INJURY UPDATE - AFC vs SPUDS

Bacary Sagna has pulled up short for the North London derby. The knee injury he suffered against Bayern is still a week away from training so he'll be out.

Abou Diaby on the other hand is a 50/50 at the moment but it looks promising.

Wenger had this to say when asked about the gangly midfielder:
AW - "It is a question of days. He will have tests and we will see if we can use him on Sunday or not. It is a 50/50, actually a bit more for him playing".

We obviously need to field our strongest 11 against the Scum and Carl Jenkinson at the back dealing with the pace of Bale worries me.

I personally think screw the zonal shite and man-mark Bale for the entire fixture. If we take out Big- ears then we'll stop their predominant threat.

Some fans relish in this fixture, the sheer thought makes me want to throw up in my mouth. Sunday can't come quick enough!

HILL-WOOD BACKS SUMMER SPENDING

Arsenal Chairman Peter Hill-Wood has backed Wenger to buy whoever he wants this summer.

With £17.8 million in half-yearly profits and a cash reserve of £123.3 million there should be no excuses.
Oh wait! You can throw an extra £150 million on top of that from the Emirates sponsorship, and then sprinkle £25 mill from the new Adidas kit deal for the 2014/15 seasons.

No excuses.

Hill-Wood stated: "We are in a position where we can compete with most people. If there is someone we really want, then the price guide is secondary."

Asked about the fans criticism of Arsene Wenger he added: "I understand that they want us to win everything, but so do I. We are in a damned sight better position than a lot of people".

Prove it. Bring on Falcao and Cavani then...

PIC OF THE DAY

Check out this beauty from 'Mr Lego hair's' wedding album...

Picture courtesy of Sabotage Times.

It's reminiscent of one of my favorite 'awkward family photo's'. Too many to choose from though!

BERGKAMP IMORTALIZED

The flying Dutchman is getting a bronze statue outside The Emirates and about bloody time!

Here's a photograph of the life-sized statue in the construction phase, thankfully this awesome image has been leaked giving us a glimpse of what to expect.

ARSENAL DECLARE HALF YEARLY FIGURES

Who needs trophy's when we have 'profits'.

Well that seems to be the consensus in the Arsenal boardroom.

Today £17.8 million is the recorded profit for the half-yearly results since November 2012. This positive news will surely put pressure on Wenger and the board to spend accordingly, especially as £24 million for the sale of RVP helped that profit margin greatly.

Not only that but the huge fee's for Cesc and Nasri too, who like Robin are still to be replaced.

Our turnover has dropped to £106 million from last years £113.5 million due to 4 fewer home fixtures.

Can you imagine how much 5th place will cost us.

IS MIDFIELD EXPANSION OUR TOP PRIORITY?

Supposedly Newcastle midfielder Yohan Cabaye is wanted by both us and Manchester Utd (the media love a good old tug-o-war!).
This isn't the first time the 27-year-old Frenchman's been linked to Arsenal, fueling speculation that we may make a bid for the number 4 this summer window.

At this stage we're all aware that rumors and instigations regarding Arsenal are rife, we probably endure more media fabrications than any other team out there.
And it seems that the more consistently a name's mentioned the more credible the rumors apparently become?
There could be some truth in this theory, although in our case, this format doesn't seem follow suit. Not if recent activity is anything to go by.

Just look at Arteta, Cazorla, Santos and Monreal. They're all deals that either came down to the wire or a were a blatant desperation buy.

And of course there could be some truth behind the names linked to us, but if it's the case then they're choosing other teams (Mata, Hazard) or we're not putting in the offers when we should (Zaha, Demba Ba).

What concerns me a bit (true on not) is that the majority of the names consistently linked to us seem to be midfielders.
Back-up in midfield would be a pleasant commodity, especially seen as Wilshire's been injured and although Cazorla's great on his day, he is still a little inconsistent at this stage. Rositsky's old and Ramsay's shit, Chamberlain's the same as Santi and so on...

I'm told Wenger's big three are Athletic Bilbao defender Fernando Amorebieta, Fiorentina striker Stevan Jovetic and last seasons number one target Mario Gotze.

The German International is still only 20 years-old.

And yes Gotze is a midfielder, but a midfielder any team would surely clear space for!

If we're truly in for a shot with 'Super Mario' then I'm as happy as a pig. But remember, Gotze recently signed a new contract with Dortmund, and at a time when acquiring his signature was much publicized and sought after.
If he's going to reject some of the best opportunities in Europe, coupled with silly-money negotiations and everything else that goes with it, I can't see it happening to be honest.
So if we can't get Gotze for now, fine. Maybe later.

But do we really need to be in the run for Cabaye? And don't get me wrong he's a great player but surely the pecking order should be striker, defender, goalkeeper then midfield...?

But if this war-chest of £80 million for transfers is true, then surely the world is Wenger's oyster...

INJURY UPDATE - AFC VS A VILLA

Another important game this Saturday. It may only be against 17th place Aston Villa but we desperately need to bounce back from the Bayern and Blackburn defeats. We also need to close the gap on 4th place Tottenham who currently sit four points ahead of us and don't play West Ham (away) until Monday, hopefully a win at the Emirates could pile the psychological pressure on Spurs at Upton Park.

Bacary Sagna picked up a knee injury after the Bayern tie. Arsene had this to say to the official website:
AW: “Sagna has a problem with his knee. He will be out for Saturday certainly. I don’t think there are any other knocks really.”

