december 2nd
08.48 – Patrick Vieira has described the time he’s spent out injured as a nightmare. The captain says “I’ve been working hard with fitness coach Tony Colbert for the last 10 days and I’m feeling good. I always saw the Wolves games as a possible return. The last couple of months have been a nightmare, to be honest. I just want to play so much.”
And tonight he’ll make his return to the first team as he lines up alongside Spanish youngster Cesc in the centre of Arsenal’s midfield. Arsene Wenger is determined to give as many kids as possible a game, as he believes the experience will do them good should they be needed later in the season. “I will play the kids again. It is only fair that people know that – I don’t want to cheat the fans so that’s why I’m telling them in advance.”
We’re likely to see more of Aliadiere, plus David Bentley could be involved, as well as Papodopolus, Quincy, Ryan Smith and others. Unfortunately we won’t see Philippe Senderos as he’s injured, but Martin Keown could get a run out at centre-half, possibly alongside Tavlaridis. We’ll also see MC Stacker in goal. Word.
Luis Figo has called Arsenal the ‘biggest threat’ of all the English clubs still in the Champions League. The Real Madrid man says of Arsenal’s 5-1 win over Inter Milan “That result was incredible. To score so many goals against an Italian side away from home — you just don’t see it happening.”
Imagine if Arsenal do well in the FA Cup and get to the final. Imagine, and it takes a bit more imagination, that Arsenal do really well in the Champions League and get to the final. Imagine FIFA then turning around and saying that two days before the FA Cup final Arsenal have to release their French players, and Brazilian players for an exhibition game against Brazil as a celebration of FIFA’s centenary year. It could happen.
Still feeling as sick as a god. Stupid dyslexia inducing cold. More later.
