5 Star Ozil, World Cup Draws & Man United Preview

Image Credit: Twitterdotcom #WorldcupDraw

A five star performance second half blitz orchestrated by the much polarising German Ozil saw the gunners cruise to Victory. Cruise it seems by the score line but for a better part of the first half the gunners were anything but cruising. Wagner's boiz were still in the game till the gunners got their act together with the wizard of Oz waving the magic wand while Ramsey helped his orchestra. In the end the 5-0 scoreline to the Arsenal may not reflect the true nature of the game but a win is a win, a boost to the GD column, the clean sheet plus our "impeccable" form at the Emirates remains preserved. I will take it all, thank you.

In other news besides the continued revolution going on with our back-room staff, the 2018 world cup draws was held earlier today at the Kremlin with Putin in attendance, how glorious it must have been, too bad the US wouldn’t be part of the fiesta. Anyway, the qualifying countries now know who their group opponents are. For Nigeria, we are in the famous Group D, no surprises there, and we have been drawn with ooooh wait, Argentina agaiiinn. No surprises there too.

Group D

Argentina, Croatia, Iceland, Nigeria.

A tricky group even if it's not the proverbial group of death. We must get at least a result from our first game against the Croats. Its going to be tough but we can do it. I am at least hoping we can. Its time to ask FIFA , hey guys what’s with your loving us with Argentina….like seriously.

Now moving on to the BIG one at the weekend. Arsenal welcome Man United to the Emirates this weekend. The game carries so much significance in different ways. Both Teams were hitherto perennial title challengers before the coming of Roman, both coaches have such bromance between them nothing much needs to be said, both teams don't currently have spectacular away form in the league.  Both teams boast a devastating Attack when the players click. Now with that being said, Mourinho clearly the better head to head record. The “only one” has won 8 of his last 17 meets with Wenger compared to Arsene's 2W. Only one has come in the league when he finally broke his Mourinho hoodoo last season. This time around the gunners are on a perfect home run that goes back 12 games without dropping a point at home. Can we maintain such impeccable run against the Mancs? We know Man United has not got a stellar away form this season with so many dropped points on the road, one can only wish they continue such generosity against us. Having said all of that, Mourinho remains a savvy tactician who is a formidable foe whether you agree or not. Despite my dislike for him, one still has some modicum of respect for his nous if not his offensive personal character. I would expect the gunners to play with at least the same level of intensity and diligence shown against Chelsea and most profitably recently Tottenham. Ramsey Alexis Xhaka Wellbz Iwobi/Ozil will be key in the initial pressing with Bellz and Kolasinac adding some extra push forward. Xhaka and Koscielny need to cut out those faffing wayward passes that we saw against Huddersfield or else... When the chances come, they must be taken by us. Losing Lacazette is a blow but so would manage United claim with the possible absence of Matic, he has made them more dynamic in the middle. The game will likely brain in the middle of the park, so we need to seize control by imposing the duo of Ramsey and Ozil on the game. We can then proceed to take it from there. It's a difficult game to call no doubt but one which if we maintain our discipline balanced with being clinical, we can win. That's a huge mighty IF!!!

My predicted lineup will be as shown below

Subs: Ospina, Mertz, Iwobi, Welbeck, Wilshere, Walcott, Neny, Coq

Image Credit: The Uk Guardian Online

 Santa may not be here for Christmas or even the next one. Yeah, sad news for Santi Carzola who suffered another setback to his recovery, undergoing yet another operation making it the 9^th one since his injury last year, our hearts go out to him, wishing him speedy recovery. I guess that’s it from us, hopefully we get the 3-points clean sheet and no more injuries, do enjoy the game where ever you are….Ciaooo

Backroom Shake Ups & Huddersfield Preview

Image Credit: Arsenaldotcom

  Hi peoples, this will be a quick and short one, in naija we call it Shap shap (I don’t kno why some peeps spell it sharp sharp after all its pidgin naija style. Anyway lets move on to things football and Arsenal to be precise okay? The gunners travelled to to turf moor over the weekend and snatched 3 points at the dearth albeit controversially we must say. That was a scalping smash and grab we did to the Clarets. One must feel for Burnely, not just fo the goal but for the way/time t came. It was practically the last kick of the game that Alexis scored from the penalty spot despite the goalkeeper guessing the right way, it slipped in beneath his armpits. I love football but it can be cruel at times. Sean Dyche’s Boiz really had us against the ropes in the first 45minutes and Cech had to be at his agile best to help keep us in the game, it was one of those battles that as it wore on, you just knew wasn’t going to be easy and it definitely wasn’t. We came out better in the second half pinning them in for long stretches but couldn’t find the net, Ramsey should have done better when picked out by Lacazette but he couldn’t find the right finish. The game needed just a stroke of luck or genius and the latter came in the dying embers of stoppage time. Ramsey was clattered into and got a penalty awarded (a soft one at that) Alexis duly stepped up to slot home for a slim one nil win. The clarets were gutted again for a third time in a row against the gunners……coincidence?? I don’t know, I will just take the 3 points, a first time look into the top four and hopefully continue to build from there. Cech feels more optimistic, saying hopefully we have turned the corner and could challenge for the title, well hopefully. I look at City, with the way they seem to be on Cruise and I say we were never in the title race at all. That being said, a win is a win, add the extra gloss of a clean sheet, what’s not to like. A good team as they say has to find ways to win even when they aren’t at their best or the opposition is proving to be a tough nut, the gunners have done that again. They need to do it more consistently though, Cech was right to also put that condition in.

In other news, our back room staff shake up continues with another acquisition. Arsenal have confirmed the appointment of Raul Sanllehi as head our new football relations replacing Dick Law. Raul was the former director of football at Barcelona, quite a coupe if you ask me. This is in line with the much needed change in the player recruitment department especially following the appointment of Sven Mislintat as chief scout last week if you recall. Lets see if they can bring their magic touch to the club as well as help change the status quo of Wenger being the all powerful and mighty one in those terms.

The gunners entertain Huddersfield in a midweek encounter, with Spurs in some kind of wobble after 1D 2L since the NLD it’s a great opportunity for the boiz to put some more distance between us and them, add the bonus of cementing our top four positions to it, you know there’s a lot to play for. While I know the league is faaaar away, we need to keep the momentum going by winning game by game. Huddersfield claimed a famous scalp when the beat Man United a few weeks ago, they currently sit 13^th on the EPL log, with a form of 2W 3L in the last 5 league games. There is no doubt the gunners are the favourites to win this…. on paper at least but if there is anything football has shown time and again, it’s that you don’t win games on paper but by getting down dirty to do the needful on the field of play. That’s where the boys have to get their heads in right direction by maintaining their focus, Man United is a distraction right now, Huddersfield is the task at hand stay grounded and not take Huddersfield for granted Man United can attest to that. The midfielders must pay attention to Mooy and Ince especially who were again impressive in their loss against Man City this past weekend.

