Everton (A)

It's hard to think that a month ago we were well and truly in the title race and now today we find ourselves playing a game which is crucial to obtaining a Champions League place. Everton have been in top form recently and we well, we haven't. A loss today and it's totally out of our hands. A win and we control our fate, just. Goodison Park has not been a happy hunting ground for teams this season and Everton's record there is very good.

There is no doubt we'll need to on top form to get anything from the game and we've been given a small boost ahead of our trip. Aaron Ramsey has been declared fit to play although I doubt we'll see him start it will certainly lift the team. Monreal is back and will probably fill in at left back as Gibbs is a doubt. Koscielny is out so I would assume Vermaelen will slot in alongside Mertesacker. In the midfield Wenger has options and no doubt Podolski will be hoping to start, although with the Ox also in contention Cazorla could be pushed out to the left.

Everton have far fewer injuries than me, but Ross Barley looks set to recover from a knock. Jagielka on the other hand looks set to miss out today, meaning Stones could step in. They have a plethora of players to pick from up top with Mirallas, McGeady, Deulofeu etc. Their main striker of course will be Lukaku who's on form at the moment. Containing them will be difficult and the defence will have to be sharp today if we're to get anything from the game.

Some will point to the fact Everton have some tough games remaining but I'm still concerned that we could blow it today. If we get a result it's still within our hands although a draw assuming Everton win their game in hand will leave them just one point behind us. This is the last game in the so called deathrun but it's getting to that silly stage of the season and every point counts.

We'll just have to wait and see what happens today.
  

City Review

Again apologies for missing the City game this time but I just never got around to drafting something up. Overall I think we showed some resilience and picked up what could be a vital point come the end of the season especially with Everton breathing down our necks. 

I'm not going to lie going into the game I didn't expect much from us in fact I expected the worse and after 18 minutes, I expected it even more. The match started lively and actually would have been a good game for a neutral to watch, both teams were attacking but when Silva broke with City the deadlock was soon broken. The tricky Spaniard looked to shoot but instead squared it to Dzeko who hit the near post but much like at Old Trafford the rebound fell to Silva who put it away. Lucky? Maybe, but when your charging to the title you need luck and Silva had the instinct to follow it in.

The half went on in a tit-for-tat kind of way with both sides creating the odd chance. Mathieu Flamini put the ball in the City net but it was rightly ruled out for offside. The half drew to a close but there was some optimism around the Emirates for the second half and for good reason, the second half started and Arsenal immediately looked better. 

There was more urgency and more drive to Arsenals game as they began to pull the City defence across the field. Then 7 minutes in, we struck. Displaying the patient play on the edge of the box that we so often do, found Podolski on the left hand side of the box. The German looked up and curled the ball towards an onrushing Flamini who guided it past Hart. It was a big goal and you could really see what it meant to the Frenchman who as proved to be a phenomenal piece of business from Wenger.

The rest of the game was all Arsenal and moment later we probably should have been 2-0 up. Some clever interplay with Cazorla found Podolski again but this time inside the box on the left with Hart to beat. I thought almost certainly he would fizz it across the face of the goal and into the far corner, but instead he tried to put it between Harts legs but the England keeper got the lucky with the ball brushing off his heel and wide.

That was really the best chance we fashioned for the rest of the game but credit to Wenger, I expected him to throw on some more defensive players as the game progressed but he went for it bringing on Alex OC and Sanogo but it just wasn't to be. After a bad week a big point against Man City was much needed ahead of our final game of the dreaded run we've had to endure.

The game next weekend is without a doubt the biggest of the season. We sit 4 points ahead of Everton who have a game in hand. Assuming they win that, there's a point in it meaning that we have to go to Goodison and get a result. A draw isn't ideal but a loss is catastrophic. If we lose it's out of our hands and we rely on other teams at this silly stage of the season to save us.

I'd just like to take a moment to remember that 13 years ago today, Arsenal lost David "Rocky" Rocastle to non-hodgkins lymphoma at the age of just 33. For those who saw him play, many will never forget his unusual combination of flair and power. For those who didn't he lives on through the stories passed down from fan to fan. RIP Rocky.

