february 22nd
So here we go again. Another big European night awaits and we’re all hoping it’s another Inter Milan or Roma and not another Valencia or Chelsea. Maybe this time there’s even more weight of expectation given our league position. Obviously this is a two-legged tie so while the result of tonight’s game is important it’s not the be all and end all. A win would be fantastic, a draw perfectly acceptable and even a defeat won’t be the end of the world provided it’s not a 4-0 hammering and we grab an away goal or two. So while there’ll be plenty of attacking it won’t be gung-ho especially as the defence is a little bit makeshift without Sol Campbell and probably Ashley Cole who Arsene Wenger has described as a little ‘flat’ after his illness.
There’s going to be a bit of focus on the two goalkeepers involved too. Jens Lehmann and Oliver Kahn are about as friendly as Roy Carroll and an Evertonian’s coin and are rivals for the number one shirt when the World Cup comes to Germany next year. It’s just a bit of added spice really but both players will want to impress. Arsenal will certainly want a better performance than their last visit to the Olympic Stadium – we lost the game, played terribly but other results saw us qualify from the group stages that night.
Speaking before the game Patrick Vieira revealed the Arsenal players are hungry for success, particulary in this competition. The Arsenal captain said “We have learned a lot in the last few years and it’s time for us to show that.” Arsenal fans have heard that quote more than once in the past few years, let’s hope this time they can show what they’re made of and not do themselves another injustice in Europe. The Standard reports that Freddie Ljungberg is going to play up front with Thierry Henry so José can play on the left to attack Sagnol and no doubt that means Pires on the right.
In other news José Antonio Reyes has been charged with violent conduct and faces a three match ban as Dennis Bergkamp appeals against his red card from the Sheffield United game. It’s amazing to think the United player can rake his foot down Cesc’s head without punishment but two Arsenal players are facing a total of 6 games out for what was little more than handbags after the incident. But then we know what the FA are like so I won’t be holding my breath for a positive outcome on this one.
The draw for the FA Cup 5th round was made and it’s a chance for revenge as Arsenal will travel to Bolton provided they beat Sheffield United in the replay next week. After the league game up there it would be nice to give Walrus looking cunt and his men a reminder of what we’re really about.
Arsenal goalkeeper Graham Stack appeared in court yesterday to plead ‘not guilty’ to two charges of sexual assault. He was granted conditional bail before his trial on September 19th. Finally if you’ve got an hour to spare check out an epic new column from Safety about Arsenal, English players and European free trade. It’s called Hello World.
So there you go. It’s going to be a long day waiting for the game tonight but it should be fun later on. Come on you Gunners.
