The score has arsenal score first and then our rivals score:

Match 1: Newcastle (Away)

Last Year: 4-4 (Draw)

This year: 0-0 (Draw)

Match two: Liverpool (Home)

Last Year: 1-1 (Draw)

This year: 2-0 (Loss)

Match three: Man Utd (Away)

Last Year: 0-1 (Loss)

This Year: 2-8 (Loss)

Match four: Swansea

This year: 1-0 (Win)

Last Year: WBA and Newcastle both beat us at home while we beat Blackpool. So can’t compare it. But as we lost against 2 of the newly promoted teams, I would say +3 for this.

Match five: Blackburn

Last Year: 2-1 (Win)

This Year: 3-4 (Loss)

Match five: Bolton (Home)

Last Year: 4-1 (Win)

This Year: 3-0 (Win)

Match six: Tottenham (Away)

Last Year: 3-3 (Draw)

This Year: 1-2 (Loss)

Now add that to the fact that our two key players have left (Fabregas and Na$ri), Two key players are injured (Wilshere and Vermaelen) and Two did not play for two matches due to ban (Gervinho and Song). So, we are not that bad after all. Maybe not Champions League Stuff but not bad.

North London Derby is one of the biggest moments in Premier League and Gooners and Sp*ds look forward to the game all year long. Although Arsenal disappointed by losing but there have been some positives albeit only a very few positives.

Let me put the story of two halves into one line.

First Half: Tottenham were the better side (Can’t believe that I am writing this) but Arsenal were fighting hard

Second Half: Arsenal came back strong in first 20 mins (Arsene must have trashed the players in the half time) and then that goal again got us

Let me put my ratings player wise:

Szecznsy: As usual Man of the match performance except for that second goal. Szecznsy must be feeling bad that after proving again and again how he is among the elite goal keepers in the world, why the hell his club ends up with defeat? 

Mertesacker: Although their was some fault of his in the first goal but he put on a solid performance. I am waiting for Vermaelen and him to form a solid centre back partnership. Mertesacker is proving to be a good buy.

Song: Why is he still at Defense? He is among the best players in the team right now but he is better suited for defensive midfield. He has to start playing in the midfield. Once is midfield  he makes those chances just like he made that for Ramsey yesterday.

Sanga: Having an off day and now with injury will remain sidelined for a few months.

Gibbs: Ok but below his potential, need to be better

Arteta: Was having one off those off days

Ramsey: Except for the goal, he was bad. If he wants to grow into the shoes of Fabregas, he needs to really step up.

Coquelin: The lad has grown in stature in evry game and surely will become a player to reckon with soon enough.

Walcott: Look dangerous and under pressure due to Ox display in last match. If he does not start putting in some goals, Ox will replace him soon enough.

Gervinho: Why does he not pass? He needs to pass.

Van Persie: Looked good in some part but I was dissapointed by his game yesterday.

Substitutes:

Jenkinson: Bale beat him through and through. He has been under criticism for his play but I still think the lad has potential but with Arsenal hitting a rough patch, he is under lot of pressure.

Arshavin: My request to Arsene: Please sell him off if that brings us Hazard. He is a senior player and needs ti make an impact, why is he not making an impact. Yossi is better than him.

Yossi: Did show some good stuff but had only limited time.

Positives from the game:

1. Mertesacker is adapting well. I would love to see him play with Vermaelen. With the two and Szecznsy, it could be something good for us in defense after a long time

2. We can fight back. 1-0 against Arsenal and Arsenal comes back to 1-1. Have rarely seen Arsenal fight back and was heartening to see that.

3. Coquelin is good. Whoever said our youth is not good must see him. Wilshere, Coquelin, Frimpong, Szeczsny etc. are our youth player. Now only if we had that lad named ‘luck’, we could have been much better.

The truth is that Arsenal were not that bad as gooners thought. I read two football sites and both had good comments about Arsenal. Football 365 said that the match was balanced but Tottenham won due to an amazing strike by Walker. Arsenal never looked that bad. And Goal.com (An Arsenal bashin website) rated most of the Gunners as fair or good. The flop was Jenkinson but he was a substitute, so no problem from first timers.

But that does not hide the problems, which were left exposed. My views on them:

1. Defense is still screwed up. Although Szeczsny is now world class (Even Oliver Kahn, the great german goal keeper believes so) and Mertesacker and Gibbs are getting better but where are the back up? Vermaelen and Koscienly continuously fight injuries. Now Sanga is gone, Jenkinson is good but still is under lot of pressure. So, although I would not liek to say it but we need to spend. Needed purchases for Defense:

Centre Back: Gary Cahill. Although Mertesacker and Vermaelen are going to be good but Cahill as a back up will sure make our centre back look much stronger. Plus, he is going to be sold in January and i would hate to see him in Tottenham

Left Back: Gibbs and Santos have been good but Gibbs in injury prone and Santos is still untested. Baines will be an immense buy. I was watching him in Meyerside derby, and he fights, we need players like him.