And Gibbs is still suffering from his thigh injury which has had him out since January. He will still be a few weeks yet.

MERSON SAYS - "STAY!"

He must be back on the 'you know what, followed by a fat line of the 'you know what'...

According to the Mail, Arsenal legend Paul Merson has told Arsene Wenger to "stay at Arsenal and clean up you're mess!"

One part of me wants to agree and say "yeah you twat, you caused it, you clean it!"
But, the more logical part says surely the damage isn't done.
Every 'bottom' has a trap-door and I strongly believe that the longer Wenger stays, the more Arsenal football club will fall beyond irreversible disrepair.

I hope I'm wrong, I hope that next season we've spent that £70 million warchest, have numerous world class signings and can finally parade through London on that open-top bus once again.

Yeah...?

And referring to the Bayern result (been trying to avoid), it's actually a bitter sweet situation for me.
We were so outclassed by the Germans, it's a miracle we even scored a goal let alone only conceded three.
Their defense was impenetrable (I remember when that was us), their organization was impeccable and they then replaced there world class players with world class substitutes.
The bittersweet part,  I feel that if we succumb to a few more of these horrible, demoralizing and embarrassing defeats then Wenger may actually say "enough is enough" and resign.

Up until the RVP saga when Wenger stood firm and said that Robin was 'going nowhere', ("we'll hold him to his contract!") and then we sold him!
To our biggest rivals?
Wenger's biggest personal rival (Fergie).
We sold our best player to the team we are chasing and aspire to be?!?

I was actually one of the fools saying the boss should stay.
But after such, deceit, cowardice and obvious ulterior motives (bank balance) how can anyone sit back and accept the evidence?

Merson at least recognizes that we desperately need to turn things around.

PM: "I know Arsene. I played for him. He will be hurt by what’s happening at his club – and I’m sure it’s crossed his mind to walk. He must take responsibility and turn it round, but that means admitting his mistakes and learning from them – and I’m not sure he is very good at that."

He added: "Arsene, you’ve been wrong too often lately. Mostly, you are wrong for trying to do too much. It’s time to let others take on some responsibility."

Yeah like Pep Guardiola, David Moyes, Jose Mourinho. My two-year-old daughter...

OFFICIAL - AFC LINE UP

Here's the confirmed line up for today's Champions League clash with Bayern Munich:

Starting 11: Szczęsny, Sagna, Mertesacker, Vermaelen, Koscielny, Arteta, Podolski, Wilshere, Walcott, Ramsey, Santi Cazorla.

Subs: Mannone, Jenkinson, Coquelin, Diaby, Rosicky, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Giroud.

STEVAN JOVETIC - THE NUMBERS

Despite all of the fuel being posted on the Wenger-fire, I want to write something more positive today.

There's been some buzz that Stevan Jovetić is topping Arsenal's most wanted list at the moment.

Move over David Villa - here's a new hairstyle in town.

It's an old picture but I had to share it.

The 23 year-old Montenegrin international who's nick-named 'Brian May' (wonder why?) has been much coveted by Wenger for the past two seasons.

I hope that Arsene's starting to realize he hasn't sufficiently replaced RVP. An issue that seems to be apparent to everyone but himself.
And much love to Giroud, but you ain't there yet mate. Though Olivier's 'logistical statement' regarding his start being better than Robin's may be true, fact is we need a world class striker now!

There are only a few players out there who can actually take over where Van Persie's career left off. Cavani, Falcao, Messi, Gomez, Neymar, Huntelaar etc.

Despite one or two of the above being linked to us (doesn't mean sh*t), can you see any of them wearing red and white in the near future?

Me neither.

Jovetić on the other hand is having a slight slump at Fiorentina this season, which obviously plays into our hands in terms of negotiations. The prospect of loosing their star player in the summer will leave a despondent taste in their mouths and probably a £25 million hole in our pockets.

During this supposed slump (by his standards), Jovetić just scored a brace in a 4 - 1 win over Inter Milan on Sunday and almost bagged himself a hat-trick.

Lets look at the Numbers:

Height:                       183cm (6'0")
Weight:                       79kg (12 stone 4 ounces)
D.O.B:                         02-11-1989 (23)
Nationality:                 Montenegro
Position (s):                 Attacking midfield, Striker
Squad number:            8
Salary:                         £60,000 p/w

2012/13
Appearances:              26
Goals:                         13
Assists:                        7
Shots on goal:             91
Goals per game:          0.45

He's a good height and has a powerful frame so he's not dissimilar to Giroud and RVP in this area. He's very physical, holds the ball up well and is good on the turn like Robin.
Jovetić is totally ambidextrous giving him one-up on Van Persie who favors his left foot.
This aspect makes him especially dangerous in one-on-one's and an extremely proficient finisher. His technical ability is second to none, very comfortable on the ball and even described as a magician but without the arrogance and flamboyance of say Ronaldo.

One of his three weakness is his lack of pace which is offset by an extreme work-rate and his range of skill. He's also not fantastic in the air or at putting the ball in the box and tends to sit just off the set-piece for a loose ball to poach. What is it with Arsenal and poor crossing these days?

In the 2010/11 season he suffered a bad ACL injury which had him out for a year, but the player has bounced back very well and his fluctuation in form could be due to the continual rehabilitation on his knee.

