december 4th
09.14 – Now that some time has passed and we’ve settled down a bit after the 5-1 demolition of Wolves, I think it’s fair to say, without exaggeration, that these are the most talented kids in the history of world football and surely it’s just a matter of time before we dominate everything and eventually become supreme rulers of the universe. *cough*
Cesc Fabregas dedicated his history making goal to his family who were at Highbury to watch him play. Patrick Vieira had some nice words about the Catalan youngster, saying “He has a brilliant future. He is fantastic. He can read the game really quickly. Nobody can say he is too young. I played first-team football with Cannes when I was 17 “
We can see now why Barcelona were pissed off when we nabbed him. Anyway, we give them all our dodgy, knock-off Dutch lads, so they can’t complain. Vieira himself is determined not to rush his comback and wants to make sure he comes back better and stronger than ever for the rest of the season. He also talks to The Sun about how much he’s enjoying life at Arsenal. Two goal striker Jeremie Aliadiere wants to get more first team action, and he’s done his case no harm at all. He spent a lot of time out injured last season when he was on the brink of the first team. He kept a hernia injury hidden and it cost him, but he’s been making up for it. He says “I have worked very, very hard off the pitch. I don’t shirk the physical battle now, I am prepared to get stuck in. When I get opportunities on the pitch I have got to make the most of them.”
He’s likely to get another opportunity in the next round of the Carling Cup when Arsenal take on West Brom, who knocked out Manchester United last night. It’ll be interesting to see how many of the kids will play in an away game. AW is already sounding a bit catious, saying “It’s difficult to know what team I will pick for the next game. My first responsibility is towards the club – you must always make the decision which is right for the club.”
According to The Sun, we’re closing in on long term target Jose Reyes from Sevilla. They reckon Arsenal will make a £5m bid. Considering the Seville President said he’d only sell us his boots for £10m in the summer, I don’t know that this story is terribly true. However, there are strong rumours that the finances for Ashburton Grove are now in place and this should free up some transfer cash for the boss. He’s quoted as saying “If the right opportunity came along at the right price, then why not? I wouldn’t like to say what position I am looking to strengthen because the best way to do it is to sign someone then announce it — rather than announce it and the deal falls through.”
Pascal Cygan has said he might leave Arsenal. Stop the wailing and crying, please. He says “I’ve always made it clear I’d look elsewhere if I wasn’t playing.” Bootle FC are said to be interested and a preparing a bid of £2.50, 3 lambs, some tulip bulbs and a 80 gallon septic tank. True.
