Journalist Talks Sense. Arsenal Newcastle Preview

Henry
By Andy Strouthous
January 23 2005

Its not often that a newspaper carries an article as thoughtful and incisive as Ian Ridley’s piece in today’s Observer. The last week has seen speculation that Sir Alex had got to Wenger just like he did to Keegan.

 However the real cause of Wenger’s anger was triggered by his team’s performance against Bolton not Ferguson’s mind games. Here is a small extract from the Ian Ridley article:

"Up front, Dennis Bergkamp appears to be coming to the end for Wenger. His replacement, Robin van Persie, clearly possesses quality, but is puppyish in his impetuousness compared to Bergkamp's studied incisiveness.

All the while, Wenger is not shopping in the same market as Chelsea. With the majority of Arsenal's resources going into the new stadium, he has had to settle for restricted dealing.

The board know that it cannot go on, that the squad, while not exactly in decline, are in transition - there being a gap before the kids are ready - and that funds will be more immediately needed. They are talking to bankers about converting loans to bonds to release funds." To read the full article go here.

Newcastle have strengthened their squad since we last played them in a tough 1-0 victory at the Toon. A tough Christmas programme took its toll of Arsenal’s limited squad, leading to the slip against City, and then the lethargic performance against Bolton. Arsenal will want to bounce back, but Newcastle will not make it easy.Arsenal have almost a full squad to chose from today, only the injured Gilberto, and the probably departing Edu are missing.They have had a clear week to get the Bolton game out of their system. It is important Arsenal fans remain patient and in particular keep showing their support for Wenger.