May 21st
So the waiting is almost almost over. It’s cup final day at last and the nerves and butterflies can really kick in. There’s been a lot of speculation about the team with reports yesterday suggesting Sol Campbell would miss out with Wenger prefering Kolo and Philippe Senderos in the centre of defence. That does go against what I was told but things change I suppose. The line-up, as I was led to believe, is as follows:
Jens – Lauren – Senderos – Sol – Cole – Cesc – Gilberto – Vieira – Pires – Bergkamp – Reyes.
Maybe something has happened to change that in the meantime but that’s what I think it’ll be. The only possible change is Kolo for Sol. Subs I suppose will be Manuel – Kolo – van Persie – Ljungberg – Edu.
A strong line-up and a strong bench with players who have the ability to come on and change things. In terms of the way we play we need another performance like the one at Old Trafford in 2002. I think United are going to be physical and we need to roll with the punches, so to speak, without getting intimidated or wound up to the point of retaliation. People have been overlooking the fact that there’s some real talent in the United side, they can play football too.
We need Dennis to show up for 90 minutes against United, for too long he’s been carrying the scars of the 99 semi-final. He needs to put that to bed once and for all. The manager has put a lot of faith in José, not just for today but the whole season. He stuck with him when things were going badly and he’s got every right to expect a big performance from him today. The same with Ashley Cole, it can’t have been easy for someone like Arsene Wenger who has always respected his contracts to see a player he brought through as a kid to fuck him and the club around like that. Payback time, Ashley. And Vieira – same thing, let’s see this talking on the pitch captain. Lead by example today and we’ll win, I have no doubt about it. The boys want this one, big time. They’re going to be up for it.
It’s the most eagerly awaited cup final for years and it’s 26 years after 1979 which is the first Arsenal game I can really remember. There were a whole range of emotions that day and while the last 5 minutes made it memorable I’d be quite happy with an easy 2 or 3-0 win. I will be wearing the yellow and blue away shirt for good luck while Manchester United will be all in black which hopefully willl match their mood at the end of the game. There’s going to be a big Arseblog contingent there – with banner and everything. If you see it try and get a photo.
Those of you going or already there – have a great day. The rest of us will suffer in front of the television with beers and burgers. Come on Arsenal!
COME ON YOU GOOOOOOOONERS!
