It is indeed a hectic week by all means. The Malaysia Cup has reached the semi-finals with my local team, Terengganu had to endure a penalty shoot-out against Perlis before coming out on top with a 7-6 win. Our young goalkeeper, Mohamad Sharbini Allawee stopped three penalties and scored the winning one himself.

The football season is coming to its end in Malaysia, many Malaysians are relishing the coming of the Barclays Premier League new season. Given the fact that the level is lower than the one that is broadcasted every week from England, but there are those who still go to matches to get the 'live' football atmosphere, something similar to those who follow teams from League 1 and 2 and the Conference.

Arsenal has completed its pre-season programme with fans looking forward to an improved results from last season. But before that, there is the short trip to Eschende to meet Steve McClaren's FC Twente in order to qualify to the lucrative Champions' League.

The current immediate concern of many Arsenal fans is the thin layer of midfielders at our disposal with the departure of Matt Flamini, Alex Hleb and Gilberto Silva. Abou Diaby who was touted as the next Patrick Vieira due to the physical similarities seems to be spending more time on the treatment table and when given the chance on the pitch, failed to grab the opportunity to really establish himself.

Thus, the match in the Netherlands would probably see Cesc Fabregas and Denilson being partnered together. Theo Walcott and Samir Nasri (if he overcomes his injury) would probably provide the thrust from the wings. If the Frenchman does not make it we would probably see Manu Eboue operating on the right though I think Carlos Vela, Jack Wilshere or Armand Traore could be deployed there.

One good thing coming from the Armsterdam Tournament was the performance of Lukasz Fabianski between the sticks. He commanded the box well against Sevilla with several good takes when dealing with crosses. He also reacted well on one to one situations and showed good agility when required. A stiff competition to Manuel Almunia is foreseen here.

With Arsene Wenger prefers to do his dealings behind closed doors it is a bit difficult to guess who are joining the ranks though the addition of Xabi Alonso certainly would see my optimism rises a bit. Hopefully Arsene will find the time soon.

Astro has been a good satellite TV provider with the match at Huddersfield being telecast 'live' here in Malaysia. It is always good to see a good comeback after falling behind. The youngsters certainly showed plenty of character with the winner by Nacer Barazite indicated that the boy is progressing well.

Another good comeback was at the Amsterdam ArenA against host Ajax. Who would have predicted the two Manus would combine so well to score the first one with Eboue finding the head of Adebayor. The Togolese is trying his best to win back the heart of Arsenal supporters and his determination opened the chance for Nicklas Bendtner to equalise.

Then a good one-two with Denilson led to the winner by Adebayor though he would have to improve his rate of conversion in order to climb the charts of legends that have donned the red and white of Arsenal in the past. During the match alone he had me tearing my hair on numerous occassions for failing to do things that are expected of an Arsenal player.

I am hoping that Fabianski will start the match on Wednesday but I believe it will be Almunia and William Gallas to partner Kolo Toure in defence. Bacary Sagna and Gael Clichy will provide the support for Walcott and Nasri respectively. Fabregas and Denilson will provide the openings for Adebayor and Robin Van Persie and hopefully we will come back with one foot already in the pot.

Go Gooners!

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After so long without any major transfer acitivity since the departure ofMatt Flamini to Milan and the arrival of Aaron Ramsey from Cardiff, I woke up to the news that Gilberto and Alex Hleb have left Arsenal.

The former would certainly be missed for his professionalism and humble attitude which should endear him much to the fans of his new club, Panathinaikos. I did not think the departure of Hleb would be missed by much at Arsenal.

The Belarussian should have found the net more frequently with the skills that he has but the return of just ten goals in all the matches he played would not push him into the same mould as Robert Pires, the one who many Gooners would like to the same kind of player to don the red and white (or whatever left of it) colours of Arsenal.

There are a few unknown quantity in the Arsenal side for next season. I am waiting eagerly how Samir Nasri would fit in the Arsenal style of play though he already expressed his eagerness to be working with a coach like Arsene Wenger.

Then, there are the youngsters Ramsey and Carlos Vela of Mexico. I believe Theo Walcott will be given more responsibility during the coming season by Wenger as many Gooners are hoping that he would realise more and more of his potentials that saw him taken to Germany during the last World Cup.

If Abou Diaby could do a Flamini or emulate what Marcos Senna had done for Spain during EURO 2008, that would enable Cesc Fabregas and Nasri to do more damage up-front to the oppositions. Even the Brazilian Denilson is capable of doing the same function.

The only area that really disappointed me is the Adebayor protracted transfer saga. I chose to believe in him last season despite him missing a hatful of scoring chances. Unfortunately, the reward was a demand of a hefty pay rise to be at par with the legendary Thierry Henry. 

Par with Thierry? Are you for real?

Now, I really wish that he would go to Barcelona (which is quite unlikely unless Sam Eto'o makes his move too). Despite not having many opportunity I really hope Niklas Bendtner would be able to step up and relegate the Togonator to the bench.

So much to look forward to and I just cannot wait!

Up the Arse!

Well done to Cesc Fabregas for becoming the EURO2008 winner with his nation, Spain.

Now what I would like to see is him helping Arsenal to a few silverwares this season, something we have threatened to do every season but in the end finished them empty handed.

It is not like I am going to switch my allegiance to another team if they failed (God forbids) to win anything but it would make it much, much sweeter to see major cups flocking to the Emirates for the first time and making it their home for a long, long time.

The close season is something that can make your head go spinning around with all the transfer rumours circling around.

Truthfully, I am quite pissed off with the one about Manu Adebayor. If it is true that he is demanding the sort of money just after a season of excellence, then I would really glad to see him gone. The Togolese should have kept pace with manure's Ronalfoo on the goal count had he has more finesse in front of goal.

Most Gooners stood by him despite seeing him missing chances again and again. And he did not take that into consideration, than it is better for him to say good-bye to us all.

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