Olympiacos (H)

We return to Champions League action tomorrow night against the Greek side Olympiacos and we have already had some less than encouraging team news, more on that in a bit. Firstly Saturdays performance was just what we needed, a win and maybe more importantly for the defence a clean sheet. Surely that will help to boost the defensive confidence. RVP got a brace with the second being his 100th for the club, I was a little surprised to hear that as I felt he'd scored more than that but I then realised he has been blighted with injury for pretty much the whole of his career. An impressive count none the less. Hopefully we can build on that and string a few results together and go from there.

Right onto Olympiacos now and to be honest the Greek football scene has been going downhill for years. However they've made it this far so they must have something going for them. The team tomorrow isn't the strongest side going and more injury news means that we will be without Koscielny, Djourou, Walcott and Gervinho. So the side will be interesting, particularly in defence and there will be a test. A win would be very handy tomorrow night as Olympiacos are probably the weakest team in the group.

Olympiacos are currently 5th in the Greek Superlig but they've only played twice due to their appearance in the Champions League and they've won them both. As I said Greek football has been going downhill but I think much of this is due to their economy which as well all know is right down the shitter, but as I said they've got this far so we can't take them lightly. I can't say I know much about their squad so we'll just have to see ow it pans out.

In other news it appears Jack Wilshere could be sidelined for up to 5 months following the surgery on his Ankle yesterday. This isn't the sort of news we wanted to hear by any means and if we hadn't strengthened the midfield then I'd be concerned but we have Arteta and Benayoun and as pointed out by Arseblogger, we also have the battle for games between Frimpong and Coquelin. Don't get me wrong its a blow and we will miss him but it could be worse.

To finish today I just wanted to say a bit about Van Persie and his reluctance to sign a new deal. Now of course the papers are going ballistic about him leaving but as Wenger said, I think its been blown out of proportion and all he said was "there is no rush". He's right he has 2 years left and we're in a busy period so now might not be the best time to talk about a new deal, but we all know he's waiting to see how this season pans out and really who can blame him?

Until Saturday, COYG!

Prediction: Arsenal 2-0 Olympiacos

Bolton Wanderers (H)

After a brief scare on Wednesday night, it was nice to see our young guns come back to boss the second half against Shrewsbury. Kieran Gibbs equalised with his first goal and a great header at that, much to the delight of the 45,000 fans who bothered to turn up. The stats people were flicking through their books after Oxlade scored his first goal for us making it two Englishmen in one game, a rarity for us. It was also good to see Benayoun score his first and the game was dead.

Talking of Benayoun, it appears he will be out for tomorrows match against Bolton. However in better news it looks as if Ramsey and Song are fit and ready to start along with the majority of the team who played in the poor defeat at Blackburn. So the usual formation with RVP upfront on his own supported on the wings by Walcott and Gervinho. In the middle, Song, Ramey and Arteta. We really need to pull a result out of the bag tomorrow and I do mean REALLY. Bolton sit two places below us in the table but beat Aston Villa 2-0 away midweek.

So in terms of threat their leading scorer so far this season is suspended so can't play luckily. But they still have dangerous players in the forms of Davies, Tuncay, Petrov and Reo-Coker. They can be a physical team and we'll need to be ready for this, but I'm hopeful that Song in the Midfield will provide some power. Obvious Bolton's usually solid defence has wobbled so far this season and I'm hopeful we can exploit that.

So before I leave my prediction I just wanted to say a few things about Arsene Wenger and his press conference today. He again seemed quite snappy and when questioned about bringing in a new coach he was very dismissive. It was rumoured that Bergkamp was being brought in much to my delight (I'm a bit of a fan!) but Wenger also dismissed this saying he doesn't need help. For now I'm keeping the faith and I think he can pull us out but the longer this poor form continues the more pressure he will be under.

Enjoy your weekend, the weather looks good, well here it does anyway and COYG!

