International Football Makes Me Appreciate Arsenal's Football More...

International breaks are always miserable, dull affairs when you are used to watching the Premier League and more specifically when you are used to watching Arsenal, such was the quality of football we saw Sunday. From watching Arsenal and then switching to Ireland really is a testing experience for any football fan. On one hand its great that there is any football, but on the other it can be likened to watching paint dry or whatever the footballing equivalent is. I remember when Trapattoni was the manager and the nearest Premier League team you could compare them too was probably the Stoke of Tony Pulis. Then again that is a bit harsh, on Stoke that is.

International football just does not compare to club football. The game is more slow and ponderous and there are so many teams that are clearly not at the same level. Look at San Marino, Gibraltar, Andorra and the like. There is no way they can compete. They have no hope going into these matches and are comprised of teachers and construction workers whose players are just happy to share the same pitch as some of the world's biggest stars. It seems like the best way for football fans to line up against their idols. Perhaps they will hold some sort of football like talent show equivalent to the 'X factor' to get onto these teams.

Then again it is easy to say that there are far too few competitive matches due to the inclusion of these teams and not offer up a solution. The biggest problem now stems from the fact that the European Championships, in France next summer, has expanded the amount of teams entering the competition to 24, thus the qualifying process will have to allow for that with more teams of a lower level competing.

I think what would make it more interesting, because you can't just not allow these teams to compete at all; but in club football there are League divisions so therefore there isn't the same contrast in the levels of the teams competing and as we have seen this season in the Premier League; anyone can beat anyone. It would be interesting if these lesser sides, who go out hoping not to lose by more than 5 and celebrate a draw like a victory in the World cup final, were all pitted against each other in some International League division, with let's say the top 2 teams progressing to the Euro qualifications.

Now I have no idea on the logistics of the whole thing, its just something that I have chewed on for a while and the benefits are clear for everyone too see. There would be more competitiveness among teams, thus making matches naturally more attractive for fans to pay money for. I also believe that this would benefit the minor nations competing in this international League as it would boost the confidence of those who managed to qualify. They would know they are going into matches they can win. It would be somewhat similar to the play-off's in the lower divisions.

There are a number of problem's with this, obviously. First of all who decides which nations aren't good enough so must enter this League? Are there enough poor teams or are there too many poor teams ? Would there be any interest from fans (the financial factor) ? I know there are so many difficulties that would need to be ironed out, but surely there can be something done to rectify the dour games we see on so many occasions. Perhaps it would only work for the World Cup, where the poorest teams of every continent (rather than just one continent for the specific championships such as Copa America, the Euro's etc.) enter into the League. Food for thought I guess.

Even the fact that we go into the final round of fixtures for the European qualifiers and that there are a number of teams looking to book their ticket to France in 2016, it just doesn't stack up. There may be an interesting narrative or subplot, but the football itself doesn't match the hype surrounding it.

As I began writing this piece its what got me appreciating Arsenal's football even more. We all know football is about winning at the end of the day, but I don't think it's the most important thing. If a team beats you with one shot from 50 yards out that was meant as a simple clearance and the goalkeeper did an Ospina and through it into the net, after you dominate the match and create chance after chance, playing great, hitting the bar and post on numerous occasions, how, then, can you say the team that gets the points is the best team?

It is the great fallacy of football that any team who plays great and loses, with the exception of Barcelona, is mocked for exactly that; putting in a great performance. How many times have we seen Arsenal play great and somehow lose the match, often through no clear fault of our own (sometimes you just can't stop a team scoring) and yet the headlines all read 'Once again Arsenal play well and lose' or 'Arsenal are more concerned with passing rather than scoring' or 'It doesn't matter how well you play, as long as you win'. The usual nonsense we have to listen too.

I simply don't believe that all that matters is you win, because quite simply, at the end of the day you can say you won the match for kicking a ball over a line, you can win the trophy; but you cannot say you are the best team, not really. You might have the shiny trophy and if that is all that matters, if its everything, then your eyes are fooled by empty rewards and you ears are fooled with empty praise and the feeling inside is as hollow as the trophy you've won. So I say, being the best team is what is most important. It's all about playing a great game, its the great thing about sport, unlike most things in life; its usually the best team that does win.