Former Montenegro boss Dejan Savicevic was quoted saying:

"He (Jovetić) is utterly fearless and I don't see a limit to his potential. He reminds me of Johan Cruyff. "

Not a bad comparison.

I hate to admit it, but I'd like to talk of him in an Arsenal shirt one day and say he reminds me of Van Persie.

What's going on with Van Persie anyway, isn't it about time that 'chocolate leg' if his melts!?

WAIT, NO CONTRACT FOR WENGER?

Wenger may not have been offered an extended contract by the Arsenal board.

Despite recent reports and insider information claiming otherwise, Wenger who's currently in his 16th term at the club stated at this mornings press conference:

AW (Very pissy!): "That is the wrong information. I've worked for 16 years in England and I think I deserve a bit more credit than wrong information with only one intention - to harm."

I assume he's referring the the journalists instigating that his job is on the line?

AW: "If it's good information that comes from nowhere, it's alright. But this is the wrong information that comes from nowhere. It's completely wrong.'

Ok?

I presume he's having a - "when the seagulls follow the trawler..." moment?

If there is any truth in this statement, which we will never know, Wenger keeps his cards so close you can only get them off by laser removal!

I'm thinking that there may actually be an offer in the pipeline but the impending Bayern Munich fixture and anti-Wenger fan backlash may be stalling the negotiations? Or the board are waiting till after the result?

Do you think 'the powers that be' (the board) would actually be influenced by the fans? Especially a large faction who want Arsene out...

I like to think that our voice maters but I'm not too sure?

PIC OF THE DAY (YESTERDAY)

There is still 'some' respect at least.

I want to see Weneger out there in the center circle, clapping with his top off!

Jack Wilshire yesterday. Posted by @Gooners247.

MOYES IN, WENGER OUT?

That is what multiple outlets are suggesting today.

If Arsene can't steer us to victory against Bayern Munich this coming Tuesday then the Arsenal board may be forced to request a resignation from Mr Wenger...

David Moyes is supposedly frustrated at Goodison Park as Everton's financial shackles are way too restricting for his future plans. (Not too sure how this will differ at Arsenal?)

What do you think about Moyes taking over?

He's not my first choice but he can't be worse than Wenger at this stage.

ARSENAL VS WENGER - ANALYSIS

I'm so gutted it's difficult to write.

The game told same old story...

Total domination, squandered chances, concede a stupid, freak goal, panicked late substitutions, a sudden sense of urgency, our hearts stuck in our throats till the dying seconds. And...
Then it's ripped out through our gaping mouths as the final whistle is blown. And then to add insult to injury it's eaten 'raw' in front of us by Arsene Wenger.

Why won't he substitute before the 70th minute?

Is he relay that stubborn?

We're out of the FA Cup and our last saviour in terms of silverware this season is the Champions League. I bet the remaining teams are quaking in their boots.

The game:

The first half was very dull. We wasted more corners in the first half than I can count on two hands. We found it very hard to unlock their defense until the last 20 minutes when Arsene finally made some changes.

We looked solid at the back for the most part but Arsene's offensive selection was dire. Gervinho ran in to brick-walls everywhere he turned. As usual! He had the best chance of the game thread through for a one one in the 43rd but dragged it just wide. He should have at least hit the target. He should have scored.

Just before Arsene lined up the subs in the 70th minute Tomas Rosicky hit an absolute belter on a sweet turn just outside the box. The ball struck the crossbar with such ferocity it was almost as gratifying as a goal, until you realize the score-line didn't actually change and we are still loosing to BLACKBURN!!

70 mins: Chamberlain, Gervinho and Rozitsky off and Cazorla, Walcott and Wilshire come on.

Suddenly the game comes to life. It's almost as if every player on the pitch steps up their game. Which is what happened (the wrong end though!)
Minutes later Blackburn get a surprise break, the ball is struck at Szczesny who only manages to clear it to the edge of the box for Colin-Kazim-Richards to scuff the ball into the ground and loop it off the post and in to our goal. I think Vermaelen thought it was going wide which is why he made no attempt on it.

The next thirty minutes were spent surging, wave after wave. We came close but the ball never actually fell the way we wanted it.
Arteta had a last ditch attempt that ended up in the side netting. I think half the Emirates rose from their seats in pure hope but it just wasn't meant to be.

It's a sad day for Arsenal. It's time for a change.

ARSENAL PLAYER RATINGS:

Wojciech Szczesny - 4 - Had very little to do all game. Should have done better with the goal.

Nacho Monreal - 5 -  Looked up for it from the start. Delivered some decent crosses and some poor ones also, he pushed forward and attempted a few shots that came to nothing. Won't be long before he does score for us. A decent performance in a poor game. 

Thomas Vermaelen - 4 - Spent a lot of time complaining and when he actually had something to do. Should have done better on the far post for the goal, caught directly behind Szczesny when he should have been on the post.

Laurent Kosielny - 5- Looked comfortable until he was caught napping for the goal. Should have tracked the runner better. Glad he's back but wtf!

Abu Diaby - 5 - Didn't look too up for it today. Kept passing the ball anywhere but forward in the first half. Held the ball up well and had a great header saved in the 24th from a set piece. Came out of his shell a little in the second. Gave a decent performance when trying to penetrate but was all too late.

Francis Coquelin - 6.5 - I think he was probably the man of the match. looked very pacey with the ball. Was constantly trying to press forward. Some of his crosses were a little disappointing but wasn't for lack of effort. Troubled the defense all game, a definite positive for the future.

