It's All Over!

Bad news first- Van Persie appears to have twisted his knee playing for Holland last night, although I'm sure we'll learn more about that over the next couple of days. His probable deputy Eduardo amazingly didn't score in Croatia's 3-0 win over Slovakia, while Tomas Rosicky didn't even play in the Czech Republic's resounding 3-0 victory in Germany- nor did the suspended Jens. Nicklas Bendtner played as Denmark beat Latvia 3-1, while Gallas and Diarra featured in France's 2-0 defeat of Lithuania, with some bloke breaking France's all-time scoring record. I guess that means we'll see Willy back for saturday. Cesc only made a late cameo as Spain were held by Finland- the more rest the better. Only 4,000 fans showed up to see Israel dispatch Belarus 2-1. I have no idea whether wor Alex played or not- I'd imagine he didn't as there would have been at least ten thousand there to see him alone. Austria beat Kolo's Ivory Coast 3-2.

Well thank fuck that's all done and dusted- back to proper football at the weekend.

Sticky Rosicky.

Only a couple of real news items today- Tomas Rosicky apparently has muscle imbalance, which our medical team have obviously missed. Hopefully the Czech doctor's right and a few weeks work on it and he'll be okay. Cracking player but so injury prone. Armand Traore displays an impressive knuckleduster of an attitude in an interview with the club website. I'm a big fan of Armand, not just for intimidatory Spurs antics but his blinding speed and constant desire to get forward. Swiss Tony has picked up an injury playing for Switzerland at the weekend-hopefully our captain shall return.

Not long now...

I Hate International Breaks.

Very little going on again today- although the flies I mentioned yesterday are well and truly buzzing around the shit again. Twats. Fran Merida (who is apparently leaving us due to his lack of speed and mobility if you read certain sites) speaks of his delight at finally joining the first team. There's an interesting interview with Billy G on his zany website. Pie-faced self-promoting pig-fucker Sam Allardyce is already getting his excuses ready for our next match, while Barcelona continue to show an utter lack of respect for anyone and everything ever- expect Predrag Mijatovic to start piping up now he's been temporarily outcunted.

Fucking international weeks.

No News, If You Know Where Not To Look...

As you'd expect for a Monday sandwiched bewixt a bunch of fucking dull international games, there's nothing really going on. Unless you believe the utter hyperbolic shite that several other blogs are printing as gospel. I've stopped smoking this morning, so prepare yourselves for a fucking avalanche of vituperative vitriol all you shitty spinster sites out there.

I'll begin with "Arsenal forward close to exit," by some shithouse site called Soccervoice. Normally I'd post links, but becasue they're devoid of any meaningful content I'm not going to bother. Predictably, this non-story, which contains no quotes (although they do credit the BBC before spinning it beyond all recognition) refers to Nicklas Bendtner's quotes from several days ago in which he clearly said that if he doesn't make it into the Arsenal first team he will consider leaving. A figure of two years was mentioned by the player himself. Is he "close to an exit?" Yes, he probably is twice a day, before and after training. Fuck off Soccervoice.

Several tosspieces have linked us with Lyon midfielder Hatem Ben Arfa on the irrefutable evidence that he ticks three vital boxes: he's French, he scored for France and ARSENE WENGER WATCHED HIM ON SATURDAY. Well, there we go then. Why else would Wenger be there? I mean it's not like he ever shows any interest in his national side, nor does he ever do any punditry for the French media. Oh, wait a minute, he does. Fuck off.

Tribalfootball, basically the site that collects the flies that clamour around shit and then releases them back in your face, offered shattering insight into Augusto Fernandez's impending transfer to Arsenal from River Plate with this quite remarkable story:

"Fernandez has been likened to Barcelona's Argentine star Lionel Messi and has impressed Gunners boss Arsene Wenger."

That was it, seriously. Fuck off Tribalfootball.

"Arsenal in race for new Ronaldo" was another of my favourites this morning. It refers to the now week-old nothing link between ourselves and Sporting Lisbon's Miguel Veloso. Spot the glaring issues with this one? Veloso is a central midfielder, whereas Ronaldo is a winger. Have we actually been inked with him? His agent (!) referred to an English club almost reaching his buy-out clause- must've been us then as we're clearly short of a central midfielder or two. Fuck off "all3points" you shitheap.

The final one is my favourite though. It would seem that some gooner somewhere has sprinkled some rumour regarding our floundering rivals' Adel Taarabt into the mix, hoping that the more moronic bunch (see above) would go for it. Sportingo, despite asserting a couple of times that they had severe doubts about the story (and of course, no quotes or primary evidence to speak of), promptly made it their leading piece for the morning. Fuck off Sportingo.

There was actually some proper news amidst the shit-peddling, with Jens Lehmann confirming his availability after his "flawless" game for Germany on saturday. A fully fit and fired-up Jens is a terrifically good goalkeeper- should be intriguing to see who's fielded on Saturday against Bolton.

Internationals A No-Go.

So we're halfway there- not long now until proper football again. Eduardo notched his now obligatory international goal to make his tally forty goals in twelve games (may not be correct) to give his Croatia side a 1-0 win over Israel. France battered the Faroe Island 6-0 with signing of the season Le Sagna playing the full ninety, while Lassana Diarra came on for fifteen minutes and Gallas stayed on the bench. Alex Hleb's Belarus side slumped to a 1-0 defeat at home to Luxembourg. Poor Alex. "Despite currently suffering from an injury (yes Arsenal.com, please drop the act now)," Jens Lehmann miraculously managed ninety minutes for Germany during their goalless draw with Ireland. Cue more tedious speculation next week. Our vested interest in Spain's impressive 3-1 victory in Denmark was due to Cesc playing eighty minutes and Nicklas Bendtner coming on for the second half. Gilberto's Brazil take on Colombia today, while Swiss Tony and Swiss Bould continued their central defensive partnership for Switzerland as they beat their Euro 2008 co-hosts Austria 3-1.

