time, rest and rotate players whenever necessary, and we could get out of this pivotal stage looking handsome.

This game ought to be really difficult, but it's still winnable. Flying out of the blocks is key, because an early goal will leave them rocking. Maintaining focus is pivotal too. We rode our luck a lot against them in the 2-2 draw against December. Instead of showing them too much respect or give them confidence, we must intimidate and bully them. Because I see little chance of an Arsenal victory if we play on the back foot or keep handing them the initiative.

Come on Arsenal!

Extra reading : Crazy About EPL | Arsenal vs Liverpool : Match Preview and Prediction

-Santi [Follow me on Twitter @ArsenalBlogz ]

Swansea vs Arsenal: Match Preview

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Short post from me today.

We need to take this match very seriously. It'll be the last time in a long time that three points are guaranteed. In addition, Manchester City, West Ham and Liverpool slipped up. The growing sense of feeling is that we can finish second at most. We need to keep our heads down and win matches. I'm confident that we have the quality to overtake City. They seem as mentally distracted a team like ours.

Anyway, our fixtures after Swansea away read:

Manchester United (H)
Dortmund (H)
W.B.A (A)
Southampton (H)
Stoke (A)
Galatasaray (A)
Newcastle (H)
Liverpool (A)

All winnable matches but certainly a testing point of our ability. West Brom and Newcastle provide some breathing space and scope for rotation but we all know that Wenger won't look into alternation so there's no point debating it, really.

Onto the game - I'd hope we employ a conservative 4-2-3-1 instead of a 4-1-4-1. I'd hope we play Ramsey alongside Flamini and discourage him from bombing forward too much. I'd hope we get the burden off Santi, Alexis and Welbeck and bench at least a couple of them. Rosicky, Podolski and Joel Campbell are eagerly awaiting on the sidelines, but if Wenger makes them wait for too long, they may lose their eagerness. We could even give Walcott a go. Roy Hodgson has already included him for England - so it's best to give him some playing time before sending him on internationals. It reduces the chances for an injury.

But, yeah. This is Arsene Wenger. Even hoping for him to induce a bit of rotation or conservativeness is daft thinking. The man only changes decisions out of fear of the crowd turning on him. If the pressure on the manager leading up to Matchday is huge, then we might see 4-2-3-1 or Rosicky/Podolski given a go. Otherwise, forget it.

Koscielny's prolonged injury puts us on thin ice. The likes of Mertesacker and Monreal looked like they were aching for some time off, but they won't get it. Again, we can only hope they don't lose focus. Our defensive situation is farcical enough.

That's me done. Here's to three Arsenal points and Gibbs not pulling another hamstring. Later!

-Santi [Follow me on Twitter @ArsenalBlogz ]

Anderlecht Preview + Schar the solution?

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Champions League action tonight with Anderlecht coming to the Emirates in what should be the most straightforward match in our group fixtures. This isn't a game wherein we have to struggle or dig deep to get 3 points out of. Of course, you can legislate for our team's recent performances as a sign that we're as untrustworthy as they come, but it will still be a huge ask to drop points tonight.

You can be certain that despite their relegation form, Dortmund are getting maximum points out of Galatasaray, and we need to keep pace with them if we want to make amends for our 2-0 defeat at the Westfalenstadion. Our fate in the CL is ultimately in our own hands. If we defeat Anderlecht tonight and Dortmund 2 weeks later we'd be in pole position to finish top of the group regardless of their results, which is obviously preferable to depending on other teams to slip up and make your day.

It goes without saying how important it is to top the group, for we do not want to face any more Bayerns or Barcas to halt our Champions League campaigns. True, despite finishing first in 2012 we had the ill-fate of AC Milan on our way, but that was a problem not of our doing and, lest we forget, a beatable opponent. The fact that we lost 4-3 was down to us, not the draw.

Arsenal in particular badly need a good run in the Champions League. Our hopes always seem to end in March because we tend to mess up in the first leg and leave it too little too late in the second. Our record in entering the knockout stages may be perfect, but we don't really do anything once we're in the room of the crème de la crème.

