Morning all, a quick round-up this Saturday morning ahead of game against Boro.
AW had his Friday press conference and was full of interesting stuff. He was entirely more gracious than I would have been about Ashley Cole while Cole said he ‘forgives’ Arsenal for what happened. That’s a bit like fucking your brother’s wife then forgiving him for having such a pretty wife. And he’s a Chelsea fan now too. That poor boy just totally ruined his life.
Another ex-Gunner, José Antonio Reyes, says not being picked for the Champions League final was a big reason why he wanted to leave Arsenal. He’s right that he did play a full part in qualifying for Paris but I suspect one incident in particular swayed Arsene Wenger against playing him ahead of Pires.
It was during the semi-final at Villarreal. Close to the end of the first half and we were under some serious pressure. Reyes took the ball on the edge of our box, ran with it about 15 yards, got tackled and gave possession back to them. Instead of getting up and chasing back he rolled around on the ground as if he was injured. Then he had to go off the pitch to get treatment he didn’t need from Gary Lewin leaving us still under serious pressure and down to ten men for no good reason.
That he didn’t play in the final must have hurt. That’s understandable but to my mind it was all his own fault.
The boss also spoke about new Brazilian, Denilson, and said he had everything required to be successful in central midfield. I’d imagine we’ll see him in the Carling Cup.
Today’s team against Boro sees Djourou fit so William Gallas, who AW thought was going to go to AC Milan, will make his debut at left back and he’s happy to do so. Theo Walcott is rested though despite a very impressive goal in midweek for England U21s. Apart from Lauren, Senderos, Clichy and Diaby everyone is fit and available and just looking at it now when those 4 come back it really does add some depth, talent and experience to our squad.
I’m going into Frazer’s on O’Connell Street to watch it. Come on the Arsenal.
