The Beautiful Groan

The Beautiful Groan has moved!

Pete — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 06:39:56 +0000

After over a year of being messed around by the company this blog is hosted by, it is finally on the move. This will be the last article posted here, bar reminders of the move, but the new site is ready to go, so please come and visit at http://thebeautifulgroan.com.

If you read this blog through Feedburner at http://feeds.feedburner.com/TheBeautifulGroan, don't worry, I've already updated the feed to point to the new site, so come to think of it, if you read that way, then you won't be reading this.....Ahem.

If you read through the RSS feed, you can redirect to http://thebeautifulgroan.com/feed/

Soon, this site will point at the new one, so any links should transfer automatically.

Hope to see you over at the new site. Until then, thanks for reading.

Another draw and you can feel the momentum disappearing

Pete — Sun, 16 Mar 2008 20:13:01 +0000

Arsenal 1 (Toure 86) Middlesbrough 1 (Aliadiere 25)

Ouch. For the fourth successive game, two points have been dropped in the sort of match that championship winners gobble up towards the end of the season. Birmingham, Wigan, Villa and now this.

Playing at home to a side who played three days earlier, and have not a lot to play for, when you've had a week to recharge, is exactly the sort of fixture you want before a run of quickfire top games. As it was, it proved to be a case of deja vu. Again.

It could have been so different, Adebayor scoring a perfectly legal goal after only a few minutes, when played through by Boateng. It is easy to slam a referee when you've played poorly, but this sort of thing isn't helping at the moment, especially when United went top earlier in the day with a late and offside goal of their own.

And it got worse, Aliadiere gaining the dubious benefit of the doubt this time to put Boro ahead against the run of play. But the static nature of the defending deserves more of the ire than the officials, with the old adage of playing to the whistle being criminally ignored. And how ironic that Aliadiere, having not scored a Premiership goal for us in five years, should get it now.

And although we had most of the play, we didn't create a lot, Eboue of all people looking the most dangerous, while still managing to infuriate by flopping in the box. Really, Wenger has to sort this troublesome idiot out - he must know that Eboue dives, and he must also know that his reputation has got to the level where he just isn't going to get penalties. Cut it out.

Up front, we were struggling, Adebayor having understandably lost some form with the burden he has been shouldering for much of the season, while Van Persie was equally understandably rusty. As a result, it was one of those games we just wanted to nick, there are too many players off the pace to blow teams away.

It took until Toure scored, slightly fortunately from a header, with only minutes to go to even salvage a point, and it's hard to say that we deserved all three. The result means United go top with a game in hand, which they'll play on Wednesday night against Bolton, who are unlikely to repeat their favour from earlier in the season. And then it's the start of the big run on Sunday.

There is no doubt that the momentum is slipping away, but it is equally frustrating to see the reactions of some fans aiming anger at Wenger for not strengthening in January, probably the same fans who predicted doom in the summer and then went quiet for the first few months of the season, only to resurface after defeats.

This league is far from over. Liverpool are firing at the moment and who would bet against Torres making an impact against United next weekend? We'd then have to chance to go top, and if there's one thing the last two seasons have taught us, it is against the top teams we play to our best.

So perhaps it's a good thing that we've got so many difficult fixtures coming up. My only real concern is that every single match will be incredibly intense, and I'm not sure our squad can cope with playing that sort of game every three days. Hleb and Adebayor seem tired, Flamini must be, while Rosicky's knack of taking three or four games to get back to form may mean he's peripheral for the rest of the season.

It is a concern. But we're still in the two competitions we want to be in, which is a massive improvement on last season. Now we just need to end this blip.

All-English path to the final likely as Liverpool await

Pete — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 18:31:40 +0000

Wenger wanted a non-Premiership team, I wanted a non-Premiership team, but it was not to be, with Arsenal drawing Liverpool in this lunchtime's draw, leaving the clubs playing each other three times in a week at the start of April, bringing back memories of last season's back to back cup ties with the same opposition.

All of this means that after this weekend, our fixtures looks like this: Chelsea (a), Bolton (a), Liverpool (h), Liverpool (h), Liverpool (a), United (a). And all squeezed into twenty days. Talk about make or break.

If we get past Liverpool, you can almost certainly stick a couple more Chelsea fixtures on the end of that list, after they got their predictable soft draw of Fenerbahce. But we can't look that far yet - Liverpool may be miles behind in the league, but they haven't been close to Chelsea in a few seasons and still manage to consistently dump them out of Europe. With Torres in ridiculously good form, it could be a cracker.

Some people are dreading this run of matches. Not me. This time last season we were out of Europe, and without any motivation for the rest of the league campaign. This time, so much hinges on every one of these titanic battles, and it's the same for our rivals, with everyone at the top still due to play everyone else.

Let's get Boro out of the way tomorrow, have a week off, and then go at this with everything. April should be fun.

The Premiership challenge begins here

Pete — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 23:08:36 +0000

Hello from sunny California.

It's pretty difficult to get much in the way of football news over here. Baseball, ice hockey and poker seem to filling every channel, and the hotel internet is painfully slow. But there we go.

Having been in the dark about the Wigan game until about 24 hours after it happened, I spent most of Monday wishing that it had stayed that way. Eminently missable was the verdict I've heard most often.

So the question is - does this hand the initiative to United? Possibly, given that a win in their game in hand will see them go top now, and in fact after Chelsea's predictable demolition of Derby, they can pull back to within two points with a win in theirs. All three clubs now have destiny in their own hands, thanks to the fact that all will play each other.

But there are plenty of twists ahead. Sometimes you get to this stage of the season and wonder where the top clubs are going to drop points. But here's a neat fact for you - the only fixture the top five don't have to play against each other in Everton-United. All nine other combinations are left. And United still have to play Villa and Blackburn.

Any of those matches are dangerous. Dropped points are inevitable given that everyone has so much to fight for - and that's before you take into account the fact that relegation threatened sides tend to pull out the odd incredible performance at this stage of the season.

It is mid table sides you want to be playing, and that's where we'll start, trying to avenge our only Premiership defeat of the season when Boro come to town on Saturday. The good news is that we have no fresh injuries, and the return of van Persie means some of the weight is off Adebayor's exhausted shoulders. And speaking of freshness, Boro may be short of it having had to play Villa tonight in a tough game.

We haven't won in England since February 11, and a victory on Saturday is crucial given that four games that follow it - Chelsea, Liverpool and United wrapped around our usual joyous trip to Bolton.

Buckle up, this is what championship chasing is all about. It isn't supposed to be easy.

Wigan preview - midfielders dropping like flies

Pete — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 16:28:52 +0000

Short one today as I've not got much time.

After a tremendous week, it's back to the league, and while Wigan may feel like a comedown, it's an equally important game. Win, and we have the psychological advantage of a four point lead over United, who are tied up with the FA Cup. Drop points, and they'll know their game in hand can see them go top. It's big.

Walcott and Diaby have picked up knocks this week, and none of the injured parties are now available, so Rosicky, Toure and co all stay at home. Van Persie is still in the same position he was in on Tuesday - available but short of match practice, but he may start regardless, especially with 4-5-1 rendered impossible due to not having five fit midfielders.

But I'd expect a team of Almunia-Clichy-Gallas-Senderos-Sagna-Hleb-Gilberto-Flamini-Cesc-Bendtner-Adebayor with Van Persie coming off the bench. The pitch at the JJB is appalling, so it probably isn't the best game for the Dutchman's return.

I'm off to the States on Sunday, so will actually be in the air at the time of the match, unable to find the result until Monday. Bad planning all round.

Here's hoping I arrive to some good news. Until then.

We don't want Fenerbahce, and Bentley is a weasel

Pete — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 16:29:55 +0000

Afternoon.

It is the day after the day after the night that was, and there is still a wonderful feeling of achievement around, after the vanquishing of the European champions AC Milan on Tuesday night. Instead of reflecting on what might have been, we are now looking forward with determination, first to Wigan this weekend, and then on to the Champions League quarter finals.

