Before I start, I should point out that I am in no doubt that there will be a takeover attempt, with the intent of putting Arsenal into foreign ownership, and with David Dein achieving his aim of becoming chairman. But will it happen?

Simply put, there are a few assumptions being made. For a takeover to succeed, Red and White Holdings still need to purchase a considerable number of shares. To do this, they need to buy shares from at least two significant sources. One is widely assumed to be Stan Kroenke, if he realises his own takeover plans are fading, while the other could be any other major shareholder.

But will that happen? Most newspaper reports focus on the fact that if Kroenke sells his shares, Usmanov and co will own close to the 30% mark that could start takeover proceedings. To me, that's a leap. American businessmen and Russian oligarchs don't exactly have a healthy history, do they?

As for the rest of the shareholders, many are tied up within the board. After being so opposed to Kroenke, is there any chance that they will sell to such a shady individual as Usmanov, with Dein in tow, who they booted out just a few months ago? I'd say that's far from certain, no matter what sums are on the table.

Unless I'm very much mistaken about how the takeover process would take place, I see it as far from a formality. And that gives me hope. Hope that Dein has shot himself in the foot by backing a man with the reputation and baggage of Alisher Usmanov.

Yesterday was supposed to be about the Champions League. It was supposed to be a celebration of a highly professional performance in reaching the group stage, and the extremely promising draw that followed.

But David Dein had other ideas.

With 'Arsenal's best interests at heart', he announced, with uncanny timing, the sale of his shares to Red and White Holdings Ltd, owned by Russian mogul Alisher Usmanov and British citizen Farhad Moshiri. I'll come to those characters in a moment.

But first, what about the timing? Dein keeps on insisting that he has the club's best interests at heart, so why exactly did he choose to announce this at the exact same time the Champions League draw was gearing up? The day should've been about excitement, looking forward to another season in Europe, with a feelgood factor brought about by our decent start to the season.

I'll tell you why he did it - publicity. He knew that overshadowing the draw would give him the most column inches. Self-promoting nonsense, because as Dein surely knew would happen, this promptly created a storm of dramatic headlines ("Arsenal at war!!", screeches the Daily Mail).

So exactly how does this serve the best interest of the club? At the exact moment where the team were riding high, working together, seemingly stable, the orange man comes along and rips the carpet out from under them. Great 'best interests', David.

Little of what I know about Usmanov or Moshiri would surprise you, suffice to say that as a Russian oligarch, Usmanov has a similar working ethic to Roman Abramovich.

Sorry, did I say ethic? My mistake.

As for their intentions, they are businessmen, and as businessmen, they desire profit. So can the interests of Arsenal and these businessmen be synonymous? Some would argue that by investing in the team, the value of the club rises and everyone is happy. To me, this is a painfully simplistic view. Throwing money at a club does not make it instantly better, it is not like extending your house by putting an extra room on the end.

Wenger has carefully assembled what is probably the last squad he will manage at the Emirates, or at least the core of the last squad. He will tinker throughout the contract it seems he will shortly sign, but he has made it clear that he is not about to make drastic changes. The money is there if he wants to, but he chooses not to. His energy now goes into moulding the team into a true force once again. That is his choice, and we should and do respect that.

Does David Dein? A man who claims more than anyone that Wenger is vital, to the point that he tries to give the impression that he alone can make the Frenchman stay, but who also claims that Arsenal need major investment to compete over the coming years. This view seems entirely opposed from Wenger, who already has such money to spend.

And what about the investors? If they mount a hostile takeover, and Wenger doesn't spend their money, then they can just milk the profits from the infrastructure set up by the previous regime. If they want to invest in the team, can they possibly step back and let Wenger make all those decisions? I can't help but think not.

You may have gathered my feelings on this by now. No matter which way I think about it, I cannot imagine a circumstance in which this is a good move for Arsenal. I can see exactly why it is a good move for Usmanov, Dein and even Kroenke, who may now sell his shares for an instant profit, but not for the club itself, the club whose interest is apparently of central importance.

One final point - Wenger has stayed so long because the current board have simply let him do his job. It is clear that Dein wants the existing board gone - he would not seek to embarrass them otherwise, so who knows how our enigmatic manager will respond to the new crop?

