Evening all and what an exciting one it is,
The Champions League proper is here and we face the toughest test of our group first up. We are away to the German champions a team who last season only conceded 8 goals in all their league home games. Perfect for a team who has struggled creating chances all season! Woopty fucking doo da!
I am excited though as I feel that Saturday could be the start of the turning point. A lot of people are talking about our slump as a new thing or something that is contained to this season. This is a team who only achieved their second win out of 15 attempts at the weekend. Ironically our only other victory was against Manchester United. These things take a long time to turn around and a major part of that is our defence, Old Trafford aside, they have looked far more assured so far this season and this is a good basis to turn things around.
Szczesny has been immense so far this season and his save against Swansea has now become my video of preference for self love. It was fantastic and I genuinely believe has all the attributes to be a world beater. I am confident that we can make a good showing tonight and hopefully keep a clean sheet. Something that will help preparations greatly is the presence of the German Giant. Not only with inside information but the ability and organisational skills that Wenger has cited.
Team news for tonight is not great but when is it ever. However, for the first time in a while I am looking at the front three and am confident that they are of quality and they will be provided with brilliant delivery by a solid midfield. Arteta looked at home almost immediately and I have every reason to believe he will continue with the start and move up a level in his performance as the season progresses.
The team pretty much picks itself today apart from in the center of midfield. You are likely to see a starting line up consisting of Szczesny, Sagna, Mertesacker, Koscienly, Gibbs, Song, Frimpong/Benayoun, Arteta, Walcott, Gervinho, Van Persie.
So as you can see we could go for Benayoun in the middle but I would like to see both Song and Frimpong playing in front of the defence. That is one thing that is likely to ensure a more solid defence. It is clear that having two holding midfielders is also likely to suit Mertesacker to a tee. Whilst on the subject of holding midfielders, I wonder if it is a new tactic of ours to give players lots of space in front of the goalkeeping area and the holding midfielder to allow them to shoot by joining the back four.
I hope we close down a lot better tonight and if we do I can see us nicking a couple of goals on the counter and keeping a clean sheet.
In other news Arsene Wenger forsees the downfall of Europe as we know it and despite the many analysts and economic forecasts employed by the government Wenger felt the need to depart wisdom on the world and the news is not good. Europe’s economy will crash and he has even said it will be in the next three weeks… or three months. One or the other. But this is fine as it will fix the problems in football.
I love Wenger, I really do! His confidence seems to be returning and he has been on fine form these past two days. This is one of the reasons I feel our downturn has lasted this long. I know Wenger puts himself under pressure all the time but it seems that the criticism has really got to him and he seems to be second guessing himself more than ever. The lack of confidence has permeated itself within the team and we have struggled to escape the dark cloud that has relentlessly pursued us these past 6 months but as was evident Wenger’s shackles seem to have loosened which can only put us in good stead for the coming months.
Anyhooooooooo, time to get the beers in and watch some footy.
Up the arse!
Goonerverse.
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