Young Gunners Run Rampant, Part Deux!

Arsenal's Carling Cup Teen Team (average age: 19) took Wigan for a run around the park last night, finally dropping three impressively worked goals on their laps around the pitch, winning 3-0. THe youngsters booked themselves a seat at the Quarterfinals table. And The Gaffer says he'll continue to play the kids all the way.

Everyone now realizes that Arsene Wenger actually is the savior of English Football, not the Coyote El Supremo they'd supposed last season.

Meanwhile, permacrocked senior citizen (at 28) Tomas Rosicky has had surgery on his cranky hamstring and doctors say he'll return in two months. A quick check with Vegas bookmakers spot a 2-month return at 750 to 1. Retun next season is spotted at 500 to 1. And eventually return to play in the Czech Republich at 1 to 1.

Arsenal in Vital Win Over Red Devils at the Emirates!

Yesterday, they were speculating about Arsene Wenger quitting Arsenal. Today, I'm sure he's back as a genius after Samir Nasri's brace takes the piss out of ManUre. Here's the game commentary and a report from the Arsenal FC website. Wow, it sounds like the match of the season, so far.

Perhaps it's time for some perspective? Sayeth the Cesc:

''It has been frustrating, with the results we have had - and to win a game
like that is vital, to get back on track,'' said the Spaniard.

''But because we have beaten Manchester United, we are not better than we were
last week - and last week we were not rubbish, as everybody was saying.''

Well said, young man. The only problem I see, is that still puts us in line with where we were last year: potent enough to beat any team - including any of our fellow Big 4 - but fragile enough to lose to any team as well (Hello, Stoke City, Hull, Middlesbrough, etc.)

Anyway, good win for the Gunners today. Let's keep it rolling, lads.

More DI\issection of What Ails Arsenal

Phil McNulty is right on target with his analysis of the softness of the Arsenal midsection. I've been saying for awhile now that the future hinges on replacing William Gallass with a true, physical center back, one that can deal with a ball that is sent in by air mail. A true replacement for Patrick Vieira would be sweet icing on the cake, as well.

Stoke Shocker

Arsene acknowledges what the rest of the EPL has known for several seasons: Arsenal are soft in the backline, particularly when it comes to aerial attacks. Surrendering two goals off Rory DeLapp throw-ins is just embarrassing. Insult to injury, RVP melts down and both Ade and Walcott leave due to injury.

Most cases I'd say it's too early in the season for a crisis, but this smells like a crisis to me.

Adebayor Said What?!

Just the truth as we know it: you don't win silverware by transforming a 4-2 lead into stoppage time (against Tottenham, Tottenham, for God's sake!) into a 4-4 tie...or by losing at the Em to newly promoted jailbreakers Hull (Chelsea seemed to figure them out)...or by snatching a last gasp, deperation drive point at the Stadium of Losses.

At 9 games in, it's already looking like another year without a trophy case addition...

Captain Bill Caught Smoking

Honestly, sometimes I think the Furraneers just don't get it. Billy Gallass was photographed coming out of a nightclub with an unlit cig in his mouth? Yeah? Take a few weeks following your average American NBA or NFL team and then let me know if you still think that's shocking.

Frankly, I'm more concerned with whether Captain Bill can defend the long balls over the backline than I am with his off-duty activities...

Get Off the Gunners Says the Gaffer

Arsene tells the fairweather fans to cut the kids some slack. (But he still needs a better center back than Captain Bill).