The less said about Saturday, the better. I (thankfully) didn't even see it, so what can I say? But as Arsene would say, our "bouncebackability" this season has been hugely impressive. Unfortunately we'll have to call on it again as we move on from facing the "Red Devils" last weekend to Jesus tomorrow night.
Let's not kid ourselves: Milan, for all their bumbling in Serie A this season, know how to bring their best to the Champions League. And you can't argue with results: two finals in three years – three if some dodgy refereeing decisions hadn't gone against them while facing Barcelona in the semi-finals.
As we all know, they have an odd mix of very young and very seasoned players, with primarily Kaka, Nesta, Pirlo and Gattuso still in their prime. Yet any squad with just those players is a challenge indeed. Where they are exceptionally week is in goal, so I hope Arsene is canny enough to tell the squad to put lots of shots on goal: it's in this department where Eduardo can thrive off of scrambles in the box, parried shots, etc. In addition to being Italian for starters, Milan's defense is one that can likely stand up to our trademark possession and patience in attack.
But what about us? Currently there's a number of questions facing our squad. Sagna, with a serious family problem to cope with, is a doubt. As well Rosicky may or may not be ready, a player I feel we've sorely missed despite our recent results. Clichy should be fit, as are Cesc,
Hleb, Ade, Eduardo, Hleb, Gallas and Flam. So despite my dismay at our FA Cup exit, with a small squad we must prioritize, and leaving the FA Cup was practically an unfortunate necessity should we expect to challenge for two trophies this year. My only wish is that Eboue not get near the pitch. In fact, I'd be fine with Arsene showing him the door. His exit on Saturday was the final straw for me. Actually, he reached it a while ago, it's just that he's still around. I'd be fine with Arsene showing him a trap door – one with sharks, hungry lions alligators and flesh-eating bacteria waiting for him at the bottom. I realise he has tiny flashes of brilliance, but it's outshone by both incompetence and stupidity. Supposedly he's a huge clown in the dressing room, which is no doubt great for daily team morale, it's just a shame he decides to bring it onto the pitch with him.
Rant over. As much as I fear and respect Milan, to me, big matches are what the Champions League is about, of course. So while I enjoy facing the likes of Steaua or Slavia Prague, they're all just preparations for massive showdowns such as this. My fingers are crossed we'll rediscover some of the magic of our Champions League run of two years ago. Come on!!!
By Adam Elder
Now unless you've been in hiding or just don't care for any current goings on, you should all by now of heard of the The Arsenal Opus. And guess what? That's right you lucky people, you can get your grubbing little hands on one glorious historical epic of a book, straight up, no messing. And it's starring Arsenal FC.
As we know, trilogy's are nearly always on the cards. First there was the Old Testament, then someone decided to re-write it and to shift some more units they gave it the New Testament as a title. Well Gooners hang onto your shorts as the latest edition of bibles are released and it even has bigger and better title - The Arsenal Opus!
The Arsenal Opus has now moved into the Phase two. Phase one saw Gooners submitting their own or favourite photographs for Monsieur Wenger to choose 11 of the best, however you must know of this already, if not, well tough, the next bit is the important bit. Monsieur Wenger has a starting 11 of pictures sent in by you good people. The winning shot will be published in the winners very own Arsenal Opus. Hooraah!
Arsenal Opus is truly is a massive book and at 35kilos weighing in slightly more than Gael Clichy. The Arsenal Opus is truly a cracking read about the entire history of Arsenal, for starters is its 850 pages long, there's over 2000 pictures to get through for the less wordy bunch amongst you. For comparison, the 'Peter and Jane Sp*rs Opus' is 3 pages (includes 1 page for 'Notes' and all pictures of their glory moments).
The Arsenal Opus covers everything from the conception of the club, the great Herbert Chapman era of the 1930's, what bungs George Graham took, who the hell Bruce Rioch was, and what drugs Arsene was on when he signed Alberto Mendez and Frannie Jeffers. As devout followers of the word of Arsene, I reckon it is definitely worth a look see. We're not quite finished with the oohs and aahs as all Arsenal Opus' are worth £3000 (about the value of the Sp*rs keeper) and are signed by Arsene himself.
The Arsenal Opus will be presented to a very lucky smug looking winner by Arsene Wenger. To get your chance at winning 35kilos of proof of your support the best team since the dawn of time, all you need to do is decide which of the final 11 photos handpicked by Arsene you think 'best captures the Arsenal spirit'. So get going and enter this great competition. As well as a chance to win The Arsenal Opus you can win other great Arsenal merchandise and tickets. So what you waiting for, stop reading this and jump on for your chance to win The Arsenal Opus with O2.
Good luck Gooners.
OK, competition time again folks and your chance to win a fantastic Manu Adebayor (without the Olympic dive) inspired t-shirt. All you need to do to win this fine bit of clobber is tell us this. When did Le Gaffer splash the cash to get the big Togo forward to these shores? Easy isn't it?
Send your answers, name and postal address plus your choice of t-shirt, colour and size to:
iwannafreebie@allgoonerdup.com
Competition closes Monday 24 March.
Good luck Gooners.
Table is correct from fixtures on week ending 10 February and we have a new leader! Tony Heywood's Catflap Overmars have stormed ahead of James Coopers Brian Munich's who has been sitting on top of the pile longer than Ruud van Nistelrooy's face.
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Nada, nothing nathan, diddly-squat, zilch, zip... still quiet on the 'news front': ... That's your lot, we out of here, au reviour mon amis...
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