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Friday 20 August 2010

Blackpool preview, Schwarzer latest, William Gallas - clown

The boys take on Blackpool tomorrow in their first home match of the season. I think Blackpool realise there is every chance they will hit the ground with a hefty thud tomorrow, following last weeks first day fireworks. As long as Arsenal's players display the right attitude we should see a thumping for the Tangerines. I won't be holding my breath though, as we've been undone before by sides who should have been cannon-fodder for us - Hull, Bradford City etc.
The team news indicates that Fabregas is in the squad for tomorrow, assuming he doesn't get another "chest infection." I think we might see Robin Van Persie from the start, and Johan Djourou is apparently fit to play - at least for tomorrow. Denilson, who was going to be fit to play, according to Arsene Wenger, at Legia Warsaw a fortnight ago, is still not available - I am not surprised by this. I hope Jack Wilshere keeps his place, and I think that Rosicky and/or Theo Walcott will start. With Arshavin carrying an injury (which would go some way to explaining his lack of form) I would give the Russian the break that is required to aid the healing process. On paper we should win by at least four goals. Unfortunately football is not played on paper. Fingers crossed for a big win.

Mark Hughes has accused Arsenal of deliberately unsettling Mark Schwarzer. Apparently Arsenal had the audacity to bid again for the Australian, through the proper channels. The fact is that Fulham went public over Arsenal's official approach for the player. Had they not done so, and you can be sure Arsenal would not have made it public knowledge, then there would be nothing to talk about. Mark Hughes is a cretin - always has been, and always will be. I am sure that Schwarzer will be an Arsenal player by the end of August. There is no way that Arsenal will be bidding for Shay Given - particularly with the news that he has had to have further treatment on the shoulder he injured at our place late last season. It could be that the Irishman is finished.

Finally today, William Gallas. What a fool. He turned down Arsenal's offer of a one-year deal in order to sell his over-priced services around Europe. Nobody wanted him. So he now resurfaces at Tottenham - on a one-year deal. I could have scripted Twitchy's press conference today. He described William Gallas as "a World Class player" (fair enough) and "a good lad" (which he clearly is not). But then, everyone Harry signs is described in this way. Gallas perhaps feels he is getting one over on the Arsenal fans who never really took to him, and the Chelsea fans who turned against him, by signing for their greatest rivals. What he will find is a general ambivalence from the Arsenal fans, who couldn't really care less until Derby Day. He will also find, as I've seen on Sky this afternoon, that the Spurs fans will also hate him - because he played for Arsenal and Chelsea. This tells you all you need to know about the mugs from White Hart Lane - they sign the former Arsenal Captain, a top player, but will despise him because he played for Arsenal. We, of course, signed the former Tottenham Captain and loved him, because he left them to join Arsenal. It's all about class, and we have it in abundance.

I'll review the game at some point on Sunday. Until then...COME ON ARSENAL.

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