Mikel Arteta - 6- Stayed very deep until the end which he probably didn't need to do as we dominated so much. Almost scored but hit the side-netting.

Alex The Ox - 5 - Was all over the place in the first half (in both senses of the term). His running with the ball was good but final ball was very poor. Horrible crosses and corners but was constantly asking questions of Blackburn. If we didn't need him so badly I would say loan him for a bit.

Thomas Rosicky - 6 - Quiet in the beginning but livened up. His experience shone toward the final third but it wasn't enough. Had that great effort ping off the bar just before his substitution.

Olivier Giroud - 5.5 - Wasn't OG's game today. He worked hard but with little fruition. given the ammount of crosses and corners we produced today you would have though he would have troubled the keeper more. The problem was the delivery. 

Gervinho - 3 - Poor in an Arsenal shirt as usual. His runs caused no problems. I think he's the only person who gets intimidated by his jinking and erratic attempts. Was dispossessed on many occasions and just waste's chances for fun. Should have scored with only the keeper to beat but came closer to the photographer behind the post. Sell him or loan him because right now he's a lability!

Subs:

Jack Wilshire - 6.5 - Immediately made an impact when he finally came on late in the game. His clever balls were troubling the back line and given five more minutes you got the thought he would have pulled something out of the bag for us.

Santi Cazorla - 5.5 - looked quiet when he was first subbed but was orchestrating along with jack in the final 10 minutes. Too late in the game for our little Spaniard to make a difference though.

Theo Walcott - 6.5 - Caused immediate problems, running at the defense, making runs for the midfield to work with and forced a few fouls but again too late in the game. A rare header directly in to Kean's hands didn't trouble the keeper.

ONLY ONE MAN TO BLAME...

Arsenal loose 1 - 0 to Blackburn Rovers at home.

We're knocked out of the FA Cup by a team who were relegated last season!

It's time for Wenger to leave.

KIERAN GIBBS UPDATE

It sounds like Kieran Gibbs will be out for another four weeks as he continues to rehabilitate the thigh injury he picked up at Liverpool a month ago.

Commenting on the player's status Wenger said: "He is determined to come back as quickly as possible. He’s a bit down because it was a big blow to him. It happened at the moment he played his best football.

Which we all know; Gibbsy's meteoric rise to form has found the speedy defender a staple on the left side this season.

AW: “This is always a good period to build up the strength of a player – when he is injured. We have some experience in doing that and I am confident he will come back even stronger, but it will take him a while to get his complete confidence back in his body.”

I'm glad Wenger's drawing positives from this situation, because I can't help but flinch every time the tackles come in.
With our growing list of injuries especially in the defensive third, Kieran's return can't come quick enough.

We're just passed the midway point in the league and as notorious late-starters being our new moniker, fitness and consistency is the key to a successful attempt at 4th place.

Go buy some more bubble-wrap Arsene!

CHOOSE ONE - THE FA CUP OR 4TH?

What would you prefer, given the choice?

I'm so sick of reading the same bloody entries starting with: "Seven years without a trophy blahdy-fu@#ing-blah"...

We all know, we get the point!

So, while wiping the dust from our last trophy (FA Cup 05) a big blue genie with no nipples pops out and grants you these options:

1.) To be crowned winners of the 2012/13 FA Cup and finally end the much discussed drought. Or...

2.) To finish in 4th and securely cement us in next years Champions League.

And I'm not talking 'Tottenham 4th!'
That hilarious 4th where you get your position 'raped out of you' by 6th place Chel$ki who go on to fluke the entire bloody competition!
The one where they default back into the succeeding contest thus leaving you penniless, crying and bleeding in your assailants bodily fluids. No...

I'm talking about the £25 million that you receive for actually taking part in the Champions League.
Essentially the decisions between money or pride?
Then there's obviously the potential to 'pull a Chelsea'.

The current coup for winning the FA Cup is peanuts in comparison at £1.8 million. That's basically a healthy drug problem and crazy fortnight in Vegas.

But it is a trophy - the ultimate British trophy. Ok apart from the Premier League title.

What will it be? It's a tough one...

As far as we're aware, Arsenal's financial situation is in far better shape than 90% of the footballing world. We should have around £60 million in transfer funds from selling all of our best players.

So in theory, if this was a reasonable ultimatum we'd be in pretty good stead to say "F@ck the CL qualifications, lets take the FA!".
Lets etch ourselves back into the history books and in turn regain some morale, wipe away those smug grins and abolish the predictable and verbose forewords that begin every AFC article.

That would be my wish.

If this was a feasible deliberation at all, which it's not, but it's an interesting contemplation...

WE'll BE BACK!

The Verminator is back.

Wenger has officially stated in the clubs website that Thomas V has passed a fitness test for Blackburn Rovers on Saturday in the FA Cup 5th round tie.

AW: “He is looking quite good and is possibly back for Saturday. He should be in the squad.”

Although Jack Wilshere's thigh injury is still a bit of an issue and he is unlikely to play on Saturday.
Not too bothered by this news as unless we are totally bombing, I think it's more important to have him fit for the Champions League on Tuesday.

AW: "He is having tests today [Thursday] and tomorrow. He is looking better. He is still a doubt for Saturday. He’s got a kick on the thigh,”

And athough Laurent Koscielny's calf injury looked promising there seems to have been a minor set back which makes him look doubtful too.

