Shall we start with some early morning Cesc? I think we shall.
Young master Fabregas has defended Arsene Wenger from any criticism he’s been getting for fielding a weakened side against Sevilla on Tuesday. He said:
The only team that can do something as brave as that to develop young players is Arsenal. The manager only deserves praise for it. I have also learned from defeats like that in the past when I was a younger player.
I read some people suggesting that Gallas and Adebayor didn’t need a break and in the context of the Sevilla game only that’s probably true. However, with so many games to play in December and with the manager’s sights firmly set on the league title this season it’s completely understandable. Cesc then went on to talk about his injury, saying:
I’d say I’ll be fit for Saturday, but the doctors are always trying to be a little bit careful. We will see the reaction.
Fingers crossed he’s ok but if we do lose him for a couple of games there are worse games to lose him for than Villa, Newcastle and Boro. Not that I’m taking anything for granted. Villa’s league position is very impressive and it’s going to be a tough game at Villa park but I’d rather he missed those games than the one against Chelsea, for example. There’s been no official word from the club but various reports this morning are suggesting he’s going to miss 10 days which would encompass those three games. No point on making any real comment on that until we get confirmation from the club one way or the other.
Arsene Wenger is set to receive a 1 match ban from UEFA for his sending off in Sevilla. It’s a mandatory punishment although he can appeal. If upheld it would mean he’s not allowed sit on the bench or enter the dressing room and, if Chelsea have taught me anything, he can only communicate with the bench via some bloke wearing an earpiece covered by a silly looking hat. Arsene might also have his ban extended as he did not retreat to the stands, something UEFA insist on. The manager’s defence is that there was no way for him to access the stands so we’ll have to wait and see what happens. Comments from UEFA’s spokesman, William Gaillard seem to suggest further punishment will be forthcoming. He says:
If you are expelled from the technical area then you have to leave. The case concerning Arsène Wenger will be looked at again but the rules are quite clear on this. It is no excuse for a manager to say he could not find a seat.
No doubt Michel Platini will stick his oar in and have him banned for life, the curly snotbucket. With only one group game remaining we face the possibility of Arsene being banned for at least the first game of the knock-out stages when we play Barcelona at home.
Manuel Almunia thinks we can still top the group and he’s right. We can. So there. Gilberto thinks we have to put this defeat out of minds and concentrate on the league and he’s right. We do. So there.
Not much else going on so I’ll take myself off and have breakfast and start the in-depth preparations for tomorrow’s Arsecast. Oh yes. You think I just make it up as I’m going along but no. It’s all scripted to within an inch of its life and the ‘uhms’ and ‘ahhs’ are simply there to add that made up on the spot ambience to the whole thing.
Until tomorrow.
