So my beloved Arsenal have managed to spare their full blown blushes (mild to medium blushes are on display at the Emirates today!), when they earned a late draw with Leeds and a return leg to Elland Road in the FA Cup 3rd round.
I only managed to catch snippets of the 2nd half, but by all accounts the 1st half featured Leeds being put to the sword (without ever being cut) by a very much 2nd string Arsenal team; yes Arshavin is now officially a 2nd string player for Arsenal - not sure this speaks too highly of the Arsenal squad strength based on the recent poor performances the Russian has been putting in?
So Wenger rang 9 changes to the starting line-up that were rather unfortunate to beat City during the mid week league clash. I am fully supportive of the changes Wenger has made, as I believe we the team did show that they possessed enough quality to see off the championship outfit. I mean, we are still challenging on 4 fronts (I believe the only PL team to boast challenging for PL, CL, CC & FA cup - I know it counts for zilch, but its a fact nonetheless!); so the gaffer (love that word!) is doing what he's got to do to keep them legs fresh, as we all know the pitiful injury problems our squad has suffered in recent seasons!
Denilson
I really feel for this guy. he does make way too many mistakes, this time costing us a penalty in the 2nd half. Wenger does continue to give him 2nd chances, and I am wonder whether he is running out of time to vindicate the gaffer? I reckon he has until this summer to do so, tick tock, tick tock!
Arshavin
I really wonder what is up with this little Russian? His head is clearly not in the game and I have to questions whether his heart is in this club? He is mercurial, and it is hard to deny that he had all the natural talent to split any defense or to score the most amazing goals, but it is the bread & butter stuff that he can really suck at. When he needs to do the most basic things, he falls short (lol); I don't know why or what but you would expect more from the experienced forward, by all rights he should be a leader in the team, but when he plays like he did today, missing clear cut chances, losing control of the ball with poor touches, you have to wonder how he can lead these bunch of youngsters???
Anyway Cesc & Walcott came in from the bench to pretty much add that x factor to the Arsenal attack; Theo winning us a penalty & Cesc slotting it home with the coolness of the Iceman! I believe that we can get a result at Elland road, our away form has been that good at least!
For now we have have to secure our first trophy for the year with a semi final 1st leg clash in the Carling cup @ Ipswich Town on Wednesday. If we somehow we contrive not win this cup, then we have no hope of winning anything with our current crop of Arsenal youngsters, ever! I cant believe that that is possible!
That's it for now from me!
Safe, Goonermanic!
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