The Arsenal Memo

Arsenal Memo
Arsenal overcame a mini crisis of loosing two games on the trot be beating the new boys to the European elite competition, Standard Liege 3-2. Gunners came from two goals down to introduce the Belgian club to the reality of the Champions’ league group stages. Before this encounter Arsenal lost to two Manchester teams, Man United and Man City. In both games, officials came under scrutiny. In the Manchester case Arsenal fans will be forgiven for thinking that Rooney dived and Arsenal deserved a goal that was denied at the tail end of the game, something that prompted the official to send Wenger to the stands, after he kicked a water bottle in protest, although the decision was rescinded by FA latter. Against Man City Adebayor, the former Arsenal player’s behavior overshadowed their win against Arsenal. His goal celebration particularly attracted a lot of criticisms. So was his tackle on Van Persis and Fabregas. A player with whom he was team mates just a couple of months ago. By running the whole length of the filed celebrating, Adebayor provoked Arsenal fans. Anyway, how many times can I say that this kid has no class?
Diving in football has been rampant! However, Arsenal was at the centre of this debate when Edward dive earned a penalty against the Celtic. UEFA suspended him for two matches; they however rescinded their decisions after Arsenal lodged a complaint. Incidentally, Eduardo scored the winning goal against Standard Liege. Minus Eduardo, Wenger would have had no first team striker. Van Persie was injured, so was Theo Walcott, when shall he be fit for a half a season? And Samir Nasser broke his leg in the pre season tour. This reduced Wenger’s options upfront. However, the team pulled off a win.
With the win behind them Arsenal can now steadily focus on the weekend game against Wigan Athletic. Wigan will be a different side with the release of their hottest property over the summer, Antonio Valencia to join Man U. Wigan’s coach Roberto Martinez, who admire Wenger’s philosophy of attacking football is looking forward to a “glamorous” weekend. How nice when two managers despite the urge to win commit to the beautiful flowing football? That’s when football is elevated to the status above just being a mere sport. Its art, exemplified by Barcelona, and copied by Arsenal.
Against Wigan, Arsenal will be boasted by the return of Van Persie. The manager confirmed this as a piece of good news. However, it came with another piece of not so good news, Denilson, who played in every Arsenal last season, will be out for a couple of weeks, so is Andrei Arshavin.
Buckle up and let’s head for the Emirates Stadium On Saturday. A little bit of digression though, Man U and Man City will be squaring it out on Sunday. And Fergy has branded Man City Cocky. Man City will be without suspended Adebayor and injury to the dual of Robinho and Tevez. Oh! Hoe Tevez wanted to be part of this fixture.