The International break is over… it’s time to get back to the wonderful game that is the Premier League. Regular WOA reader would have noticed that there were no posts on Wednesday and Thursday this week. In fact, although being very true (technically), I do have two half written posts – not fit to publish, about 1) Nasri’s return and what it means to us and 2) The average attendances of the Emirates…
Here’s a few quotes from the unpublished articles…
“We do love Samir Nasri don’t we. He’s awesome. Last year, around January / February he was one of the first people I wanted to see on the team sheet. His two goals against Man United in his first competitive match against the Mancs won my heart over and his all together all round ability of skill, pace and trickery boded well. He did seem to get really fat around Christmas last year, but at pre-season, he seemed to have lost his puppy fat and looked sharp.”
But don’t fear, they will be completed and published next week… no doubt…
So onto the major talking point of today… the return of Eduardo to face Birmingham… but unfortunately, the Crozilian is out of action, still injured and maybe that’s a good thing, so it doesn’t become a major thing, which may disturb the approach and ethos of tomorrow’s game – three points on the board – that’s all we’re after.
In other injury news, Fabianski is back, but I suspect he will be on the bench as he’s not had much match practice and Almunia is rated 50:50, and I doubt he’d be rushed into a game, when Mannone has done well and is still the only keeper 100% fit with the appropriate match practice.
Both Gael Clichy and Abou Diaby have got little knocks on their ankles and both may miss the game too.
The line up could well be:
Mannone
Sagna – Gallas – Vermalen – Gibbs
Song – Ramsey
Rosicky – Cesc – Arshavin
Van Persie
With a bench of Fabianski, Senderos, Silvestre, Eboue, Walcott, Vela and Bendtner.
Arsene spoke ahead of tomorrow’s game:
“It is a difficult question to answer at the moment because we don’t have everybody back and we don’t have news from Bendtner and Arshavin. But Clichy got a little knock on his ankle and Diaby was kept out of the French squad last night because of an ankle problem as well. But we believe the problem to Diaby should be very minor. Eduardo is not available, he is too far away. Almunia could be available for the game. It is 50:50. Fabianski is available and will be in the squad for the weekend. As for Nasri, I believe he could be back in the group for the Liverpool game. If all goes well he could be in the team.”
Based on Arsene’s words, I’d expect both Clichy and Diaby to be back in the squad for Tuesday game against AZ Alkmaar.
So, if I asked anyone who the man of the moment is down at the Emirates, surely everyone would agree it’s Thomas Vermaelen. He’s our top scorer in the league and has contributed immensely to our defensive manner. I love this guy! And apparently so does everyone – he’s won the Player of the Month and it’s truly deserved – well done Thomas.
Cesc has been in the press and had this to say about the Belgium International:
“These days, to have a centre back that can play, you know, these balls on the ground, between the lines, and past players, for players like me in midfield it’s really good because it gives you so much time and so much space on the ball. It’s really good. He’s like one more midfielder.”
Cesc also went on to talk about how big the Premier league is and his desire to win it and win it soon. Get in there Cescito!
“I’ve realised with every year how big the Premier League is. Growing up it’s about Champions League and World Cups. But, once you come to play here, you realise how the fans live for the Premier League. The league is really competitive and I like it a lot. I think in England the Premier League is the biggest thing. All the top teams in Europe want to win their own league but the English is the hardest to win. I want to win it even more now than when I first arrived.”
So, there we have it, the Premier League is back… my interest in all things worthy re-ignited. Arsenal vs Birmingham tomorrow at 3pm.. let’s do it…
Come on you Gunners!