I really hope we can maintain our “impeccable” home form by chucking another win be it by a slim 1 nil to the Arsenal, I will take that. Again Man United at the weekend is one I am sure the Boss and the players will have at the back of their mind but we have to beat what’s in front of us now before then. My predicted line up will have a few tweak’s with Ozil coming back into the fray and Iwobi on the bench.

Subs: Ospina, Giroud, Per, Walcott, Welbz, Neny, Coquelin, Iwobi 

Image Credit: The UK Guardian Online 

     There you go, please remember to follow us on our social media platforms by clicking the link here or you can subscribe to our blog posts so you never miss a post, its straight to your email. That's it from us, do enjoy the game wherever you are #COYG.......Ciaaoo 

Bloody North London & Köln Preview

Image Credits: Liveonscoredotcom

“Now that’s how you supposed to shoot, from now on that’s how you shoot. I want my next partner to shoot like that woooooo!!” A very apt quote from Mike Lowery aka Will Smith from the second instalment of the Bad Boy series. A very crazy crazy bunch of explosive cacophony of comedy mixed with flying bullets and high speed chases. For me that’s how you are supposed to play to beat the Spurs, from now on that’s how we play. See I totalIy want our next opponents to be played like that  wooooo!

When Wenger said the gunners had no fear in his quote:

“We have no fear, we are focused on nullifying their strengths and expressing ours. Tottenham are a good side but we have the quality to win the game.” He actually meant it.

 The gunners picked a derby to back him up by finally showing up to do the job of men displaying some BIG cajones. The performance was very disciplined, full of hearty commitment, just go ask Man of the match Mesut özil or close second Mustafi, and mostly utterly dominant from us. For all the talk about power shift in North London which in fairness may have some credence to such, the Arsenal of Old that we have all grown to love came to the party. The team pulled themselves together to teach Spurs a good lesson of football. Make no mistake, its just a match with the same 3points at stake but there was pride that needed to be salvaged as well. Everybody stood to be counted which was great. We all know the team is capable of doing this, one just needs to look back to the Chelsea and City games to realise they have it in them. The main difference here is we finished with a flourish by winning. Why the Team cant seem to bring this top performance out of their locker week in week out, is the only gripe I have about the NLD match, but that’s a discussion for another day. They had a must win match against our fircest derby rivals they went out and gave us a performance matched with 3 points and a clean sheet to booth. I will definitely take it, lets have more of those boizz.

Down to earth from the derby win high, its Spursday Thursday night football in the Europa League, and we travel to visit FC Koln. Arsenal sit top of the group with 10points while Koln bring up the rear just 3. Nothing but pride for them to play for, while we have to make sure we show maturity and avoid defeat. We have qualified for the next round of 32 so we know this is just a test drive more like. The coach has maintained using fringe players for this competition. We would be expecting a lot of changes as it were, Ospina may return in goal for Macey, Mertz will probably replace Kos to lead from the back and a flurry of other changes. The key thing is to help those on the fringes of the team get match playing time and maintain fitness for the likes of Jack, Mustafi and Welbeck if the coach uses them.

In other news, the gunners have poached BVB’s head scout Sven Mislintat. Quite a coup that is if ask me, for those wondering who he is, well he lead the team responsible for unearthing gems like Lewandoski, Kagawa, Dembele, Aubamayang and co. Hopefully he can help work his magic at the Colney as things have been a little stagnated in terms of spotting the next gen talent. Adding him to the guy we tapped from Leicester and the back room staff is gradually shaking up for some recalibration which we all know is long overdue. For transfers, we are looking to snap Goretzka up from Shalke 04 on a free, just like Sead Kolasinac he is out of contract by the end of the season and doesn’t wanna renew. We just might be getting another bargain of the season but lets see how that goes.

Aiite there you have it, lets hope the boyz can get the job done with win and a clean sheet to boot. Don’t forget to like us on our FB page and leave us your commnts/feedback. Do enjoy the game wherever you are…….Ciaoo

Bloody November & NLD Preview

Ok football is back with the international break over, Nigeria drew with Algeria then made news as we beat Argentina 4-2 mercilessly “Messi”lessly jaare…Oh well its still a win over one of them BIG teams in the world of football, with Iwobi scoring a brace on that night. What’s not to like? I will take it…Yaaayyyy! Good one boiz we know “Argentina is one of the highly ranked football association in Nigeria”….. LOLLLL!!.

Anyway back to Arsenal folks. Its always very difficult coming back home to roost after enduring a loss like that, I am talking the City game of course. You didn’t think we were going to forget about it despite the last weekend hiatus over the international break? Oooo you did? Wenger launched an attack on the refereeing decision as we paid with two goals for two errors. I hate to blame that as the reason for the gunners’ loss, but one can’t just gloss over those two incidents like they never happened. The gunners gave a performance worthy of commendation and one can only wish that we show such high levels in all games regardless of the opposition. For a neutral, it was a good match between two Big teams willing to have a go at each other. Man City may be the champions elect going by the way they have been brushing most opposition aside with ease but I am sure Pep will agree this match was much tougher than anticipated. Wenger did not mince words rapping the referee after the loss:

 "I feel they don’t work enough," Wenger said. “The referees don’t work enough because the level drops every season at the moment. Overall, it’s unacceptable what has happened. The physical level is very good,” Wenger added. “But the decisions… the third goal, at 2-1 we are in the game, he gives a clear offside goal and of course that kills the game for us. Last year we conceded two offside goals as well. Of course, they are a top team but on top of that it makes life difficult for you.”  

Petr Cech was a little less caustic taking the more diplomatic route in his assessment of the refs decisions:

“I can’t really comment on the penalty incident because I had the players running from a completely different angle to the referee. Suddenly I saw Sterling falling and the referee’s decision. At the moment, without seeing anything on the TV, I can’t really comment on that. The third goal, I was surprised when it went in because I thought Silva was far [in front] of everybody. But again, the referee has a better view than I did and you have to accept the decision. I think the referees have a difficult enough job. They need to make their decisions. If he got it right or wrong, I don’t know, but  obviously the third goal made a difference because it took away the opportunity for us to find the equaliser”
Anyway all in all City was the etter team, but then I feel we pushed them enough to eck out a result, one could look at the missed chances by Aguero and Sterlin especially but just maybe, an itsy bitsy maybe the gunners deserved a point.

