It feels like an eternity since we last played but that's the way two defeats on the trot make you feel. But lets not forget that prior to the last hellish week we saw are team put in what could be called champion's performances against both Everton and Wolves. November has always been a horrible month for Arsenal fans and 2010 has been no exception with more negativity flying around the blog sphere than I can remember for a long time but today are boys travel to Aston Villa to put an end to it and again send us top of the league, even if it may only be for a few hours unless 'Big Sam' and his boys from Blackburn can do us a favour at Old Trafford.
We travel to the midlands today taking the leagues best away record with us. With four wins, a couple of draws and only a single defeat on the road we have picked up more points than any other club but rather annoyingly, we've picked up more points than we have at home, but as I said this week has been negative enough, it's time to start thinking positively.
In contrast, Villa are unbeaten at home this year and will be doing their best to keep that record and as they showed against Man Utd a couple of weeks ago, they won't be push overs but then again they got owned by Blackburn last week so it all depends which Villa turn out.
Arsenal don't have an option as to which team turn up, it needs to be our best team, giving 100% in every minute of the game until we leave with the three points.
Wenger will have a decision to make over who he plays in the centre of defense but he's never been one to punish for a bad performance so I expect he'll stick with Koscielny and Squillaci. Squillaci will be vital today if Carew plays as I don't think Kos is strong enough to deal with him.
It seems our injury situation is getting better, but we will be missing the talents of Vermealen, Fabregas and Eboue which gives Wenger another decision to make in midfield. Who will fill Cesc's role? Is Wilshere ready to take it? If so, will he play Denilson to give us a bit more defensive bite? Will he bring in Rosicky for a rare start or will he move Nasri into his favourite position? The only thing we are sure of is that we have plenty of options.
Robin Van Persie missed out on the squad mid week but I think that's Wenger keeping his fragile superstar protected for what he saw as the bigger game so I actually expect to see him start today. I think if Nasri moves back then Walcott will be given his chance to show his talents and battle to get back in the starting XI on a regular basis.
Goonerfish's line-up:
Fabianski
Sagna - Koscielny - Squillaci - Clichy
Song
Nasri - Wilshere
Walcott - Arshavin
Van Persie (c)
Score: Aston Villa 2 - 3 Arsenal
In all honesty, I have a nasty feeling we'll drop points today with a draw but this is supposed to be a positive blog today.
Lets hope we can all enjoy our lunch today looking down on the rest of the league.
Till next time,
Goonerfish.
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