Arsenal News 24/7Writer: Brice Coffer 
Date:Wednesday January 27 2010
Time: 5:03AM
UK time is: 00:10:06
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Aston Villa vs. Arsenal
Villa Park
27/1/10
19:45
Preview: Villa v. Arsenal
Today Arsenal return to the ground of one of their must infuriating capitulations of last season. However, this time around the team will arrive at Villa Park with the hope of igniting a title challenge. Four games to decide a season and that starts against Aston Villa.
Vital Quotes:
Here's Arsene on our next 4 games:
"I have never known a run of four league games as significant as these. Never before in all my time here, not four on the trot.'
"If we win them all, we are in a very strong position, so let`s start with the first one and ignore the others.'
"It is a great opportunity to send a message to the rest of the Premier League. We want to take it and I am very confident that we are in a good position and let`s go for it. To win the next game would satisfy me. What is important is our capability to focus on each game 100 per cent and to give 100 per cent.'
Aston Villa Team News:
Left back Stephen Warnock, who has 17 appearances so far this EPL season, will not play due to a shin injury. Nigel Reo-Coker and John Carew will also be out, while Villa captain Stiliyan Petrov is a major doubt.
Player to watch: James Milner
He was my player to watch back in December, and he proceeded to be massively underwhelming. I'm hoping lightning can strike twice. Thank me later.
Arsenal Team News:
Knock on wood, but our injury list is shortening. I know, shocking right? Nasri and Bendtner will make a return to the bench, and Diaby, Eboue, and Song could return for the visit of United on Sunday. Sagna and Gallas are struggling with injuries to their shoulder and back, respectively, but both will push through.
Predicted Starting XI: Almunia, Sagna, Gallas, Vermaelen, Clichy, Denilson, Eastmond, Fabregas, Rosicky, Eduardo, Arshavin
Player to watch: Eduardo
Eduardo's link up play has been superb, but eventually the goals need to come. Maybe the sight of Bendtner on the bench will give Dudu some added incentive.
Match Facts & Stats
Villa's only victory against the Gunners in the last 22 league matches was 2-0 at the Emirates Stadium last season
If Villa fail to score today it will be their longest run without a goal under manager Martin O'Neill. They have not failed to score for four games in a row since December and January 2001.
Cesc Fabregas has scored five goals in his last four league matches, including two against Villa in the reverse fixture.
Ref Watch:
Lee Probert will be the head official for today's match.
Match Prediction:
You know that feeling in your chest before big games? Of course you do, every football supporter does. Well that feeling settled deep in my chest about 3pm on Monday. I better get used to that for the next two weeks.
I'm going 2-1. Cesc with the winner. Really who else could it be?
Next Fixtures:
31/1 (Sun) - Manchester United (h) - Premier League
7/2 (Sun) - Chelsea (a) - Premier League
10/2 (Wed) - Liverpool (h) - Premier League
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Your Comments
I predicted Eastmond will get to start in the DM role. I think he's earned it. Does anybody agree? Or will Ramsey slot in alongside Cesc?
gunnerkid107
I think Eastmond was OK in his PL debut, but clearly showed signs of nervousness in the second half with some needlesly given away balls. But that's understandable for such a young and new player. So is it really a good idea to start him against Villa and in such an important mach? I mean, i think we'd all agree that if we have any shot of winning the title, it will be settled in the next 4 games? I'm excited/nervous and very hungover.
FuiKaka
And who's the negative *****ers that made that poll look the way it does? Confidence boys, gets you a long way!
FuiKaka
just hope we do it tonight so that stupid f...ers such as this Derek have it shoved up where the sun dont shine. http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/columnists/mcgovern/2010/01/27/he-s-gunner-fail-again-115875-21998049/
alwaysgunner
Here's to a good run in this key set of matches ahead. Am sure we will do ok in the next 4 matches with Bendtner and Song (Sunday onwards) hopefully coming back. Bit worried about the fact that Gallas has been playing through pain as has Arshavin. Considering that Diaby may have lost some of his rhythm through the calf injury and Denilson is a bit off the pace because of the back injury, I was hoping for atleast one addition in either midfield or attack before the window closes. Its a bit strange that AW has ruled out signings after appearing to be after both a striker and possibly a midfielder (in case Cesc needed a breather). Oh well, sod it all. Go gunners!
deltaforce
Hope you fellas win tonight, it'd be a great help for us :) I also hope you go on to win the league, I think when you turn it on there's no team better. Eduardo hasn't shone lately though, been wondering why he's still starting, think Bendtner should rank above him when fit.
