Utd Preview: Time to come out fighting

Afternoon Gooners,

Is anyone else bricking themselves about tomorrows game? I am a bit but mainly because I work in an office full of Utd fans. With our current squad status, this is the most nervous I have been going into a big game in the Premier League.

Manchester United haven’t won their three opening games since the 2006/07 season, when they beat Fulham, Charlton and Watford and by coincidence the 2006/07 season was also the last time Arsenal failed to win any of their opening three games, a feat which will be matched if they don’t win at Old Trafford on Sunday.

The European result midweek will lift spirits of everyone involved with the club which will be vital going into this game. Even with our vastly incomplete squad, if the players we do have put in the right effort and show the same spirit they did against Udinese then we may be able to get a result.

Our biggest concern for this game is the obvious void in the defensive midfield department with both Song and Frimpong serving their suspensions.Wenger has very little options open to him but has hit a bit of luck with the likelihood that we will have Vermaelen, Koscielny and Djourou all available which means Wenger's first choice pairing of TV5 and Kos can watch our defence and Djourou can move up a little into the DM role. I think this could work as Djourou likes to stride forward, has the pace to cover the whole pitch and is defensively aware enough not to leave the back four unsupported. It would be a huge task for Djourou and his ability to adapt and put in a performance will be vital to any result we get. Gibbs is still short for the game so I'd  expect Jenkinson to keep his starting place.

Wojciech Szczesny is now beyond doubt Arsenal’s number one. It's hard to believe that he only made his league debut at Old Trafford last season. Ji-Sung Park’s header sealed a 1-0 win for the home side that day in a tight game but I get the feeling that many people involved with Man Utd are expecting a bigger margin this year.

The rest of the midfield is honestly anyone's guess. Ramsey could continue his run of starting spots or Rosicky may well have done enough on Wednesday night to secure the start himself. Maybe both will start. Maybe Arshavin will be moved centrally?  Honestly I have no idea which combination Wenger will go for.

I am personally gutted that Gervinho is suspended tomorrow. I would have loved to see him running riot against Utd's depleted defence. His skill, pace and trickery would have been too much for Rafael or Fabio or Smalling and he would have provided a massive chance of picking up a result.

Captain RVP will lead the forward line hoping to pick up the first points of his official captaincy with Walcott and probably Arshavin supporting him from each side. As the game goes on, due to our limited numbers I think we will see a debut for either Ryo or AOC at some point, maybe even both.

My Line-up

                        Szczesny

Sagna - Vermaelen - Koscielny - Jenkinson

                        Djourou

                Rosicky - Ramsey

Walcott                 -                     Arshavin

                          RVP

As much as I am not looking forward to this game, I have a little feeling that we could surprise a lot of people at Old Trafford. We always perform best when the odds are stacked against us and no one can see us pulling out a result, if I'm honest I would happily take a draw today but if we are to achieve it there will be a lot of hard work and commitment from everyone in an Arsenal shirt.

As pessimistic as it sounds the key to tomorrows game is not to over react, whatever the result. If we lose we are only on the third game of the season, plenty of time left and we play all the big boys at home in the second half of the season. If we win, again, we are only 3 games into the season and unless we pick up other results during the rest of the season it'll mean very little but what the hell, lets enjoy it.

This is the last game of the month which means by the time we play Swansea in our next game we will know our squad. Whoever is in that squad it is our job as fans to support them as best we can. It is our club so lets show it in what will probably turn out to be our most difficult season of recent times.

Till next time,
Goonerfish

Thoughts from Italy: Proud to be a Gooner

Afternoon Gooners,

Well done boys, well done!

Arsenal and Arsene Wenger made certain to continue their phenomenal record of appearing in the Champions League group stages for the 14th consecutive year. For a club working on our budget whilst moving to a brand new stadium as well as all the other troubles we have faced this record is fantastic and credit should be given for that alone. Playing consistently at Europe's highest level is what keeps us as one of the world's biggest clubs (Are you listening Liverpool?)

As always Arsenal decided to do it the hard way. Following our collapse at the end of last season we lost our automatic entry and were forced to go through the agony of a two legged qualifier against Series A's Udinese. We took the victory in the home leg with a narrow and uncomfortable 1-0 win so the evening at the Stadio Fruili would decide our fate.

