Will Wayne help winch Arsenal to glory?

Walking away?

Watching Manchester United labour to a 1-0 win over Bursaspor last night in the Chanmpions League, it was impossible not to feel the sense of gloom enveloping ths famous arena, often known as the Theatre of Dreams. If you happened to be a stranger on Planet Earth last night, banners like: WHO’S THE WHORE NOW, WAYNE? and ‘COLEEN FORGAVE YOU, BUT WE WON’T’, would very much explain the reason behind the doom and gloom apparent last night.
The hate banners apart, it was very noticaebale as well the rows and rows of empty seats that yawned at tv audiences worldwide and cast a further atmosphere of melancholy around this most famous club in the world.
Is Manchester United being dragged into meltdown by Wayne Rooney’s below-the-belt walkaway?
What does this mean for the likes of Arsenal who have played second (and sometimes third) fiddle to the might of Sir Alex Ferguson and his Old Trafford empire?
The master of double speak that he is, Arsene Wenger has already chipped in not-a-few soundbites about the whole Rooney saga.
Prior to our game against Shakhtar Donetsk on Tuesday, he said:


"What I make of it is that I have enough problems here not to be involved in that".


Really?

"We are not in a transfer period at all. Then again, any little incident at Manchester United or Arsenal becomes a big story, but it doesn't mean that there is something real behind the story”.


Contrary to what he may want us all to believe, what goes on at Manchester United, or any of the other clubs that we perennially arm-wrestle with for the title, is of great and vital interest to Wenger. If we care to remember in the summer of 2004, when it emerged that Rooney was leaving Everton as a precocious 19year-old to move to Man Utd, Wenger described the transfer as having the potential to affect the outcome of the league.
Those days, the league title was simply a straight fight between Arsenal and Man Utd. Wenger also made that comment with the very fresh recollection of Rooney’s abilities after we were thumped 2-1 by Everton at Goodison Park on October 19, 2002. That defeat ended our 30-match unbeaten run in the league and also announced Rooney to the world. To add insult to it all, 17 year-old Rooney that day became the youngest goalscorer in the history of the Premiership. No surprises therefore, that he moved onto big, glory-hunting Man Utd in the summer of 2004.
Since then Rooney has maintained a very-consistent and irritating goalscoring record against us. To date, he’s scored 11 times against us (including 2 goals for Everton). His last goal coming in that 3-1 capitulation to Man Utd at Emirates earlier this year.
Ironically, on Sunday, October 24th, the day we face another Manchester side on the ascendancy, City, in the league, Rooney turns 25. Wenger himself will surely recollect with a wry smile on his face, statements he made in January this year about Rooney which one way or the other, may have helped accelerate Rooney’s desire to quit Old Trafford. On that day, January, 30th 2010, Wenger declared:


“Frankly, I think Rooney can play abroad. I believe he has all the ingredients of a modern player plus the British attitude and commitment. He is coming to the best age now. Before maybe he was bit too keen. Now he is more relaxed”.