Meanwhile Thierry Henry talks at length about the effect of his departure in the Telegraph. I found the comments about his goal celebrations particularly interesting- it was always so tiresome when people somewhat xenophobically dismissed him as moody and arrogant. The fact is he was always a perfectionist and never happy with himself, probably what made him the perfect footballer to watch. A comprehensive interview and well worth a read- it's good to see him finally starting to hit form after his hat-trick against Levante the other week. Some news about the upcoming AGM on thursday, with hyperbolic terms like SHOWDOWN and MASSACRE being banded about (perhaps not the latter). Hill-Wood seems to be rather desperately backtracking and brown-nosing with Stan Kroenke, now Usmanov is inching nearer to the share amount he needs by DISGUSTINGLY buying shares off the deceased. All very dull, hopefully Stan the man will get on board, the lockdown will be extended to a decade and that's the end of it. After all with the recent financial reports it's clear we don't need a minted benefactor. Right that's it. Only a week to go...

Agent Talk.

The last couple of days have been rife with all sorts of speculative bollocks, all spawned by classic bit of agent talk. Nothing else to say really, we all know Cesc is going back to his home club at some point in the future and that's fair enough. We could all do with agents shutting the fuck up and drowning themselves but they have a job to do, blah blah piss. Better news saw Togo blow it in the ANC qualifiers, which means that Emmanuel Adebayor won't be leaving us next year. Get in.

Little or nothing else of any note as we prepare ourselves for another ninety minutes of dross that is the England international. Here's hoping that none of our lads pick up injuries tonight- read on for a match report.

Arsenal 5-0 Derby County

The eventual ease at which Arsenal dispatched Sevilla on Wednesday had been diminished somewhat by the furore surrounding the departure of another of the Premiership’s big names; just as Derby County’s first three points of the new campaign had been overlooked as a significant result in their inevitable relegation battle. The victory over Newcastle led Billy Davies to deploy the same eleven for their visit to the Emirates Stadium- his counterpart opting to rotate his squad after midweek exertions. The world-weary Gilberto was once again rested in favour of Mathieu Flamini, while Alex Hleb’s absence through injury gave Theo Walcott the chance on the right for the home side. Yet another injury to Tomas Rosicky saw Abou Diaby start on the left, while Eduardo Da Silva replaced Robin Van Persie as Emmanuel Adebayor’s strike partner. Derby’s surprisingly adventurous 4-4-2 meant that Stephen Howard would provide the aerial threat alongside Kenny Miller. The away side looked keen to avoid another away capitulation after losing 6-0 and 4-0 at Anfield and White Hart Lane respectively, while Arsenal were looking to extend their early lead at the top of the table.

Gael Clichy demonstrated his burgeoning understanding of the game with an unerring interception after just four minutes to offer Arsenal’s first opportunity to score. Seizing on a moment’s hesitancy from Tyrone Mears, he surged into the area and drove a low pass across the area to Adebayor, who sliced his shot well wide from an offside position. The home side were finding space as Derby tried to impose themselves upon the game- some slick build-up play lading to a tepid cross easily picked up by Manuel Almunia, before Cesc Fabregas found Diaby with the freedom of the left wing at his disposal. So often this season Diaby has looked raw and a little haphazard with possession, but encouraged by the space afforded him, he charged at the Derby back four. Cutting inside onto his right foot not once but twice, the young French international eventually forged the prerequisite space to hammer a fierce shot past the helpless Stephen Bywater via the right-hand post. An excellent opener to the game, Wenger’s decision to persist with Diaby in a somewhat alien position seemed vindicated.

Failing to learn from their previous mistake, an unperturbed Derby forced Diaby back inside on his right foot again in an almost identical scenario that led to the first goal. This time Diaby couldn’t get the lift required and dragged his shot at Bywater. The away side had immediately tried to push forward and maintain their high tempo, but their efforts were being repelled and both Adebayor and Eduardo were drifting into dangerous amounts of space. A scuffed clearance saw Walcott the beneficiary of Derby’s open play, his explosive speed taking him into the penalty area before being brushed off the ball by Davis- the type of contact was contentious as neither player was shoulder to shoulder, although Walcott seemed inclined to go for the penalty appeal as opposed to a second goal.

Derby continued to display a refreshing desire to attack, until Clichy once again intercepted and found Arsenal’s playmaker in chief Cesc Fabregas. Given time and space to size up his options, the Spaniard lofted a looping through ball in-between the Derby central defenders and onto the chest of Adebayor. Rounding Bywater with languid ease, the man that had tormented Tottenham a week before calmly put Arsenal two ahead, and Derby’s tactical gamble was threatening to leave them ruthlessly exposed. Reminiscent of the much vaunted 2003/04 Arsenal side, the home side were looking frighteningly efficient on the break, albeit against a team that were rapidly looking a little naive. Eduardo’s inability to emulate the incision of his teammates seemed to manifest itself, as he was booked after a late challenge after half an hour. Derby County admirably continued to play, but were having moderate spells of possession without really threatening to get back into the game.

Walcott and Fabregas offered evidence of the difference between the two teams as they combined with a fluid one-two minutes before half time: the former disappointingly firing straight at Bywater when there were other options in the box. Once again Arsenal were confounding their detractors. Eduardo continued to chase his goal, an intelligent shift of poise leaving his marker floundering before having his shot blocked. Fabregas’ subsequent corner saw the Croatian cannon a downward header goal ward, only for Bywater to deny him again. The last meaningful action of the first half, Derby had perhaps demonstrated exactly why so many visitors to the Emirates Stadium elect for a defensive line-up- the home side had exposed the weakness of Derby’s offensive game plan in clinical fashion.

Derby began the second half in a similarly myopic mood. Adebayor and Diaby’s passing and movement was once again too deft for the Derby defence- Adebayor’s strong run into the area saw the ball break to Eduardo and then Kolo Toure in space- the former was clearly pulled to the ground by Matthew Oakley and a penalty was the result. Adebayor’s composed finish was another stark lesson for the visiting side, which despite showing commendable attacking drive were leaving all the space Arsenal needed. Kolo Toure decided to run forward into one such void, this time in Derby’s midfield. Drawing the opposition out to challenge him, the Arsenal captain laid the ball forward to Fabregas, whose attempt to play in Adebayor eventually saw him cross the ball across the Derby box. Toure’s run had since continued, and his subsequent header sailed wide- a poor finish to a move he so purposefully started. Howard showed similar determination for Derby as he struck two long-range shots wide and into Almunia’s arms, in-between which Walcott showed exceptional pace and poise to fly past two defenders and thrash his shot off another.