Prediction: Arsenal 2-1 Bolton

Shrewsbury (H)

The weekend was a disaster. It certainly was a game of two halves, the first was us playing well and looking good to take the three points. New boys Gervinho and Arteta got their first Arsenal goals and two good ones at that. The only downside was conceding to Yakubu but overall it was promising. The second half was an unprecedented fuck up. After a suspect free kick was given the ball was chipped in without force or direction, hit Song on the knee and went in. Quite why the ball wasn't sent skyward or gathered by the keeper is beyond me. Moments later we were losing, the ball was smashed through our defence to Yakubu who was just offside to finish. Poor defending again. Another attack and we were 4-2 down. The ball slid into the box and Koscielny looked as if he could have been playing for Blackburn with the ease that he passed the ball into the net, 2 own goals. Pitiful. We got one back with a great Chamakh header and had chances to equalise and even win but we spurred them all.

Saturday was a really, really awful performance and the fingers and accusations are flying. We need to put it behind us and move on although I'm inclined to agree with George Graham saying that we did our business too late and Wenger hasn't had time to work with them. Anyway, to tonight and the Carling Cup match with Shrewsbury. Tonights' match gives us a chance to put all of our worries to one side and watch our youngsters go and and really give us some value for money. With the clubs drop in price and the tickets going on General Sale I think there will be a decent crowd tonight and they'll really get behind the team.

Hopefully we'll see Park start which will be interesting, a lot of people have been wanting to see him play and really show what he can do. Along with him it looks as if Ryo Miyaichi will play and make his competitive debut which will also be interesting as we've seen very little of him. Alex Oxlade also looks set to play which will give us a better chance of seeing him play, as our most expensive signing of the summer. I think tonight will be promising and I really hope that everyone gets behind these lads and gives them the fantastic support that they always do.

As  said earlier tonight will give us a fans the chance to just get away from all the woes of the league so far and take a look at the future of our club. It really annoys me when people simply can't be asked with the League Cup because of he sort of squads we play. I bet they were bothered when we go the final last year eh?

Anyway, till next time, come on you Gunners!

Prediction: Arsenal 3-0 Shrewsbury

Blackburn Rovers (A)

Tuesday was a very good result. If you'd have offered me a draw I would have taken it, the defending was brilliant. Koscielny was piss poor in the first half giving the ball away and just generally playing poor. But whatever Pat Rice said at the half did the trick and he came out the second half and played a blinder as did the rest of the defence, we were throwing bodies in the way of shots and it was a real scrap, we were brilliant. It looked as if RVP's first half strike was going to be enough, but 2 minutes from the 90 Ivan Perisic scored a goal that as the commentator put it "will be number 1 if he ever makes a DVD". Top drawer nothing Szczesny could do about it. But overall a well earned point.

Blackburn pose a real threat this weekend, they are desperately in need of a win and Steve Kean is under serious pressure. Long gone are the days when this would be seen as a banker, now we need to scrap for as many points as possible. So in terms of dangerous players Blackburn have Nzonzi in the midfield, Roberts and Formica who can certainly strike a football. This said they were very lucky to get anything from the game against Fulham.

We have the return of Gervinho, Song and Frimpong all from suspension avoiding another red card would be good. I would expect to see a squad similar to the one we put out against Dortmund. Ramsey faces a late fitness test and is doubtful, Wilshere, Diaby, Squillaci and Vermaelen are all out for sure. I must admit if all goes well I'd like to see Park make his first appearance rather than bring on Chamakh who really has been poor lately. But we shall see what Wenger decides to do.

Form is with us on this one but form means nothing at the minute and we need to continue to take every game one by one and just focus on the one at our doorstep. That said I think we'll just sneak this one but it will be a hard game

Prediction: Blackburn Rovers 1-2 Arsenal   

Borussia Dortmund (A)

We won! It was hard fought, tough and far from convincing but we won. The game on Saturday was far from pretty and a long way off what we're used too. But the squad showed grit and determination and we got out 3 points. At the moment thats all that matters we got the points. The first half looked promising with Arteta creating some lovely moves for Ramsey who should have done better and Walcott whose effort was cleared off the line. Arshavin found the ball at his feet after a complete cock up from Vorm in the Swans goal, take nothing away from him though as he finished from a tight angle. The second half was scrappy and thee nerves began to show but that was expected, our bar was rattled and when Graham turned and shot from 6 yards in the box everyone thought we were going to be drudging away with only a point, but the ball flew over the bar and that was that. 