AW: “That is a problem. He has a test today and tomorrow exactly like Wilshere,” said the Frenchman.

When asked to comment on the entire squad, he replied:

AW: “Ramsey is alright. Sagna is alright. Jenkinson is suspended. DIaby is available again and all the other players are alright. We have two short-term problems, with Koscielny and Wilshere, while Gibbs is out. That is it.”

I'm sure there will be a few changes before Saturday.

Will keep you posted...

ARSENAL SEND SCOUT TO CELTIC VS JUVENTUS

Arsenal's senoir scout Steve Rowley was at Park Head yesterday during Celtic's 3 - 0 defeated to Juventus.

Wenger's right hand man was back to scope out Celtic's Nigerian enforcer Victor Wanyama, yet again fueling speculation that we'll be proposing a bid for the Defensive Midfielder in the Summer window.

Although we've been strongly linked with the player who scored against Barcelona, bossing the Group G leaders to a 2 - 1 defeat last month, Arsenal will face a tough test for the player. Recent reports state that ManUre have put him at the top of their shopping list.

A daunting deliberation when supposed life long Gooner Willifried Zaha chose the Glazers wonga before the canon crest. Die hard fan - my fat one! He's a real John McClane.

Enough of my bitter rant.
Wanyama would be a massive coup if we were to pull it off as we're yet to replace Alex Song in that department, although some muppets are claiming that we've found the answer in Aaron Ramsay!

If we fail with Celtic's prized asset then West Ham's Mohamed Diame and Toulouse star Etienne Capoue are still potential options.

THIERRY CALLS FOR POINT DEDUCTION

Arsenal legend and New York Red Bulls forward Thierry Henry wants football authorities to take a final stand on racially abusive fans.

These mindless incidents have increased massively this season and it's time for immediate action!

Thierry has suggested deducting points as a possible punishment for teams who's fans or players partake in any racially derogatory behavior.

I personally think this is a great idea, and hopefully someone of Henry's astute stature and influence can make this happen. After A.C Milan's Kevin-Prince Boateng's famous pitch-departure last month after being abused by fans sent possitive waves across the footballing World, even FIFA President Sepp Blatter praised his walk-off as courageous. However the controversial and out-of-touch head of the World governing body stated:

"

If a player walks off the pitch because he has been racially abused, just as AC Milan player Kevin-Prince Boateng did, it is a strong and courageous signal, a way of saying it has gone too far."

When asked if the punishment was fair, he replied: 

"It is praiseworthy but it cannot be the solution in the long term, we have to find other solutions to get to the root of the problem, otherwise such stands will be made in isolation and will get lost. 

Football must not separate people." 

So what does he suggest then...

Nothing.

Thierry on the other hand says that by deducting points from a team, the club’s supporters may think twice about repeating this type of abuse in the future, thus acting as a strong deterrent.

He was quoted by NBC Sports:

“Obviously, I am not in charge of this type of decision. That’s the only way. Because you would find normally that fans do care about that. If you do take points away, that can be pretty massive [for teams] that want to win the title. I do think that can be something that can be done.”

“It’s hard. But if I tell you that if you don’t behave well, your team might lose the game … you might stop. I’m not saying you will stop, but you might stop. Because at the end of the day, we are all there for the team, for the club.”

If you'd like to watch the interview please click on the link below.

http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/22825103/vp/50777583#50777583

WILHIRE & KOS FIT FOR BAYERN

Good news for Jack Wilshere and Laurent Koscielny regarding the much speculated Champions League fixture against Bayern Munich on Tuesday 19th.

After Wilshere limped off half way through Arsenal’s 1-0 win at Sunderland Rugby Club, every Gooner feared the worst.
"Typical," He come back stronger than ever, he collides with Alfred N’Diaye and goes off limping like a mule.

A dead leg was the final diagnosis and he 'should' feature against Blackburn Rovers at the Emirates on Saturday.
Koscienly on the other hand. His vicious friction-burns from an overly aggressive victory-wedgie are healing very well considering.
On a serious note, we've all had a dead-leg and it aint nice. It's kinda like hitting your funny bone which we know isn't funny. Or even worse, a brain-freeze from your favorite ice cream...

Koscienly's calf injury was considered minor, so with a little rest and some light ball work, both he and Jack will probably feature in the Blackburn tie, either as subs or just half game appearances.


Now we just have to fix the LB issue in time for Bayern. More on that...

CHECK THIS OUT!

42 years after Arsenal legend George Graham scores this beauty, Lukas Podolski scores an almost identical belter.

http://soccermemes.lockerdome.com/media/106299685vk

Get in there!

ARSENE SIGNS...

Don't get too excited, it's only Wenger who put pen to paper.

The gaffer has just extended his current contract for another three and a half years of..
(I'll let you fill in the blank).

This hasn't been confirmed on Arsenal.com yet but the deal is done.

He's staying.

I'm sure there are plenty of mixed responses and opinions out there.

Personally, I'd like to see us clear all the dead wood.

THE ARSENAL HATERS...

Why do they all love to hate us? They love to slander our name in the tabloids and we hear even worse on the terraces.
And then, on the pitch they're all trying to emulate our slyle?!

They say that 'Imitation is the ultimate form of flattery'. Sod flattery, I'm looking at being charged with battery when I read things like this in the Daily Mail...