Right Back: Sanga Injured, Jenkinson frustrated. Jagelika will be an amazing buy.

2. Midfield: Sell Arshavin and Rockisy and buy Hazard. Arshavin is just not performing and we need aggression on field. Maybe Hazard can give us that.

3. Forwards: Van Persie is great but I would like to see Park play. Vela and Campbell are out on loan but I am sure both are part of the long term plan of Arsenal. And what happened to Chamakh?

The truth is that Arsenal might have hit the rough patch but they are still a good team and maybe still a Champions League team. My idea of football is that each team has a philosophy which drives them and it is Arsenal whose philosophy is to be self sufficient, play great football and focus on youth. When compared to other clubs :

City - Money hai to honey hai.

Utd - Ham baap hain aur hamsse koi paanga nahin le sakta.

Chelsea - Play good football and when you do not the Russian will bail you out.

Liverpool - We were the best team in history but do not know how to go towards the future so lets spend.

Tottenham - Copy Arsenal model and even get better than Arsenal and buy cheap rejects and who know one day we will win the cup 

The fact is that Arsenal should be in Champions League every year because like Barca, we also play good football. In fact we are better as we also make profits unlike Barca. But then money power does alter the game. Look at Chelsea and City, who knew them in the 1990’s but by 2011, both are dominant forces. Why? Money and nothing else. Chelsea still has some class but City, they are bunch of greedy footballer who think they are gods. 

I started supporting Arsenal after studying about Arsene. But, he also needs to understand (maybe he does but the board does not) that we need to spend so money or we will end up in the mid table. If he goes, maybe I would not be that big a supporter of Arsenal. But even after that I would remain Arsenal supporter albeit not the way I am now. 

But also as a management guy, I think we should be also ready for change and would like to give my options in case Arsene is not with us after this year. My options for the manager who could replace Arsene:

1. Jurgen Klopp: The Dortmund Coach plays like Arsenal and would easily fit into Arsenal. Plus, he could Persuade Goteze and Kagawa to Arsenal. My vote is in for him

2. Paul Lambert: The Norwich manager has been amazing and he is the guy who is behind the refreshing play by Norwich. Plus he got two back to back promotions for Norwich which is a great achievement. Just imagine what he could do with Arsenal.

And finally, the Delhi Arsenal Supporters Club met for the North London Derby at Chonas in Khan Market. We need more people to come up for these meetings. So guys please do come the next time. 

Read about Tevez today. Although I severely condemn what he did on the field and it was highly unprofessional but also look it from his side.

He is not happy at City and wants to be with his family but City are not willing to leave him. Corinthians made a bid but City rejected it. Despite his public acceptance of his desire to leave, City did not sell him. Plus, despite being the top scorer in the league and EPL , he finds himself on bench with Dzeko and Augero making starts. Look at this way, Augero is an Argentinian player playing for Argentina just like Tevez and Tevez has been playing for Argentina for much longer than Augero. So, Augero is sort of ‘junior’ to Tevez. (Frankly, Augero is pure class, I have him in my fantasy league as captain, so I think he is a great player) Now, how would you feel if your junior gets the ‘promotion’ (to first team) after you put so much hard work to get your club in the top league of Europe. My opinion: It would hurt (Ouch!) and I would like to move to another firm. Exactly the thing Tevez wants right now.

City fans may hate Tevez now, but had it not been Tevez and his goals, City would have not been playing football in Europe. And this is how City treats their best player of last year.

But that does not mean I support what Tevez did. It was not expected but I think, the way City treated him, he ended up doing this out of his frustration. Although I do not support his actions but I support the player. He is not happy at City and he has made it clear then why did City not sell him?

After his actions, Tevez would surely be sold off in January or by August at max. But with his actions, he has depressed his price. Most of the top clubs will not be willing to pay up for him now. The two top contenders will be Inter and Real Madrid. With most of their strikers in great form, Real Madrid would not need him. So it will be Inter. But will Inter want such a player? Don’t know. Tevez is a kind of player who on field is like a force you rarely mess with but off the field he is like a kid who wants to get things done in his own way. He needs a coach which acts like a father for him and guide him. (Soon enough you will see Balotelli doing the same thing). Tevez may have mood swings but he is still among the best on under the manager who guide him like a father figure. And who better than our own, Arsene?

