It’s Friday, it’s five to five, it’s…oh, no that was Crackerjack. You’ve got the short straw; here’s Darius…

Arsene Wenger was laughed out of TV and radio studios and ridiculed in news columns when he suggested at the end of November that Arsenal were still in the title race and Chelsea would drop points. The contempt and disdain shown toward Wenger for even thinking that the presumed Juggernaut from the Kings Road would falter, was matched with the arrogance of Chelsea’s premature coronation as champions.

A month is a long time in football; humble pie is an effective leveller. Here’s my 8 reasons why I believe Arsenal can win the title this season:

1. The strength and depth of our Squad

There is a perception that Arsenal’s squad injury-riven cannot cope with the demands of challenging for any trophies. An objective look at their achievements despite the injury crisis totally discredits this misguided view. Even with the current 9 players frequenting our medical facility, the squad has coped admirably with an unforgiving league.

Often, excuses are rolled out to explain how injuries have affected the performances of other top sides, but very little mention that Arsenal has had its fair share of medium and long term injuries, but we’re still defiantly sitting at the high table. Traore, Our 3rd choice left back for example is challenging anyone to call him a 3rd choice anything and is absolutely holding his own, it’s hardly noticeable that we’re missing Clichy or Gibbs.

For most, it’s easier to complain about how injuries are affecting us and how we need to buy reinforcements, but few rarely stop to consider that it is indeed our strength and depth that is sustaining us well thus far.

2. We’re the most lethal striking force in Europe

69 goals in 29 games in all competitions from 18 different players. That’s an average of 2.38 goals a game and still maintaining that lethal edge without our preferred talisman. Enough said.

3. Solid foundation and Financial stability

Manchester United – £699m in debt and rising with an operating loss of £45m; Chelsea – £700m debt (half masked as equity and Abramovich flushing the rest down the drain as a loss), and still with operating losses of £69m; Liverpool – £300m and counting while the gloss fades away on the pitch; Manchester City – £90m operating losses even with their filthy rich owners making the £400m investment so far disappear from the liability column into the equity column on the balance sheet. Need I go on?

In the era of brazen ‘cheque book’ management where profligacy is a fashion statement and prudency is seen as a virus, Arsenal stands head and shoulders above all elite clubs. Our financial stability and management model is the envy of most clubs who are now scrambling to emulate us.

We have a solid platform to build and maintain success for the new decade and beyond. And as Colombo would characteristically say – ‘Oh, one more thing’, we actually make a tidy profit.

4. We’re a much better team than we were last year

This time last season, we had clocked 30 points from 19 games with a goal difference of +4. This season at the midpoint, we have 41 points after 19 games with a goal difference of +30. Do the math.

5. Our players are a year older and more experienced

In an era where experience is misguidedly measured by a transfer value, name or reputation, little regard is given to the growth and personal development of individual players. Much less attention is paid to the collective growth made by a team that has been playing together and learning through the difficult experiences of each campaign. One of Arsenal’s biggest strengths this far has been the fact that people haven’t seen this team coming.

The ’youth’ label so often associated with Arsenal has provided a false sense of security to many of our competitors and non-admirers in the establishment. The folly of thinking that youth equals inexperience is catching up with them.

6. We have arguably the most effective midfield unit

Whether it’s the dynamism or creativity of our midfield, or whether it’s the fact that 43% of our goals in the league have come from the midfield, you’d have a job on your hands arguing against the effectiveness of Arsenal’s midfield unit.

This isn’t just about the individual brilliance of Fabregas, or the industry of Denilson, or the solidity and reliability of Alex Song or the presence and power of Diaby. As a unit both in defence and offence, our midfield works together as a well oiled and efficient machine, and they will only get better.

Apart from the plethora of chances the Arsenal midfield weave out, their mastery of transition play from defence to offence is improving with every game, and is the key to our regular dose of Wengerball.

Did I mention that our midfield scores a shed load of goals too?

7. Weakening of Other contenders

One of the chaps from the ’It’s all up for grabs now’ podcast described Wenger as probably the best used car salesman in the land. Wenger has this knack of making sure his player’s legs give way on another manager’s pitch, and very few understood the method in his madness when he let Toure and Adebayor go.

This supposedly weakened Arsenal, despite the acquisition of Arshavin and Vermaelen in 2009. It is plain to see now that Arsenal is a much stronger proposition with the change in personnel.

As for our other 2 title challengers – Manchester United are being found out time and time again as the reality dawns on how they’ve lived on the adrenaline of their previous success and the lesser Ronaldo isn’t around to get them out of jail. The quality of their squad is not as good as it has been in the last 3 years.

As for our neighbours out west, It’s only a matter of time before the legs of the footballing ‘senior citizens’ go at Stamford Bridge. Let’s face it, they aren’t getting any younger, and if you lift the lid off their first team, there is a valid question about the quality beneath. Even the Ivory Coast manager has lambasted Chelsea for treating Drogba like a machine and running him into the ground. What choice do they have?

