Here we
go again, we must have some kinda luck with cup draws, first its Bayern yet again....in the round of 16
of the champions league and now we are supposed to go away at Southampton in an
FA cup 4th round tie….yet again. Did I hear someone ask if I was
scared of these teams? Of course I am wary somewhat. Bayern has done us in how many times in the
UCL, so lets not go there. Southampton on the other hand, is another story.
They have managed to screw us over in recent meetings at Saint Mary’s, the most
famous of which began the downward spiral of Wojech Scezney’s Arsenal career……note,
Arsenal career. If you add the fact that the Saints have come to the Emirates
to knock us out of the League Cup [EFL Cup] two seasons in a row, then you probably get my cause for
concern. Oh well it is what it is, if the Gunners wanna win these trophies,
then we have to be ready to rise to the challenge of beating whoever the luck
of the draw brings…SIMPLE!!!
Back to
the premier league and I must say what a positive Saturday it has turned out to
be in terms of favourable results going our way, but it would be frustratingly
typical of old Arsenal to not seize the
opportunity by way of contriving to drop valuable points. Let's not preempt
fate, this seasons Arsenal is made of sterner stuff and we are slowly grinding
our way back to hauling Chelsea in point by point……Right. Arsenal wasn’t exactly
spectacular at the liberty stadium last weekend but the came back with the
goods, 3 points 4 goals for and a clean sheet to add to Cech’s all-time record
was as good a return as one would have hoped for. On the scoreline alone, 0-4 to Arsenal didn’t
paint a true picture of the game and Swansea did make life difficult for us.
Fast forward a week later in a game against Liverpool and you could see why.
Paul Clement’s Swansea showed heart in their visit to Liverpool in the measured
and disciplined manner they went about closing down Jurgen Klop’s boiz. They
were duly rewarded with a win for their daring adventure. If we learnt anything
Liverpool’s loss was while unexpected, it would be that defending is a key
ingredient to winning this league and no team is going to roll over for any
other team just by vrtue of its Big four status. Stoke handed Man United a
scare as Pep endure frustrating day of EPL refereeing with another City drew against
Spurs. All in all, Arsenal has been handed the initiative to reclaim second
spot with all the points dropped by our rivals.
We all
know the business end of the season is beginning to unfold and if Wenger has any
aspirations of winning this league, he and the whole Team need to find that consistency
to go on one of those Chelsea like 13 match winning runs in order to put
daylight between them and the others in the chasing pack while overhauling Chelsea.
Another win another clean sheet against Burnley on Sunday will see us begin to
build that run of form. Burnely’s away fortunes are a stark contrast to their
home form, just one win in ten away games compared to eight wins in their
eleven home games, terrible is the WORD. They obviously don’t travel well and I
hope this remains true on their stop by at the Emirates. Arsenal on their part
must stay switched on defensively while they find a way to break down Sean Dyches
wards who on their day can be a tough nut to crack….flash back to our encounter
at tuff moor. I wouldn’t be expecting an easy game despite Burnley’s away form on
paper cuz there are no easy games in this league. That said, i am hoping the
Gunners make it look easy. While Alexis body language may be a source of
concern I would expect him Özil, Perez, Welbeck and Giroud who we feared might be injured earlier to be able to do the
business like pros by securing us the needed 3points. Other coming back from injury are, Bellerin Coquelin and Mertersaker.....yeah you heard me, the BFG is back....lol. Anyway my predicted line up will
be as shown below,
Subs: Ospina, Coquelin, Jeff , Perez, Ox, Welbeck, Gabriel, Holding
 |
| Image Credit: The Uk Guardian Online |
If Giroud isnt starting, for precautionary reasons then I guess Sanchez up top with Iwobi and maybe Welbeck on the flank should do it but i think Giroud will start as he is currently in rich vein of form. A nice win on Sunday will just cap what's been so far a good weekend. Hats of to Rooney for that landmark record breaking goal against Stoke, while not a Man United fan, you just have to love such beauty in football. Do enjoy the game wherever you are....Ciaoooo
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