Eight out of Nine

So we have won eight out of our last nine games. What can I say? The lads.. they are amazing. We would be foolish to think that we will continue winning each and every game. But we can see that the team play with a real hunger there. They play with a real belief. Chelsea have not been convincing so far and while Man Utd have been peaking lately, we have beaten them at Old Trafford and all these give our players a genuine confidence that they can actually win the title this time around.

We didn't have that belief last season.

The 0-4 win against Reading was particularly special. It was delivered in the most Wenger-ish way possible. Many thought that it was as good as the unbeatable team. Both are equally good but they are different.

Cesc Fabregas is the difference.

The team is no longer symbolized by PV's powerful play. And while TH is still playing a very important part, it is Fabregas who dictates the tempo.

Cesc, Hleb, Rosicky, and TH are the four players who made our passing game such a joy to watch. Reading's players were simply in awe and some of our passes were simply unthinkable to them.

The second (Hleb's) and third goal (van Persie's) was very good in my opinion. Many claim that the third was the best. That certainly was the most Arsenal goal as Hleb could have attempted a shot and yet he passed the ball to the Dutchman who I thought was not playing as well as the other did. But we shall spare him any criticism given the goal and the win.

Another thing that we could observe from the Reading game was the difference it made when Wenger made the substitution. Almost instantly, our players lost the rhytm and we gave away balls. Arsenal's style of play count heavily on the understanding among the players. If there is no international football break and no serious injury to the key personnels for one season, I am certain that we will have great chance of winning the title on that season.

I didn't watch the Carling Cup game against WBA so I can't say much. But Aliadiere looked promising and his finishing was certainly as good as ever. He didn't lose his pace too. He has delivered almost every time he was called upon. Now it's up to the Professor to give him chance.

And let's hope that our youngsters win the Cup this time around!

Back!!

So I am back. Since the Man Utd game, we have already won the Charlton and Watford game. Of course there was THAT van Persie's goal, the highly impressive debut by Walcott, and THAT yellow card against Henry in the CSKA Moscow game.

The ref.. I dunno what to say. Stupidity knows no bound. Fact!

Many things have happened. Two great things today: ANR report on the Arsenal 2006's AGM and Arseblog's podcast. The podcast is especially awesome. Great job, Arseblogger!

With regards to the CSKA Moscow's game, I think the result was a fair reflection of the game. It was a bit cruel on our players who fought hard in such a cold wheather and playing on such a poor pitch. But CSKA did outplay us and if you are a CSKA's fan, you would probably think that you have every right to return home with the 3 points. Considering the fact that they would never have the chance to witness their team playing in the Final, let's just give them the three points. We will show them how good we are at the Emirates.

Our defense was particularly tested in the game. I was worried about Gallas for he didn't seem to be 100% fit lately. Djourou for once was shaky and had difficulty in handling Vagner Love, who in all fairness is a very good player. Hoyte played quite well in the last 20-30 minutes. This boy has good recovery pace and that saved him many times.

Gilberto? He gives away possession even when he plays on a perfectly fine pitch. His poor performance was rather expected.

What I am trying to say is.. the game was not a must-win, and the fact that we lost would have taught our young players some valuable lessons. It would also give Wenger something to work on. I believe we still need to work on the way to play against organized, technically good, and physically strong teams such as Lyon, Munchen, and now CSKA Moscow.

Many blame van Persie for his misses. Many say that he is not a team player and thus, shouldn't be starting. I think it's Wenger's challenge to accomodate van Persie. He is no Bergkamp. Bergkamp makes other play well. van Persie plays well when other play well. Technically, van Persie is undoubtedly one of the most talented players Wenger has ever bought. His left foot is invaluable. Give him time. The lad has a smashing attitude. Allow him to grow.

The next game is Reading on Sunday. I hate it when they play on Sunday. Anyway.. I feel sorry for Petr Cech. I always like him despite him playing for Chelsea. He is one of the best goalkeepers I have ever seen and to see him getting such a horrible injury is just sad. Even if he is one of the worst goalkeepers around, he is still human and a fractured skull is a serious thing. I won't go into the argument whether Hunt meant it or not. But I believe the FA should do something to protect the goalkeepers.

And above all.. the players should really respect each other more. What does winning/losing mean when compares to someone's life?