Arsenal America

Ed. Sorry about the lateness in posting…

A late season match against a top 5 opponent, but who would of thought it would be Charlton? The Addicks deserve a great deal of respect and perhaps concern, as they come into Highbury set on destroying the Gunners unbeaten streak.

The Addicks moved into the top 5 with an impressive run of seven matches without defeat, one being a 4-2 romp of Chelsea. Chelsea got the last laugh, though, as they won the next match 1-0 and took Scott Parker from the Charlton midfield. The loss of Parker seems to have affected the play of Charlton as they went on to lose 3 straight. This last weekend saw the Addicks win against Rovers but it took a last second goal, after squandering a 2-nil lead.

Alan Curbishley is an immensely loyal and hard working manager. He expects the same from his players. Additions like DiCanio and Holland have increased the player work ethic, as it appears infectious, and also the loyalty. The same XI hit the pitch nearly every match and the club has found a real bond. This bond may be the difference in Charlton clubs of the past and this one that looks to go to a Euro cup next season.

The Addicks have a nearly mirror home and away record. They certianly weren’t afraid of Highbury a couple years back when they walked out with a 4-2 win. The Gunners recent head to head with Charlton show a lot of lost points. This match has another disappointing draw written all over it, but you can’t deny the Gunners form of late and the stumble the Addicks have recently taken. Gunners all the way!

ArseAm Predicts: Surprisingly close, but Arsenal win 2-1.