I Don't What It Is, But There's Definitely Something Going On Upstairs

Friday, 19 December 08, 08:21 AM · Comments(2)

When Alex Hleb departed London in the summer, muttering darkly about "politics", I think a lot of Arsenal supporters were dismissive of what we saw as excuses for someone wanting out because he couldn't hack it. Time, however, has proved, regretfully, Alex wasn't just talking out of his arse.

Lady Nina has told the world- well, the readers of the Daily Mail, which isn't quite the same thing- that she is in "total shock" at the "appalling" way she has been treated, even saying that the board "have no manners". Seems the board can be quite ruthless when they want to be, as Messrs Dein and Edelman have found out in the past. She says she doesn't want to sell her shares and Danny Fiszman, present at the Champions League draw today, which we'll get to in a bit, downplayed the importance of Lady Nina's departure from the boardroom. Now, I'm no expert in the way of boardroom politics, even less so when it comes to the shadowy cabal in control of Arsenal Football Club, but I seem to remember reading that the board members went to some length to keep Lady Nina sweet when David Dein sold out to the russian fella. It's also been reported in the past that Lady Nina greatly enoyed watching the boys in action on the pitch and her status as director, so what went wrong? What has caused the fall out? And, more importantly, the age old question, "Cui bono?" Who benefits from this state of affairs? Too many imponderables for me, I'm afraid.

I mentioned the Champions League draw and Arsenal have been paired with AS Roma. Which, to me, is about as good as it could have got for us. Certainly not a draw to be fearful of, unless you are a Gooner intending to travel that is. The home leg will take place on February 24 with the return coming on the 11th March. The rest of the draw is to my mind very exciting for english fans, Liverpool have been paired with Real Madrid, whilst Claudio Ranieri will return to Stamford Bridge with Juventus and Jose Mourinho will take Patrick Vieira and company (how weird does that sound?) to, a familiar stomping ground, Old Trafford. Can I just say (yes I can, it's my blog) that whilst SurAlex may not be my favourite individual, his "virus" quote, picked out amongst the debris enveloping Oxford Circus station at 8.30 this morning, made me laugh? When was the last time Arsène made us laugh? Intentionally, I mean. he used to be a master of that kind of quote. Come back to us, Arsène! We're missing you.

Wow, all that and I nearly forgot that we have a game this weekend. And not just any game, the most boring league leaders since Mourinho's Chelsea sat on top of the tree are in town. yes Liverpool FC, complete with Steven "Roy Race" Gerrard, Jamie "Hulk Hogan" Carragher and co are in town (get your cars into the garage, quick!) knowing that should they beat us, any lingering hope we have of even being involved in the title race, will be crushed. Crushed like the irish dude in Casino who wouldn't give Charlie M up when Joe Pesci put his head in a vice. Hopefully though, that won't happen. Happily, though Eduardo is continuing his recovery and Tomas Rosicky continues doing whatever it is that he does now, joined by Kolo Toure and Theo Walcott, Samir Nasri is expected to play on Sunday. And we know he can make a big difference to the way we play. And, being much better suited to the flanks than any of the guys who've been playing there recently, he should make a massive difference. I hope that Wenger learnt from the victory at Chelsea where, rather than going there and setting up to play, to use his phrase, with "the handbrake on" we went and played our way and ended up winning the game. And deservedly so. I'm sure there will be more in the way of build up tomorrow, I noticed RvP was headlined on the official site as saying that the Champions League exit last season is not forgotten. This is the first time we've met since that devastating night and, you know what? We owe them. We owe them big time. I'm glad the players realise that.

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Tags: UEFA Champions League 07/08, Premier League 08/09, Arsenal

Topics: UEFA Champions League 07/08, Premier League 08/09, Arsenal

Posted by RocktheCasbah | Comments (2)

2 Comments · Add yours

1. Gunning for the Title Wrote: | 15.53GMT | Dec 19, 2008

I hope for the sake of the club that any political crisis doesn't spill onto the pitch. We don't need this right now and will affect Wenger's Qi (or chi). Let's focus on the 6 pointer. Have a great weekend (see you in the pub)!!!!