Little did Wenger realise then, that those words would turn out ot be more prophetic before the year runs than anything Nostradamus had ever foreseen. Now as Rooney turns 25, Wenger’s wish may be coming to reality. One of the greatest tormentors of his team - very much in the mould of a certan Didier Drogba - is about to pack his bags and exit the ranks of his greatest rival.
Will Rooney’s exit mean the demise of Sir Alex’s empire and more breathing space for the likes of Arsenal? Already, the signs are appearing of a waning of Manchester’s powers. Eight games into the current season, Manchester has contrived to draw five games, winning only three and conceeding 11 goals in the process. For argument’s sake, this is the first time in recent memory that Man Utd have conceeded more goals than Arsenal at any stage of the league.
If for no other reason, Rooney’s exit portends a significant shake-up in the-house-that-Alex-built.
Rooney joined Manchester United in 2004, the summer Jose Mourinho also arrived at Stamford Bridge. By then the Glazer family were established as shareholders at Old Trafford but did not become owners until 2005, a season that culminated in Chelsea's first title since 1955 and Arsenal also winning the FA Cup final against United. Liverpool, the other of Man Utd’s rivals, won the Champions League that season.
A year later, Arsenal again reached the Champions League final, while Chelsea retained the Premier League. Meanwhile, the Glazers restructured their takeover, piling United with debt and adding to the dissatisfaction of many supporters - especially those who actually pay to watch football at the stadium.
Since then, Sir Alex (aided by the talents of Rooney and Christiano Ronaldo) won three straight league titles and added a second Champions League trophy to their array of silverware.
The key to the Glazers' grip on Old Trafford has therefore been theteam's success; without the hat-trick of Premier League titles and the 2008 Champions League, the undoubted restlessness of United supporters would have been much more greater. The "Love United, Hate the Glazers" campaign made the Americans uneasy but did not hit them that badly in the pocket.
Had enthusiasm for the team waned among the fair-weather fans, alongside the disenchantment of the hardcore, then the consequences would have been much worse.
Just as Wenger talked about Rooney’s move to Man Utd affecting the outcome of the league in 2004, so is his likely departure six years on, also affect the outcome of the league. Already on Wednesday night, the huge number of empty seats sent a very potent message as the Rooney saga drew widespread anger and frustration amongst fans.
Gooners everywhere watch this unfolding saga with bated breathe. He will surely not admit it, but Wenger will welcome the departure of one of Man Utd’s iconic stars who has helped inflict pain, again and again on Arsenal whenever and wherever we have come in contact with him these six years past.

Arsenal 5 Shakhtar Donetsk 1



Left foot wonder...Jack Wilshire

 Billed as a top of the group clash between the two teams with perfect records. After 90 minutes at Emirates last night, it was almost a mismatch as the Gunners walked allover their guests from Ukraine.
The winner of this tie knew they would automatically vault to the top of the Group H and all things being equal, stay there for the rest of the first round.
We rightly dominated proceedings, starting with a 4-2-3-1 formation, as has been the case most of the season so far. Most of those who played Birmingham on Saturday were in the team again but the surprise of the night was the reappearance of Cesc Fabregas, since Septmeber 15 when he limped off against Sunderland.
Samir Nasri was up for it and it showed as he sprayed passes and teased the Shakhtar defence endlessly. In the 20th minute, all the hardwork bore fruit as Shakhtar goalie, Pyatov dropped what looked like a rountine cross. Lurking behind him was Djourou who toe-poked the dropped ball onto Song, who toepoked it further into the net.
Nasri got the goal his endeavour deserved with a sweet drive in the 42nd minute. Once again, the excellent Song was involved. He it was that got onto the end of an Eboue pass and lifted it across to Nasri. The lithe Frenchman juggled it at edge of the Shakthar box, deceiving the Shaktar captain and defender Dario Srna before blasting it past the goalie.
Fabregas announced his return with a penalty after the break, while the ever-improving Jack Wilshire scored his first Champions League goal in the 60th minute, before Marouane Chamakh rounded off the slaughter with a cool finish off a Nasri lob.
Ex-Gunner and crowd favourite, Eduardo scored their solitary goal with an accomplished strike - a goal he refused to celebrate and for which the crowd sang his name endlessly.
All in all, it was a creditable night’s work, which a smiling Arsene Wenger acknowledged during the post match interview.
Below are the ratings:


*Fabianski (6/10) – Once again, the Pole continues to enjoy a new lease of life between the sticks. Dealt comfortably with everything that came his way and seems to inspire confidence in the back four as well. Looks very much he is Wenger’s new number one now.
* Clichy (6/10) – A very normal day at the office for Gael. Nothing spectacular. Did all that was required of him and kept the left side of our defence sealed and safe.
*Djourou (7/10) – Surprised to see him start two games in a row now. But he acquitted himself well and surely needs games to lay claim to a starting shirt. Brought about the penalty that led to the third goal by constituting himself into a nuisance in the Shakhtar area.
*Squillaci (7/10) – Commanded his area well and marshalled his troops with calm. Though he wasn’t wearing the armband this time, he still exudes admirable authority and it helped to ease any nerves at the back. Nothing he could do to prevent Eduardo’s smart goal though. Good buy, this one.
* Eboue (7/10) – Helped snuff out any threat that the visitors could muster on the right. Did well all night and his energy levels never dropped. Was involved in the second goal as he linked well with Song. Was also involved in our fifth goal. Good overlapping runs all night.
* Song (8/10) – He was everywhere on the pitch. For stamina, you have to envy this guy. Got us off to a great start with his alertness that brought the goal and fed Nasri with a perfect pass for the second. Alex has certainly come on in leaps and bounds over the past two seasons and last night, he showed once more what he brings to the team.
* Wilshire (8/10) – Partnered Song in the middle and both of them in my opinion, were the men of the match. That they both scored was academical considering their work rate. Jack will miss the next three games for us, but last night, he seemed determined to leave his calling card with driving runs, passes and postioning. Got a fitting goal to crown his night’s work.
* Fabregas (6/10) – The skipper returned a month after scoring that fluke goal against Sunderland and as expected he had a quiet night. Scored the penalty that brought the third goal, which he celebrated with a birthday message for his Mum. He must now be relishing a start against Manchester City, Sunday.
* Nasri (8/10) – A great performance by our little Frenchman. Clearly, he is reborn and has found his groove in this team. Never stopped running. Never stopped probing. Was at the heart of all the good things we did and the fact that he scored a cracker of a goal was due reward for all his endeavour. Watch out for this bloke, this season.
* Rosicky (6/10) – A surprise starter, considering that Abou Diaby was left on the bench. Did alot of running and supported Fabregas and Nasri. Supplied the crucial pass that led to Wilshire’s goal. Nice touches between those two.
* Chamakh (7/10) – This man has definitely got goals in him and his record of scoring in six straight Champions League games, surely confirms that. He rounded off our onslaught for the night and it puts him in a nice frame to come face to face with the man he was bought to replace – a certain Emmanuel Adebayor – next Sunday.


Substitutes
• Denilson (6/10) – Came on for a tiring Fabregas in the 60th minute and was involved in the build up to the Chamakh goal. With the emergence of Wilshire though and the abundance of midfielders available to Wenger, it must be said that the Brazilian is now definitely a squad member.
• Walcott (6/10) Starred in a late cameo role as we saw out the game and conserved energy for the battle against Mancehrster City on Sunday. He is being eased back gradually and will get a chance to rediscover his early season form sooner than later.
• Arshavin (6/10) – He replaced Nasri and did no more than was expected of him.

Arsenal 2 Birmingham 1

After the hiccups against West Brom and Chelsea, we looked to get back into a winning mood and that was exactly what we got Saturday at the Emirates.

We duely got off to a bright start and there was a business-like feel about the team after the two-week international break. Passes were zipping across the lawn with purpose and it was only wasteful finishing and ill-luck that stopped us getting an early goal. Matches between these two teams will always be overshadowed by that horrible, horrible Eduardo leg break in 2008 and Saturday was no different. Birmingham are one team it would be taboo to lose to.
Very much against the run of play though, they took the lead in the 33rd after their Serbian giant, Nicola Zigic outjumped Djourou to loop the ball over and above Fabianski in goal. The goal caught everyone quite by surprise as Birmingham had offered exactly zero attack-wise, all afternoon.
Nonetheless, we still soldiered on and were duely rewarded with an equaliser when Scott Dann took a swipe at Chamakh’s knees. The big Moroccan buckled under the challenge and the referee pointed to the spot. Up stepped our now-regular penalty taker Samir Nasir to do his thing, which he did very efficiently to make it 1-1.
Early in the second half, 47th minute to be precise, Chamakh met a cute Wilshire ball in their box and as Steven Carr remained in two minds at to whether he should tackle him or not, the Moroccan went round Ben Foster in goal and slotted in a fine goal.
We then went through the motions and kept them at bay. With their attack almost non-existent, it was easy pickings for Squillaci and the mob at the back.
Late on though, Wilshire spoiled the afternoon for himself and all Gooners with a needless tackle on Zigic, who is obviously twice his size. He got a red card for it, and sadly misses the next three domestic games we play, starting with Manchester City next Sunday.


