The un-reliant Robin returns to upset Arsenal’s bid for Champions League

The BackPageBanter crew are on tour, but that has not stopped us grabbing some Belgium beer, forking out a euro for the use of a painfully slow computer, and seeing what we could muster for Sunday’s big game at the Emirates. Van Persie’s bid to leave Arsenal in search of silverware has gone altogether too well for him (the money-grabbing, Fergie-hugging tit that he is!) and the red carpet treatment will have to be given to this year’s Premier League champions. Honestly though, it really should be United doing the bum licking after it was our striker who has won it for them! No bitterness there whatsoever. Whether he starts on Sunday remains to be seen, but his first appearance back at the Emirates will re-open a painful wound that many of us fans have been unable to let heal this season. So let’s get stuck into the match preview; your guests myself, Nick-a-win and Gooner Dave!

From hero to zero and back again!

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Touchline Tom         15.33

It hasn’t really been a season for fierce rivalries with United. Neither has their push for the title really been of much interest to us fans this season. A painful reality perhaps, but another gauge of how our priorities have changed over the years. The League has been wrapped up in a nice little RVP shaped box (best wishes Mr. Wenger) but the battle for fourth still rages.

I have had many a debate with Arsenal fans about whether playing United before or after they had sewn up the trophy would make much difference. The truth is that we haven’t looked like scoring all too much recently and whatever side United do field, they still will have the quality to defend well and limit our opportunities. As for our team, Wilshere has returned from his minor injury but appears to be struggling to regain the form which greeted his initial long-awaited return. Walcott’s form too has been poor. He must still be up all night crunching the figures of his new contract because he really didn’t look with it against Fulham. Quite when he is going to continue on the long-anticipated upward curve of progression is beyone me, but we could sure do with a big performance from him should he find himself on the pitch on Sunday.

So as the likes of Walcott struggle for form, the OX struggles for game time and he must be frustrated at his limited opportunities this season. For me, while he still may be a bit raw, he offers more than any of the wide men we have in the side. His pace, trickery and powerful running could really expose a jaded United side. I would also like to see Cazorla played centrally with maybe Gervinho and Podolski ahead of him. I don’t see Wilshere starting so this still provides us with direct players and a few dead ball specialists who could ultimately decide the game.

We may not be challenging for the League, but no one likes losing to United, especially when all their fans are only up the road! I just hope Wenger fires up the players to get stuck into United – and I don’t mean an Olly Giroud type of getting stuck in, which hardly counts - but really want the three points. We are the only team that need them after all! COYG!!

Nick-A-Win         15.48

 So as the Backpagebanter tour bus is currently anchored in the magnificent city of Bruges, with Amsterdam the next stop tomorrow, it’s a certain Dutchman that will grab the headlines this weekend! Hopefully just for the guard of honour and not finding the back of our net mind!

After a gritty and non-Arsenal like performance last week at Fulham, it seemed we were back to the George Graham days of old, with 1-0 to the Arsenal ringing around the stadium. The performance will need to be bang on the money this coming Sunday, otherwise Van Pursestrings will get another chance to make a Nasri-esque comment! It’s such a big game for Arsenal as the race for the top 4 will surely go to the kitchen (get that chef back Spurs!) Utd will be more relaxed and hopefully still hungover as I’m sure Fergie treated his players to a few Scottish whiskeys this week! Hopefully the Glaswegian remains red-faced as Wenger attempts to out fox his old foe.

The games between Utd and Arsenal are usually pretty frantic so expect a few fireworks during the game. With no Olly Giroud to create them though (quite how his tackle merited a 3-match ban is mad!) it remains to be seen who will play up top for the Gunners! Out of the 3 possible options of forehead, Theo and Poldi, none of them have impressed in the central role this season so Wenger might have to draw a name out of a hat! Talking of hats let’s hope Wenger has his magic one with him and gets the tactics right come Sunday… Lots of intriguing battles all over the pitch and it will be interesting to see how a potentially weakened Utd team fairs up against a fired up Gunners side eyeing Champions League qualification! COYG!!!

Box-to-box, but just stick it in the net!

 Gooner Dave         16.48

Spurs haven’t gone away and neither have I, so forgive me for not being as positive as last time. Arsenal’s game against Fulham was good for only one thing and that was sleeping. When Giroud attempts a pirouette on the ball and gets sent off you know you have seen it all. Worryingly we seem to have lost our attacking instinct and so often now we are reliant on a Cazorla shimmy and pass to get us into goal-scoring positions. Fergie will want to set an all-time League points record and RVP will know how to play the spectator at the Emirates after being out injured for so much of his time with us! I don’t know where the goals will come from, but as long as we don’t concede we will always have a chance. Oh for the days of Henry, Bergkamp and co.!

I’ll keep believing, but it certainly isn’t pretty or convincing from the boys in red atm. 1-0 to the Arsenal and we can all rest easy for another week!

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Plenty To Chew On With The Canaries And Toffees In Town

Being out of the cups certainly seems to suit this Arsenal side. Finally showing the sort of form that escaped us at the start of the season, even our Ivorian Messi – Gervinho – is finally getting back in on the action. Yet when you take a step back, it’s all rather frustrating. The defensive stability which looks set to bookmark our season was not there at a time which could have defined our season, and players who spent time in and out of the side playing poorly seem to have found a fighting spirit and determination that could ultimately have helped end the anxious wait for silverware.

Certainly the chance to unseat our London rivals has offered up a distracting plotline not too dissimilar from last season, and I would be wrong to say that I won’t find some satisfaction in making the Champions League at the Spuds expense, but when all is said and done this team could and should have done so much better. Still, with games left to play and the chance still to be a part of those Champions League nights under the lights, we cannot afford to take the visits of Norwich or Everton lightly. So, before you think of doing just that, what better reason than to get stuck into our bumper two-game match preview! With a veteran Gooner on the sofa, this really is the matchday programme which won’t cost you an arm or a leg!