With the result in no doubt, Wenger’s substitutes were warming up. Seemingly aware of this, Cesc Fabregas picked the ball up outside the box from Eduardo’s lay-off, and lifted the ball into the far corner in what is fast becoming his trademark. As with Paul Robinson the week before, Stephen Bywater’s trailing hand was futile as the strength of the shot made it 4-0- the joy on the Spaniard’s face mirrored by his manager as his impressive goalscoring run continued, evidence of a twenty year-old already at the top of his game. Content with his goal, Fabregas was replaced by Lassana Diarra, while Brazilian teenager Denilson substituted Theo Walcott. Gilles Barnes marked his comeback from injury by entering the fray minutes later, while Alex Song made the next cameo appearance for the home team.

A despondent Derby were slumping to another resounding away defeat, and it was worsened further when Adebayor simply brushed aside his marker, leaving him with a straightforward attempt to claim his hat trick. Possessing the pace that has always been a Wenger hallmark, the Togo international’s strength and power have given Arsenal a new weapon. Fast emerging from Thierry Henry’s shadow it appears that Adebayor is threatening to cast a towering one of his own. 5-0 and Arsenal were moving clear at the top of the table- Derby County left with the knowledge that they have more important fixtures imminent. Although Derby had showed more attacking intent than Arsenal fans are used to from their visitors, Arsenal had once again shown that the impotent over-elaboration of last season has been replaced by a drive and efficient determination- no longer are they looking for figures that have since departed. While much tougher challenges remain, previous fallen hurdles are being rapidly negotiated by Wenger’s new team, which bodes well for the season ahead.

Big-Tit Chip Shop Rubbish.

Not much on this morning- although the headline "Dropping Robinson would destroy him and cause terrible damage" was a good one. Of that there's no doubt- dropping such chip-shop rubbish as Robinson would practically level the entire southern hemisphere. Don't do it McClaren. In fact possibly the only element of enjoyment I derive from England matches is at the goalkeeper's expense; watching him flounder around in goal like a positionally-deficient walrus. On the subject of walruses, Sam Allardyce is a cocksocket.

Meanwhile Billy G talks up France's chances, but more interestingly sheds some insight on his cock injury:

"I am ready. I have been training all week and physically I feel fine. I will be ready on Saturday if the manager wants me. He will decide whether or not to pick me but in my head I'm already on the park. "

So expect our friend Everbody Loves Raymond Domenech to miraculously play him for 300 minutes, resulting in complete castration.

Continuing the North London comedy goalkeeping routine Jens Lehmann talks of his omission from the team, and the effect it had on him last time. While Manuel has been solid so far, he was culpable for Sunderland's second goal at the weekend and Mad Jens certainly responded to being dropped in some style before. Should be intriguing to see where Fabianski comes into the equation, after looking good against Newcastle in the Carling Cup.

The Fabregas talks up our strike force and commends them on replacing Henry, and also has some words of encouragement for Eduardo, who will surely play an important part when the African Nations Cup comes around (assuming Togo qualify). Our boss elaborates on his meticulous attention to detail by revealing his "addiction" to statistics, and finally if you want a good giggle then have a look at the wonderful knee-jerk reaction to nothing speculation from the wonderfully named "West Ham Till I Die (what an affliction that is)." Loving the obligatory Robinson dig mind. Enjoy the sublime sedative that is the England match tomorrow- to exacerbate things further and to give you something more entertaining to think about, here's my report on our recent derby win.

Tottenham 1-3 Arsenal

A compelling and open North London derby not only polarised Arsenal’s strengths and weaknesses across two halves, it also highlighted the difference between the two teams, and underlined the importance of confidence and self-belief. A perpetually pressurised tie, the first instalment at White Hart Lane was heightened further by Tottenham’s poor start to the season, and Arsenal’s rapidly diminishing defensive options. The increasingly beleaguered Martin Jol deployed teenager Gareth Bale on the left wing, and Dimitar Berbatov and Robbie Keane up front. Facing them would be the alien partnership of Kolo Toure and Gilberto- the Brazilian’s colossal carbon footprint threatening to overshadow Arsenal’s impressive start to the season. The equally mobile Mathieu Flamini was named next to Cesc Fabregas in the Arsenal midfield, with Abou Diaby unexpectedly replacing Tomas Rosicky on the left.

The visitors began fluidly, Hleb, Flamini and Diaby combining succinctly before Fabregas felled Michael Dawson with a fierce thirty-yard shot. The ball took a solitary bounce before Emmanuel Adebayor controlled the ball on his chest and lashed a volley toward Paul Robinson’s near post- the England goalkeeper repelling the shot and conceding a corner. Tottenham’s lack of confidence was already evident as their archrivals were manipulating the ball swiftly and effectively.

However, the home fans were given a long-awaited lift when Gareth Bale picked up the ball on the left wing. His cross-field pass was gratefully received by Berbatov loitering on the edge of the Arsenal box. The Bulgarian languidly headed toward the left side again, pursued by emergency central defender Gilberto. A doubt before the game due to his aforementioned mileage for Brazil, he shoddily swung for the ball unnecessarily and conceded a free-kick just over twenty yards outside the Arsenal area. Bale curled his shot inside a seemingly unprepared Manuel Almunia’s near post. Quarter of an hour gone and Martin Jol’s miserable season was temporarily exonerated- the home fans rising to acclaim his team.

The enraptured home crowd were jolted instantaneously by Robin Van Persie’s throw in from the Arsenal right. An utterly unmarked Adebayor volleyed the long throw straight at Robinson who rewarded Arsenal with a corner. Fabregas, Hleb and the ever-itinerant Adebayor were working the Tottenham back four- the former driving forward past Jermaine Jenas and slotting the ball between Lee Young-Pyo and the static Younes Kaboul. Drawing the left side of the Spurs defence out wide, Adebayor turned and played in Hleb who had advanced into the subsequent space heralded by the Togo international. Hleb opted to place a left-footed shot from outside the box, which Robinson palmed away. The influential Hleb and Fabregas combined again shortly afterward to exploit more space between Dawson and Kaboul, Adebayor again the beneficiary. However he struggled to control the incisive pass and Robinson came out to claim in front of the penalty spot. The best chance was yet to come.