Just remember, it's very easy to discuss principles when nothing is at risk, when it comes to Cup finals, like the nature of the tournament itself, everything goes out the window.

I just love the fact that Arsenal try to win and try it the right way, both on and off the pitch. Then again that might be complete nonsense, it's just my subjective feeling.

Anyway I'll leave it there so. I've rumbled on far too much. Let me know your thoughts in the comments.

Have a good one! Please share if you like the post!

Subjectively, Cosmic Kid.

What Can You Do When Arsenal Do What They Do ?

Well that was more like it, the contrast in performance from Arsenal from their last two matches, both at home, is only something that Arsenal can do. That first 20 minutes you would have to say is some of the best football we have seen from an Arsenal team over the last few seasons. Not only that but I struggle to find any game in which we started as good as we did. We were sharp, fast, focused and determined; you could say the exact opposite of Tuesday night. Not only does the victory lift us above United, it also leaves us 2nd only two points off their City rivals at the top of the table.

I said the Premier League was better than any t.v scripted drama you will see and this was another classic for Arsenal fans, especially given how decisively the cast had reversed the script. I think it's time to stop trying to predict what this team will do and to simply sit back and enjoy the football; it's what Arsene wants you to do. 'Wengerball' at it's finest, most encouragingly of all, built on a strong foundation.

This was our first league win since 2011 against Sunday's opponents, and will surely boost the team's confidence. The Arsenal team is always criticized for results against the best teams, and this win is further highlighting an upward curve for the team. We have beaten all our major rivals in 2015. From the imperious victory at City, to Welbeck haunting United (at Old Trafford) in the F.A Cup, to the trashing of Liverpool, Chelsea in the community shield, Spurs needed a 'Flambulance' and so on; we are significantly improving. Just don't expect to hear that in the press. But let's not get carried away, it was still just 3 points after all.

Mertesacker was keen to impress upon people how well he thought the team had 'clicked defensively', as per Arsenal.com;

“We had a good understanding [defensively],” he said. “I think a lot clicked today.
“If one of us won a duel, the other would be there and that was the same in the second half. If he [Anthony Martial] ran past one of us, which can happen, someone else would be there straight away.
“It went well from the start and that’s always crucial. When you take your chances and are strong defensively, that’s a clear indicator that you feel good.
“[Sunday] was just special and then it’s always difficult for your opponents to gain a foothold when they are so far behind after 15 minutes.”
You could see how much the team wanted to respond [from Olympiacos]. As a team you try and remind yourself of what you can achieve and you could see that we have a lot of confidence.
“I hope that we can display that again in two weeks.”

We also heard from other players, like Coquelin who believes the win has silenced Arsenal's critics and Theo Walcott, who had an outstanding game wants to see consistency and the same level of performance every week. It's encouraging to hear the players speak well, lets just hope they can continue to play as well on the pitch as they talk off it.

I thought the whole team played well and there isn't any one individual you can point at and say they had a bad game. At the back we can once again thank big Pete in goal for that crucial save right on half time from Martial. We all know that had we gone in at 3-1 then it would have been a very nervy second half. The rest of our back line was very impressive, with both fullbacks continuing their excellent form. In the middle Gabriel once again showed that he can play with either Per or Koscielny. Mertesacker was his usual self; his leadership and organization are crucial.

In the middle the Cazorla-Coquelin axis was as imperious as ever, the Frenchman's contribution is, perhaps, best seen by his crucial intervention near the touchline to win the ball back in the build up to the first goal. He does this time and time again. Let's pray he stays fit all season. Ramsey once again put in a great shift, although it was irritating to see him miss that great chance to make it 4-0. We all know the Ramsey of a couple of years ago would have scored that. He seems to lack confidence in the final third, and is very rash at times in the box. I'm sure when he gets his first goal of the season that will change.

