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.

Welcome Alex Chamberlain & Transfer movement heats up.

Morning Gooners,


What a day yesterday turned out to be.

There's only one place to start and that is the arrival of our newest Gunner Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. Reports started late morning that AOC had arrived at London Colney for a medical ahead of a move. A transfer rumour that was floating about the whole of last summer, then again in January and has even been thrown about in hope a couple of times already this summer but the speed of the deal actually being completed took me by complete surprise. You only need to look at the deals for Nasri, Arshavin and even Gervinho to see how long the press circulates it before the player signs on the dotted line and we see an announcement on Arsenal.com but the deal today went from speculation of a medical to pictures online of AOC within a matter of hours. Maybe it was because other big clubs were sniffing so we knew if we stalled as normal then we'd lose out again but honestly, I don't care. We asked for signings and yesterday we got our third of the summer.

Oxlade Chamberlain made 41 appearances for Southampton last season in all competitions scoring 11 goals and creating another 9. He played on the right hand side as an attacking midfielder last season and is capable of playing that role on either side but in his first interview for Arsenal Player has confessed he prefers a central role (I swear I've heard that somewhere before). AOC's performances last year helped Southampton earn promotion to the Championship and earned him a place in the 2010/11 PFA League one team of the year. He signed of his Southampton career with his final goal for the Saints and hopefully we won't be waiting too long before we have to fit Alex's extended surname into a song to sing after his first Arsenal goal.

For a team that only a few years ago were criticised and accused for being the sole reason for the destruction of English football, we now have a potential world beating BRITISH midfield with Jack, AOC, Theo, Frimpong and Ramsey

Welcome to Arsenal Alex, you are most welcome.

Many expect Chamberlain's arrival to mark the beginning of  a busy week in the transfer market for Arsenal Football Club with players coming in and going out, we still don't know what our squad will look like by the time we travel to St James Park on Saturday evening. We are still actively seeking a central defender and the transfer of Joel Campbell seems to be almost completed, once he returns from the U20 championships we should soon see his face on the pages of Arsenal.com.

I mentioned before that the movement will be both in and out. Nicklas Bendtner has reportedly agreed terms with several unnamed clubs and is now just waiting for Arsenal to sanction a move. Bendtner must have agreed to a pay cut wherever it is he's going as no other club would be willing to match his current high wages but it seems that playing week in, week out is top of his agenda. I have always said, and indeed continue to say that Bendtner is a very good striker (not quite as good as he thinks he is but still very good) but his style has never matched Arsenal's. I maintain that if Bendtner joins a club that plays a strict 4-4-2 with an attacking flow to match his own qualities he will do very well and will become the 20-25 goal a season striker we all hoped he would prove to be in an Arsenal shirt.

When asked about his future Bendtner said:

“I would like to play at a place where you are happy and play every week, that is the most important thing for any football player and hopefully that will happen soon.”

However when he was asked if Stoke city was a possible destination he showed why we love him by simply laughing. He then added:

 “I can’t say anything about who I have been speaking to, but hopefully it will all get sorted out soon.”

I doubt Arsene will allow him to move on until a suitable replacement is secured especially as Chamakh can't find his form for love or money and in all honesty I will be sorry to see him go but he will not be first choice if Van Persie is fit so for his career, a move away is the only option.

Arsenal also expect a bid from Mancherster City of about £22m for Samir Nasri before the season starts and it's looking more likely that we will accept it. In all honesty, that amount of money for a player who in fairness has only had half a decent season in England is a good deal and will continue Citeh's habit of paying us well over the odds for players who go on to achieve nothing with them.

Nasri's departure will be unfortunate and again, he's a player I would like to see stay and develop at Arsenal but we have players that will replace him and Arsenal will carry on. Nasri's sale could well fund a move for a player such as Mata and I for one would much rather have a player that wants to be in an Arsenal shirt than a player who is looking forward to moving away next year.