GL.
Spursnomad
Big test for this squad. A few times this season, this team has done really well to boost our hopes, and then thrown it all away with some poor performances. This is a good period to see if the fans' belief in this team is justified.
prits
I don't see how we can't take, at least, a point against Villa tonight, with the lads knowing what is at stake. I feel that Ramsey will start ahead of Eastmond, just for his greater experience. For me, 7 points will be enough from these set of games as we do have easier games afterwards, plus a winnable last 7 run of games(including City), at the business end of the season, while our rivals will be playing one another and other top 4 aspirants, with most games away.
Deltaforce, I think Sol can comfortably, replace Gallas, as he gets fitter; though, WG does look like he will take some stopping, injured or not. Agree that the team does need an injection of spirit which new signings usually provide, but maybe, our returnee players can give that spark, at the right time. Wenger has, once again, said the right things about 'looking for a striker to replace RvP' and all that, just to keep fans and the media hoping, knowing he didn't intend to bring in anyone, with Bendtner close to a return. Stubborn (genius of a) man.
Naijagunner
i dont think eastmond will start such a crucial match without a string of prem lge games under his belt. i would be more comfortable with ramsey partnering cesc and denny. lets forget about transfers (as it clearly ain't happening) and just focus on these next 4 games. i think a win tonite will boost our confidence enough to get through all 4 games. a loss, and the reverse could happen. with nasri and bendtner on the bench i think we would surely have too many options for villa. an emphatic win for me 4-1 to the ARSENAL.
supersof
i cant decide if i would rather have eastmond or denilson in the holding role!? thank fek song is back this week!
TOPGUN14
*this* set of games.
Naijagunner
I'd be fairly happy with a point undernormal circumstances .... but we need 3 points going into Sunday. This is so crucial. COME ON BOYS!
Rocky7
Three points and United going to extra time tonight!
TOPGUN14
Is Ramsey injured? I would have given him and Deilson the holding job between them. A lot more crucial passes could be launched from deep. Eastmond is a good prospect but back at his old stomping ground at right back against Wolves hes got found wanting alittle bit and his confidence must be a bit checked.
Really want Eduardo to start the ball rolling .. into the back of the net. Anyone want to lend him a pair of Nike Netfinders??
herobeard
Sorry was readin g about Wolves vs Liverpool (HAHAHAHA) and wrote them instead of Stoke(Brasil sic).
Apologies. HB
herobeard
If we can concentrate on our defending and not give away sloppy goals, then we've got every chance. C'mon you Gunners!!!
Gooner_Vin
If you try to demean the FA Cup by not putting your best team out then you deserve all you get.
denno4
In the invincibles season we played 4 similar games back to back I think, United (lge), Chelsea (ECL), United (FA Cup), Chelsea (ECL). We started off with an unconvincing draw against united and the rest was history. we never got any momentum going and didnt win 1 of the games. Tonight we have to be looking at 3 points to get that momentum going.
iceman10
Demean? Bit different when ur going for the Championship with our injuries denno4
TOPGUN14
Never seen a more magnanimous comment from a spurs fan here spursnomad. Cheers.
deltaforce
spursnomad, who are you and how did such an intelligent spurs fan come to our site? :-) And who's this idiot denno4? // You guys see this quote from Senderos (Guardian) re Arsenal: "They gave me a fair chance. But at big clubs you have a lot of players and two or three games a week and, if they come in and do well, they will take your place. That’s what happened to me. I don’t think I’ve been unfairly treated apart from the last few months but even then the players in the team were doing well and staying in. I am not bitter at leaving. Arsenal are a big club who gave me a lot and I owe a lot to them. They took me from Switzerland when I was 18 and I got to play in a Champions League final and to win the FA Cup. I am proud to say I was an Arsenal player but I couldn’t go on not playing every week. I needed to move. I didn’t just move to Everton for opportunities, I’ve moved to Everton because it’s a massive club and I can see myself growing as a player and as a man here.” CLASS ACT. I really do think we need to win tonight if we want to win the league (tho I don't think we will) because we won't beat Chelsea at the Bridge (hoping for a draw). Nice to see our injury list getting better, I just hope our players go out there with a vengeance tonight -- no passengers, no laziness, no drop in concentration. Fortunately for us, Villa have a few key players out injured.