8. The Home Straight

In a 4 week period at the end of January, we play our nearest adversaries in consecutive games. The momentum we are building towards those games will stand us in good stead. The important thing though, is that once we’ve negotiated those matches, the home straight through the business end of the season favours Arsenal.

With the positive mindset and mental strength, the last 12 games are an opportunity for consistency and points collection. With a bit of luck, we might even do the job at the Lane or when Abu Dhabi City comes into town.

All that remains is the belief within the team and amongst supporters, and the mental strength and determination to carry all of us through to the finishing line.

The players are up for a fight – Are you?

‘til Tomorrow when we may have a football match to look forward to.

Last night’s postponement means that nothing changes at the top, weather forecasts for the coming weekend suggest more adverse conditions outside of the ground are possible. Criticism of the club is misplaced since they are part of the decision making process, police and local officials driving the process once the areas surrounding the ground become affected and potential impact on trains out of the capital.

Amazing though that Arsenal can get their hands on a whole pile of grit yet local authorities in the United Kingdom cannot. Still, who would have thought that we would ever get snow here, eh?

Arsene would have preferred the game to go ahead, concerned that the congestion in fixtures may be detrimental later on. That is true, we all remember 1980 and the ludicrous schedule imposed on the club at the tale end of that season. No repeat should be countenanced with Fifa being prepared to tell national associations that clubs have first call on the players since there are only friendlies played internationally once the ACN has completed its course. That won’t happen but it would be nice if it did, showing Fifa actually considers club football as more than fodder for internationals.

Such concerns are for the minute premature as there are enough free midweek dates to accommodate three or four postponed Premier League fixtures. A bigger issue may be the loss of momentum which Arsenal has been gathering. The first match following international breaks invariably has a poor performance – by Arsenal standards – and this will be a nagging doubt in Wenger’s mind if the Everton match is postponed.

Away from the lack of action, Arsene is reported to be interested in spending £3.6m of the used tenners from the carrier bag under Ivan Gazidis desk on Lacina Traore from the Romanian club, Cluj. No, I’ve not seen him play either so cannot offer any opinion.

Reportedly, he is the ‘next Adebayor‘ which given the problems with the first one suggest that this is no recommendation whatsoever. Indeed, one could quite reasonably put forward that paying £3m for the player is spending irresponsibly were Arsene inclined to follow that course of action.

Much of the speculation is to relieve the boredom in newsrooms around the globe as any hint of searching out the truth. Clubs have resorted to denying claims that players are on trial at Arsenal or just not even responding to fantastic stories that a squad player who happens to be scoring will be makeweights to take Cesc back to Spain. Still, perhaps there is a nugget of truth in Manchester United’s £20m interest in Benzema which may have caused Le Boss‘ ears to prick up.

’til Tomorrow.

Good morning from a snowy Thames Valley, the world falling apart at the first hint of half a foot of snow.  As of yet, tonight’s game has not been postponed but presumably, if that is to happen, it will be called off to stop visiting supporters taking leave of their senses, sorry, travelling down to the match from the north-west.

Elsewhere, Arsene has declared that he will not be held to ransom in the transfer market:

It’s my responsibility to spend the money in the right way. Why should I splash it out and pay 10 [million pounds] for a player who is worth five? 

It’s normal that you buy the players for the right price.

If [Lionel] Messi is available maybe you would spend the money. But you look at the financial situations of many clubs in England and it is because when the income was one they spend two. There is an abnormality of the market because one or two clubs don’t need to look at the money, they just put the pressure on everybody else.

If you listen carefully, you can hear the sounds of a thousand dreams of a free-spending Arsenal shattering. Or at least that will be the way in which the comments are interpreted.

Yet Wenger is not saying that. He has a budget and he is going to stick to it, the right player will be purchased for £30m if the manager thinks he is worth it and the money is there. That he has not yet done so means a media perception of excess frugality sticks. Like all managers, he has a mixed record when it comes to his high price signings. For every Arshavin, there will be a Jeffers or Reyes where the deal does not work out for whatever reason.

Wenger should not spend simply because it is demanded and thankfully, he has a strength of character – or stubborn streak – that refuses to allow him to be bullied in the manner that Rafa Benitez appears to be. Nor is he held to ransom when trying by overpriced and overrated Argentine midfielders or Bulgarian forwards, no hope of recouping the inital outlay in the future.

We have already seen that with one English forward at Arsenal, now another comes into the media spotlight with Carlton Cole valued at £9m in the back pages. With his injury track record, Cole seems ideal for Arsenal but surely at no more than £5m? The question which seems to be missed in all of this is whether or not the West Ham player will improve the squad in any other way than being fit? Is he better than Bendtner – his nearest match physically? Personally, I think not but it is Wenger whose neck is on the line in such matters, not mine.

If tonight’s match goes ahead, enjoy it wherever you are watching, if not the bonus is that the players will be rested ahead of Everton’s visit to The Emirates this weekend and get some more time to master the midfield tactics in Alex Song’s absence.

’til Tomorrow.

