It's certainly easier to write about Arsenal now than it was 3 months ago,a disastrous start left Arsene Wenger and the team with an awful big corner to turn.I think it could be the end of the season before we find out if we've turned that successfully or not.Certainly a top 4 finish is vital.
Winning our CL group means we avoid the mistake of last year and will not have to play the likes of Barcelona and Real Madrid.Possible 2nd round opponents include Lille, Porto, AC Milan, Ajax or Napoli although some groups are still very tight.Wednesday nights win was a very good one considering Dortmund seem to have rediscovered last seasons title winning form.One thing I have always enjoyed is player ratings and it's something I intend to do here.So here's my 2 bobs worth.
Szczesny-7
Confident lad.Dealt comfortably with everything Dortmund threw at him.
Koscielny-6.5
Playing very well.Doesn't get up and down as well as Sagna or Jenkinson but he is a centre back.Gives everything.
Andre Santos-7
Has come on a lot.Plenty of Brazilian flare but he does wander and that might cost us in other games.
Per Mertesacker-6.5
Steady and calm.He seems more at home in CL or maybe it was because he was playing a German team.
Thomas Vermaelen-7
Top player.His reaction to conceding the goal says it all.His all action style is vital to team.
Alex Song-8.5.....MOTM
Great display.Worked so hard helping the defense (mainly left back).Terrific run and skill for 1st goal.
Mikel Arteta-6.5
Reminds me of Ray Wilkins (when he had hair).Loves to link up the play and keep things moving.His free kicks have'nt worked......yet.
Aaron Ramsey-6.5
Didn't happen for him going forward.Kept going and never gave up though.
Gervinho-6.5
Now gives us pace on both wings.A good signing who just needs to add some goals to his game.Does'nt seem to like one on ones with keepers.
Theo Walcott-7
Much more consistent.Linking up with Van Persie well.But Theo, stay away from the pushing and shoving,its just not you.
Robin Van Persie-8
What can you say, he's in the form of his life. Has a great footballing brain,seems to be in the right place at the right time.
Of the subs Benayoun did alright.I've a feeling we might see a bit more of him with so many matches coming up.Arsene might make some changes for Fulham although with the Carling Cup on Tuesday he might play the 1st team and then give them the week off.Even though we're playing Man City, i don't think he cares about the CC this year.We'll see how serious he takes it with the team sheet on Tuesday.The Wifey says I always say "and I must say" so to finish off with,
And I must say 1
Are Chelsea trying to become the new Arsenal.Attacking play, bad defending, there the latest crisis club.Interesting to see how AVB deals with all those egos in the dressing room.That's if he's there of course.
And I must say 2
Did you see the Dortmund fans the other night.Brilliant.That's how to support your team.
And I must say 3
In golf, a good start to the weekend when an interviewer asked why G Mac and Wee Mac were playing with each others balls and the two lads just burst out laughing.
See ya soon