Chelsea and Swansea Aftermath

I don't really know where to start this following the humiliation of the weekend. The result was one of the most painful I've endured as a fan, worse than the 8-2 at OT, worse than the 6-1 at the same ground. It's been a season where we've competed and where there's been a sense of progress at last, but have we really made that much progress when we lose 6-0, 5-1 and 6-3 away to our closest rivals? The fact that there appears to be this mental block in the big games is a huge concern, especially leading into the FA Cup semi-final. Ultimately the lack of desire and mental preparation rests with the manager.

This was followed by heart-break on Tuesday night when after going 1-0 down at home to Swansea, we showed that fight and determination that everyone has spoken about this season to score 2 goals in 2 minutes via Podolski and Giroud. Then moments from time an unfortunate deflection and block hit Flamini in the shins and ended up in our own net. It pretty much sums up this week and we are now looking very precarious in 4th.

Everton are 6 points behind us, with a game in hand and we have to visit Goodison Park this season. Assuming we lose to City this weekend which based on recent results is pretty much a given, they're 3 behind with a game in hand and we have to play them in 2 weeks. That will be a 6 pointer if ever there was one. It is so typically Arsenal to have been in the title race not 2 weeks ago and now we're looking over our shoulder worrying about our position in the top 4.

There was one shining light on Tuesday however and that was the fact that Kim Kallstrom made his debut and actually looked like a fairly solid player. Everyone and their wife ripped him upon arrival but if he's going to contribute to the team in the end then nobody will be complaining.

Well I'll be back on Friday with some team news and the build up to a game that quite frankly I really don't want to think about at the moment. Try to enjoy the rest of the week. COYG!

The end of the 2012/2013 season

Football is a game of agony and ecstasy. The highest of highs and the lowest of lows. Yesterday was definitely one of the highs. A moment where finishing above your rivals, denying them Champions League football and securing your own place in Europe's top tier rested on 90 minutes of excruciating football. But we did it. 

 

In all honesty we offered very little in terms of threats, in the first half there was a wayward header from Koscielny who ultimately scored the winner (again and was easily MOTM) and one of the worst efforts from Cazorla I can remember but I'll let him off because he's been sensational this season. Apart from that Newcastle looked like they were going to score and there were warning signs. We went in at the half 0-0 as did Tottenham. 8 minutes into the second half the breakthrough came when a Walcott delivered free kick was nodded goalwards by the Poldi and similarly to last season Koscielny hooked it, rather nicely, over the line.

The remainder of the match was horrific, Newcastle had fits and starts at goal. One of the many moments of brilliance however was when pictures from SHL emerged with their fans celebrating falsely believing Newcastle had equalised, thank you Lord Sugar for that. Then of course the news we all new was coming MonkeyMan at scored for the spuds and we had to hold on, seconds after that we should have wrapped it up when Theo went through one on one after beating 2 men and managed to hit the post. I genuinely feared the worst then but we held on and the celebrations began.

All the drama and celebration of yesterday aside ultimately for me this has been a disappointing season, particularly in the domestic cups. The fact that last season there was a 20 point gap between us and the champions and this season there is a 16 point gap shows virtually no improvement in the league either. Gary Neville for me hit the nail on the head yesterday he said that the players deserve to celebrate and they should celebrate because they've earned their place, but this summer we need to just go for it.

For now though, before the summer of stupid rumours, stupid money moves and no doubt countless links between everyone and Arsenal, we should ENJOY this moment. These are the moments we follow football for. I'll be back at various points throughout the summer when the transfer mill goes into overdrive but for another season NORTH LONDON IS RED! 

Newcastle United (A) - Last game of the season

So its all come down to this. 90 minutes on Sunday in the deepest North East. It's easy at this stage to do what I've been doing for the last few days - contemplating all the points we've dropped this season, but that's not the way to think about it. We know 3 points on Sunday will guarantee us Champions League football which may determine what we can do this summer, if you believe the papers.

For the players they know what they have to do. Newcastle will be no pushover however, they've taken some real beatings at home recently and will want to give their fans something to cheer about this weekend. Let's not forget Wenger and Pardew don't exactly get on. Hoping for Sunderland to get a result at the Lane is pointless because it's unlikely and if we do our job we don't need it. Personally I see nothing but a Tottenham win.