So far, Arsenal, United, Chelsea, Barcelona, Schalke, Fenerbahce and Roma have qualified. Liverpool will most likely join them, leaving the Premiership with four representatives, and no other league with more than one.

And it is a strong lineup. Schalke and Fenerbahce are the obvious weak links, so Chelsea will undoubtedly draw one of them, but are they really who we want anyway?

Two seasons ago we performed heroically against Real Madrid and Juventus, before scratching past Villareal and raising our game again against Barcelona in the final. Last season, the modest PSV, who Spurs will likely beat tonight, knocked us out before being exposed by Liverpool in the next round.

And this season, we supposedly got the hard draw in Milan, before dispatching them with a ruthless and fantastic performance on Tuesday night. Meanwhile, Sevilla, our group winners, crashed out to Fenerbahce despite being strong favourites.

The Champions League is an unpredictable beast, and it seems Arsenal play to their best whenever the match requires it, especially against the top opposition. There is something about an illustrious opponent that you have yet to defeat that makes you raise your game to unprecedented levels. On the flip side, a stubborn but inferior opponent can force you out of your stride and unexpectedly send you packing.

So for me, Fenerbahce and Schalke aren't necessarily the dream draws. Of course we'll be favourites if we get one of them, but to me it is more important to avoid another of the Premiership sides. All three potential opponents from our domestic league would be difficult in Europe, even Liverpool with their stuttering domestic play. Give me a choice between Barcelona and a Premiership side, and I'd take the Spaniards.

With all four English representatives likely to be present in the quarter finals, them being kept apart is unlikely. Let's hope we avoid the inevitable combination.

Schalke won't win it. Fenerbahce won't win it. Roma aren't really good enough either, so Barcelona are now probably the only side capable of stopping a Premiership side lifting the trophy. When you consider that we are top of that particular league, you can see just why we are a true contender.

Give us Barca, I say.

Meanwhile, David 'odious' Bentley has decided to pitch into the club he claims to have left behind, by suggesting that Theo Walcott might have to leave Arsenal to save his career:

"If he is not getting the minutes at Arsenal, he's going to have to look elsewhere."

"Your career doesn't start and end at Arsenal. It can flourish somewhere else."

He's right, it can. But on the other hand, if you want to be part of something special, you won't run from the big club because you can't face the competition, you'll stay and become the integral part of a magical puzzle that the manager wants you to be.

Walcott is 18. He is in the best club in the world for promoting youngsters. Sure, he could shine at a lesser club, but how will he be a better player than if he sticks it out at Arsenal and waits for his moment? Anyone who has watched him recently can tell you that it is coming.

And it could've done for Bentley too, if he'd grown up and had the patience to wait for Pires and Ljungberg to step aside. He wasn't in their class, and he still isn't. Walcott, on the other hand, has a massive future at a massive club. Bentley has a future in midtable, which he unconsciously acknowledges:

"You want to play football for a start and you want to make money as well."

Ah yes, money. No mention of trophies, achievements or team accolades, which the top players strive for. No, he wants regular football and money. You're not missed, Bentley, don't worry about that.

Arsenal stick two fingers up at the doubters to crush Milan

Pete — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 13:58:01 +0000

Milan 0 Arsenal 2 (Fabregas 84, Adebayor 90)

Gone are the days when English sides run around like headless chickens in Europe, scaring their opponents for half an hour with the blistering ferocity and pace of the play, only to tire and get picked off by their more technically adept adversaries. Welcome instead to the days when controlled pace and skill wear down experienced campaigners until they buckle under the unrelenting pressure.

This was European football at its best, its classiest, and that is an accolade normally reserved for the now vanquished AC Milan. They are the experts, or at least they were until last night.

Attacking Milan in the San Siro whilst knowing that one slip, one mistake, and you could be facing the exit door against perhaps the best defence is Europe is an enormous ask. But Wenger talked about bravery and spirit, and it was there in abundance last night.

Once the first fifteen minutes had been negotiated, in which Cesc cleared a header away from the line and Milan looked threatening from set pieces, the Arsenal midfield took control. Flamini, Cesc, and more surprisingly Hleb were biting into tackles and fighting for every ball, and when Adebayor was needed as an outlet, he was able to outfox his markers for long enough to receive support, no moment more noticeable than when he somehow wriggled around Nesta before feeding Diaby, who shot wide.

As the half progressed, the home fans grew frustrated with the lack of possession their team was enjoying, while Fabregas began to spray the passes around with great effect. All too often though, Milan were getting the last ditch tackle or block in, so Kalac had little to do until Cesc cracked the bar with a superb swerving shot. Shortly after, Adebayor tested the big keeper with another rising drive.

While Arsenal were in total control of possession, Milan still had the players to threaten on the counter, and once Kaka had fed Pato, hearts went into mouths, but the young Brazilian chose not to smash home, instead trying to lift the ball over Almunia and making a mess of the execution. It was to be the best chance they got all night.

Arsenal didn't want half time, but if anything, the second half display was even more dominating. Senderos connected well with a half volley from a corner but struck it straight at Kalac, before Eboue fired wastefully wide when he was, for once, afforded the space by the otherwise excellent Maldini. As the match entered the last quarter, it was effectively a next goal wins scenario, and having missed so many chances, you wondered whether Milan were going to sneak it in true Italian style.

They wouldn't. After good work from Hleb, Cesc got the ball just past halfway, ran with it, and without much of a backlift fired from distance. Kalac hadn't set himself, was slow in getting down, and by the time he flung out a desperate hand the ball had skidded off the greasy surface and into the corner. A great strike, but the keeper will be disappointed with himself.

Nonetheless, it was the very least Arsenal deserved, and Milan were instantaneously killed off. The second and icing on the cake goal was almost inevitable, and it was suitable that it was Walcott setting it up, storming past Kalahdze despite giving the Milan man a huge headstart, and Adebayor finishing it off after Theo calmly slid it across goal. 2-0 was a fairer reflection on a masterclass performance.

The match, and the tie, was won in midfield. Every time Milan won the ball after an Arsenal attack, the advanced trio of Flamini, Cesc and Hleb were seen chasing back and beyond the counter attack, before winning the ball and charging forward again. Their energy was boundless, and it was no wonder Hleb looked exhausted when eventually substituted in the dying seconds. He'd given his all.

Eboue was better defensively, but offered little going forward and his shot was woeful, and while Diaby did his best on the left, you can't help but feel the returning Rosicky will be better suited there in future rounds.

The defence were magnificent. Senderos and Gallas stood tall and withstood everything thrown at them, while Clichy and Sagna gave classic wing back performances. Superb stuff, and that back four are looking extremely solid at the moment.

The referee was abysmal, and as I realised I would be writing that I hoped even more that an Arsenal win would prevent the predictable 'sour grapes' response. He really was dreadful - on so many occasions he refused to play a clear advantage, blew up for nothing, booked Hleb for diving when he was clearly fouled, booked Inzaghi and Clichy for nothing, got throw ins and corners wrong, and generally loved the sound of his own whistle. That such an open game was possible despite his frequent interruptions is a credit to both times. He could easily have ruined it.

But today is a day for positives. Those same pundits who were writing the team off days ago are now predicting league and European doubles. Their fickleness is transparent and while the talk of implosion was premature, so must the feet stay on the ground today. It was a wonderful night, but let's make it a wonderful week and go four points clear at the weekend.

And a final mention for Milan too, who lost with class. Their fans stayed behind to applaud the Arsenal players, and since then both Ancelotti and Kaka have admitted they were simply beaten by a better team. There is much respect there, gained through the course of two matches, and flowing both ways. I hope they qualify for next season's competition.

Enjoy your day after the night that was.

Milan preview - first goal more crucial than ever

Pete — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 14:47:46 +0000

In the small matter of five hours, Arsenal will be taking on the European champions Milan in a delicately poised Champions League knockout match. That tells only a small portion of the story.