Moving on, it tiny Totts paying the reds of London a visit at the emirates. Yeah, in case you don’t know, it’s the NORTH LONDON DERBY! Couldn’t have said any bolder. Spurs have been on an ascension for the past 3 years now, in fact since Poch became their coach. They have gradually gelled into a formidable unit. One has to look at their draw at the Bernabeu and the subsequent home demolition of the Los Blancos two weeks later in the champions league and you know they are not to be trifled with. Now on top of that, we are the owners of Spursday this season plus Wenger hasn’t beaten Pochetino since he became manager at whitehart lane. The signs are suddenly not looking too swell for the gunners. Then there is the Kane factor, you know like Drogba is for Chelsea Rooney for Man United/Everton so is he for Spurs when they meet Arsenal, these guys seem to have an annoying knack for scoring against the gunners. It’s like going into a game 0-1 down even before the ref’s whistle. Although he is just returning from injury so i hope not this time. In terms of the form book which goes out the window on any derby day like this one, Spurs also shade it a bit 5W 1L in 6 matches as against the gunners 4W 2L in 6 matches. Its going to be a cracker I tell you.

The midfield battle will be very key, Ramsey is beginning to show more nous in his role as a box to box player, coupled with Coquelins tackling and Xhaka’s passing range(not the silly ones), we can match any team as we saw against the Mancs and Chelsea earlier in the season.  In attack, both teams have game changing match winners so it down to who wants it more. The gunners cant afford anymore dropped points at this point. The fabled November form or not, we cannot afford to drop points. Hopefully we can maintain our hitherto 100% home form but still impeccable in the league. A win is what we need, a draw would be meeeeh but a loss, Cheiii! Lets not even entertain such a terrible outcome please. Team selection is a bit of a headache with some key players coming back like Mustafi and Welbeck although Giroud is out with a knock while on international duty. The energy in the middle of the park has to be right so playing Ozil is a bit of as gamble but I will start him, We also must watch closely their counter attack. Here is my predicted line up will be as below:

Subs: Macey, Ospina, Walcott, Iwobi, Jack, Welbeck, Mertesacker, El-Neny

 

Image Powered By: The Uk Guardiandotcom

Aiite there you have it, lets hope the boyz can get the job done with 3-points and a clean sheet to boot (think BIG they say). Don’t forget to like us on our FB page here and leave us your comments/feedback. Do enjoy the game wherever you are…….Ciaoo

Gunners in 32 Round & Man City Preview

Image Creds: Arsenaldotcom

Hey folks, a really quick post this shall be okay. Let me ask, did someone really delete the “Whitehouse” twitter account, in preparation for the Japan visit….like really? Does that person wanna be declared a terrorist? Heheheheheheheee! To football, super Sunday fest is nigh and when U look at us and them, one has to ask if we stand a chance against the citizens over the course of 90 minutes? I mean look at them players and the way they have been beasting everyone thus far, quite scary huh. Before we delve into the whole Sunday match up at Man City, lets reeewiiind.

Redstar came to the emirates last Thursday and nicked a point away, tainting the gunners perfect “impeccable” home form Wenger had touted earlier. The serbs came hoping to get a result, any result would do and they did. This puts them in good stead to go through to the next round with the gunners. The game wasn’t exactly lit with excitement in fact it took the latter stages  of the first half before both Keepers had to pull double saves to keep the score line at nil nil. Boakye can look back at his glorious miss when he was put through one on one with Macey, beyond those, the first half was just there. The gunners came into the second half more purposeful and bossed possession for a long spells but the serbs remained unyielding in defence and when Jack thought he had scored after a nice move  saw him chip Borjan for what should have been a goal only for Le’tallec to acrobatically clear off the line. Oouuchhhh! Then Boakye spurned another one on one chance yet again. Nil-nil it ended. Arsenal qualify for the next round of 32.

Now back to the super Sunday league clash against the citizen from the blue half of Manchester, I can say I am looking forward to the match cuz I am not a neutral in this. It’s hard to look past City as the clear favorites in this match up, yet the gunners can’t afford to lose in this. A loss means a 12-point gap opens us after 10 games which is totally not good, a win would be most welcome hehehehehehe, but the gunners must not lose. It would be nice to maintain the seeming momentum we have gathered going ito the next international break so let’s hope the boiz are up for a scrap. The pundits are already passing the title to City after just 10 games and one can argue that they do have a point. Peps side has won 9 of 10 league matches and are conceding less, Bravo has been rightly replaced in goal and the defence looks more balanced if not rock solid, the midfield and attack is where they blow everyone else away so the gunners have to be canny and ruthless, picking our moments and taking chances when they come. Everton who ironically are in a serious mess of a mire are the only ones to have taken points from City this season, here’s hoping the gunners can make it an encore with a smash and grab to nick all 3-points. I like to dream BIG, it’s scary…..LOL.

On a more level keel, I remember how City started the last campaign with 10 straight wins only for the wheels to come off at some point and we all know how that story ended. Anyway they seem to have found their rhythm with KDB Sterling, Silva and Aguero running amok. The gunners can see this as an opportunity to right some wrongs too, Sanchez Ramsey and Lacazette can hurt any team on their day. Elneny/ Xhaka axis has to be super disciplined in midfield while a hungry Ozil, Giroud will come from the bench when legs of the opposition are tired. In all, I would look at the stats which say Arsenal has lost only one in past nine games against city in all competitions, that can become one in last ten if we are able to keep the three above mentioned players super quiet, especially De Bruyne, that guy is ....

