Before I start this morning’s round-up it’s fantastic timing to see an article by football’s most pompous, bombastic writer, our old friend James Lawton. The irony of him referring to Arsene Wenger as the ‘village bigot’ is quite delicious.
Obviously his article stands up to little scrutiny and for those wondering about the timing please listen to yesterday’s Arsecast , you see what I mean. Lawton previously here and here.
Moving onto the news William Gallas wants to play in the Carling Cup final. He says it’s not just because it’s against Chelsea but because it’s a good opportunity to get some match practice after being out for three months. With the games coming up like Michael Owen, thick and fast, he’ll have plenty of time to get back to full fitness. However, he does admit the youngsters deserve to play after their exploits in getting there.
There’s been plenty of talk from the players as well. Philippe Senderos says Arsenal is a unique place for young players, Kolo Toure believes the character of the team will stand them in good stead against Chelsea, Julio Baptista says what he’s done in the Carling Cup shows he’s capable of doing the business for Arsenal, Theo Walcott talks about his days as a Chelsea ballboy (hopefully he’s made a full recovery) and how he doesn’t feel under any pressure.
Leaving aside Jose Mourinho’s hour after hour of talking about himself and how great he was yesterday Arsene Wenger spoke about the ‘risk’ he’s taking by playing his inexperienced players against Chelsea tomorrow. Clever stuff really, it takes the pressure off his players, nobody can accuse them of bottling it if they don’t win and makes it look like Chelsea are the only ones with anything to lose tomorrow.
Personally, I reckon the lads have done fantastically well to get the final and whatever happens they deserve all the praise and plaudits they get. That said, they’re not going out there on a jolly – if you go to Anfield and put 6 past Liverpool, no matter how ‘weak’ that team is then on your day you can beat anyone. I think it’s going to be a good match and I have a sneaky feeling we’re going to do them.
Don’t forget the lucky beers though. You all need to drink lucky beers. For those of you going to Cardiff tomorrow and looking for Arsenal friendly pubs can you thank the lovely Llinos for the following list:
The Gatekeeper, Westgate Street, opens at 9am and serves breakfast,
Dempseys, Castle street (opp Castle) opens at 11am and serves food
O’Neills, Trinity Street, opens at 12 noon and serves food
The Owain Glyndwr, Church Street,
Callaghans Irish Bar, Castle street (right next to Gate 1) opens at 12 noon not sure about food,
The City Arms, Quay Street, opens at 11am, serves food
The Model Inn, Quay Street, opens at 12 noon, serves food
The Rummer Tavern, Castle Street (opposite the Castle) opens at 11am
Queens Vaults, Westgate Street, open at 12 noon and serves food
The Old Arcade, off St Mary Street, opens at 12 noon and serves food.
So there you. In the meantime we can keep an eye on the Premiership and hope some results go our way as well. Till tomorrow, Arserinos.