Wenger has some decisions to make this weekend as it looks like Arteta will miss out due to a problem he picked up against Wigan, that means that Wilshere is the most likely candidate to replace him. Upfront a decision also has to be made. Podolski scored twice against Wigan after two lacklustre performances beforehand. I think Giroud holds the ball up better and gives us a man to aim at, but I think on his left foot Podolski is the best finisher we have. It's a tough one and that's why we pay Wenger a small fortune to do his job.

Newcastle have some dangerous players including Cisse upfront who can score given half a chance. They have had injury problems this season but that aside they are still a threat and will cause us probems given the chance. We will have to hold the ball and use it wisely, I noticed we gave the ball away a lot on Tueday and that's something we just can't afford to do on Sunday.

Whether you believe the papaers or not, the motivation of some players is the Champions League but it is not the be all and end all. However it end's up, we have to address the problem that we will be 20 points behind the Champions and that is something that is just unacceptable. A lot of business needs to be done over the summer, money is there to be spent and players are there to be bought. A vast improvement is needed for next season and if we do our business having finished 4th fantastic, if we do it having finished 5th we'll all be gutted but we'll be back.

Once again no prediction due to the nature of this game. Have we got the bottle? only Sunday will tell. COYG!!   

Wigan (H)

Well due to Chelsea's inability to see out a game we're in a position where only 2 wins will do. As expected Tottenham beat Stoke and have jumped us back into 4th. The importance of Champions League football is pivotal and decides who and what we can do this summer. We take on a Wigan side who are literally fighting for their survival, if they lose tomorrow they are down. A game that is simply must win for both teams, they will be buoyed by their FA cup win over City and us having 10 days rest. Anything over than a win tomorrow leaves us praying for a favour from Di Canio's Sunderland at the lane on the last game of the season.

I'm worried about this match. Wigan are a team we don't seem to perform against, we absolutely have to perform against them. With Newcastle safe, we can go there knowing they don't need a win but it's almost irrelevant if we can't take 3 points tomorrow. With Giroud serving the last of his ban, Podolski looks most likely to retain his spot up top. Apart from that we have no injury worries the central role in the midfield will be up for grabs between Wilshere and Rosicky. I think Rosicky will probably be the preferred option and that's not necessarily a bad thing considering he isn't afraid to shoot unlike the rest of our team.

Wigan on the other hand will probably field a side similar to the team that beat City on Saturday. With stand our performances from McManaman who ran the show along with threats from their other players Kone, Gomez and co. However they have defensive problems with Alcarez in at right back which may be our best option to get in behind them.

This will be a hard game, a really hard game and we know that Wigan play good football and they are dangerous. But if we come out and really go at them and play like we all know we can, we can do it. We can't bank on other teams to do us favours but as it stands we have our destiny in our own hands.

As it's such a crucial game and I'm superstitious I'm not going to predict this one, just pray for an Arsenal win.

QPR (A)

After a draw with United last weekend, we sit a point ahead of Tottenham but a point behind Chelsea who both have a game in hand against each other. We have 3 games left this season and if we win all 3 I think we'll be there. That starts against QPR this weekend. QPR as I'm sure you're well aware have been relegated and therefore have nothing to play for, that said Redknapp would love nothing better than to spoil our run in. 

It won't be an easy game but we should have more than enough to beat a QPR team who have been poor so far this season. We start again with Podolski upfront as Giroud serves the second match of his ridiculous ban. I thought Podolski was so-so on saturday but he's really the only dangerous striker we have, regardless of just how fit he is. I expect the team to be the same, Rosicky should retain his starting place after playing well on Sunday. The only position that might change is left back where Monreal will give Gibbs tough competition.

As for QPR they have Zamora returning from a suspension that saw him attempt to take Jordi Gomez's head off his shoulders. Samba is the only doubt though after missing the game with Reading. QPR will be dangerous going forward with Remy, Taarabt and Zamora playing upfront all of whom have 5 goals this season. However with 3 in their midfield we should look to dominate the game in the middle of the park, despite the power of M'Bia. If we can boss the midfield then hopefully we'll be able to play our football and do our thing.

