Tottenham, Tony Adams, Martin Keown

It was not just the defeat against Tottenham that rankled the nerve. Two weeks after, I still seethe at the events of November 20.
All teams, even the Barcelonas of this world do lose. Long as you decide to subject yourself to the emotional tupsy-turvy of sports, you are condemned to both the depths of depression in defeat as well as the heights of success in victory.
It was not the loss to our bitter rivals on a day when we had all the motivation in the world to win – topping the log.
It wasn’t the loss to a fellow North London clubside who have been in our shadows for almost eternity.
It wasn’t the loss at all, Mr Wenger.
The pain and anguish of it all was in the manner of the defeat.
What happened at lunchtime on the afternoon of Saturday, November 20 was an embarrassment of unbelievable proportions. It was also a betrayal. It was a slap in face. A kick in the guts. It was a mockery of everything that this great club has stood for in its 124 year history.
Mr Wenger and his players spat in our faces with a performance that would have passed as a fantastic early Christmas pantomime if it wasn’t so personal. And so real.
It was not just a defeat.
It was seismic. It was a watershed in our trusty and reverential regard for Mr Wenger. How could a man so respected and celebrated in this most-fickle of sports, assemble a side so lacking in the understanding of basic dos and donts?
It was not just the defeat that was the issue. It was, as mentioned earlier, the totally gutless way by which we handed over three points to a visiting team who didn’t deserve a point for all their afternoon’s work.
Can you ever imagine Manchester United or Chelsea throwing away a two-goal lead at home? The whole universe will implode first before that happens. And these are the teams we are supposedly vying for honours with - year in, year out.
Yet after the sideline tantrums of smashing drinking bottles, executed in full view of millions around the world, Mr Wenger still had the gumption to try to explain away this disgrace by claiming his players were suffering from fatigue. It sounded hollow as it was trite.
Then three days later against a very ordinary Braga side, with seven new faces to replace the ‘fatigued’ lot, we bottled it again.
Fatigue indeed. I would love to suffer fatigue if I get paid a fraction of what his players earn.
Mr Wenger fiddled – as usual – with our collective intelligence even more by later announcing that he himself was “giving every drop of his blood” to help this team achieve success. It was a statement dripping with the dramatic.


“I want so much for this team to win that I am giving every drop of my blood to make sure that they win. I want them to be successful because they deserve it and it hurts when you get so close as you did on Saturday and you don't manage to do it.”

Sadly, he needn’t go that far to show us how much misplaced our trust in him has been all along.
Why tell us he’s shedding blood? No one hired him to come to Arsenal to shed blood. The job of managing the biggest club in Europe’s biggest city surely does not require the skills of an abattoir manager. He was never asked to butcher anyone and draw blood, so the analogy of giving every drop of his own blood was very unnecessary. If he had talked about the millions of pounds paid to him every year to perform, I would have taken him more seriously.
All he was asked to do; all we ever wanted him to do, was to sign on players who would wear the shirt with pride, with spirit, with passion and perform likewise when selected. It is expected that such players would wear our colours with fire in their bellies and would be willing to shed a few pints of precious blood in the quest for victory.
Along the way of course, such players lucky enough to be called Gunners, would not be poorer for their efforts.
All that would have been explained in black and white. On paper. In the name of a document called a contract.
Nothing more, nothing less.
Yet after 14 years of Wengersque, it seems this expectation now looks beyond our reverred manager. Gone from the club is the aura of the Invincibles. Gone are trojans like Steve Bould, Tony Adams, Patrick Vieira and even Dennis Bergkamp. In place are musketeers; pretenders to the shirt. All of them bought, reared and supervised by Wenger.
It is quite interesting that this week, rumblings are emerging from another London club, who happen to be league champions, about the erosion of their manager’s powers. At exactly the same time, one of the most powerful managers in world soccer, Arsene Wenger cannot administer his absolute autocracy. Instead, he has been exposed as an emperor without clothes. So much power, so little results to show for it.
I still respect Wenger for all he has done for this great club. His time here has been epochal and I doubt if any other human being can wrought all the changes he brought about.
But for everyone and everything, there is a time and a season.
For five years now the great club that Arsenal is, has either been static or been moving backwards. It may be that the time has come to push it forward and Wenger looks short of ideas on how to go about that.
Tottenham themselves were caught in an unending morass of perpetual underachievement for so long, until they chanced upon the solution represented by Harry Redknapp.
There can’t be any shame in learning from them and change things at the top. It emerged during the week, that Pat Rice, Wenger’s man Friday will be calling it quits at the end of the season. It will be a great chance to usher in hardmen like Martin Koewn or Tony Admas as Wenger’s assistant.
In case he’s forgotten amidst his penchant for mind games and treble-speak, Arsenal football club boasts over 27million proud supporters worldwide; is ranked the third most-valuable and richest club in the world; and is worth over $1.2billion.
Yes, he himself has contributed to all those accolades, but as with time and seasons, even him cannot be bigger than the club.
Things have settled down a bit since November 20 considering the wins over Aston Villa and Wigan. Nonetheless, it hasn’t masked the flaws of lack of concentration; naïve defending and inconsistency that have marked our season so far.
Mr Wenger in case you are reading this, never let your bunch forget that we are still the pride of London. Never.