Arsenal are struggling for form domestically, but then Milan have been poor in Serie A all season too. Either side can step up their performance levels for these sorts of matches, as we saw in the first leg. Arsenal attacked with verve, Milan defended with class. It was one of the more fascinating goalless draws you'll see.

And it sets tonight up perfectly. Milan sometimes break away from their defensive and patient mindset (see their extra time victory over Celtic last season after 180 goalless minutes) to destroy a side in quick bursts, as they did in the opening stages against United last season. However, they did that safe in the knowledge that they had two away goals from the first leg - a United counter attack goal then would have caused less of a disaster than an Arsenal one would tonight.

If Milan score early, they have the expertise to defend and counter attack and Arsenal will be in trouble. If Arsenal score early, Milan will need to score twice and will open themselves up to speedy Arsenal counter attacks, which would stretch their ageing defence.

It is a common cliche that the first goal is crucial in big matches. But with both sides preferring to counter attack tonight, it is more vital than in any match in recent memory. In fact, I'd go as far as to say the first goal will probably win it - Milan can't batter our defence without conceding on the break, and Milan would probably be too canny if we had to do the same.

Team wise, it looks like Eboue will come in for Walcott, with Hleb operating at the front of a five man midfield, behind Adebayor. Van Persie is the impact sub, but don't expect too much from the man - I feel his real contribution will come after tonight. That said, if we get a free kick, right of centre, about 25 yards out.....

I'm backing Cesc to score in the first twenty, and silence the San Siro. Why? I think he's set up for another coming of age moment.

Enjoy it, wherever you are, if you can.

Barcelona's arrogance is beyond belief

Pete — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 14:39:49 +0000

Barcelona could be such a great club. Hordes of attacking talent, some of the best players in the world, and a style of football that at best is breathtaking.

But off the pitch, the are the most egotistical and arrogant club around. Barely a day goes by when they, and the Spanish media that the can control, don't tap up one world star or another. We all know how tiresome it was with Henry, and as soon as he left we knew Cesc was their next target.

After numerous comments in the press about how he 'had a responsibility' to return, they finally seemed to have grasped the point - he is Arsenal through and through. But instead of reacting maturely, they've sunk to the level of a kid who isn't invited to a friend's birthday party, and retaliates. When asked whether Fabregas would be welcomed back, technical secretary Begiristain had this to say:

"There is always a risk when you decide to leave Barcelona and the fact is that he cannot return"

Has he given any indication of wanting to return? He left Barca, remember, joining a club who would play him regularly from a very young age. He signed an eight year deal which handed power to his employers and became a true Gooner. But that doesn't stop the bitterness:

"He, as was hoped, would now be in the first team. Bojan is an example. He had faith and did not go to England."

The bizarre thing is, this is all said as if Cesc is now likely to regret ever leaving Barcelona, as if he doesn't realise the huge strides he's made at Arsenal. Who knows how stunted his growth would've been if he'd stayed in Spain? Would they have played him at such a tender age? Yes, Bojan is 17, but has made largely substitute appearances for them, and will probably be restricted to just that for the next couple of years. At Arsenal, Vieira was sold and Cesc found himself the fulcrum of the midfield in his teens. Can anyone doubt how profoundly that has affected his career, how much more responsible and mature he is now because of that?

For that matter, does anyone even think of Cesc as a young footballer anymore? He is, after all, younger than players such as Nani and Babel, two of the league's 'up and coming starlets'.

Fabregas is an intelligent man, and he will know just how much he has gained from being at Arsenal, from playing as regularly as he has. For Barcelona to criticise him now is churlish - he owes them nothing. His career is far more advanced now than it would've been had he competed with Barcelona's crowded midfield.

And the notion that they wouldn't accept him back is laughable. Of course they would. He's walk into any team in the world.

Late Bendtner strike nicks a fortunate point

Pete — Sun, 02 Mar 2008 18:02:35 +0000

Arsenal 1 (Bendtner 90) Aston Villa 1 (Senderos og 28)

So much for a backlash. Arsenal's performance yesterday was extremely poor, while Villa looked strong, quick and clever, and to their credit attacked with numbers whenever possible. Credit to their team, that is, rather than credit to their fans, who let themselves down with some appalling Eduardo chants, vile and unnecessary given how most clubs have wished the Croatian a speedy recovery.

On the pitch, Walcott started up front, and forced good saves from Scott Carson at the start of both halves, but other than that the opposing keeper had little to do - Hleb forcing a routine save and Cesc missing a chance that Adebayor tried too hard to supply to his right foot were about the sum of things.

And by then, Villa were ahead. The goal was unfortunate on Senderos - Agbonlahor's cross hit his shins and rebounded in, with Carew lurking behind the Swiss defender to apply the finish if necessary. But Villa were causing havoc on a regular basis, with their pacey forwards counter attacking with real menace whenever they had the ball, and Almunia was making impressive saves to keep the deficit at one.

As the second half wore on, the situation became more and more desperate, and it was a surprise when the equaliser finally came, four minutes into injury time. Clichy's cross was aimed at Adebayor, and for once the Villa defence slacked, too many men got drawn to the big man, leaving Bendtner free to slot home his knockdown. To say the point was merited would be stretching things - in reality Villa probably deserved all three points.

But having been so cruelly denied in the last minute last week, it is incredible to witness the different scenes when you are the ones who score so late. This point not only keeps us ahead of a resurgent United, but it might just give the players the lift they needed. Getting Van Persie, Toure and Rosicky back is also important, because our squad is not as deep as United's, and many more injuries, in creative positions especially, and we could be in trouble.

Perversely, it might help our league challenge if we went out on Tuesday night. But on the flip side, the season was reinvigorated with a victory in the Bernabeu two years ago. What price another one, in the San Siro this time, providing the launching pad?

The Beautiful Groan is 1 today!

Pete — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 09:15:25 +0000

One year ago today this site was born, at the point when Arsenal were crashing out of every competition in the most disappointing season in years. Who would've thought one year on that the same club would be top of the league, defying the many doubters?

I've taken a look back at some of the stuff I've written and many of it, while seeming right at the time, turned out to be anything but. Who thought Flamini would not only stay but shine? Who thought Gallas would eventually win us over? Who thought Aliadiere would leave? Oh, okay, I got that one.

Anyway, Groan is getting a very nice first birthday present, and that is a brand spanking new site, which is very close to completion and will be up in the next couple of days - I'll point you in the direction of the site and its feeds once it's ready.

I'd like to thank you (yes, all two of you) for reading, and hope you'll join me in the second chapter which begins next week. Until then, I'm off to the slightly more advanced 30th birthday of my brother. Groan has a long way to go.

Here's to year two. Thanks for reading.

Looking forward at last - Aston Villa preview

Pete — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 19:20:01 +0000

After the horror of last weekend, it's nice just to be thinking about a football match again. As ever, best wishes are being sent to Eduardo, but the best thing the rest of the players could do now is win for their stricken teammate.

Over the past couple of weeks a few of the players have been struggling for form, and while league results have been good on the whole, the performances haven't been the slickest. Tomorrow, I can see that changing.

You will see a more determined and focused Arsenal side than you've seen for a while, and they will have the bit between their teeth, because they will want to show a positive reaction to the tackle and to the dropping of points. Villa could be on the wrong end of a backlash.

However, Martin O'Neill is a canny manager, and will be prepared for anything. I have no doubt he'll look to contain a furious Arsenal, hoping to frustrate the players into losing their focus. It's a big ask, and I hope it's a plan that falls flat.

As for team news, Diaby returns, which means he can occupy the left flank while Hleb works his magic on the right. That leaves only one question, who will partner Adebayor up front? Bendtner is the obvious option, but I have to agree with the prediction made over at Gunnerblog, that Walcott will start behind the Togolese powerhouse, perhaps switching with Hleb as and when they see fit. After his brace last weekend, he'll be itching to get back in the thick of things.