Chelsea play United on Sunday and if we can get 3 points, we'll put the pressure on them to get a win at Old Trafford and with any lucky, they'll slip up. COYG!

Prediction: QPR 1-2 Arsenal

Man United (H) - Review

Again sorry for not posting before the United game, but it's been a busy weekend for myself again. We got a point and if you'd have offered that to me beforehand I'd have taken it. On the basis of the match I think a draw was probably the right result but it's just frustrating to know their only goal came due to our own mistake.

We flew out of the block and for the first 35 minutes we were all over them, a few United hangovers were still looming in my opinion and after 2 minutes, Rosicky who had a blinder found Walcott in space (who was offside) and although De Gea got a touch on it, the power took it in. Our problem this time was not finding that second goal. Podolski who I'm still not convinced is fit, smashed a shot but it was easily saved by De Gea. 

Then the mistake from Sagna. He was dithering with the ball and his pass went straight to Van Persie who charged past him. In his effort to get back and correct his error he took Van Persie down inside the area and it was a penalty. You can have no complaints. Of course Van Persie scored and as much as I hate him to his credit didn't celebrate again. That knocked us back and it took us a while to get going again after the half. United went through a spell of 20-25 minutes where they were in total control but couldn't make it count. The final 7 minutes of so where really end to end and either side could have nicked it.

Without Giroud, we had to start Podolski who had his moments but I'm still not sure about his fitness. We spent a fair amount of money on him and it would be crazy not to play him because if he has been unfit this season, so far he's done pretty well. Rosicky also played really well and along with Podolski and Cazorla, one of the few players who will actually shoot and as the old saying goes if you don't shoot you don't score. Both I think can be a little disappointed about being taken off.

With Tottenham dropping points yesterday we sit 2 points above them having played a game more and are now behind Chelsea by a point again having played a game more, but we have to remember that the game they both have in hand is against each other (got it?). I look at our last 3 games: QPR, Wigan, Newcastle and they are all winnable matches. If we win all 3 I think we'll be there. A Chelsea win against Sp*rs would help no end but all but end our hopes of finishing 3rd, but quite frankly I'm sure every Arsenal fan would take that right now.

The end of the season is gonna be close and almost certainly nerve racking. Until next time have a good week! 

Fulham (A)

After Tuesday's result we're left at the moment in a sort of limbo. It's out of our hands but due to cup games for others we'll be in the position come Sunday where we will have played 2 games more than Sp*rs. Whether we go into that 5 points ahead, 3 points ahead or 2 points ahead will entirely depend on how we perform against Fulham. I must admit, the Everton game was disappointing but we might get away with it if we pick up tomorrow.

Now Fulham are a team where if you look at the head-to-head it'll seem as if we dominate the fixture, at home this may be true, but away it's a different story and in recent seasons we've struggled to get 3 points at Fulham. This season Fulham are essentially where they end up most seasons, slap bang in the middle of the table. They took the game to us at the Emirates we only got away with a draw thanks to Giroud bagging a couple. There is no doubt we need a win this weekend with Man City heading to the lane.

Team news this evening has been slow to come out. A few players were in the line for tests to make sure they were fit. Wilshere again looked rusty on Tuesday but that is to be expected, rather worryingly is that Cazorla is also set for a test and if he doesn't make it through I'll be worried. Being hopefully though I think the team will be something like this: SZCZ, Sagna, Koscielny, Mertesacker, Gibbs, Ramsey, Arteta, Wilshere, Cazorla, Walcott, Gervinho, Giroud. It's possible that Gervinho may be replaced by Rosicky but I'm not sure he's fit.

Fulham have problems in the middle of park, so much so that Jol has recalled Alex Kacaniklic from his loan spell. Due to problems on the other side of the park Brian Ruiz was deployed on the right meaning that Berbatov had to sit behind Petric. No doubt that Fulhams main threat is Berbatov but Petric and Ruiz also pop up with goals here and there. Berbatov and Ruiz provide a physical side to Fulhams game.