Look Gunners, do not take it in the wrong way. Van Persie is our captain and a lovely striker and I would love for him to stay but in case he does not stay? He is 29 and would like to push for trophies. He is deserving of them. But in case Arsenal does not win again then Van Persie will surely leave. If we also lose CL spot, how many strikers would come to us? I love Arsenal but these are facts as of this day. I hope we do get the CL spot and win a trophy but we are still a long way from that. I truly hope that it does not happen and want him to stay at all cost. But as a budding manager, I think you should be always be ready for alternatives.

Arsene has a track record of many players like Tevez and control them to make them world class (That’s what my fellow gunners tell me, I am new to football). Plus, Arsenal set up is more of family like which would calm him. (Manchester Clubs are very competitive, would United or City give chance to Alumina and Squillaci the way Arsenal gives them. Mancini and Ferguson would have sold them ages ago)

A big problem is of salaries, but if Arsenal do go after him (Who am I kidding? Arsenal buying a player at 30+ million. In dreams), and more specifically Arsene goes after him and brings the best out of him, Tevez could become a legend.

So, in case Van Persie leaves us (It hurts even while writing) and we end up with no trophy (Sad while writing), Arsenal might go after him. For that to happen a few tips:

1. Arsenal board wakes up and finally starts paying up (Although Tevez actions have depressed his price, which means a bargain $$$)

2. Arsenal board will ask for a pay cut for his salary and he might also agree to that to leave city. At this time, he is at great form and needs to play regularly which City is not giving him and Arsenal will give him with open hands (Even if Arsenal gets into Champs League and Van Persie decides to stay, Tevez and Van Persie could become a strike force to watch out for and Tevez will reduce the burden on Van Persie). But even after the pay cut his salary will be huge which means we will have salary increases for other players, which means we will have to dump players like Alumina, Squillaci, Denilson and Diaby (Well that could be good thing)

3. Arsene will have to do something about Tevez family and bring them to London or even if we buy him he will once again start with the same thing. But being in London means much more things to do unlike in Manchester. (Manchester is a big city but London is huge, he will be much happier here) If Arsenal can bring Tevez family to London, we will make him stay for sure.

4. Buying him will show that there is still the intent for cups and glory and if we do buy him (which has 0.00001% probability), we could also attract more players. And if Arsene does his magic, well the prospects could be tempting.

Coming back to real world, Tevez will be sold and Inter or Corinthians will buy him. Arsenal will not get into such a risky deal. Arsenal rarely buys and Arsenal board will surely loath to have someone like Tevez on their payroll.

But then Victory comes from taking calculated risks.

Gooners, I am new to the game and most of my posts are amateur level but most of the gooners reading this post will put nasty comments against me. I would love the readers to put their mind into the comment but remember I am only making a view, it is not that I am imposing it on you. If you do not agree, do post in a professional manner. Last time I put a post at Linkedin and some nasty comments flew in. So ready for them this time. But would love it if you guys put disagreement worthy of debate, not like a fight. Thank You.

And if any gooner from Delhi who is still not heard of Delhi Arsenal Supporters Club in Delhi. Please feel free to contact or search for us in Facebook.

Koscienly, what the hell I do with you? In the Dortmund game you were simply awesome and then you did this. Frankly, I do not know what should I say about you.  The other own goal was from Alex Song. After what happened in Dortmund, who would have thought that the guys who saved us in Germany would make us roast in Venky’s Chicken’s Kitchen at East Wood Park.

It is not that Blackburn was playing good but Arsenal were playing bad. The two goals were simply superb. Arteta and Gervinho were simply amazing but then our Defense collapsed once again. The truth is that even though I have been a fan of Arsenal for a few months, the department I want Arsenal really to improve is defense. Our defense is making us pay again and again. It is not that our players are bad. Frankly, Santos was good. Mertesacker was ok. Please do not just start hating him with one bad match. He is gelling in. All of football fans know that he is slow but that does not make him a bad defender. His display at Dortmund was good. He will only get better.

I was happy that Ramsey is finally giving the assists that he should be giving. I have immense faith in him and if Wilshire and he do stick around, I believe Xavi and Iniesta will start having some good competition. Szczensy as always is great, Out of the 14 goals we have conceded; many were not his fault at all. Gervinho finally scored and Arteta also scored. Frankly there were some sparks that we have come to attach Arsenal with but we need to step up and start fighting without which we would end up with no play in Europe.

Many have said that Arsene Wenger’s policy of nurturing youth is backfiring. People usually state that these young players get nurtured and protected by Arsene to finally leave when some bigger clubs come calling. Well I do agree that to some point it is true but what happened in the past might not be the same in the future. I think Ramsey, Wilshere, Frimpong, Afobe, Ryo, Szeczsny, Lansbury etc. are going to stik around for a long time to come and they do not have some other club’s DNA but 100% tested Arsenal DNA. These guys will be much more loyal.