I believe that Wenger's next contract will be his last, and have done so for a while. When he hit ten years, he said he would not stay another ten, and a new deal will take him past fifteen. I can see him moulding this team into winners, and then retiring at the top. And good luck to him.

But the way the club is now moving, we should enjoy the stability while it lasts.

That most rare of occurences came about last night - a comfortable Arsenal victory. From the moment Walcott's superb cut back was buried by Tomas Rosicky, the tie was over, and everyone could relax.

And relax they did.

Arriving at the Emirates with a two goal lead from the home leg, there was a element of caution after last season's scare, where Zagreb came and took the lead (through Eduardo) before being overrun. So it was with intent that Arsenal started, Walcott especially busy on the right flank, supplying Sparta Prague old boy Tomas Rosicky with a superbly slid cross for the Czech to power home in the seventh minute

From there the tempo dropped - Prague seemed to lose all ambition and stopped playing to all intents and purposes, with even the niggly challenges from two weeks ago notably absent. The match turned into a practice session, and the next hour went past without much incident, the best chance falling to the away side as Clichy allowed his man to get the wrong side of him following a superb through ball. Almunia raced off his line and forced a rushed chip wide.

Wenger looked frustrated with the lack of drive in the second half, sending on Cesc, Adebayor and Denilson late on, and all three made an impression before the match was over. Eduardo's sudden burst of pace took him beyond his marker, and his cut back was gleefully thumped home by Fabregas, before Denilson's cute cross saw the Croatian cleverly steer the ball in for the third as time drew to a close.

The 5-0 aggregate scoreline should not be underestimated, as this side are the Czech champions, ahead of their city rivals Slavia, who knocked out Ajax last night in an impressive display.

Performance-wise, the defence was a little sloppy at times, partly caused by the relaxed nature of the game, but Senderos still seems short of confidence, while in midfield, Walcott's intentions were excellent but other than his assist his final ball is still lacking. That'll come in time. Eduardo was lively and Van Persie showed nice touches and some superb dead ball deliveries. That could be a serious weapon this season.

I have to disagree with Myles Palmer, who is already claiming that no pair of Arsenal strikers can play together, citing last night's pairing of RVP and Eduardo as evidence.

No, they didn't click last night, but given that Van Persie is only recently back from six months out, and is now playing a more important role that before, and given that Eduardo has only just arrived at the club, did you really expect an effective partnership to be formed yet?

I, along with many, prefer to have a little more patience - both players individually showed good signs but they have completely different styles and it is only natural to expect them to take a while to play in sync with each other.

Such patience is also due to Abou Diaby, who showed flashes of brilliance intermingled with some truly appalling passing last night, and didn't look particularly match sharp. But again, this is to be expected.

The draw for the Champions League proper is made later today, but in the meantime I advise you check out some slightly concerning David Dein news, courtesy of Arseblog.

It has not been a good week for football. Firstly, Ray Jones, the QPR prospect, was killed in a car crash over the weekend, followed by the collapsing and subsequent death of Seville's Antonio Puerta, yesterday.

And last night, Leicester's Clive Clarke collapsed at half time, his heart stopping, and their match was abandoned while he was rushed to hospital. Reports suggests that he should, at least, be okay.

So it is with heavy hearts that we all return to football tonight, crippled by a renewed sense of perspective brought about by a series of tragedies that have affected and will continue to affect many. My thoughts are with all the families.

The show must go on, however, and if tonight's game is a peaceful non-event, I won't be in the slightest bit disappointed. I would be surprised to see Cesc start, as even at his tender age it is imperative that we keep him fit, and he is carrying a yellow card, not to mention the anger of Tomas Repka who is unhinged enough to seek revenge for Fab's tackle two weeks ago.

Similarly, Van Persie is on a yellow, so this would seem a wise game to add to the fitness and sharpness of Adebayor and Eduardo. With Sagna out, Hoyte should fill in at right back.

Carrying a 2-0 lead from the away leg, progress should be relatively straightforward, but an early goal would certainly help settle the team down.

I predict a 1-1 draw in a tame match.

In a story horribly reminiscent of the untimely end of Marc-Vivien Foe only a few short years ago, it has now ben confirmed that Antonio Puerta, the 22 year old rising star of Spanish football, has died following the heart attack or sequence of attacks he suffered playing for Seville over the weekend.

