Gunnerrific

Thus concludes two relatively poor performances in a row by The Gunners. While the game did have a few highlights we never really looked like we cared until PSV slid one just past Lehmann. It’s a familiar tale where urgency only comes out of the risk of a loss.

Instead of writing a full match report, which I’m pretty sure nobody really wants to read, I’m going to outline a few things that I’ve been missing from Arsenal’s game in the past few fixtures.

• Robin Van Persie, who’s obsession with scoring incredible goals has been sorely missed up front since his injury.
• Aliadiere, one of the few sources of creativity in Arsenal’s distressing performance against Blackburn.
• Henry, who despite a few nice chances here and there looked absent for huge stretches of the game. The way he receives a ball and holds it for 5+ seconds, standing still while looking for the perfect opportunity, frustrates beyong imagine.
• Top-form Gallas. It’s nice to have him back but it was painful watching him give up possession and get beat so often today. Our right side was entirely exposed as a result.
• The Beast. From underwhelming at his start for Arsenal, to overwhelming in his four-goal role in the Carling Cup evisceration of Liverpool, to underwhelming again. Why can’t we get “The Beast” on a regular basis?

So we look forward to meeting PSV again in two weeks at the Emirates. The pressure will really be on if we want to stay in the Champion’s League, but before that we meet Chelsea in the Carling Cup final. I’m hoping Arsene left Aliadiere on the bench to rest him for a starting spot in that game.

All that being said, I don’t think the loss today is going to be too much of a disaster for Arsenal. Considering some of the brilliant performances the team has put in, I would be more surprised if we didn’t find our form again in the next game. Yes, the last two performances have been pretty shoddy, but we’ve had an amazing run since the new year and it won’t be hard for the gunners to find their form again.

So what do you think Arsenal has been missing lately?

Or maybe it’ll be Arsenal Colorado. Whichever name is ultimately picked, the MLS is set to announce a partnership between Arsenal and The Colorado Rapids.

What exactly does this mean? For The Arsenal – not much. For the Rapids and the MLS – a whole heckuva lot.

While details of the agreement haven’t been officially announced, for Arsenal it sounds like it basically amounts to the addition of the Colorado Rapids into Wenger’s considerable pool of talent from which to pluck new players, giving promising youngsters from the United States a chance to train and potentially play with the Gunners. The deal will also allow the Rapids to change their name, colors, and branding to incorporate “The Arsenal”.

While I think the deal is fantastic, particularly for the MLS, I’m not a huge fan of the name change. I feel like the best course of action to increase the popularity of the MLS is to emulate some of the more successful parts of European Football. Sponsors on shirts, David Beckhams, partnerships with European clubs to swap talent, bigger television deals, etc. are all helping the state of the MLS immensely, but I think they would be better off building their own brand with their own team names and not copying European team names or conventions too closely. I mean, who honestly thought that “Real Salt Lake” was a good idea for a team name? Just watch, we’ll probably see “AC Galaxy” soon.

Anyway, Arsene Wenger cleared up some of the confusion here: Wenger dismisses Colorado Rapids takeover talk. He also claims there will be no pre-season USA tours by The Gunners. While it would be nice to see them in Los Angeles at some point, avoiding tours like that for the time being is probably for the best. Barca did a US tour in late 2006 but I didn’t go because, well, it was Barca.

Arsenal played Porto to a draw to make it through to the knock-out round of the Champion’s League at the top of their group. It was clear that neither side was particularly interested in risking any sort of overwhelming attack, although Porto looked dangerous when hitting the post twice. Hamburg managed to upset Moscow in the other match which made our result obsolete. For a great review I’d just send you to the The Cannon.

As usual the announcers were complete cunts. They made absolutely ludicrous remarks about how fans of both sides should be upset about not going all-out for a win. While there was definitely a bit more passing between the defense than normal, and Porto looked more guilty than we did, it’s ridiculous for an announcer to sit there and complain. They’re just upset they don’t have a thrilling match to commentate on.

I was very pleased with the match. Certainly The Arsenal have played better and with more dominance, but a draw was all we needed.  Our midfield had serious problems in pushing the ball up the pitch.  We also had a lot of trouble maintaining possession, opting instead to pass the ball back to Porto all too often.

It was basically a stalemate and although we had some shots I think both sides have the right to play for that. That’s what we get for winning games earlier in the competition. I’m still shocked at how biased and ridiculous the commentators were. I should have just muted the TV.

It’s worth noting that all four EPL teams have made it through to the next round by winning their group. This should make the next stange pretty interesting because at least three of these teams are sure to make it through the first round. The draw is on Friday the 15th and I wouldn’t be too surprised if we drew Barcelona. Then we’ll be able to give them the payback they deserve, right up the arse.