But there is a catch, if Arsenal want them to stay, Arsenal have to retain Arsene at all costs. And fans are not helping. These players are loyal to Arsene more than they are loyal to the club. They know who has given them a chance when nobody knew them. Remove Arsene and Arsenal will most probably end up in mid table. I could be wrong and we could get some great manager who makes us champions, who knows? But I would still like Arsene to be at Arsenal even if we do not get Europe next year. Imagine the worst case scenario, Arsenal removes Arsene and he end up at one of our rivals, he dips into our scouting network staff and our young players follow him there. Then what will Arsenal do? Spend? Kidding me, right. Our board does not want to spend even a dime and yet Arsene has got Arsenal 14 years in Champions League. Hell even BARCELONA has not matched it. Only Madrid and Man U have better records. So, gooners think before you desire something.   

Every Gunner wants glory for Arsenal. My personal dream is to see Arsenal lift the Champions League. Arsenal is one of the few truly big clubs that have not lifted Champions League. I want them to lift it as soon as possible. But, I also know that with the way Arsenal is playing, the maximum we would be able to go is to semi-final (Too much optimistic at the current rate). But that does mean we have lost it.

Look at Barcelona. Real Madrid was drawing blood from them in the years 2000 to 2005. Real Madrid was winning everything and Barcelona was wasting money on players but they had La Masia which produced players who took over and made Barcelona a super power in European football. Our Academy is lot younger than La Masia so it will take us time to match up to them but that does not mean our boys cannot step up. Sooner or later this bad spell will end and we will be back chasing titles and winning them.

In the rest of the premier league, interesting things are happening. Norwich won against Bolton. Have to say, they have earned my respect and especially their manager Paul Lambert. Sunderland destroyed Stoke with 4-0. I must say I am happy as this means they will put everything in the next match to regain their pride and what do you know, their next opponent is: Man U. I seriously want Shawcross to break Rooney’s leg and then pleading it was unintentional. Would it not be lovely?

I also watched Man U play the worst game in the season and yet win it against Chelsea. Torres finally scored and then missed a sitter. I feel sorry for him. So much potential, but despite his best efforts he cannot do much. Thank god, he left Liverpool. If Torres and Suarez would have been together, Liverpool would surely be in Champions league this year. Saying of Liverpool, they went down to 9 men with red cards to Skrtel and Adam and Tottenham hammered them with 4-0. Tottenham may not be big spenders but they are a threat. It is tough to say that being an Arsenal fan, but then despite losing to Man U and Man City there have won the last two games. Speaking of which Man City drew to Fulham. Augero is turning out to be a great buy, a brace but still Fulham drew thanks to their spirit. Mancini blamed the draw to less players in squad. Has he ever seen Arsenal? Many of our best players are injured all the time yet we never give this reason (OK, the 8-2 at Old Trafford was a rare instance when we used this, but at that time, it was seriously an issue). Mancini should grow up.

By the way, the German gunners i.e. Dortmund also slumped to loss despite leading 1-0 till 88 minute and having an opposition of ten players. Maybe they are truly our German brothers. This is not to joke about them. I am only looking at the irony. Seriously, I love them to see them play and they have one of the best attacks. I would have loved Dortmund in with AC Milan and Barcelona in Group stage and who knows, the Spanish and Italian side would have got some footballing lessons.

Lots of talk on other things. Returning to Arsenal, my conclusion on the match against Blakburn

1.       Ramsey is getting better day by day

2.       Our midfield is getting back into rhythm

3.       Although I do not blame the new signings but we seriously need to start looking at our defense or we will end up in the mid table

4.       Wilshere and Vermaelen are required ASAP

5.       Chamakh is good, he needs more time to play

6.       When are we going to see Park, Ryo and Ox in action?

7.       Gervinho still keeps the ball to himself although he is good and can score brilliant goals

8.       Van Persie wants Arsenal to win but is getting frustrated with each loss. He is at the form of his lie and our midfield is betraying him

9.       I want to see Arshavin fire some good goals soon

10.   Arteta has opened his score sheet, I hope he gets some good goals soon so that we start getting points on the table.

Next two matches: Carling Cup match against Shrewsbury and Premier league match against Bolton will not have live telecast in India. I hope we do start our engines and start firing. We desperately need some points in EPL.         

Before the review, I would like to apologize for not writing my review for Arsenal Swansea Match. As the match was not telecast on ESPN or Star Sports, I could not watch it. We were lucky for goalie’s error but I do not care. We won and got 3 points everything else did not matter at this time.

The Arsenal Dortmund Match was telecast on Ten Sports. The match on Ten Action was Barca – AC Milan at Camp Nou. My review for the match:

Before any review, I would like to state that I really respect and admire Dortmund and its style of football. Frankly, their style is characteristic of Arsenal. There attacks are like Arsenal, fluid and swift. In fact many have stated that Dortmund is the German version of Gunners. I do not know how they are in POT 4, team like Dortmund is at par with Arsenal and Barcelona. So, basically I respect them.