Will he go left, will he go right, or will he just go abroad?

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Touchline Tom      21.22

I did want to start the preview with some long analogy about canaries down the mines and how they can collapse when the pressure gets too much, however with Margaret Thatcher passing away and her ties to the mining industry I thought it would be best left unsaid. Safe to say we are playing a Norwich side who have the potential to concede four or five!

This week has been full of football, with Champions League and Europa League (it’s not a big cup anymore now Spurs are out!). So it has given us a good chance to assess where some of the other teams are at compared to us. How painful it was to see Bayern dispatch a Juventus side that we probably should have been facing had we taken our final group game more seriously. I certainly would have fancied us in the hat for today’s draw. Likewise on Monday, with Aguero showing Arsene the effect of having a really top class striker in our ranks. How we are crying out for this type of player in the side (Suarez, Aguero etc.) These players may not be easy to find, but then pay me enough money and I am sure I coud throw up a few names.  

Obviously City’s win means the potential for squeaky bum time at the Emirates, although I really can’t see even this United side chucking away the monumental lead they have amassed. Meanwhile a few places down from the rumble for 1st spot and the drawn out saga for 3rd and 4th hits Fever Pitch (a great read if you haven’t had the chance already!) Everton may still have a say in proceedings, travelling to us on Tuesday night and already taking a point from our comical neighbours. With only Chelsea left with anything else to focus on, I have to say as fans we have become quite consumed with what is going on around us. I think we almost had Bale trending on Twitter, such was the number of Arsenal fans jumping for joy at his injury. 

I don’t think there is anything wrong with that, I just hope that the players maintain their concentration. We are only one poor result away from chasing the Spuds again and lets face it, it’s so much easier to look down on them! I’ll leave some in-depth chat about the Norwich game to you Nick and welcome again to Dave as he throws his Gooner lot into proceedings. 

‘Don’t sub me boss!’

 Nick        21.34

Well good afternoon gentlemen and after giving Reading somewhat of a footballing lesson a few weeks back, it was another convincing display against West Brom! The Hawthorns might be the highest football stadium above sea level, but Arsenal’s play in the first half left the West Brom defence all at sea and we thoroughly deserved to win that game (despite what Steve Clarke may say!)

The game highlighted the spirit of this Arsenal team, or should we call it ‘mental strength’ ala. Wenger? After the BFG was sent on his leggy march to the tunnel, West Brom naturally took control and perhaps should have scored, but Arsenal dug deep and hung on well for what could be a vital 3 points at the knockings. We played some great possession football when needed and we really should have been out of sight with Ramsey missing a guilt edge chance! It really was the type of chance he should be taking should he want to keep Wilshere out of the team. In the end though the goals came from a rather unfamiliar source in Mr. Rosicky, who certainly had his shooting boots on, making no mistake with his second. It was the sort of finish that makes me understand the commentator’s use of the word ‘aplomb’ and I think it should be reserved only for these type of goals. At the other end he was even clearing the ball off the line with aplomb (sorry) such was his involvement during the game!  So it will come as no surprise then that he may be injured now! 

Fortunately, we have players returning to fitness in the shape of Walcott and Wilshere. Although Gervinho had a decent game against Reading and West Brom you feel Walcott if fit will come in on the right flank for Everton. Gervinho’s recent performances though have provided us with some good competition for place (and some moments of disbelief), which could be vital in the run in. There are a lot of players who haven’t played that much this season. Compare that with a Spurs’ team, who as I speak are puffing out their back sides in Switzerland and I imagine their players are somewhere in the red zone if it were Fifa, where they pull up every other minute! Injuries are certainly piling up for them and their season could come crashing down like a sack of Spuds!

The canaries fly into town on Saturday as the weather is expected to finally pick up. It’s a game that could go very well once again with Norwich suffering a recent dip in form, so hopefully it is only the weather that improves! With big Per missing out this weekend it gives club captain Vermaelen a chance to show his worth and prove to the manager he should be playing and not warming a bench somewhere else (Barcelona). Although should we really be concerned about losing players with the amount David Dein is predicting we will be adding in the summer!

Still, we leave the transfer business for those unbearably long months in the summer without the Arsenal. For the time being, we seem to be hitting some good form and looking to carry on this momentum into the next 2 home games. Another head to head for the untouchables with Wenger and Moyes locking horns in front of the SkySports cameras too! Everton have had a great season and will be really up for it after almost beating Spurs last week. With players such as Felliani, Osman, Pienaar and Mirallas we will have to be really cautious at the back. Prediction for this weekend’s game against Norwich is a 5-0 win for the Gunners, followed by a hard-fought 2-1 to all but end Moyes’ hopes of Champions League football for another year. COYG!!

I’m back, no I’m not, yes I am!

Dave        21.45

Well chaps thanks for having me again. I seem to recall I was invited on towards the start of the season when things were going well, so you may have avoided some of my rants since then! As you have said Nick, I certainly don’t see the game at Norwich giving us too many problems, but Everton will no doubt be looking to upset our rhythm. Even with the usual suspects picking up injuries after their 2-3 game runs in the side you have to fancy us in the run in. Norwich aren’t really in danger of relegation and we are playing at home twice after another full week of preparation. It’s fairly obvious the long rests do suit our players and gives Bould and Wenger the chance to work with the defensive side of our game. I would like to see Chamberlain given some time to impress, but with Walcott returning and Gervinho giving his best impression of someone who can play football, that is looking unlikely.