And make no mistake about it, we'll need some goals from young Theo between now and the end of the season. Adebayor has been carrying the goalscoring burden for a while, hiding the fact that since the turn of the year, goals have once again dried up from midfield, the early season spree from Hleb, Rosicky and Fabregas in particular having vanished. If Adebayor goes through a lean patch (and he's due one), the likes of Walcott and Bendtner need to step up in Eduardo's absence.

And then there is one more name to consider - Robin van Persie. Almost a forgotten man having played so little this season, he could be vital in the run in, if kept fresh. While legs tire around him, he could get a couple of partial games under his belt before really making an impact. Many people are predicting that the Milan tie could be his return, but I think that'll be too early. It would be a mistake to rush him back when his return could swing the title balance back our way.

Let's make March a good month.

The fallout continues - Taylor dignified, but there are idiots among us

Pete — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 21:49:58 +0000

That was the weekend that was.

The media reporting of the Eduardo incident was painfully predictable, but that didn't make it any less disappointing. Rather than address the issue of dangerous tackles in the sport, and the widely held belief that a three match 'catch all' ban is unwise, they chose to focus on Wenger's comments, those very same comments that he retracted once he got out of the heat of the moment situation.

Now, Wenger's words went too far, and he's admitted as much. Perhaps too late for some of the Sunday tabloids, but why are we still reading about them in the Monday papers? He's retracted them, folks. Move on.

And with that, so will I, back to where the focus of the stories should be - the challenge itself.

Martin Taylor, to his immense credit, has acted impeccably since the challenge. While the tackle (if you can even call it that) was appalling and probably intended to let Eduardo know he was there, there is no doubt that he was as shocked as anyone at the damage he caused, perhaps more so as the perpetrator. He didn't contest the red card, hasn't since, walked off the field looking as shellshocked as any of the Arsenal players, and has since chosen to visit Eduardo in person rather than embarking on a PR mission through the press. He's earned respect for the dignified and correct way he's conducted himself since Saturday lunchtime. It seems he really isn't 'that sort of player'.

But no matter what the retrospective regret, the three match ban is still laughable. I realise that they are the rules, but the rules are ridiculous and need changing.

On top of Taylor's sincerity, there is one more piece of good news, and that is the determination of the injured party to return, whenever that may be.

"I am unsure at the moment of the extent of the injury and how long I will be out of action for, but I know that I won't be able to play for Arsenal for the rest of the season or be ready in time for the Euros this summer."

"But I'm not worried about that. My concentration and determination is on making as quick a recovery as possible. I am determined to overcome this injury."

His comments show the right sense of perspective - he must be gutted to miss the run in of his first Premiership season, and an international tournament where he could've shined, but instead of dwelling on that he's focusing on just getting back. And it's nice to see fans of all clubs wishing for the same thing.

Unfortunately, while these incidents can bring out the best in some, they bring out the worst in others. The media are always overblown, but they're paid to be sensationalist so I guess we get used to it, but Stephen Kelly has lost every ounce of credibility with his delusional defence of the tackle:

"I don't think you can send a player off for that. Tiny has committed himself. He has gone in with one foot, slid along the ground."

I agree that he went in with one foot, but the other two statements are complete nonsense. You can, and should, send a player off for that, because such tackles have been outlawed precisely for the reason we saw on Saturday. And you've all seen the pictures, I've posted them already and don't feel like doing it again, but if you can claim Taylor slid along the ground then you're as much of a fool as Kelly.

I can sympathise with tackles when the defender slides in, and the foot bounces up off the turf into an opponents shin. Those are tackles performed correctly but ending unfortunately. But Taylor's leg was coming down on to Eduardo's shin. The ground didn't enter into it.

It is a shame that idiots like Stephen Kelly can detract from the impressive way that Taylor has conducted himself. You won't hear him complain about his red card or ban, and I also suspect that if his suspension was extended the only bleating you'd hear would come from his teammates. I didn't expect to be crediting him so highly, only two days after the challenge, but am pleasantly surprised.

If only his teammates had the same class. And don't get me started on Garth Crooks.

On reflection: Wenger retracts Taylor comments. That makes one of us.

Pete — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 23:25:54 +0000

Arsene Wenger has released a statement saying that his comments regarding Martin Taylor, in which he said he thought the defender should never play football again, were 'said in the heat of the moment, and were excessive on reflection'.

Admirable though it is to retract some strong words, I suspect he also realised that without the softening of his words, he could have been seen as whining in the media who are itching to take a pop at Arsenal. Witness the BBC or Sky coverage of the match, where both Andy Gray and Garth Crooks claimed that the tackle was not necessarily worthy even of a yellow card.

While the tackle may have been badly mistimed and ugly rather than designed to have the end result, it was still a highly dangerous tackle that could've been withdrawn before impact. It was still over the ball. And over the ball tackles are automatic red cards. Tell me, how can so called experts see this and claim that the red card was harsh?

Credit to McLeish though. I said earlier that I hoped he'd admit that tackle was bad after seeing replays, and he did at least confess that it deserved the red card. So if a player's own manager recognises it, how can the analysts not?

These tackles have been outlawed because they can break legs. Today proved why referees have been right to clamp down on them, no matter what Garth Crooks says about 'physicality being removed from the game'. These are the livelihoods of young men, and we are obliged to protect them.

So credit to McLeish, and credit to Wenger for toning down his comments. But I bet if you asked whether he thought a three match ban was fair, he'd scoff.

If you really want to clamp down on dangerous tackles, you have to classify them differently to some of the innocuous acts we see red cards given for. If a player is sent off for a dangerous tackle, the by all means start with three matches, but extend it in bad cases. It has already happened in the Champions League this season, when Benfica's Binya got six matches for a shocking challenge. Why not apply the same approach here?

I hope Martin Taylor feels suitably contrite tonight. He should do - he has put the career of a young fellow professional in serious jeopardy.

Eduardo's career in jeopardy, Taylor should be banned, Gallas stupid

Pete — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 19:04:31 +0000

Birmingham 2 (McFadden 28, pen 90) Arsenal 2 (Walcott 50, 55)

There is only one place to start, and that it with Martin Taylor, a man who, according to manager Alex McLeish, 'doesn't have it in his make up to produce a malicious tackle', and 'didn't think he'd made a lot of contact' with Eduardo's leg.

I beg to differ.

(A nod to both Arseblog and Gunnerblog for the image).

Watching it live, I wondered how dirty the challenge really was, as the Arsenal players didn't seem to get overly angry. But within seconds, the reality was clear - one glance at Eduardo's leg and there was only one focus of their worry. You only had to see the look on Adebayor or Fabregas' face to see how shocked they were. By the time they'd stopped frantically beckoning for Gary Lewin, Taylor was down the tunnel.

The above image shows how indefensible the tackle is - over the top with only one possible outcome. If you want to see the end result, and I warn you in the strongest sense that you should only click this link if you have a particularly strong stomach, then look here - again thanks to Gunnerblog for the link.

Those who have seen the full extent of the injury now understand what I mean when I say his career is under threat.

Credit to the Birmingham fans at this point - at some clubs chants would've broken out against Arsenal and Eduardo, but they kept a respectful atmosphere, and then warmly applauded as the Croatian was stretchered to hospital.

For the rest of the first half, I found myself not caring about the match itself, a feeling that seemed to be present in the players too. Flamini conceded a soft free kick that McFadden superbly buried. Some say Almunia should've saved it, but to be honest he did well to get near it.

Our attacks were aimless, and understandably there was no bite or energy in the display. Half time was desperately needed. Whatever Wenger said during the break (and one suspects that it was along the lines of 'win the match and then worry about him'), it worked, with some sustained pressure forcing Taylor (the excellent keeper, rather than the dismissed and disgraced centre back) into good saves from Cesc and Hleb. Finally, Adebayor jumped above him, and Walcott prodded in the loose ball.