The match was held at Dortmund’s home ground and the pressure was on Arsenal. After what had happened, most of the people thought Dortmund had a stringer team and would win the game. Our lineup was

Goalkeeper: Szcezsny

Defense: Sanga, Mertesacker, Koscienly and Gibbs

Midfield: Yossi, Arteta, Song, Walcott, Gervinho

Forward: Van Persie

The match started with each team getting a chance in the first fifteen minutes and losing out on both. The first half was evenly balanced out with both sides getting chances but not converting it. Dortmund had the extra edge over Arsenal in the first half. But in 42 minute our captain (and legend) Van Persie intercepted a weak pass from Dortmund. Walcott made the assist and boom! Van Persie scored. Van Persie is a goal machine and if our midfield gets balanced out and make some good passes, he is gonna get those goals for us that we need.  Suddenly the under dogs were on the top of the game. But Dortmund continued to push. Dortmund coach Klopp was not happy.

Second half was like a different story all together. Arsenal goal was like a fort with our players like soldiers determined to protect the fort at all costs. On the other hand, Dortmund was like the marauding invaders who were not stopping at any cost until they broke the fort. Our players defending were simply amazing while their attack was also admirable. It took a wonder strike at that too at the 88 minute to finally draw against us.   

The best part of the game was the way we defended. Koscienly had said before the game that the whole team needs to defend well and the team really showed that. Each player was clinging on despite ferocious attacks from Dortmund.

Our midfield is getting better but was really not up to Arsenal standards. I understand that we are getting back and this was seen but after the game I am expecting that some of the confidence is back and we start giving our rivals some nightmares.

Let’s go this player wise:

Szeczsny: I came to know that Szeczsny has iron implants in both his hands because he broke them after a weight lifting accident after joining Arsenal. Hence from now on my name for Szeczsny – “Iron man” (Courtesy: Sourabh, A true gooner). Except for the wonder strike by Persic, for which he could not do anything, he was the Iron man between the bars. The ball was not going past him. Some luck was there but Szeczsny has now on the road to become a goalkeeping legend and we gooners will love him.

Gibbs: After a brilliant display against Swansea, he was pitted against Goteze, the wonder boy. And despite some short comings, he was trying his best and restraining him with everything he had. He is good but must keep on getting better.

Sanga: Lovely defending. If he would have been with us at Old Trafford, maybe it would have been 4-2, a defeat but not what we saw. He is among the best and with Jenkinson as his back up and under study, I think we would hopefully have no (or very few) problems at Right Centre Back.

Mertesacker: Was good at some times and cleared out some of the attacks by use of long legs. He is adapting to Arsenal but I was expecting more. This was Germany and he played against Dortmund in the past. Although his performance was decent, I believe he can be much better.

Koscienly: So many questions have been raised against him especially after the blunder in Carling Cup but his performance was scintillating. His profile as a defender is rising and Vermaelen has some serious competition. With Song, he was like a wall that Dortmund just could not break. He along with Song are the Man of the Match for me.

Song: I have seen some clean tackles in my short span as a football fan but what I saw in the match was mastery in clean tackles. My god, what amazing clean tackles. Song was on a song.

Arteta: Satisfied for now from him but think he has huge potential. This was his first game In Champions League after a long time, so his jittery work can be discounted. But when he was hit and had blood coming out and still within a few minutes he was back, he won my support. That is commitment. If he remains like this, he will help us clinch a trophy or two within this year or next.

Yossi: He is hungry to play and prove his mettle. How much can this guy run and that too when he is 31? Although, I think he should run if need be, but I am amazed at the way he plays. He is a live wire and will surely make Arshavin try much harder to retain his position in the team this year.

Walcott: Although he did make the pass for the goal, I think I was not happy with his performance. He could have attacked more with his gift of speed. He needs to step up for sure.

Gervinho: He showed flashes of brilliances but luck was against him this day. Dortumd choked him but that does not mean he was bad. Dortmund has a great defense and they were able to deny him, but, Olmpyikos and Lyon should be worried. If he continues to play like this then we have made a steal at 10 million this summer. I am waiting to see him play in Premier League. He is talented and will surely become a headache for other teams in the future.

Van Persie: The Captain and the legend. His move to intercept a pass from Dortmund and converting it into a goal silenced the Dortmund home. He is in the best form of his life. He only needs a midfield to give him some passes like Fabregas used to and he will score a plenty. Imagine what will happen when Wilshere returns.

But despite all the applause in defense, we need to step up. Some our passes were bad and rightly intercepted by Dortmund. We need to step up. We are in recovery phase but within 2-3 matches I expect Arsenal to again start becoming a team challenging the title.