Bakary Sagna moved forward from his right-back position and played the ball infield to Hleb. The Belorussian showed exquisite balance to elude three Tottenham markers, before teeing up the hitherto-unseen Abou Diaby who had ghosted inside from the left wing. The young Frenchman drove the ball off the crossbar with his instep- a glorious Arsenal chance missed and old questions were rearing their head again. Concise and flowing approach play, but ultimately impotent. The visitors were dominating possession but looked as profligate as the Arsenal of last season. The hosts looked to compound their rivals’ nimiety as Berbatov lost his marker and sent a deep cross across the Arsenal box to Robbie Keane. Slightly off balance, the Tottenham captain endeavoured to bring the ball down with his chest, although his discomfort led to him handling the ball. He had managed to elude his marker just outside the Arsenal six yard box- the game was becoming more open as a result of Bale’s opening goal. The first half was dismissed with the home side leading by one goal.

Tottenham began the second half brightly, looking to exploit the space left by Arsenal’s desire for an equaliser. Steed Malbranque’s swift step over allowed him to play a lofted pass from just inside the Spurs half. The ball arced over an inert Gilberto and into the path of Berbatov, who had broken clear through the middle. His first touch knocked the ball past Almunia who had charged out of his area to intercept- the Bulgarian declined to shoot for the empty net and opted to take on Kolo Toure on the edge of the otherwise unguarded Arsenal box. Toure went to ground and blocked Berbatov’s impending goal with a desperate last-gasp challenge, and an exceptional chance was gone for the home side. A goal for Berbatov would most likely have made the task insurmountable for the visitors, and prolonged Martin Jol’s tentative tenure all the more.

Arsenal immediately attempted to retaliate with Diaby releasing Adebayor on the left. His return pass saw the lacklustre Diaby forgo the shooting opportunity and indecisively lay the ball off to Hleb, who had been tracked by Huddlestone and was unable to forge an opening. The game’s frantic back and forth nature was mirrored by the crowd- the importance of the next goal absolutely paramount. The profligacy of both sides’ main strike threat continued as Alex Hleb reiterated his poise on the ball by evading Lee and releasing the ever-running Sagna down the Arsenal right. The robust right back powered past Bale to the by-line, just about preventing the goal kick. Given time to pause and pick a pass, he played the ball between the legs of Younes Kaboul to Adebayor, who had found a vacuum in the Spurs defence just to the right of the penalty spot. His somewhat wild swing sent the ball flying into the stand- once again another chance spurned and one that looked to be as crucial as Berbatov’s miss minutes before. Despite causing many problems for the opposing defence, Adebayor was only exacerbating Arsenal’s frustrations further. Such was the open nature of the game, it seemed that with hindsight one of the two missed opportunities would well be the turning point of the match.

Instigators-in-chief Hleb and Fabregas once again carved through the Tottenham midfield once again and found the problematic Adebayor, his run across the box saw Robinson charge forth once again and push the ball away. The striker’s subsequent penalty claims after he toppled over the Tottenham keeper were unfounded and increasingly desperate. The raw and mediocre Diaby was replaced by Tomas Rosicky as Arsenal looked for a more conventional attacking approach- Diaby looked ungainly and inadequate throughout, his first half miss perhaps playing on his mind.

It was the home side’s turn to threaten again, Pascal Chimbonda’s cross from the right saw Huddlestone volley tepidly wide with his left foot, his and Arsenal’s frustration encapsulated in a spot of posturing between the midfielder and Manuel Almunia. The impressive Mark Clattenburg dispelled the petulance admirably with a swift word; his fluid officiating had contributed to a compelling contest throughout the match.

The indefatigable Mathieu Flamini then played a one-two with Gael Clichy and darted infield, before being halted unceremoniously by Steed Malbranque’s lazy trailing leg. Fabregas hurled the ball onto the penalty spot as attack and defence alike charged forward. Paul Robinson decided to get involved, electing to rush forward to meet the massed ranks- Adebayor unsurprisingly rose highest of all and emphatically headed in the equaliser. Robinson would prove to be the easy target for many- however Dimitar Berbatov’s hesitance after beating Almunia was fast becoming the pivotal moment, especially as Arsenal’s attacks were becoming more and more frequent. However, it was Tottenham that had the next chance, and it was another promising one.

A deflected through ball found Robbie Keane, the linesman flagging vainly on the left. Clattenburg decided to overrule his colleague, assumingly because the pass indirectly came from an Arsenal player- however the subsequent confusion seemed to perplex Keane as he dragged his shot straight at Almunia. It was another one-on-one scenario for Tottenham, who were doing their best to undermine the visitors’ profligate reputation. Keane’s bewilderment at the official’s indecision was convenient as another promising situation was diminished- Flamini’s intervention had unwittingly become an excellent through ball to the Tottenham captain, and was another impressive piece of refereeing by Clattenburg. The home side replaced Gareth Bale with Aaron Lennon, clearly looking to introduce more pace into their attacking play. With the game becoming quicker and more frantic it looked an insightful ploy.

Despite Lennon’s introduction the next move came from the Arsenal right- Hleb again linking with Adebayor to create a chance for the largely anonymous Robin Van Persie. Turning his marker the Dutchman struck a left-footed shot straight into the arms of Robinson, a mediocre effort all the more poignant with his disappointing contribution to the game overall. The pendulum-like attacking continued unabated as Jenas’ corner met Berbatov’s unchallenged right boot on the edge of Arsenal’s six-yard box. The home crowd celebrated unfoundedly as Gael Clichy instinctively blocked the ball on the far post- before Berbatov headed over the rebound, this time from an even closer angle. Yet another turning point in the game, spurned by a striker that was so prolific last season- the juxtaposition with the opposition’s Emmanuel Adebayor was becoming all the more stark. Spurs’ protests that the ball was over the line proved to be in vain.

Alex Hleb’s began the next Arsenal attack, finding Van Persie just inside the Arsenal half- Tottenham’s attacking intent evident in the space afforded the Dutchman. Shrugged off the ball by Jenas, he managed to find Tomas Rosicky to his left, who played a short pass to Cesc Fabregas thirty yards out. The lack of any opposition pressure prompted him to pause, take aim and thump Arsenal into the lead, Robinson’s left handed touch rendered inconsequential. Already eclipsing his goal tally from the entire season of old, Fabregas looked to have completed the turnaround, until his slack pass was intercepted and lofted over the Arsenal defence to substitute Darren Bent, who embarrassingly sliced his left-footed attempt wide. Three one-on-ones for Tottenham had been missed before Adebayor polarised the difference between the two teams most emphatically.