jaelle
Does anyone know if there are any pubs around Ashburton Grove that will somehow have this match showing live?
Gooner_Vin
come on arsenal come on arsenal. please ur neighbours need a win from you tonight and i also would rather a classy team like ARSENAL won the League than UNITED or CHELSEA. I love watching arsenal play when they click and i can see 1-3 win for u tonight. 2 from the best CM in Europe Cesc and Eddy to finally grab 1.
black-messi
Glad to have Samir, and Bendtner back for tonight, even if it's on the bench.
Come on Arsenal!!!
hackneyval
nothing but a villa win here im afraid
Dan_83
We need to come out of the block in this game, opponents in the previous four matches have analysed our weakness in starting games slowly (we have only scored once in the opening 15 minutes this season) and in the last four games we have conceded first in the opening 15 minutes (Bolton away from home we didn't concede but they did have the ball in the back of the net). Villa will want to get revenge after the humilating defeat in December. A draw would not be two points dropped but a point gained but WE ARE THE ARSENAL AND WE WILL WIN! COME ON YOU GUNNERS!
gronedrone
Dan_83, perhaps its time you came out of the closet and tell us which team you support.
deltaforce
club level season ticket to arsenal
Dan_83
Sure, you do sound like some people I have seen at Club level.
deltaforce
Bad news..Vermaelen has been taken off because of an injury. Campbell is on. 35 mins up and its been a very sluggish start for us. Have'nt got our passing game going at all.
deltaforce
Oh dear. I can't watch. Does TV's injury look serious?
ArsenalRob
Oh, and when I said I can't watch, I meant that literally by the way. And I wasn't talking about my TV being injured. I'm just not near a TV (television), ok?
ArsenalRob
Is it just me or have almost all goal kicks/distributions gone to Villa?! They started better. I hope we keep soaking up the pressure and that the Verminator's not too badly injured. Sol did okay against Stoke to be fair, interesting to see a Gallas/Sol partnership.
GoonerLou
we haven't even gone into first gear. will be glad with a 0-0 half time score.
NeoGunner
Ditto, Lou, re Gallas and Sol. Villa are also getting away with an awful lot of fouls and shirt pulls. We're just not in this game, not yet anyway.
jaelle
Yeah Lou, I bet Sol never thought he'd be partnering William Gallas at Arsenal at the age of 35 when he walked out in that West Ham game!
ArsenalRob
Got what you meant ArsenalRob! TV 5's injury seemed more like bruising to my untrained eye. Did'nt look like anything more serious. Hope its just that.
deltaforce
!!!!! Freaking hell, Cesc's shot hits the bar in extra time of the first half. Rosicky and Ramsey nearly collide and wreck the chance on the rebound.
deltaforce
OOOhhhh, Cescy...
ArsenalRob
post not bar
Dan_83
0-0 after the first half. Highlights - Almunia made a good save from Agbonlahor earlier in the first half. Friedel made a good save from a Denilson shot. Ashley Young and Fabregas missed free kicks and Cesc hit the post at the end of the half.
deltaforce
0-0 HT sounds like a good scoreline to me given the circumstances. Shame Cesc hit the post - it'll keep Villa alert. Sounds like we may need Nik and Sam, I hope they're fit and up for it.
ArsenalRob
Yeah AR, I agree, Sam could come in for Ramsey who has been a bit dissapointing and Bendtner could come in for Eduardo.
deltaforce
B52 would trouble the Villa CB's more than Edu thats for sure.I think we need to come inside more bring in Cesc and ramsey to allow Arshavin and Rosicky to make the runs
ajwb
by the way chaps = we havent won this season when le tiss has commentated on ssn....