Now with this performance we have proved the doubters wrong that Arsenal cannot defend. But now I want Arsenal to play their freely flowing football that we love about Arsenal. Our defense is better than last years. Now, we should focus on midfield. It is true that neither Ramsey nor Wilshere were playing, but Yossi and Arteta were trying their best. But imagine what would have been if they had been there. Goteze, eh? Wilshere would have spooked Dortmund defense.

The truth is that the team is getting back after our summer from hell. The pressure is just making the team come together in a way that Manchester teams cannot even think of. I know Manchester clubs have started great. Remember a club named Chelsea which started the last season in the same way and then suddenly by the mid of premier league, they were in the mid table. So, do not worry. And by the way, did anyone notice that Manchester clubs also drew. In fact, City was behind Napoli for a long time and that too at their home ground. What exactly will happen to them when they travel to meet Bayern in the next match? (Suddenly my day is getting better) And United, I do not know how they get all the luck, 1-1 with Benefica and now two team which have no name in Europe? Had they got Dortmund, Fergie would have started cursing refs even before the game. Frankly, one of the comments that I read and totally agree on:

“City drew with Serie A team which was third at their home, United drew with Portuguese team which was second in the league and Arsenal drew with German Champions of the last year at their ground and yet the media thinks Arsenal is in crisis? Are you kidding me?”

In fact Tranzbopor, a Turkish team defeated Inter in Italy and nobody said that Inter is in crisis, why?

Anyways, a sincere request to all Arsenal fans: Sports media love to hate Arsenal. They would love to bring us down, so do not listen to them. Remember the quote “Down but not out”. We have gone down but we are already moving up and will move up soon enough.

Another point to my few readers (hope some fellows are reading it):

We are trying to make an official Arsenal Supporters club in Delhi. Please go to: Link or search for Delhi Arsenal Supporters (Gooners) in facebook to contact us. We would love to increase our members and would love to get in touch with more Gooners. We have some plans and would love other gooners come up and sign up.      

Gunner for life!!!

As an Arsenal fan, I like other gooners, am completely wild with happiness after seeing Wenger buy. After the drubbing at Old Trafford, most of Gooners were sad seeing our team come to this condition. But the transfers made us happy like a small child getting his favorite toys.

But today all over the websites, I could see that most of the media thinks that the buys were a knee jerk reaction. Frankly, being an Arsenal fan, I have become used to media bemoaning all the bad things in Arsenal. ‘They are kids’, ‘Arsene days are numbered’ etc. They just kept on crying that Arsenal should buy…blah…blah.

Now that we have gone out and bought some good players, media has once again started venting their anger against Arsenal without an apparent reason. Seriously, I think most of the media should go to Manchester and start living in the dog house of either Mancini or Ferguson. That is the amount of bias against Arsenal.

5 players in 48 hours is a knee jerk reaction? Is the media seriously kidding others? Please do not hear them they are idiots of the first degree.

Before the transfers, I would like to give the good part of the drubbing we got at OT:

1. Ramsey is hard working and his time is coming soon. (Ya, somehow I like him and his spirit and am a little partial to him. Maybe because he is on my fantasy team.)

2. We got in 2 goals and a missed penalty (The penalty was bad that does not mean De gea was good). Despite our problems, Man U defense will have problems in the season, they are not as good as they think.

3. Traore was sold immediately after the game. Great, he alone was the reason of at least 2-3 goals

4. The board woke up to the fact that we needed some signings.

Now the transfers. Fergie - Phil Jones (U21 England player)- 22 million. Arsene - Park (Korean international), Mertesacker (German International) and Santos (Brazilian International), all at lower price combined. Frankly, I do not know how are these bad deals for Arsenal. Three good players, frankly how do we get them in a knee jerk? Somebody tell the sports media.

I think of the signings as totally opposite to what the media think:

1. Mertesacker - He has already said that he is an Arsenal fan and was keen for the move. So, will remain loyal unlike that French assh*le who thinks Arsenal fans are not good. Solid defender for Germany. Germany won 4-0 against Argentina with strikers like Messi, Tevez etc. It tells what kind of defender he is. Next complain, he is slow. So what yaar, the thing is that with him at back, Vermaelen and Song  can support our midfield and give some goals also without worrying to run back for defense. Lower pressure on Vermaelen and Song. Plus, at 26 he has at least 5 years to give us as defenders.

2. Santos - Took me by complete surprise but playing for Brazil is no easy task. He was the choice over Marcelo. Frankly I am hoping he is good. Plus, his attitude is also good, which we need at this time. Plus, can help us attack. And at 6 mill I think it is a good deal.