Wenger rubberstamps Fabianski as Number 1



Arsenal's new Number one

 Following Tuesday night's 2-0 Carling Cup win over Wigan, Arsene Wenger declared emphatically:

"My policy is to stick to the squad I have. We will not be on the market," Wenger told the club's official website. "I want to keep my squad and I want to continue with these players. We will not be on the market unless we lose some."

The Arsenal player who would have expelled the biggest sigh of relief at those words would be Lukasz Fabianski, who has anxiously been keeping the goal since Manuel Almunia exited with an 'elbow injury' after the West Brom defeat at Emirates in October.
Wenger has dodgedly kept faith with the 25 year-old Pole since then and his performances betwen the sticks have as well improved dramatically. The Pole was an object of derision since he arrived at the club two seasons ago from Legia Warsaw; not for any ulterior or personal motive but for his laughable displays which either made us lose games or conceed comical goals. One that sticks in the mind prominently was the cheeky penalty he conceeded against FC Porto in the Champions League Round of 16 last February, at the Estadio Dragao, when he picked up a backpass from Sol Campbell and thus gifted Porto a cheap, unnecessary, stupid and donkeyhead penalty. We lost that game 2-1 but turned it around 5-0 at the Emirates two weeks later.
This season, since the 'disappearance' of Almunia, he has seized his chance  - with two hands.
Gunners everywhere, me inclusive, have watched with mouths hanging open as Fabianksi has resisted gallantly betwen the posts. His displays in away games such as against Wolves and Everton were particularly outstanding. From an object of ridicule and sometimes, even hate, he has settled down to show us what he's got and earned our respect - though grudging.
But he deserves the benefit of the doubt.
That we are third on the log at the moment is due largely to our away form in the league. And that form, highlighted by five wins, has been built on Fabianski's heroics between the sticks.
The unassuming Pole himself knows that he has won over not-a-few converts. In his words:
 "I think you have to use every game you have played in a positive way, even if you have played badly.  You have to always make some conclusions from every single game. Going through that difficult period helped me to become a better 'keeper".

What a change of tack from 3-4 months back at the tail end of the transfer window with rumours circulating thick and fast of Wenger's interest in Fulham's Mark Schwarzer. Indeed, Wenger wanted Schwarzer but a diffeence of opinion over his true worth, coupled with Mark Hughes' recalcitrance scuppered that deal.
Four months into the season, the Frenchman has clearly seen enough to convince him that Fabianski at least deserves a fair chance.
Which is why he isn't thinking of buying anyone at least until the summer. Further still, he has come out in praise of 'Flapianski' and his words must be sweet music to the young Pole.

