Later this afternoon I shall take my tired and slightly *boilked* carcass to the pub where I shall watch us play Chelsea.
At this moment in time I don’t know how I feel about it. All I know is my head hurts quite a bit but that’s the awesome power of Jameson for you. Pretty much everything that has needed to be said about the game has already been said. We know we need a reaction from the United game, we know we need to work harder and put more effort in, we know we need to be better defensively, more disciplined when we go forward and we know that if and when we create chances we’ve got to take them.
Knowing is one thing though, doing is a completely different kettle of fish. Chelsea know that if they beat us today the title is essentially a two-horse race. United had a fun day out yesterday against Portsmouth and are now top of the table, 7 points clear of us. We have to be aware that a loss today will see the Mugsmashers arrive at the Grove on Wednesday knowing they could get to within 2 points of us if they win the game.
Massive. Huge. Enormous. Gigantic. Titanic. Supple. All words which perfectly describe the importance of this game. The preview on the official site says Bendtner is not fit to start, which is a disappointment, while Diaby could be ‘in the squad’. I worry that without at least some physical presence we’ll find today even more difficult than it promises to be. If neither of Diaby or Bendtner are starting then it’s going to be essentially the same team that played against United. In midfield though I’d bring in Ramsey for Denilson who, based on his recent performances, really doesn’t merit his place in the team. Let him work hard and get his place back that way. To see him line up again today after his pitiful effort last week would be depressing.
Midfield aside, two of the back five wouldn’t fill you with much confidence these days but again, what choice does he have? I’d be inclined to play Fabianski, it’s clear the manager is not of the same frame of mind, citing the Pole’s poor performance against Chelsea in the FA Cup last season. It’s curious logic to me and I think the real reason is that despite how poorly Almunia is playing he doesn’t think Fabianski is any better. The Telegraph speculates that the player we came close to signing on Monday was Thomas Sorensen. I have to admit that’s not the rumour I heard about the player we were after.
In today’s Observer Amy Lawrence writes about the keeper situation at the club. Arsene says of Almunia:
I think he puts a lot of pressure on his shoulders. Too much.
So, essentially, he can’t handle pressure. Rather a striking admission from the manager. Chelsea are clever. They’ll have watched the tapes and they won’t give him an easy time. Or Gael Clichy at left back. Bottom line though is that both of them are going to play today and let’s hope they can come through their recent troubles and put in decent performances.
Perhaps there might be a start for Theo Walcott whose pace would certainly trouble Chelsea and he’s scored a couple against them in the past (although if he puts us 1-0 it’s a dead cert they’ll score two late on and win it). The manager has been talking up his qualities and his ‘strength’ and starting him as part of the front three today would allow one of Rosicky or Nasri to move back into midfield. Anyway, whatever team we put out we need all 11 men to perform. And while losing would be heartbreaking and painful, I can live with it if we go out there today and really have a go. If we give everything we’ve got then how can you complain if you are bettered on the day?
If we’re sitting here tomorrow though talking about how somebody didn’t track back or made another catastrophic unforced error then it’s going to be tough going. However, I’m going to look on the positive side. The Belgo-Francan Arsenal Supporters Club of Andrei Arshavin Sized People is over in Dublin today and I’m taking their entire membership to the pub today as a lucky charm (he’s not that small! Ed). A win today would do away with much of the bad feeling and set us up nicely for the midweek game. And I know our recent record against Chelsea has been a little on the … well … shite side, but then surely it’s about fucking time we won. Time to kick these cunts right in their cunts.
COME ON YOU GOOOOOOONERS.
In a quick look at the other news this Sunday, The Mirror is reporting we’re set to offer Cesc Fabregas a new deal to help stave off the advances of Barcelona and Real Madrid. They say £120,000 a week. I say fine, pay him whatever he wants. He’s more worth it than all the L’Oreal women in the world put together.
And … er … that’s kind of about it for the other news. I have coffee, I need bacon and newspapers and a bit of recovery before we have at this lot later on. Fingers crossed for a fun day out folks and I’m sure the away fans will be in amusing voice, as ever. Lots to look forward to.
Till tomorrow.
