Anyone got the time?

People have accused me of ‘only writing when we are winning’ but the truth is, I have written a fair bit over the past few weeks but just have not published it.

After coming back from Milan, the positivity had vanished for a few days; the future did not look so bright and serious questions over the clubs future were being asked.

One result (one superb result) against Spurs does not make it all okay but it gives the club and supporters a boost. It gives Arsenal a chance.

Fourth place is absolutely vital and now people understand that financially not getting to the Champions League would mean the profits announced today would effectively be used to cover the champions’ league failure, it shows the importance of yesterday’s win. The cost of not getting in the Champions League is roughly 45m and that comes from participation in the CL, TV money, commercial deals (a club in the CL will get more then a club not in it), match day revenue (people will not want to pay top prices to watch football on a Thursday night) etc.

The Spurs game was epic. Even as an admirer of Arsene Wenger, the mental strength he often talks about is sometimes invisible but yesterday the whole club showed great mental strength. The players fought for every ball and worked so hard. Sagna’s header told me that the players were up for it. Sagna wasn’t afraid to get hit and was fully committed in winning the header and he deserves his goal and even added an assist.

Theo Walcott who seemed to get stick from the first minute kept his critics quiet with two superb goals. I have also maintained that along with great pace, I believe he is a good finisher. Finishing does depend on confidence but Theo has the quality in my opinion however, teams are starting to play deeper against him because they fear if he gets behind them, there is no catching him and this means in certain games he will be less effective. At the age of 22, I hope he will develop a plan B to counter this.

Rosicky and Yossi were also superb. Rosicky has been very good over the last month and deserved his goal. Yossi kept working and as supporters, that is all we want. It was a huge call from Mr Wenger to play Yossi ahead of Chamberlain but it worked a treat.

Next week at Anfield is a huge game again but hopefully our momentum will continue and we can get the three points there.

The fans were superb on Sunday and just kept going even at two down and that sort of support makes the Emirates an amazing place. I am sure the away section at Anfield will be the same as it always is when Arsenal are in town!

Up The Arsenal !!!!!! COME ON!

Ps. Arsene Wenger’s having a party!!

Turned the corner?

0-2 down at home to Aston Villa in the FA CUP and I really did fear the worst.

Fast forward a week and we came back to beat villa, got a draw away at Bolton and put seven past Blackburn at home.

I guess we will really learn what this Arsenal side is about next Saturday when we go to the Stadium Of Light; a win there and maybe a small corner has been turned. Sunderland is a hard place to go specially in recent weeks.

The game on Saturday was much needed. The players needed a lift; the manager needed a lift and the fans bloody needed a lift!

The reputation of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain grew further and there are cries of him being included in the England squad for this summer's European championships.

Theo Walcott, who in my opinion is sometimes a bit of a scapegoat had a terrific game with three outstanding assists.

Robin Van Persie may have scored three tap ins HOWEVER, the movement he has in the box is something really special. His movement is so intelligent and its not by the luck of god that he is often in the right place at the right time.

Now we are off to the Stadium Of Light then off to Milan then possibly back to the Stadium Of Light. Three games, in three competitions.

Up The Arsenal !

Return Of The King?

I have read many opinions on why we should or should not sign Thierry including many opinions from friends I go to games with.

The argument of wanting to remember Thierry at his peak or not ruin his legacy is a fair one but I for one would risk Thierry’s legacy for a top four finish. I love Thierry; but I love Arsenal football club more.

Saying all that, I would much rather get that permanent striker in which will mean more support for Robin and perhaps show the ambition that Robin wants to see.

But even getting a permanent striker may prove difficult; a potential player will know he will play second choice to Robin and its not like we can pay them 200k to sit in the bench (unlike some; some even pay others to play for someone else but we will leave that for another day).

It’s a real dilemma. Podolski has been rumoured and that would provide a much longer term option and I would be happy enough with that. The downside to a short term replacement is that when March/April comes, Arsenal will need fresh legs and the Podolski type signing can give that where as the Thierry Henry signing cannot.

Being in the away section at Man City, I would have given anything to have Thierry Henry on the bench and bring him on for the last 20 minutes or so. He just offers something different and I know it was only pre-season but he did not look too shabby in the Emirates cup and has been training with Arsenal so only the club know what level he is at.

The other issue that is talked about is what sort of impact this may have on current captain and star man Robin Van Persie. I believe Thierry is a smart man, and a smart man will know he is not the player he once was and knows he will not be the star man. Thierry Henry is not here to replace Robin Van Persie, Thierry Henry is not here to play in Robin Van Persie’s position, Thierry Henry is not here to return as captain. Thierry Henry is here to literally lend a hand when needed.

An Ideal solution would be to bring Thierry in along with a long term permanent offensive player and one that most would be very pleased about.

I know the romantic and emotional personalities among us do not want to see Thierry reputation tarnished but I would be prepared to take the risk if it gives an advantage to Arsenal football club.

After all; how can anyone forget Thierry’s 226 goals for this football club and in case you do forget, there is a massive statue outside!

And if he re-signs, what are the odds on a goal against Man Utd and Spurs at home in January and February respectively? Worth a punt id say. (If he does sign!)