That said on our day we should be able to overcome Fulham. But at this stage of the season there are no easy games and every 3 points counts and with the potential of Tottenham slipping up against City we need to make sure we've done our job and he pressure is on.

As the games begin to run down every win is crucial and with Robin van Rapist and co coming down next weekend we need to make tomorrows game count. COYG!

Prediction: Fulham 1-2 Arsenal 

Everton (H)

Firstly apologies for missing the Norwich game at the weekend, these things happen from time to time and after being pestered I'm back tonight (mentioning no names). But we scrapped and scraped, got lucky and took our chances in the second half and came away with a big 3 points to lift us up to 3rd. That puts us a point ahead of Chelsea who have a game in hand and a point ahead of Tottenham who have played the same number of games which puts our position in our hands.

Tonight however we face the in form team in the league in an Everton side still with a slight chance of making the top 4 and if they beat us tonight they'll be right back in it. Arguably this match is more important than the United match in a couple of weeks. If we win it puts us in a great position going into the final run in.

The manager has decisions to make tonight. Fabianski took a kick to the ribs at the weekend and may miss out which would see SZCZ return between the sticks. Mertesacker has served his ban and should return to partner Koscielny at the back. Monreal is also back in contention after colliding with the post against Reading. Further up the field Rosicky is back but Wilshere could be in the starting line up. Walcott impressed at the weekend and I think he'll get the nod ahead of Gervinho. Podolski who scored at the weekend I think will be benched sadly. I think the team will be something like: SZCZ, Sagna, Koscielny, Mertesacker, Gibbs, Arteta, Ramsey, Wilshere, Walcott, Cazorla, Giroud.

Everton I think will continue with the line up that beat QPR at the weekend. This means that the big guns will be in Moyes team so we'll have to watch out for the likes of Fellaini, Anichebe, Mirallas, Pienaar etc. The defence will have to be on form as Everton have both pace and power.

We picked up a valuable point against them at Goodison we really need to go one better tonight to put ourselves in the best position to finish in the top 4. A win tonight would put us 4 points clear of the Chavs and the Spuds and both have tricky games coming up including a vital match against each other.

A huge game tonight however you look at it, but big games bring big rewards. COYG!

Prediction: Arsenal 2-1 Everton  

Reading (H)

Finally after a dull international break we return to proper footballing action this weekend and we continue our chase for a top 4 spot against Reading at home. This won't be an easy game.

Firstly we have a few doubts over the game this weekend, Gibbs is struggling with an illness so Monreal will fill in at left back. Walcott is out with a groin problem and Wilshere is out as a precautionary measure. But the really heartbreaking new came from Abou Diaby who will be out for eight to nine months with an anterior cruciate injury. Nobody deserves his luck. Sadly for him I fear this could end his career at Arsenal.

When Diaby first appeared on the scene his potential was clear and if he hadn't been hampered by injury he would have been one of the best midfielders in the world, make no mistake. After THAT tackle he didn't really seem the same player, then at the beginning of this season I really thought he might be back to his best then after that injury against Chelsea he lost it again. I really feel for the bloke who seems very genuine. As it was well put by 7amKickOff:

"Dan Smith made three appearances for Sunderland, one in which he ruined a career"

It really is that black and white, I wish Diaby a speedy recovery none the less and I really, really hope he proves me wrong.

None the less the show must go on and with all the injury news etc. I would expect Wenger to keep the same back line and although Podolski is back and available I can't help but feel Arsene will go with Gervinho on the left. I think the Arsenal team will be like this: Fab, Jenkinson, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Monreal, Ramsey, Arteta, Cazorla, Alex OC, Gervinho, Giroud. 

Now on paper this is a game we should win but matches aren't played on paper and Reading are scrapping for their lives and they of course have a new manager. We have to go out there and want this win. It looks as if Reading will start with Pogrebnyak upfront on his own with McAnuff just behind him. Along with this they also have Robson-Kanu on the wing who can be a pain on his day.

Reading are a team that are very capable of playing good football and as I said they are fighting for their lives and of course we have the new manager effect to deal with but of course we should dispatch them and keep our chase for the top 4 on track, especially as the scum have a potentially tricky trip to the Liberty to deal with.