Below are the ratings:
*Fabianski (7/10) – Is he the new Number One now? Looks like the end of Almunia as Wenger opted for the Pole once again between the sticks. He did well actually and seems to be re-paying the manager’s faith in him. Gone are the jitters and nervousness that had plagued his few appearances over the past year. Might be that he only needed a steady run to cut out all those stupid mistakes and build his confidence. Looks to be working so far for him.
*Clichy(6/10) – This was very steady game for the our now-established French international. He did his stuff on the left back as usual and kept ex-Gunner Sebastian Larsson for most parts of the match. He almost scored himself after a mistake at the back for Birmingham, but it was not be his day for glory.
*Squillaci (7/10) – In the absence of regulars Vermaelen, Sagna and Koscielny, Squillaci was easily the senior man at the back. That he had the armband on also put more responsibility on his shoulders and how well he handled it. He marshalled his troops at the back and after the Zigic opener, took on the role of shadowing the big Serb. A very valuable acquisition he’s already proved to be.
* Djourou (6/10) – His first premiership start in a long, long time. It was a surprise one as well, but with the back strain that sidelined Koscielny and the ‘disappearance’ of Vermaelen, he was the obvious choice to step-in. Beaten to the Keith Fahey’s free kick by the towering Zigic for their goal but apart from that, he hardly put any foot wrong. Needs to use his size more often though and assert his presence more. Will get better surely with more games and less injury.
*Eboue (6/10) – Stepped in for the sidelined Sagna and held his own on the right. Linked well with the middlemen and marauded quite well especially in the first half. His defensive duties curbed his natural attacking instincts all through but all in all, he gave as good as he got.
*Song (7/10) – A very accomplished game by the Cameroonian. Unlike most of the others who were away on international duty, he played just 30minutes for his country throughout the two-week interregnum and it was clear to see how fresh he was. Did well to snuff out any threat from the Birmingham midfield and helped starve Zigic of any service. He helped set up the Chamakh winner with a back heel to Wilshire. An easy afternoon for him.
* Diaby (7/10) – Another one who had a good afternoon. He seems a different player on days like this. Tackled, roamed and sprayed passes with good assurance and self-belief. One of our better players on the day.
* Nasri (7/10) – He always seems to relish it when he is at the heart of everything we do. Scored the equaliser from the spot with great relish and confidence. Let’s hope he stays injury-free because already this looks like the season when he explodes.
* Arshavin (5/10) – Wasn’t in the game throughout and didn’t look like he wanted to be there. It was either he was feeling the effects of the international week with two 90 minute games for Russia, or he just couldn’t be bothered. Was rightly hauled off for Rosicky in the second half.
*Wilshire (7/10) – Not playing for England in the midweek against Montenegro obviously left him fresh for us and it showed all afternoon as he bossed the midfield like and accomplished veteran. It’s a measure of how far Jack has progressed this season that he is naturally expected to put on a show everytime he steps on the pitch. Saturday was no different. A shame about that red card in injury time and hopefully, he’ll learn from it. My man of the match though if you ask me.



Chamakh rounds Foster before slotting the winner on Saturday

* Chamakh (7/10) – Another fine afternoon for the big Moroccan. He may have looked different in a new crew cut but his selfless play and desire was the same. His tenacity won the penalty and it must be said, he knows how to win those very well indeed. That brought the equaliser in the 40th minute and he later scored a sweet goal for what proved to be the winner in the 47th. He has clearly settled upfront for us and with the intermittent and prolonged absences of the likes of Van Persie, the Moroccan is a gift from the gods. Wenger’s words summed up his season for us so far: “It is clear how influential he has been to the team in decisive moments at 0-0, or 1-1”.
True words indeed.


Substitutes
*Rosicky (6/10) – Did well after coming on for Arshavin with 20 miuntes to go and tested Foster in their goal with his regular long-range missiles. Looked up for it and despite his age, possesses lots of drive and enthusiasm.
* Bendtner (6/10) – The bid Dane made his debut for the season in the 79th miunte after a rather prolonged bout of groin problems. He almost marked his appearance with a gaol but it wasn’t to be. Expect more from his soon as he now knows he’s got real competition in the form of Chamakh.


Next up, we host Shaktar Donetsk on Tuesday night in the Champions League as we begin a sequence of matches every three days for the next month. Hectic, but welcoming and pivotal for our season.