Tomas Rosicky dispossessed Chimbonda inside the Arsenal half, the diminutive Czech racing forward and interchanging slickly with Adebayor, before playing in another substitute Denilson, with the freedom of the Spurs left-back position. Taking one touch into the box, the young Brazilian’s shot was lacking any conviction and was cleared straightforwardly by Robinson- the ball breaking to Fabregas just inside the Spurs half. Once again, the gaping holes left by the attacking home side were exposed by the young Spaniard- his low ball heading this time for Adebayor inside the “D” of the Tottenham area. Diverting the pace of the pass deftly with the outside of his right foot, Adebayor spun the ball across Dawson and followed suit with his run, before plucking a sublime twenty-yard volley from the air and into the far corner. The ball had not touched the ground while Adebayor had set himself, turned his marker and triumphantly sealed the victory for his team. Despite missing an easier chance earlier in the game, he had succeeded where Berbatov and most recently Bent had failed, and that was ultimately the difference. Should Arsenal continue to take their chances, then they will challenge. Should Spurs continue to throw away theirs, they may well lose more than their manager.

In Lehmann's Terms- Finished?

A bit of transfer speculation this morning (quelle surprise), and it involves our madcap goalkeeper Jens Lehmann. The Sun claims that Eriksson wants Lehmann for his Man. City side, despite not having any quotes whatsoever and making the assumption that because he's being forced to play Kasper Schmeichel and Joe Hart, he needs an experienced goalkeeper. However tenuous the links may be, it does seem that Jens is being frozen out. Self-soliciting tosspiece Myles Palmer adds his two-bob in typical fashion, claiming that Lehmann "is an angry man who seems to have lost all sense of sporting decency." Fair enough, but then he goes on to state his affection for the keeper, before reverting to type and discussing his shattering foresight on something or other. I couldn't help but be reminded of Alan Partridge's doomed meeting with fictional TV chief Tony Hayers, moving from "it's all wine this, wine that" to: "can I shock you? I like wine." Palmer really is a self-promoting feckless irritant at the best of times.

New boy Lassana Diarra shows us his astute reading of the game with his juxtaposition of Chelsea's style of play with ours. Funny he mentions the long balls now seeing as for the first time in many years we actually play with a target man ourselves. A strange comment about not playing enough games for Chelsea too, in light of the fact that he's started one Carling Cup tie for us. Still, as long as he's happy...

Fitness news sees Eduardo and Tomas Rosicky set to play for their countries over the weekend- expect the latter to splinter his ass-bone in the process. Until then, here's yet another bloody match report for those bored Gooners out there...

Arsenal 3-1 Portsmouth

A somewhat perplexing team selection by Arsene Wenger quickly returned focus at the Emirates Stadium to the game at hand. While returning faces were the topic of discussion pre-match, the deployment of Mathieu Flamini at right-back reminded home fans of the threat posed by other former Arsenal personnel. Theo Walcott was also overlooked, as was Justin Hoyte, Hleb returning to his more subdued role at right midfield. Emmanuel Adebayor was also preferred to Eduardo Da Silva up front. Portsmouth’s links to their opponents were underlined by the presence of Lauren and Kanu in their starting line-up. An uncharacteristic display of squad rotation had threatened to undermine the confidence of Arsenal’s solid start to the season.

Such doubts were dispelled with yet another early goal, a rarity last season that is fast becoming a habit of the new. Robin Van Persie showed impressive anticipation to win a penalty from the onrushing David James, and in a similar fashion to the departed Thierry Henry, offered the spot-kick he had won to a teammate. Emmanuel Adebayor calmly placed the ball into the right-hand corner, and Arsenal were up and running. The traditional flowing movement and effervescent passing football from the home side was becoming prevalent, with Portsmouth struggling to maintain possession. However, another unlikely goal followed ten minutes before half time. Gilberto’s flick-header found Cesc Fabregas at the near post, who controlled the ball amicably in tight conditions before sliding his team 2-0 up with his left foot. Already the Spaniard’s fourth goal of a burgeoning season, Fabregas was imperious throughout. At this point the visitors were in serious trouble, and the half-time whistle was the only saving grace of a poor first half for Harry Redknapp’s team.

Portsmouth began the second half with renewed vigour; the pace and direct running of John Utaka had moved to the right wing, looking to exploit the gaps left by the perpetually offensive Gael Clichy. Philippe Senderos spurned a good chance from another dangerous set piece, his goal bound header repelled by David James at the far post. However, Kanu’s bursting run through the middle saw the Swiss international rather clumsily stumble into the back of the former Arsenal striker. Despite Toure moving in alongside him, Mark Halsey deemed Senderos’ challenge a professional foul, and the red card was produced. The game had subsequently opened up, despite Gilberto moving into the back four to cover. The increasingly dangerous Utaka lashed the free kick over the wall and saw Almunia push the shot away, Sean Davis wasting the eventual rebound.

Despite the numerical disadvantage, Arsenal appeared to thrive on Portsmouth’s obligation to attack, exploiting constant space that was opening up down the flanks of the visitors. One such capitalisation saw Fabregas play a deft free kick inside an utterly static Portsmouth defence for Tomas Rosicky. The Czech international took a couple of steps into a spacious penalty area before lashing his shot through Glen Johnson’s legs and into the far corner. The delight at his first Premiership goal of the season, and his second strike in a week, was evident in his ecstatic celebration. Once again, the perceived impotence of the Arsenal midfield was fast becoming a fad of a season finished.

If the North London side’s consistent goalscoring from midfield was bizarre enough, Kanu’s immediate but utterly unintentional reply was all the more so. His attempt to control the ball resulted in a typically spectacular back-heel into the far corner, past a bemused Almunia. After swift consideration Kanu declined to celebrate- whether that was due to his Arsenal affiliation, the futility of his goal, or simply due to the fact that it was a complete accident, remains to be seen. The introduction of Denilson, Diaby and eventually Eduardo led to even more possession for Arsenal, the red card rendered inconsequential by the home sides’ impressive ball retention and movement. The unwieldy Diaby missed a very good chance to punish Portsmouth further when his firm header sailed the wrong side of the post, he almost made amends shortly after with a swerving drive that arced just over David James’ crossbar. Despite a late chance for David Nugent blocked impeccably by the enthusiastic Kolo Toure, Portsmouth threatened sporadically and somewhat half-heartedly, the ever-dangerous John Utaka aside.

Wenger was typically effusive of his team’s performance:

"I think we had an outstanding performance and that we were tested in all areas where the team can be strong. First half we played fantastic football and looked always a threat. We were 2-0 up and looked always dangerous. Second half we were tested, mentally as well, and we have shown a great response. Since the beginning of the season there is something happening in this team. They fight for each other, there's a great togetherness and a great love for the game. You see the team is happy to play the way they play and you saw a great response today."