Dan_83
Hmmm, I'd like to pull Tommy back to CM for Ramsey (unless he can get more involved) and get Sam at RM, possibly with Nik up front for Edu.
ArsenalRob
Dan_83 what's with the trolling why don't you just F off, we all know you are not a gooner, its so sad when someone is this dedicated to trolling.
gronedrone
Oh and thanks for that cracking bit of info spuddie. It's completely changed my perception of global football. Why don't you tell Gordon Brown. Maybe it will sort the recession out too.
ArsenalRob
Oh at least a Friedel save there. We're doing better it seems. Agree on Bendtner, who could bring a different dimension to our game. For now there's no point in lumping the ball up, giving it back to Villa. We're more dangerous on the ground at the moment.
GoonerLou
spuddie... good one! i know more about arsenal than you ever will - im just very superstitious
Dan_83
Clichy's one of Villa's best players tonight.
jaelle
Disgraceful challenge by Heskey on Fab 4 from behind. Yellow card. Fab seems ok.
deltaforce
What's Heskey doing there?! He just been warned just 2 mins ago. Doing that scissors thing on Cesc. The ref should have given him a second yellow for that nonstop complaining despite his clear foul lol..
GoonerLou
It's open season on us after the Gallas tackle, and the refs won't do a thing.
jaelle
Clichy does seem to be struggling to contain Young. Oh no....now Eduardo seems to have tweaked his hamstring. He is receiving treatment.
deltaforce
If you're so superstitious go and get some positive superstitions. No matter how much you know about Arsenal, you're no better (well, maybe just a tiny bit) than a spud if you're constantly spreading D&G.
ArsenalRob
!!!! Damn it, Rosicky hits the post from close range now. Should have scored after some fabulous work by Arshavin.
deltaforce
Enter NB52... I'm phyched for him. How he'd turn the boo-boys around if he could do something special tonight...
ArsenalRob
Too much to expect from his first game back, AR. Verm and Dudu injured. Of course.
jaelle
Bendtner on for Eduardo. 25 mins + extra time to go.
deltaforce
It's certainly a lot to expect, but he's a determined lad and has been training for a while. AW wouldn't have bought him on so early with the scores at 0-0 if he thought he couldn't handle it.
ArsenalRob
2 injuries..big gamble by Wenger not to buy this month
ajwb
Ah, Eduardo injured too? How did that one look?
ArsenalRob
Quite bad Rob :/
ajwb
oh dear... ankle? hamstring?
ArsenalRob
I'm guessing hamstring/other muscle pull he stopped while chasing the ball down
ajwb
Nasri on for Rosicky.
deltaforce
bendtner has got the most amazing chest control
gronedrone
Pity, although maybe he'll forget his bad form post-injury? There'll be a lot of pressure on Nick in these coming weeks if Dudu's out.
ArsenalRob
Yeah, I've often thought that gronedrome. Reminds me of Bergkamp/Ibrahimovic. How's Ramsey been getting on 2nd half by the way? Surprised to see Rosicky go off instead of him. That better not have been an injury as well...
ArsenalRob
Was surprised to see TR 7 substituted. He was playing well in the second half. Did'nt look like an injury though..(hopes).
deltaforce
Our mid as done ok,maybe Deni as struggled out of position and most of villa's play via the wings
ajwb
Great counter attack from us. Bendtner missing out on taking a shot on goal.
deltaforce
Ramsey has been doing well in the middle of the park but we are not clicking in the final third, Sol Campbell looks like he's never been away. Rosicky was brought off because he doesn't have the stamina to last the full 90 mins.
gronedrone
fu(k me
ajwb
0-0 Fulltime fair result
ajwb
shame the villans had to resort to diving to hold onto that point... oh well
TPowell
0-0 at full time. Bendtner definitely made a positive difference when he came on. He won the long balls and contributed very well to our approach play. He did freeze when it came to the final third though. Hopefully thats something he will sort out with more game time. Denilson and Clichy were below par. Ramsey played well in the 2nd half to make up for an ordinary first half. Cesc was good with some exceptional play mixed with some ordinary play. Roll on to Sunday.
deltaforce
Forgot about Sol. Excellent job standing in for Vermaelen. Well done!
deltaforce
Yeah 0-0 sounds fair. Despite Villa's great effort in stopping us from getting the passing game going, we actually did enough to win the game. Pure bad luck on Cesc and Rosicky hitting the woodwork. Oh brilliant btw, Man Utd leading 2-1, 3-3 agg in the 85th min, means extra time is on the cards.