Theo is a man who relies entirely on confidence at this early stage of his career. Against Slavia earlier this season, he terrorised them after scoring his first goal, and today was the same, as he gave Murphy a torrid second half, after looking poor in the first. He also scored what should've been the winner, picking the ball up midway through the half, skipping past a couple of defenders and ignoring Bendtner's excellent run to comprehensively bury the ball with his left foot. In the first half, he wouldn't have taken the chance on.

At this point, a rousing rendition of 'We're gonna win for Eduardo' went up around the stadium - wonderful stuff, but unfortunately, they were wrong.

Chances were made and missed for the rest of the half, with Adebayor particularly culpable. In a way, I'm glad his run of scoring in consecutive matches in now over, as he seemed obsessed with equalling Alan Smith's record of eight league matches, consistently refusing to pass, most glaringly when Bendtner would've had a simple tap in to seal the match.

And for that, we were made to pay, but also thanks to an appalling refereeing decision. Clichy controlled the ball in the area, didn't spot Parnaby, and took the time to look around for options. Suddenly aware of the winger's presence, he made a last ditch tackle, and successfully got the ball, but Mike Dean pointed to the spot, and the points were shared.

But there was still time for one act of stupidity. Furious at the penalty, Gallas watched it from the Birmingham half, seemingly protesting. What if Almunia had saved it? The captain then got himself booked putting his studs through the advertising hoardings, before sullenly sitting on the pitch long after the other players had gone down the tunnel.

To me, he was being utterly stupid, and giving everyone a chance to claim that we're imploding. There are more positive ways of channelling anger, and with his frustrated kick on Nani last week fresh in the memory, he is certainly not leading by example at the moment. As barely the only player in the squad with the experience of winning the Premiership, he needs to inspire. Sort it out William.

But back to Martin Taylor, who will now serve what is, in the context of things, a laughable three match suspension, while Eduardo suffers on the sidelines. Similar to when Dan Smith destroyed Abou Diaby's ankle a couple of years ago, Wenger is understandably furious.

Eduardo's season is over, his Euro 2008 dreams are over, and it seems likely his 2008 football days are over. And that's being optimistic. His injury is up there with some of the worst we've seen, along with David Busst or more recently, Alan Smith. The former never came back, the latter took a year and a half and is not the player he was.

Martin Taylor, meanwhile, will be eligible to play two games in March.

It has irked me for a long time that dangerous tackles and violent conduct all receive the same mandatory three match ban. Pushing someone lightly in the face gets the same punishment as potentially ending another professional's career. It must be looked at.

Because in cases like this, Taylor should be banned for a lot more than a pathetic three matches. It was a disgraceful challenge, and I only hope that Alex McLeish has more class than to defend his player once he's seen the replays. It is utterly indefensible.

Eduardo, get well soon. Nothing else matters today.

Both sides impressive in entertaining stalemate

Pete — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 14:26:38 +0000

Arsenal 0 Milan 0

The scoreline suggests a dull game, it was anything but.

Milan arrived in town looking to keep a clean sheet, and perhaps nick a bonus goal on the break. Their chances increased after Toure went off with a calf injury inside five minutes, but Senderos stepped in and played superbly to nullify any Milan threat.

After that, the action was all at the other end, with a series of 'so nearly' moments, usually dictated by the boot of Fabregas, who was back to his creative best in the centre.

Crosses were landing in between strikers, shots were being fired wide or straight at the keeper, and as injury time approached, we could claim that 1-0 would be fair. It should've ended that way, when Walcott's devilish cross in the dying seconds found Adebayor, who headed a sitter against the bar.

To criticise the big man would be churlish - in reality the whole team played very very well, and were denied by a combination of snatched finishing and impressive defending. The latter probably caused the former.

The positives for Arsenal are that we proved we could match and then outplay Milan. Also, a clean sheet means that an away goal will cause the Italians huge problems against a defence that has now conceded 12 times in 31 Champions League matches.

The positives for Milan are that they proved they could withstand perhaps the best attacking force in Europe. They will feel confident that a solitary goal will now win them the tie.

Make no mistake about it - Milan are a superb team. But equally, this tie is very much alive.

And when I said earlier that the whole team played well, I meant it. Even Eboue.

Milan preview - Arsenal's defensive weakness is a myth

Pete — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 15:08:55 +0000

Much is made of Italian defences, Milan's in particular as they favour a 1-0 victory with no extra effort expended. Equally, much is rightly made of Arsenal's attacking prowess.

But there is a common misconception in the press that our defence is shaky and liable to concede at any time. While it may not be the most famed part of our side, the figures simply don't back that claim up.

Arsenal have conceded just 12 goals in the last 30 Champions League games. Just digest that statistic for a moment - it's an astonishing record.

As well at setting a new record by going ten games without conceding two years ago, the first six matches of this campaign ended in clean sheets, with goals only being conceded once group stage qualification had been assured.

The weekend mauling of United suggests that there is a weakness there, but when you're playing against a side who excel on the wing, without your two starring full backs, you're always going to struggle. Clichy and Sagna return tonight, while Flamini, Adebayor, Denilson and Walcott are also available. Things are looking up.

So, both sides can score in a flash. Both sides have decent defences. It could be a tight one, much like Liverpool's match last night. I'd take the same result, but I have a hunch we'll get just the single goal in a 1-0 win.

Enjoy the game.

Squad coming back to fitness ahead of Milan

Pete — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 16:25:34 +0000

After the debacle of the weekend, there is (fortunately) no time to dwell on an appalling performance, as Milan are in town for the resumption of the Champions League tomorrow night.

When the draw was made it seemed a good one - Milan were struggling badly in the league, their side seemed to be long past it, and the were nowhere near the best side even in their city.

The last point still stands, as Inter remain unbeaten in Serie A and a major obstacle for Liverpool, who are desperate to save their abysmal season tonight, but anyone who underestimates the European champions is being foolish.

Milan live for the Champions League, especially over the past couple of seasons when, for various reasons, a league title has been unlikely. Two finals in the last three years tells it's own story, and while we all know about Kaka, there are plenty of dangers, be it from the European stage loving Inzaghi, Gilardino, Pirlo, or the tigerish Gattuso, whose midfield battle with Flamini will be fascinating.

Flamini is one of a group of players giving us reason to cheer - he, along with Adebayor, is fit to start tomorrow's game. The rest of the injury reports are sketchy, with some suggesting Clichy and Sagna will play, others claiming one or both are still unavailable.

Almunia is out, along with van Persie (of course) and Rosicky. Eboue may well start despite his antics at the weekend.

As for Milan, the starlet (and I use that word sparingly) Pato is fit again, while they are facing something of an injury crisis is goal, with both Dida and Kalac potentially out. I suspect Kalac will be fit in time. Otherwise, they are at full strength and hungry.

This could be a corker.

Eboue is a disgrace but his red card was long overdue

Pete — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 23:19:38 +0000

Man Utd 4 (Rooney 15, Fletcher 19, 74, Nani 38) Arsenal 0

For the second time in a few short weeks, Arsenal have been humiliated and dumped out of a domestic competition. There were many (myself included) who thought that the 5-1 defeat at White Hart Lane would prove to be the low point of the season, but at least that day the team seemed to care. At least that day it was largely fringe players having a shocker. At least that day we didn't have players only showing passion in petulance.

Yesterday was an absolute disaster, from start to finish. The first ten minutes were dull, as both sides started cautiously, but then United seemed to realise that they were quicker to every ball, and stepped up a gear. Rooney headed in the first when Hoyte should've done far better, and then Gallas and Cesc were particularly culpable in Fletcher adding number two. At that point, it was already game over.

With Cesc, Hleb, Gallas, Toure on the field, and finishing in the class of Eduardo available, this team is more than capable of coming back from two down, even at Old Trafford. But I defy you to find a Gooner who thought the match wasn't over after twenty minutes. The reason was simple - there was a complete lack of fight from front to back. Players were ducking out of challenges, not using their body to turn the onrushing defenders and find themselves in the space behind them, and when they did get an inch, they passed to the opposition, without bothering to chase it down afterwards.

