There was the usual press conference yesterday which means there’s plenty of stuff from Arsene Wenger this morning. We’ll start with his rather succint review of the season so far. He said:
We expected better. There have been factors, we have had many offensive players out and all our experienced players basically have been out. We have beaten the big teams and we have lost against the smaller teams who are not fighting for the championship. We are a young team who can beat everybody, but can also lose against everybody.
Quite. Again he urged patience for his team and said that he expected them to challenge for the title next season. I think he’s got a lot to think about between now and the start of next season. Does he sacrifice some of the young players or underachievers to bring in more quality and experience or does he hope that the travails of the last two seasons have made men of his boys? That, however, is a discussion for another time. Today we concentrate on Liverpool.
In team news we’ll be without Jeremie Aliadiere and Gilberto through foot and hip injuries respectively. I suspect we’ll play a 4-5-1 today with a back four of Eboue – Toure – Gallas – Clichy (It’s interesting to see him speak about that back four as the one he feels to be first choice. He doesn’t say it exactly but that’s what you would infer from his words. I suppose we can only judge them once they’ve played together for a few games but there are a couple of them who still have something to prove, in my opinion) and a midfield of Hleb – Cesc – Diaby – Freddie – Rosicky with Adebayor as the lone striker.
There’s a bit of pressure on the midfield, I feel, to contribute. Adebayor can certainly score, he got two for Togo last week, and his energy will be important but the midfield, with -3 goals all season between them, simply have to get their shooting boots on if we want to win this game. A draw wouldn’t be the end of the world by any means but if we win we’d go four points clear of Liverpool and have a game in hand in the race for third place. Even a loss would still give us the chance to go ahead of the Mug Smashers because of the game we have but we need a result today to build confidence. Fingers crossed.
The boss also denied a charge of improper conduct in relation to his comments about the officials after the Carling Cup final. He has requested a personal hearing and, given his ‘previous’ this season with the FA he’s going to have to be at his most charming to prevent a very serious fine and a probable touchline ban. He also says he’s not bothered by all the talk of Arsenal being taken over by the Krankies.
Right, well that’s about that. Whatever happens it’ll be good to have real football back. Time for breakfast then I’m off to watch it around the Mug Smasher’s gaff. Reaction and reportage mañana.
Finally, as today is the 6th anniversary of the death of David Rocastle, this video seems appropriate. And don’t forget the Rocastle Trust. Cheers, Rocky.