Then we come to the three forward players who absolutely blitzed United's back line. Walcott, although he didn't score, you would have to say put in his best performance as the front man. He made the runs and created space, but more than anything he actually made a slide tackle. Then we have our little German Mesut Ozil who once again highlighted what a truly fantastic player he is. He scored and he assisted, but for me it was more about his flicks and touches and how easy he makes everything look. He does things no other payer would think of and is two steps ahead of every player on the pitch.

Then we come to Sanchez who really is making up for lost time at the beginning of the season. He looks so sharp and is without doubt back to his best. Where you might say that the best of Ozil's work goes unnoticed, Sanchez is the exact opposite and I think that balance between both of those players is a frightening prospect for any team, Bayern Munich included. Alexis has now scored 6 goals in his last three games; and the quality of the goals again Sunday was absolutely delicious. That near post flick and the edge of the box blaster again show the different sides to his game; there is no holding him back. The only area of concern is the fact that he was substituted with a minor groin injury and as we know, there is no stopping him from international duty and although this may come back to bite us in the arse; what a breath of fresh air he is in football.

I don't think there is a team in the league that can handle us when we do what we do. When we play football like that at such a high quality with the pace and movement we are the best team in the league. The win leaves us in a great position for the league. Man City are rightfully favourites, but we all know they are capable of imploding at any given moment; we shouldn't fear them. We have a chance of winning it this year, as much to do with our rivals deficiencies as to do with any strengths we may have. If we can stay within 5 or 6 points at Christmas, then with our tendency to go from strength to strength in the second half of season's, you never know. There is no set script nor any narratives; only the ones you write for yourself exists in this league. Let's take it game by game.

One pertinent point must be made, this win (more specifically, the performance) seems to be the exception that proves the rule; it's why it has been championed so much, not just from Arsenal fans, but pundits and journalists alike. They weren't expecting what happened to transpire. Not necessarily that Arsenal won the match, but the manner in which they did, scintillating football with a rock solid defence; it was how Arsenal controlled this game through defence and attack which is most impressive of all. It's time we made that our rule and Olympiacos our exception. We have to put in these performances every week.

Right I'll leave it there, What do you think about our title chances ? What about the performance? Who was our best player? Let me know in the comments below!

P.s Follow me on twitter and google plus on the side!

Have a good one,

Subjectively, Cosmic Kid.

United Preview; Absurd Arsenal To Win, Miss A Penalty And Concede A Set-Piece Goal?

Matches against Manchester United are always of utmost importance, but matches against United after the embarrassing, negligent performance in midweek, leaving us on the brink of a group stage Champions League exit for the first time since 1999, makes this match crucially important. The Premier League is such that coming into this weekend, United, perhaps the one team in the league where even the most loud mouthed pundits can't seem to make their minds up about, sat atop the pile (that was until City thrashed Newcastle). Even more perplexing, given the largely legitimate criticism Arsenal have come in for, is the fact that we can pull level with United with victory, and remain two points off the blue half of Manchester at the top. The Premier League certainly isn't the best league, in terms of pure quality; but it is without doubt the most engaging division there is, better than most reality television shows, the best script is always the one with no script. Scratch that; the best is where the script gets torn moments into the event. Let's not kid ourselves, however, tomorrow isn't about that, it's all about getting the victory we are in desperate need of, if only to hold off that fire of discontent I wrote about after Spurs, for another week.

The club has once again swelled under a cloud of 'negative interference' largely relating to the managers decision to drop his best goalkeeper, and only summer signing for a crucial must win European match. While I agree and find it disconcerting in the extreme; do not let yourself fall into delusion as to the real reason we lost this match, which is to say, negligent, naive and arrogant defending from a team who rarely, if ever learn from previous mistakes. What we saw from Arsenal's defence Tuesday night was not good enough for a top level club and I find it extremely hard to comprehend how this has happened again, it was almost like a re-run of the Monaco match last season. No one covered themselves in any glory for the third goal, coming less than a minute after Arsenal's equalizer. Mertesacker stood there and let Finnbogason score, after Gibbs came far too central and left the wide man with as much time as you could possibly ask for in such an advanced position. The same failings came back to haunt Arsenal and it was not good enough, but as I said the loss has nothing to do with the goalkeeper making a mistake, sure it doesn't help when you have a player throwing the ball in his own net; but it was a collective failure of massive proportions.