Thank you 'David Kent' for your one-sided opinion. Very original.
Wait one minute, your last name sounds strangely like an ex-German professional...

(Couldn't find a Twitter for the DM's journo but feel free - david.kent@dailymail.co.uk or d.kent@dailymail.co.uk).

So maybe we are looking at getting 'Muller-ed' by the German's, but seriously, lets play the game first!
Christ we gave Barcelona a run for their money last season, even beating them 2 - 1.

We're known to pull some rabbits out of our holes from time to time, and they're not down to displays of pure luck- no, it's down to undeniable World beating class!

So why do they love to hate us? Any suggestions?

I'm sure Arsene Wenger alone is like a 'Kick Me!' sign taped to our backside. I mean how can a man who can't work his zipper demand social credibility in the cut-throat media eye?
Yes he's a genius. But tell me, how does the genius fare in an immature surrounding...

But the truth is that the target was painted on Arsenal since way before the Frenchman's tenure.

But history doesn't lie and neither does tenacity.
At any one time, we always have at least one of the Worlds best in our squad.
It may be one in, one out, or one on his way up to stardom. That's why we're always up there with the best.

Victory through harmony.

VERMAELEN UPDATE

Potential bad news for our Belgian captain.

Thomas Vermaelen's had an anti-inflammatory injection for the second time this season in a hope to abate his ankle situation. If this doesn't work, he may be forced into surgery to rectify the problem which could have him out for up to 6 weeks.

So that means Blackburn this Saturday in the FA Cup is a definite miss, and don't hold your breath for the Bayern Munich clash either.

On a lighter note, Jack Wilshire's knock isn't too serious and he should be returning to full training in the next few days. He'll probably be rested for the Blackburn game in order to start against the German's in the Champions League on February 19th.

BRAZILIAN U18 MIDFIELDER TO ARSENAL?

Sixteen year-old playmaker Matheus Indio is apparently on his way to North London for trials.
Like most Brazilian footballers he prefers to go by just 'Indio', which is useful considering most of our commentators still can't pronounce Tomas Row-zikki's name.

I give it a week before that mop's either a Croydon facelift, or worse, the poor kid ends up in  Chamakh's barber shop...

According to a reliable Arsenal source, Matheus Indio will be arriving next week from 'Vasco Da Gama' in Rio de Janeiro for a series of trials at London Colney.

Supposedly the AFC scouts like him a lot. Here's one reason why...

Indio told Globo Esporte: "I'm anxious for this new stage in my life. I'll spend a week at Arsenal. It will be cool, I hope I enjoy it. 

"Of course I have the dream of playing for a European club, but everything has its right time. It will be a good experience. I want to learn."

The young maestro is also a big Walcott fan: "I like him a lot. His style of play is very fast, which pleases me."

Getting a work permit may take some time though, the starlet must be at least 18 years old and considered a special talent by the FA to acquire the permit. 

I guess this time will be spent training and then maybe a preliminary contract will be negotiated if he impresses at the trials?

PIC OF THE DAY

And it's a beauty...

Andre Santos arrives 'back' in Brazil as he goes on a season long loan with Gremio.

Peace.

WISHIRE UPDATE

Arsene seems to think Jack should only be out for 4 - 5 days, that means he'll hopefully be fit for the 5th round FA Cup tie with Blackburn Rovers next Saturday.

AW: "It was a big kick on the thigh. He couldn't walk. He doesn't walk properly now. I hope it's four or five days [until he's back],"

Wenger also went on to say:
"The referee let two or three things go that I thought were fouls on Jack. I want just the referee to give a foul when it's a foul. I don't want any special protection. The referee is not a bodyguard, he is just a referee and you want him just to give a foul when it's a foul.''

ARSENAL BEAT SUNDERLAND - ANALYSIS

Wow, it ain't easy being an Arsenal fan!

An extremely hard-fought 1 - 0 win today at Sunderland. And a deserved win but yet again we didn't make it easy on ourselves. Karl Jenkinson's second yellow in the 62nd didn't help the grey hairs!

I'm starting to think Arsenal should be sponsored by 'Just For Men'.

Santi grabbed the winner in a much needed win.

Where do we start? How about the first half...

We dominated the midfield from the first whistle. Absolutely owned it!
One of the strongest engine-room performances from Arsenal all season. Although it only lasted until Wilshire came off injured in the 50th minute. The injury didn't look too serious, it seemed more precautionary. Both he and Wenger locked eyes (Arsene's hawk-eyes to Jack's furrowed brow) and then cut his afternoon short without another word.
It's an obviously indication that our boy played way too many minutes in the last few days, the words 'burn-out' we're on everyones lips even before the lineup was announced.

But holy "whateverRobinfromBatmansays?" did Jack dominate the game up until then! He was out-playing his England performance by a mile, I think even Iniesta would have been doubled-over, shaking a disconcerted head at today's demonstration of ability.
His only fault was not actually taking the shots that were to then be squandered by his team mates.

He charged up the midfield with directive power and tore apart the defense with his pin-point, short one-two's and eye-of-a-needle precision.
And Cazorla's goal was orchestrated in that familiar fashion.

Jack's surging run was thread to Wilshire, who then laid-off the ball for Santi, without taking a touch he buried it hard and low from just outside the box and in to the bottom corner.

See the video below for the full action...