Bearing in mind that this would be our easiest group fixture, we should be looking into resting our main men. I hope we look to rest at least one of Sanchez, Welbeck or Cazorla, because we won't be as utterly reliant on them in a match like this. Ideally, I would go with a starting XI of Szczesny - Chambers - Mertesacker - Monreal - Gibbs - Arteta - Ramsey - Rosicky - Chamberlain - Podolski - Alexis; but I know the manager too well to know that he'd persist with Welbeck and (probably) Cazorla. The man has no idea of the concept of rotation.

I wouldn't even have many issues with resting Mertesacker for Bellerin and changing the back four to Bellerin - Chambers - Monreal - Gibbs; assuming Bould and Wenger practiced with such a unit these previous days; but we all know that's not going to happen either way.

Tonight may be another time we can give Theo Walcott another good cameo from the bench because despite our recent levels of performance, this game should be more or less over by the 65th minute. Walcott is a great option that could lift the burden off Alexis, and god knows Sanchez needs a breather. If things go well tonight and it's not too rushy-rushy, we could have Walcott starting against Swansea and Alexis gasping for breath on the bench.

It isn't a lot to ask this Arsenal team to get maximum points from this fixture, and it isn't a lot for them to deliver it. So let's do this!

--

There had come a time when we would have been pleased with anyone with a body and a pulse in defence. Schar, a centre back from Basel, offers much more. And judging from his recent quotes, he's available:

"Basel are open to negotiations. My dream remains to have an experience abroad. I'd like the Bundesliga, Premier League or top Italian clubs like Inter, Milan and Juventus. I couldn't say no."

He's young, affordable, available, a short-term and long-term answer. With his contract expiring next summer, surely we can take out £10m out of our pockets and get him in January? In all honesty I've never seen him play, but he sounds a good enough option on paper. A Switzerland Gooner mooted that he's is the best center back in the Swiss league and the first choice in the national team, with good attacking rates, big body presence and a superb header. Sounds like a no-brainer for me.

In other cases I'd scoff and make a Kim Kallstrom-esque joke pertaining to our winter transfer businesses, but something makes me not rule this transfer out categorically. Maybe it's because Wenger openly said that he would be on the lookout for a defender in the AGM. Now, I know that trusting Wenger isn't the most wisest thing one can do, but those quotes were too direct to be passed off as false promises.

But then again, remember this from Gazidis?

--

Right, that's an argument for the long-term. For now, let's just focus on Sanchez scoring four tonight. Till tomorrow.


P.S. This is awesome.

-Santi [Follow me on Twitter @ArsenalBlogz ]

Arsenal vs Burnley: Match Preview

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These set of easy fixtures were meant for us to gain some confidence and fluency in our performances, not scrape past them and dread the Dortmunds and Uniteds.

Anderlecht away and Sunderland was the first time we won two consecutive games this season, if you consider Manchester City to be an extension of pre-season. Pretty much everyone knows how we had to struggle and were lent a kind hand by fortune to seal those six points, but in the end they're six points all the same. Hopefully they're enough for us to find some belief and set a good run in the next three games, after which two home games to United and Dortmund loom.

Against Sunderland, even though we had an unfamiliar defence (to say the least), the team managed to keep a clean sheet. However, even a layman could notice that despite the depth and the technical quality, our attack was as rudderless as they come. Perhaps the return of Theo Walcott could instigate something, but as I had said in my previous post, I remain dubious.

Wenger has lost almost all of his traits that made him an Arsenal beloved in the first place. Our team has lost its attacking sheen since Fabregas and Nasri left. And even though the replacements for them (namely Ozil and Cazorla) are arguably better, the manager has lost the ability to make them click.

I don't think Wenger is ever going to make this team a freeflowing attacking cohesive unit again. If he's too afraid or ignorant to bring Rosicky or Podolski in the starting XI in an attempt to change our attacking dimension, then there's no way he's adapting to wing play counter-attacking football over possession football. That's just not the kind of manager he is.

I doubt Wenger even knows he's the problem. Jacqui Oatley of all people showed how the manager reacts to being questioned. Even Sir Chips Keswick said that the board keep their heads down when the manager doesn't have a plan. There's no one in a position of authority to demand more than 4th of Wenger, or to recognize the reasons why the team are tanking and hold the manager answerable.