Udinese played well over the two legs and will be disappointed they didn't progress but their pain is our joy so I'm not going to cry too much for them. The return leg in Italy called on our entire squad to grow up quickly, show their character, bravery and spirit and put the loses of Fabregas and Nasri behind them and in line with the clubs motto for the season move the club 'forward' into a new age, a new age that had to include Champions League football. This was not a time for boys to have a kick about, this was a time for men to wear the cannon with pride and show no fear. Our boys did just that.

On the night, Udinese took the lead just before half time via a looping header placed over Szczesny and we went into the break a goal down and our hard work at Ashburton Grove cancelled out.  This was a time for Arsene to show us he is still the right man to lead Arsenal. Wenger did not disappoint, he lifted the players showing he still has the ability to get the best out of the players he has to hand and he replaced Frimpong with Rosicky to give us a more attacking dynamic - a move that in my opinion won the game for us - to show that he can still make the right calls when it comes to all things tactical.

Goals from Van Persie and Theo Walcott eventually gave us the win we needed but it was the fight and spirit shown by all that made it an even sweeter victory. Gervinho impressed no end and once he returns from suspension we will see the difference he can really make in the league. Gervinho is an experienced player, he's played in the World Cup for Ivory Coast and last year won the league and cup double with his old club Lille. I am not surprised that 'the Forehead' stepped up to the plate but huge credit needs to go to our youngsters who faced the game as though they felt no pressure at all and took it all in their strides. In particular you need to look at Jenkinson and Frimpong. Both 19, both making their Champions League debut and both must have been quietly cacking themselves but they both did exactly what they had to do to get the job done and did it very, very well.

Rosicky produced quite possibly the one of the best performances I have seen from him during his time at Arsenal. He was a game changer and deserves all the credit he gets. He will be a useful impact player for the season, full of experience and hunger, could be exactly what we need to see out those tougher games that saw us drop points last season.

I can't talk about the game without mentioning the magnificent penalty save from the ever more impressive Wojciech Szczesny. If for any unexplainable reason you haven't seen the save, here it is:

With the score at 1-1 on the night this was a crucial save as had that gone in the momentum would have been well and truly with the Italians and our feeling today could be entirely different.

Last night was a credit to every Arsenal player and was much needed by anyone involved with the club at any level. The massive morale boost this provides the players should give us more of a chance for the trip to Old Trafford on Sunday and retains our reputation as one of the continents elite which should help attract the players needed for this to become a successful season.

The draw for the group stages starts from 4:30pm today and in all honesty I don't care who we get, we're in the competition and for right now, that's all that matters. We have had so much misery and disappointment in recent months that last nights victory and everything it means should be enjoyed for as long as possible. Enjoy the moment Gooners, we deserve it.

Till next time,
Goonerfish.

Udinese Vs Arsenal Preview: Nerves? What Nerves?

Afternoon Gooners,

Is everyone as nervous as I am? I cannot remember a match I have been more nervous about going into. Our status across Europe depends solely on tonight’s game and with that status, our appeal to potential targets. Champions League football, or the lack of, can be a final decider for many players when considering a move. For example, if the news is true that we are heavily perusing Eden Hazard then will he move from the French champions, automatically qualified for the Champions League, to Arsenal, playing in the Europa League? The answer is simple. No.

To say this game is a must win is an understatement. The permanent Champions League status we have gained during Wenger’s reign is the one stat that keeps Arsenal FC a ‘big’ club across Europe, without it we are a team that will challenge for a top four finish in the English league, good but not great. We could be viewed by potential signings as a club on par with dare I say it the Spuds or Villa or Everton, those teams that always finish quite high and in contention for European spots. I AM NOT SAYING WE ARE ON THAT LEVEL!! But that is how we would start to be seen by Europe’s top players.

OK, enough of what ifs, on to the game itself. The best bit of news is that Van Persie returns from his suspension so our new captain is available to lead the team out. RVP will provide so much more to the team than Chamakh did in the first leg and I fancy him to get on the score sheet tonight. Walcott has been picked out by the Italian press as our dangerman but I expect a lot from both him and Gervinho who is fresh after serving the first game of his three match ban.