The news that Tomas Rosicky has signed a new contract with the club is significant for both parties. For the player, it is re-affirmation of his manager’s faith in his abilities. For Arsenal, it represents a huge risk. With the Czech international dogged by injury following his substantial lay-off, repeated failures to recover fully leave the possibility that he could be an expensive medical patient to have. That is the extreme scenario and one that a player of his gifted talent should not be exposed to.

Rosicky is a match-winner, exquisite touch complimenting outstanding vision, allied to an ability to score as well as create. If the squad is to win silverware this season, Rosicky could turn out to be the difference between finishing as an also-ran or winner.

William Gallas is the only other experienced player out of contract this summer whom Wenger should retain. The Frenchman, like Rosicky, is an experienced international who has won medals. His rehabilitation in the eyes of Arsenal supporters following the unpleasantness last season is almost complete, most recognising that his form this season suggests that he was not the weak link in central defence last time around. The club are apparently in negotiations with the player and his representatives, signing this off will be as useful as a new acquisition in the summer.

Ahead of tomorrow’s clash with Bolton, the injury news was mixed. Denilson seems to be on course for a return to the side, more tests today on his injured back, whilst Rosicky is apparently back in training following a minor groin problem. Should the Brazilian recover, it will stop the speculation for 90 minutes about which of the midfield is going to replace Alex Song in his absence.

Whether there is a direct replacement is open to question. Wenger observed last week that finding a ‘new balance‘ will be required in Song’s absence. Abou Diaby put the team ahead of his natural game, willing to curb his natural attacking instincts if his manager requires.

Had the ACN been last season, Samir Nasri may have been the one to drop back but like Diaby, he is essentially an attacking player. Denilson seems to be the one that is mentioned to play deeper and this was the position he originally played. However, it seems more reasonable that two of the midfield trio will have to replace Song, allowing Cesc or currently Ramsey, to prompt and probe whilst they rotate the defensive duties.

Cesc, it seems, will not make the Everton match in ten days time. The original return date was mentioned by Wenger as the optimistic option; the realistic one is now the return fixture at The Reebok, possibly it will come at Stoke in the FA Cup. Wenger is apparently unhappy that ITV want to show the match live and have moved the tie to the Sunday, Champions League resumption being on the Wednesday following that.

On this occasion, I do not see why the manager is complaining since he would have pretty much been sure of the switch the minute the draw was made given the paucity of ‘attractive’ ties for the TV companies to choose from. English football pushes players hard and the logical solution is to cut the Premier League to 18 clubs. Bolton suggested that this could be done through the creation of a Premier League Division 2, sixteen Championship sides benefitting from the strugglers not willing to be the turkeys that voted for Christmas.

The squad system is there for this reason. Arsene has assembled a group of players who can carry the club through the current injury ‘crisis’, a situation which seems to be heading towards a conclusion, with Nicklas Bendtner returning to training. It might be that Wenger’s ambiguity when talking of the transfer window switches to affirmative action if he is genuinely concerned of the strains being placed on the players. If he chooses not to, I think this can be put down to him needed to have a moan about something!

’til Tomorrow.

FA Cup 3rd Round
West Ham United 1 – 2 Arsenal

1 – 0 Diamanti (45)
1 – 1 Ramsey (78)
1 – 2 Eduardo (83)

Two goals in the final twelve minutes turned a looming FA Cup exit into progress and a visit to The Potteries in the 4th round. It was not a vintage performance with the reshuffled Arsenal side seeing plenty of the ball but during the first half, struggling to make telling use of the ball in the final third of the pitch.

Wenger had been criticised for making use of the squad before the match but the defenders chosen were strong and experienced, few options available with Philippe Senderos failing a pre-match fitness test. Elsewhere, an experience gathering exercise was underway, Merida and Ramsey in the midfield with Song whilst Vela played further forward alongside Wilshere and Eduardo.

A largely forgettable first half contained vague threats from Arsenal. Ramsey had a shot deflected over whilst Green was comfortable in saving from Merida and Eduardo. West Ham huffed and puffed, provided sporadic threats but rarely called Fabianski into action in the first half. The Pole was confident in his area, Diamanti bringing out a good save when given too much room by Silvestre.

With the half-time whistle looming, the Italian made a breakthrough. Behrami, West Ham’s best player on the afternoon, put Diamanti through and despite Fabianski getting a hand to it, the shot found the back of the net.

Arsenal stepped up a gear in the second half but in the early stages, West Ham had the clearer opportunities, Stanilas forcing Fabianski to make another excellent stop. Yet with the hour marked passed, Wenger moved to Plan B, introducing Diaby and Nasri into the fray at the expense of Wilshere and Merida. This, with a tiring home defence, invigorated the side, Vela in particular making hay by playing further to the left than previously, stretching the game to Arsenal’s benefit.

Green had to make a double save from Diaby and Song, a warning of the storm about to crash onto West Ham’s shore. It took just over ten minutes for the impact Wenger desired. Song battled his way to the edge of the area, Vela jabbed the loose ball through to Ramsey, the Welshman spinning and firing low across Green and into the net. A well-deserved goal for Ramsey, a much-needed equaliser.

