Is that TH14? International Break-down

Good day, everyone

Well, we're amidst the international break so it goes without saying that we'll be reading plenty of nonsensical articles regarding Arsenal players. Cesc to Barca? Yeah, that's the one. I am not sure how many times he needs to come out to the official site and to the news outlets about his commitment to the Arsenal. The only thing that matters is our captain does address these rumors immediately and puts them to bed. Fret not, he has it under control.

To mark Arsene's 13 year anniversary many of us saw former Arsenal great Thierry Henry at the home match vs Blackburn. As always, it is nice to see a former player pay homage to AW's achievements but I am well over TH14. TH14 did many great things for the club and I respect his efforts but I find it unacceptable that he committed his future to the Arsenal and then fucked off to Barcelona. Now, many rumors followed about his quick change of mind ranging from his home life troubles with his wife and him needing to get away from the country. I get that. Maybe it was a matter of him being in a terrible position and needing to get away from London and his imminent divorce drama but if that is the case he should have never talked up his love for the Arsenal and then bounced directly. To me, TH14 is now just a fan like myself, no more, no less and he should be treated as such.

Another interesting and amusing story emerged that young Theo Walcott got another jersey signed by his childhood hero, TH14. What a cute story. For some people it is nice to see that TW14 is a fan of greats like TH14 just like the rest of us but from a public relations point-of-view I don't think the story helped the Arsenal distance itself from its kids and young image. I believe that fans are tired of the Arsenal's association with kids who are repeatedly reported to be immature and not ready to mount a serious title challenge. Highlighting the fact that the team is young and players still look up to other professionals does not bode well when, at this level and regardless of age, Arsenal could be playing Barcelona at some point this season. AW has stated that this is the year that the kids must come of age, produce results, and win silverware. Publishing stories that continue to display the Arsenal as a team of youngsters amongst men must stop. It's a professional sport and, personally, I would like for these stories to be omitted for the sake of distancing our image of boys vs men.

Moving forward Arsenal got a sound result vs a stingy Blackburn. Two very odd goals were scored against the Arsenal but the opposition never threatened with any seriousness. The most important thing to take from the match is that when down the team responded and never lacked the belief that they would get the result.

The weekend before the international break presented the Arsenal with three points but we also picked up 2 points on Spurs, IOU, City, and Villa. Unfortunately, Chavs got 3 out of their tie with LFC but i am still not too worried about their win, at home. Note: Chelsea is going to be put to the test come January as many of their players will be called up for Africa Cup of Nations. Ridiculously overrated players like Kalou and Obi Mikel won't be as missed as consistent goal scorer Drogba and the Bison, Essien. In addition, the age of the squad will also be tested. Many of the players are at or just beyond their peak and they'll be half way through the season...without a transfer window to dip into! I anticipate them tailing off from a serious challenge come mid-February due to fatigue and injuries.

As for the Arsenal, I feel we are in line for a good challenge because we were able to offload two of our Africans to a rival, City. Now, last year's lack of depth is City's problem! Losing two crucial pieces of the spine of a team is going to be an issue for a congealing squad so like Chelsea I feel we'll see City fade around the same time. Now, Arsenal will sorely miss the emergence of Song but with Nasri's return and rumored ability to play as a holding mid we should do okay. In addition, Ramsey has grown in confidence and could get a good run of matches. Also, Denilson will be back in the fold by January, and Diaby could be put into the center a la PV4-style. Last, and with some luck, Eboue will stay in Africa.

I feel that IOU is going to struggle unless they get some creativity in the middle of the park. Carrick, Fletcher, Scholes, and Anderson are like the same player with different birth dates. Maybe Lady Alex is slipping a bit because none of those players are going to slide a slick, timed ball up into that lazy cunt, Berbatov, or Shrek Nasty with any sort of consistency. The only creative player is an aging Giggs, and he won't be able to sustain another year long, arduous run as a starting XI player. Valencia has proved to be one-footed and poo-Nani does too much dancing to be taken serious, except as a wonderful impersonator of early 80s Michael jackson. As we have seen thus far IOU is struggling with creativity and nicking that late goal. Ronaldo is missed and will prove to be far harder to replace than hypothesized.

And Liverpool. Jeez. Rafa's mix mash of a squad has now lost three matches and been relying far too much on Torres. If Torres goes down for any two week spell of injury, they are done. Where are the goals going to come from? Gerrard's influence going forward has been next to nil, and they are only getting the odd goal from Kuyt and Benayoun. Rafa's bench is shocking as Ngog, Babel and Dossena have proven to be one-hit wonders. I can't see anyone replacing Torres' goals but if he stays fit, and in-form they'll hover in the Top 4.

So, in reflection this international break, I feel that the Arsenal are right where they need to be to sustain a title fight. There is depth in every position and each player who gets a shot has delivered brilliantly. The pundits continue to berate our back line but the concession of goals can be attributed to our attacking style - our left and right backs move forward with the play in a 4-3-3 and sometimes are caught out on the break. More importantly is that for the goals we have conceded they have mostly been due to some unfortunate luck eg Diaby's own-goal header but for the rest we have responded and fought for a result eg vs S Liege, Blackburn. At the end of the day, the team that scores the most goals win and there doesn't appear to be any shortage of goals as they are flowing from the back, middle and front. I am optimistic that this team has the ingredients to be champions, and the right manager to deliver.

ArsenaLOS