Our defence almost picks itself by default, whoever is fit plays. Traore is back in contention after being passed fit but I think Wenger will stick with the full backs that played against Liverpool. More good news is that Djourou is fit again so I’d expect to see him partner Vermaelen.

Our midfield is my biggest concern. We showed no creativity at all at the weekend and that included Na$ri who has now gone on to pastures new. Ramsey needs to step up a little, he has the ability to spot and produce a pass but it was missing at the weekend. Song will take back his DM role but the questions sits as to who will be the third man making up our engine room in the centre of the pitch. Frimpong has started his full Arsenal career in style putting in a fantastic performance against Liverpool even if his red card did cost us the game in the end. Rosicky faces a late fitness test so even if he travels I doubt he’ll make the starting line up. Jack Wilshere is still out and now looks to be out for around two months. This injury scares me as it is slowly becoming more and more familiar to the TV5 saga last year. Hopefully everything goes right for Jack and he’ll be back on the pitch before you know it.

My Line up:

                      Szczesny

Sagna – Djourou – TV5 – Jenkinson

                         Song

              Ramsey – Frimpong

Walcott               –             Gervinho

                         RVP

As worried as I am tonight, I have to remain positive and believe that we can get the result we need and carry on to the group stages. If we score then Udinese will need to score three which I don’t see happening so if we can score in the first half hour or so then I will enjoy the game much more. My money is going on a 2-0 win for Arsenal.

Luckily, Udinese have been talking up the opportunity to play in the group stages as one of the biggest achievements the club has seen with their captain Antonio di Natale describing the game “like a World Cup final” so there is as much, if not more pressure sitting on the shoulders of their players as there is on our own.

This game could shape the club for the next few games so lets hope the boys get out there and do the job needed. Lets show players like Na$ri  and Juan Mata that we are still a top European club and lets retake our rightful place among the football elite.

COME ON YOU GUNNERS!! FORWARD ARSENAL!!

Till next time,

Goonerfish.

Liverpool thoughts: Some positives on a very negative day.

Morning Gooners,

I've tried to leave this blog as late as possible so that I can attempt to hide my depression. Yesterday was our second league game of the season, however it felt like our title challenge depended on it and we were in mid April. The pressure that seems to be on every game at the moment is not healthy for fans or players and the really sad thing is I don't see it stopping any time soon.

I've sat back now and calmed a little and think I've managed to develop a fairer view of the Liverpool game. Although the result is hugely disappointing, as is any loss, the situation the club finds itself in at the moment is the cause of most fans concern. The uncertainty of our squad has become unbearable. Who will be leaving? Nasri and Bendtner both featured but both look likely to leave the club before September 1st. Who will be coming in? Will anyone be coming in? Thankfully we have only nine days left of the transfer window so for better or worse, we will at least know which players we'll be cheering on for the coming season.

Back to the game. There were negatives, we all know what they are and we all have our own opinions of what has caused them but here's my view on the Liverpool game alone.

Negatives:
* We lost!! (Obvious, but surely the biggest negative of all)
* Frimpong showed the result of inexperience can punish the whole team.
* We have another suspension to deal with.
* Koscielny is out for a week, by the look of him probably more (The guy couldn't even walk on his own)
*Complete lack of midfield creativity
* Arshavin, Walcott & RVP were almost non-existent

This will not be the only game we lose this year. The important thing is how you deal with that loss and that goes for fans as much as it does players. Yes Frimpong was the perfect example of inexperience and rashness  but players must go through these stages to learn  from them and under the guidance of Arsene Wenger, our young players like Frimpong will indeed learn from it and become better players from the experience. Frimpong's suspension leaves us with a massive gap on our team sheet for Sunday's game at Old Trafford but Wenger will deal with that problem next week.

Kos's injury looked very bad. His back began to spasm and the poor guy couldn't even walk unassisted down the tunnel. Wenger has said he expects him to be out "for the next two games" at least which is bad enough but on top of Djourou's hamstring and Squillaci's mystery injury that kept him out of the game we now go into the next week(s) with TV5 and Miquel as our only fit centre backs.