 Lets hope so. City will have a lot of early possession and we have to be smart, compact n well drilled in discipline, pressing them from their back line which is still suspect to me, knowing also City would want to play from there. Ramsey Alexis and Lacazette will have to press high up to try and create turn overs or win back the ball. I guess that’s our two cents from here, I do hope i am right ooo. Now don’t forget the comments please, the likes on Facebook @ https://web.facebook.com/anaijagunner/, or follow the hash tag #anaijagunner on twitter. Lastly, Remember Remember the 5^th of November, do enjoy the game wherever you are….....Ciaoo

Close but Still 100% @Emirates & Red Star Belgrade Preview

Image Credit: Arsenaldotcom

Whatsup ma people out there? May the peace and love be upon all souls, especially to the families of the victims who have died in various terrorist attacks in the north east and around the globe. It’s just sad to see such cowardice in bombing innocent people all in the name of religion when some obvious political statement making targets are available. I didn’t mention names though, No I did NOT. Now speaking of politics, have you heard the recent blame game by you know who? Well i suppose the green card beneficiaries were also responsible for the Las Vegas killing spree or the Colorado shootings, or the confederate riots, all in which lives were lost, maybe I don’t know much about national security I guess? At this rate, America will make itself toxic to those trying to bring in venture capital and i am sure China will be glad. I see President Xi Jinping smiling at the White House’s folley, so easy!!

            To football, made in the Arsenal Jaare. We got a slim win last the weekend over the Swans at the emirates, thanks to goals from Kolasinac and Ramsey. I wont wanna Jinx Ramsey but is this going to be another purple patch season for him? Wenger seems to be giving him more freedom these days, the balance is still delicate though and it requires a lot of discipline from the deployed personnel, Ramsey in front of Elneny /Xhaka axis instead of Ramsey on the wings….Just a thought though. Now back to the Swansea game, it was one of two halves from the gunners. Abject and nervous in possession with no end product in the first half, purposeful and more diligent incision in the second half. The gunners needed to respond after going into the break a goal down. The good thing is Wenger spoke into their heads and they did.  The not so good thing is, we seem to want to play Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde most of the time, only showing up late when things go sour?  Ayew’s miss had to be the moment of turn, with lots of credit to Petr Cech for keeping his team in the with that block. These are the minutely fine margins that sometimes go on to decide games. I wouldn’t want to complain too much after getting the much needed 3 points especially knowing you have City and Spurs next in the league respectively, you don’t wanna drop any points going into these games. We also maintained our 100% home record for this season which is great, a form Wenger describes as “impeccable”. For how long will that form hold? Your guess is as good as mine, the gunners need to be more clinical in front of goal for that form to hold out very very long….nuff said

Next stop is the Europa league with the second game in the double header against Red Star Belgrade coming up at the emirates. We all don’t like Thursday night footie but like I said, we made our bed with Wenger, so we might as well lie in it. The Serbians were a tough nut to crack at home with Giroud’s goal the separator of both sides in the last game. Arsenal have the opportunity to qualify for the knock out stage if they can pull off a win tonight. Now that will be nice, winning four games in a row in Europe is no mean feat even if its in the Europa league where the teams aren’t exactly top tier. Arsenal have also never won the Serbians in past meetings before this season so winning two games against them in a row would be a nice twist to the broken jinx.

True to type, Arsene will be doing quite some rotation, with one eye on the super Sunday clash against City. On that wenger was noted saying:

"I must say I am pleased with the quality of our performances in every single competition," said Wenger. It's very difficult to make a change. They all want competition, they all deserve competition because of their quality.

"If you look at the number of minutes played by all of these players since the start of the season, many of them are in very competitive shape and that should be an advantage for the rest of the season."

There you go, expect to see the likes of Walcott Giroud Sanchez and just maybe Nketiah spearheading the attack while Jack, Nielson, Elneny, Niles and Ramsey may be the orchestra in midfield. In the defence we may be a bit short for rotation, with Kolasinac a doubt while Koscielny is playing through pain with his achilles tendon so I guess it Mertz Holding and Monreal again there backed by Cech in goal. It’s a bit unbalanced but Wenger will definitely not bring out the big guns with us sitting pretty at the top of the group plus Man City away a few days from now. The subs will probably have a sprinkling of A list players but more young guns. If the team can maintain focus and collectively defend we might be able to do a double over them into the Knockout round. Red star isn’t without threats of their own as the showed how dangerous they can be onn the counter in the last game so the gunners would have to keep a keen eye on the likes of Boakye, Savic  and Radonjic. Whoever we put out there has to play for the 3 points or at least a draw. Aiite people that’s it from us, do enjoy the game wherever you maybe…..Ciaoooo

AGM Thoughts & Swansea Preview

Image Credit: The Uk Guardian

Interesting times we have at the grove, what with the Arsenal AGM throwing us a few unexpected expectations or is it expect the unexpected?? I mean we all knew how this show of routine “nothing is new but let’s just do it like we care” pantomime would go. Gazidis comes up with the PR spin as always, however bull crap it is. Arsene does his bit, how passionate he is about the classy Arsenal Fc and of course silent Stan Kroenke is himself by being…silent. That’s what we’ve come to expect just maybe juggle the name sequence a bit and there you have it. This year had a bit of drama to it though further letting everyone know that all isn’t well at the grove and if the Arsenal Board were half as smart as they know it all claim to be, they should be listening. When minority members of the board insist on putting Sir Chips Keswick and Kroenke Jnr’s vetoed appointments to the test that tells you a different story. Gazidis and Keswick endured a bit of an embarrassing scrutiny from the Arsenal Trust and Minority members but on the flip side, can you blame those demanding an overhaul of the Arsenal Board. When Gazidis made his myopic comment on how well Arsenal had been performing in the transfer market and on the pitch he was met with hostile hecklers across the room who responded saying losing 10-2 to Bayern in the UCL, you call that successful? The Kroenkes Gazidis and Keswick may have had their play but the push is coming more to shove, who knows how long more before things change? Its clear that the board and the fans are pols apart as regards AMBITION, lets just hope it won’t be as bad as we all think.......I wish

Now to football proper, the Carabao cup round of 16 came and the gunners scrapped into the quaterefinals by a slime great escape 2-1 win over Norwich, the canaries were all set to create an upset up until the 85^th minute when along came an Eddie Nketiah to spoil their party. It was a lucky one for the gunners, and if I was a Norwich fan I would feel hard done by the profligate finishing and the questionable decisions by the referee on the night. Credit to them, they gave the gunners a go on their own turf but for lady luck that night. As for the gunners, well a win is a win but the questions still come up about our defensive organisation, the pass leading to the Norwich goal after we lost the ball casually in midfield was good but we fluffed our lines terribly. On a positive note, Nketiah’s stock is on the rise, as he continues to bang in goals even for his pint size. At just 18 years of age, all the accolades and adulation can get into his head so I hope he stays grounded and focused. Side note, as much as I hate to say it…..he isn’t up there with Rashford yet , let’s not even start to compare….moving on.