I think the blame, first of all, lies with the players on the pitch and how they commit themselves to the cause of winning three points, but for me the buck ultimately lies with the manager on this occasion. When there are problems that present themselves on numerous occasions over a period of time, there can only be one explanation. Whether it was a lack of preparation for our opponents strengths or for another reason, I can't say, no one on the outside can say; but it certainly comes off that way. In saying that, I am not calling for the manager's head. This seems to be what most Arsenal fans don't understand; you can criticize the manager for decisions he makes, without wanting him removed from the club. Whether you like it or not, Arsene Wenger does far more good for Arsenal than bad, he has his faults, but I sincerely believe he is the right man for the job. I have no time, and frankly nor should you, for this simplistic, labeling 'AKB' and 'WOB' nonsense, and any comments using those terms on this site will be removed. They are labels made to divide and drive Arsenal fans against each other, when we should be using the football we play to unite us. I have not addressed the absurdity that was Wenger's press conference from Friday as my thoughts have been echoed in an excellent piece on 7am Kickoff, so have a look at that here.

Now you may be wondering why I spent so much time writing on old news, a reasonable question and the answer is two fold; 1) I didn't get around to writing after the Olympiacos disaster and 2) the swirl of negativity has a direct impact upon the game today. The players should use the air of disaster that sits around the club to their advantage. I believe that the players should be motivated to put things right and the combination of those emotions as well as the new ones stirred up by an old nemesis should make for the perfect storm. Then again, how often do you hear an accurate weather report?

It has become a pattern that us fans have become accustomed to; the team plays well and goes on a run of form, only for them to balloon a level of confidence that is popped by the needle of a lower level team with a good defence. We play great and them become far too relaxed and over confident and lose where we shouldn't, which usually serves as a kick up the arse for the team, only to go on and repeat the cycle a few months down the road. We can all hope that Olympiacos was that kick, but we will only find out later on today. I think we are a better team than United, but it looks like Van Gaal has finally stumbled across a team and system that works for him. Throw enough money and sophisticated looking notepads at any problem and you can fix it, seems to be the message.

The pressure on Arsenal to win this match is palpable, while a draw wouldn't be the end of the world, it certainly won't satisfy those baying for blood. There also comes a point where we have to start winning these matches on a consistent basis; we haven't won against United at home since 2011. That is clearly not good enough. This match, however, also represents United's first real challenge of the season (Sorry Liverpool fans, well not really), and will certainly serve as something of a report card from which both teams will be judged by the strictest of teacher's; football fans and media. As I alluded to above, it is very hard to judge United and how good (or not) they actually are, but one thing is for sure; Martial, unbelievable transfer fee aside, has been excellent for them since signing. He made the big statement against Liverpool and has backed those headlines up with consistent performances. One of the big talking points around the match will be how Mertesacker will deal with him (given Koscielny's absence and the presumption that the teenager will target the BFG).

I think we need to look back on how we got results against United last season, while we lost at home, we put in a very strong performance and done everything but get the three points, however, our performances at Old Trafford were impressive as we knocked them out of the F.A. cup and gained a good point in the closing months. In those matches we took on a more conservative approach, and I think the manager will send the team out like that today. He will be concerned by our defensive frailties and look to cut out the silly mistakes and loss in concentration. If we can do that then it will give us a great chance of winning the game, even with United having conceded the least amount of league goals this season, I am confident that our attack can do what is required. I am sure this game won't end goalless; keep the clean sheet and we will win. I state what seems the obvious, I know.

