Gallass Gone

Bollocks my earlier post. Gallass is gone.

Gallass Goner?

No, says former Arsenal great Nigel Winterburn. It's neither the time nor the place...nor the Wenger way to sack the un-gallant Captain. Meanwhile, football fans have a go at the question.

My vote: you can't shoot the horse in the middle of the
race, especially without a replacement center back. But come transfer season, I'd get out the Arsenal bank account and see what I could buy. If not then, after this disaster of a season is over. As quickly as possible.

The Pot Called the Kettle What?!

Well, well, well.  Cap'n Bill says some Gunners just aren't strong enough, and that's why the Good Ship Arsenal is floundering...I agree, but suggest the good Captain look at his defensive performance as a start. If I'd been run over by Gabby Agbonlahor on the way to the goal, I probably wouldn't have got up and called out the rest of the team, as a starting point.

Read the story further and it sounds like friction is building internally. Not a good sign for a team that is struggling.

In even worse news, the human lightning bolt, Theo Walcott, is out for several months, after surgery on his shoulder. He received the injury while training for the incredibly underperforming English team. Go 3 Lions!

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.