That last thought links me nicely on to our 'captain' Cesc Fabregas. before I go back into this whole saga lets look at the facts.

1) Cesc wants to play for Barcelona.
2) Barcelona would like Cesc to play for them.
3) Barcelona do not need Cesc.
4) Arsenal do not need the money.
5)Barcelona will not pay the money

Unless Barcelona pull their finger out and show some real intent then Cesc Fabregas will be an Arsenal player next season. Until that happens or not for certain I will avoid the arguments of Cesc's continued captaincy of our beloved club but just for a second imagine this side lining up next season:
           
              Szczesny
Sagna - Kos - Vermaelen - Gibbs
                  Song
           Cesc - Wilshere
Walcott        -                Gervinho
                 RVP

Subs: Fabianski, Arshavin, Ramsey, AOC, Jenkinson/Djourou, Rosicky (with his newly found hunger), Chamakh

That is a team that is capable of winning trophies. If Cesc is part of our team next year his service to Walcott and especially Gervinho combined with RVP's link up play will be a sight that any team in Europe will fear. That team will also be a result of a very successful summer inn the transfer market. Add in to this equation another CB and another striker then we could even survive a couple of injuries as long as they are not TV5 type injuries that knock someone out for the entire season.

Of course, by the time this is published Barca could have announced that they will match our asking price and Cesc is on his way, in that case we just have to hope that Arsene will use any funds raised to bring in a suitable replacement and by that I mean a player that IS world class, not WILL be world class.

My final word is aimed at fans that read about Alex Chamberlain's signing yesterday and responded with moans and complaints that he wasn't a big enough name or he isn't world class or he's not a centre back.
Relax. Calm down and enjoy the fact that we have added another player to our squad that will add depth and ability to our club. We have signed someone, enjoy it. It all comes down to one fact, it doesn't matter who wears the shirt, I, you, we support Arsenal Football Club and will welcome anyone into our superb family with open arms.

On a personal note, anyone reading this in London or other effected areas please stay safe within this madness. It's times like these that football becomes insignificant within the greater picture. Take care of those close to you and hopefully this insanity will soon be over.

Till next time,
Goonerfish

Welcome Gervinho & the Nasregas Saga continues

Morning Gooners.


Let me start with a big fat welcome to Gervinho. The former Lille star has finally completed his move to Arsenal as Arsene Wenger confirmed he is now officially an Arsenal player.

Gervinho was part of a Lille team last year that completed a league and  domestic cup double. The Brazilian born Ivory Coast star scored 18 goals and provided 10 assists in all competitions last year and will hopefully be able to adapt quickly and carry on that form to next season. Gervinho is a player with pace who can take on players, score goals and create chances for others he will be an excellent addition to our squad and personally, I can't wait to see him in action (although that won't be until after our tour of Asia)

Arsene Wenger has been put in front of the press for the first time this year ahead of our first pre-season friendly against Malaysia XI on Wednesday and even on the other side of the world, the questions were the same, 'Is Fabregas going to Barcelona?' 'Is Nasri leaving or signing?' Le gaffer dealt with the questions as we all know he will, speaking lots but saying nothing. I am honestly lost when it comes to the 'Nasregas Saga' as I have now decided to call it. One day I think we could lose one but not the other, the next I sink to being sure that both men are sure to leave Ashburton Grove and then crazy days where I even support the notion that we may have both players in an Arsenal shirt next year. I can only suggest believe nothing and ignore the entire situation until either the season starts and they're still with us or Arsenal.com indeed confirm that one, the other or even both have parted company with our great club and although this is prompting abuse, trust Arsene knows what he's doing.

One place we know Nasri won't be going is to Manchester United. Sir Alex Ferguson has said he won't be pursuing him as he suggested that Nasri may be heading elsewhere, even suggesting he may stay put at Arsenal.