For me, Chamberlain’s lack of game time has been one of the biggest disappointments this season. At times last year he looked the only bright spark in the side and I remember Van Persie’s reaction when he was subbed off in the United game. Such was his performances that even Fifa signed him up for the front cover of their game! I know he is still very young in footballing terms and will no doubt have learnt a lot from players like Gervinho – whoops, I mean Cazorla and Wilshere – but his stature and ability should really see him starting week in, week out.

Perhaps Everton will be the game where we need his guile and class again. Coming so soon after the Norwich game, the Arsenal players won’t know what has hit them and maybe the squad will rotate. With Wilshere back, you have to feel that we should have enough to come away with all six points and potentially sit a few points ahead of Spurs before their visit of City. Everton are not a side we can let get their tails up, so a positive start and concentration at the back will be key in my opinion. For Norwich, well . . . contain Grant Holt and it should be a case of just unlocking their defence. Although there might be a hot-cross-BUNN on Saturday, as Norwich’s goal keeper looks set to be the casualty. Too much? Well, it is almost the end of the season!

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Arsenal Fans and Medical Staff left with plenty to ponder as Reading await

It’s during the International break that I feel sorry for those fans who choose to blog about Arsenal every day. Quite what there was to talk about is beyond me, so hats off to them for drumming up content from the abyss. With relatively little news for the past week, except rumours of a Giroud goal for France (I know!), Wenger’s press conference yesterday sparked a wave of news stories to remind us that our beloved Arsenal are back in action. There was the usual delaying tactic on Wilshere’s injury, a ‘slight knock’ to Diaby which needed to be checked, and some respectful comments to Adkins and our opposition.

Then, as Wenger bolted quicker than Nasri to a five-pound note, the news reached us that Diaby’s ‘slight knock’ was one of the worst injuries a footballer can suffer, and bar us building another stadium (see below image), the Frenchman’s duties will be to occupy the medical staff for approximately nine months (see small print for potential delays in comeback). The end result means a blog packed full of discussion ahead of the Reading preview . . . So enjoy!

‘Suits you that hat – have you thought about being a builder?’

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Team-Player Tom     22.22

Well after a couple of weeks with no action Arsenal are back this weekend for what can only be a 3 point win at the Emirates! They say there are no easy games in the Premiership, but if you had to pick one surely Reading would top of that list! Throw in the fact we are at home and our recent up turn in form and hopefully there will be no unwelcome bumps to upset the Gunners drive for the top 4! Any concern that the international break could have taken the sting out of the momentum following solid wins against Munich and Swansea would be greatly reduced with an early Arsenal goal – Reading are coming off a 5 match losing streak and a change in management, so they would likely crumble if hit by heavy Arsenal pressure from the off.

Wilshere continues to be a loss and with Walcott joining him in the sick bay all eyes will be on Santi to control the game. He hasn’t always wowed with quite the potential he showed at the start of the season but no one would deny his class or ability and Saturday could be just the stage for a stellar performance from the Spaniard.

Looking back at the Swansea game there were a number of somewhat surprising positives to add to the three points – a first goal for Nacho man crowned a sharp all-round performance. The Ox too was much improved and showed the kind of attitude and danger that endeared him to the Arsenal fans when he first lit up the Emirates. A goal for England will have boosted his confidence further and hopefully he will be able to finish the season with a little more consistency than he started it. Gervinho’s goal, after replacing the youngster, was another moment for smiles. Whilst he may not be the most lethal striker in the league, despite the dillusions of the Galatasaray board, bagging a goal against Vorm is something many have failed to do, and he took his chance really well.

Possibly the most pleasing part of recent results is the new-found run of clean sheets. Fabianski on the team sheet for Bayern certainly prompted some negative comments but he hasn’t put a foot wrong since stepping between the sticks (curse of the commentator time). Whether it’s been a case of him marshalling the defence, or the defence protecting him, the back 5 have looked more of a unit and were excellent against the Swans. Quite what the future holds for Szczesny remains to be seen – in my opinion he is still a better keeper and will most probably be reclaiming his number 1 spot sooner rather than later. Either way, any previous complacency he may have had must be dwindling quickly, which can only be a good thing ahead of the run in to May. Don’t be overly surprised if his dad has been deleted from Wenger’s Facebook friends!

One person for whom the future looks more bleak than ever is Mr.Diaby, with news of another 9 month lay off. Quite what the man is made of remains a mystery and I could see this latest injury spelling the end for poor Abou. On his day he’s produced some sparkling performances but surely Wenger must realise that using the term ‘on his day’ for a player like Diaby is becoming increasingly difficult. ‘On his year’ perhaps . . . 

A Spanish Affair – Arsenal at last find a working partnership.

 Nick-A-Win        08.25

I have to say when I looked at the Arsenal website and saw the news that Diaby was out for 8-9 months, my initial thought was that I had clicked on the wrong website and it was an old page from years ago. Unfortunately not, but was I surprised? Not really! The poor guy needs to retire and focus on another career in my opinion. His body just can’t cope with the physical demands of a professional footballer and let’s face it, many of us would probably be in that very same boat. He has been injured in training, taking a shot, it wouldn’t be long before a touch-line warm-up could go awfully wrong! Keeping the negative injury vibe going, Wilshere’s absence for another 2 weeks triggers thoughts of another Wenger-esque cover up injury where he goes on to miss the rest of the campaign! Watch this space!

It’s a shame to start on such a negative note because after two great results and a decent run of games coming up in the next few weeks, Arsenal could really put themselves back into top 4 contention, a scenario many Spurs fans must have had nightmares about!

With a couple of knocks picked up on international duty, I’m sure Wenger will rotate the squad a little and freshen things up! The Ox looked good against Swansea and should be given another run out against Reading. In the last 2 meetings between the two sides there have been 19 goals and some great football played by both teams. Expect more of the same on Saturday as Reading – now marshalled by Adkins – will be looking for a big scalp! With Spurs forgetting the season lasts longer than 30 games, Arsenal could come storming back to take 4th sooner than we think! Admittingly we can only win our games, but Spurs’ next few fixtures will prove tricky. Martin Jol and Harry Redknapp know only too well a dodgy pre-match meal could be round the corner for Tottenham.