The biggest question for Arsenal will be who starts up front and it is a hard choice to make. While Walcott has been excellent and maintained a good scoring record, I can't help but feel that this match will be more suited for Giroud. United won't come all guns blazing and will try to keep it tight as a draw is good for them, and I always have my doubts about Theo when he plays in these kind of games. The Frenchman will be fresh and will surely be motivated to get his place back in the team; he has something to prove and this might be the match where he proves it. It's really a toss of a coin and there are pro's/con's to playing either player but overall I think Giroud would be the better option. Expect Arsene to play Walcott now...

We all know what the rest of the team will be, although injuries are mounting again; no Koscielny, Arteta, Flamini, Wilshere, Rosicky, Welbeck, but we can still field our strongest team. Ramsey will come back in on the right for Chamberlain, Monreal for Gibbs and Cech for Ospina, Obviously Mertesacker will replace the injured Koscielny also. I don't see the need to lay out the team formation below as it speaks for itself, one area that concerns me, however, is a lack of options for the bench. It will be one of Walcott/Giroud with Chamberlain and Campbell as the only attacking options, while not desperate, it is now where we really feel the loss of the likes of Wilshere and Welbeck.

This match always serves up a classic and has always been one of my favourites, i'm really looking forward to it. While it may not necessarily be an end to end match, it will be a dogfight for control of possession. Van Gaal will want to take the sting out of the game and make it a slower, tighter match, whereas Arsenal will want it more open. Midfield dominance will be crucial. It's a hard match to call and I can see a 1-1, but I am going for Arsenal to get a 2-1 win. I have a feeling United will score from a set piece and we will miss a penalty. I have no idea why, but I do! Anyway you heard it here first...

Right I've gone on long enough,
Let's hope it's a good one..

Subjectively, Cosmic Kid.

Team News For Pivotal Olympiacos Clash..

It is at that point in the season now where the games are coming thick and fast as we prepare for tomorrow nights crucial clash at home to Olympiacos. The win at Leicester, more specifically the manner of the win at Leicester, should see the team full of confidence;  there are no two ways about it we need the 3 points. Our recent home record in Europe doesn't make for great reading seen as we have only won 6 of our last 12 ties at the Emirates, which is extremely disappointing for a club such as Arsenal's. Wenger has had his say, via The Guardian;

“You have to win home games if you want to qualify, it is as simple as that,We cannot afford to drop points against anybody at home.”

“We are now in a position where we do not want to talk too much about the statistics, we just want to win our games and I’m confident we will,” 

On the injury front things aren't looking too good for the match, with doubts over a few key players, particularly in the defensive midfield position, from Arsenal.com;

On Coquelin returning to training…
"He has been back since yesterday and I will have to see how he responds to two days of training, but he looks alright". 

On Flamini and Arteta…
"Both have slight muscular problems, but I think Flamini has a scan today and Arteta certainly as well" 

On Gabriel back but no Giroud due to suspension…
"Exactly". 

On whether Flamini or Arteta are serious injuries…
"No, they are not big injuries. It is a question of days".

If I was the manager I wouldn't risk Coquelin for tomorrow nights match as we have that huge game against United at the weekend, as he really has become a pivotal member of the team. You would be hard pressed to go back and find a game in which the Frenchman was poor; he always works hard and the rest takes care of itself.

As the manager said above getting the win is crucial, but especially given the fact that we then face two games against Bayern Munich, which will obviously be very difficult to get much out of. If we don't win tomorrow the pressure going into both those matches would be overwhelming, so let's hope the team can get the win we need and produce another performance akin to Saturdays display of attacking, fluid football. Read my piece on the Leicester game here.

Right that will do for now, have a good one!
Follow on twitter @__CosmicKid.

Subjectively, Cosmic Kid.

Balanced Football Is Key And Arsenal Win At Leicester..

Five goals in one match at Leicester means Arsenal have doubled their goal tally in the League this season which now stands at a rather more respectable 10 goals from 7 games rather than the very average 5 from 6. Yesterdays match was a great watch and that's what happens when you have two teams who go out to win the match and try take the initiative. It was a nice break from the negative defensive approach to football that is fast becoming the norm in a sport that demands from its players a creative, skillful approach.

