It's been a tough week. Losing to Bradford then the onslaught from many ex-players all giving us their 'vital' opinion. As much as I try not to take notice of shit like this, it's hard when we're in this mess. There has been one shining light and that is Jack Wilshere who has been a breath of fresh air this season and does actually look like he cares. He has come and it looks as if he's close to agreeing a new 5 year deal, that's been reported in the Mirror. The only piece that is worth reading from this weekend is this one from an unlikely source.
We know that tonight will be a tough game, we know that reading can score goals and quite a few if they get going. But we need a win, like against West Brom, it doesn't matter that the result was secured with 2 penalties, all that matters is the result. It would be nice to see us go out there and smash them 4-0 to relieve some pressure. The one thing that needs to happen tonight is for everyone to be putting a shift in and to be giving it their all. There is no doubt that this team is more than capable of beating Reading with ease, if they turn it on.
I've heard conflicting reports that Walcott is back and that he's definitely out. I would imagine in this case he'll face a late fitness test, let's hope he's in the team either way. The good news is Giroud is back upfront after missing the car crash that was Bradford away. I would imagine the team will be something like this: Szczesny – Sagna – Mertesacker – Vermaelen – Gibbs – Arteta – Wilshere – Cazorla – Podolski – Walcott – Giroud. For me that's probably our best side.
I said the other day that there didn't seem to be any fight or passion within the squad for the club. I'm hoping that the fallout has shaken some of them up. Above all they should all be embarassed about the performance they put in at Valley Parade and they should be determined to go out there tonight and to put things right.
Tonight will be a tough game and although a win won't put everything right, it'll be a start and it will relieve some pressure and stress on everyone. Problems like the one at Arsenal can't be put right in one attempt, it needs to be done in steps and tonight is the first step.
Prediction: Reading 1-2 Arsenal