Which is why I'd be surprised if today was the day Wenger solved our attacking woes. Knowing him, he would stick with 4-1-4-1 and Ramsey and Cazorla and Sanchez and Welbeck, even though the latter pair are mentally and possibly, physically exhausted. Even though Cazorla and Ramsey are my favourite player, I know that Santi needs to be given a time out and Ramsey should be played in his proper position, yet Aaron will occupy one of those attacking midfield spots and Wenger will choose Santi over Rosicky in the pecking order.

(To be fair, I appreciated Wenger easing Walcott into the pitch and not throwing him on against Sunderland. Asking him to be patient is completely justified.)

The logic behind overplaying certain starters and religiously benching close substitutes is - well, there is no logic. The players who keep playing every game get jaded and their mathematical probability towards getting injured increases dramatically. Conversely, the players almost always benched lose interest and feel like they've fallen out of favour with the manager. They enter the Vermaelen stage where they angle for a transfer and leave the club short on depth. Once again I ask, what's the point in having able players on the sidelines if they aren't going to be rotated into the foray?

From the manager, it's negligence of the highest order. It's the reason why Fabianski and Vermaelen left this summer window, and the reason why Podolski and Rosicky may be the future casualties.

Even though the manager sends them match-after-match tired and unfocused - not to mention tactically unaware - once again we have to hope they somehow find the stomach to find a win. It's unfair, yes, but that's the Arsene way, apparently.

Burnley is most definitely the worst team in the league at the moment. Should we struggle to beat them (AT HOME), it would speak volumes of where the team currently stands. We need to trash them instead of nick it by a goal or two.

Hopefully Sanchez doesn't overdo his body and find himself with a torn hamstring. Oh, and we win.

P.S. Apologies for not having a post in midweek, but Vib_H had other commitments to attend to.

-Santi [Follow me on Twitter @ArsenalBlogz ]

Sunderland vs Arsenal: Match Preview

"Seriously boss, I don't look like Lewis Hamilton, do I?"

Preview | Pre-match conference | Team news

The last time we visited the Stadium of Light, a side largely buoyed by Ozil's purchase and Ramsey's form comfortably beat them 1-3. However, despite Sunderland coming into this match with shattered mindsets in the wake of an 8-0 Southampton hammering, I still expect this game to be close.

Sunderland - before a Tadic and Pelle inspired Saints side breezed them off the park - had one of the meanest defences in the league. Even though I tipped them for relegation at the start of the season, Gus Poyet had managed to tighten things up at the back, with ex-Gunner Vito Mannone and new boy Vergini standing out.

Our forward approach play this season has been dysfunctional, to say the least (Ironically enough, I've said this the most!). Despite having an array of attacking talent, as a unit we've simply failed to click and have had to be bailed out by Sanchez on a number of occasions. If the Black Cats stay compact and maintain their shape in their own den, there is every reason for us to create minimal chances today. Again.

Gus Poyet is a smart man. He must be wise of Arsenal's mishmash defence and one-dimensional attack. If he plays his tactics right and hits them on the break, he could cause a huge upset on Saturday.

In contrast, Wenger needs to inject some diversity into Arsenal's attack. The current system just isn't working. Perhaps he could revert to 4-2-3-1 instead of 4-1-4-1, and shift Santi Cazorla in the middle. He could throw Joel Campbell, Lukas Podolski or Tomas Rosicky into the mix. Heck, he could also hurry Theo Walcott from injury (it seems like that's what he's doing, since Theo has been included in the Matchday squad). Options is something the Frenchman does not lack. It's all about using the right one.

Even though we're looking lackluster in attack and Poyet's side could very well hold us at bay for large periods, I suspect (or rather, I hope) our sheer majority of big names will prove decisive in the end. In addition, I hope that doesn't contribute in more papering over the cracks.


Shit, is Koscielny knackered till the international break?