The easiest way to win football matches is to sit back with 10 men behind the ball; to be negative, to park the bus. Some may argue that's what you should do, that winning is everything and that is the 'easiest' way to do it. I disagree with that, I think the biggest players and the biggest teams have a duty to the sport to play it in its purest and most desired fashion. I think it's the bravest managers who set their teams up in this fashion. That's ambition; to win, but to try and win in a way that is universally admired and the reason people watch football, not Jose Mourinho's assertion that the way Costa cheats plays is the reason to watch the beautiful game. Anyway where am I going with this unintended mini rant? I guess to say that Leicester paid the price for trying to take on Arsenal in a shoot out, which would never work for them. It's all about balance, playing the game as you want it and in its best form, but also paying due concern to your defensive play. It is foolish and negligent in the extreme to go out all guns blazing, and while Leicester certainly weren't all out attack, they were far too open for a team of Arsenal's quality. They had the commitment, and passion, they had quality going forward, but were not at all prepared in defence; they lacked balance.

The game, as we know, didn't start at all well for Arsenal and we found ourselves a goal down within the first 15 minutes after some extremely sloppy play at the back. What troubles me most of all was the fact that we were caught on a counter attack away from home on numerous occasions. We were far too open; you expect to get caught out like that when you are a goal or two down in the last 15 minutes, not level within the first 15 minutes. That is what Arsenal lack, the right balance for winning football matches. Too often they set up in a manner that is akin to football's version of suicide, or suicide by attack. Against the very best teams that will be punished, and has been so in the past. Let's hope that this was a one off, because this is the area where Arsenal have improved upon within the last year, they pay more attention to the opposition and defending so it was disappointing to see them lapse here. The manager alluded to Leicester's positive spell in his press conference;

"I thought they were close to scoring a second one and it would have made it difficult. We found the resources to equalise and after that our technical quality and the pace of our strikers gave them problems and we managed to make it 2-1 before half-time. In the second half we controlled the game and looked always like we could add another one".

I don't think there is any real need to go into the specifics of the match itself; we all know what happened, Leicester were on top for the first 20 minutes of the game, until Arsenal equalized and it then became a much more even game. From there on we went onto control the match and it was only a matter of time before we converted that dominance on the pitch onto the score board. One other area that concerned me was the fact that after Arsenal went 1-4 up we were a little too relaxed, which is only natural I suppose, especially at that stage of the match, however we gave up numerous opportunities and Petr Cech had to make some great saves to prevent a relatively comfortable game in the end turning into a nervy nail biting finish.

I don't want to come off harsh as I was delighted with the teams performance, as it was only a matter of time before we thrashed a team this season, such is our poor conversion rate, the worst in the league before yesterdays clash. I thought the way the team played yesterday was the best yet this season, and to win, what was looked like a potential banana skin, in the way we did was excellent. There was a real cohesion and purpose to our attacking play that has been questioned beforehand. It also handed Leicester, the last remaining team unbeaten in the division, their first loss of the season, thus ensuring Arsenal's team of 2003/04 will remain the only team to manage that feat, for another season at least.

When you look at individual players there were some impressive performances, you obviously look at Sanchez's hat-trick, getting his season up and running. What I loved most about the hat-trick was the fact that all 3 goals were completely different; The first was a fox in the box classic, lurking at the back post in the right place at the right time. The second goal was a perfectly executed headed finish to match that sumptuous cross from Mesut Ozil. It was a difficult opportunity made to look easy with all the desire we have come to expect from the Chilean. The third was a perfectly executed shot from distance that left the keeper scrambling in the way you want an opposition keeper to scramble. Although it wasn't the text book 'perfect' hat-trick, (left foot, right foot, headed goal), in my view, it was even better. He was back to his best today, Arsene Wenger agreeing;

"He is back to his level. I could see in training a different player in the last week or two and he has shown that today. I believe going forward he always looked dangerous".

I also thought Ozil improved as the game went on, and was excellent in the second half. His match statistics make for impressive reading, with a 92% successful passing rate, 5 chances created and an assist. The only ting missing from his game today was a goal. I think he has been very good overall since returning from injury in the second part from last season and he will be key to whatever success this team achieves.