3. Park - Although untested on English soil. He is the captain of South Korea. We are talking of Korean national team that is among the best is Asia and is seriously becoming a power to recognize in football. Plus, he is here for 2 years (If Korea is third or better in Olympics, he could stay further), so he will be trying his best. Another thing, Vela. Arsene is sending him out on loan because with Van Persie firing, a player will end up playing second fiddle which Arsene does not want. He clearly sees him as future, once Van Persie starts fading (I hope it never happens but some day it will) or leave us. With Park, Vela can continue his loan spells and improve even more.

4. Yossi - An effective back up for Song. Song will be out for duty for African Cup in January, so he will cover up for him. Hence a loan deal and not permanent move. By next season, Frimpong will start contesting Song permanently and Yossi will be out. Again a good deal.

5. Arteta - He is not Fabregas. But his style of play will gel in with Arsenal. He is 29 and would possible be quite good for at least two years. Again by that time Ramsey and Wilshere and Frimpong will be mature enough. Miyachi and Ox will start contesting them as well. So, it is a tactical victory till our youth strategy finally starts to pay.

Arsene is a fine strategist but tactically lost out some times. Plus, Arsenal always end up with bad luck (How exactly we get a tough group in Champions league while Man U end up with minnows (except Benefica)?) and injuries (How exactly 8 of the 11 first team players are sick or injured? Beats me.).

These sports pundits and writers only think that quality can only come when some crazy sheikh or russian start spending crazy money. Arsene ends up proving them wrong again and again and frankly they cannot digest this fact.

Yes, Arsene takes bets on untested but that’s what make Arsenal the best despite spending so less. What does Man U do while spending? Spend on already tested players.

Let Fergie and Mancini work on Arsene’s budget, Champions League will be a dream and even Europa League would not be guaranteed to Manchester Clubs. (Ok, I might be exaggerating for Fergie but this is true for Mancini).

Someday soon (might take some years), these arab sheikhs will stop spending and take account and believe me they will ask Wenger to come over. (Rumors already say that Wenger has been offered the role for City Manager).

As for Arsene, people like him thrive just under this pressure (Look at Fergie and Moyes, the closet examples which are like him) and deliver the result.

Hopefully we start winning some games now and media and some fake gooners stop their moaning. But wait what do I hear? English reporters are being rounded off by dog catchers in Manchester. Hope that shuts them up.

As for real gooners, trust Arsene. He has a long term plan. Long term plans take time. Old Trafford was just a blip which became a crisis due to injuries. If we have a little luck like Man U (Seriously I respect them, I always respect my enemy. But some how they always get lucky.) we could easily end up in top 4 or even end up with the title.

Once a gooner, always a gooner. 

This goes out to all those people for not believing in Arsene and Arsenal: Check with your doctors, you might have mental illness.

This goes out to sports pundits who think Arsenal are not up to it: Shut up you IDIOTS!!!!!  

Arsenal have been a target for all media and sports pundit for the last few days especially after Fabregas left us and then $amir Na$ri left us (More on this idiot at the end). So the match would be one of the biggest for us for the whole season. If we won it, we would be back with a bang. If we lost it, our problems would have multiplied.

All Gooners across the world would have had their eyes and mind fixed on this match. We wanted it. We wanted to prove those blabbering sports idiots on TV who counted us out for the rest of the season. I personally wanted it because the win would help the Arsenal’s focus on youth (Although we still need transfers even after the win). It was the test of philosophy on which Arsenal was built. The philosophy which makes Arsenal different from those clubs who thought loads of money can make a team.

I heard on the TV that these Arsenal players are kids and many of them have just debuted. Well gentlemen, these kids just became men.

Here’s my review of the game:

Szezscny – I still remember the picture of him celebrating the second goal against Barca by Arshavin last year. Till then I respected him, after that I became a diehard fan. That is the attitude of winners. I was reading reviews of his play in the game on various websites and I came across this on Football365:

“Aside from strikers, confidence is arguably most important in keepers, and Szczesny is not short of that (he once told a linesman not to bother checking his net, as nothing would be going in it).”

That is my man. Believe me, the penalty had made me nervous and when he saved it, I knew we are going to CL. I also read he taunted Natale before his penalty and felt sorry. Well, I do not care. There was the crowd chanting his name in the last 15 minutes. Believe me, if I would have been there, I too would have been chanting his name. Truly, the man of the match performance.

Sanga – He was ok but considering he was not in the position he plays in. His pass for the second goal to Walcott was perfect timing. The Walcott goal ended all hopes for Udinese.

Vermaelen – Again an excellent performance. The handball was not really his fault. Considering he was one of the older players, his performance shows that he will remain the core of our defense in the coming season.

Djourou – Just average.

Jenkinson – Was he really playing his first European match? The defender is becoming a great talent and will soon start giving a run for money.

