After a marathon sleep I think I’m back on track. No more hallucinating anyway.
It’s all about the Mugsmashers now. Tomorrow’s game is going to be massive. As Amy Lawrence pointed out on the Arsecast a couple of weeks ago we only need to win one of the three games (goalless draw, win, score draw) will see us through but I’d like to be going to Anfield next week with a lead.
Kolo Toure thinks Liverpool will be afraid of us, saying:
It is going to be really tight, we know that, but we have the quality and I think they will be scared to play against us. We need to show them that we have continued to improve and are even stronger than last season.
Those kind of statements, while I know they’re not made in a taunting way, always strike me as being a bit too ‘red rag to a bull’. Certainly Liverpool will be cautious in the games at the Grove, no question about it, but at Anfield they have an incredible record in Europe and in Benitez a manager who can ‘out tactic’ any manager. Much was made of their wins against Inter Milan but impressive as they were you have to take into account that Inter played with 10 men for essentially one whole 90 minutes after having players sent off in both legs.
Still, you can drag out all the football clichés you want, form will go out the window for these games.
Robin van Persie has called the Bolton result ‘a little miracle’ and he thinks it’s just what we needed to get back on track. He also talks about how he wants to win things for Eduardo, about whom the club released a statement yesterday giving an update on his injury.
Cesc bigs up Fernando Torres, the obvious Liverpool danger man, but tellingly reveals he didn’t get involved in any childish slanging while away on international duty:
He said that he will score a goal, but I preferred to remain quiet, wait and speak later on the pitch.
See, Cesc is mindful of the fact that things like that can jinx a team. If Liverpool do get knocked out it’ll be because of Torres and his quick mouth. Bear that in mind, Mugsmashers. Meanwhile a slap up feed and a good play with his son will prepare William Gallas for tomorrow’s game.
Not much else going on. LA Gooners, I think I’m going to be in the King’s Head in Santa Monica to watch the game. That has still to be confirmed – it’ll happen either in an update to today’s blog or in tomorrow’s blog so keep your eyes peeled. I’ll give you info on how to recognise me as well. I’ll be the cunt with the ginger beard eating the raw potato.
Till then folks, have a fun Tuesday.