In what has become par for the course for Arsenal matches these days it was a strange game even without those glorious Mathieu Flamini goals from midweek. While conceding 2 goals is never a good thing, I felt our defenders all played relatively well, the first 20 minutes aside. I thought Theo Walcott put in one of his best performances since returning from his long term injury, and was unlucky to leave the pitch with just one goal to his name. It was also encouraging to see Giroud come off the bench and grab a well taken goal that will boost his confidence, just like against Stoke both strikers scored, and on both occasions the French man replaced the English man. I think there is a promising situation developing there.

Right so that will do it for today, all in all a positive win playing the football we all love to see, whoch sets us up perfectly for a challenging week ahead as we desperately need to get our European campaign up and running against Olympiacos Tuesday night, while next week sees us hosting top of the table Manchester United in a pivotal clash for our title aspirations, that game will give us an opportunity to see where the team are at.

'Till next time, Have a good one.
Follow me on twitter @__Cosmic Kid.

Subjectively, Cosmic Kid.

Ranieri Talks Up Arsenal Ahead Of Weekend Clash..

In the build up to our trip to Leicester this weekend Claudio Ranieri has been highly complimentary towards Arsenal believing that the foxes need to produce the 'perfect performance' to get the three points. As I mentioned in my last post about the Spurs victory, our opponents this weekend are still unbeaten, the last team in the division to remain so. Leicester are also sitting in 4th place with 12 points after an impressive start to the campaign. It will be a difficult game this Saturday on what will be only our second 3p.m Saturday kick off since the season started, which further highlights the growing impact of t.v companies on the football schedule. Here is what the Italian said;

“To beat Arsenal we must do the perfect match, no mistakes,” he said. “Arsenal are great to watch, they are smart, fast and technical. 

“They are ready to fight for the title again in my opinion. Maybe not the Champions League just yet, but in the league they are growing stronger. I think they have a chance. 

“On Saturday we are going to have a very big match on our hands, because it is difficult to find a weakness in the present Arsenal team.”

It seems strange to hear praise from an opposition manager when you normally associate any Arsenal related headlines from other managers with Jose Mourinho and his usual bombardment of nonsense. It would be nice to get the victory at the weekend, not only because we really have to get the three points, but also because we can then celebrate 'Invincibles Day', as no other team in the league can finish the season unbeaten. Every season that passes where we acknowledge that only makes that achievement grow in stature.

Anyway, have a good one

Subjectively, Cosmic Kid.

Arsenal Win At Spurs To Extinguish Our Fire Of Discontent..

There is nothing like a victory at the old enemy to help close the wounds on what has been a truly testing week as an Arsenal supporter. Our Champions League campaign got off to a disastrous start with a flimsy attempt at bringing home the points from Zagreb, which was followed up by what you can only describe as a fuck up of massive proportions from Mike Dean at Stamford Bridge Saturday lunchtime. With Arsenal supporters these days there is always an underlying feeling of angst and tension and any dip in performance or results from the team gives oxygen to the fire of discontent among fans and you could already feel it bubbling up,which is why the game at the Lane took on extra significance and thankfully, for now at least, the fire of discontent has been extinguished.

Since I haven't posted in a while, I want to take us back to Saturday. It has been 5 days since we lost at Stamford Bridge and while yesterdays win certainly helps, there is still a lot of anger there. It almost reminds me of game number 50 at Old Trafford, in 2004. There is that same feeling of injustice, which is not exclusively limited to the Gabriel- Costa incident. It angers me when people say that Gabriel should not have reacted and thus he wouldn't have been sent off, what those same people fail to mention is the fact that had the referee done his job in the first place and dealt with Costa that wouldn't have happened, and we would have went into half time with a man advantage, not a man light.