GoonerLou
I'm tempted to go all D&G about this result but I won't. Not till all these 4 games are done anyway. :-) A draw at Villa isn't a bad result, but not great. Interesting to see what Bendtner's presence immediately showed, how he changed the look of our attack. Not bad for a first appearance after 3 months. Really hope Song can play on the weekend.
jaelle
And Utd are heading for extra time v. City, so they'll be tired. And Rio won't play.
jaelle
With Bendtner and Song back, we finally have a proper CF and DM in the team... hopefully it won't be too late. Damn we deserved to win today
TPowell
Oh, and I just have to say F--K, Birmingham! You go on this amazing unbeaten run smashing all before you and totally wilt and bend over for the chavs, geezus!
jaelle
Villa will be happy with the point, we wont but it certainly is a point a gained not two lost. I thought Campbell would never be able to play at the top level again, I have been proved wrong. I hope you understand why their is so much anymosity directed at you Dan_83, you represent everything that is wrong with the some Arsenal supporters, all I think of when I see your name is the eboue booing, the song mauling, etc. Anyways it looks like United are going into extra time in the beer cup.
gronedrone
Always feels dissapointing when you hit bars and posts but fail to score, but a decent result given the circumstances. Personally, I'd be happy with away draws and home wins from these 4 games. Damn, Rooney's just scored for Man U.
ArsenalRob
Yeah GoonerLou, we did do enough to win the game. Our defence barring Clichy (who did try hard) was up to the task today and we soaked up the pressure and hit them well in the second half on the counter. Couldn't finish off the attacks in the final third. Too much passing and not enough shots on goal.
deltaforce
Oh wait, Rooney just scored... Sh$%
gronedrone
utd. win, but will definitely be tired after this game
TPowell
Strangest protest gimmick I've ever seen, these yellow and green scarves from the Utd fans. Rooney scores. City's out. More games for Utd and the arrogant City fans get to cry. Not a bad result.
jaelle
Oh Jaelle we said that too soon eh?! Now Rooney's headed a 91th min goal to send the Mancs to Wembley. (Hope I said this too soon too.)
GoonerLou
Actually, Lou, Utd getting the CC cup doesn't bother me, it's a dime-a-dozen borefest, frankly. Until this year I would've been rooting for City but I've had enuf of their fans for one season. Amazing how money turns perfectly nice, rational people into lunatics.
jaelle
That said, Rooney at the Grove is a scary prospect at the moment.
jaelle
Oh, Well 0v0 seems a fair result!
Damn those injuries!
Please, Please Please Mr Wenger Buy a Player or two!!!!
hackneyval
It was a fair result. Arsenal were not that great, and Villa were more comfortable throughout the 90 mins. Sol was solid - thank God Wenger signed coz I cannot imagine how Silvestre would have coped with Gabby & Heskey. Wenger HAS to sign another striker - atleast till he finds out why we have so many injuries. It doesnt matter how many players come back, coz there are always replacements for them as well, in the treatment room. Denilson had a poor game, and really needs to be more solid if he has to play the DM role.
prits
0-0 is not a fair result, we did enough to win... beside the first Gabby shot, did they really have any real shots on goal? Too bad Bendtner wasn't fit enough to start this game, would have made a huge difference.
TPowell
Not sure how to feel about this result, villa are a very good team and normally I'd be a happy with a draw away from home but it seems that we had the better chances so I'm a bit disappointed. Still 1st of our tough run-in matches over and we didn't lose.