In all honestly we should have gone home about 12 - 3 winners. Both Wojciech Szczesny and Simon Mignolet were outstanding in goal. Mignolet especially in the first half, Szczesny on the other glove had very little to do.
The Pole between the poles saved the day late in the second, his two reaction saves in the 77th saved the day. Tipping Fletchers header over the bar from in the 77th and then a messy set piece turned into an absolute blinder caught everyone but him by surprise.

Theo Should have had a hat trick today, breezing a few inches wide of the far post and finally being denied by the woodwork on a day that just wasn't to be 'his'.
Giroud really should have had a few too but he seemed quite wasteful on the front foot today. His defending on the other hand was top notch, deep-clearing headers from our box really helped out fragile back line in the second half.

The final whistle couldn't have come sooner, and when it did it felt more like a stoppage time winner than, 'lets get the f*@k outta here!'
The camera stayed fixed on a crouched Santi Cazorla, gasping for breath as the seats cleared from the Stadium of Light.

Job well done.

ARSENAL PLAYER RATINGS:

Wojciech Szczesny - 7 - His second half was absolutely excellent, hardly troubled really, but when he was he delivered the goods. Saved us!

Per Mertesacker - 6 - Looked strong at the back, good in the air

Bacary Sagna - 7 - Played brilliantly today in the center, battled to the final whistle when we needed him most. Will be sad to loose him in the summer. If...

Nacho Monreal - 5.5 - Looked a little shakey in the first half, the grim-North may have bared a culture shock today.. Rose and Sessegnon left him looking sluggish at times but he found his game shortly before halftime.

Delivered some decent crosses and pushed forward when necessary. Hats off for the last twenty minutes.

Karl Jenkinson - 2 - Hate to say it but he was shite today. If we didn't need him as cover I would say loan him out for experience, his game definitely benefits from consistent play-time. Today he looked sluggish like he was prematurely back from injury. His second yellow wasn't malicious but it was sloppy and definitely deserved a card. A red though... Call me bias. 

Aaron Ramsey - 2.5 - Awful as usual, gave the ball away more times than I can count, weak on the ball, dispossessed like a rookie. He gets a point for each shot he had (one was actually pretty good) and the half-point for turning up with a clean kit. 

Jack Wilshire - 8.5 - Amazing 45 minutes from Jack. Looked leagues above the twenty players on the grass today. Joint man of the match with Cazorla.

Santi Cazorla - 8 - Played brilliantly with Wilshire and held his own throughout. Made a few mistakes but did very well with the goal. Squandered a few decent chances to close the game but worked tirelessly throughout.

Abu Diaby - 5 - Looked a little to tall at times, he kept loosing the ball in his feet shortly after he came on but redeemed himself later on. Gave a decent performance when we were defending at the end.

Theo Walcott - 6.5 - Should have had a hat-trick today. Looked pacey as always and got into decent scoring positions but kept glancing them wide. Hit the post and could have had a few assists if only Giroud had been on the mark

Olivier Giroud - 6. - He too could have had few today. Was very selfish in the dying minutes and got a bollocking from Wenger. Defended supremely when we needed him the most and looked strong on the ball, he just couldn't hit the target today. Put in 110% but definitely left his scoring boots in North London.

KOSCIELNY UPDATE

The Frenchman may pass a late fitness test for the squad against Sunderland tomorrow.

Earlier this morning a medical scan of Laurent's calf injury picked up during France's 2 -1 loss to Germany showed positive results.

We're starting to look very thin at the back with the likes of Gibbs and Vermaelen sidelined and Johann Djourou out on loan.

The back line on Saturday will possibly look like:

                  SAGNA                       MERTESACKER              KOSCIELNY                MONREAL

Although, we still have Jenkinson, Santos, Miquel and Squillaci available...

UNION 'JACK'

Jack Wilshire's majestic display for his country against Brazil last night left a bittersweet taste in my mouth.

Part of me is reveling in his display of ability, maturity and finesse. The rest leaves me flinching with thoughts of the impending headlines linking him away from Arsenal. Be it for international duties in the future or super rich clubs headhunting our boy-wonder.

I haven't read any as of today (headhunters), but I'm sure the abounding anti-Arsenal journo's will be spreading their instigations like a whore's legs in the coming weeks.

WILSHIRE TO BARCA - WILSHIRE TO CITY - WILSHIRE TO... F@*K OFF!

Even considering what I previously penned - regarding Wilshire's desire to stay at Arsenal and to emulate the like of Tony Adam's etc, it is still very worrying when you consider our wage structure and the silly money being tossed around the footballing World.

Bring on Financial Fair Play as soon as bloody possible, please! Before a great team like Arsenal has to battle with the bottom-feeders for free-transfers and settle for more of Wengers youth talents. All this sounds like an impossibility but it's not.
Drastic things can happen in football regarding the clubs finances if their not careful - look at Rangers FC.
And I know their financial situation differs from ours and this particular subject, but look at those blue-noses sniveling all the way down in the Scottish 3rd division.

"Ha, oh bhoy'"

Got off the subject a little there, but didn't Jackie do well!

INJURY UPDATE - SUNDERLAND FIXTURE

It looks like both Thomas Vermaelen and Laurent Koscielny will miss out on the Sunderland game this Saturday at The Stadium of Light.

This tough fixture is even more daunting now that we have to look to Sebastian Squillaci or Ignasi Miquel for defensive cover.
Miquel doesn't worry me too much, Squillaci on the other hand...