 Meanwhile, as England stumbled to a 1-1 draw midweek, we saw no Arsenal players on show but a potential future Arsenal player in the shape of Steven Jovetic, who looked as though he had the kind of quality which would fit nicely into Arsenal’s front line! Still, we can worry about transfers another time, Arsenal have a tendency to slip up after an International break, but I’m confident that on this occasion we have landed on a decent fixture. We haven’t lost to Reading before and I expect that record to continue. My prediction is 3-0 to the Arsenal! COYG!

Come Fly With Me . . . He may have won over the girls, but he still has plenty to prove in an Arsenal shirt!

Touchline Tom        22.33

As you have both said, this fixture has come at just the right time. As the injury curse hits again, and players forget each other’s names after the International break, Saturday’s fixture could not give us a better shot at three points. Reading have lost their last five games and have the worst away record in the League. Even when we let them score four goals, it seems we still have enough to come back and win the game, which bodes well when you consider our ability to concede at home! 

Koscielny, one of my favourite Arsenal players, is finally being given a run of games again for Arsenal and France. I didn’t watch the game, but apparently he was immense against Spain once again. With Sagna returning as well, we have plenty of cover in the CB position should him or Mert need a rest. Vermaelen won’t be happy sitting on the bench, but then Arsenal fans haven’t been happy watching him make countless mistakes this season. It’s a two-way game unfortunately. 

I think you have said all you can say on our injuries, so it might be worth mentioning that in the run-in to the end of the season, we might see some of the successful crop of youngsters who have made it to the NextGen semi-final against Chelsea today being given a chance to warm the first-team bench. We may just unearth another gem that would allow Wenger to avoid spending money! He can hope eh . . . COYG! 

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A final Swan Song for Arsenal in the League. . .

I have to say today’s papers did make for pleasurable reading on the way to work, despite the fact that Europe’s most elite competition now excludes Great Britain (a la Euro). Of course its prestige is worth remembering having just watched Spurs slug their way through a competition that draws comparisons similar to those made with Taken and Taken 2. A strange game for many reasons, Bayern well below their usual standard and Arsenal scoring from a corner. But I think for many fans it has shown a glimmer of hope for the rest of the season and a performance that we hope will carry on into Saturday’s fixture against Swansea. As we know the Swans have already secured a trophy this season (sigh!), while Arsenal go in search of the top 4 trophy which is currently being built I have heard. . . So without wasting time like Bayern did so well the other evening, I will just let you get stuck into what the lads had to say on the sofa.

Enjoy! 

The two may be hugging a lot more next season!

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Tom S     22.22

So it’s Auf Wiedersehen to Europe for another year; a battling performance from the gunners not quite enough for the glory of a quarter-final spot. Positives – a win away against opponents tipped for CL victory, a remarkable return for the 2 young English full backs in Gibbs and Jenkinson, a reminder that Arsenal have a worthy second string shot stopper and a resilient team performance from a media condemned squad. Negatives – nothing on the bench ( Gervinho vs Gomez), too much pressure on the armband (Arteta has committed more fouls than any other player in Europe this season), and possibly most horrifically the fact that Arshavin is still being paid to play football. Oh, and throw in the fact we are out of the competition! So, all in all, some mixed reviews!

I did feel that the players restored a little pride in the Arsenal shirt and sent a loud message to the upper echelons of European football; we won’t go down without a fight. Of course leaving a competition of such prominence hurts, but if the Gunners can move on from the defeat whilst embracing the fighting spirit they showed on a cold Munich night, it could be the exact mantra needed to propel them to that magical 4th place finish. In the last few seasons when times have looked tough Arsenal have shown that extra defiance and determination to qualify for Europe. Whether it be through Spurs’ chef or Chelsea capitulating under yet another Euro manager, we have so far managed find our way up the table when it matters. I do believe that this season they face the sternest test of the last decade but there is still a belief that they will be able to scrap it out and emerge with Wednesday night football next season. Spurs and Chelsea both face tough run ins, both still have a Europa agenda and both have shown a vulnerability in the last week (too soon for a Downing joke?)

Still, no amount of love and optimism can sugar coat the cold hard facts; Arsenal need a terrific run of form and they need it now. Swansea has become a dirty word around Ashburton Grove with memories of being outplayed by a team dubbed as having the ‘the same style’ all too fresh in the memory. Yes they play nice football, have a good manager, have made some astute signings and feature a fair few foreigners, but that does not mean they should ever be able to outplay/outwit or outperform Wenger’s men. If the Arsenal back-four remains the same as mid-week I think they can keep the Swans at bay and even though he may not possess the perfect clinical mind I would back Giroud to convert a cross or two to bag the points.

So I’m going 3-1, Walcott has enjoyed games against the Welsh before and I feel he could be the difference again, his crossing in Germany was vastly improved and his dead ball delivery has taken an upward turn. Whether he is truly worth his wages is still contentious, but for now I’m happy to have him onboard!

Mikel Arteta not a DM or a captain, but still crucial to the team!

 

Nick        22.24

Good evening gentleman and boy George where do we start on tonight’s show? The failings at Spurs or a great display in Munich? We will start with last night’s game and what a shame to go out after a great all round display from the players. Before the game I feared the worst and further embarrassment on our season. With news breaking in the build-up to the game of Wilshere’s injury and Wenger looking to shuffle the pack, most Arsenal fans I’m sure feared a hammering in Munich. However, it was not to be and there were some big performances from players such as Jenkinson, Fabianski and Koscielny – 3 players that haven’t had many chances this season. They all showed passion and put in 100% for 93 minutes (IS THAT ALL REF!). The display last night is what we need week in week out from this Arsenal team, but unfortunately what is letting us down is some inconsistent players and more importantly, performances.