Ramsey – Is improving with every match. Although did not provide an assist or scored a goal, but was a constant threat to Udienese. Seriously looking to him to score a goal or two at Trafford. He is trying his best to fill Fabregas’s shoes and will soon come close to it.

Song – He was the one who actually won the mental fight with Udinese attacks and counter attacks. Whenever Udinese started to attack, Song was there to stop it. Continued to play mind games with Udinese players till the end.

Frimpong – He is trying hard and has the winning attitude. But he needs to be a little sensible. The way he was playing, I was seeing a yellow card coming out for him.

Rosicky – Wenger made the right call and sent him. Rosicky supported the team well and started winning those fights in the midfield with Udinese. His presence made strikers more confident to attck rather than come back to support defense and truly made the difference in the second half.

Robin Van Persie – He scored the first goal for us and changed the game completely but he can still do better. If he attacks Man U just like this, we could have a victory in our hands.     

Gervinho – All the money spent on him recovered on the day. The assist was simply awesome. His movement is fast and sharp. If Hazard does come to Arsenal, they both can set EPL on fire.

Walcott – Fast and good. Improving day by day. Will need to play role like this more often in the season

Arshavin and Traore – Came in very late, so no comments.

The match:

The first half was great for us; we were attacking from the first minute itself. But Udinese goalkeeper was superb just like our goalkeeper. The match seemed balanced with both teams getting chances. We were helped by the twelfth man – good luck. Our defenders albeit doing a good job were beaten a few times making it clear to Arsene to spend some money on defenders.

And then Natale struck and I was in temporary depression. 1-1. (I really like Natale’s play. He could be a worthy addition for our squad as a player on one year loan till we get a good striker. But chances are low.) I could see the world end and wanted to go to sleep. But somehow I said that this is the night which will define our team for the season. Fighters or Kids with mental problems?

So kept watching (The second half starts at 1:15 am in India). Seeing Arsenal attack, I knew these are the signs of fighters and they are fighting with everything they got. One goal and we could be back for good. And then Gervinho passed and Van Persie scored, I was jumping like crazy. We got the away advantage; my dad woke up asking what was wrong. I said we are winning and then he went back to sleep.

Suddenly, a penalty was given against Arsenal. Hey what happened? No, No, No. Then Natale got ready, Szezcsny got ready. I knew it that if he saves, we would have the advantage and then we would most probably go in. If he does not, we might lose the tie and confidence in our players will slump.

Natale hits and SZEZCSNY SAVES!!!! Once again, I was jumping with joy. From here I knew we are going through but somehow the memories of 4-4 against Newcastle made me control my feeling and then Walcott scored and I knew with every second we are closer to Champions league.

When the final whistle blew, I was ecstatic and treated myself with a Ferro Roche chocolate. The team who were written off just made the statement that “DO NOT COUNT US OUT!!!!!”.

Since the day Fabregas has gone, all I heard was doom and gloom. Ya, Fabregas was and will always be a gunner legend. But we all knew that he would go to Barca sooner or later.  And then $amir Na$ri left Arsenal so that he can rot on City bench counting his contract money rather than playing football. I became an Arsenal fan after watching Nasri’s wonder goal against Porto in Champions league and considered him to be my favorite player. But then City came along with its bags of money. Somehow, I thought he would stay. But after I heard of the transfer and then his comments for fans of Arsenal, my love for him changed into 100% pure disgust. Who was he two seasons ago? Nobody knew him. Arsenal took him in and now he thinks we are not good enough. Well, here my message for him:

Dear $amir Na$ri,

When the time came for you to step up and take the role of Fabregas, you betrayed us. You might be a great player and may even end up in the first team of City (A rare probability); you will never become a legend. Legends do not run, they stand up and prove that they are made of steel (Not of poop like in your case) when times like this come.

Frankly, I would like to thank you for leaving us because the day you left, our players proved that your services were never required.

Once you were a hero in my eyes, now you are just a traitor. A traitor, who sold his soul for just a few million pounds.

Hope you end up rotting on City’s bench,

A passionate gooner

(Just like millions of passionate gooners across the world).

P.S.: I hope the next time you come to Emirates, gooners in London will show what passion is.

But that aside, I am happy that the players are finally getting in the groove and starting to function like a well-oiled unit. But we still need some good players. I hope that Mr. Wenger does buy some players. Defenders are needed. My choice: Mertesacker or Cahill. Midfielder: Hazard (If he is not coming, target Shinji Kagawa at Dortmund, he is good and young but he might not be cheap). Striker: No choice as such but Tevez (If Arsene gets his hand on him) or Kaka (He will not be playing much at Madrid anyways) will be great.  

Next match: Man U.

Player to watch out for: Ramsey. With no Wilshire and Frimpong, he needs to score a goal or two and give an assist or two to finally prove he has arrived.

So long Gooners. Pray that we get an easy group in Champions league.