Our lack of creativity through midfield is my personal biggest worry at the moment. The responsibility being thrown upon Ramsey is coming too soon. He is not ready to  be our main midfield man, and the pressure coming with that expectation will do more harm than good in the long run. Wilshere will add quality when he returns and Rosicky can still do a job for the team. The only real resolution to this issue is reinforcement. AOC, Ryo and Frimpong will all be new aspects of our midfield this year but with not one of them 20 years old they cannot be expected to be the regular game changers that we need. The Nasri saga will end very soon one way or the other but if reports coming from France are to be believed then talks with Man City have hit problems and Nasri could yet still be an Arsenal player for the coming season. For what it is worth I thought he was excellent yesterday, his attitude was spot on and his hunger to help the team succeed was there for all to see, a big well done to the fans at Ashburton Grove too, the reception for Nasri was excellent and if he does stay it is good to know he will be supported just like every other Arsenal player.

Our front three's apparent absence from the game will not be the same in every game and had a lot to do with the void we had in midfield so unless it becomes a regular occurrence I will not get worked up about it just yet.

OK, enough negatives, now for some Positives I took from the game:

* Frimpong
* Vermaelen
* The teams defensive work rate
* Improvement on defending set pieces
* With 6 first team players missing, Liverpool still couldn't beat us with 11 men

Frimpong almost had a perfect game. Take away the silly first booking and the challenge that saw the 2nd yellow and Frimpong had a......... DEEEEENCH........ game (I still don't know what it means but I'm assuming it's good). He covered the defence brilliantly and added his own spark going forward and other than Van Persie's effort he came closest to providing an Arsenal goal. Alex Song took 3-4 years to convince us he could do the job but Frimpong has showed his class instantly, he did it in pre season last year but then spent the whole season injured and he has returned with the same quality and looks like an immense talent already.

Vermaelen showed us what we were missing last year. His performance yesterday was excellent, especially when controlling Andy Carroll on set pieces. To use a Wenger-ism, he really will be like having a new player in the squad. I would say that the defensive organisation looks better this year but simply saying it's there this season is enough and shows improvement on last season. Liverpool had an uncountable amount of set pieces during the 90 minutes but I can't think of one that we seemed to struggle with so that has to be seen as a positive thing.

Gibbs, Koscielny, Djourou, Song, Wilshere, Rosicky and Gervinho. 7 players that could be regular starters for us this year were all out of action whether it was because of suspension or injury. Which team can take 7 players out of their line up and still produce top quality football?

The biggest positive is that with all the problems we had today, players missing, transfer sagas, fan's discontent etc, etc we matched Liverpool for as long as we had 11 men on the pitch. Don't get me wrong, we never looked like the strongest team but we matched Liverpool throughout and at the end of the day, if you look at it sensibly, that is a positive thing to take away from the game.

Lets remember guys and girls, this is game 2 not game 32 of the season, there is a long way to go. Arsene knows we have to recruit and I'm sure they are doing what needs to be done behind the scenes to make things happen.  My message to you is simple, in the infamous words of Lance-Corporal Jones, Don't Panic! Wednesday will see us (please for the love of all that is holy) qualify for the Champions League proper which will mean a guaranteed cash influx for players but will also just lift a massive cloud of nerves from our team, then before you know it September 1st will be here and we can just concentrate on cracking on with the season until January when we need to put up with Man City making a £45m bid for Frimpong and Barcelona offering for £4.50 and a Curlywurly for Jack Wilshere.

Keep things positive Gooners, the team need us this year more than ever.

Till next time,
Goonerfish.

Don't forget, for more ramblings you can follow me on twitter here: @goonerfishblog

Arsenal Vs Liverpool preview. Hands up, who wants a game?

Morning Gooners,

Today is a another huge day in our season. It's scary that we have already had so many 'huge days' for our club this season, we're only at the second league game and as fans we're already feeling the pressure that our season could live or die by our next fixture.