Jens Lehman was asked before the game what the German public thought of the game and he said “for them the game is over”. Well, Bayern certainly played as if they had one eye on the next round and only really threatened from long-range, albeit on multiple occasions. For Arsenal, it was as if Steve Bould had been allowed to speak during team training again because the team looked a lot more organised. I’m sure we have said this before but let’s hope we can take last night’s display into the remaining games and especially this weekend at Swansea. We will certainly miss Jack the lad Wilshere who is resting up in Dubai???? Quite a nice place to go and rest up might I add. What happened to feet up and your mum’s home cooking!

Will Wenger have the nerve to keep the same eleven that started against Bayern? Fabianski in between the sticks was just fabulous and hardly put a foot wrong organising his troops with great authority. At the back with Koscielny playing so well, it begs the question whether Vermaelen should come back in? On paper you would have Koscielny and Vermaelen, but the game isn’t played on paper and big Per and Koscielny seem to complement each other well. A selection dilemma for Wenger to ponder before Saturdays clash maybe . . . when was the last time he had one of those!

 Players such as Walcott and Cazorla need to help chip in with more goals in the remaining games to take the burden off of big Olly Giroud, who flapped and flustered his way through the Bayern game without managing to disrupt his styled hair. It’s time for Bill and Ben, (Wenger and Bould) to get a grip of the team and guide us into a good bit of form in the final dozen or so fixtures. Wenger harps on about the belief and mental strength, but we need the talent to shine through and for the fringe players to step up and show why they’re not just a one trick pony! (I.e. Gervinho or that pony in the new advert for 3). With Spurs having to play more games in the Europa League and the Spanish waiter at Chelsea juggling their season like a couple of hot plates, Arsenal might just have the last laugh again once again. For now it’s Swansea and a chance to take the performance in Munich onwards and upwards! COYG!

Kos the Boss

Tom        22.33

 Reaching that fourth spot is so important. I looked at the San Siro tonight, normally a place for opposition to fear, but on this occasion there were almost more opposition fans. Hardly a noisy cauldron. Chelsea’s supposed ‘North Bank’ showed more gaps than Spurs’ high back line and it’s clear to see that a season out of the Champions League will do Arsenal no favours. Firstly, the challenge then becomes how long before we find ourselves back playing the likes of Bayern and Barcelona, and secondly, what player would not want to come to a club in this competition when you consider the glitz and glamour surrounding it? Swansea will be a real test for this squad to show if Bayern was just another game in our roller coaster season, or if we can manage to steady the ship and cruise into fourth spot at the expense of AVB’s one man band!

I just want to finish on the defence though and in particular the performace of Koscielny. If he can get a proper run of games under his belt I really believe he can develop into a top, top defender. Unlike Vermaelen, I think he possesses that extra bit of natural flair for defending, while his ability in the air at times is second to none. There has been talk of Swansea’s Ashley Williams being on Wenger’s radar, and I can certainly see why. Wenger must realise that we have the defensive talent within the squad, we just need to ensure that we don’t become reliant on one or two defenders all season. Lets hope on Saturday it is our CB’s receiving the plaudits!

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A RED Hot Tie At WHITE Hart Lane!

I think it’s fair to say that NLD’s, especially NLD’s where we have a week to think about them, carry that little bit extra significance in the hearts of Arsenal fans. Not only are they matches against our closest rivals, but once again this year Arsenal find themselves all but out of trophy competitions and scrapping with both London rivals, Tottenham and Chelsea, for the coveted Champions League spot. As we know, a place in the top four has not guaranteed every team rights to play in the Champions League (just ask our hosts for Sunday’s game about that), but this year it is conceivable that there might be space for both North London teams in the pot! Of course such a statement is blasphemy, who could want Spurs to get another sniff of Europe’s elite competition? For starters it just wouldn’t make it as ‘elite’! So Sunday’s game provides us with two glorious chances; one to regain our rightful place above Spurs in the League, and two, to begin their slide out of a competition they, and their ginger bearded manager, dream of entering. Ironically, AVB is the tenth manager at Spurs since Wenger came to the helm. They don’t seem to learn do they? With us today for this preview is a Spurs fan, boooooooooo, and the usual Gooner gang. Enjoy!

Danger Man and Missing Man

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Tom S     08.16 

Arsenal have developed a habit recently of knocking 5 past the Hotspurs and a repeat on Sunday would be the perfect remedy for recent disappointments against Blackburn and Bayern. Villa was a tense game; the pressure on the players was huge after back-to-back defeats and they could have easily capitulated under the scrutiny. A win was absolutely vital, not just in terms of keeping in touch with Chelsea and Spurs on points, but also for the morale of the team heading into possibly the most decisive period of the season. If Arsenal had surrendered points against the Brummies there would have been a media frenzy, panic among the fans, uncertainty among the players and even more pressure on Sunday’s game. Luckily a certain little Spaniard was on hand to make sure Arsenal had a somewhat more peaceful week of preparation! 

This Tottenham team, meanwhile, are not to be trifled with. Coming off the back of 5 successive defeats at the hands of the Gooners they will be out for payback and with Bale finding that once in a lifetime form, the defence will need to be sharper than they have been for a while. Sagna has struggled for consistency since Christmas, although it is still a shame to miss his battling spirit for this one! There is pace a plenty in the spurs attack and AVB has got them playing flowing football especially on the counter. While the Lane may not be the most raucous arena there is always an added tension on Derby day, especially if Arsenal make their “soon to be trademarked” slow start. An early goal for the travellers will dampen the atmosphere and settle the nerves and I would back Carzola to be the man to strike! An interesting side story may come in the simmering rivalry between Walcott and Bale. Whilst an adamant Arsene insists he picked the right man, the rest of the country would seem to disagree. Bale would seem to as well, after scoring more goals against Arsenal than any other team. Could this inspire Theo into a stellar performance? We live in hope. 