The match was an almost carbon-copy of the visit to Liege, the deficit smaller but the momentum swinging firmly into Arsenal’s favour nonetheless. The winner came with seven minutes to go. Vela delivered a telling cross from the left, Eduardo leapt Salmon-like, to arch the ball past the sprawling dive of Green. 2 – 1 and the myth of how tall centre backs are invincible in English football, Upson rendered impotent by his lack of athleticism in the jump allied with Eduardo’s determination to win the header.

A regular criticism is that Arsenal are unable to close out a game when it matters, a one-goal lead never enough. Yesterday, that lie collapsed, left dazed and bemused in a crushing heap. West Ham were denied time, space, useful possession and penned back regularly in their own half in the remaining minutes. Not having the ball is a problem in trying to retrieve a situation; not being able to get it, a sign that your opponents know what they are doing.

Wilshere and Merida are the scapegoats of the day. They had afternoon’s to forget on the whole; both were off the pace, their lack of minutes on the pitch beforehand showing through. Rectifying that in a short space of time is not going to happen at Arsenal. Loan moves for both would be beneficial in promoting their Arsenal careers.

The Spaniard is of course, being beaten by the stick of his as of yet unsigned contract. Presumably he is waiting for the offers to come in now that he is free to talk to other clubs. Memories of Flamini, to a lesser extent, presumably drive the irrational complaints over his performance, the same people no doubt criticising Wenger for not pushing the player into the first team following his Carling Cup and Champions League performances.

Wilshere on the other hand seemed curiously lax in touch. Confidence drained from him when he made a key defensive error, further seeping away when opting to shoot. It is hard to criticise a player for doing exactly what Arsenal as a team are lambasted frequently for. Both players will learn from the day, using it as a positive influence on their respective careers will be key to that education.

Very real positives came from Fabianski, Ramsey, Eduardo and Vela. Goalkeepers at Arsenal are regularly in the line of fire; Fabianski bucked that trend with a strong performance yesterday, in much the same way that Mannone did earlier in the season when called upon. Eduardo continues to grow in confidence, similarly Vela. Both pulled West Ham across the forward line with a goal doing the Croat’s confidence no harm at all, 3 in the last 4 games for him, a sign that he is recovering his goalscoring form in an injury-disrupted season.

Vela flatters to deceive at times. A question mark over him playing centrally exists at the moment, his slight frame making him tricky to mark but relatively easy to stifle in that position, physically. On the left yesterday, he proved his worth, particularly in the second half. His crossing was excellent, suggesting that he may make more headway in getting regular appearances through that avenue.

But once more, the spotlight falls on Aaron Ramsey, following his dominant performance at Fratton Park with another at West Ham, adding goals into his repetoire increasing his threat. He and Fabregas are similar in many respects but at the moment, the Spaniard’s vision raises him above the crowd. Ramsey can follow suit but on this form, replacing his captain for the short-term is not an issue at all.

Wenger spoke of his envy of Ferguson and United’s cup exit, freeing up a weekend before the second phase of the Champions League. Some mischief in his words no doubt, loosely sprinkling salt into injured United wounds. The headaches he faces are those which managers are supposed to relish; a lot of fixtures and players fighting for places in the squad and an FA Cup 4th round tie to fit into a crowded fixture list, a sign that things are moving in the right direction.

’til Tomorrow.

The short trip to Upton Park heralds the FA Cup, a competition which is rapidly acquiring the same status as the League Cup in its various guises. Rotation is the order of the day for Arsenal and it would be little surprise to see substantial changes from the team which wiped the floor with Aston Villa. For both sides, today’s encounter could be considered an unwelcome distraction to their Premier League aspirations, victory and survival more important in the longer term for both clubs.

Alex Song is likely to be one of the few who retain the place although depending upon injuries, he may be required to form a partnership at the centre of the Arsenal defence with Mikael Silvestre. The question mark arises with Philippe Senderos who is apparently ready to return although Arsene’s phraseology left some doubt as to whether or not the Swiss international is entirely fit. Assuming he is, he and Silvestre ought to be the main pairing. At left back, Traore may well be rested for Cruise to be initiated into the FA Cup following a decent debut at Eastlands in the Carling Cup.

The only defensive position where the should any question mark is right back. Does Wenger want to risk an entirely new back five by including Gilbert there – assuming Fabianski is custodian – or is he is going to put Sagna in to give some experience on the right hand side of the team? With Eboue’s absence, the choice is Sagna or Gilbert. If the midfield contains Song, Gilbert will play; if not, Sagna will slot into the right side to bring a touch of solidity.

The opportunity presents itself for a number of players in midfield and attack. Ramsey was outstanding against Portsmouth and should continue in Cesc’s absence alongside Diaby and Song in the first choice. The only change to that trio would be the inclusion of Merida to compensate for the Cameroonean playing defensively. Rosicky was slated a week ago to start today and on the opposite side, I would like to Wilshere given 90 minutes before he seemingly disappears off on loan to Burnley although with Owen Coyle the current favourite to replace Gary Megson, some doubt must be arising with no guarantee of first team action in a footballing side under new management.

