Really not a huge amount going on this morning, as you might expect in the first days of a near two week break for internationals. The boss spoke yesterday and uttered two words which will come to be used time and time again, I think, like his famous caviar and sausage quote. He spoke about ‘punctual trophies’, saying:

I am as frustrated as the fans are, but I feel as well that it is not the only target and only aim of a football club. There is something bigger inside the Club more than the punctual trophies you go for. It is about the development of the team, the future of the Club and the football we want to play. Trophies are a consequence of that.

Now, I think I know what he means. He’s basically saying that there’s going to be a bit of short term pain in return for some long term gain, just in a typically roundabout way. And to be honest I think the majority of fans can and will accept that once they see that in the short terms efforts are made to address some of the problems we have. Again that boils down to what happens in the transfer market this summer and while we all realise some of the young players will be better for their experience this season some of the not so young players remain unconvincing and ripe for a good old fashioned culling.

Around some of the other blogs East Lower asks when the boss will return to Philippe Senderos in defence. The big Swiss has struggled this season, no question, but for me he remains a good prospect and capable of a long term future at the club.

Gunnerblog reckons Abou Diaby should play every game between now and the end of the season and sees him as the long term partner for Cesc. If, as I think will happen, we revert to a 4-5-1 with Adebayor as the lone striker with someone like Rosicky or Freddie supporting then there’s a place in the side for Diaby. Gilberto can anchor the midfield and Cesc and Abou can do their work ahead of him. In a 4-4-2 it’s hard to see a place for him just yet as we’ll stick with the experience of Gilberto who should move back into midfield for the Liverpool game. He’s an exciting prospect though and I’m hoping he doesn’t come back from international duty banjaxed.

That aside there’s not much else happening on the blogs apart from some people tediously dragging out a week old drama in search of hits. Give it a fucking rest.

There will, of course, be an Arsecast this Friday (handily sponsored by Savile Rogue now that it’s gone cold again!) and I’ll have more details of what’s coming up on that tomorrow. Also, if you notice things going a bit wonky around here today I’m just fiddling around under the bonnet a bit.

Until then…