The draws for the quarter finals pitches us against the Hammers, Slaven Bilic’s boyz showed grit as they came back from a two-goal deficit to win 2-3 at Spurs. Other fixtures are

Bristol Vs Man Utd, Leicester Vs Man City, Chelsea Vs Bournemouth. I don’t know what to think about this cup, Wenger has never won it, Arsenal has won it only twice in the clubs entire history……you fill in the blanks okay?

Unto the EPL, the gunners have a rare Saturday lunch time date with the swans if you know what I mean. We have been banished to playing a lot of super and not so super Sunday clashes by virtue of our spursday, I mean Thursday commitments in the Europa League, so when we get to play on a Saturday one can’t help noticing it feels different. After Winning away at for the first time this season in the league at Goodison park last week, one hopes the gunners can continue with that verve and panache shown at Everton. Add the fact that we have a 100% home record this season in all competitions, it would be nice to show that again against Swansea this weekend. The Swans can be a tough nut to crack on their day but they are in a not so good form currently with just a win in their last games, losing Fernando Lloriente to Spurs and then Sigurdsson to Everton is proving to be a difficult one to adjust to as they sit in lower half of the lower half of the table, yeah…. the lower half of the lower half.  They still have some potency in Abraham, Ayew and Britton who can hurt you on the counter with their speed and canny abilities. Having said that, the onus is on the gunners to keep it tight in the middle and blitz the Swans with quick passing, slick movement and killer finishing. Will the gunners be able to do that? 90+ minutes will tell, but there is no doubt who the better team is on paper even though we know names don’t win you games. It all depends on the team that wants it more, as Mourinho found out last week. With a very fresh first eleven my predicted line up will be as below.

 Subs: Macey, Niles, Giroud, Walcott, Chambers, Wilshere, Elneny, Coquelin

Image Credit: The Uk Guardian

Aiite there you have it, lets hope the boyz can get the job done with 3-points and a clean sheet to boot. Don’t forget to like us on our FB page here and leave us your comments/feedback. Do enjoy the game wherever you are…….Ciaoo

The Winner iszzz & Norwich Preview

Image Credit: FIFAdotcom

And the winner iszzz,….Olivieerrr "HFB" Giroud, the scorpion King. Applause. Thank you, Mercie, Gracias, Obrigado. Whatever language you speak, it was a night of sports meeting entertainment with glitz n glam from the red carpet to the Opera styled ball room hall. In case you are still wondering, I am talking about the FIFA awards held yester night in the city of London but before we get into it all, let’s roll back and do a recap of the past 3 weeks in Arsenal sphere.

First we must apologize for our absence of in terms of bringing you our usual posts, we have been hit by some unfavorable issues which prevented that, apologies again. Now, a whole lot has happened since our last post just before the international break besides Trump whipping up a storm here and there from the White House to Pueto Rico and back with the NFL taking a knee stance and everything in between.  Nigeria did qualify the 2018 world cup in Russia, Yaaayy dancing alantaaa..... but you already knew that right? This time however, it was without any nail biting mathematical permutations, which in itself is cool for a change. Big Ups to Iwobi for that goal. Arsenal got back to imploding when they had a chance to turn the screw and make up ground. Chelsea had surprisingly lost to Crystal Palace, Man United had drawn at Liverpool and of course Man City had not for the first time put a team to sword,  eviscerating Stoke city 7-1…..Jeeeeeze (Popping eyez), that team!! We lost to Watford after taking the lead and wasting a number of chances, Watford under Marco Silva is looking a different team this season, they beat us, pushed Chelsea and I can say for a fact they will take more points off the BIG boys this season, let’s see how it all pans out.  The gunner rectified their form with a slim 0-1 nil win away at Belgrade, with another beauty of a goal from Giroud again. Moving on Wenger got a wonderful 68^th Birthday gift by a virtuoso display from the players in Arsenal’s 2-5 win away at Everton, unfortunately it was the final nail in the coffin that led to the sack of Maurice Koeman as Everton Manager. The good news didn’t stop there, another one for the gunners as Giroud got the Puskas Award for the best Goal of the 2017-17 league season at “ The Best FIFA Football Awards 2017”. The funny thing is that same goal ddnt win goal of the month or season in the league, wonder what they smoke in the EPL cuz the Carrol goal which is fantastic in its right, didn’t even make the final cut of nominations for the Puskas Award. Our much maligned Giroud scores some great goals, it’s the easy sitter he seems to miss but that’s talk for another day shaa. Anyway the other winners on the night was CR7 for best Male footballer, no surprises there and his coach at Madrid Zizu for Best Coach, Lieke Martens got the nod for Best Female Player award while Sabrina Weigman was Best Female Coach. WORD to Idris Elba for making the night an entertaining one for London’s finest.

Image Credit: Arsenaldotcom

So much for the the red carpets and other paparazzi recaps, let’s get back to the now. Moving on from the win a Goodison park Arsenal face Norwich city in tonight’s Carabao Cup action at the Emirates. Its been a while since we have seen the Canaries in top tier Arenas since their relegation from the EPl seasons back, so I am sure they are gonna relish the opportunity to impress. On the other hand, we also know the Canaries haven’t won any game against the gunners in their last eight attempts, it won’t be good to start now. Arsenal too have their own need to build momentum and consistency, it’s perfectly set up for both teams init? That being said we all know is easier said than done, with Arsenal one never really knows what to expect even though we are in some sort of fine spell of form right now. That is of course if you decide to ignore the blip at Vicarage road last week. feelers from Colney is, Arsene seems to be taking this competition a notch more seriously than he used to based on recent comments which is good. He says:

“I always used [the League Cup] to give a chance to young boys,” he added. “We went to the final with a very young team and nearly won it. 

“I always focus on winning trophies in the Premier League and FA Cup domestically, and always used the League Cup as an education for our young players. 

“But with this team I have the squad to go further, so let’s see. Let’s focus on winning the match against Norwich and then we’ll see where we will go.”    

He intends to use a mix of experience and youth, hopefully they can get the job done tonight and move to the next round. Team sheet will likely have Walcott Wilshere Mertesacker Holding  Niles Wilock  Jeff and maybe Akpom. Sprinkled with a star dust of Ramsey, Alexis  and Kolasinac….hey who knows? Anyway it’s a game we can and should be winning with all due respect to Norwich but we all now how cup games can go especially when a Big team doesn’t show the right attitude on the footballing pitch. Let’s hope the gunners get this message and apply themselves to win. That’s it from us, congrats once again to all those nominated and the eventual winners at the FIFA Awards, do enjoy the game wherever you may be…….Ciaooo

#O.G 100 & Brighton Preview

Hey guys, what’s happening to Mr. President…. I mean our good old P 2d M 2d B, not the wanna be world president who likes to preside over things on twitter instead of his shaped office, you know who don’t you? Still on global politics, with Mr. Price having to resign again, that makes it how many resignations under this administration now? Your guess is as good as mine? I’ve lost count or stopped keeping any count at least. I know I know, this is a football blog so let’s leave politics and get back to things round leather folks.