The final choice Arsene has to make is central striker. Watt is the apparent understudy of choice but Eduardo got a confidence boosting goal at Fratton Park and could be preferred to start at least. The count against Watt is the lack of experience in the side further back. Is it too much for the XI to have a youngster?

A possible starting line-up would be:

Fabianksi; Gilbert (Sagna), Senderos (Song), Silvestre, Cruise; Ramsey, Diaby, Song (Merida); Rosicky, Eduardo, Wilshere

FA Cup history is part of football folklore in this country. The numerous upsets have woven a rich tapestry through time but some of the sheen has been dulled by the revisionism of Murdoch’s Empire and Uefas degredation of domestic cups to Europa League places. A competition purely for cup winners was not rated at the time, considered lesser than the Uefa Cup by general consensus. Now that is happening to the Uefa Cup, rebranding it the Europa League does not enhance, merely confirms its subserviance to the Champions League.

With that background, it is hardly surprising that in the early rounds for Premier League teams, rotation is applied. The public’s answer was given in part yesterday at Wigan where barely 5,000 hardy souls turned out to witness the 3rd round encounter. Does that mean we care less about it or merely a sign that the EPL is being served notice that supporters are not the bottomless pit they are assumed to be?

Personally, I love the FA Cup but I do not feel cheated if a “second string” side is put out. Facing 80 or so teams, the XI fielded has a decent chance of progress. As the tournament reaches its latter stages, Wenger will put out stronger teams. I do not subscribe to the theory that defeat today could derail a title challenge since not many starters are regulars in Arsenal’s strongest line-up.

I do think, however, that winning the first trophy is going to be crucial to this squad, helping make the transition to champions; history has proven that cup wins are a good stepping stone for title winners. It is not essential though; it is not necessary to follow that path. It is, if you win, an enjoyable afternoon.

Enjoy the match wherever you are watching it. ’til Tomorrow.

Ladies and Gentlemen. He’s Stone. He’s Cold. He’s Arsenal. He’s Back. He’s Darius.

May I firstly take this opportunity to wish you all on ACLF a happy new year.

It’s sometimes easy to forget the turmoil that has beset many around the world in the last decade, especially during the recent economic downturn. That’s why I feel Arsenal supporters the world over need to feel good about the fact that we are starting this new decade on a high, buoyed by a strong team ethic and determination, as well as excellent leadership by the board and Wenger.

Moving to the magnificent Emirates stadium, on time, on budget whilst maintaining a competitive edge on the playing field, was a monumental task that should not to be scoffed at. Those of a negative persuasion will quickly point out that we haven’t won anything, what is the point of playing pretty football and not winning? If only life was so simple.

Allow me to don my spectacles of the flowery variety and wax lyrical as to why the future is so bright. The future is indeed Arsenal as the old adage goes. Our only debt is a mortgage on the stadium that can be comfortably serviced from our organic revenue streams. Out of the 92 fully professional clubs of the Football Association, we are one of the few (and I can count them with the fingers on my left hand) that actually turn a genuine profit.

From the top to the bottom of the elite club championship in the world, clubs are ridden with unmanageable debt fuelled by the unsustainable ‘cheque book’ management of the last decade that dared to suggest that football was immune to the laws of economics. Manchester United, Liverpool, Hull and Portsmouth for example, are classic case studies of how not to run a football club in the 21st Century. The success of titles is no guarantee that you will be able to indefinitely leverage your equity and it’s only a matter of time before the devil comes knocking on your door, to shake your hand and collect his dues.

Arsenal on the other hand, has been labelled the small time non-spending and broke club with a tight fisted, egotistical manager who is anal about his youth experiment. In the last 5 years, our most expensive players have been Jose Antonio Reyes, Samir Nasri and Andrey Arshavin, all of whom were signed for fees that were less than £17 million. No wonder Arsenal is misguidedly seen as a poor man’s top four club who can’t match the other big spenders. Yet, this tight fisted French egomaniac has kept this club at the sharp end of the elite clubs in Europe Without bankrupting the club. Give me Wenger every day of the week and twice on Sunday.

The key thing though, is that over the last decade – whether you consider the successful move to Ashburton Grove, or the perseverance with the youth development programme or the building of one of the world’s best training academies – Arsenal has built a solid foundation for the next decade and beyond. Those who are short sighted enough to equate success with trophies at whatever cost will have been slow at picking up the fact that the footballing landscape has changed. It’s impossible to survive on the pitch if you’re living on borrowed time off the pitch.

As we start this new decade, it’s clear to see that Arsenal is on the ascendancy as other teams are wobbling as they start their descent. Pundits who are pre-empting a hearty serving of humble pie currently being baked at London Colney will suggest that Arsenal can only win the league this season if the usual suspects continue their poor form. While it’s easy to get angry at the lack of recognition for Arsenal’s effort, what isn’t in dispute is that we’re not declining and the others are on their way down.

