Where To Go From Here...

Our last proper victory was Barcelona at home (no disrespect to Orient because they were fantastic but are not a Premiership or Champions League side) therefore, it’s been quite a wait.

The WBA game was rather strange. The first half was totally different to the second half (the last 20 minutes anyway). We saw two things we have not seen in a while – firstly we made a half time substitution (Chamakh for Denilson), and secondly we played closer to a 4-4-2.

The last 20 minutes was quite positive, where we came back from the dead and looked closer to winning it rather then losing it and that did show some character.

However, the first 70 minutes or so is the most concerning because in all honestly, we were awful. In my last blog I talked about certain players needing to step up and that is still the case. We lost ground on Saturday however; there are still nine games to play. Our away record is still pretty good this year and we have five away games left and MUST win those (well most of them, depending on results elsewhere).

As I said in my last post, I don’t know if we are going to win the league and I would certainly make Manchester United favourites. They still have to play Chelsea BUT we still have to play them and Liverpool at home AND have to go to Stoke and Bolton, which have not always been happy hunting grounds for us.

I’ve been told there have been many debates on twitter about our football club and many opinions have been expressed. Everyone is very passionate about football and therefore everyone is entitled to their opinion. People deal with passion differently and some people like to argue it out, some people just like to talk about it and some people would rather keep themselves to themselves and go with the flow.

As much as I love the debates on twitter, I will be keeping out of it because that is my way. I do hope come match day (which seems AGES away) everyone is re-united and gets behind the team.

Prices of season and match-day tickets have been highlighted too. Match days do cost A LOT! Match day tickets whether it’s a season ticket in club level or a red membership cost a lot and along with transport, a pre-match pint (or 6), a burger and chips, program etc shows it really does add up. If prices are to continue going up, everyone has the right to complain because we are in a recession where people are losing their jobs and money is hard to come by. Like many, Arsenal gives me an escape from the world and match days are when I tend not to answer my phone and just block everything out because there’s nothing more special then going to watch the Arsenal (or whatever club you support).

The prices I (we) pay is the reason why I am not ready to give up on the season. Call me arrogant but I am not paying all this money to go to the remaining games to think the title race is over and I will have that ‘hope’ that Arsenal pull it off…..after all, what else can I do.

Enjoy the international break, let’s hope our players come back without injury and all our countries win (unless we are playing each other!....Wilshere VS Ramsey……what a prospect!). Also, enjoy the Arsenal-less time, I certainly plan too!

As always…Come on you Arsenal!

Horrible, Horrible Few Weeks...

Let’s be honest, the last two weeks have HURT! Make no mistake about that.

We’ve gone from “Arshavinnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn” in the first leg against Barcelona, to the cup final in Wembley, to Sunderland at home, to the Camp Nou, to Old Trafford; it’s been a very painful journey.

It did feel like the end of the world on Saturday, seeing us go out of another competition and seeing Johan Djourou’s season ending.

People say it always feels better in the morning but Sunday morning was no different to Saturday night, though Monday morning was slightly different.

I don’t know if we are going to win the league but what I do know is we are still in the title race and are in a good position.

I took a few days away from football (because of recent results and also coming back from Manchester with a bit of a cough) and thought I would just re-think things.

I’ve come to the conclusion that without Johan in the side and playing with two centre backs in their first full season at Arsenal, we will inevitably concede goals. The two were outstanding away to Sunderland and hopefully that sort of fight will return but you cannot help thinking we will concede goals purely because it’s their first ever season in the Premier League.

With that being said, I always feel Arsenal have enough to outscore opponents. After the international break, Cesc and Theo should be back to join Robin, Sammy, Jack etc and offensively at least, we are not missing anyone. Alex Song too is a must; we need him back and with Johan out, Song’s presence is even more vital.

The WBA game comes before the international break, so if we can scrounge out a win, we have a bit of time to get the likes of Cesc, Theo and Song fit. WBA is a huge game and after the past two weeks, nothing but a win will do.

Aaron Ramsey may have a part to play too; he looked bright at Old Trafford and has had some good time on the pitch on loan since his injury. Rambo is undoubetdly a massive part of Arsenal’s future but I think he may play a part this season and be a bit of a surprise.

If Arsenal are to win the league, some players need to step up. Some players may even be playing for their futures. I will not name names but everyone has their own opinion on who should perhaps go at the end of the season or those who just need to work harder.

At a time when ticket prices may continue to increase, player’s wages will be highlighted and therefore players who do not give 100% will not be given much sympathy. The players in the squad MUST show real desire if Arsenal are to win the league and can take a leaf out of the Jack Wilshere book. Every time he puts a foot on a football pitch, he plays with such heart and commitment, that’s what everyone needs to look at.

As a supporter, I feel I have my part to play and that’s to keep supporting my team, I will not talk for anyone else because its not right for other supporters to talk for fellow supporters and at such a emotional time, for me, the best way to channel my emotion and even frustration is by going to WBA on Saturday and singing my F****** heart out!!

Yes, if you asked me on Saturday or Sunday or even Monday if Arsenal can win the league, I may have given you a negative answer, but that’s why I waited a few days till writing this blog….you ask me now? And I’ll tell you that Arsenal CAN win the league – it’s ten cup finals and if we give 100% in ALL ten games, Arsenal CAN win the league.

See you at WBA.

COME ON YOU F****** GOONERS!!!!!!!

Week Off Means I Am Taking A Few Days Off...

I think having a week without a game is what I need and no doubt what most Arsenal supporters need.

The last two weeks has been very emotional and therefore I will not write a blog and just wait for a few days to gather my thoughts.

Coming back from Old Trafford with a bad cough hasn't helped either!!

Arsenal We Love You....