Dberg
If we can stop the supply to Rooney we should win the game against United. It would be nice if Wenger could bring a striker similar to Bendtner on loan for the rest of the season because if Bendtner picks up a niggle (which is reasonable to presume giving the lengthy period he has been out). I never seen anyone pluck the ball out of the air with his chest so many times in match (his chest must be made of cotton).
gronedrone
A draw may sound fair. But we actually had more chances to win the game than Villa did, especially in the 2nd half. We had 8 shots on target (though some of them went to Fridel and their defenders), versus their 2. And 4 of our shots went off target, versus their 6. Otherwise we're pretty equal everywhere you look. The Villans seem to think they're the unlucky team not to get the win, but I think otherwise (marginally).
GoonerLou
Vermaelen left on crutches - suspected broken fibula. Feckin bleak.
nikolaijns
Yeah you guys made a good point about Bendtner's 'cotton chest'! I used to see the ball bounce off him quite a bit, but today his chest control was great. Sol deserves some credit too, having been out of the top top level for such a long time, he's shown why Wenger signed him and let Senderos go. I think he's not just ahead of Senderos and Silvestre (clearly) at CB, in fact he looked so comfortable there that his loss of a yard of pace wasn't so noticeable against Villa's pacy forwards with his positional sense and reading of the game. Gallas/Sol is indeed interesting. Hope the Verminator's okay of course. But I wouldn't be sweating seeing Sol against Man Utd as I would seeing Silvestre there. Rooney's a real handful, really interesting now.
GoonerLou
Bloody hell Niko.....Well, we cant expect Campbell to play every game so soon....hope and pray that the scans show otherwise..Otherwise there is no doubt we have to loan/ buy another defender.
deltaforce
Oh bugger - we indeed need Sol to contain Rooney now...
GoonerLou
And a striker delta if thats dudus hamstring which is a few weeks, go balls out for Huntelaar on loan for the rest of the season please!
nikolaijns
where did yu get that info from niko?
luckys_10
Sol did great tonight but he can't keep that up twice a week, senders leaving is a timely kick in the plums. :(
nikolaijns
the anchorwazzock on Sky sports news luckys
nikolaijns
******** we just don't have any luck with injuries, oh please god let it just be bruising. Striker and defender definately needed now.
Dberg
is Huntelaar eligable for the cl? my mate is telling me he hasnt featured for milan in europe..
luckys_10
Hearing Vermaelen has broken his leg?
iceman10
oh damn, is there anyway we can call Senderos back from his loan spell?
luckys_10
Are you effing kidding me? TV out now? I cant cope
ajwb
I agree Niko. Its all well for AW to say that he cant get players who are available and are better than what we have but these are special circumstances now. Our injury situation is approaching absolutely alarming levels and there is no doubt that we will struggle to last the pace in the season with 15 league games + champs league games to go. Hope AW shows his pragmatic side.
deltaforce
wtf, broke his leg, didnt look so bad when he came off. this injury curse, when is it going to leave us..
luckys_10
We start our first choice back four for the first time since late October and it only lasts 30 mins. Song is now the only Arsenal player not to have been injured this season. (Mannone and Szczesny not included)
gronedrone
You know what though despite these two new injuries I have no faith that we'll pull anything out be it loans or signings whatever. You just know we're going to wing it bunging song in as CB and hoping Bendtner is going to find top form so soon after spending months out. Given our injury track record we've been winging it for so long now. Whats another few months?
nikolaijns
We are going to be held to ransom these next few days and I hope Arsene can find it to swallow his bargain hunting pride for the sake of our season.
nikolaijns
Well yeah Niko, but we're real contenders mounting a proper title challenge now.. I hope the boss is just leaving it late. Whoever it is, we need a striker!
GoonerLou
Where didi you hear TV broke his leg? I've only seen that story on a blog, nothing remotely close to an 'official' source.
elbondo
Wenger still has his eye on the market for players but I'm very skeptical of a defender being signed especially now with Smallings going to United. If Gallas gets injured Wenger will probably opt for Campbell and Song. But I woulnd't rule out Wenger signing a striker. Lets not forget Wenger was close to signing a striker to replace Adebayor in the summer (Chamakh). And now we don't have RVP for the rest of the season, Dudu just got injured, Bendtner's returning from a long term injury. It would be very risky if Wenger didn't make a deal for a striker in the next few days.
gronedrone
Stick or twist time for Arsene, I dont believe he doesnt have any targets its just a case of whether he will pay the price the clubs want. Cant complain with a point against a side that dont lose many at home and have beaten Chelsea, Liverpool, United and drawn with the spuds and Man city.
iceman10
Denilson and Clichy are absolutely terrible for Arsenal. I'd have Traore anyday.