The Verminator has an ankle injury which may have him sidelined for two weeks and Koscielny's calf from last nights international means that Sunderland is a definite miss.

What scares me more than anything is the prospect of Andre the Santos entertaining Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery when we meet Bayern in the Champions League in two weeks time.

CAPTAINCY FOR WILSHIRE?

And why not...

He's by far the most passionate player in an Arsenal jersey, arguably the most talented and if he keeps his word - he's also gonna be around for a long long time...

JW: ‘To have my family 20 minutes from the training ground and an hour from the stadium is perfect for me. Cesc wanted to go home. Home for me is Arsenal. Cesc wanted to go back to his family and friends. My family and friends are 20 minutes away. It’s perfect.’

Jack also dreams of emulating former Arsenal skipper Tony Adams:

 JW: ‘I’ve played 39 games in the Premier League, which is nothing when you look at players like Tony Adams and how many appearances they made. That’s something I want to do'.

Interestingly enough, on January 1st 1998 on Jack's fourth Birthday, Tony Adams became the Arsenal Captain at 21 (Jack's age) and remained so until his retirement 14 years later.

And at 21 Jack's got plenty of growth and development ahead of him, what better place to get that nurturing as a young talent than at Arsenal football club.

If I can see any negative in Jacks game thus far, it's his temperament.
He needs to keep his cool on the pitch, and it must be hard at times.
Passion, emotion and ability combined with the  physicality and tempo of the professional game.

But that's exactly it.

Professionalism.

Whether it's himself directly involved in a flared conflict or that of a colleague... More often that not, Jack seems to be at the forefront of any incident.
He's Involved. Like a Jack - russell! (See the Michael Own incident against Stoke Rugby Club).

I heard a while back that Owen is an accomplished boxer... Did you see his slap on Arteta!?

If I was an opposing fan - I would HATE Jack Wilshire. One of the things that makes me love him all that more.
He must seriously get under their skin!
The problem is that sometimes his emotion can be detrimental to our team as a whole. He already has one red card so far this season.

And although he definitely seems to be gaining control of this compared to previous seasons. To achieve that Xavi and Iniesta status that he so greatly aspires, he must control it in every instance.

One thing the captaincy may actually help regulate?

And I like Thomas Vermaelan, I think he's an ok captain and 'can' be a World class defender. Also at the time he was passed the arm-band he was the most obvious and probably most deserving candidate too. But due to his current lack of form this may be a good time to pass on the torch...

I personally don't think Thomas is vocal or involved enough to dictate the play. Whereas Jack is absolutely everywhere. He can't and won't keep his mouth shut, and more than anything, he wants us to  win every ball, every tackle and every game!

I also believe Jack's game would improve in leaps and bounds given the opportunity, it would send positive incentive up and down Arsenal's youth ranks. And it may kick some of the oldies arse's into gear too. Ahem-Arshavin! '

CHECK THIS - INTERESTING & WORRYING!

Take a look at this link from Talk Sports website: http://kickne.ws/1/2328291

Does anyone have a direct email for Arsene?
He seems to think everything's fine and dandy.

(Apologize for the quiet few days - my 'AFC vs Stoke review & ratings' was deleted and I lost the will to post).

ARSENAL VS STOKE CITY - TEAM NEWS

We're back at the Emirates for this tie which is positive for many obvious reasons. One less obvious reason, is that we don't have to hear quite as many brainless Stoke fans booing Aaron Ramsay for getting 'his' leg broken by Shawcross.

... Quite as many. 

It seems the Stoke City fans are too stupid to realize that it was the opposing player that actually got injured. 

No doubt Ramsey will start which irks me as I think he's one of our weakest and most lackadaisical players. However, we will more than likely see Nacho Monreal's debut as he steps in for the injured Gibbs and shite Santos. Although saying that, Wenger's so unpredictable these days, he'll probably have Santos in Goal and Chamack at left back.

Last time we met Stoke back in October, the scoreline ended with us victorious at 3-1, but I always dread this fixture.

Stoke are an aggressive verging on 'dirty' side. Very physical, like the long-ball and also like to run mindlessly at the offense, I presume to close them down as quickly as possible but you tend to feel they have other motives as they haphazardly lunge in. They remind me of AFC Wimbledon back in the Vinne Jones era.

Such a nice, sporting fella!

They will make it very difficult for Arsenal to play the beautiful that we so often like to associate ourselves with.

Along with the likely inclusion of Nacho, we may see Mikel Arteta back from his ankle injury? I doubt he will start but if we're leading toward the final third Arsene will do his customary Podolski substitute and may switch the formation to include Arteta as extra protection at the back. We'll see...

As for Stoke, they were pretty active in the January widow picking up keeper, Jack Butland from Birmingham but he'll head back for the remainder on loan.

Their other acquisition was the American winger Brek Shea from FC Dallas. Shea who trained with us last year transfered for a reported £2.5 million. He obviously wasn't a consideration for Arsenal even after training with us so I'm not too worried about his presence. I hope I don't eat my words!

Stoke started January very strong but up to this point have won one, lost four and drawn two.

Predictions - 

2 -1 to the Arsenal. But a grind to the final whistle will many new grey hairs.

I think both Giroud and Walcott will get on the score sheet but Stoke will probably get one back by using their muscle in the air from a set-piece.

Chris Foy is the referee which isn't too bad as he's fairly reluctant to show reds and likes the game to flow freely. He is a Northerner though (Merseyside). Just sayin...