It is always shocking when a story like this breaks. With medical personnel being so skilled and highly trained these days, obvious physical deficiences are spotted at an early age. Training is so regulated that a sportsman's body is kept in peak condition.

And yet a man so young can still suffer such a sudden tragedy, despite being so careful with diet, drink, and fitness, and with all the care of the best people he could hope to have around him.

It is strange to think that less than a week ago, Arsenal Pies was suggesting Puerta as a signing for the club, such was his talent. It is inconceivable that this has happened.

Descanse En Paz, Antonio Puerta.

It's been a busy bank holiday weekend as practically everyone I know seems to be getting married at the moment, so this comes a little after the piece, but it is still very pleasing to see another home match full of frustration finally turn into a victory.

There are all sorts of things that you can grasp hold of to illustrate the differences between last season and this. So often last year matches at the Emirates against well organised opposition (as City were on Saturday) ended in draws, this didn't. So often Hleb's passes went astray and he never found the killer ball, this time he did, and so often last term Cesc's finishing lacked that clinical edge. Against City, his finish was lethal, firing past the impressive Kasper Schmeichal to secure a valuable three points with just ten minutes on the clock.

The lead could've been established earlier in the second half, RVP's tame penalty saved by Schmeichal's legs, and had that been crucial I imagine a lot more would've been made of the fact that the linesman flagged to indicate the keeper was miles off his line (which he was), and was ignored. In a week of refereeing blunders, this wasn't a good moment for the officials.

In reality though, City can count themselves unfortunate to have lost. They defended superbly, and had Almunia not been so quick off his line to deny Mpenza, or had Petrov had his shooting boots on, the result could've been very different. Some are suggesting that Arsenal are weaker this season, as shown by this performance, but after seeing so many fine displays end in one or no points last year, you'll struggle to find a Gooner who cares right now. Make no mistake about it, City are a decent side and will cause teams a lot of bother this season. They defend well as a unit (as they did last season under Stuart Pearce), and they have flair going forward which means a goal can come from nowhere. Ask their city rivals.

So it was an excellent result, the first at the Emirates by the scoreline made so famous under George Graham, and with the rest of the big four winning over the weekend it was also a very important one. Next up is the return leg of the Champions League qualifier, in which I expect some rotation. If Sagna doesn't recover from his knock Hoyte may get a game, while Denilson and Eduardo may get starts.

As for all the transfer speculation, who knows what to think? Wenger seems certain that he will sign no-one else, which is a risk, but he's wise enough to know this. I'll comment on this more in future articles.

For anyone wondering if players are driven purely by money, the answer is yes. Witness one Daniel Alves, furious at his president at Seville for rejecting an offer from Chelsea for his services:

"I am disappointed by the way I have been treated. In the four-and-a-half years that I have been here I have given everything and I want more respect."

"The fans understand what is going on because nobody in their right mind would not accept an offer that would see their salary doubled."

And that says everything. He mentions no reason for wanting to join Chelsea other than the money. No mention of pedigree, medals, regular Champions League football, pushing himself further...

No. Just the salary. He wants more money, so he wants to join Chelsea. And he thinks its disrespectful of Seville to reject an offer for him even though it is not up to him how much he is worth to a club.

He should join the Blues. He'd fit right in.

That, in case you hadn't guessed, was sarcasm.

Michel Platini, our erstwhile UEFA president, elected by gaining votes from smaller nations thanks to his intention of stripping the top leagues of so many European spots, is, as predicted, having to change his plans.

Having had his proposal rejcted to cut the number of teams England, Spain and Italy have in the Champions League to three, he has a genius new plan. Allow the FA Cup winners the fourth spot, not the fourth place team in the league.

Fabulous. So now there's a new way into the top club competition, should freshen things up, right? Wrong.

Predictably, if the FA Cup winners come in the top three, and have therefore qualified anyway, their place is taken by the fourth team in the league. And if the fourth team win the cup, they obviously qualify.

So, it only makes a difference if the FA Cup winners come from outside the top four, i.e. there aren't called Chelsea, United, Arsenal or Liverpool.

So, let's have a look at those winners, starting at last season and moving backwards through time.