      Arsenal made light work of Bate away in Minsk. Using a much rotated team as we expected based on Wenger’s press conference. I did expect a tougher game from the Belarusians, but they left the “A” part of their game until much later when the gunners were much out of sight despite their scoring a second goal in the last quarter of the match. The rally the home crowd might have been expecting was not to be and the game ended 4-2. What I liked about our play was the ruthlessness with which the gunners punished their mistakes especially on the second goal, making the goalie pay for his poor clearance. Also Holding getting his first goal of the season would do his confidence some real good. He has been below par this season that in itself tells you how good he has been last season. Lastly Giroud getting into the exclusive class of Century goals for Arsenal can only be good for him too. The HFB does offer us some different dynamic to our attack and while I get the criticism of his finishing at times, his 100 goals so far in 5 seasons tells you a stat of 20+ goals a season which isn’t bad for a striker….yeah maybe not world class but definitely not as bad as his critics malign him to be.  I also like the fact that he chose to compete at Arsenal despite the arrival of Lacazette, instead of choosing the easy way out y heading to Everton when Koeman came calling earlier or maybe it was the pay. Anyway you get my drift. Now for what I really didn’t like was the manner we conceded our two goals, very typical Arsenal, slow to the second ball or leaving the opponent a chance to look in take your pick. All in all, we got the result and a win at that, much to my pleasant surprise so job done.

        Back to the league, the gunners welcome Brighton Hove Albion to the Emirates. The gunners are in rich vein of form and Arsene Wenger is beginning to think the team has turned a corner. I think it’s premature to conclude that they have, yes the form book shows a positive recovery from the Anfield debacle (still having nightmares on that one) with 5W 1D and 4 clean sheets in 6 games, that’s good no doubt but the team needs to keep their focus by taking it one game at a time. If they want plaudits n praise from the manager, they have to earn it the smart but hard way not by talking. This is not to trivialize the steady climbe the team is making on the league table…far from it, just that the job isn’t a sprint but a marathon so they have to keep plugging away and getting the necessary results on board. I hate to say this but you gat to respect the due, look at the Manchester clubs, a class apart….simple.

Brighton Albion at home is another opportunity to make up lost ground especially with Chelsea dropping points at home to City, let’s close the gap. Arsene has talked about the importance of strengthening the home form and that’s true, these are games the gunners should be winning no disrespect to Brighton but with all things Arsenal you never know.  While I haven’t seen much of Brighton’s play, their form isn’t far from ours just a win more from the gunners, albeit early days still I would say they haven’t done bad with 2W1D3L from 6 games. I hope we add one more to their L column though.

The gunners will have to make do without some key players, Özil is a doubt according to Wenger during his press conference as are Koscielny and probably Iwobi. So the predicted line up will look like this below just maybe Holding or Mertz replacing Captain fantastic.

Image Credit:The UK Guardian

      I expect the gunners to win, the team is learning to play without the “prima donnas” agitating for moves away. Much as I like them, this is a good team as winning most of the time is about team work. Anyway I hope we get the three points and continue climbing up the table, we need to win this. That’s it from us right here, do leave us your comments, Like us on Facebook here and Shout to O.Giroud on his 31st Birthday, a brace please..lol. Do enjoy the game wherever you are….Ciaooo

3Points Bagged & Bate Preview

IMAGE CREDIT: ARSENALDOTCOM

Hey Hey Hey ma good footie loving people, how’z it being?  Let’s digress, I wonder where fat Albert is at these days? The iconic pudgy character that helped push “Fubu” designs into mainstream urban/pop culture. Oh well, I guess he is eating a maxi burger somewhere out there.

Shappaly lets get back to football in Arsenal okay.  I said I expected a tough match before the gunners outing against the baggies and Tony Pulis’s wards didn’t disappoint. Sure we had quite a lot of possession but we were up against a well drilled side that did pose a few problems on the break. Mustafi had one of those game that made u kind of wonder when he might eventually get sent off and all that. Jay Rodriguez will probably be thinking if maybe he shoulda gone down for a sure penalty when his cut back dummy left Mustafi caught in a trailing slide tackle……very lucky for the gunners that was. That wasn’t all though, Rodriguez again had to watch in astonishment, like we all did too when Nacho Monreal made an almost impossible clearance of the line after he had Cech beat. That was “the moment” for the gunners and boy was it. It showed a carryover of the commitment we saw from the team against Chelsea…..Full of Heart!

Now all in all, Lacazette got his poachers goal after another controversial moment involving Sanchez. It was great awareness by the Frenchman in front of goal for the rebound. We need more of that. I do wonder what happened against Chelsea when he scooped it high in a similar situation. The gunners ended the 1^st half with their “noses” in front but you could tell it was a ding dong nerve affair. The second half saw the gunners take a more solid foothold in control, I guess Westbrom players had tired a bit and we had a bit more energy to impose on them. Ramseys forward role is something of a “hnmmmm, okay”. You can tell he relishes it very much cuz of the freedom it gives him, Ozil might be the casualty as it appears but time will tell. Kinda like a Zidane replacement with Nedved for Juventus back then. I think for that to work the gunners will need a midfield monster who will seat deep beside Xhaka and then Ramsey can go on doing those his bursting runs upfront. Someone like Kondogbia or Nzonzi would be very nice. These guys are under the radar, no hype, no frills, strong on the ball, good passing range and I am sure won’t cost us a Neymar or Coutinho fee but hey that’s just me thinking. Ramsey helped get the penalty and Alex buried it coolly no sweat two nil up to the Arsenal. We got the tough job done 3 points in the bag another clean sheet making it 3 in a row. I would take that over a cricket score line which makes for fun viewing if you are a neutral but points to leaky defending if you are a gunner and that’s not good. They say goals win you games but solid defending win you titles, the gunners need to drill that well into their psyche.