The mental assessment of Wenger’s side was particularly profound- Fabregas and Rosicky’s goal celebrations were joyous and enraptured; the previously indicted midfielders efforts now see them prominent in the goalscoring charts. Although only four games in, it would seem that the biggest criticism of Wenger’s side has already been annulled- something that bodes well for Arsenal’s long and arduous season ahead.

Big Willy Gone Flaccid?

I know I wasn't the only Arsenal fan to get a bit narked by William Gallas' persistent press releases last season; bemoaning the club's lack of ambition and the inexperience of the young players. However, since becoming captain his media approach seems to have changed drastically- and then I saw the headline "Arsenal Skipper Gallas Says Sorry To The Gunners For Attitude Problem (I would like to say sorry to you for all those capitals- my pedantic approach to quoting overrules all)." Finally Willy G has seen the error of his ways and no longer will he criticise the club's policies I thought. Wrongly.

"Sometimes I have been okay, but other times I have been very unhappy. Because of that I know it might have been difficult for the rest of the group because I wasn't always smiling when I was in the dressing room. I have experienced it before. The first week or so you can deal with it, but three, four, five weeks later? It's hard to keep smiling. So I want to say sorry to all the players and all the staff."

So, he isn't sorry for being an outspoken morale-damaging gobshite last season, he's apologising because he's sad at hurting his groin. Poor old Billy Willy. However, as strange and self-absorbed a character he is, he's irrefutably a magnificent player and the sooner he returns the better- assuming he doesn't pick up a fractured ego for France whilst Domenech manages to play him for 240 minutes.

Nicklas Bendtner's comments have once again been utterly sensationalised by all and sundry- "Bendtner considers options" and "Bendtner could move on" a couple of examples. What he actually said was:

"It's obvious that I don't want to sit on the bench for two years," he told Danish newspaper BT.

"There might be problems with my form in a few months, but I might also get more playing time. I will stay at Arsenal to fight for my chance and in case it doesn't work, I will join a different club permanently."

So if he doesn't make it at Arsenal then he'll move clubs. Riveting stuff. I get the impression that Bendtner's a bit of a cunt, but that's exactly what sets him apart- he's probably the only selfish goalscorer in the squad.

Apparently we've been ordered to pay £2.3m for Fran Merida to Barcelona, but hopefully we'll give them Jens and a couple of penny sweets a la Gio and Fabregas. In wonderfully predictable fashion Micah Richards has responded to the spin on his comments about being an Arsenal fan as a kid, Hlebby-baby mourns the fact that Belarus may never qualify for anything and Tomas Rosicky's weekly injury soap opera continues with a visit to the shoe-shop for our perpetually-crocked Czech international.

Emmanuel Adebayor discusses his relationship with his striker partner Robin Van Persie on the club website- I have to confess that I doubted Ade as a first-team regular, and have been wonderfully surprised with his form so far. I'd wager the majority of us would have had Van Persie down as our leading striker, but that's a contentious statement now. Also our reserves triumphed 1-0 at Chelsea, with Kieran Gibbs getting the winner.

As the drabness of the international week drags on, re-live Cesc's tackle on Repka by reading through the match report below. Until tomorrow.

Sparta Prague 0-2 Arsenal

One of the most common criticisms aimed at Arsene Wenger’s side is their purported inability to compete with more physical opposition. Last night’s European Champion’s League qualification game polarised Arsenal’s response to the robust challenges they are certain to face in the Premiership this season.

Uncompromising ex-Fiorentina and West Ham defender Tomas Repka offered an insight into the nature of Sparta Prague’s approach to the game with his pre-match comments. The first half promptly began with the hosts asserting themselves- the captain going in strongly on Robin Van Persie, which looked to set the tone of the contest. Cesc Fabregas lashed the resulting thirty-yard shot well wide. Sparta seemed intent on using the height of the colossal Libor Dosek, but their play was sporadic and slipshod: balls from Klabrubsky and Dusek sailing aimlessly out of play. Another seemingly innocuous high ball across the box was then misjudged by Gael Clichy- Jan Rezek slid in and knocked the ball past Jens Lehmann and off the far post, Toure eventually clearing. The bookings and uncompromising tackles were stuttering Arsenal’s play, Sparta’s aggressive and robust approach restricting any periods of possession for the visitors. After a yellow card for Husek, Gallas’ long ball forward was laid off via his chest by Robin Van Persie; Cesc Fabregas ran onto the bouncing ball and saw his half volley pushed wide by Postulka from twenty yards out. It was a rare save from the Czech veteran goalkeeper- Van Persie’s free kick after fourteen minutes was only the second of the first half. Kulic encapsulated the home side’s approach shortly after when flying into a two-footed challenge on Bakary Sagna who was looking to start a move from the full-back position. It was a fierce, pre-meditated tackle on a player in an area of very little direct threat- with the intention of upsetting any tempo Arsenal were striving to find. The ploy was effective throughout the first half- so much so that Arsenal responded in kind. Instead of competing with their football, they were beginning to display petulance in the face of Sparta’s intimidatory tactics. Repka now the personification of Sparta’s antagonistic style, clashed with Alex Hleb after a challenge on the onrushing Postulka. The two squared up, and after play resumed Fabregas slid in late on the Sparta captain, who from then on seemed to be suffering from a knee injury. The challenge reeked strongly of retribution.

After half an hour Rezek was played in, again moving in behind Gael Clichy. A combination of the French fullback and Jens Lehmann cleared the Arsenal lines. Further evidence that Arsenal were being drawn in to a physical battle arrived in the shape of a booking for Mathieu Flamini. Arsenal were being distracted. However, their tormentor-in-chief Repka had since limped off, clearly incensed at Fabregas for the young Spaniard’s challenge. The hurter would do no more hurting, ironically falling victim to the outcome he had threatened his opponents with. Despite a spate of corners toward the end, Arsenal had threatened very little in the first half, and Sparta’s direct approach had yielded the better chances. Distracted by hard tackling and a smattering of petulance, the away side had forgotten to play any football. Although not intimidated- as some believe they are too easily, Sparta’s plan was working, as Arsenal had simply not played.

