So today begins a run of games that could well define our season. Our Gunners head off to Villa Park in the hopes of bringing home 3 points, and a position at the top of the league. This has been a season of highs, and unfortunately a few lows. We are now officially out of two major competitions in the FA Cup and the Carling Cup. Many would not consider either trophies to be “major” but at the end of the day we only have four cups to play for (EPL Title, Champions League, FA Cup, and Carling Cup). So, we have two trophies that we are in contention for at this point in the season. I for one think that Arsene weighed out the injuries, games ahead in the league, importance of the title and Champions League, and said to himself, “is le FA Cup worth it?” I guess it wasn’t, as we were ousted on Sunday by Stoke City.
So, where does the team go from here? Our next run of games is a gauntlet of physicality, experience, size, and pressure:
Aston Villa (A)
Manchester United (H)
Chelsea (A)
Liverpool (H)
FC Porto (A)
Each of the teams that we face starting today will fancy 3 points from The Arsenal, and will look to do so by any means necessary (shank, shiv, you name it). Teams know that Arsenal can beat any team on their day, and it is paramount to stop the free flowing football if you want to have a chance. The challenge is that the other teams also know what get’s Arsenal off task. Physical teams give us a tough time. Teams with size also pose problems, so the addition of Nicklas Bendtner on the bench is a welcomed sight going into today’s match. Samir Nasri will also be joining the Dane on the bench today. Sagna, despite not being fully fit due to a shoulder injury, will make the start at right back. Clichy will fill in on the left, and Vermaelen and Gallas will fill in the middle. There is the outside chance that Sol might make an appearance, but I doubt it.
Theo will most likely make the start today, as his pace can cause many problems for the Villa defense. Cesc will take hold of the middle of the pitch, with the possiblity of Aaron Ramsey on the left. Arshavin, Eduardo, and Vela are possibilities up front. Any way you slice it, this is going to be a tough match.
If we win this match we will go 15 points clear of Villa. They know what is on the line, and will play to win. I for one think that this is our time to shine. We have a host of players that can deliver on any given day. Hopefully all of the motivational tapes that I have been sending Arshavin and Cesc will pay off. I know what you are thinking . . . “who has a tape deck anymore?” That’s why I have to send everything to Arshavin. He has his tape deck from the old CCCP days. As a proponent of motivational tapes, I had to use the medium that resonated with the team best. The lads listen to Arshavin, so I knew that a tape would be the only way to reach him. He does not do digital media . . . yet.
So, if you are at work, eating lunch, or have made time for the match, make sure to support Arshavin, Cesc, and the rest of the lads today. Some of you have asked if this game will be played live, and it is if you have the expanded channels offered by DirecTV. They are the only ones that I know of that are showing this match live. If not, you can watch it on replay on Setanta . . . which, ironically enough, like the cassette tape player is about to go the way of the Dodo.
Cheers to tape cassettes and an Arshavin hat trick.
COME ON YOU GUNNERS!
*This message is available via cassette tape.