Close To The Edge

Saturday, 10 January 09, 08:45 AM · Comments(2)

As I write, people will be taking their seats (or not in some cases- Ben) at a rather cold stadium to watch Arsenal try and reduce what has now become a 6 point gap between us and Aston Villa. I caught a bit of the second half of their game against Villa and Jay Simpson showed some very nice footwork, and awareness of players around him. With better players, he may have been able to do his parent club a favour. Ah well. In fact, the BBC's player rater had him leading the way at half time, so despite the fact the Baggies were losing, he was obviously doing something right. I do feel it's a shame we couldn't have kept him at the club and sent someone like, oooh, Bendtner maybe away. For me Jay Simpson is one of our sparkier forwards, not that he doesn't have a lot to learn and improving to do, but he would certainly offer us something we don't have currently. Especially in the absence of Theeeeoooo.

This afternoon's fixture against Bolton is now the latest in a lengthening line of "must win" games. The line up is not, entirely unexpectedly; Almunia;Sagna, Toure, Djourou, Clichy; Eboue, Diaby, Denilson, Nasri; Adebayor, Van Persie. Subs: Fabianski, Vela, Ramsey, Wilshere, Bendtner, Bischoff, Gibbs.

We wanted Ramsey, we get Eboue. Oh well, them's the breaks. Looking at that bench, I do worry what would happen if we were losing the game with 20 minutes left. We seem very light, but then you can't keep going on about how great Vela, Ramsey and Wilshere are if you're not going to trust them in a pressure situation, can you?

Kolo Toure meanwhile, has completed a remarkable turnaround; from the stories of a transfer request and clearing his locker out, to Arsenal captain in little over a week. I have to say, what a relief. Relief that it is not Average Al captaining the side and relief that Toure has stepped back from the brink. I genuinely didn't want the guy to leave. Interesting too, that although Arsène added a "when he plays" rider, it would seem to indicate Toure does still have a big future in the first team which can only spell trouble for the man he's had a complete breakdown in relationship with. Okay, okay, keep it down at the back there... I'm glad Kolo has got over his travails and look forward to seeing his commitment and passion in full effect over the coming weeks.

Come on you Gunners!

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