Tomorrow will be a different affair. We face the German Champions Borussia Dortmund and that in itself says the all, the German Champions. They conceded just 8 goals at home last season which is remarkable and I think they're gonna cause us problems. There will be no return for Rosicky, who scored twice against us when we played them over there last which suggests that we will play a similar side to the one at the weekend with Arteta starting after a top drawer performance on Saturday. Per Mertesacker will also start, I didn't think he played particularly well against Swansea and I know he lacks pace and he isn't that sort of player but my god was it evident. But this is his league and he's played in this competition before so hopefully he'll show what he's got to give. It's just emerged that Ramsey will be out tomorrow night as well which doesn't help things but we are boosted by the return of Song and Gervinho.

In terms of Dortmund they are a well organised team and are certainly dangerous. Robert Lewandowski finds the net regularly as does Grobkreutz (spelt with the funny b). Its not just the forwards that are solid, looking through their team there are many names you'll recognise and they seem to have a solid defence. This said they haven't had the greatest start to this new season much like ours and they sit 10th. Tomorrow will  be a tough match and with the prospect of Blackburn away this weekend it will be a real test of not only effort and teamwork but also fitness. 

I think tomorrow will tell us a lot about the depth of our squad and how well we can cope with players out and a tough away game in the picture this Saturday. We ground out the result on Saturday and thats what we'll need to do this season but there is no doubt it was a moral booster and hopefully our boys can take this into tomorrow nights game. 

Prediction: Borussia Dortmund 1-1 Arsenal 

Swansea City (H)

So after signing some shiny new players on deadline day and an international break the PL returns this weekend with a home clash against newly promoted Swansea. This is a game that we should be winning no doubt and although everyone says newly promoted teams are dangerous and yes to an extent they are but we must win this game. With some new signings looking to start I imagine the atmosphere at the Emirates will be one of excitement. 

From what I hear it seems that Mertesacker will start at the back with Koscielny, Gibbs returns and Sagna takes up his familiar position on the right. I also think Arteta will start in the midfield with Ramsey and Frimpong. Arshavin and Walcott also seem set to start on the wing with RVP manning the front line on his own. In terms of danger men I'm gonna be honest I know very little about Swansea's team. So I'm gonna tentatively say Graham, Britton and Dyer. They haven't scored yet this season so lets hope they continue that run.

In our injury news it seems Vermaelen is going to be our for around 2 months after having ankle surgery on his other ankle to prevent a problem. Not what we wanted to hear along with this we're still without Wilshere with his injury and Gervinho and Song through suspensions that will be served after this match. I imagine we will see Park, Benayoun and Santos on the bench, many people will be wondering why Santos isn't playing and I think its simply he hasn't played football in quite a while so we may be easing him in.

Its an important game tomorrow and one that we really should be winning with ease not only to get our first win under our belts but to instill some confidence in our team and give them a much needed moral boost.

Prediction: Arsenal 3-0 Swansea

New signing's player profiles

Firstly, as painful as it is, I must say that the result on Sunday was competely atrocious. Going down 8-2 to a team that are supposed to be a title rival is just pathetic. There were issues with the whole performace but a few things do need to be pointed out. Yes we had however many first team players out but those who have played for us for years should have performed better. We had a young and inexperienced team out and that did cost us as we got carved up time after time after time. Secondly I thought it was very unfair of Wenger to bring on OC for his debut when we were going down badly, that isn't going to help his confidence at all. However shipping 8 goals does seem to have given Wenger a wake up call, more on that in a bit. What we must remember is that although we got thumped its only worth 3 points, we can make that up. There were two positives that we can take from Sunday, firstly we scored twice. But secondly, the support from our fans was fucking brilliant, you made me feel genuinely proud to be an Arsenal supporter and you all deserve the free ticket your getting. Any comments on their passion now Mr. Nasri?