"I am personally convinced he is a world-class goalkeeper, potentially, and of course when you have that potential you want to transfer that into competitive games. I can only give him the opportunity to give him games to show what I believe about how good he is. I believe he has a very strong attitude, very strong response and he works very hard in training, so he has an opportunity to show his massive talent. I have massive faith in him and I think I have shown this historically. I am convinced he will become a great goalkeeper."

'Great' may still be far off in describing him for now, but he has quietly laid the foundations for such a lofty accolade someday. Like him or hate him, he seems set to man the sticks for a long, long time time indeed.

Arsenal 2 Wigan 0

Walcott tormenting the Wigan defenders last night

We conjured a stop-start display on a very cold, cold last day of November at The Emirates, but it was enough to see off a lustreless Wigan and book our place in the last four of the Carling Cup.
Goals apiece each half by Wigan’s captain for the night, Antolin Alcaraz and Nicklas Bendtner sealed our passage and not too many Gunners would be complaining despite the lack of fluency.
Eight changes were made from the team that beat Aston Villa over the weekend as Arsene Wenger attempted to give many fringe players a game. One of such beneficiaries was Robin Van Persie, who made his first start in over three months for us. His presence in the team was vital as he needs games and match fitness to integrate himself back into the starting line-up and give the runaway and hugely-impressive Marouane Chamakh some competition.
All in all, things worked to perfection on the pitch for us and to make it even better, our path to the final in Wembley next year was made smoother with the shock 4-0 crushing of Manchester United – the only other top six side left in the competition – by wooden spooners, West Ham.


Below are the ratings for the night.
• Szczesny (7/10) – It was nice to see the restless Pole and Fabianski’s compatriot between the sticks. He oozes loads of confidence and even though he is still very much raw, the ability and talent within was apparent. He went about his job with lots of calm but even he must still admit that he is some way off from wrestling the number one shirt from either Fabianski or Almunia – if he returns.
• Eboue (5/10) – Made a surprise and superhuman return from injury just a week after being stretchered off against Braga in Portugal. He wasn’t in peak shape however as he was pulled all over the place by the lively and petite Wigan winger, Victor Moses. He was saved from further torment though when the Wigan man departed in the 39th minute with an unfortunate wrist injury.
• Koscielny (7/10) – Did well on a night that the opposing attack didn’t offer much. Whatever it was that came his way however, he dealt with it professionally. His presence contributed to then panic attack in the Wigan box that brought about the first goal – Alcaraz’s own goal.
• Djourou (7/10) – The more you see of this guy, the more you get the feeling that his Arsenal career has turned the corner. He came for Squillaci, who was reportedly nursing a knock and Johann did his growing reputation lots of credit. Helped snub the threat of Moses and later Charles Nzogbia and his aerial abilities and tackling were a delight to see. Of all our defenders however, he seems to be tops at bringing the ball out of defence and distributing. Keep it up Son.
• Gibbs (8/10) – This could easily go down as his best game for the Gunners this season. It was refreshing to see how his tackling and positional play has improved a lot. One of those chomping at the bits for games and how well he took his chance. Never shirked his duties but like his older colleague and rival, Clichy, he loves bombing forward at very chance. Kept Mario Boselli quite most of the evening.
• Denilson (6/10) – Did his usual stuff without much hassle as he filled in the boots of Song. His lack of speed and upper body strength will always count against him but he loves a crack at the ball and on an occasion like last night, he wasn’t overawed too much.
• Wilshire (7/10) - Our pint-sized, newest Premiership goalscorer ran the show in the midfield as only he knows how to do. Continously demanded the ball and used it with great wisdom and vision. Helped out with some bit of defending when needed and fell back when ever we lost the ball. But it is his attacking instincts that continue to thrill admirers and last night, he showed once more that he is on fire.
• Walcott (7/10) – Another one that needs games to break into the starting line-up and he also took his chance with both hands. Tormented the Wigan defence, particularly Thomas and Steven Caldwell who both couldn’t keep a leash on him. He it was who swung in the precise cornerkick that led to the first goal and was also involved in the second goal by Bendtner as well. He did enough to justify his place for the night.
• Vela (6/10) – Apart from the assist he laid on for Bendtner which resulted in the second goal there was nothing else to send pulse racing about him. He really flatters to deceive and is a lightweight who carries little or no goal threat. He missed several chances as well on a night when he ought to have made a firm claim for a starting shirt. Not convinced about him at all, which is why he will remain our last striking option.
• Bendtner (6/10) – Another one who failed to convince. Yes he scored the second goal but in truth, it was an unmissable chance after all the hardwork had been done and gift-wrapped for him by Walcott and Vela. He never misses a chance to talk up his abilities and impatience with life on the bench but in all honesty he can’t hold a light to Chamakh or a fit Van Persie, or even Walcott. If he delivers on his threat to quit the club, we won’t be missing him.
• Van Persie (7/10) – This was almost an occasion set up for the return of our injury-blighted beloved son and how he was serenaded all night. He showed glimpses of why he is held in high esteem and came through 70 minutes without blemish or damage. It was heartening watching him set up chance after chance for Bendtner, which the latter fluffed consistently. He played as a second striker in a withdrawn role and in fairness, considering how long he has been out, he excelled.






