Well I'm glad Arsene Wenger is such a smart guy. He can then explain, somehow, to his squad exactly how they're mathematically in the title chase. And it'll take an explanation like that because our title hopes are, sadly, done folks—you can stick a fork in it. After a dour 1-1 draw to the Scouser's at home in which I very much hope we are saving our energy for the return leg of the Champions League at Anfield. It would be dangerously optimistic to imagine we put in a measure performance to save ourselves for today's midweek encounter and that our good form toward the end was just us trying to nick it, but the truth is we looked incredibly tired—an unfortunate consequence of Wenger's small-squad gamble combined with our injury luck.
So now our attention is turned to the Champions League—our only realistic shot at silverware this season. It's all we have left: lose, and our season is effectively over on April 7. Let's not forget, though, that Liverpool is in the exact same situation. We're all familiar with the usual gum-flapping about Fortress Anfield, but the truth is that they've come up short plenty of times at home. Is Europe what our young, foreign squad really covets? Let's hope so. We need a huge performance, and a way to break down the boring, dour Benitez style: defend, lull the other team to sleep, maybe nick a goal, make funny sign language on the touch line, rub goatee, deflect criticism to owners and budget when things don't go right.
So here's our season, on the line tomorrow. All the low preseason expectations, the subsequent surprise/excitement, the moments of elation or horror, etc., has come to this. Though normally an optimist, I'll be biting my nails for this one...
By Adam Elder
Well all Gooners are hoping for a knees up in the final showdown of the trilogy of games against the hubcap nicking, shell suit wearing, giro getting Liverpool Scallies USA. After two games ended one apiece (three if you count the first Premier League meet up at Anfield) there has to be a winner tonight. As we all know The Arsenal have to score, it's that simple. So for The Arsenal to score and keep a clean sheet would keep everyone well happy tonight. However how Liverpool approach the game will have a huge impact of the style of play. Will the scouser's come out and play? They certainly have the players that can hurt you (Gerrard, Torres and Dirk Kuyt!) or will they lock up shop and they certainly have the players to do that (Carragher, Javier Mascherano and Skrtel). However, it's 'one of those' it doesn't really matter what they intend to do - it's all about us. If The Arsenal perform in the way they know they can, we can definitely beat Liverpool, however if they piss around and make countless sideways and backward passes and not going for the throat then I think we'll be in for a very long frustrating night.
Tonight an injection of pace, verve and a sense of urgency is needed. Players need to stand up to be counted. This is the time to perform. You can talk about our creative play, the innovative way we play our game, the beautiful passing, the collective spirit in the team, the now famous win over AC Milan over at the San Siro, however that isn't going to mean diddly-squat* (*f*ck all) if we fall at the quarter final hurdle. Wenger needs to send his troops into battle and mentally prepare them and tell them to play this game as if it's the last game of the season. As it is it could be the last 'meaningful' game of the season seeing that the Premier League title is out of our hands, but you have to 'try' and believe - that's why we're all football fans. I think there needs to be a battle cry from our captain William Gallas who was on the losing team when Liverpool beat CKSA Chelsea on their way to the trophy in 2005. This is his time, this is where he should be earning his money, this is where Big Willy needs to stand up and be counted.
The question is, who will be playing? Already we all know the boy made of glass, no not Robin van Persie the other one, Tomas Sicky is out, not only this game but for the rest of the season. I can hear you groan from here Gooners. What a welcome site that would be to see a fit Tomáš Rosický on the flanks. However that isn't to be as he is joined in the van Persie Wing of The Arsenal Treatment Room by broken leg victim Eduardo and right back Bacary Sagna. Surprisingly Dutch Master Robin van Persie has been unwrapped from his cotton wool and is apparently going to make an appearance, I make that about four appearances since October, WTF!! So it seems Le Gaffer Arsène Wenger OBE has quite a strong squad to play around with, it just remains to be seen what the wily coach does with it? 4-4-2 or 4-5-1? Eboué or Walcott on the right? Bring back Big Phil and put Kolo Touré at right back? Hleb as a second striker? There's a lot to think about. Here's my team line up seeing that your asking, I'd go for an attacking team, seeing that we need a goal:
Subs:
Jens Lehmann
Nicklas Bendtner
Emmanuel Eboué
Gilberto
Abou Diaby
End of the day Gooners we all know what we have to do and lets not kid ourselves it will be a hard game as we will be playing in front of the famous Kop, who know how to make that '12th man' count. European nights at Anfield are a noisy and partisan experience, lets hope we can quieten down those northern monkeys right quick but more importantly lets hope it's the Gooners who are singing long into the night and leaving ourselves hoarse for tomorrow because if we are not to be victorious there isn't going to be a great deal to shout about - so come on Arsenal - we can do it.
Any road up, if you want to know a bit more regarding the possible team line ups and trivia, the folks at the Beeb have done all the stats and that malarkey, so have a butchers to get yourself up to speed. The Tale of the tape: Liverpool vs The Arsenal
What's your thoughts on the above, team selection and line up? Let us know what you're thinking Gooners. Jump onto The Forum and get amongst it. Liverpool vs The Arsenal
Lastly, I want all you Gooners to believe we can do this, because we can. When the chips are down, the boys have to dig deep. I reckon just to get the blood flowing and get a sense of urgency, commitment and fight The Arsenal staff play a DVD to the players of that famous night on 26 May 1989. If that doesn't get them going then it just isn't blood running through their veins.
We all miss you Rocky, you were not only an Arsenal Leg-end but a right gent as well. Allgoonerdup is holding a new win a t-shirt competition and it's to honour the Arsenal hero. For your chance to win a Rocky t-shirt just answer this simple question, what number shirt did David Rocastle wear for The Arsenal? Get your answers down and let us know your name, size and postal address - job done.
Send your answers to:
iwannafreebie@allgoonerdup.com
Competition ends 30 April.
Good luck Gooners.
For all you Gooners out there that have FaceBook there is a FaceBook page dedicated to Rocky, do yourselves and join up. David Rocastle - Arsenal Legend - Never Forgotten.
We all miss you Rocky.
Forum resident Guildford Gooner has this thought. Well that's it for the league. Our threadbare squad seems to have run out of steam and if I was being really honest I could stomach a loss to the Manc's as long as it makes sure that the chav's don't win it. As long as it's a narrow loss. With another shite penalty decision going against us.
But anyhoo, thoughts on ins and outs for the summer. As magnificent as our young players have been, it's obvious we need a bit more depth.... Jump onto The Forum and read more on the subject and even leave your own comments - the more the merrier. Summer shopping.
Once you get there have a look through the different categories to make it easier to choose just which shirt you want. Is there a shirt you like but would prefer it in a different colour? Well have word via email (shop@allgoonerdup.com) and we'll see what we can do for you, see how helpful the staff are? Go on, have a butchers - The Allgoonerdup Shop
Latest standings after the weekends game.
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Got something to rant about? Want to see what the discussion of the day is? Well jump on board The Allgoonerdup Forum and register if you haven't done so already and have your shout about Arsenal and general football topics.
Make some news: Arsenal blog Le Grove (a great site by the way) is trying to get something done about the noise level (or lack of more to the point) have butchers on their site and add your thoughts or alternatively you can jump onto the Allgoonerdup Forum and stick your thoughts on their - Ashburton Grove - Bring the noise and we'll get the ideas together and send them as well as ours onto the Le Grove boys... That's your lot, we out of here, au reviour mon amis...
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