A win will take us one point behind the Spuds and with Chelsea’s form taking a Benitez-assisted dip, we could quite possibly get into third before long. Wenger may have been a little ambitious with talks of overtaking City, but with the league now our only focus, third should be our target (aim for the moon to fall in the stars etc.) I found it slightly strange feeling happy to see a Dembele strike keep Tottenham in the Europa, as whilst their attention is wandering there is an opportunity for slip ups and that could just be the difference come the end of the season. 

Confidence is key this weekend and I’m throwing my support behind the boys. Score prediction? 5-2! Obviously!
Let’s paint the town RED . . . No actually!

New signings to steal the show?

Touchline Tom            09.14

Well as Abou Diaby came out and said this week, the NLD is ‘more than just a game’. Quite what chance he has of staying fit if that is the case I don’t know, but he certainly understands the importance of this for us fans. Without another game until Bayern, a lull of that kind after a defeat is unthinkable. Almost as unthinkable as Bale not throwing himself to the floor at some point on Sunday.

I like that you flag up Cazorla though. Of the 33 North London Derbies, we have only lost four. A large reason for that has been that extra bit of quality our squad has possessed in the final third. You think of players like Henry and Bergkamp who loved this fixture and scored many crucial goals. It might be worth congratulating the Dutchman at this point for the statue of him which is to be erected outside the stadium. Quite what it will be I don’t want to say, only that the picture below will give you some clue. Returning to the game though, you fancy Cazorla to be the man who could provide something special. We all know Bale can run and shoot, but Cazorla’s ability to get in behind the lines and free up space for a pass may be crucial on a tight pitch. 

At this point I think it might be interesting to get a snippet from a Spurs fan. Heck knows we all need a laugh in times like this! Take it away Mark.

How we would love him on Sunday – the player that is. . .  Not the statue!

Mental Mark        09.53

Well here it goes, let’s hope I make it out of this one alive! I can certainly see it being a tight game. Bale has been winning us games single-handedly at the moment and the progress he has made these last 3 months has been unreal. He will know doubt be marked closely by Arteta. Dembele also been a revelation this season and has stepped in well with Modric going. Although he’s had a shocker of a season, Adebayor is bound to have an impact given the nature of the game! He’s got a lot of making up to do after the shambles at the emirates. He has scored ten goals in this fixture already!

 If we win, we open up a 7 point gap on you which would put us out of reach in my opinion. Look at last year, when you beat us at your place we were 10 points clear at a similar stage in the season but our heads dropped and confidence got shot to bits! Not to mention ‘Arry and england and the effect that had! I just can’t see AVB letting lightning strike twice.

I’m going to go for a 2-1 spurs win like last season’s game. That is only if we defend properly (although you’ve got your own well-documented defensive problems!). I certainly can’t wait to see Bale swinging corners into that zonal marking shambles you have going on at the minute. There is a lot of height in this Spurs side and Arsenal players need to make sure their heads are on the end those deliveries! Whilst I think AVB is a breath of fresh air, his high defensive line has cost us dear this season and I fear that if the right cb’s are not chosen we could see a repeat of the 5-2 game! But if he sticks Dawson and Vertonghen in there we’ll be fine and open that gap up beyond repair!

Take a bow son!

Nick-A-Win       09.53

Well that just goes to show how delusional some Spurs fans can be! Jokes aside, thanks Mark for your input. I am sure many of us are slightly worried of Bale’s deliveries. I know some of the Arsenal players who take corners could learn a thing or two from him at this minute!

After a mixed couple of weeks we go into this one a little edgy, but it doesn’t need repeating that in these derby games form very much goes out the window. I guess I just did repeat that! If we can use Walcott’s pace in behind and Cazorla and Wilshere can make things tick in midfield, we should get the points. For me Diaby has to start IF fit, just to add that height and physical presence, even if it’s just for half an hour before he’s got his feet up on the treatment table. A player I would like to see out there too is our Czech mate Rosicky, whose experience and quality could be a vital asset in the run in. We can’t allow the Spuds to peel away in the race for fourth. Spurs have looked a better team under AVB with a few good signings here and there. With no Sagna for the derby, Jenkinson will be left with the task of trying to shackle the in-form Gareth Bale. He is on fire at the moment and we just can’t allow him any time and space. Another player looking the part and a player we should have gone for is Hugo Lloris who is playing brilliantly and could have been a good mentor to the error prone Szczesny in the Arsenal team. But of course Wenger knows best and will need a few tricks up his sleeve to out fox, the fox himself (AVB) this weekend!

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From Bradford and Blackburn to Bayern. Will it ‘B’ third time lucky for Arsenal?

I love the latter stages of the Champions League for so many reasons; the customary song which is played before kick-off, the flags that adorn the pitch as the players stroll down the tunnel, the clashes of European heavy-weights, and the electrifying buzz that pulsates through the crowd for the entire 90 minutes. Every season AFC guarantee us these monumental games that live long in the memory of fans. When you think of the number of clubs that strive to experience these nights and never do, clubs who spend millions just to scrape into the group stages, I know that we should never take games like this one against Bayern Munich for granted. Sure we can’t be classed as favourites in this tie, but when has this recent Arsenal side ever enjoyed being given that title anyway (cough. . Blackburn)?

There are rants to be had, and hopes that need to be built up that’s for sure, so I will leave you to get stuck into our match preview. Hopefully in the same way Arsenal will approach this game! 

Can one player change a team? Just ask Spurs!

