Long Time No See

We’re back in business, having replaced my broken computer with a new and improved model and successfully made the switch to Sky Broadband. Anyone that did pop in from time to time probably doesn’t any longer, so in that respect it’s a bit like starting from scratch but ah well, the site hadn’t been going all that long prior to my technical mishaps anyway. Naturally, not having updated since July, there’s plenty of ground to cover so forgive me for summarising.

England might actually win something with Fabio Capello in charge, who would appear to be just what was needed, the highlight of course being a 4-1 drubbing of Croatia in Zagreb, a national outfit I rate very highly nowadays. Even better was that Theo Walcott, who has since become an integral part to the England set up, scored a hat trick. Well played Theo whose improvement has been one of the bright spots in an otherwise disappointing start to the new season. He now of course finds himself injured after dislocating his shoulder on international duty and will be out for roughly three months. Bummer!

More on the dissapointing start then. We are out of it, it being the Premier League, already. Not officially, no but ten points is a big gap and five defeats at this stage is unacceptable. We haven’t shown we have what it takes to challenge Man Utd, Chelsea and maybe even Liverpool. I’m far more concerned with the threat posed to our Champion’s League status by Aston Villa. Annoyingly, I thought we would put our problems to bed following a morale boosting victory over United but defeats to City and Villa followed. Tomorrow we play Chelsea at Stamford Bridge but I’m not worried so much about that because we do turn up for the big games. If anything it’s a chance to get the confidence roaring again. If we win and go on a run before reinforcing in January we might have the slightest of chances but I don’t see it myself. We have though qualified for the Champion’s League and our run in that might be interesting. Despite our Premier League troubles we do seem to turn it up on big occasions and have done well in the Champion’s League of late. I think we could surprise people and win it but Barcelona (enjoying an excellent run under the new management of Pep Guardiola,) Chelsea and Manchester United might have something to say about that.

We need to reinforce come January, of that there can be no doubt. Eduardo and Rosicky will recover but that wont resolve our defensive issues. A midfielder is essenstial as Flamini was never replaced and I believe that’s what we are missing. Maybe a center back could be drafted in also but I don’t know. The main problem is the lack of a defensive midfielder, a role Denilson and Alex Song just aren’t capable of filling on a permanent basis. I believe are issues aren’t that serious. I genuinely believe that all we are missing is a Flamini. Frustratingly we had the answer in Lassana Diarra, a player I rate very highly since his stint at Pompey and let him go. He wanted to go, I realize that but I wish he’d waited until the end of the season at least. Ah well, no point crying over spilt milk and all that.

If there’s been one highlight to the season it’s been the Carling Cup, where we have fielded an outrageously youthful line up against both Sheffield United and then Wigan. The results? 6-0, then 3-0. In the case of the Wigan game I was there in person, having paid a bargain basement £10 for a behind the goal ticket. It was excellent stuff doing so well against a Premier League side fielding their strongest line up. Jack Wilshere, Ramsey and Vela were terrific in particular and all will enjoy successful careers at Arsenal I strongly believe.

What else? We have a new captain in Cesc Fabregas, replacing William Gallas after the latter’s outburst. Good stuff that although I believe the captain’s job is an overrated one.

Eduardo’s on the mend. He was supposed to play in a behind closed doors friendly mid week but I don’t think he did in the end. The road to recovery will still be a long one, as he’s eased back into the squad. January’s a good guess for when he will be back good and proper. Rosicky too.