Wenger also confirmed that Bendtner and Almunia have stayed at home to try and secure moves away from Arsenal with Borussia Dortmund seemingly close to securing our 'almost' great Dane with a £9m deal. Arsenal's current financial structure means that players need to leave before we can bring others in so hopefully more new arrivals (Mata, I'm looking at you) will follow any departures as soon as possible.

You know the season is beautifully close when Sky announce their live games schedule which they have done today. Check with Sky for a full list but our live games come as follows:

13/08 Vs Newcastle - ESPN 17:30
20/08 Vs Liverpool - Sky 12:45
28/08 Vs Man Utd - Sky 16:00
17/09 Vs Blackburn - Sky 12:45
02/10 Vs Spuds - Sky 16:00
29/10 Vs Chelsea - Sky 12:45
19/11 Vs Norwich - Sky 12:45
28/11 Vs Fulham - ESPN 17:30

In addition to this we will have our Champions League qualifier either side of the Liverpool game so our first five games are all live on TV.

Last night the AST were given a presentation by Arsenal last night and in all honesty the highlights I picked up from @DarrenArsenal1 on twitter were mainly survey results which confirm what we already know, fans are not happy about how the season went. To see a more detailed breakdown jump onto twitter and give @DarrenArsenal1 a follow and look down his timeline.

Final point for pondering for you all. I have read a couple of conflicting suggestions regarding squad numbers. With Gervinho arriving and prefering the no11 shirt, Carlos Vela looks as though he'll give it up and it's suggested he'll pick up the no18 shirt as Lansbury seems to have been given his old no12 but then where does that leave Squillaci? God only knows (and he's busy coaching Ajax youth team so I don't want to bother him) so we'll all just have to wait patiently to find out.

Till next time,
Goonerfish.

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Off to Asia but who will be a Gooner by the time they get back?

Morning Gooners,

Our boys fly out to Asia today and as suspected Cesc Fabregas will not be on the plane. The official line is that this is because of a hamstring niggle however, it's suspected that it's to make his move to Barcelona easier if they finally match our asking price. A lot of press is speculating, and I repeat,  speculating that the transfer will be completed this coming week. If it isn't completed within the next couple of weeks I will actually start to feel a little optimistic that he will be staying next year. Wenger won't sell him last minute as he'll have no time to replace him.

Nasri however has travelled with the squad probably because they didn't have enough time to invent an injury for him but being on tour by no means stops the chances of a transfer as Man Utd proved when they parted ways with Veron in the middle of a tour. Todays Telegraph reports that Nasri has agreed a £185'000 a week deal with Man City but Arsenal are still holding out for £25m. I personally don't want Nasri to leave, I think he will be a world beater in coming years but £20-25m for a player in the last year of his contract and showing no signs of wanting to sign a new one is a very good deal. I find it hard to believe that the passion and desire shown in the picture above can be shown by mercenaries so I'm hoping that Wenger can work his gift of the gab and get Samir to sign a new 4 year deal while they're away.

Bendtner and Almunia both stay at home as they try to finalise deals to move away from Ashburton Grove with a couple of side from Germany supposedly interested in NB52 and a couple of teams in Spain that obviously have the worst scouts in Europe have been showing interest in Almunia.

The good news is that some younger players looking to break through are in the squad. Frimpong, Miyaichi and Jenkinson have all travelled and will be looking to impress Arsene Wenger. The full squad list can be found here

Another player unlikely to be taking part is Gervinho. This whole saga has to be the biggest paperwork balls up in recent history. The player has agreed terms and passed a medical and even done all the press stuff such as Arsenal Player interviews and photo shoots and the clubs have agreed a fee but constant cock ups in the visa paperwork have seen multiple delays in completion. Looks like the first chance to see him will be in the friendly against Cologne on July 23rd but hopefully we'll have another couple of new signings joining him.

