Who was shocked most?
Got used to it?
By Boris Mellor
August 22 2008
Vidic has told the press he was taken by surprise at Silvestre's move to Arsenal, I bet he is not half as surprised as Kolo, Willy, Phil and Johan. I would love to be fly on the dressing room wall. It might be a wake-up call for all of them, as none of them were that brilliant at the close of last season. I am pretty sure Wenger didn't take time to discuss it with them.
Traore is now on loan to Arsenal by the Sea, and big Phil could be on his way to join AC Milan. Being that Wenger got 2 million for Cygan it should be a big fee move. Can Milan afford him? I digress, the point is that Silvestre's chances of playing are increasing, but probably not this week, as he had a slight knock. Probably a boot from Sir Alex.
Preview
Arsenal often have their worst games immediately after International week. Van Persie has been to Russia, Adebayor, Eboue and Toure to Africa, and Vela to Mexico. Almost as much mileage as the man who cycled the world (As you ask it was 18,400 miles. Small isn't it). Fortunately Theo didn't have to travel any further than Wemberlee, and apart from the fact his sides ache he has suffered no serious injury.
However its swings and roundabouts, as the Gunner's will only have to travel 10 miles to Fulham. I am not sure if that is from noisy Hampstead or quiet Highbury, but either way not that far.
Nasri has recovered, but the rest of the missing players have sick notes from their Mums excusing them. Apparently Fab is closest to recovery and could return for Wednesday's masheev game. Meanwhile Fulham's crown jewels, the falling down man, will also be unfit. So it would seem that Wenger's crocks cost far less than Fulham's crocks. I am amazed that the falling down man has commanded so much in transfer fees. He might become England's answer to Anelka. If the falling down man was to play and score, it would be his 100th career goal, Brum, Palace and Toffees included.
In the old days I would have written that Fulham have not beaten Arsenal since 1492, but in November 2006 Wenger had a brainstorm and sent the reserves over to defend Arsenal's honour. Senderos was sent off and Song was booed by his own fans, as it was a well known fact he had picked the team. The result was a 2-1 defeat, which is still celebrated wherever Fulham fans meet, which isn't that many places, but mostly in the Chelsea area.
Ade likes scoring against Fulham and has four goals against them in the prem. Hopefully if he can get his confidence back he will get the usual Arsenal goal we have come to expect at the Cottage.
However Fulham will be desperate as they have not lost an opening league fixture since 1993, and face the prospect of losing their first two fixtures for the first time ever in the Premier League.
Benchmark
Everyone thought that Fulham were due for the drop last season when a 1-0 win at home against Liverpool saved their bacon.
Arsenal won the corresponding fixture last season 3-0, with Adebayor scoring 2 and Rosicky 1.
The squad will be picked from the following:
Almunia, Sagna, Gallas, Toure, Clichy, Walcott, Denilson, Song, Nasri, Adebayor, van Persie, Fabianski, Vela, Ramsey, Wilshere, Randall, Djourou, Eboue, Bendtner, Silvestre (doubtful).
Quote:arsenal are always flaky after Interntional weeks
what do you mean when you say always? Which team r you talking about? This is a different year with different players and mentalities
3nil is the only respectable score
We need to climb up to first place with a big win.
Anything under 3-0 will make me start worrying.
Warning: Supporting Arsenal is not for the faint at heart... It requires hard balls...
Quote:Arsene had one player in for training last week
you mean arsenal opened up the facilities for ONE PLAYER? Thats where our money is going!
and about the 3nil score..of course a win is a win, but we have to put the fear of god in teams if we want to win the title..name one team that has won the title in the last 10 years that teams werent absolutely terrified of playing them
Chelsea scores 4 goals in their first match and its sends chills down the spines of opposing teams...that fear is half the battle
[arsenalsigs.blogspot.com]
Quote:Portsmouth were a disgrace - I bet they wont lie down like that for us.
True...but whether portsmouth were a disgrace or not is irrelevant..because now teams will be way more cautious when they play Chelsea, hence working in chelsea's favour
Putting one past teams like WBA and Fulham only give the other teams more confidence to try and snatch a win.
putting 3 and 4 past them makes the other teams rethink their gameplan and usually gives u the advantage...on the road to the title you need these kind of physiological advantages
[arsenalsigs.blogspot.com]