Lots going on this morning so we’ll start with the team news ahead of tonight’s game against PSV. Justin Hoyte picked up a knock at the weekend so the boss has to choose between Johan Djourou and William Gallas for the right back position. I think the Swiss might just edge it with Gallas unlikely to be thrown in after such a long time out. Theo Walcott and Abou Diaby didn’t travel at all with the squad with the boss saying he has Sunday’s Carling Cup in mind for them but there are bound to be others in tonight’s squad who’ll play on Sunday.
I suppose with nearly everyone fit now it shows we have got some depth to the squad if we can leave them out altogether.
PSV will be tough opponents and in Ronald Koeman they have a coach who has frustrated us before during his time at Ajax. At that time they played in a manner not too disimilar from Blackburn, getting plenty of men behind the ball and stopping us playing. I expect something similar tonight as well so an early goal, for us of course, would be welcome. Then they’d have to come out and play a bit which suits us.
Arsene Wenger was questioned about supposed links between PSV and Chelsea and typically had plenty to say about it and Chelsea’s £80m loss announced yesterday. Not really relevant to tonight though.
What was more interesting was the approach we’ll be taking tonight. Obviously we have an advantage with the home leg second but we’ll be trying to win tonight’s game too. The boss said:
The understanding within the squad is very good, there is a high spirit and we are ready for a big challenge. We will try to play our game and score goals.
Crucial to that, in my opinion, are the two wide men – Hleb and Rosicky. They allow us to play with a lot more fluency and help us keep the ball so much better. We’ll need them to unlock the PSV defence. A big performance from Thierry Henry would help too. Not just the team but him as well. He is struggling at the moment but is there anything to be read into it or is he just a player going through a loss of form? Is there too much analysis of Thierry at the moment?
Henry himself is looking for the team to go one better than last year in the Champions League.
Tomas Rosicky has called for focus and says Arsenal must put the Blackburn draw behind them and concentrate on the games ahead.
Arsene Wenger has defended Cesc Fabregas saying his ‘winning mentality‘ is what caused him to have a little bit of verbals with Mark Hughes. Apparently the apology was his own idea, which is great, but I still maintain he had a very good point when he said what he did. Hughes’ reaction was hysterical and over the top, much like his touchline antics.
Philippe Senderos talks to UEFA.com
Well done to the youngsters last night who went through to the semi-finals of the FA Youth Cup after a 3-2 win over Cardiff. Jay Simpson bagged a hat-trick at the Grove last night in front of more than 11,000 spectators. Fran Merida, who impressed in midfield, says he wants to emulate Cesc Fabregas. Can’t fault the lad’s ambition, can you?
And there you go. Here’s to a good result tonight which will make the second leg more comfortable. Until tomorrow.
Update: Just a reminder that there are two Savile Rogue scarves up for grabs for the best email or audio message to this week’s Arsecast. You can email arsecast AT arseblog.com or leave an audio message via this page. The two best, in my opinion, will win the scarf.