Job done, we are off to the Europa league (yeah ….spursday night football is back) get used it it. We travel to the Belarus to keep a date with Bate Borisov. I don’t know much but they are not entirely an unknown team, at least wenger thinks so as he said earlier:

“I’ve been in this country before, I came with the French national team,” the Arsenal manager said. “They played against Belarus in June when I was on holiday. They have always technically had very good sides, and overall I remember France had a very difficult game. We know [BATE’s strength], we watched them yesterday. They are a team with good quality, technically strong, so we will need a good performance to have a chance.”

On the young line up he chose to travel with he further explained

“I said on Monday night after the game that I would play an experienced team with a young bench, and that is what I did,” he said. “We have a very tight schedule and it is an important game, and that’s why there is only one or two young players who will start the game.”

      I am sure the coach is trying to keep his main squad as fresh as he can but I hope the inexperience doesn’t cost us away. The disciplined display we are beginning to see will have to be followed to the letter here, get a result that’s the idea. A win would be very good if we can manage to keep it tight at the back and then nick one or two on the counter but it’s important we keep the momentum going of getting results especially away and then coming home to slay wins. Hnmmmm, how ideal such a grandiose thinking sounds, but we all know with Arsenal Fc, anything is possible. Whatever happens to whatever team we put out there, I hope it’s a positive result for the gunners in Minsk. Anyway that’s about it from us, shout out to Gareth Barry for his record setting Premier League appearances. We here he is a professional through and through. We also like to remember a former Gunner from these parts, Alexander Hleb. Such a good football player with mad ball skills but he left to Barcelona and it never really worked out for him from there on, liked him though. That’s it from us for now, dont forget to follow us on FB here or subscribe to our posts up there. Do enjoy the game wherever you are……..Ciaoooo 

Scrappy Points & Baggies Preview

Image Credits: Arsenaldotcom

Ok so that was not so cool for Mr President!! Not for the first time though taking to twitter for a comeback but ..........he never expected the NFL teams to come together. Such a manner of defiance as regards criticism towards any player "taking the knee", ala such a player being fired for disrespecting the honor of the stripes n stars. Well that shows what can be achieved when people put aside their differences and come together to fight against perceived injustice. Over to us in Naija Anyway, this isn’t America and definitely not blogging about "American football". Nope but score one for Colin Kaepernick!!

That my people brings me to things football, and of course Arsenal. What a performance that was, like a wakeup call making you wonder where that came from. let’s just assume before the game against Chelsea, I was offered a point from Stamford bridge visit I a sure most fans would have jumped at the offer without thinking about it. That was how low the expectations were going into the game. Chelsea started well for about ten minutes but Arsenal contained them as played with passion, grit and loads of determination not to give in. Chelsea definitely couldn’t cope and was epitomized not just by the eventual red card for David Luis but also the frustrated Alvaro Morata, granted Mustafi was a bit luck too, but for once we were thoroughly focused and disciplined in our approach throughout the 90 minutes. That’s not to say there were no negatives albeit it would be nitpicking to complain about not getting 3points when we would have gladly taken a point before the Kickoff, I think we deserved to win on the balance of everything. Welbeck’s injury was another sour point, that guy just can’t seem to get a break can he?? Oh well, let’s hope he recovers soon enough for his own good. The other thing that was good about this game was the togetherness shown in the dogged determination, Kudos to the wing backs especially. Bellerin gave Alonso so much to think about while Kolasinac held his own as expected against Moses and Willian. Wenger having the cajones to bench Sanchez from the start while giving Iwobi the nod. I won’t go as far as those fans on social media calling for the Chileans head for his perceived lack of commitment to the club but Arsene needs his boiz to step up if not they are gonna be on the bench. All in all, this team needs to learn the need for consistency. They have it in them to fight like it matters, they need to do this week in week out…….Can they??

Which brings us to our Monday night game with Westbrom, I would like to see a repeat of the commitment we saw at Chelsea, only this time lets top it off with the right end product by actually scoring goals and keeping another clean sheet to make it 3 in a row, counting the midweek win over Rovers. When was the last time Arsenal did that, 3 clean sheets in a row huh?? Yeah, me too I can’t remember. Tony Pulis knows how to set up a team to keep their shape and have lost just a game in5 so far. On the other hand,  Arsenal at home can take confidence from the Chelsea performance into this match. The team selection is a dicey one, does Arsene bring back Özil and Sanchez to the starting lineup or do we go with the hardwork ethic that saw us scrap to a point at the bridge? I would like to see a fired up Özil, forge the rumors about him Joining Mou at Man united, forget the slamming he consistently receives from fans and pundits alike, he is class any day. I would expect him to be charged up for this considering what’s happened In the last two weeks with Wenger showing him and Sanchez the bench for key games, so let’s hope I am right. My team selection will look like

Sub: Ospina, Walcott,  Elneny, Holding, Mertesacker, Giroud, Iwobi,  Wilshere

Image Cedits: The Uk Guardian

I expect a tough game against the baggies but a win none the less please. While I know this team isn’t likely to win the league, dropping anymore points now especially after all the top clubs won over the weekend will be disastrous. Arsenal need to keep their discipline, stay compact and take their chances when they come. A win is very very important. That’s it from us, do enjoy the game wherever you are…….Ciaooo

Jacky 3-Points & Chelsea Preview

Image Credits: Arsenal.com

Thursday night trudge of a football got off to a late start with the match delayed for about an hour or more. The eventual game never really made it match worth waiting for….naaah. As expected the boss rang some changes to his squad by rotating, giving fringe players the chance to get some game sharpness. Ospina retained his “cup keeper” role while Mertersecker, Iwobi, Niles and Giroud got their first starts of the season. Sanchez, Monreal and Bellz were the first teamers who came in from the off. Arsenal in usual form didn’t waste much time in giving their fans a scare with an unlucky clearance from onrushing Ospina falling into the wrong hands   errrhh legs I mean. Cordoba duly obliged with a curling hanger that left the whole Emirates stadium saying “here we go again” for an opener in the 9^th minute. Needless to say the rest of the first half from then on was uninspiring from a gunners perspective, Arsenal had boat loads of possession but nothing to show for it, not even carving open Koln to create goal scoring chances. Apart from Giroud’s half chances, we were just there. In fact, I daresay Koln had more clear cut opportunities to increase their tally to two but it was not to be.