2007. Chelsea. Big whoop.

2006. Liverpool. Still top 4.

2005. Arsenal. Yep.

2004. Man Utd. Yawn.

2003. Arsenal. Yes, us again.

2002. Arsenal. And again.

2001. Liverpool. Oh, the novelty.

2000. Chelsea. Getting the point yet?

1999. Man Utd. Those pesky top four teams are good, no?

1998. Arsenal. Just for a change.

1997. Chelsea. Would this really help, Michel?

1996. Man Utd. I didn't think so, either.

1995. Everton! Hurrah! Finally a team from outside the top four break the monopoly. But of course, they did this two years ago by finishing fourth in the league, too, a whole ten years after the cup win, so that's not really such a massive issue. Platini wants a shock team in there. Everton aren't that team.

1994. Man Utd, Here we go again.

1993. Arsenal. Lovely.

1992. Liverpool. Wake me up when this is over.

1991. Spurs! Ooo, another non-top four team (whatever they'll have you believe).

1990. Man Utd. What a shocker.

1989. Liverpool.

So, none of the last twelve FA Cups have been won by a team outside the current top four, and only two of the last nineteen. This genius new plan would have about as much effect as firing a water pistol at a burning down house.

So, tell me, just how is Platini justifying his salary?

It couldn't last. For three games we managed to start with our first choice back five, a luxury rarely afforded over the past couple of seasons, where injury crises have been all too common.

But now, with Gallas out for four to six weeks (depending on which report you read), Senderos comes in alongside Toure, and with Djourou off on loan at Birmingham, there is a worrying lack of cover in that most key of positions.

This all deflected from a few people's opinions that Lehmann should be axed after some shaky moments in recent weeks - I, amongst others, thought that now was not the time for that. Not only has Lehmann the ability to pull himself out of the slump, but with Gallas missing we're extremely short of experience at the back.

But now there is no decision to make, because the curse of the internationals has struck, and Mad Jens is out for a couple of weeks with an Achilles injury. The question is - who comes in?

For me, there is only one choice. It should be Almunia. The man has patiently waited for his chance, has improved and impressed in pre-season. If Fabianski comes in now, you might as well tell Manuel to pack his bags and go. The Pole's time will come, but I don't think it should be yet.

Some good news - it is looking increasingly like a new Wenger contract is imminent. Let that keep you smiling while you worry about our threadbare squad.

When teams come to kick Arsenal, they are praised for their hard-working efforts and their willingness to fight for every ball.

When Arsenal respond by refusing to be bullied and stand up to the physical game, they are deemed dirty.

Despite the fact that Arsenal are the victims of more challenges that receive red cards than anyone else in the Premiership, those opposition tactics are still praised, even when the referee agrees it has gone overboard.

Every time Arsenal receive a red card, a reminder is made of how many we've had under Wenger.

When Pires made sure he caught Stefanovic's leg in an attempt to win a penalty a few years back, he was vilified. In fact, the reputation stuck with him for years, despite the fact he wasn't even the worst diver in the Arsenal team.

When Robbie Savage throws his leg into Kolo Toure, it is written that he 'appeared to be brought down'. At least there are some journalists in the world who seem to see sense though, the Times labelling Savage a disgrace.

When Arsenal dominated sides for the second half of last season, but couldn't score with Henry and Van Persie injured, they were a bunch of fancy-dans more interested in scoring the perfect goal.

Now that Man Utd have started the season dominating teams but not scoring, it is purely because Rooney and Ronaldo are out (despite the fact that both have actually played this season).

When Wenger says that his team are innocent, the media claim he is myopic and wrong.

When Mourinho claims he has 'no divers and no cheats' in his team, he is......called an idiot. Okay, so at least they see sense there.

When Henry is challenged in the World Cup and goes down clutching his face when there was no contact there, he is criticised for months.

When Savage goes down clutching his face after no contact, dives later in the game, commits eights fouls, and attempts an amateur dramatics rant repeatedly, his passion is applauded and his histrionics ignored by media and pundits alike.

I realise this may come across as sour grapes, but that's fine. I think it's partly because we like to support the underdog in this country so much that so many tactics they use are accepted, no matter how related they are to anti-football. But those that dish it out can't seem to take it. To hear Mark Hughes bleating about Van Persie's challenge (which wasn't even that bad) is laughable.

So I'm happy. I'm glad that Arsenal of this season seem willing to give back what they've taken for the past few years. It is refreshing.

But you can guarantee that the first time a red card is dished out, the team will be slated again, by the same media who currently label them as weak.