Udinese was a truly massive game for our club as our future in the Champions league depended on it. That challenge is still not over but the pressure the return leg comes with can wait just a few more days, today we have to concentrate on our first test against a big club - and yes Liverpool are still a big club.

We will welcome Liverpool to Ashburton Grove with a squad that would normally resemble a Carling Cup squad, through injuries and suspensions we are down to a bare minimum squad with little experience and the inevitability of more than one player playing outside of their natural/normal position. On top of this we will certainly be relying on the young additions to our squad that Arsene has brought in.

We will approach the game knowing that Gervinho will take no part thanks to his rash actions slapping Joey Barton around the face. We are also missing Alex Song thanks to his display of stupidity against Barton in the same game last weekend. Song is fundamental to our formation and the importance of his role deserves a cooler head. That cooler head for the next three games will have to be Emmanuel Frimpong. The youngster needs to step up to the plate and show he can challenge Song for the DM role in our line-up and when two of those three games are Liverpool and Manchester United there is no time for learning or growing into the role, he needs to hit the ground running and succeed immediately.

Injuries to our defence have already crippled us and we're only two games in. Gibbs looked set to begin establishing himself as our first choice left back until his injury curse struck again and he will be missing for the next few weeks. Traore was an easy replacement to choose as he's the only other left back we have at the club but it seemed Gibb's injury was contagious and Traore will join him on the sidelines. It would seem Wenger's next choice would be to have Kos and Djourou in the middle with Vermaelen on the left but as Djourou decided nine minutes was enough for him in midweek and proceeded to leave the pitch with a hamstring injury of his own Jenkinson looks likely to get his first Premier League start.

The other problem for Wenger's selection is the central midfield. As I said before, Frimpong will certainly be Song's replacement, Ramsey will continue to show his growth as he sits nicely in the middle of the park but with Wilshere and Rosicky both out the big question is who will complete the central trio?

Arsene Wenger has been very defensive of Samir Nasri in the build up to this game which could suggest that he's going to get one final appearance for the club before he parts for the cash bags of Man City. I really, really, really do not like the idea of that money grabber getting to wear the shirt I love for a single second unless it follows an announcement that he's signed a new four year contract and we all know that is highly unlikely.

The other option we have is to move Arshavin into the middle. The little Russian was quite vocal about playing in the 'Cesc' role when he came to the club and although it's a few years on today could be the perfect oppurtunity. He could produce plenty of creativity in the middle of the park but I do wonder if his final pass is good enough to pick out our attackers.

Today could be a fantastic opportunity for another youngster to make his impression on the league. Today could see either Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain or Ryo Miyaichi make their Arsenal debut, in fact I'd expect at least one of them to do so. I'm excited to see what the pair can bring to the team and with Ryo coming on with his pace, skill and trickery for the final 15-20 minutes against a tired defence we should have that fear that teams used to have playing us in the last quarter of a game back into them.

Here's my line-up:

                        Szczseny

Sagna - Vermaelen - Koscielny - Jenkinson

                        Frimpong

                  Ramsey - Arshavin

       Walcott            -              AOC

                            RVP(c)

That is just my guess and I actually have every suspicion that Nasri will start in the middle with Arshavin out wide but can't bring myself to put him in my own line up. Again if he starts after signing a new contract he will have my full support as a committed member of our squad but until that day comes I don't want him to wear the badge.

Liverpool have definitely had a more active summer than ourselves bringing in Henderson, Adam, Enrique and Downing in addition to Carroll and Suarez seeming to finally settle in they are in a much stronger position than ourselves and I find it hard to believe they come into this game as anything other than favourites to take all three points from us. Carroll will be a handful as always and our defence will have to control him to prevent him having the same effect at the Emirates as he did when Newcastle visited last year.

Last season this game ended 1-1 but for what it's worth I actually feel that we will win tomorrow. I think we will see a united front between our players, we will see players fighting for each other and a team that fight and battle together to put in a performance that will produce a gritty and well fought for victory.

I leave you now to enjoy the game as best as you can so at least for 90 minutes we can worry about something that isn't transfer related. Support the players we have, whoever they may be. Our team needs our support more than ever at the moment so it's our jobs as fans to do our bit and make Liverpool wish they hadn't bothered make the trip to Ashburton Grove, raise the roof Gooners.

