Gunners in Arms

In my last wallpaper post someone argued that there were indeed better Arsenal wallpapers out there. Touché. I will accept that challenge and rise to it. The desktop wallpapers that I like the most are a simpler and classier breed than the high-effects and showy variety that are out there. Call it the difference between a message driven independent movie and a Hollywood blockbuster.

Given that though, I realize that I should work to appeal to all types. So today I have a new wallpaper for you, ‘Gunners in Arms‘. I hope you enjoy it.

Today there is the usual negative backlash in the media and blogs all about. I had a touch of it yesterday. I don’t know that I want to talk any more about the merits of a draw against a poorly performing Newcastle at home, so I won’t. Let’s just look ahead to Tuesday.

Freddie Ljungberg will be struggling to be fit ahead of Tuesday’s clash with the German giants while Robin Van Persie is in doubt. There are reports that his foot “doesn’t look good”, but nothing more than that. Our increasing number of injuries never ceases to amaze me. Robin has been playing exceptionally this year, especially in the first half before he took injury. Hopefully the injury isn’t too terrible and he can have a speedy recovery.

Arsene Wenger went to extra lengths to explain why he started Henry on the bench. I see his point, but I have to disagree. Henry is a professional footballer, if he is needed to play in 4 games in 2 weeks, then he should be capable. And I think he is. He’s not as young as a Rooney or Cesc, but players should be able to play in this many games. Sometimes Arsene comes across a little too overprotective of his players. In Freddie’s case, just because someone hasn’t played a full match in 4 weeks doesn’t mean he needs extra training before playing again. Just take a look around at how some of the other coaches handle situations like this.

That being said I’m no football coach and Arsene seems to be doing a fine job at it.

CSKA Moscow secured the title in the Russian league after a win on Saturday. This however comes amidst escalation of rumors and accusations of match fixing amongst teams and referees.

Many Russian bookmakers refused to take bets on certain matches, saying their outcome was pre-determined, while CSKA’s main rivals, Spartak Moscow and Zenit St Petersburg, accused the army side of benefiting from favourable refereeing decisions.

Now I know the domestic Russian league has it’s own officials and governing body and is therefore susceptible to such misanthropes. Thus, it would be completely unreasonable to suggest that the Spanish referee’s decision to discount Henry’s goal and award him a yellow card for a nonexistent hand-ball was influenced from some outside factor. But it makes you wonder…

One can only hope that the Football Union of Russia, UEFA, or FIFA step in and handle this like with Italy. Except this time no one should back down when the teams complain about punishment being ‘too severe’. The way UEFA backed down on the punishments to the Italian clubs was pathetic. They almost got off scot free for committing the worst offense in football.

Real Madrid scampered too quickly release information stating that they were entirely complicit with David Beckham leaving training for Tom Cruise’s wedding. Big deal. It doesn’t really matter either way, everyone can tell that this Real Madrid contract isn’t going to work out.

What about the fact that the Beckham’s attended a party hosted by Hollywood’s elite? Maybe David and Posh were looking for some input onto what life in Hollywood is all about and securing some friendships for the future. If that were really the case this L.A. Galaxy rumor looks all the more realistic. He’s not doing much to discount it.