Sunderland Preview & Small Clubs, Tiny Minds

On this day in 1949, Arsenal travelled to Sunderland and emerged with a share of the spoils, 1 – 1 draw. Indeed Arsenal has scored every time this fixture has arisen in this month, two 1 – 1 draws, two away wins and two home wins the net outcome of the six encounters.

The visit to Sunderland at tea-time brings back memories of a title-winning season, 1991s visit to Roker Park on a wet afternoon for a goalless draw, experimentally shown on TV in the early evening. It was a turgid affair that produced a point as the team closed in on top spot that season.

This time the only cloud that Arsenal travels under is from the storm of criticism in the media from those who cannot abide by the fact that Wenger spoke honestly about the less savoury side of the English game. Following on from the battering Wenger took from Allardyce (I’m surprised that the Walrus did not order a side portion of chips to go) and Coyle – Laurel & Hardy of the Premier League (appropriate really since Stan Laurel was a Lancastrian) – Twitchy joined in, anything to deflect attention away from his own shortcomings, and Stoke cried that nasty Mr Wenger had not said sorry for upsetting them or poor ickle Ryan Shawcross.

The latter actually beggars belief. Stoke claim they wrote to Wenger; Arsenal say the letter was addressed to Ivan Gazidis and responded to. Were it an unprovoked attack on the club, you could understand why The Potters were upset; it isn’t. Shawcross caused an injury of such severity that Aaron Ramsey has yet to play again. It is a concerted attempt on them to absolve their player of any blame, to claim he is as much a victim as Ramsey. It is a shameful episode and sums up everything which is wrong with football and is frankly pathetic.

Back to this afternoon. Arsenal travel knowing that they will have to win to remain in touch with Chelsea, Blackpool may have learned lessons from The Emirates but I doubt that they will get a result at Stamford Bridge. Wenger has no-one returning from injury so the squad rotation options are limited. The back four is likely to remain unchanged for this fixture but in midfield Wenger has scope. Denilson’s return is being seen as the opportunity for Song to rest. Personally I would expect Wilshere to drop out if the Brazilian plays and that is by no means certain.

The midfielder has ambitions to be seen as the English version of his captain, praising Cesc as a role model and with his displays so far, there is a possibility that he may realise those dreams. Much hard work is ahead but his attitude appears to be far better than David Bentley displayed when he was hailed as the English Bergkamp. Long may that continue.

Marouane Chamakh has become popular almost immediately, goals have helped but his willingness to work hard for the team as big a factor. YW Jr2 has already announced that he wants an Arsenal shirt with Chamakh on the back for his impending birthday – ‘Why not Cesc? Nah, he won’t be here next season‘. The Morrocan has given an interview this morning which revealed he is rather better educated than many of his peers, a Baccalaurete in Accountancy shows the player has more sense than the media would have you believe is ever shown by footballers.

This afternoon’s line-up I would expect Wenger to field is:

Almunia; Sagna, Koscielny, Squillaci, Clichy; Song, Denilson, Fabregas; Eboue, Chamakh, Arshavin

A winis essential and achievable at Sunderland. They have won and drawn in their first two fixtures this season at home and it will not be an easy match. But a title challenging team will win these matches.

Enjoy the match wherever you watch it. ’til Tomorrow.