The question has always been how long Arsenal’s transition was going to take before Wenger has another title winning squad. If you believe what you read in the papers and some blogs, your patience may have been easily worn down by the diatribe about Arsenal. If you’re more of the type with a sunny disposition, then you will understand and appreciate that the work Wenger has done over the last 4 years is now coming to fruition.

We still have the customary injury gremlins, and we still have the challenging task to maintain our mental strength, and to keep disciplined and professional on the pitch. All the ingredients are in place for this team to fight for titles and dominate Europe for the next decade and beyond. It is this last mile to success that is the most arduous, and this Arsenal team are stepping into the new decade in the right frame of mind for such a fight.

Of course, January wouldn’t be January without the silly season of the transfer window giving Arsenal fans high blood pressure. Wenger has uncharacteristically suggested that he’s going into the market – and journalists are having their bits squeezed by editors to concoct any list of transfer targets and stories to fill news columns and air waves all through the month. The truth is no one has a damn clue what Wenger will do or who he’ll sign. It might be more helpful for all of us to do something more useful – like support the team as we navigate a precarious month. If and when a new player arrives, we can chew the fat about the new addition. Until then, let’s all enjoy the football and look forward to a great year for the Arsenal, and a great decade of course.

Happy New Year!

Back in the morning with a West Ham preview. I’m off to practice my cockney knees-up routine…Roll out the barrel…’til Tomorrow.

Premier League: Champions 2001/02, 2003/04; Runners-up 2000/01, 2002/03, 2004/05
Champions League: Runners Up 2005/06
FA Cup:  Winners 2001/02, 2002/03, 2004/05; Runners-up 2000/01
League Cup:  Runners-up 2006/07
Charity Shield:  Winners 2002/03, 2004/05; Runners-up 2003/04, 2005/06

‘The Noughties’ in bland form, the silverware totted up and placings confirmed. A decade of achievement by Arsenal Football Club, on and off the pitch. The success of the earlier years has become an millstone around the necks of the current squad, the stick with which they are beaten. As the squad produces some of the best football seen in the history of English club football, abuse is disguised as opinion with the level of support degenerating to booing our own players.

The word ’support’ disappearing from the vocabulary, replaced by an ‘I know best‘ mentality that if followed would lead to the bankruptcy of the club, with no silverware to show for it. If the team is perceived to be in decline, the curve that some of those who purport to follow the club has morphed into a sheer drop.

Against this backdrop, a rebuilding process is coming to fruition. A title challenge is being mounted, ‘The Teens‘ will soon show if that is genuine or a false dawn, the end of January / start of February sees Arsenal entertain or visit three rivals in the current top six. Shades of the turn of the last decade with Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United encountered in an 8 week period, one point gained, two goals scored and eleven conceded. High hopes exist that such results will not be repeated.

What has this decade meant for Arsenal? It is not the most successful in the club’s history, the period 1930 – 38 saw 5 league titles, 2 FA Cups and 1 losing Final. Comparing the two decades, especially one from such a distance, is futile and impossible to say whether a title means more now than it did then. Essentially, a league title is a league title and winning requires a level of consistency which has not changed. Cups are a different issue but the FA Cup earned its reputation in times long ago, now a poor second to the upper echelons of the Premier League when compared to the Champions League.

The biggest event of the decade took place off the pitch or rather the pitch was moved. Relocating to The Emirates was necessary but came at a cost. The squad disintegrated and Wenger followed the path of investment in youth, bringing through inexperienced players, unable to compete in a hyperinflated transfer market. The seeds for this moment had been planted early in his reign, gradually building a scouting network, re-invigorating the previously successful youth academy at the club, taking that process forward using the League Cup in its various guises to blood players in the hope that they would be ready for the first team in the league.

There has been substantial investment in the squad to compliment this. Theo Walcott and Andrei Arshavin were not free; Vermaelen was not cheap whilst William Gallas was a makeweight in the deal that saw the nefarious machinations of Ashley Cole come to fruition. The problem Wenger had, and still encounters, is a generation of supporters who do not appreciate such frugality. Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool and Tottenham have freely spent in that period; Manchester City are about to embark on that path. Money is limitless in their realms but the latter trio are encumbered with huge debts.

Wenger has been firm in his belief that football is an art form, winning is compatible with style, recusant in denying those who consistently demand neanderthals in midfield or defence; denying their insistence that only big name players will satisfy their lust for glory. This is the antithesis of everything Wenger has achieved in the first decade of his reign. Rarely has he ventured into the market to buy big name players. Regularly, he has taken a raw talent and polished them into outstanding individuals.

The finest hour of the decade lasted nine months, a mixture of stylish football, determination and mental strength. A foretaste came two seasons earlier, undefeated away from home for the whole campaign. 2003/04 added undefeated at home to that process; The Invincibles were nonpareil in modern English club football.