So 9 games to go and everything still very much to play for, let's keep on track COYG! 

West Ham (H)

We once again fell foul of our bi-polar issues again at the weekend, a first half that in the end cost us a result. You can say we were unlucky, with Coquelin being fouled in the build up to the first and then Ramires diving to win the penalty, but we were caught feeling sorry for ourselves and they punished us. Sagna had possibly the worst game I've ever seen him play. When Giroud went through and missed his chance 5 minutes in, I thought we'd rue it and seconds later we did. Now I like Giroud, don't get me wrong, but in a game like that you have to take chances like that. I still think we need another striker.

The game tonight is arguably more important than the one at Stamford Bridge. It's our game in hand and a chance to close the gap, nothing but a win will do. Every time I look at our position I keep thinking, if we win our game in hand it isn't a catastrophe yet. Maybe that's me being in denial and optimistic but either way, 3 points tonight is an absolute must.

Wenger has said that Diaby may miss out tonight, this isn't due to injury, more due to the fact after being out for 4 months, he's played 3 games in a week. We're still without Arteta and Coquelin has picked up a hamstring problem. Podolski returns from illness and Oxlade-Chamberlain has a chance of being fit. With all of this in mind I think we'll go for a lineup like: SZCZ, Sagna, Mertesacker, Vermaelen, Gibbs, Ramsey, Wilshere, Cazorla, Walcott, Podolski, Giroud.

West Ham post a different threat from Chelsea and Swansea and tonight will be a physical game. It looks like Carlton Cole will lead their line as Chamakh is unavailable due to the conditions of his loan. Either side of him will be Jarvis and Joe Cole both can be a danger on their day. Of course Nolan and Noble in the midfield can also cause problems. There is no doubt that we should be beating teams like West Ham every day of the week but I've been saying this all season.

Basically we need to go out and respond to everyone, make a statement that we aren't just going to roll over and let the top pack run away with it. It really is a must win. If we do we'll be 4 points off of Sp*rs which as last season showed us is more than attainable. COYG!

Prediction: Arsenal 2-1 West Ham

Chelsea (A)

Wednesday night was all about one man really. Anyone who watched the game will know exactly who I'm talking about. After 25 attempts and extra time seeming inevitable, Jack Wilshere fired a left footed shot low, past Michel Vorm and it was no more than we deserved. The first half was quite slow and "tippy tappy", but the second half we battered the Swansea goal, hitting the post, having 3 efforts cleared off the line and forcing countless saves from the Swansea keeper. On another day we could have won 3 or 4, but we got the job done and it was a solid performance. Tomorrow is an altogether different story. 

We travel to take on the chavs of Chelsea at the Bridge. Now as I'm sure you're all well aware Chelsea are currently under a bit of pressure, especially at home, winning just 1 of their last 5. The manager is unpopular, there is a sense of unease on terraces which makes it a fantastic time for us to go down there and pile on the misery. But make no mistake this is a huge game and they will be up for it. 

Wenger has some decisions to make over the team selection tomorrow. We fielded a side midweek with Cazorla and Walcott either side of Giroud. Podolski dropped out and we sat Diaby and the defensive Coquelin infront of the back four. Podolski is again a doubt for tomorrow after missing training yesterday but he does hope to be fit. The main question will be who will be leading our line, Giroud or Walcott who of course signed a new 3 and a half year deal. The outcome of this decision will also affect whether Oxlade-Chamberlain will get a start. If Walcott starts upfront he will otherwise I can see him remaining on the bench. 

Chelsea are out of sorts as of late and it is still touch and go whether Terry will be fit for the clash. After Ivanovic's torrid game against Swansea his confidence may be shot and this could be our focal point. Upfront for Chelsea is anybody's guess, personally I would play Ba but my gut feeling is Benitez will start Torres. Mata is Chelsea's danger man, if we can nullify him then we might be able to keep them quiet. I think it will be Diaby's job off the ball to stick with Mata.

I must admit I fancy us tomorrow, I'll probably be proved wrong but it would be a great result if we could steal 3 points. It'll be close that's for sure, but let's hope its the red side of London that come out on top. 

Prediciton: Chelsea 1-2 Arsenal