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