So there's been a lot of talk about Theo these past few days after his performance against Blackpool. I can't say that I have refrained from slagging off Theo from time to time, but I'll be the first to admit when he performs in great form. We saw that this weekend. For me it was a glimpse of the Young Theo that we were all mesmerized by in 2004 and 2005 when he was with Swindon and Southampton and obviously his first season at Arsenal in 2006. Theo showed his confidence and that spark of intelligence and creativity that we haven't seen in him in a while. I hope that he continues to work hard and that he doesn't let little things set him back. Arséne has said that he thinks we're going to see some great things out him this season, and that a lot of players his age go through a little slump in those years. Maybe some time off from the World Cup really made his analyze his game and think about how to improve. Theo recently said "But if the boss wants me to play up front I'm buzzing from that. I'm working in training up front so I'll go from there." He came to Arsenal as a striker, but that just like the his number 14 predecessor, he knows that Arséne will get the best out of him. I think he played with complete brilliance and it can only help his confidence. Regardless of the level of defense from the Blackpool squad, games like this can remind a player psychologically of what they capabale of. I truly hope we get to see more of that. It couldn't happen at a better time. I'm sure he won't ever forget his first Arsenal hat-trick.
First Goal 1-0
Second Goal 3-0
Third Goal 5-0
Another player we're seeing bring shine back to his form, and reminding us of his creativity from when we got him from Borussia is Tomáš Rosický. He has been wonderful in preseason to watch, worked well with Samir Nasri, and his performance against Liverpool was unquestionable. He's said that this is the first season in a while that he's been able to get the full pre-season training and that he's stronger for it. Provided that the Czech can stay fit this season, I think he will have a great season and offer us a great added bonus in the midfield, while offering some much needed depth.
So we're all still sitting on the edge of our seats waiting to hear the next addition to our squad. With
the amount of injuries that we face every season, as anxious as I am, I'm glad to see that the medical
is becoming a rigorous process with Sebastien Squillaci. Though its understandable how desperate
we are in this twilight period of the transfer window, it is important to make sure we're not going to
bringing on more massive injury problems. There has also been a lot of chatter about our interest in
Ciani these past few days as well.
Though I don't know how true these rumours are, I look at having those all as options in the back four, and one can't hope but feel optimistic about our chances this season. The level of depth that we would have would certainly put us in a good place. Obviously having TV5 as first choice, but the added experience that Squilacci would bring, and the just the size and strength that Ciani would bring would be perfect. I think if I had to vote, I'd still rather bring on any of the 3 goalkeepers we've been linked with over another defender, but I think if we were able to secure both, it would really show everyone that the club are serious about trying to win things again, and wanting to put this silverware drought to an end. As for keepers, will it be Schwartzer, Stekelenburg, Given or someone we've not heard of until now? The Metro have reported that we've made a bid for Stekelenburg.
Thursday at Noon (EST) the Champions League Group Stage Draw will be take place. The 22 teams that instantly qualified include Arsenal, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Benfica, Bursaspor (Turkey), CFR Cluj (Romania), Chelsea, Inter Milan, Lyon, Manchester United, Marseille, AC Milan, Panathinaikos, Rangers, Real Madrid, Roma, Rubin Kazan (Russia), Schalke (Germany), Shakhtar Donetsk (Ukraine), Spartak Moscow, FA Twente and Valencia. We will find out on Wednesday the remaining 10 teams to be added to the 32 as Zenit faces Auxerre, Rosenborg faced Copenhagen, Sparta Prague faces Zilina, Young Boys go to Shite Hart Lane, Dynamo Kyiv face Ajax, Salzburg face Hapoel Tel-Aviv, Basel face Sheriff, Partizan face Anderlecht, Braga face Sevilla and Werder Bremen face Sampordia. Should be an exciting draw, and one can only hope that Young Boys embarrass the Scum on their own turf and we can all laugh at 50+ years down the drain.
In other news, William Gallas think that Sp*rs can win the league, and he plans on giving it his all. Sure thing William. Break a leg!
That about does it for me. As most of you know, I don't usually write so this is a leap for me. Please leave some comments and let me know what you think. I reckon I'll get more organized with practice.
More to come before the weekend!
C'mon You Reds!
