The big win over Blackburn was immensely enjoyable and has lifted the mood in the Gooner camp to
a great extent after an eminently forgettable January. A lot has already been said about the match
and I don't want to revisit it in detail but there were two goals in that game that caught my
eye.
Both the goals started from the back but were scored in a markedly different manner, each a
delight in its own way.
With Arsenal FC scheduled to take on archenemies Tottenham Hotspur at Emirates Stadium in their
crucial league match on Sunday, their under-pressure manager Arsene Wenger has told his players not
to feel sorry for themselves as such a feeling 'would be criminal' at this stage of the season.
A dictionary definition of "hope" is: "the feeling that what is wanted can be had
or that events will turn out for the best."
In recent games there have been certain Arsenal players who, when they receive the ball, induce
in me the opposite of hope.
What I mean by this is the very personal effect they have on me when watching the game.
A dictionary definition of "hope" is: "the feeling that what is wanted can be had
or that events will turn out for the best."
In recent games there have been certain Arsenal players who, when they receive the ball, induce
in me the opposite of hope.
What I mean by this is the very personal effect they have on me when watching the game.
Like Song, Vermaelen will get to play in the middle now
For a short period of time, we turn our attention elsewhere. There will be no worries of long
ball tactics or roughhouse treatment or any of those "they don't like it when we get in their
faces" attitude. At least not in the next immediate game.
As sieges go, this is a big one.
The Arsenal players, manager, directors and staff have become used to being under attack, but
now they truly are under siege.
And who are the besiegers?
Yes, of course, the media, mostly comprised of self styled "good blokes" who love nothing more
than a beer with a like minded manager and have never warmed to Arsène Wenger's euro-intellectual
aestheticism.
MANU Petit has delivered a verbal volley to Arsenal's under-performing stars ahead of the derby
clash against Tottenham on Sunday. Arsene Wenger's men go in to the vital Premier League clash
desperate to regain some pride, see off the old enemy and collect points in the race for a top four
finish.
One thing that I have noticed over the years is that there are a lot of Arsenal players who have
plenty to say.
They talk a great game but they have to start backing it up with performances on the pitch
otherwise it will bite them on their pampered behinds.
This Sunday is the the most important North London derby since we won the title at White Hart Lane
on the 25th April 2004.