-Santi [Follow me on Twitter @ArsenalBlogz ]

Anderlecht vs Arsenal: Match Preview

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The Champions League witnessed some extraordinary results yesterday. Sure, one could legislate for the winners of the clashes being expected, but their margins of victories were FIFA-esque. In today's pragmatic and practical footballing world, I strongly doubt we'd see another such night. But of course, in isolation to Arsenal, you really can't predict anything.

The way we've been playing it's like a bull in a china shop - totally random. Wenger has somehow managed to negate a very potent attack with an equally nervy defence. 2-2 draws are starting to become something of a common occurrence, as well as the appearances of Bellerin on the bench. Now, I've always been one of the biggest advocates for him, not least because of his silky wavy hair, but let's not kid ourselves that his inclusion was anything other than the result of a lack of pre-planning and indecision in the market.

Even so, it's likely he won't be playing much of a part tonight. The best back four we can muster would include Chambers - Mertesacker - Monreal - Gibbs. Hardly the best case scenario, but it was apparent that entering into a Premier League season with merely six first team defenders was crying out for such a situation. It was a bold, but pointless gamble, which has backfired two months into the season.

Regardless of instability in defence through injuries and whatnot, I hope we keep a clean sheet tonight, more than anything. Sure, our rocky backline could be used as a reason more than an excuse if we concede one or two, but I really hope that today's mindset lies along the lines of, "Right, we need the whole team to be switched on and defend as a unit, tracking back like Alexis." If we're ever-so eager to play like Barcelona, why can't we defend like them?

I'm getting a bit wary of Alexis and Welbeck as well. Both have played lots of games since they've arrived, and while Sanchez was rested somewhere along the week when we played Villa and Spurs (a much welcome sight, by the way) his constant running about the pitch kind of negated those absences. It's always appreciated to see a player giving his all in the dying embers of the game, but at this rate it'd only be so long until either one of them get crocked owing to a fatigue-related injury. I know that benching them for tonight is a tad too chancy, but I hope there's some plan in order to close the game early so that we can rest them around the 50th minute.

Hope. That's all I can do. Heh.

In short, I'd like a pacey front four of Santi - Ox - Sanchez - Welbeck, with Ramsey and Arteta at double pivots of that 4-2-3-1. Above all else, I hope we don't persist with 4-1-4-1 and move Ramsey further upfield. That formation has proven to be inconsistent (at the very least), and away from home it's an invitation for Anderlecht to pick on our mishmash defence and rookie goalkeeper. Ramsey provides support for Arteta. It's not enough defensive support, but tons better than a 4-1-4-1, which seldom helps us click offensively anyways. Yet you wouldn't put it past Wenger to employ that structure tonight.

Speaking of Wenger - my blog has, for me at least, being a succinct representation of how my views deteriorated towards him. This time last year, I said: "A very happy birthday to Arsene Wenger. I still have my doubts on you, but I sure as hell have a lot of respect for you too."

It's amazing how time changes you. Today I want him out and I want him to lose the pretend image he has created for himself in the footballing world. Exactly a year of false promises, dithering and refusal to accept accountability has blown my respect for him with a shotgun.

That was a weird figure of speech, in hindsight.

Him turning 65 will not change my perception of him. I'm willing to plaster a sad smile the day he leaves for the sake of people who do respect him, but the fact remains that he has done little to merit the royalty he receives over the past half a decade. Of course I'll stick it out as a supporter because I love almost every other aspect of this club, but my preference would still remain him seeing removed from the club on our terms, not his.

More on that here. For now, a win would be swell, thanks.

-Santi [Follow me on Twitter @ArsenalBlogz ]

Analysing Wenger's pre-Villa quotes

Preview | Pre-match conference | Team news

I don't generally do this, but when I heard Wenger's presser I had to cringe. There was just too much stupid in there.

Loads of evidence-compelling stuff yesterday, one which many may have noticed, but I'd like to point out.

On transfers

When asked about signing free agents for cover (like Yobo, who could provide defensive cover) Wenger said: "We cannot do anything now."

Well, you could in August. Arsenal reported £170m in cash reserves yesterday. It's certainly reasonable to argue that two defenders and a defensive midfielder would have only cost north of £50m at most. I find it nigh on impossible to believe that there weren't any defenders (or DMs) available who would be content being at Arsenal for backup.

