january 13th
Well, normal service is just about resumed, I think. I have to say a big thanks to Tom for keeping things going in my absence during what has been a difficult time. I shall buy him a pint. Of whiskey. Thanks, Tom!
So it’s been a bit of a weird time for Arsenal while I’ve been away. Results have been as good as you’d expect (Man City apart) but there seems to be a strange atmosphere around the club at the moment. Last season there was a very obvious togetherness within the squad, this season we’re still waiting for Sol to sign, Edu still hasn’t decided what he’s going to do and despite being a very popular member of the squad he’s out in the cold until he does (and if he’s off then he’s likely to stay out in the cold), Jens is full of fighting talk about his situation but it seems obvious the boss has made his mind up about the German’s future if his unusually barbed comments are anything to go by, while Lauren is understandably a little peeved after only being offered a one year contract at the age of 27.
The Lehmann situation in particular seems strange. I was told before Christmas that there may well have been a bust-up between manager and keeper and all the evidence points to this having more than a grain of truth. We know how cautious Wenger can be when it comes to important positions, especially goalkeeper. We know how long he chose Seaman ahead of Manninger, Taylor, Wright et al, preferring experience over raw talent but now we see him choose a Spaniard, who’s had about as much first team football as I’ve had Brazilian supermodels, over his vastly more experienced counterpart. Something has gone on, Jens has been quite outspoken in recent days, he’s got the World Cup on his mind, there have been reports that he’s been warming up on his own and whatever has happened it’s not good for the team or the moral of the squad to have somebody so obviously isolated and unhappy. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Jens move in the transfer window and another keeper get signed. That’s not based on any information just a hunch. Anyway, there’s a bit going on at the club at the moment and to be honest I think the sooner we get it all sorted the better, but I’m sure the boss knows what he’s doing.
In today’s news a move for Michael Essien might be on the cards as reports suggest Gilberto is likely to be out until April and Edu won’t sign a new deal. As Tom reported yesterday he comes with the Grimster’s seal of approval so that’s good enough for me. David Bentley’s great season continues as he’s done ligaments in his knee and now Norwich want to send him back because he’s faulty. Emmanuel Eboue made his debut against Stoke and he talks about how he came to join Arsenal and other stuff while Ipswich want to keep on loan Danny Karbootsale for a bit longer.
Finally for today I must share the heartwarming tale of my new Arsenal mug. Having been reminded of his foolhardy and reckless ways on this very site my brother presented me with a brand new Arsenal mug on Christmas day and he still hasn’t managed to smash it into little bits. What a good and smelly brother I have. If anyone else needs me to name and shame crockery breaking relatives just slip €20 into a card and send to the usual address.
How are all you lot then?