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Tom S     08.16

There have been a few moments this season where the phrase ‘low point’ has been bandied about, and deservedly so I might admit, but the end of Saturday’s game felt closer to ‘the beginning of an end’. The end of what exactly I still don’t know.. the chance of silverware this season? Almost certainly. The end of Arsene? Quite possibly. The end of Arsenal’s credibility as a force in English football? (Buries head once again in sand!) The atmosphere at the Emirates after the game was certainly a big reflection of this; fans almost coming to blows with each other and frustration fuelled arguments rippling across North London. Scenes not many would have believed possible when the stadium was first unveiled.

Looking objectively I really don’t think that the players in the starting line up disgraced themselves. The finishing was poor across the front 3 and there were lapses in concentration/desire across the board, but it’s worth remembering that a team with Diaby, Coquelin and Rosicky - none of whom have compiled many minutes on the pitch let alone together – was always asking for a rusty start to the game. Throw Gervinho and an out-of-form Ox into the mix and it’s really no wonder that a physical, passionate Blackburn team were able to steal a win. Szczensy should have done better with the shot having stood idle for the majority of the game, but had Rosicky shot a couple of inches lower moments before, or Arteta shot a few inches to the left or Gervinho just been. . . well, better at football, Arsenal would not have lost. 

However, none of that happened and there is no doubt that in resting Wilshere, Cazorla, Walcott, Podolski, Ramsey and Sagna, Arsene frankly did not give a dangerous Championship team enough respect and got it very, very wrong. I understand the argument that a top four finish is more important that the Cup, I actually agree, but in this case Wenger was clearly playing with an eye on Bayern, which just doesn’t make sense. If the season ends with Arsenal trophy-less and outside the Champions League places I think this result may be the one that loses Wenger his job! 

Looking to Munich, though, I would love to jump on the ‘rose-tinted’, ‘half glass full’ band wagon and predict that a stung Arsenal team will turn the Germans over in the Emirates. Unfortunately, the startling reality is that even with all the usual suspects back in the team there is still a gulf in quality between us and Bayern, even before comparing confidence levels between a team steam rolling the Bundesliga and a team that well.. just lost to Blackburn. I just hope that Wenger’s failure to strengthen the team will not be severely exposed, especially if Giroud continues to dip in and out (mostly out at the minute) of a game and the jumbled back 4 can’t find some overnight cohesion. It’s hard to criticise a man with hair like Giroud but his inconsistency this season is starting to get tiring, I know he hasn’t had the same amount of time to adjust as Van Persie did and that he has shown some good movement and ambition, but the overwhelming verdict has to be that he is just not a talented enough player to lead the line for a top team. In contrast, David Villa has excellent hair but is also a proven, world-class, instinctive striker and would have been a fantastic signing and signal of intent. I hope I am wrong and we can somehow overturn the Germans. Champions League nights are always special, but I think I will have to leave it to you boys to try to capture it better in words. 

Send out zee Germans to fight zee Germans!

Nick        09.14

Well Tom, as the boos rang out on Saturday evening Wenger did look more and more like Basil Fawlty; a manager intent on creating the farcical from something as straightforward as that game. It always feels like we have a couple of weeks in February where we get knocked out of the cups and our season just peters out. The funny thing is we have been knocked out of the 2 English cups by teams beginning with B now, so you have to fear where this one is going. 

 The performance on Saturday was typical Arsenal yet again, plenty of possession, corners (we look more dangerous from a goal kick!) and attacks but zero end product. It was all too lethargic and relaxed. As I’ve said before, teams must really enjoy coming to the Emirates. It’s plush, you get a nice welcome, the facilities are top of the range and you even get to play on a carpet. 

On Tuesday we know the red carpet will be rolled out for Bayern Munich, and there are not many bigger teams out there at the minute. If that doesn’t get some of the players fired up then I don’t know what will. Schalke came to the Emirates earlier on in the season and won pretty easily in the end. With Bayern around 18 points clear in the German league and boasting a roster of players to make even Man City jealous, failure to approach this game in the right manner could mean the tie is out of sight before the away leg. Players such as Gomez, Kroos, Ribery and Muller are all experienced at this level and will punish any sniff at goal we give them. They are also marshalled well at the back with the excellent Manuel Neuer in net so creating chances will take more than a Gervinho shuffle I’m afraid.

The two mean crucial to the rest of Arsenal’s season

All that being said, I don’t think the Blackburn defeat will have too much effect on the Arsenal squad as this is Arsenal’s last chance of silverware and so we just have to go for it. Bayern will be more attacking than Blackburn and leave more spaces in behind so the pace of Walcott and the guile of Wilshere will be pivotal. In previous years we have played Barcelona and gotten a result remember. They also don’t have Messi in their side so that’s certainly helpful. It’s a massive tie and one which could end our season if we get knocked out. If, however, we can exploit their defensive absences, I feel a solid 2 goal cushion over them would be a great result. It’s a mouth-watering tie in prospect and one we have to relish and believe we can win. COYG!!

The wise old fox needs his bag of tricks for this one

Tom        09.53

 I have an interesting stat for both of you. Of the 18 games we have played against German opposition in the Champions League, we have won 7 and drawn 4. I’ll leave you to work out how many that means we have lost, but I don’t think it is time to throw in the white flag just yet! We have toppled giants before and, lest we forget, many of our key players were rested against Blackburn. Maybe because Wenger’s lost the plot, or maybe just because we really believe we can win the competition. Nevertheless, throw Podolski, Mert, Walcott, Wilshere, Sagna and Santi into the team, and we have a list of internationals to match the best of them.