On Ozil

Ozil's decline has been clear to most except Wenger. He seems to think that his terrible run of form has only stretched back to a few weeks, when it is actually close to a year.

"It takes a few weeks for people to get back to their best after the World Cup."

Now, I could sound out names like Messi and Fernandinho to dispel this ridiculous equation, but Wenger defending Ozil in such short-term ways worry me. Has Wenger not noticed that, after his bright start to London, he's faded since as early as last November? The media caught on to Ozil failing around February, but I noticed it around November. Here's a quote I wrote around a year ago:

"Which brings me to Ozil's dip in form. I couldn't help but notice how he constantly kept playing back passes and safe passes to his teammates, in recent games. After his brilliant start, he seems to have faded away from the game to the point of almost being invisible at times. And it's not like he's being played out of position. Ozil has being playing almost every match in the central attacking role, but currently not living up to the £42m transfer fee.

Maybe that's the problem. The fact that Arsene is overplaying him even when he's sick suggests that the rigours of the league might be getting to him. And while that may be the case, I think that his dip in form is down to his teammates, and not him."

Has much changed? Well, the runners have come, but he's still being played out of position and overplayed! Wenger has put too much pressure on him - forcing him to take penalties, playing him in almost every single game (including Coventry home, SMH), and saying "He will compete for Player of the Season next season."

And what does Wenger have to reply to that?

"We should not be concerned and just support him."

Supporting is creditable, but blindly assuming that a player is good when he isn't is tantamount to idol worship. We want to believe something when it doesn't. So let's just call it a day and call someone accountable, either Ozil or Wenger.

"Why should he [Ozil] be made a scapegoat? We've lost one game since April. Let's be realistic."

Let's be realistic, Wenger? All right, I'll play your game. Performance wise, we've only delivered excellent showings against Norwich away and disinterested teams like Newcastle or Man City in the Shield. We may be unbeatable, but we could have easily lost against Everton, Besiktas or (would you believe it) Leicester. To bring things to Ozil, he's participated in only one goal for 19 games.

"People have ups and downs in their life."

That'd be a fair point if Ozil's 'downs' didn't last for 10 months.

He did bring up a reasonable point about Ozil, saying: "[His positioning] is a secondary thing. He has freedom to go where he wants, when he has it [the ball]."

He's right in a way, because suggesting that Ozil playing on the left is the only source to the problem is wrong. That's not restricting his game in any way. However, where Wenger misses the point is - why play him on the flank, then? Ozil isn't a guy who will track back if he loses the ball in the final third. We're confining Ozil's strengths as well as weakening our left hand defensive channel.

Which brings me to tactics.

On tactics

"It's difficult for me to explain the subtleties, but [in short] not a lot has changed."

Geez, give me a break please, Arsene?

We've replaced a defensive-minded right back with an attack-minded right back. We've isolated Arteta (already a weak link enough) by removing his support, Aaron Ramsey. By changing Ramsey's position, we've made Arteta weak as well as restricted some of Ramsey's strengths - tackling. So yes, Wenger, a lot HAS changed.

When asked what was his thinking to switch to a 4-1-4-1, he said:

"We failed in some games, so behind that is the thinking. We need to be solid in more games."

Well, the way I see it, this new formation has made us weaker in defence. The answer to stopping away-day blues is isolating your DM, going backwards number-wise defensively, overplaying Mertesacker and Koscielny, giving Ramsey an advanced role (which means fewer tackles from him), and asking Mesut Ozil to track back?

Worst. Plan. Ever.

"We need to find the balance [between attack and defence]. Even when Arteta plays he is initially an offensive player."

So maybe we should have bought that DM, then?

"We need to find the balance, so that is why explaining it is not an easy subject."

I think I'm alone in speculating this, but I got the vibe that Wenger was trying to avoid the tactical phase of the pre-match conference. I think the only reason he switched to a 4-1-4-1 was to fit Wilshere and Ozil in the same team, and play Ramsey in a more attacking position, hoping he'd get more goals out of him. It seems like idealistic thinking, but it failed. Hopefully Wenger's not too stubborn to change it back to 4-2-3-1.