Till next time,
Goonerfish.

Post Newcastle Thoughts:Good signs but more to do.

Morning Gooners,


So here we are, the 2011/12 season has finally started. We kicked off our season with an overall disappointing result at St James Park drawing 0-0 with the Toon Army.

Those that have read my stuff before know I'm not going to go over the match minute by minute, there's enough reports on the internet. What I will do is share what I have learnt from the match and invite you to do the same.

I thought we started the game quite well and created a couple of chances early on and considering RVP and Gervinho are still forming their partnership I'm quite excited about what the future holds when they finally click completely. However, as the match carried on it was obvious that we lacked that final cutting edge, that little spark that would normally be provided by Cesc or Nasri or Wilshere. Rosciky and Ramsey are capable but weren't able to produce the goods on enough occasions for one to matter.

RVP still didn't look sharp enough for me. His normally perfect first touch was often off and on a couple of occasions he was put through and he couldn't get the ball under control quickly enough to get a shot away. The sharpness will come with games but for me the team as a whole just don't look ready.

Our normal attacking fluidity was missing yesterday but the work Wenger and his team have done over the summer with the defence was evident for all to see. We looked pretty solid at the back. TV5 and Kos seem to have a great understanding between them and Song worked hard helping out at the back but more importantly stopping Newcastle getting that far in the first place. Particular mention should go to Keiran Gibbs. Left back is a position that many fans - including myself - have hoped would be reinforced over the summer as the general feeling was that Gibbs is not ready to be a regular starter. I will be the first to admit that Gibbs has impressed me over pre season and he continued to do so at Newcastle. I think he has earned the chance to show his worth, I just hope he manages to stay fit.

Of course the main talking point of the match is Gervinho's rash decision to do what 90% of the UK's population would love to have the chance to do and slap Joey Barton across the face. Gervinho worked his way into the box and was clipped and as a result went down. Barton seemed to take offence to this and proceeded to lift Gervinho from the ground by his throat, a bit of handbags followed among half a dozen players which ended in Gervinho raising his hands and clipping Barton round the ear. Joey Barton then decided the contact was enough to hit the floor like a sack of spuds and Gervinho was finally given his marching orders.

The irony of Barton reacting so angrily to Gervinho making the most of contact only to do exactly the same thing himself 2 minutes later will be lost on the player himself. Gervinho raised his hands to an opponent's face so deserved to go but Barton's reaction is laughable.

Earlier in the match Song gave a sly stamp onto Bartons's leg while he was on the floor and should also have been sent off leaving us with 9 men at the finish but we ended the game with 10 which is a shame in itself because 11 on 11 for the remainder of that match and the way Newcastle were tiring, we would've had enough to grab a late goal and the win.

Afterthe game Wenger gave credit to the team saying:

"I thought we had a solid performance and were in control.

They organised not to concede goals, defended well and it was very difficult for us because we played a team who was highly focused to defend.

We missed something, the regret is that we missed something in the final third and in the speed of our passing. But, overall, we had a good performance."

I have to say that's a fair assessment of the performance. Our game will improve and overall a point at St James Park is not a bad result especially when you consider the uncertainness among our squad at the moment with the Nasregas Saga still not ending and players still as unsure about who they will be playing along side this year as we are. Yesterday also showed that reinforcements are more important than ever as the youth and inexperience of top level football on our bench was worrying and will not be enough to challenge on all fronts.

Attention now needs to be turned to Tuesday night which is a much bigger game for our season than yesterday was. A win is a must as is another good performance from our defence. Champions league football is essential to Arsenal staying among the top teams in England so not qualifying is unthinkable.

I'm off to get ready for the return of Sky's Super Sunday and suggest you do the same. Football is back people, lets enjoy it.

Till next time,
Goonerfish

Don't forget, you can follow me on twitter for more ramblings throughout the day here: @goonerfishblog

Three weeks to define Arsenal Football Club

Morning Gooners.

Welcome to what is arguably the most important 3 weeks in Arsenal's modern history.