Arsene and Arsenal will be busy fulfilling commercial commitments over the next week but I expect Ivan Gazidis to be working very hard trying to complete deals so transfer business will not stop because Arsene Wenger is away.

No matter who is and isn't there, I'm excited that friendlies are starting, it feels like an absolute age since seeing the mighty Arsenal in action but I for one will be glued to Arsenal Player on Wednesday.

Till next time,
Goonerfish.

Barca's first move not so Fab & other transfer updates

Afternoon Gooners,

Wow, I've been away for seem like an age but in all honesty there has been no new news to share. In some aspects that's still the same but we have had a couple of teaser stories come out of the woodwork to keep us entertained.

The only real place to start is what can only be the start of another truly annoying summer affair with Barcelona. It was reported yesterday that Barca have approached Arsenal with an opening verbal offer of £27m for our captain Cesc Fabregas. Obviously this was laughed at whole heartedly and Barca were told that the offer was no where near good enough. Although at first read that sounds a good thing, it's not. "The offer is not good enough" is not the same as "Piss off, he's not available" 

I expect Barca to come back with an improved offer and if it reaches the area of £35m plus add ons then I think it will be excepted and if an offer is excepted I am certain Cesc will take the opportunity to rejoin his boyhood team. The good news however is that I don't think Barca will move that high for a player they don't need. Fabregas will not be a regular starter at the Nou Camp, you just have to look at the stats for the current Barca stars to see that, for example Xavi made 3'411 passes last season and had a 94% success rate - that's insanely good, Cesc is a luxury for Barcelona, not a necessity and they will spend or indeed already have spent in other areas.

Samir Nasri's contract is another worry to Arsenal fans everywhere. News has been coming out of the club that negotiations have been progressing nicely and more talks are set for the near future although no target completion date has been set. Personally, I feel quite positive that Nasri will stay, I think more than money, it is a case of Arsenal proving that they will be challenging and winning trophies for the duration of his new contract and I think the influx of new signings and keeping Cesc, or a combination of the two will be enough to convince him of that.

Enough of players leaving, what about those coming in? It looks like the Gervinho deal is still not as complete as we thought. Recent talk is mixed, some saying that Arsenal and Lille are still not agreed on a fee but the more popular theory is that a deal is done and Arsenal are just waiting to make the announcement. Lets not forget, the international transfer window opens on July 1st which is next Friday and we all know how much Arsenal enjoy making announcements on a Friday.

Another transfer that seems to have real legs to it at the moment is Valez Sarsfield's Ricardo Alvarez. Palermo president has spoken in the press this week stating that 

"We had a specific interest we had in hand as early as January. Unfortunately, our mistake we did a quick run at the moment and has already signed for the 'Arsenal'. "

Now before we take that as gospel, Maurizio Zamparini (Palermo's president) is known for both attention seeking and talking bollocks however, Argentinian press is suggesting a deal is very close, if not complete and we know that Arsene was in Argentina a few weeks back so again maybe the magical Friday 1st July will see an announcement on Arsenal.com along with some shiny new photos of new signings posing in their new shirts.


The only issue I have with both Gervinho and Alvarez seemingly close to joining is that it makes it more likely that Arsene Wenger expects either Fabregas or Nasri to be playing elsewhere next year but you never know, with both players unproven in the best league in the world, Gervinho and and Alvarez may both be seen as squad players at the moment given us much needed depth and are more likely to replace the likes of Rosicky in Wenger's plan than Nasri or Fabregas.


I'll leave you on that as I go away and plan my euphoria for next Friday when we announce all of our signings. (What? I can be hopeful can't I?)


Till next time,
Goonerfish.


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Szczesny's defence, Wilshere for England and Cesc to Real?

Hi Ho Gooners,

Can I just start in saying my love (in a purely professional sense of course) for our new number one Wojciech Szczesny is growing daily. His recent defence of Arsene Wenger made me swell with pride and showed just how mature even the youngest of our young squad can be, when questioned about the criticism coming Wenger's way he said:

“It’s ridiculous really, If you ask any of the players they will stand by the manager. He built this team from nothing and I believe he is the best manager in the world.
 