Will-i-am10
Cheer up lads! It won't be over till the weekend. Let's hope there's some cash in the coffers.
hodfoundgodwithapass
Not the best performance from us, for whatever reason. We couldn't seem to get our game going. Villa were determined to make amends from the game earlier in the season. Like most people, I truly believe we need to make a signing, even for a bit of a boost. As much as I love him, Eddie just doesn't seem right. Whether it's him, the system, or both, I don't know. But at least we didn't lose.
Gooner_Vin
Oh no Eileen is back and has got a semi on bcos we drew with Villa away.
iceman10
Hi iceman10, never enter a battle of wits unarmed!
hodfoundgodwithapass
Im armed and dangerous with a turnatable and a copy of Diamond lights. Stand Back.
iceman10
I call your Diamond lights, and raise with Ossie's going to Wembley.
hodfoundgodwithapass
Woke up this morning feeling less positive about our prospects. Seeing Chelsea with a 2 point lead, with a game in hand, and a couple of winnable games coming up, especially compared to ours, doesn't fill me with optimism. And I am completely exasperated by our injuries. As for the game last night, Cesc (supported by Vermaelen) is our only true force at the moment and he simply can't do it by himself all the time. Rosicky, Arshavin, Eduardo are just flitting in and out of games. IMO we're going to need a fit Cesc, Song, Vemaelen, Nasri and a new striker to have any chance of silverware this season.
Gooner_Vin
Bendtner was really good coming of the bench yesterday & nasri looked ok too. Denilson was awful with Clichy not much better. I get frustrated even talking about our injures, i think Wenger must of run his car in to a mirror factoy because we are so unlucky with out injuries. Everyone of our players has spent time on the sidelines with the exception of Gallas. In the last few seasons we have had so many long term injuries or players ruled out for the season.
paul_ownz
I agree Paul. Arshavin could be counted as another player who has been fit. Touchwood.
deltaforce
Bendtner (especially) and Nasri surprised me, tbh; but Denilson doesn't look 100% almost like he can't wait for Song and Diaby to relieve him. I feel the lads had the game on Sunday in their heads a little and must be up for it. Like I have opined before, a draw away to Villa is not all bad, even though we did enough to get 3 points. There are still many more games to play and we are going to play our toughest in a 2 weeks stretch and may relax to take on other games, afterwards. Unless there is a major capitulation, I can't see why we won't remain up there and surprise a few people, eventually, in May.
Naijagunner
I think Vermaelen has been our second best perfromer all season and our most consistent! I thought we'd finally braught in a player who was uninjury-proned steel! Ah well, i guess now he's really part of the team?
FuiKaka
Injuries are always a risk. There was a chance that someone else would get injured once Bendtner got back. Chelsea and ManU are becoming stronger in the 2nd half of the season. I hope Wenger signs atleast 2 more - 1 striker, and a defender. I dont want to see Silvestre against Chelsea/Pool.
prits
Well, well, what do you know? The FA Disciplinary commitee and Rio just handed us an equaliser, Rio got himself a 4 match ban.
deledudu
Once again, Denilson really wasn't bad at all. He was clearly one of our better players.
Tom14
Great News Verminator has NOT broken leg! Just read it on Arsenal website!!!
hackneyval
Tom, I like Denilson's ability to read the game, tackle cleanly and shoot from distance very much but his game has really been off in the last 3 games. Perhaps the back injury has affected his mobility.
deltaforce
Awesome news indeed hackneyval! Some good luck finally. Vermaelen, Diaby and Eduardo are sure to miss the Man U game though. Sol will once again be in the hot seat against the Mancs but hopefully things will be fine. Eboue and Song have been included in the squad for Sunday.
deltaforce
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