Reports are leading us to believe that we will see both Samir Nasri and Cesc Fabregas part ways with our great club within a matter of days for fees of around £36m and £22m.

This, in my opinion is the best thing for the club at this moment and in our particular situation, by which I mean Cesc's love for Barca and the inevitability that he will play his football there in the future. He can never show full commitment to Arsenal football club as a captain should and as a result we will never see the best of Fabregas in an Arsenal shirt. The money is still well below his true worth but some would argue that the extra €10m is worth sacrificing just to end a saga that has already lasted far too long. Plus, if we play hardball with Barca and meet half way with €5m added to the price on August 31st we would have no time to finalise a deal for any replacement and that would be simply unforgivable. We all knew Cesc would leave us for Barca and I truly believe now is the time it must happen.


Samir Nasri looks likely to be staying closer to home. Man City have reportedly agreed terms with the player for around £180'000 a week (not of course that he's moving for money reasons) and the clubs have virtually agreed a fee in the region of £22m.
Nasri has played at the Emirates for 3 years now and he has produced 1 half of a quality season for us, I'll repeat that, 1 half of a quality season. Nasri is another example of an over-egged ego that believes he is far more valuable than he actually is. @DarrenArsenal1 summed it up perfectly with his tweet this morning

"Nasri will be regarded as a footnote in #arsenal history, a very small footnote at that."

I am not going to go into my ever growing disliking of Samir Nasri or his unbelievably low levels of professionalism as at this moment in time he is still an Arsenal player and I will not slag off an Arsenal player to that extent while he is still wearing the shirt......... I'll wait till he leaves.

These two incidents can not be what defines Arsenal's summer although many will struggle to see past it. The real thing that will not only define our summer trading but also begin to define Arsenal FC as a whole will be what we do with the £60m we receive for the pair. This money must be invested in quality replacements, not players that can grow into world beaters, we need players that can do the job now.

Further reports are coming from Spain that Arsenal have agreed a deal with player and club for Valencia star Juan Mata. he will likely cost around the same amount that we will sell Nasri for and will be a good statement for the way wants to move forward. A world cup winner, only just I admit, but the experience of being part of that Spain squad is something only Cesc has in our current set up, and of course Spain U21 captain. He has many qualities that will move us forward and as is the same with any player coming in he will be hungry and eager to impress and succeed.

That will still leave over £30m to spend on new recruits and the squad really needs them. I would hope for another world class addition but expect a couple more squad fillers to come in including the CB fans are screaming for.

I claimed at the beginning that the next three weeks could be the most important in recent history and that claim is not restricted to player movement. By the end of August we will have played Newcastle, Liverpool and Man Utd in the league. These are all games that given our current circumstances we could possibly lose. In my own view, anything less than 6/7 points from those games could have a dreadful long term effect on the team. Also lets not forget by the end of August we will know if we are playing in the Champions league or not, so far this has been Wenger's and the Arsenal boards final say in almost any argument, how may times have we heard "we always qualify for the champions league"? Are Arsenal still a top European club? If we are not in the Champions league then you must surely answer that question no.

If we are not among Europe's elite then the top class players we need will definitely not come, then we have the additional problem of the sudden fall in revenue which despite what the board say will damage us more than anyone understands. These problems, Reputation, Lack of appeal, lack of funds, lack of confidence, seeming lack of ambition could shape the way Arsenal Football Club exists over the coming years.

However, despite all the negativity that is around, if we get the 7 points I think we can from our opening games and sail through to the Champions League proper as we should, sign Mata and revel in the rise of Aaron Ramsey, Enjoy Gervinho scoring 20 goals this year and RVP staying fit all year and hitting 30, we will challenge for every competition we are in and after our first trophy win we will continue to win more and Arsenal will once again be known across the globe as a successful, ambitious, top quality club that rightfully sits among Europe's elite.

By the time September 1st 2011 arrives, we will all have gone through a multitude of emotions but we will know where we stand in world football and we can just get on with it and I think the one point that every Arsenal fan can agree on is that we just want the window to be over and just get on with it.

Hold on to your hats Gooners, it's going to be a mental 3 weeks.

Till next time,
Goonerfish.