“We are a young team, we still believe we have a lot of years ahead of us and a lot of trophies to win. Let’s be patient and show that we are good enough.

 “We all take individual responsibilities for our mistakes. Everyone has played their part in this season’s disappointment and I think we have to take it as a team. You can’t blame the boss because he stood by the team the whole season and supported us.

Well said Mr Sczcesny!

Other news this week includes Wilshere being called up for the under 21 squad for the summer. Now although I want our star players protected and Jack is definitely a star player and will be for years to come, I actually support him playing in the summer. I remember when David Bently was called up for the U21 squad a few years back while he was playing for Blackburn and he came out and said he didn't want to be in the England squad  because he was tired. My initial response to him was that he could F**k right off, how dare he say no to his country. So many kids, even adults, would sell organs and limbs to have been in his position. What right does he have to say no because he was tired?! If I phoned work and said "sorry, won't be in this week because I'm a bit tired from working the last couple of weeks" they would sack me on the spot for being a knob. Playing for your country is a privilege, not a chore!!

Whenever Wilshere has been asked about it he has remained professional and always said that it's not his choice, it's up to the FA and on twitter proclaimed "I will never say no to my country" All I can say is good on you Jack, good on you. However if the FA are by any chance reading this, please don't pick him, he's a senior international and could really do with the rest!!

I wasn't going to mention this next bit about Cesc Fabregas on this blog but I keep thinking about it and laughing a little then turning really angry and then get really nervous but finish with a feeling of pride inside. There is a piece I read today on the Online Gooner (I'm not going to provide a link because I don't want to give the author any more hits) that claims a £45 million deal has already been agreed for our captain and it will  be announced early June that Cesc will join......................... Real Madrid!! The author claims it will be announced in June because it is after the deadline for season ticket renewals. The author then goes on to claim that we need to buy several world class players to compete and Nasri is useless etc, etc, etc, blah, blah, blah.
I'll concentrate on the main issue that Cesc has already been sold to Real Madrid. Firstly, Jose Mourinho may not even be there next year so I doubt they will be allowing him to spend that amount of money before the season ends and a decision on his future has been made. Secondly, does anyone think we would agree a sale without allowing a bidding war to commence? Thirdly and most importantly, Cesc will only leave our beloved Arsenal for one team and that is the team he has supported since he was a boy, Barca. As I said, I keep thinking of this article and laughing, then get a little angry about the constant rumours and 'inside sources' we'll have to put up with again during the summer, then nervous that another trophy free season may be too much for Fabregas and he may actually complete his move to Barca but then end with a sense of pride in our captain as I remember the way he has dealt with all this nonsense in the past. Cesc loves Arsenal. Cesc loves Wenger. If Cesc leaves it will be to wear the number 4 Barca shirt that was annoyingly reserved for him last year. The author of this article has claimed to have written proof of this transaction (although declines to share it) and claimed he will give up writing on the site if it doesn't happen. I hope he enjoys his newly found spare time.
(I just want to point out that the above is in no way an attack or criticism of Online Gooner, I thoroughly enjoy the site. It's just this particular article that got to me.)

Anyway, the weekend is finally here. It feels a little annoying watching Champions League in midweek knowing we're no longer involved but our long wait of a full week to see the boys in action again is almost at an end as we look forward to a trip to Stoke play the closest thing to a rugby team we can see in the Premier League. Great news in the build up to this game is that Vermaelen is available for selection again after coming through 90 minutes in the reserves against Man Utd. I don't think TV5 will be starting against Stoke but the knowledge that he is ready to go is fantastic and if given a problem free pre-season he can once again claim his reputation of one of the leagues top centre backs.

Well, there ya go, that's my two cents worth. I'll leave you now the rest of your evening,

Till next time,
Goonerfish.