Subsitutes
• Eastmond (6/10) – Came on for Van Persie in the 73rd minute and it is apparent that Wenger likes him and wants to persevere with him. He is still lightweight but has the basics in his game to be a good defensive midfielder. Neat and compact.
• Nasri (6/10) – Also came on in the 73rd minute for Wilshire and by then, we were looking to wrap up the game.
• Emmanuel Thomas (5/10) – Couldn’t do much as time was against him. He came on, five minutes left before fulltime to replace Bendtner and in his case, methink Wenger should disregard the hierarchy nonsense and push him ahead of Bendtner. He carries a greater goalthreat, which you can see from his movement and that counts for much more than Bendtner or Vela can offer at the moment.

Aston Villa 2 Arsenal 4

A very difficult and unhappy week came to a resounding end with a thumping win over Aston Villa in Midlands – something we’ve not managed to do in five years. At the end of it, the result confirmed that we had the best away record in the entire division with five wins, two draws and just one loss on the road. Whao! Who would have thought all that possible despite last week’s capitulation to Spurs at the Emirates.
It was a much-needed win to exorcise the demons of the past week. It was much needed to blow away the cobwebs and bad karma from that Spurs loss and it helped restore confidence and swagger to our campaign.
Andrey Arshavin, who had been getting a much deserved pasting for lacklustre-after-lacklustre displays, set the ball rolling in the 40th minute with a solo effort after feeding off a Fabianski punt down the pitch. Samir Nasri made it two up with a sweet, sweet volley off an Arshavin (yes, Arshavin!) cornerkick.
Second half saw us pegged back in the 51st minute as our defenders stood off Ciaran Clark, who volleyed into the net beyond Fabianski. Chamakh scored his tenth of a very-successful season so far off a cute pass from Rosicky but nerves started jangling alarmingly when Clark again headed in, off a corner in the 70th minute.
We contained them though and passed it around as they couldn’t finish the job and find an equalizer. Instead, it was our own jack-in-the-box, Wilshire who popped up at the end of a Chamakh lay-off to nod in the fourth goal for us deep, deep into injury time.
It was a huge, huge win over opponents who are adept at frustrating the big clubs.