Only one man is exempt from that particular criticism, and that's Jens Lehmann, who was professional, alert and frankly, kept the score from being doubled. But even his copybook is blotted by his abysmal distribution.

On the other end of the scale is a man who not many of us would miss if Wenger decided to get rid of him right now. With Nani scoring the third before half time, the second half was all about pride and fight, but Eboue took the situation and made it ten times worse, when he approached an aerial battle with Evra by lifting his leg and slamming his studs into Evra's thigh, who was taken out in mid air. Eboue was rightly sent off.

There were so many things to be angry about in that instant. Only a few minutes had passed in the second half, and we were trying to avoid a pasting and show United they couldn't roll over us. He ruined that. There was the passing thought that an early second half goal might give them the jitters. He killed the tie stone dead. And worst, he picked a time when we have the longest injury list I can remember in years, a time when Clichy, Sagna, Diaby and Rosicky are all absent from our flanks, and earned himself a pointless three match ban. In truth, the tie was gone, but his irresponsible actions reduces Wenger's options yet further in a busy and vital period of the season.

But you can't say we weren't warned. His histrionics have been infuriating since he arrived on the scene, and while there was no diving yesterday, that was probably because he wasn't even in the game until he forced himself out of it. At Liverpool last season he was a disgrace, he alternates between putting in dangerous tackles and making out that the innocuous tackles of others are far worse than they are. It is a miracle it has taken him into his fourth season here to get his marching orders.

But let's assess him overall - he can be skilful and clever, but most of the squad can be described that way, and at the end of the day he is now a midfielder who offers absolutely no goal threat. His best asset is his crossing, but even that has been woeful this season. Add to that less than spectacular CV his disgraceful attitude, and I simply cannot believe that he doesn't make some of his more professional teammates want to throttle him.

Back to the game, and Fletcher's second goal in the second half gave the final score a more realistic look. It was every bit the hammering that the scoreline suggests, with us not managing to make van der Sar make a save in the entire match.

It is hard to take positives, even though the FA Cup was clearly down the list of priorities. A defeat was almost expected with the squad so patched together, but no-one expected this. Alan Hansen was, for once, right at half time - it really did look like there was only team who cared about the result.

Injuries or no injuries, low priority or not, that simply isn't acceptable. Mistakes are forgivable. A lack of effort isn't.

At Spurs, we were humiliated, but bounced back with a sequence of wins that has seen the team achieve a five point lead at the top of the league. The best, and only answer to this performance is to bounce back again.

Give it your all against Milan, boys. And Wenger, please don't play that idiot on the right flank.

Injuries mount up as Usmanov raises his stake

Pete — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 16:35:27 +0000

All thoughts that Wenger might rest a few players ahead of tomorrow's game with United have been cast aside: he'll do well just to get a team out.

Almunia, Senderos, Sagna, Clichy, Djourou, Diaby, Rosicky, Denilson, Song, van Persie and Walcott are all likely to be out, while Cesc and Toure are doubts. Adebayor may still get a rest ensuring that much of our strength in depth is wiped out entirely.

It's strange - so many of these players are out with slight niggles, so it's anyone's guess who might be back for Milan next week. Only Denilson and van Persie may not be back within a fortnight, but with a few having muscular injuries you never know how long they'll be gone.

To be honest, I'm going into this cup tie with the same attitude I had ahead of the Spurs Carling Cup semi - it'd be fantastic to win it, but a defeat really wouldn't be the end of the world. Ferguson is even suggesting that he'll rest a few too, although I imagine Ronaldo will play and give Traore the biggest test of his young career.

It promises to be an entertaining affair, as a replay is the last thing either team needs, so the BBC are likely to see a result. United have to be the favourites.

Elsewhere, Alisher Usmanov has reportedly upped his stake by a nominal amount to 24%. With the lockdown agreed, and Kroenke seemingly against him, he'll struggle to add much more than further nominal amounts, so I'm not convinced we should be too worried about this move. That said, the man clearly isn't easily discouraged.

You may or may not have heard about how his team of lawyers took a series of Arsenal related sites offline for bringing up questions about his past some time back. If not, take a look here. It's clear that we don't want this man anywhere near our football club, and the good news is he isn't getting anywhere fast.

The football is more important, as success on the field brings resistance to change off it. With that, enjoy the game tomorrow.

Why do the Mail keep linking Arsenal with 36 year olds + round up

Pete — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 18:31:07 +0000

Transfer talk never stops in the papers, where journalists seem to pick a random name from one basket and a random club from another, making a headline with a fanciful price tag to boot. But over the last couple of days it has gone past amusing to just plain ridiculous.

Yesterday Arsenal 'were linked' (which is paper talk for any transfer story that doesn't involve quotes, facts or any basis in reality) with Egyptian keeper Essam El Hadary. While the African Cup of Nations showed us that he's quite a talent, he is also 36 years old, roughly twice the age of Wenger's typical signings. To make matters more insane, the Mail actually claim that Arsenal 'will be offering 15m'.

All this led to the quote of the day, from his club director Adil Al-Qaeyi, who said:

"If such a bid is tabled, we will surely consider it."

I bet you would. 15m for a 36 year old? What have these 'journalists' been smoking?

I thought it was a one off. But today, the Mail (yes, them again) claimed that we'll be signing Lilliam Thuram in the summer, purely because he and Arsene Wenger have a good relationship. How old is Thuram? You've guessed it, 36.

The way I see it, journalists have a few options. They can:

a) Try to be factual, and write for the Guardian

b) Talk complete nonsense, and work for the Sun or the Mirror

c) Talk complete nonsense, but pretend to be respectable by working for the Telegraph, or

d) Shout about Johnny Foreigner and work for the Mail.

But I actually thought those who made up the ridiculous transfer rumours involving 'a friend' or 'a source close to the club' considered that they've have to be at least partly realistic, so that the dumbest of fans would be taken in. I don't even think a six year old would believe this tripe.

In other news, Barcelona want Wenger. Yeah, well, I want a big house in Barbados. We can all dream.

Finally, Cesc is negotiating a new contract. In more shoddy reporting, most media outlets are claiming that he will be extending his stay, even though the quotes just suggest he's getting a pay rise.

Honestly, how do journalists get away with being so appalling?

Mechanical win sends Arsenal five clear

Pete — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 18:05:01 +0000

Arsenal 2 (Senderos 4, Adebayor 90) Blackburn 0

Comfortable, if not entirely convincing. Efficient, if not spectacular. Words that won't bother any Arsenal fans looking at the Premiership table and a five point lead, after a near perfect weekend.

Blackburn came with a gameplan to shut up shop and force some pressure, but it fell apart after only a few minutes, when Eduardo's corner found an unmarked Senderos six yards out, the Swiss defender powering home. In all honestly, it was shocking marking, and Mark Hughes was right to look so angry on the touchline.

For much of the next hour, we became more and more thankful for that goal. Freidel was saving the half chances we were getting, and while Blackburn weren't creating much, there was always a worry that a second would be needed.

After the break, there was a distinct improvement, Hleb smacking the post with a shot that was an unexpected as the first scorer. Finally, Adebayor, who had again shown great workrate up front, continued his goalscoring run, flicking Hleb's pass past a defender and slamming home. The relief was there was all to see.

So often in matches where a team is looking to capitalise on dropped points elsewhere, it is tough to get the win, but it was a battling performance that bodes well for the rest of the season. I still think it's a little premature to be talking about winning it, let's see where we are at the start of March. Inside the last ten games, we can start counting down, until then, they're just more matches.

But one consistent achievement we've managed this season is to lead the league well into enforced breaks. Every time we've gone off to an international break, we've gone top or extended the lead just beforehand, and now with the cups taking over again, we can sit with a five point lead for two weeks.

