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Sunday 22 August 2010

Theo batters Blackpool, Wenger hints on Squillaci deal

Theo Walcott stole the show yesterday as Arsenal dispatched Blackpool 6-0. A hat-trick for Theo was well deserved, and he was involved in most of the really good stuff from Arsenal, as was Tomas Rosicky in his best performance since returning last season. Okay, it was only a 10-man Blackpool team, but you can only beat what's in front of you. I got annoyed in the last 20 minutes as Arsenal reverted to type and tried to walk the ball in, rather than dishing out the sort of humiliation you would expect Chelsea to deliver (note their 2 goals in injury time at Wigan last night). In spite of that, you can't argue too much with a 6-0 victory. Alan Hansen disgraced himself on Match of the Day last night by picking out a couple of wayward passes from Walcott, whilst ignoring his 3 goals and a couple of lovely crosses that nobody got on the end of. Gary Lineker, I thought, was magnificent in pulling Hansen up on this. Arseblogger also has a take on this today.
The editor of the Gooner, Kevin Whitcher, points out in his online editorial (www.onlinegooner.com) that Walcott needs to now show he can be consistent. This is true, but we must give the lad his moment to enjoy a super display. Mr Whitcher also says that Walcott needs to produce in big games. This is where I am a but non-plussed. I believe that Walcott's best moments have often come in big matches - Carling Cup Final, Anfield, Croatia, Barcelona at home last season. I have no concerns on that score as his pace frightens even the best. If he can just learn to pick the right option at the right time, and learn to run without falling over the ball, he might yet develop in to the player we hope for - we know he can finish. Fingers crossed, and congratulations on a job very well done yesterday.

After the game Arsene Wenger was questioned on Sky about his transfer plans. When asked whether Squillaci would be joining Wenger told Martin Tyler that he would "leave guessing up to you, but your guesses are not often wrong." So you can be fairly sure that the Frenchman is joining Arsenal. We will also be signing a goalkeeper, I am certain, and I think it will be Mark Schwarzer. I still believe we are short in the defensive midfield area, especially if Alex Song has to be deployed as centre-back cover, as yesterday. Scott Parker still fits the bill for me and I think a cash, plus Denilson, deal could be done, whatever West Ham say about him being unbuyable. Whatever Arsene's plans are for the transfer market we will know in just over a week. We have no option other than to trust in him right now. He has to make the necessary moves, or results such as yesterday's will become a distant memory.

The rain has seen my cricket match cancelled this afternoon, as it will tomorrow as well. A great start to a week off! More on Monday.

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