We saw how Wilshere stood up under pressure while playing for England against Brazil. More of the same from him and a rocket up the arse of player’s like Giroud and Arteta and we could still be dancing our way to Munich for beer and sausages. As you have said Nick, Walcott’s pace is a real asset and the emphasis will be on us taking the game to Bayern. Rumours circulating about Wenger having signed a new contract, but frankly, it’s not the time to discuss these things. We need to get behind our team and remember that night’s like tonight are only experienced by an elite few. For now anyway, Arsenal are one of those elite. . . COYG!!

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The Cup Calm Before The German Storm – Arsenal v Blackburn Rovers

The last time we saw this Blackburn outfit grace the hallowed Emirates’ turf, we won 7-1. Take away our un-reliant Robin from the mix and that’s still a 4-1 victory in my books. Of course, being a cup competition this time, far more is at stake; our only true shot at silverware to be precise! However, a good chance to see some players who haven’t had many minutes on the pitch – although is there ever a good enough reason to see Gervinho? – combined with the possibility of boosting confidence levels before Tuesday’s kick about with the Germans, all make this game a mouth-watering prospect. So to wet the appetite even further we have a full panel of four for today’s preview. Enjoy Gooners!

I want to be in the spotlight again!

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Tom S     16.22

Valentine’s day is a day to cherish those dearest to you, to give them that little extra attention and let them know that no matter what happens you won’t leave them for your younger hotter secretary. For gooners up and down the country this may well equate to a little extra love for Arsene and the Arsenal with a promise that even a 5th place finish wouldn’t tempt them to let their hearts flutter up the M6 to Manchester (red or blue!) This promise may be pledged with a little more sincerity following Saturdays hard-fought victory over Sunderland.

The first half saw some beautiful creative play, with precise passing across the park simply outclassing a decent Sunderland outfit. The build up play leading to Santi’s goal was one of many silky sequences that lit up the Stadium of Light, capped by an exquisite finish from the Spaniard who finally learnt to keep the ball low! Wilshere dominated every aspect of the game, rolling through heavy challenges with the ball never leaving his foot! Jenkinson’s red did turn the game as expected, but if anything the resilience Arsenal showed in defending the lead was almost more pleasing than the first half schooling! The resurgence of Sagna was particularly encouraging with Bayern looming.

The FA cup is likely to be Arsenal’s best chance of silverware this season and Blackburn at home should be more formality than frightening in my humble opinion. The Cup has a history of surprise results but if Arsenal show the same focus as they did on Saturday it should be another step closer to Wembley after the 90 minutes. The starting line up should reflect the importance of the competition as well as being wary of the congested fixture list over the next couple of weeks. Nick I will leave you to delve into formations. In an ideal world a strong team will do the business early on against Rovers though, allowing Arsene to use his subs long before the hour mark. 

Man on fire – how good can he be?

Nick        17.24

Wel gang, it’s the return of the cup and the return of Blackburn Rovers to the Emirates stadium. I’m expecting us to thump them once again (thanks for the 7-1 reminder Tom) with Wenger shuffling his pack before the big one on Tuesday against Bayern. As for Blackburn they’ve been chopping and changing managers this season more times than Chelsea, so they will no doubt be looking for a big result! Let’s hope Wenger does take the opposition seriously and play a good selection of first team players. In his press conferences he seems to be saying the right things so let’s hope the fringe players who are given an opportunity really try to impress.

 The likes of Coquelin, the Ox and Miquel will hopefully get their chance to shine. We should certainly rest Wilshere for Tuesday night as he will be key. There is no point risking him against Blackburn this weekend even if he is itching to play. I expect goals and plenty of them flying in for Arsenal! My prediction for the game is 5-1 Arsenal! After all, we are missing RVP who bagged three last time. A nice warm up for Bayern on Tuesday hopefully. COYG!! Over to you Maxi to give us the low down on tomorrow’s opposition. 

Taxi for Maxi        17.18

 Good afternoon once again Nick, Tom and the BackPageBanter rabble and long may your FA Cup dream continue. Not for the fact you may actually finally win a trophy but just because your glorious readers may yet get another fix of my online genius! Anyway onto the football and this week Blackburn Rovers stand in the way of Arsenal and further cup progress. On paper, it seems a comfortable one especially given the fact the Gunners are at home, but let me just warn you of the possible pitfalls that lie in wait!

I always say it but the FA Cup can bring about the craziest results and a lot here relies on Wenger’s team selection for me. Yes, Bayern Munich lie in wait but this should be taken very seriously in my view. Blackburn, despite their bad run will no doubt fancy this if they can keep the shop shut for the first half hour or so. We all know that the atmosphere at the Emirates can sometimes turn nasty and a booming Grant Hanley header inside the first ten minutes is all it takes for the fans to feel aggrieved. The FA Cup is the ideal distraction for any side in a bad run in the league so don’t let their form deceive you.

Beware the predatory DJ Campbell, a much better fox in the box than Franny Jeffers ever was! Danny Murphy needs no introduction and give him a sniff from a set piece or a penalty and he could find the back of the net. Joshua King is a young, raw talent who will be out to prove himself having been released from Fergie’s army at Old Trafford and remember Nuno Gomes? The man who used to prolifically hit the net for Portugal? He may not be quite the player he was then but class is permanent isn’t it?!

Although I’m not expecting the fireworks that were witnessed at the Amex, this is one you lot should win at a canter, but I feel you’ll make things a bit more awkward, labouring to a 2-0 win! Enjoy and make sure you qualify, I want to come back for more! Up the Gunners!

“How do I make them smile again?”

Tom        17.33

 As you say Maxi, the time to talk Bayern is later (despite the fact they have an extra day’s rest but that’s all I’m saying on the matter!). Arsenal simply have to get a good result tomorrow. No more replays, sending off’s or Santos will do just fine for me. If Diaby can start to show some of his form from the start of the season, it may even make my weekend. So we shall see you Gooners on the other side, when another Cup takes centre stage. For now, it’s up the Arse! 

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