Ok its deadline day and the window has closed. But boy have we done some wheeling and dealing. This is the quick rundown of whose done what. Chu Young Park - Signed on a one and a half year deal (before he returns to Korea for his National Service). Per Mertersacker - Signed on a "long term" deal. Andre Santos - Signed on a "long term" deal. Yossi Benayoun - Signed on a season long loan. The big one, I can confirm that Arsenal have agreed a 4 year deal for Mikel Arteta. In terms of out-going players, Armand Traore signed for QPR the other day, Nicklas Bendtner has signed for Sunderland on a season long loan and Henri Lansbury has signed for West Ham on a season long loan. All of those are confirmed. There are many questions that can be asked about why we left it so late and all sorts but tonight all Arsenal fans enjoy it and go to bed happy, its been a productive day!


So lets take a look at our new signings...

Chu Young Park
Age: 26
Height: 6 ft 0 in
Position: Forward
Goals: 61 (Club)
Now from what I can gather Park is pretty decent. I've known about him for a while and he's quick and can most certainly score goals but he see's himself as a support striker which mens that he could well partner RVP upfront and feed him as well as score. He is South Korea's captain and has made 53 appearances for the Senior team. He is also a good free kick taker. 


Per Mertesacker
Age:26
Height: 6 ft 6 in
Position: Centre back
Goals: 20 (Club and country)
The cries for a centre back have been answered and with a good one at that. Per Mertersacker is a top class defender and I do mean top class. He has 75 senior caps for Germany and with his height he looks like the sort of man that can clear high balls and might be the solution to our set piece issues. Some people say he hasn't got enough pace but bollocks to them cause you can't have everything. A proper partner for Vermaelen and two centre backs you certainly wouldn't mess with. It appears he'll be wearing the number 4 shirt.

Andre Santos
Age: 28
Height: 5 ft 11 in
Positon: Left back
Goals: 27 (Club and country)
In all fairness I don't know an awful lot about this man but if your good enough to play for Brazil then you must have something going for you. He currently has 22 caps and signs from Fenerbahce, where he has 52 appearances. From what I hear on the grapevine he is a rather attacking defender so expect to see him tearing up the wings and sending in some balls. Certainly a good replacement for Clichy and can give Gibbs some competition.


Yossi Benayoun
Age: 31
Height: 5 ft 8 in
Position: Attacking Midfielder
Goals: 153 (Club and country)
This was a great signing for us albeit a loan deal. Many people have been quick to slate Yossi Benayoun however I have a lot of respect for him and I think he's a quality player to add to our ranks as we try to fill the gap left from Cesc and Nasri. He's creative and can score goals when he has too (I remember one or two against us). I really hope he fits in and gets games because he's too good to not play, another victim of Chelsea's ludacris spending. He'll wear the number 30 shirt.


Mikel Arteta
Age:29
Height: 5 ft 10.5 in
Position: Midfielder
Goals: 53
What a fantiastic signing this has been and it only really materialised today. Mikel Arteta is certainly the big name that we all wanted and he comes with great expectations. I can say that this has been a crushing blow for Everton, but its business and in business you have to be ruthless. We knew they were in a poor situation financially and we used it to our advantage although the fee will be high, in the double figures. Mikel is a tremendous midfielder and will slot in well to fill the gap in the middle. He'll wear the number 8 shirt. Watch this space.

So it appears players are like buses you wait the whole summer and 4 come along in one day. Now I'm sure we'll be criticised for buying for the sake of buying but I think they are very smart moves and Wenger has finally spent big and brought in a number of players. The only downside about all this is that we have to wait a minimum of a week and a half to see them play (damn internationals).


Keep checking for any more updates on team news and everything else Arsenal. Until the sleep tight. (Signings Yay!)