Yet so easily could the train have been derailed. A treble was quite conceivable but three days in April saw that aspiration disappear at the hands of their closest rivals. The FA Cup semi-final was lost by a one goal margin whilst a one goal advantage at home to Chelsea in the Champions League reversed. A home league match with Liverpool proved to be the perfect antidote, deficits overturned before running out 4-2 winners. The mental resilience of champions shone through.

2005/06 could have been that moment. A phenomenal run in the Champions League ended in Paris, ten men following Lehmann’s dismissal took the lead, should have extended it but in the end, Barcelona were able to peculate the trophy, two goals in the final quarter of the match sealing an undeserved victory.

There were many other great matches during the last 10 years. FA and League Cup wins over Tottenham in the semi-finals; titles won at Old Trafford and White Hart Lane; Juventus taken apart twice in Europe, victories in the San Siro, Bernabeu, Stadio Olympico; Seven put past Everton and Middlesbrough; 5-3 over Middlesbrough; 6-1 at Goodison; 3-1 at Stamford Bridge in the FA Cup; 3-1 and 6-3 at Anfield in a matter of days with too many more to mention.

Many great goals along the way also, 997 in all competitions. The best to my mind being Bergkamp at St James’ Park. Which is the crucial element of the whole period – the players. We have seen many superb players, some appreciated, some under-rated. The stalwarts such as Keown, Parlour and Dixon supporting the technically gifted Henry, Pires, Hleb, Fabregas, Rosicky, van Persie whilst new generations continue to thrive. Players at the peaks of their careers such as Campbell, Gilberto, Toure, Lauren, Ljungberg and Vieira.

The undervalued players such as Edu, van Bronckhorst, Wiltord and Kanu provided as much to celebrate with their efforts. Even those such as Reyes, Upson and Manninger who flattered to deceive in their times, not quite able to settle into the side or the country. The pick of the bunch? Bergkamp; a Dutch genius, someone whose memories are not tarnished by seeking lucrative offers from others although behind the scenes, they surely came his way.

This is the essence of the last decade. So many great footballers, a privilege to watch them to the extent that it is almost taken for granted that we will continue to see their like. Perhaps in time, the current squad will be remembered in such terms. They are on the path to glory, needing our support to help them take the giant step to achieve that. The past is gone; the future is now.

Happy New Year to you all, enjoy 2010. May it bring health and happiness to you and your families / loved ones.

’til Tomorrow.

Portsmouth 1 – 4 Arsenal

0 – 1 Eduardo (28)
0 – 3 Nasri (42)
0 – 3 Ramsey (68)
1 – 3 Belhadj (73)
1 – 4 Song (81)

2009 finished in the same manner as 2008 with a comfortable victory over Portsmouth, this time the scoreline reflecting Arsenal’s dominance. The hosts had received a winding-up order from HM Revenue and Customs, informing the Premier League of their financial plight beforehand. Little wonder that Richard Scudamore was supportive for on this showing, Portsmouth will cease to be members of the top flight at the season’s end.

Arsenal aspire to greater things. Temporarily elevated to second place ahead of the final whistle at Old Trafford, a permanent opportunity to that placing presents itself next week when Bolton visit The Emirates. By then, the calls for a striker will probably have reached a crescendo despite the squad passing the half century of goals in the Premier League last night.

The sixth game without defeat since Chelsea, the third by a three goal margin. Previous failings of being unable to put ’smaller’ sides to the sword have been corrected thus far, a run that needs to continue in 2010 for silverware to be nestling on the sideboard in May.

Arsene observed afterwards that his team should be taken seriously as title contenders, mental strength the key to success:

I’m proud of the team because the belief is there and we played like a real team. It was a big game for us tonight. We knew, to keep chasing, it was important to win here.

This win was not the only boost with Cesc a borderline returnee for the home fixture against Everton a week on Sunday, possibly the following week against Bolton, Theo Walcott likewise. It is a similar schedule for Nicklas Bendtner whilst Tomas Rosicky appears to have come through his 20 minute workout unscathed. A shard of sunshine starting to emerge through the injury gloom.

Performance wise, there is little to be critical of last night and much to celebrate. Aside from the goal, Gallas and Vermaelen were excellent, afforded much protection by Diaby, Ramsey and Song. Key to this win though was the team defending as a unit; Portsmouth were unable to replicate the constant pressurising of the Arsenal midfield and attack when the opposition had the ball. Slack defending will be punished when facing the top teams and last night it was received its due reward.

Portsmouth’s opportunities were few and far between. In the opening quarter of an hour, Piquionne forced a save from Almunia, the Spaniard turning the shot aside. Pressure mounted on the home defence through set plays with a number of half chances being shunned. Diaby had a shot saved by Begovic before the stalemate was broken, a fortuitous intervention by Kaboul sent Eduardo’s freekick flying into the corner.

Arsenal controlled the game and the question became not if a win could be achieved but by what margin? Part of the answer arrived three minutes before half-time. Eduardo was allowed time and space, passed calmly to Ramsey whose equally composed pass was despatched into net by Samir Nasri, a deserved reward for his recent performances.