Who am I kidding? We will continue to see 4-1-4-1.

UPDATE: Well, what do you know? Word is we're reverting to 4-2-3-1!

Anyway, after some guff on grass and Chambers, when someone asked Wenger again to clarify on his tactical 'approach', Wenger gave him the classic indirect insult:

"There are plenty of tacticians in the world who have managed zero games."

For Christ's sake, Arsene. You don't need to be a football manager or have an Economics degree to see that Arsenal are weak down whichever channel Ozil is played in. You don't need to work either one day in football or 10,000 to see that Arsenal will not win the Premier League. Could you please have some humility?

To end, here are some more ludicrous comments in the presser. Also, you can read a proper preview here.

"We came out of Saturday thinking that we put in a good performance."

"We dominated physically against Dortmund."

-Santi [Follow me on Twitter @ArsenalBlogz ]

Dortmund vs Arsenal: Match Preview

Preview | Pre-match conference | Team news

The last time I saw Arsenal play at Westfalenstadion, it turned out to be one of my best moments as an Arsenal supporter. To be under the cosh and yet snap out an important win in a difficult stadium was absolutely fantastic. There were  a lot of wins last season where we were faced with a tough battle and nicked it, but the Dortmund one felt especially sweet.

We have an easier Dortmund tonight, though. One stripped off Lewandowski, Reus, Gundogan, Sahin and Hummels. Much like City three days ago, we're facing a top team without plenty of its top players. Unlike Saturday, we should be taking advantage of that.

Defensively, we're desperately short. Debuchy has been ruled out for a reported 3 months, and Monreal has been another confirmed absentee as well. Bellerin's made the plane to Germany to add up the numbers. Now, I like him and I'm happy that he's been given a chance to perform, but let's not pretend he's not an inclusion out of force. Wenger's weird choice to accumulate only six defenders was courting disaster, and so it has proved.

Midfield and forwards provide plenty of depth, and invariably, options. I think this is one of those games I'd like to see a Rosicky or Chamberlain start, for that's the point of having quality in depth. You can't keep overplaying Ramsey and Sanchez when you have fresher - if not better - options in reserve.

The 4-1-4-1 worked well against Man City, but trying that again is risky. I hope we try a safer 4-2-3-1 this time around. Dortmund are well-known for incredibly high pressing. If we leave our DM alone, he might lose the ball cheaply in the middle of the park.

Klopp is one of those managers who likes a high-pressing game. Instead of playing slower footballers, we should look to counter their philosophy by pressing them. I'd love to see a lineup of Szczesny - Bellerin - Mertesacker - Koscielny - Gibbs - Arteta (as DM) - Wilshere (CM) - Cazorla (CAM) - Rosicky (RW) - Chamberlain (LW) - Welbeck.

Sanchez was monstrous on Saturday, but he's played every game so far. I love his high-intensity pressing game and it could be particularly useful tonight, but I fear he might do his hamstring if he keeps playing thrice a week. Oxlade-Chamberlain is an excellent alternative to him.

While the both of them may not be playing just as well, I feel Ramsey and Ozil should be benched as well. Both need to be rested rather than dropped, because aside from them being off-form, they have also played too many games. Arteta had a great game the last time we went to Signal Iduna Park, while Flamini isn't as reliable as him. I really think that if Flamini can refine his game a bit more he'd be a very good defensive midfielder, but it is what it is I guess.

More than results, I hope our performances start to come together. We actually have a great attack and some great attacking options in midfield, but we haven't found the right formation or tactical approach to make it work. I seriously doubt Wenger is the man to make us "click", but I still hope that he finds a way around it.

It has to be said, though, if we line up with the same formation and positioning as on Saturday, we could be in for a shocker. Ozil on the left is an interesting experiment, but Dortmund away is too big an occasion to continue that. 4-1-4-1 is a huge gamble away from home, especially against a Klopp side that can surround Arteta, rob him of possession and storm down a new-look defence.

Wenger, in the presser, already hinted that we'd see more or less the same lineup as on Saturday. When asked about rotating the squad, he said:

"No, not necessarily. We have recovered well."