The second half saw a more purposeful Arsenal take to the pitch with Holding yanked off for Kolasinac following his clumsy first half display. Back three became a back four and the gunners played with more verve. Sanchez and Kolasinac combined well on the left side of midfield. The equalizer arrived in the 49^th minute and what a thumping one it was. Walcott miscued a snapshot while Kolasinac volleyed in the rebound with a fierce hammer. That guy has some power in his body looking at the way he hit the ball with so much venom. Now that we had the equalizer the boyz played with more confidence….Sanchez opened his season account with a beautiful curler that left the keeper Hom grappling at thin air in the 67^th minute. We smelt blood and forced the issue furthermore. The 3^rd goal owed a lot to our right back’s predatory instinct, pouncing on a lose rebound after Walcott failed to beat the keeper. All in all not a bad day at the grinder. We never convinced the gunner faithful but lets take the 3points, Jack Wilshere got through some 35minutes of play unscathed and we scored some very good goals.

 It’s now on to the next station at the bridge. The gunners visit the blues in what’s to be a super Sunday clash. I can’t say based on our recent performances I am confident cuz I am not. Chelsea seem to have rebound after their opening day loss to Burnley while we are yet to find our stride, still  I am hoping someone is wrong and that someone is me. The odds are stacked against the gunners, the fanbase isn’t backing the team fully (for obvious reasons), Chelsea is riding high on confidence on the back of their midweek Champion’s league spanking against Quarabag plus some extra days of rest even though both teams rested their key players in midweek for this Sunday clash. The only positives straws I can allude to here is the fact that Wenger has beaten Conte already this season in the community shield albeit it was via penalties. All in all its looking like a draw would be a good result if we can get it, a win would definitely be fantastic if the player are psyched up enough mentally to up their game and take their chances. Looking at the midfield of Bakayoko/Kante, that’s a dream pairing…my God these guys are athletes.!

Arsenal has to go with Elneny and Xhaka as against Ramsey because of his tendency for those forward runs of his, hence leaving the back open. Koscielny has to organize his backline very well, making sure we stay compact. I think the left side battle of Kolasinac-Sanchez vs Moses-Willian will be an interesting one, our right side of Özil-Bellerin as wenger like to play them these days is a week one, I will put Welbeck there instead while tucking Özil in the center where he can be more influential but then again Wenger knows. I really don’t understand why we have to play Özil on the wings especially when you are playing very physical opposition, it doesn’t add up. I am confident in our attack, Lacazette Sanchez and to a less extent …Wellbeck if Özil is given the keys behind them. Anyway I would leave the tinkering to Wenger hoping he is able to get his Team selection right in order to strke a balance between our defence and attack. Stamford Bridge as Burnley showed us, the BIG Q is…..do we have the cajones in mentality to outgun them in a smart way? Alright that’s it from us, remember to like us on FB here, twitter there, do leave us your comments feedback and help share. Enjoy the game wherever you are…Ciaoo

A Jacky Start To The Europa League?

Image Credit: Arsenal.com

          Hi good people of planet football, always good to have you here with us even if we never see eye to eye.….LOL. At least the good news of Irma being not as life threatening as the media drummed it up to be even though a tropical storm is still poses some sort of danger regardless. One can only be grateful for the little things of life, like football….. Right?

Unto things arsenal quickly. It turned out to be more like a routine 3points in the outing against Bournemouth last weekend. 3 points 3 goals and a clean sheet to boot isn’t to be complained about although one has to always find areas where the team should or could have done better cuz it was far from a perfect performance. The gunners should have shredded Bournemouth better with more goal (our goals column is -ve) Welbeck, doesn’t still look sure footed in front of goal even though he managed to score two goals and our defending still lacks the necessary discipline it should have. There were times when Arsenal had all players but Bellerin in and around the opposition’s penalty box. Looking at how Bournemouth played like they were uninterested, when they could have had a real go at Arsenal's back line. Allowing us space and time on the ball, it was generally a poor performance from them and Eddie Howie should be concerned. Take nothing away from Arsenals quality, the team upped it ante a bit after the Anfield fiasco, bringing our quality to bear especially for the second goal from Lacazette.  Özil’s pre-assist pass to find him was glorious and he showed that with the right supply line, he can score for the gunners which is comforting to know. All in all, I cant complain about the points and clean sheet but sterner tests lie ahead. This brings us to the present reality, the bigger boiz of European football have dined in the champions league and now its time for the "have nots". Yeah you heard right, shebi Wenger likes to chant Arsenal cant compete financially with the Big boiz when it comes to the transfer market init?

Thursday night football is here as the gunners take on FC Cologne or koln if you prefer to be German. It’s going to be difficult to gauge this, but since we are at home, the onus is on us to get the 3 points for a flying start in this tournament, plus get to rest some players. Speaking of resting players, the manager is going to rotate quite a bit as he keeps an eye of the super Sunday clash at Stamford Bridge with Conte’s men. I am so not looking forward to that cuz I still believe this team lacks the tactical discipline but let’s see. The last time Arsenal played Koln was back in 2012 during a preseason friendly. The gunners won by a comfy 4-0 scoreline, Podolski grabbed a brace then. All that is history now, this is the real deal, and while some may argue that on the surface, Cologne dont look particularly threatening an opposition currently. They sit bottom of the Bundesliga with no points after three matches having scored only once during that time. They have lost their key striker Modeste, on loan to the Chinese super “money” league. Then again, It’s still a football we talking, add unpredictable Arsenal into the mix, you get my drift. Ramsey, Özil, Xhaka and Coquelin aren’t going to start, Coqs out injured while the others are being rested or Sunday. We might see Xhaka though since this is German opposition….me thinkss. The interesting one is Jack Wilshere who is the coach going to start tonight, after being out for so long, kinda strange if you ask me. Wenger though thinks otherwise on Arsenal website:

“He is very hungry and sharp. He is not completely at his best, but he is getting there every week. He enjoys being back and competing for his place and what I see in training is positive. I think he has been so much under pressure to do that. At the moment, one of the positive things is that he is not under that kind of pressure.”

Image Credit: Arsenal.com

Well the jury is still very much out on Jack, God knows he has the talent to be a great, but injuries and a wrong attitude seem to be his bottle at the moment. His loan at Bournemouth was more of a cum si cum sa…… uhmm “so soo” not exactly fantastic. I would say this is his last opportunity to make his mark at the Arsenal. Sanchez Iwobi and Giroud are likely to lead the Line with fringe players like BFG Ospina and Elneny behind them as Wenger keeps an eye on the clash with Chelsea. Let’s see how the team gels, Losing will be a disaster, a draw terrible and a win Ideal. That’s a wrap up from us here, please leave us your feedback and comments. Enjoy the game wherever you are……….Ciaoooo