Happy Friday to you all. I suppose for many of you this will be the last working day before Christmas so you’d better fill your arses this morning.
Let’s start with early team news ahead of the North London derby tomorrow. The only possible absentee is Theo Walcott who has got the flu so, for what seems like the first time in ages, Arsene has more or less a full squad to choose from. Given how well the lads on Tuesday night played it’s going to mean a very strong bench and some disappointed players sitting right behind it. I think we can probably guess the first XI but Eduardo’s goals may have played him into contention, Will Diarra’s performance have put him ahead of Gilberto? Will Bendtner’s good showing against Blackburn keep him in the mix? What about Diaby? Will the miraculously recovered Eboue get a place on the bench with Hleb moved back to the right? So many questions.
Whatever happens it’s going to be strongest 16 we’ve had available for quite some time. The players know what lies ahead. Robin van Persie knows how much this game means to everyone and he’ll be looking to get his first goal(s) against Sp*rs as he’s likely to start in a 4-4-2 with Adebayor. Our lilywhite neighbours are suffering something of a defensive crisis due to injuries and Juande Ramos has already been on the end of a beating at the Grove this season – however, there’s always that danger that a new manager might somehow make things different. Anyway, we’ll get more from AW later today and it’ll be reported at some stage on tomorrow’s blog (which may be posted moments before kick-off due to a pressing engagement with beer later this evening).
In other stories Jens Lehmann is unhappy again and has been moaning to Kicker magazine in Germany. Talking about Almunia he said:
[He]does not have my class. It’s very frustrating. When I see the performances on the field, I get angry and I have to clench my fist in my pocket.
So, when he sees Almunia making saves and being part of a winning team he’s angry? Would he prefer us to lose so he can get back in the team? As I’ve always said I’d be disappointed if Jens, or any player, was happy sitting on the bench but there’s frustration with that and then downright mischief which is what we’ve got here. The transfer window is opening in January and I think for everyone’s sake it’s best if he goes to play his football somewhere else.
Meanwhile Patrick Vieira has been talking about his old team and how he thinks we’re one of the top footballing teams in Europe. Poor old Paddy has hardly played in months and whether it’s a young guy playing in a way that surprises you or letting a top player go you can’t help but think there’s no better judge of his players than Arsene.
Our young Mexican, Carlos Vela, says he can’t wait to join Arsenal. Currently on loan at Osasuna he’s someone I am really looking forward to seeing in red and white next season. If you saw him playing against Real Madrid last weekend you can’t help but be excited. He’s got pace, skill in abundance and that wonderful audacity that youth brings. Even though he finished on the losing side he stood out and I suspect the left hand side of our midfield could be his for the taking once he’s settled in.
The Champions League draw takes place this morning. My money’s on Barcelona. Bring it.
Update: It’s AC Milan. Lovely. This young Arsenal team will be the one to bring about the end of Milan’s old men.
Now then, Arsecast.
In this week’s festive Arsecast, brought to you with thanks to OleOle.com, we’ve got AWH, the Man in the Bar, Talkshite radio, At Home with Eboue and more. No blogchat again. Everyone’s just too busy these days. At least I think they are. I should ask people then I could be more confident when I say that.
To subscribe to the arsecast in iTunes – click here. To download this week’s arsecast directly – click here (11mb MP3). You can find the arsecast archives here. And you can listen directly below without leaving this very page.
[audio:http://arseblog.com/podcasts/arsecast_episode57.mp3]Ok then. It’s freezing here this morning and I have to go off and do some Christmas shopping. For those of you heading away from web access and work and all that, have yourselves a good festive season. See you on your return. The rest of you I’ll talk to you tomorrow.
