Ya está en marcha la Copa Africana de naciones, rompiendo como siempre el calendario ya que realizarla en enero no es el mayor beneficio para los clubes que al fin y al cabo son los dueños de las cartas de los jugadores. Bastantes de ellos en Europa, aunque en esta edición el número es menor por algunos países que clasificaron por sorpresa y tienen menos futbolistas en el viejo continente o ninguno como Sudán, porque sino el número de 184 jugadores que se desempeñan ahí y jugarán ésta edición hubiera aumentado con Nigeria, Sudáfrica, Togo, Camerún o Argelia presentes.

The African Cup of Nations' effect on Arsenal sums up the slightly oddball line-up for this year's tournament. That Alexandre Song could line out against Swansea was a huge boost (at least until his somewhat floundering performance on the day). That Marouane Chamakh could not was... well... a huge boost too.

Arsenal secured a 1-0 victory in the first leg of their Champions League qualifier withUdinese at the Emirates, thanks to a fourth minute strike from Theo Walcott.

The win provides Arsene Wenger's side with a much needed advantage heading into next week's second leg in Italy, although a lively display from the Italian's raised a number of question's over Arsenal's defensive frailties.

Firstly, from the Xavi interview, speaking about Spain, but easily parallels Barça:

"Paraguay? What did they do? Built a spectacularly good defensive system and waited for chances – from dead balls. Up it goes, rebound, loose ball. It's harder than people realise when you've got a guy behind you who's two metres tall and right on top of you.