Oh Hleb. 

I tried to look up funny pictures of his hair, but I couldn't find any.  He does have a rather cave-mannish cut though, doesn't he? 

He says that he'll meet with Wenger in the next few days to decide his fate.  I think he's being kinda stupid:  like Flamini, this last season was his best, and he is likely only to improve with Arsenal.  And as you know, players who leave Arsenal, with only a few exceptions, are usually not so hot elsewhere.  Not that he's gone yet.

All is quiet otherwise. 

Surprised that we haven't been linked to Matthew McConaughey yet.

Happy Monday?

First up, three of our French players have been "ignored" by their national team.  Clichy, Diaby, and Sagna will sit out for Euro 2008.  If you ask me, I feel bad for them, assuming they wanted to represent their country, buuuuuut I feel super mega happy for Arsenal, who will need and want rested players for the CL qualifiers and the start of next year. 

I'm not so sure that Diaby is world class yet, but the additional experience would do him good, of course.

The other bit of news is that we've been linked with a number of French players now, but really, who knows what the chances are.  I'd give you the names beyond Nasri and Hatem Ben Arfa, but if I linked every name we'll be associated with, there'd be no end to the list.  All speculation and rumor, right now. 

Arsene, change that! 

And finally, it looks like Lehmann may head for Germany.  Good for him.  I always liked him, especially for how scrappy he is.  Jens reminds me of a hockey goalie....without skates.  And pads.  And a mask.  But just as pissy.

Shin out

Oooooh, sunny today.

As far as recent information, le boss has spoken in defense of Eboue.  He claims that Eboue contributes to the overall balance of the team, thus allowing offense-minded players to be more creative.  I suppose that makes sense--without some security, other players have to be more cautious in attack. 

However, it isn't so much Eboue's lack of goals that is the problem--though we did need more goals from players other than Ade.  A few more from Hleb, Rosicky, Bendtner, and Cesc (who started brightly but wound up dropping back a little, if you ask me) would have made a difference.  Instead, it is Eboue's attitude, characterized by chronic petulance and frequent diving, that marks him as problematic.  When he's compared to C. Ronaldo, it isn't because of positioning or effectiveness, but because both players love middle-school dramatics. 

Off the pitch, Eboue is a silly guy, apparently.  I still can't get over the old story about his costume hijinks. 

So, there's that.  But on the field, a dose of "work to stay on your feet" and "no, you don't have a concussion today" would improve Eboue's standing.

Otherwise, not much is happening.  I watched a youtube video of Hatem Ben Arfa yesterday, and like most youtubes, except the ones about guys in painful bicycle accidents, the individual in question looked fairly impressive.  Maybe there's possibility there.  Meh. 

Aaaaaand, I love reading the BBC football gossip page.  So much nonsense. 

I'm still working on my ideas about money in the league.  I'll get back to you, but I'd prefer to read your thoughts. 

crickets chirping.

Laters.