On Newcastle Utd win, Chelsea, and Arsene Wenger

Many has been said with regards to our first Premiership match. Many claim that Arsenal don't have enough quality to challenge Chelsea or Man Utd for the title this season. Many would rather to focus on Jenas' sending off than to look at how Arsenal have improved on their attacking variety. The two goals scored were contribution of Arsenal's right flank attack. When was the last time Arsenal's right flank pose serious threat? Before Wiltord left I believe. The second goal, though looked simple, was a fine goal by our super sub van Persie thanks to a fine cross from the man of the match, our number 8.

By the way, a very well written article on Arsenal Mania, check it out. Considering Chelsea's determination to sign all the great players, it really amazes me how they failed to see Hleb and how Hleb refuse to be tempted by Roman's bank. Seems that we've gotten ourselves a great player. Alexander Hleb can be the key to our title challenge this season.

England just lost 4-1 to Denmark, not a surprise considering the timing of the friendlies. The players would rather to reserve their energy for the upcoming league matches. Still, a poor performance by England standard.

Going to Stamford Bridge this Sunday, I expect Arsenal to draw. But I reckon Arsenal can win by one goal margin. Against Chelsea, the most important thing is to nullify their long ball assaults.

I said before and I will say this again. Arsenal need to improve on their defense quality. They are much better in defending against set pieces. That's good. But Lauren's lack of pace and Senderos' lack of maturity is no secret. I love Lauren's work ethic but we should get a better replacement if we are serious in challenging for the best. Senderos can take his time to learn. Ashley Cole is great when he is at his best. But he can be really bad and badly exposed time and again in some matches. Still, I can wait till we settle in the Emirates Stadium when it comes to better fullbacks. I still regard our fullbacks as among the best. But as for centerbacks, we seriously need to get someone in. The fact that Cygan is part of Wenger's option has turned from joke to horror. Having said that, our Cygan has had some solid matches lately, though some are friendlies.

When it comes to transfer activity, Wenger seldom make mistakes. This season he did. A major one. He never thought of Real Madrid's factor and Spanish citizenship factor when he moved for Julio Baptista for Patrick Vieira's replacement. Julio Baptista, a fiery player who could play as a defensive midfielder and could definitely score goals when going forward is Wenger's most important preparation for his Highbury final assault. Pairing Baptista with Gilberto in the midfield would certainly see us scaring the hell out of most opponents when it comes to midfield battle.

He could have moved for Jenas but Jenas is nowhere near Baptista's quality. He knows that Baptista is as good as Gerrard or Essien. When Baptista moved to Madrid Wenger was left devastated. He had no plan B. Nor would I. You don't easily find player of such quality. But Wenger might probably have someone in mind as his plan B. That person could be Flamini. None of us have seen enough of Flamini's contribution to understand why Wenger praised this boy so highly. But when the Boss said so, he could probably be right. The boy fear no one and never run out of engine. He is useful in attacking although he still needs to be more aggresive and strong in tackle to shield our defense.

Last season's most impressive young players were Cesc and Senderos. This season it could be Flamini and van Persie.

So where are you Reyes?