Aside from that, the free kick that lead to Chelsea's first goal should not have been given in the first place and then to further rub salt in our wounds and send Cazorla off was a complete joke. It wasn't just one incident that angers Arsenal fans, but a culmination of poor judgement and negligence in the extreme from an experienced official that means you have to question his suitability for officiating at the top level. For the F.A to then go out and ban Costa for 3 games and at the same time rescind Gabriels sending off only serves to highlight this point. One thing I do not understand, however, is why is Gabriel still facing a charge for failing to leave the pitch? They have admitted he should not have been sent off, so why wouldn't he complain? What a massive cluster fuck on behalf of the F.A this whole thing is. Wenger had some interesting comments on the situation after the Spurs game;

“That just shows that they decided after the game what should have been decided during the game and they repair five per cent of the damage that has been done to us. Instead of us playing 11 against 10, we played 10 against 11". 

“It does not help us too much. On the day I watched the game again. It is better I don’t talk too much because it was really surprising in this game that some incidents were handled very lightly and not seriously and it is better I don’t talk too much as I’m still angry about it. One or two situations in the game are difficult to understand when you watch it again.”

 However, Wenger did say that he would accept whatever decision the F.A make on Gabriels impending hearing;

“I said after the game he should not have responded at all and I maintain that. I told him that but when I saw it again he had not done a lot, but you want them to have a fair judgement and we will accept what they decide. That is part of it.
“They will judge that situation and it is right. You cannot consider the whole context of the game, you want them to judge and decide and we will accept the decision.”

Anyway onto the Spurs game itself and it was a strange match to watch, because in many ways the first half felt somewhat subdued, at least up until the first goal was scored anyway. There was a lot of worried fans when the team sheet was announced and I must admit I had my doubts too, solely for one reason; lack of pace. When I saw the lineup that is what struck me most of all, with Per and Chambers at the back and the old guard of Arteta and Flamini in midfield, not to mention Giroud up front, there was genuine cause for doubts.

They were to be proven wrong in the end however, as I thought the two centre backs played very well (Chambers own goal apart), which is is even more encouraging when you consider Mertesacker is returning from the worst chest infection of all time and Chambers has only featured a couple of times this season. The one area of concern would have to be the right back position as Debuchy was really not on his game at all and all of Tottenham's good play seemed to come down his side. He was left exposed, however, by Joel Campbell, who although worked extremely hard last night seemed to do so while negating his duties in supporting Debuchy on the right hand side. On the basis of this and the Zagreb game last week, I don't think there is anyone who would replace Bellerin in the first team squad as of yet.

We all know Giroud didn't have the best of games and is certainly not having the best of times at the moment either, but instead of constantly slating him, we should be supporting him. He is still a very good striker. I was also quite happy with Ramseys performance as he was a lot more involved in the game in the centre than in comparison to his run of games on the wing, which you would expect. I think it's time to move him back centrally. Who the manager should then leave out is the problem then however, Cazorla? Ozil? Sanchez? I'm just glad i'm not paid 6 or £8 million (depending on which reports you believe) to make that decision...If it was £9 million however...

The draw for the next round was made after the match and leaves us with another away tie this time up at Sheffield Wednesday which will be played on the 27th of October. Win that match and we go through to the quarter finals, and I know this is not the most prestigious competition around, but I find it irritating when people say 'i'ts a competition I don't really care about'. I think is the wrong attitude entirely as I see it as another Arsenal match and competition to win. How would those fans feel if some of the players turned up on match day like that? I doubt they would be so forgiving.

Now all that leaves me with is the small matter of Flamini's two goals. That really is a sentence I never thought I would even think about, let alone type. How bad those Spurs fans must feel having their only chance at winning a trophy ruined by Mathieu Flamini of all people is truly enjoyable. It really was just one of those strange nights, but if Flamini continues to perform like that, you would have to say the manager has little choice but to make him a regular starter again. Looking at the Leicester game at the weekend, the last remaining unbeaten team in the League, and it would be harsh to drop the Frenchman for that as it stands. That decision will likely be decided on Francis Coquelin's availability, however. 

That second Flamini goal will surely be the inspiration for some sort of overly romantic song from Bob Dylan/ Bruce Springsteen/ Van Morrison..

Right, have a good one so,

Subjectively, Cosmic Kid.