The second half was pretty much as you were. Arsenal controlled, Portsmouth huffed and puffed but rarely looked by blowing the visitors defence in. The third came, a testament to the progress Aaron Ramsey is making. He was outstanding last night and in my view, Man of the Match. He collected the ball midway in the Portsmouth half, moved in field past lax challenges before coming back onto his left foot and burying the shot from 20 yards.

A brief ray of sunshine shone through for the hosts with fifteen minutes to go. A break down the right found Gallas and Vermaelen drawn too close to the goal, ball watching rather than paying attention to the forwards as Belhadj dropped back to fire home via the Belgian’s outstretched leg. A moment of rare slackness that will no doubt be seized upon by those who believe that this team will drop away.

The rout was completed as once more Arsenal were given too much time and space in possession. Song tried to dribble his way through the home defence thwarted as Diaby had been moments earlier. The ball fell kindly to Nasri who with time and space, crossed exactly where Song demanded the ball be put, the Cameroon international leaving the ball in the net with an excellent header, a perfect parting gift.

The win was crucial, dismissing for a while the claims that Arsenal do not have the firepower to win the title. A new striker would allow Arshavin to drop back into his natural position but the Russian is working hard for the team despite not getting his due reward in front of goal as often as his play deserves. Arsene refused to rule out new faces after the match but crucially stressed that he will not panic, looking at all of the options he already has before deciding on whom to spend his money.

A gap is opening to fourth place and below, slowly putting to bed the lie propagated at the start of the season that Arsenal were vulnerable to the new money, the new kids on the block. The gap to the top is closing, putting to bed the lie propagated one month ago that Chelsea were champions, leading a procession to their crown. Time to ensure that doubters are silenced.

Finally, congratulations to Vic Akers on receiving the OBE, richly deserved for his efforts for the Arsenal Ladies and women’s football in general.

’til Tomorrow.

The last league fixture of 2009 for Arsenal arrives in the shape of a visit to Fratton Park. Portsmouth currently prop up the Premier League and if the first half of the season is anything to go by, the mismanagement of the club will see them start next season in the Championship.

As is always the case, injury news dominates pre-match. The luscious passing of Fabregas and Denilson will be missing this evening as Arsene will be seeking to utilise his squad in the midst of a run of two games per week. Replacing the pair will no doubt be one reason for Wenger to content with Alex Song remaining until the finish of the FA Cup tie at Upton Park this weekend; Abou Diaby’s rich vein of form another.

Responsibility is resting on his shoulders as one of the more experienced, fit midfielders in the squad. It is not often that we have been able to use that phrase during his time at the club but his form this season, on a consistent basis, shows that Wenger’s perserverance with him has not been misplaced. Alex Song is in the same boat and we must hope that he does not suffer adversely following his international exertions, in a similar fashion to the loss of form and injury which afflicted Kolo Toure two seasons ago.

Brighter news is that Tomas Rosicky is going to be fit and raring to go either tonight or on Sunday. If there is any doubt, it should be the latter when he returns to the fold given the previous false starts we have had with players returning too quickly after absences. Nicklas Bendtner, meanwhile, will continue to occupy the minds of the medical staff for the best part of January, his hernia cleared but a groin problem grounding him.

Portsmouth have enjoyed a mini-reversal in their form on the pitch, not being defeated at home since Manchester United trounced them 4-1 at Fratton Park in November. Indeed it is the only time they have not emerged with at least a point since Tottenham walked away with all three in October. There is a theme here; top four sides should win this fixture.

Arsenal tend to enjoy their visits to this part of the south coast, not tasting defeat since March 1958 in 5-4 defeat. Of the eight matches since then, 5 have been drawn with Arsenal winning the others. At this time of the year, Arsenal have never lost either, winning twice and drawing three. Last season saw a much changed Arsenal trounce the hosts 3-0, a scoreline which was not at all flattering. A repeat of that performance would go down very nicely in these parts.

With the injuries, I would expect Arsene to rotate one or two with Sunday in mind. Defensively, no change is necessary but with Eboue going post match, I wonder if Wenger will give Sagna one more rest before a busy January kicks in. In midfield I hope Ramsey is given the time to shine, him being the most logical replacement, adding guile to the directness of Diaby. Up front though, I would be inclined to ring the changes, Walcott coming in on the right and Vela on the left to support Arshavin. This would allow Eduardo to play centrally in upcoming FA Cup tie. Nasri likewise could do with a rest, having played pretty much full-on since his return from injury. Absentees tonight are a chilling reminder of what can wrong with overplaying.

Those changes would leave the line-up:

Almunia; Eboue, Gallas, Vermaelen, Traore; Ramsey, Song, Diaby; Walcott, Arshavin, Vela

Whichever side Arsene fields, they should be good enough to win this match. They have to be in order that the pressure placed on the top two can be maintained. Next week, the game in hand disappears so the squad need to be in a position to take full advantage of that.

Enjoy the match wherever you are watching it. ’til Tomorrow.