Date: November 2009

Arsenal take on Chel$ea . . . get your rec specs out!

Nov 28, 2009 by

Arsenal v Chelsea

So, here we are . . . on the eve of a match that could either make, or break our season.  Arsenal are set to take on Chelsea at Emirates Stadium this coming Sunday.  This game can catapult us to a position to strike for the league title, or could put us 11 points behind the league leaders.  It will boil down to which Arsenal squad shows up.  Will it be the 2-1 winning side of last season, that outplayed Chelsea to their first league loss at Stamford Bridge to Arsenal since 2004, or will it be the FA Cup side that was trounced out of the semi-finals 4-1?  There will be some changes to the squad ahead of Sunday’s match.  Arshavin will face off for the second time in league play against Chelsea this season.  Theo will be fit and ready to play, with Cesc, Nasri, and Eduardo fulfilling the compliment of attacking options available for Sunday’s match.

William Gallas is still 50/50.  The heavily bruised and swollen eye that he received when he collided with Arshavin last week in the Champions League, has still yet to open fully, which has kept him from being able to put his contacts in (cough cough . . . they do make rec-specs . . . or am I the only one that remembers those wonderful objects of nerdery from grammer school?).

Rec Specs

Gibbs broke his metatarcil on Wednesday, and will be out for 3 months.  Bendtner is still on the mend from his groin surgery from a few weeks ago.  We have fallen prey to the injury bug this campeign.  For the record, no team goes all season without injuries.  It is a team’s ability to cope with the loss of key players that defines their title winning credentials.  I have faith that Arsene and company will play for the win.  They will leave it all on the pitch.  Chelsea are in top form, and will have the services of both Drogba and Anelka available for Sunday’s match.  It will take focus, strentgh, composure, and finishing to beat Chelsea.  I for one believe that they can do it!

Arsenal v Chelsea Cesc

In other news, Arsenal suffered a further set back with the announcement that Robin Van Persie’s ankle injury was much more serious than originally thought.

So make sure to check with your local branch managers for viewing times and locations.  Don’t let the turkey keep you at home . . . get up, and get out to see the Gunners take on Chelski.

DOWN WITH CHEL$KI!

COME ON YOU GUNNERS!

Happy Thanksgiving

Nov 25, 2009 by

On behalf of the entire Arsenal America team, we wish each and every Gooner a Happy Thanksgiving.  We have much to be thankful for, and I for one am thankful for each and every Gooner who pours his/her heart out each week!  Keep on singing!  Keep on chanting!

. . . and it’s Arsenal . . . Arsenal FC . . . we’re by far the greatest team, the world has ever seen!

COME ON YOU GUNNERS, and Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving

Can We Get Going Already . . . PLEASE

Nov 24, 2009 by

Almunia

*IMPORTANT*  Check with your local branch managers for viewing in your local areas.  This match is being shown on the UEFA Channel, which is offered on Direct TV.  Fox Soccer and Setanta are showing this game as a replay.  The game kicks off at 2:45PM EDT.

Yes Manuel, we were . . . . . “that close” on Saturday.  In the world of football, there are wins, and unfortunately there are losses.  Arsenal went to the Stadium of light and had our light doused.  We were flat, and lacked the typical emotion and verve that makes us The Arsenal.  So, what do we do about it?  Well, I have to say that a thrashing of Standard Liege would be a great start.  Yes, we have had some injuries, and yes, we have been lacking the height on the front line, but hey, that is football.  Our ability to rise above this loss, and make something out of nothing . . . well, that is truly special.

Championships are won off of clean sheets (and a bunch of other stuff, but clean sheets are on the list of requirements).  We must stop conceding goals, even when we are winning by multiple goals . . . we have to figure out a way to tighten our defensive line.  I am not saying that our defense isn’t doing the job, rather implying that we must be able to win games when no one is playing very well, and there is a lack of support . . . and the placenta fluid for your ankle is weeks away from delivery, and your grandmother’s soup didn’t sit well in your stomach . . . and this and that.  Look, you are professional . . . start acting like one!

So, now that we have gotten that out of our system.  On to other matters.  We are playing in a little European competition called the Champions League today.  I am sure you have heard of it.  We are not through to the next round yet.  We must take one point from our last two matches, but my hope is that they are looking for 3 points today, and 3 points when we go to Greece.  We are at home, and are taking on Standard Liege.  They got off to a 2 nil lead within 10 minutes when we played them last time.  So, it will be up to our faithful Cesc and company to deliver the goods today.  Legs will be rested, and you will most likely see a dash of Theo and Denilson in today’s game.

After today, we then turn our focus to Chelsea.  But let’s not worry about them right now.  Standard Liege is in our sights . . . and let’s do the job, and head into the weekend with a great win.  Oh, and if you are interested Liverpool are on the brink of being trounced out of the CL along with reigning champions Barcelona.  Very exciting stuff.
Arsenal v Standard Liege

So that is all for now.  I am looking for a 3 Nil scoreline to The Arsenal!

COME ON YOU GUNNERS!