Lucky Lucky Arsenal...I'm Back!

Wolves can bemoan their luck all they want, but if they hadn't have helped the ball on for the first two and if the ref hadn't blocked them off for the third we'd just have found a different way to score as we did sublimely with the fourth. While the ESPN commentators yammered on about how unlucky Wolves were, particularly focused on the ref's block they completely failed to appreciate that he had done so one the edge of our box and we were still some 80 yards away from their goal line. Guess we didn't really have much to do with that. Or the first two, I mean, it wasn't like the corner was whipped in brilliantly, or that Eduardo's movement drew the defender into that position. And as for the second, come on, it wasn't like we had broke two-against-one and the defender had no choice but to try and get something, anything on to it for fear it would fall to an onrushing Arsenal player. That sort of thing only happens to teams at the bottom apparently. You'd never see it happen to Arsenal against Man U when they were clearly the better team. Oh no. 

Yes indeedy, we were very lucky. 

Is it bad that I'm not worried that we lost yet another player? The difference in our team when Diaby was replaced by Song was pretty evident, and to have Ramsey and Song on together, the workrate in our midfield increased exponentially. Our injury list is extensive, more so than any of our other rivals, and it grows with every passing match. Do you hear Wenger complain about it? With nine players out do you hear him blabber on as much as Benitez does about two? Not wishing harm on any Arsenal player, but I don't think Diaby's absence will hurt the team in any way, and if Almunia could perhaps have a relapse of his chest infection that mightn't be too bad either. 

I must say, and I know I said there would be no but, but Almunia just looked not-bothered today. For what little he had to do he did with as much interest as me listening to a Spuds supporter. He had the look of that man on the bench a few weeks back, and I swear there was one cross which came in high that he turned so slowly to follow had there been a Wolves player coming in it would have been passed him before he was even facing the right direction. I will take Mannone in goal. I will deal with the inexperience and the mistakes that brings. I will even deal with Chesney in goal. What I can't tolerate is a keeper who is not good enough and doesn't seem to care. Doesn't he remember how it went with the ex-25? Fans will forgive absolutely anything except lack of effort and commitment. When they see that missing in a player they are merciless. 

On Soccer Saturday, while talking about Man Shitty, Jeff 'The Legend' Stelling stated that we very nearly signed Given in the summer. I missed that totally (or if I didn't I've forgotten about it) but it gives me hope. If it is true it is clear that Wenger sees we need a stronger option in that department. Akinfeev anyone? 

Another thing I noticed was the subdued celebrations after all the goals. But I didn't notice it in a bad way. They seemed to have an air of professionalism about them, like 'yes, we scored, but that's what we are supposed to do. There's still more work to be done so let's focus on that first.' While it's fantastic to see passion, in games like this, to see that attitude is brilliant. They can celebrate for as long as they want come May with trophies in hand. And the way the scorers are so quick to credit the provider. Team work, togetherness, and an acknowledgement of others. It's just superb to see. 

I have a sneaky feeling we might just be watching the start of a history-making Arsenal team. The first to retain the Premiership perhaps. Or win the Champions League. Maybe even a clean sweep. Who knows. It's very easy get carried away, but why the hell shouldn't we. What we have been watching all season is what Wenger has been promising us. It's what he asked us to be patient for. We have only lost two matches all season and shouldn't have lost either. We have more points at this stage of the season that we have ever had before and there's no reason to think we can't beat the Premier League points record. Look at our bench, look at our reserves, hell, look at our kids. In many positions we are three or four players deep that can come in and do job, maybe not permanently, but at least enough to cover any injuries. I know it's all a long way off, and nothing is handed out in November, but people are wrong when they say nothing is won in November. Points are. Positions are. Confidence that's needed to push into the intensity of the xmas schedule is. Every match matters. And we finally look like we understand that. I for one plan to get carried away, if you can't enjoy it, then why the hell bother? 

I'd like to think that today's result, and the manner in which it was accomplished without ever really getting out of dander-mode will get the press off our backs about our supposed inability to go 'up norf' and get a result. 

But I doubt it.

I'm sure this blog is a ramblerama, but I'm still quite dizzy and count myself lucky and on the mend that I've been able to produce this many words. If they are relatively coherent even better. 

I think that's where I'll leave it. Second place, Chelsea and/or Man U dropping points later (I think if Chelsea are on form and Man U are missing Fletcher the Chavs could give United a proper lesson) this has been a good weekend. Now, it's headlong into the Interlull...at least the dizziness shall make it interesting. 

Have a good one folks....come on you draw! 

And don’t forget ArsenalTshirts.com