Next up, United in the cup. It isn't the priority of either club, and neither wants a draw, so it could be entertaining. I imagine Wenger will do what he did a few years back and rest a few names. We won that day, partly thanks to a hilarious open goal miss by Giggs. More of the same?

Blackburn are more than just David Bentley

Pete — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 18:45:18 +0000

In a battle between the media and David Bentley for the hyping of the right winger, honours are currently even. In fact, with so much focus on him ahead of tonight's game, you'd be forgiven for forgetting about the other ten players in their team.

And that would be a mistake - Santa Cruz has already shown us once this season that he is a predatory finisher, and will expose an injury plagued defence, while a powerful midfield could run the game if Flamini's tigerish bite is replaced with Gilberto's languid style. And that's not even mentioning Brad Friedel, capable of miraculous clean sheets on his date.

So anyone who thinks this will be easy is wrong.

Last season, this fixture showcased an incredible attacking force, as Blackburn were blown away 6-2, Robbie Savage particularly humiliated by Cesc's nutmeg. Savage is now at Derby facing embarrassment on a regular basis, and I expect tonight's game to bear no resemblance to last year's.

Frankly, I'd take 1-0, although I think we'll need at least two to win it.

Win over Blackburn needed to make this a great weekend

Pete — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 21:16:54 +0000

Since Arsenal last played a football match, United and Chelsea have played four times, mustering just three points between them to give us the chance to pull a distance clear at the top.

And it is a chance that must not be missed. If the home game against Blackburn tomorrow night ends in victory and a five point lead, then this would've been the perfect weekend. If it doesn't, a glorious chance would've been missed, with United, having played their derby, and Chelsea, having faced Liverpool, able to take relief that after a weekend of tough fixtures, they hadn't lost any ground. The line is a fine one.

For the match, it is a case of trying to find eleven fit players. Almunia is still out, so Lehmann will continue, while Gallas is the only fit centre back, Senderos having picking up an injury for Switzerland, ironically when Bentley charged into him. I wouldn't be cynical enough to suggest Mark Hughes had instructed him accordingly. Meanwhile, Toure didn't play for the Ivory Coast in their third placed playoff, but looked badly short of fitness in the semi final and shouldn't be rushed in if at all possible. Djourou remains absent.

In midfield, Flamini's injury for France will hopefully clear up quickly, as his energy is missed whenever he is absent. With Gilberto unhappy at the club and likely to leave in the summer, our central midfield options are not as strong as they were, especially with Denilson spending extended time recovering from injury. Wide, Rosicky's muscles are still causing problems, and with Eboue also flying back from Ghana, he is unlikely to be in the best shape to play either.

Up front, Van Persie is still out, so a lot again rests on Adebayor and Eduardo. With the Croatian so new to the club, Adebayor has really taken on the responsibility of being the main man superbly well. Long may it continue, starting with tomorrow night - at least Blackburn's typically physical style won't faze him.

Elsewhere, Alex Song started the African Nations Cup final, but it ended in double disappointment, with him going off injured in the first half, and Egypt eventually overcoming Cameroon to retain the trophy.

I'm off to watch the highlights of Man City firstly defying the press by perfectly respecting the minute's silence earlier today, and then confounding them by beating United at Old Trafford. You've got to love City - they've given us six points this season while beating United twice and taking points from Liverpool. Thanks Sven.

Arsenal have nearly as points as last year, but may need record levels to win it

Pete — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 15:14:11 +0000

Arsenal finished last season with 68 points from 38 games
Arsenal are currently on 60 points from 25 games.

Arsenal are on course for 91.2 points
United are on course for 88.2 points
Chelsea are on course for 82.1 points

To put that in some kind of perspective, last season Liverpool came third with 68 points. Currently, Chelsea will exceed that total by a huge distance but finish no higher. In fact, they'll as good as match their total of 83 points from last season, which meant United needed only 84 points to win the league (they got 89). 84 points wouldn't see a team come close as it stands.

Both Arsenal and United would've won the 2006/7 league by current standards

In 2005/6, the top three had a higher points tally, with Chelsea, United, and Liverpool finishing on 91, 83 and 82 points respectively. Again though, Chelsea realistically only needed 84 points to win it, which both United and Arsenal are on course to reach comfortably.

Before the weekend, Chelsea were on course to have enough points to again win the 2005/6 season. This season, they're on course to miss out by nine points

This pattern follows all the way back. In 2002/3 and 2001/2, United won the league with 83 and 80 points respectively. That wouldn't even come close nowadays.

There are sides who have won the league with 90+ points before (Chelsea with 95 three years ago is the record), but the point is, they've never actually needed to gain that many to win the league.

Until now.

The key statistic: How many points did the winning club need to win the Premiership each year, i.e. what points tally would've beaten the side in second place? To answer that, we need the points total of every second placed team in Premiership history:

1992/3, Aston Villa, 74
1993/4, Blackburn, 84
1994/5, Man Utd, 88
1995/6, Newcastle, 78
1996/7, Newcastle, 68
1997/8, Man Utd, 77
1998/9, Arsenal, 78
1999/0, Arsenal, 73
2000/1, Arsenal, 70
2001/2, Liverpool, 80
2002/3, Arsenal, 78
2003/4, Chelsea, 79
2004/5, Arsenal, 83
2005/6, Man Utd, 83
2006/7, Chelsea, 83

Remember, United are on course to reach 88.2 points, and still finish second. Second placed teams usually get in the high 70s or low 80s, and United themselves hold the record, pushing Blackburn all the way in 1994/5. That year, Blackburn won the league with 89 points.

Before this weekend, United were on course to reach 90. What chances two sides hitting the 90 point mark this season?

So there you have it - if the top teams keep churning out results as impressively as they are doing right now, the champions will have earned their status more than ever before, because they'll have fought off the strongest losers in Premiership history.

Adebayor shines in a great weekend for Arsenal

Pete — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 22:23:01 +0000

Man City 1 (Fernandes 28) Arsenal 3 (Adebayor 9, 88, Eduardo 26)

Predictions can be right, predictions can be wrong, and predictions can be right for completely the wrong reason.

I said in my preview post that the match could well be decided by the tussle between Sagna and Petrov. I meant that with Petrov on such fine attacking form, the Frenchman would have to be on top of his game to stop him. In reality, the tone of the match was set the other way around. Petrov gave the ball away, showed absolutely no interest in winning it back, or tracking Sagna, who was flying down his wing, and our right back squared the ball for Adebayor to fire home, via the back of Micah Richards. When you're on a hot scoring run, they all go in, and that was his tenth in eight matches. There was more to come.

The big man turned provider halfway through the half, when he nodded a Clichy cross perfectly into the path of Eduardo, who was a fraction offside. His chest trap turn took Richards out of the game, before an acrobatic overhead into the bottom corner seemed to seal the match before it had even got going.

Moments later though, City were back in it, and it was a rare error from the usually reliable Clichy, who tried to shepherd a ball out of play, only for Corluka to rob him and set up a tap in for Fernandes. Clichy's reaction showed just how much he cared - he was gutted to make such a basic error, and I'm sure it won't be repeated.

The second half was quite cagey, but you always felt there was another goal in the contest. With minutes left, it arrived, and it said everything about Adebayor. Hacked down on the halfway line by Elano (whose resultant booking rules him out of the Manchester derby), Andre Marriner played the advantage rule for the first time in the game, and with Hleb and Fabregas steaming forward, Adebayor got up and charged into the box, in time to slot in the third. The guilty Elano wasn't even in the picture.

It was the sort of individual performance from Adebayor that has the press and fans purring, and scoring in eight consecutive games shows just how far he's come this season. Wenger attributes much of it to his attitude, suggesting that he has now grown up both as a player and a person. The troublemaking behaviour we heard about when he arrived simply isn't present.