I hope we win this game, but if Wenger lines up with the same formation and players, it's hard to see that happening.

Good luck to the boys, though. Most of them seem a committed lot, and I hope they pull out something from Germany. Come on Arsenal!

-Santi [Follow me on Twitter @ArsenalBlogz ]

Welbeck conspiracy and City quickie

Really interesting presser from Wenger yesterday. After an 8 day hiatus from social media - one that notably happened as soon as Welbeck signed for the club - the boss was forced to face the media as part of the obligatory pre-match conference. When asked about Danny Welbeck, with no place for cover, Wenger stunningly said:

“If I had not traveled that day, Welbeck would not be here. The coincidence made that because I was on my way. If I stayed at home, Welbeck would not be here today. I will tell you that story one day but that’s the truth.”

I didn't find it particularly strange that Wenger had gone to Rome on deadline day. Lest we forget, he had gone to Switzerland around the same day 3 years ago, and we had signed Yossi Benayoun, Per Mertesacker, Mikel Arteta and Andre Santos that day. Until Arsene's "admission", I took conspiracy theories like Gazidis overruling Wenger and sanctioning the signing as a bit of a joke. There was no way, I opined, that Wenger would go abroad and come back, only to find a new player or two at his disposal. It seemed unreal.

Until now.

There's plenty of evidence to suggest that Welbeck was indeed a Gazidis buy. Think about it - in whichever corner of the world Wenger was in, surely he had the time and internet connection to cough up four decent sentences on Welbeck? Forget that, if Wenger was fully in the loop and knew Welbeck would be a Gunner hours before he signed, surely it's the absolute minimum formality to keep his quotes prepped?

The inescapable fact is that Wenger has consciously, knowingly and deliberately refused to comment on Welbeck's signing until he was forced to. And when he did, he's gone out and created more uncertainty, fueling the conspiracy theory that explained his 8 day absence in the first place.

Was Wenger unaware of the speculations that were brimming owing to his silence? Was he lost for words? Did he suffer from mini-Laryngitis? Did the Martians invade his house in Rome and threaten to keep him quiet on Welbeck, or else they would murder the Pope? All unlikely.

The only rational conclusion - however unbelievable it may sound to anyone - is that Wenger sulked because Gazidis bought a player behind his back. And don't think that this isn't possible; Wenger stated his contract deal till the last day because he didn't agree with the terms. In the end he caved, hence Gazidis got in guys like Jonker and Forsythe to ail an outdated backroom staff. Perhaps overruling Wenger in buying Welbeck was one too many.

There was the usual guff about the quality and promise, which was followed by this:

“Danny Welbeck is an ideal signing for us because he can play through the middle, where I think is his best position but [he can play] as well on the flanks. His qualities are his team attitude and his pace as well."

This worries me, but doesn't genuinely take me aback by any stretch. Wenger is well-known to misposition people and Welbeck could be another victim due to his "versatility". I could be wrong by a mile, but with Wenger at the helm there's no way I'm ruling it out.

If (as retaliation to Gazidis sticking his oar out and paying over the odds for Welbeck), Wenger decides to play Welbeck on the left or bench him in favour of Sanogo, that would completely cap the conspiracy. It would absolutely, beyond reasonable doubt, prove that Wenger's pissed at Gazidis and is doing all he can to ensure project Sanogo lives.

Welbeck is a fine player, but sacrificing him for Sanogo would throw 16 million down the drain. I genuinely wonder how Wenger's apologists would justify that.

Man City at the Emirates is beatable, but under Wenger - a manager who plays Ozil on the left and persists with an incompatible formation - I'd be amazed if we win. We have the potential to do so much better, but Wenger is holding us back. Hopefully, it's only a matter of time before everyone realizes that.

UPDATE: #Arsenal team to play Manchester City: Szczesny, Debuchy, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Monreal, Flamini, Wilshere, Ramsey, Alexis, Ozil, Welbeck

Meh, the AKB's would probably blame injuries and referees anyway.

-Santi [Follow me on Twitter @ArsenalBlogz ]