Must take advantage and take all the points: Everton Preview

Unbeaten in seven games, lost only three games in there last twenty three and the third best defensive record in the league this year falling behind only Man City and Chelsea. It all sounds great but that's not our record, it's Everton's.

This will not be an easy game. Our third game in seven days and we follow a home defeat to Newcastle and an away win at Wolves with a trip up north to the blue side of Mersyside.

Today marks the half way mark in our traditional bogey month which so far reads one win and two defeats. Better news though is that Cesc Fabregas has been declared as "back" by manager Arsene Wenger. Our captain has been a mixture of average and almost good. He has failed to reach his normal high standards but according to Wenger he's "back". He said:

“It took him a while to settle again. But I am 100 per cent convinced he is focused, motivated and determined more than ever to lead the team to victory.

“Stamina-wise, Cesc is there now. He has lost his restriction in his head and the fear of injury in his hamstring.

“He still lacks a little bit of zip in the decision-making and his acceleration in the final third. He is at 95 per cent.

“I felt we saw a different Cesc at Wolves – focused, motivated, wanted to give everything, no restriction. He was already a completely different player. That means in the next game he should be alright.

Having a fully fit and match sharp Fabregas will be a massive boost for any team. His vision, skill and commitment will earn us points on there own and the sooner he can get back to being the maestro we know he can be, the better.

As for the rest of our team tomorrow, Fabianski will be looking to get another solid performance under his belt, a little bit of me thinks he prefers playing away from the Emirates where there's not so many eyes waiting for him to mess up and not so many groans if he drops a cross. He is becoming a better keeper with every game and long may he continue to improve. At Fabianski's age he could find himself our number one keeper for the next ten+ years and with the rest of the team as young as they are, the understanding between everyone will grow every year and that can only be a big, big positive for the club.

The defense again picks itself, Koscielny remains suspended and Vermealen remains injured So Djourou and Squillaci will have the opportunity for their partnership to grow. The only question is between Clichy and Gibbs. Gibbs is available again but I don't see the tough trip to Goodison the right place or his return.

I have to admit, apart from Song and Fabregas, the rest of the line-up is almost a complete guess. We have so many options available to us that I don't know if Wenger knows his best XI so God help the rest of us who are trying to work it out. Personally I'd like to see Theo start. Baines is a very good player but he is very attack minded and I can' think of anyone else I'd prefer to be available to exploit all that space he will leave behind him.

Bendtner has apparently been mouthing off in he week, if you missed his comments I talked about it in yesterdays blog, he has been saying he believes he is fit and ready to be our main striker but after his brace on Wednesday, if he's fit enough in Wenger's eyes, Chamakh must start. I'd also like o see some more of Van Persie but expect if anything he'll be introduced from the bench. Arshavin has started to show a new lease of life and has really been showing an effort in his past couple of appearances, I've said it many times but I'll say it again, if Arshavin can match his work rate to his skill and ability he will become one of the best players in the world.

Goonerfish's line-up:

Fabianski


Sagna - Djourou - Squillaci - Clichy


Song


Fabregas (c) - Nasri


Walcott - Arshavin


Chamakh



Score Everton 2 - 3 Arsenal

This will either be a goal fest or will end up 1 - 0, thanks to my positive nature, I'm opting for the goal fest. We will need to wach out for the power of Cahill in the air but more importantly we will need to cut out the supply. I think if we have enough of the ball we can restrict Everton's chances. As I said Walcott (if he plays) should enjoy a lot of space behind the attacking Baines and could really hurt the toffees.

With Man Utd and Man City dropping points and Chelsea facing a tough game at the Stadium of Light (I fancy Sunderland to get a point BTW) today is a perfect chance to gain a couple of points on our rivals and finish the weekend in second place a maximum of only 5 points of the leaders.

Till next time Gooners,
Goonerfish.

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