The second half was a different story. Ten minutes in Arsenal began to finally forge some opportunities- Clichy showed impressive balance to play in Rosicky in space on the left touchline. The returning and thus far anonymous midfielder played a ball into the box behind the fullback, Van Persie cleverly flicked the ball away from his marker and swivelled to hit a right-footed shot toward the far corner, which was pushed away by Postulka. Arsenal were becoming increasingly focused, and were starting to establish a firm grasp of possession. Swift interplay between Hleb and Rosicky led to the latter chipping the ball over the Sparta back line for Van Persie, who couldn’t quite get there. Eboue’s persistence won Arsenal the ball just after the hour- after working the ball across the pitch to the left via Hleb, Fabregas and Rosicky; Van Persie’s low cross was deflected behind and fortunately for Sparta, away from the onrushing Fabregas.

Then in the 71st minute, an interception by Gael Clichy enabled Arsenal to capitalise. Having anticipated the pass whilst on the halfway line, the Frenchman had already built up some momentum before touching the ball- two deft touches took him past two defenders at speed, before another found Fabregas five yards outside the Sparta penalty area. Afforded time to take one touch and compose himself, the subject of much crowd abuse finished clinically past a hapless Postulka. The difference in retribution for Fabregas in this half as opposed to the first was profound. Arsenal had demonstrated that they would not be intimidated in the best way possible- by playing the game they intended to from the kick off.

Sparta responded by applying some footballing pressure of their own, Kulic hitting a speculative near post half volley that was rather hesitantly ushered behind by Lehmann. The German then made a close range stop from the enormous Dosek’s flick-header, again conceding a corner. Sparta were beginning to bombard the Arsenal back four, which so far was looking resilient. The London side began to suggest a counter-attacking threat: Hleb finding the ever-overlapping Clichy, whose through ball enabled Fabregas’ cross to almost find Van Persie in the box.

The threat was confirmed when Lehmann’s swift throw enabled Bakary Sagna to exploit the space on Sparta’s right side. Moving into the left channel, his powerful run found Hleb surging forcefully into the area. As he did against Fulham at the weekend, the Belorussian had the composure to evade two defenders and the goalkeeper’s attempted save to confirm victory.

The difference between the two halves was poignant. There will be many more challenges of this nature for Arsene Wenger’s side this season, particularly in domestic matches. Which response we see will almost certainly determine Arsenal’s success- if they respond in their own way and not in kind, then who knows what they can achieve.

Arsenal 2-1 Fulham

A visit to the Emirates Stadium yesterday was akin to stepping back in time. If the game itself was a severe case of déjà vu, the first minute was something plucked from every Arsenal fan’s worst nightmare. As with the majority of Arsenal’s pre-season, very little could be gleaned from this match in terms of assessing their true capabilities. Jens Lehmann’s lapse of concentration gifted David Healy his first top-flight goal after fifty-one seconds, leaving Arsenal in a position they were in so often last season, chasing the game at home. The major pre-match talking point was an injury to first-choice Fulham goalkeeper Antti Niemi after twisting his wrist in a warm-up; Lehmann might well have wished a similar fate had befallen him.

Alex Hleb immediately took up the reins and proceeded to exercise the freedom of his new role behind Robin Van Persie to its fullest, dropping deep and into the channels, running at Fulham’s defence and posing the biggest threat. The Belorussian seemed to be the sole beneficiary of the 4-4-1-1 system adopted by Wenger, as Eboue (in the right-midfield position) and Fabregas spurned numerous simplistic passes and looked distinctly off the pace. Hleb’s probing runs forged a scoring opportunity for Tomas Rosicky who missed the target, before being brought down himself in the area by Chris Baird. Hleb looked to have beaten the former Sunderland defender, who was fortunate not to be penalised. Rosicky, renowned for his long-range accuracy, once again shot wide shortly after. It was the Arsenal of 2006/07, dominating possession, showing impressive passing, movement and technique. But, they were as profligate as ever.

New signing Bakary Sagna increased Arsenal’s pressure when his intricate one-two with Emmanuel Eboue took him away from two Fulham defenders. His low ball into the box was mis-controlled by Robin Van Persie; leaving Rosicky to lash a half volley inches wide. In complete contrast to the rest of the game to follow, Fulham’s deputy goalkeeper Tony Warner was static.

After eighteen minutes Sagna again combined effectively with Eboue, before squaring to Hleb, once again in the box- and once more he could only find a Fulham defender and not the equaliser. Zat Knight conceded the corner but Warner looked to have the shot covered. So often the personification of Arsenal’s problems, Hleb was controlling all Arsenal’s attacking play, but nether neither he nor his team-mates looked capable of finishing them.

Simon Davies then presented another reminder of how imperative the elusive equaliser was for Arsenal- this time on the Fulham right. He cut back inside Gael Clichy easily, and hit a low pass across the box to the goal scorer David Healy. His intelligent run and shot was blocked by an outstretched Kolo Toure- conceding only a corner and not the 24th minute second goal that would probably have been too much for the visitors to relinquish.

Rosicky continued to cut in from the left, and where perhaps Hleb et al would have chosen to cut the ball back, the Czech midfielder chose the snap-shot, which the impressive deputy Tony Warner pushed around the post. Six minutes later Steven Davis ended a rare Fulham attack by falling under the challenge of Cesc Fabregas. Although looking a valid claim at first glance, replays showed that Davis had clipped his own heels looking to put Fulham 2-0 up. Earlier Hleb had gone down from a seemingly harmless challenge, although he put in a far less vociferous claim than the new signing from Aston Villa. Neither looked like valid penalty claims.

Eboue again contributed with a run infield, finding Tomas Rosicky outside the Fulham box. Rosicky cut inside onto his right and struck a fierce shot that Warner could only push wide. Arsenal were as dominant as ever, but Warner was looking defiant. He proved so yet again when Van Persie broke down the left and played in Hleb eight yards out- the often-awry Belorussian seemed hesitant once again as he took a touch before shooting low. Warner made an impressive block, but a first-time shot may well have been beyond him. Van Persie then concluded the move with another low near-post drive that Warner turned wide. The crowd had risen to Arsenal’s dominance and sensed an equaliser. Yet another low shot was then pushed aside by Warner, this time from Rosicky cutting in from the left flank.

Exquisite poise and balance was shown once again by Hleb, and it provided Arsenal with a rare one-on-one against the Fulham goalkeeper. His close control enabled him to play a weighted through-ball to Cesc Fabregas, who could not quite push it past the onrushing Warner. At half time it seemed all-too familiar for Arsenal and their fans. So many chances, nobody taking them.