Wilshire clinches it with a cute header and his premiership bow



Below are the ratings
* Fabianksi (6/10) – Covered his lines well and has definitely dealt with the jitters and unsteady nerves, He’s not there yet, but he’s on his way to bringing some assurance and steadiness to the goalkeeping shirt. News now is that Manuel Almunia is back from injury and it will be interesting to see what happens to the Number one shirt in the nearest future. Fingers crossed over that, but Fabianksi has surely earned his spurs.
* Squillaci (6/10) – Did his usual best and kept both big John Carew and Robert Pires quiet in the first half. He had to do a lot more running though in the second half with the introduction of the speedy Nathan Delfuoneso, but he coped admirably and its quite re-assuring to see how he has dealt with the pace of the premiership. His experience is very handy.
* Koscielny (7/10) – I still like this guy despite the fact we haven’t stopped conceeding. The way the premiership is set up these days, clean sheets are a rarity and a tough task for all teams, not just us alone. But he is rugged and gives as much as he gets. Picked up a bloody nose after copping an elbow in the face from Carew but took it all in his stride to partner Squillaci well. I think its just the understanding between him and the other defenders that is lacking, cos he’s still new. With time, we’ll see a very capable defender emerging.
* Clichy (6/10) – Did his usual stuff on the wingback and supported Arshavin well. Was guilty for the first Clark goal though for standing off and giving the young Irishman too much time and space to pick his spot and shoot. Yet, on his day he remains a class act and a delight to watch.
* Sagna (7/10) – Very steady on his feet and full of running as always. Roamed all up and down the length of the pitch and must get credit for his phenomenal workrate. Will become very crucial for us as the season unfolds as he looks to have rediscovered his hunger and form that accompanied him in his first season with us three years back. Good game all round for the full-fledged Frenach international.
* Song (7/10) – Was a very prominent presence in the midfield for us. In the absence of Villa’s midfield marshall and captain, Stylian Petrov, Song bossed the middle of the park and helped us dominate the entire first half with ease. He has clearly grown in confidence with this new licence to roam and support the attack. Strong performances have become a constant brew from him and baring the odd blip, hardly ever has an off day.
* Wilshire (8/10) – I’m tempted to give him the man of the match, but that will have to go another pint-sized, pocket battle ship. Jack was full of his usual running and trickery and was virtually untouchable for much of the game. The highlight of his afternoon must of course be the 94th minute header he scored to put us out of sight and seal the game. It was also his first premiership goal for the Gunners following on his first European goal against Shakhtar Donetsk, last month. Keep it up Jack.
* Nasri (8/10) – Like good wine, this Frenchman just keeps getting better and better. He scored a cracker of a goal on the stroke of halftime and could easily have added another just before then. Very confident now and had found his mojo after a pedestrian start to his Arsenal career. The more you see of his this season, the more you love him.
* Rosicky (7/10) – The Little Mozart came into the side in place of the injured Cesc Fabregas. Did very well as he controlled proceedings and dictated the pace of the game most of the time. Set up the third goal that Chamakh scored with a fine pass and never tired of looking for spaces and angles. He may have lost his scoring boots but his passing ability remains undiminished.
* Arshavin (9/10) – He was a very different animal through the 90 minutes. Scored a very classy goal that reminded us all of his deadly abilities. Also hut the corner kick that Nasri buried with relish and continued to torment Richard Dunne and Collins in the Villa defence. Let’s all hope he’s back in full flow and at a crucial time of the season as well. For this game, he took the honours though not without some support from the likes of Wilshire and Chamakh.
* Chamakh (7/10) - Did his curriculum vitae alot of good with his tenth goal for us this season. He is a very ahndy presence in front of goal and his consistency and calmness is a big relief from the uncertainties we've endured these seasons past with Robin Van Persie and Nicklas Bendtner.

Substitutes
* Denilson (5/10) - Came on for Rosicky to relieve the 'elder-statesman'. It was his blocked shot that allowed Chamakh to set up the clincher that Wilshire scored.
* Gibbs ( 6/10) - Came on for Nasri and helped pep up the attack., Was surprised to see him plonked upfront rather than his usual defensive duties but it is a versatility that served u well in this case.
* Djourou (3/10) - Disregdar the low ratings. He was on the pitch for only the injury time.