On the other hand, City's performance saw even the usually calm Eriksson fuming on the touchline. Two of the goals could've been prevented by midfielders tracking their men, and given that those midfielders were the talismen of Petrov and Elano, it doesn't set the right tone for the rest of their team. Their season is in danger of petering out, but let's hope Eriksson whips up a storm for their trip to Old Trafford next weekend. Can't see it somehow.

Elsewhere, United slipped up, playing poorly at Spurs and needing a last minute equaliser to pinch a draw, a Dawson own goal, to match his concession of a penalty and red card against the same opponents in the cup last weekend. Quality.

Chelsea, meanwhile, drew at Portsmouth, putting into perspective the somewhat hysterical reaction of some Arsenal fans when we drew at the same ground over Christmas. None of the top three have won there this season.

The Ivory Coast marched on in the African Nations Cup, hammering Guinea 5-0, and should now reach the final where they are likely to face an Essien-inspired Ghana. The form of the Chelsea man makes me glad he's away from the Premiership right now - he is single-handedly dragging his country through the tournament.

So once again, we enter an international break looking down on our rivals, though I suspect by the time we face Blackburn next Monday, United will be back on top.

Until then.

Man City preview - Almunia out

Pete — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 23:17:04 +0000

It's a lunchtime kickoff away at Man City tomorrow, and with the hosts still unbeaten in the Premiership this season, anyone expecting a simple victory is very much mistaken.

That said, last season apart, when we lost this fixture to a Joey Barton penalty, we have an excellent record against City, and with their form dipping in line with Elano's, three points can be taken. A lot will depend on Sagna, who will need to be at his best to stop Martin Petrov, who has been absolutely awesome since arriving in the summer.

The good news is that they still don't have a striker, after Benjani's move from Pompey fell through, but there is bad news in the shape of injury problems. Almunia has twisted his thumb and will miss out - all of a sudden Lehmann staying through the transfer window seems that bit better for us. Rosicky is also out with yet another groin issue, although this one should be short-lived, apparently.

Djourou and Van Persie are still out, so the only choices are between Eduardo and Bendtner, which the Croatian will probably win, and Diaby and Walcott. Diaby should get the nod after an impressive display against Newcastle in midweek.

Elsewhere, Wenger is surprisingly candid about how he came close to signing Cristiano Ronaldo five years ago, before he chose United:

"I knew about him, yes. We were very close. Manchester United had a partnership with Sporting Lisbon when Carlos Queiroz came in - that made the difference."

"One day I will tell you more about that story and you will be surprised. You will have to ask him how close it was. He was here much earlier - he could tell you that if he wants."

Interesting stuff. Much as Ronaldo is about as dislikable as footballers get, with his prancing around and ridiculously inflated ego, there is no doubt that he is a monster of a player, and while he wouldn't exactly make a team more popular, he can't do much worse than Eboue, for example. Had he been at any other club that Sporting Lisbon, it seems he may have been a Gooner by now.

But then I'm sure there are plenty of clubs out there who were close to signing some players who ended up joining us. In the world of impressive scouting networks, starlets (as Sky like to describe them) rarely come without competition.

Enjoy the game tomorrow.

Quiet deadline day as Groan approaches its move

Pete — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 17:31:46 +0000

It is deadline day, but for all the papers trying to hype it up, very little is happening for the top clubs, with only the lower end Premiership teams trying desperately to make some quick fix signings.

It looks like Benjani might be playing against us for City at the weekend, a surprising move given that Pompey are quite cash-rich, but then rumours are that Defoe might be moving back to the south coast to replace him. Meanwhile, Kieran Gibbs has joined Norwich on loan.

Despite wins for United and Chelsea last night, it has been another good week for us, our 3-0 victory over Newcastle pushing us closer in goal difference to United and reducing the time Chelsea have left to catch us.

This weekend could be interesting, with all three playing away to decent opposition, with us perhaps in the best position playing a City side short of form. Elsewhere, we're hoping for Spurs and Pompey to pull something out of the bag.

In site news, Groan's move is now pretty imminent, but I'll let you know when it happens. The new site is so much nicer, believe me.

And that's about it. I'm off to feign some interest in the transfer window.

FA Cup draw: United away was almost predictable

Pete — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 13:49:17 +0000

Fifteen potential opponents, only five Premiership teams amongst them. So it was almost inevitable that not only would we be away from home, it would be against one of them. While Liverpool and Chelsea both got home draws against smaller sides, we have to travel to Old Trafford in a match that the BBC, with first choice of tie, must be in dreamland about.

For us, it's an absolute nightmare, especially coming only a few days before the tie with AC Milan. Admittedly, it's not that great a draw for United either, but at least they're at home. Both sides will be desperate to avoid a replay so expect an open game.

I suspect Wenger would've rested a few stars in the next round, an action Ferguson probably would've been tempted to make as well, but with psychological advantages potentially so crucial for the league battles, both teams will be taking this one extremely seriously. Although it's about the worst draw possible, it should be fun.

Elsewhere, various reports are suggesting that we're trying to pinch Jonathan Woodgate from under the noses of Spurs, although it does seems a little far fetched as he isn't the sort of player Wenger often goes for, especially given his injury record. Undoubtedly a superb defender when fit, I'd still be very surprised if this one happened.

Note: Wenger has now denied the link, claiming the whole story to be a lie. Good old journalists.

Sky are also linking us with yet another young keeper, Piet Velthuizen, but to be honest I've stopped given their reports any credence unless they have quotes from our side. If we signed every 'starlet' Sky link us with, we'd have a squad of two hundred.

Wenger said we'd sign no-one, and I believe him.

FA Cup review: Arsenal back in the comfort zone

Pete — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 17:36:19 +0000

Arsenal 3 (Adebayor 51, 83, Butt og 89) Newcastle 0

What were we so worried about? After a first half display that lacked a lot of cohesion, and in which Newcastle admittedly caused a few problems without creating much in the way of clear cut chances, the second half was completely one sided, and Arsenal strolled through to round five.

Early on, Rosicky did what Rosicky always does - got injured just as he was getting into some kind of form, and was replaced by Eduardo. Clichy had to be alert to clear Smith's shot off the line, while Cesc had the best chance, toe poking Clichy's excellent long ball straight at Given. Diaby also forced a fine save with a curling effort, but 0-0 was about right for a half in which the sides mainly cancelled each other out, despite attacking intent at either end.

If the first half was disappointing, the second half was anything but. Early on, the crucial breakthough was made when Cesc's flick round the corner found Eduardo, whose curling shot came back off the post to Adebayor, who beat two defenders before smashing the ball into the corner. An excellent goal, but better was to follow when the same man ran round the entire back four before firing low beyond Given for his second, and eighteenth of a prolific season. When ex-United midfielder Butt headed past his own keeper for number three, the icing was truly on the cake.

It is turning into a remarkable FA Cup - with Man City currently losing the final fourth round match, there are set to be only six Premiership teams in the last sixteen - the traditional big four, plus Boro and Pompey. That's it. Which, for all the talk of the cup regaining its romance, especially with Havant scoring twice at Anfield yesterday, does almost guarantee that for the 13th season running, one of Arsenal, Chelsea, United or Liverpool will win it.

Also, as a slight sideshow, both the BBC and Sky will be scrabbling around for repeats to show in ten days time, as there are precisely zero replays required. Ha.

Meanwhile, in Ghana, Alex Song played well in Cameroon's 5-1 drubbing of Benin which revitalises their campaign, while Nigeria drew with Mali, ensuring that they're struggling to qualify. Ironically, Eboue could do Arsenal a favour by helping the Ivorians beat Mali, thus taking Nigeria through with them and ensuring that the likes of Mikel stay away from the Premiership for a little longer. There's a sub plot for you.

Not a lot of news elsewhere - the draw for the fifth round is at lunchtime tomorrow, and with so many top flight teams out already, only five of fifteen potential opponents are in the same league as us. Let's hope for a comfortable draw, especially as the match will come a few days before the first leg against Milan.

Until tomorrow.