After the break Fulham missed an opportunity to put the game beyond their North London rivals. Steven Davis started and nearly ended a straightforward cross- Healy drifting out to the right wing was allowed to cross the ball towards the head of substitute Bouazza. The ball broke to Davis who had continued his run, and promptly hit his volley straight at Lehmann. Davis was unmarked by the penalty spot- the absence of the “invisible man” Gilberto was becoming apparent. Normal service was quickly resumed when Rosicky burst forward through the centre, his low pass just too far ahead of Van Persie, who suffered a slight and ultimately benign collision with Warner- once again resolute in rushing forward to prevent the equaliser. The Dutchman had looked a little rusty throughout the match and his poor first touch belied his lack of competitive football.

If Tony Warner could not stop Arsenal, then Zat Knight did his best to. After his block from Hleb’s shot in the first half, he managed to intervene again when Rosicky hit a fierce shot from twenty-five yards, after Fabregas and Hleb had combined to play in a swiftly challenged Van Persie. The Dutch international then struck a free-kick inches wide, the Fulham fans’ wry chants of “Thierry Henry” breaking the resulting disappointment at another spurned opportunity, and juxtaposing sharply with a stark “In Arsene we trust” banner behind the beleaguered Fulham goal.

One of Wenger’s more unorthodox pre-season statements was that of his encouragement for his two central defenders to get forward and assist the attackers against massed opposition ranks. This was later to prove even more poignant, but there were glimpses of the evidence as Toure collected a short corner form Alex Hleb- a sharp one-two and the Ivorian attempted to curl a shot around Warner and into the far post- repelled by the goalkeeper and Diop in an increasingly desperate manner.

Clint Dempsey missed another opportunity to highlight Arsenal’s failings as Brian McBride capitalised on Sagna’s poor control- the two Americans carving what amounted to a poor finish inches wide of the far post. If Dempsey or Davis had taken either of their chances then it would
have been an almost insurmountable obstacle for the increasingly blunt-edged home side.

With seven minutes to go, Kolo Toure powered forward, brushing off two Fulham challenges before being impeded on the edge of the box by Carlos Bocanegra- the relief in the home crowd tangible. Robin Van Persie thrashed the penalty into the roof of the net with apt aplomb. The frustration was also there for all to see as the Arsenal players reacted to Fulham holding onto the ball- a series of unsightly yellow cards were dished out by Dowd to Warner, Diop and Flamini respectively.

Having appeared to have been dispelled by the equaliser, Arsenal’s nerves suddenly returned in resounding fashion as a long ball was headed on by Diop, and Toure’s attempt to control the ball spilled across the area and trickled wide of the far post. So often accused of overplaying in the opposition’s area, Arsenal were almost found guilty in their own.

With seconds left, Sagna lost the ball on the Arsenal right. Fabregas collected it and sent an arcing ball over the top for Alex Hleb- who chested the ball down but still didn’t seem to have the bouncing ball under control. Seemingly reluctant to shoot again, the number thirteen finally trapped the ball, before pushing it ahead of Chris Baird and drilling it low across Warner and into the far corner. Although more subdued in the second half than his influential first, it was fitting that the man who was behind the majority of Arsenal’s attacks would finally finish one, and ultimately seal the victory.

Despite the euphoria of the late winner, Arsenal will inevitably look back on the match and its similarities to those many hard-fought home victories at the Emirates Stadium. However much criticism is levelled at the North London side, the answer is simple. Arsenal need to be clinical. After conceding so early and in such comical fashion it is difficult to gauge whether much insight can be gleaned form this opening game- where the Arsenal players feeling the pressure throughout? Will they become more composed in front of goal? As with the entire pre-season campaign, Arsenal’s opening fixture has provided more questions than answers.

Hello World!

After much contemplation (one cigarette’s worth) I decided to stick with the post title. First blog post and all that. It’s probably the most unfathomable time to start a blog about the Arsenal during the tedium of yet another week of internationals, but I intend to bulk up the likely dearth of interesting stories with some old match reports that I’ve penned.

Having said that, there are a surprising amount of topics that are newsworthy today. A wonderful bit of hyperbolic spin sees the Daily Mail promote Carlos Tevez’s claim that Arsenal have “no chance of winning the title.” Of course what he actually said is something nowhere near that sensational- simply that he sees his teams as favourites for the championship and the Champion’s League, and that “We will show that and prove it to our opponents when we play them in key matches this season.” Perhaps you will Carlos, but I seem to remember a team last season that did exactly that, yet dropped numerous points against the lower sides and eventually finished fourth. Patrice Evra continues the theme, with a shattering and somewhat Partridge-esque insight: “I don’t think we will know about this Arsenal team this season until they lose. That’s the important time when you look to see how a team reacts. It is how you bounce back.” So nice to be subject of their interviews again isn’t it?

Words from the blue side of Manchester too, Micah Richards once again referring to his schoolboy Goonerdom. Terrific player and was very impressive in the game against us at the Emirates earlier this season, but he seems utterly committed to City and plays in areas we have more than adequate cover for- assuming Arsene doesn’t see him as our next world-class goalkeeper or something.

We’ve also been linked with a Norwegian goalkeeper, who goes through the usual motions about wanting to go “if they offer me a trial.” No story there then- although I’m sure it will instigate plentymuch more speculation regarding Jens Lehmann. Even more tenuous speculation has also linked us with Miguel Veloso of Sporting Lisbon- yet another central midfielder we’re clearly so desperate for. The team has also set up a new China-based website.

Kolo Toure exuded a more realistic approach in his recent interview with the club website. “Last season was much different. When we were 1-0 down and the other team was playing better than us it was really difficult for us to come back. Now we are patient and when we have the chance to score we do it and that’s good.” A strange statement when you consider that Sunderland looked dangerous after pulling back from two behind- more akin to the team of last season , even though we claimed the three points. However an Arsenal win should never have been in doubt and the team’s performance was lacklustre at times. Thankfully our first tie after the international break is at home to Bolton- an early goal there should put us in good stead for the real tests that follow, namely Liverpool away and the visit of Manchester United.

That’s all for now- if the tepid monotony of internationals bores you as much as it does me, then have a look at the match reports I’ll be posting over the next few days and re-live our excellent starts. Laters blooners.