Thursday, February 19, 2009

Four on the Trot at Emirates


After Monday night's showcase against Cardiff City, Arsenal began their stretch of hosting four matches in a row. This is a novelty in the modern game.  Seven of Arsenal's next eleven matches will be played at the grove. 
21st: v Sunderland (EPL)
24th: v Roma (CL)
28th: v Fulham (EPL)
March 8th: v Burnley (FA Cup)
14th: v Blackburn (EPL)
17th: v Hull City/Sheffield Utd. (FA Cup) *if we win against Burnley
Enjoy the weekend - I know I will by watching Arshavin make his debut. C'mon Andrey.

2 comments:

  1. Hayez,

    Do you think that Arsenal is on the same page as Mr. Van Persie? I'm assuming you've read the front page of soccernet today. I wonder, do you think that Robin is capable enough to achieve a lot with Arsenal or do you think he has an inflated view of his own capabilities? I don't know, I understand that he has been injured so much the past few years, so he hasn't really been able to carry the team, but I wonder if even at full strength if he can fit in that role. What do you think?

    Mr. Rader Paul

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  2. Paul,

    I am only encouraged when I read things like this about players with ambition. I think soccernet were right when they talked about the signing of Arshavin as evidence of Arsenal's ambition. Van Persie is completely right to say that one FA cup title in the past four years is not enough. It's not and I do believe that failure to win anything this season will mean more departures of key players for Arsenal. Truthfully (and I know Harrison shares this feeling), Cesc and Barcelona scares me more than Van Persie leaving.
    I wouldn't say he has an inflated view of his own capabilities. He has had quite a remarkable season as of yet and I do think he has been our player of the season so far. However, I don't think he will carry the team. He is 25 years of age but he still has a youthfulness about him that would make me hesitant to appoint him captain as manager. I know you don't have to be captain to carry the team but honestly he just is not captain material. Wenger recently dubbed him "the next Bergkamp" and as flattering as that is, it means he really isn't a player whose job is to lead. He's there to put away his chances (which he hasn't in the past two matches) and to dazzle. Again, he's player of the season for Arsenal in my book but he's no leader.

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