Come on Arsenal!

Barcelona and Chelsea both passed through to the knock-out round with relative ease on Tuesday. Hopefully we can manage to do the same today. The only way we can’t go through is if we both lose to Porto and Moscow beats Hamburg. It doesn’t get any simpler than that.

I’m sure I’m not the only one hoping that the squad remains largely unchanged from the line-up against those Tottenham wankers. With Rosicky out we’ll see either Theo, Baptista, or Flamini in his place. It’s a good, strong line-up and they played well together on Saturday so they ought to be able to do the same. Of course in this most important of matches we are playing away so it will be much more of a struggle than playing our London rivals at home.

Perhaps the most important decision for Arsene is Senderos versus Djourou. Let’s be honest. Senderoes hasn’t looked like the 05-06 Senderos since recovering from his recent injury. Meanwhile Djourou performed above and beyond the call of duty last match. For me this is obvious and my vote goes for Djourou. Who would you pick?

Thierry Henry has announced a partnership with American clothing giant Tommy Hilfiger. I didn’t see that coming. At last! I’ll be able to wear some Henry inspired fashion that the American public won’t be completely confused about. You see, when I wear an Arsenal jersey out in public, people look at me funny. They don’t recognize the team, they are confused by the sponsor, and they’ve no clue who “Henry” with a hard H is.

As part of the new deal with Hilfiger, the player will help with the design of a unique range of Henry-endorsed clothing.

Swanky. I’m not really sure what this all means except that Thierry is now making some shirts and pants. Hopefully our French star can avoid showing up in the tabloids like the other Hilfiger partner Lindsay Lohan. That girl flashes her vag in public nearly every time she gets in or out of a car. It’s pathetic.

Well let’s all get behind the manager and the boys today! Whoever is traveling to the match, make sure to let them know who you are. I hope to hear you loud and clear over those Porto snobs. American coverage is only available on Setanta Sports at 11:00am PST, although kick-off isn’t until 11:45am. This is a match that is begging to be watched live, regardless of your time zone or work hours. COME ON ARSENAL!

These guys seem to think that Baptista’s latest comments indicate that he will be leaving soon. While I certainly can understand Julio’s comments about wanting play time, I think he must also realize he has no future back at Real. He wasn’t doing well in Madrid and has had a meager start with the Arsenal. However, there is certainly more promise for him at the Arsenal than at Real. Surely he sees this.

There are all sorts of reports about Henry and various unnamed people calling him ‘big-headed’ and ‘difficult to pay with’. I like how any shmuck can step forth to talk about a football star who is basically a celebrity. Why is this considered news?

BREAKING NEWS:

An unnamed American has come forth to the defense of Theirry Henry during the crisis at The Emirates. “Thierry is a fantastic player on and off the pitch. He is a delightful man whose skill is both impressive and plentiful.” The American wishes to be unnamed and uncredited.

END OF BREAKING NEWS.

In the days leading up to Porto away there is certainly some nervousness added back into the mix. With Henry out due to that ridiculous yellow card in Moscow, this match will certainly be a sizable test to the squad. The line-up against Tottenham looked particularly strong and I really wouldn’t mind seeing it again. A 4-4-2 would work well against Porto, assuming that (once again) we can keep up the consistency in the back-line.

Tomorrow there is a huge test for Barcelona as they face a must win situation against Werder Bremen at the Camp Nou (all my Real talk from above had me writing Bernabeu as the cunt in the comments so kindly noted). I’ll be sporting my Germany scarf all day in support of Klose’s side. I know that might be hard for you Brits to swallow, but I’m a Yank, so you’ll have to excuse me. It’s all for the Arsenal.

I’ve updated the Wallpaper section with yet another desktop treat. Enjoy take two of the gunners in arms, this time entitled The Arsenal. It’s a much simpler, classy desktop that I offer now than the previous version. Please enjoy.

Oh and if you’re in for a laugh, give this a read. It’s largely hilarious.

ARSENAL!

The press is having a field day with the supposed Henry and Wenger spat. Thierry very clearly stated his side of the situation and there’s no reason to assume any other version of it. He’s upset that he can’t play, and that frustrates him. As I’m sure it frustrates Wenger, I could see how the ‘media’ at large could blow this way out of proportion. The best part about the Arsenal.com interview with him has got to be the Star Trek reference. Arseblogger summed it up pretty succinctly as well.

If Wenger and Henry really did have a fight, I’m sure it was probably a good one to have. Henry wants to play, but Wenger knows he needs to rest up and get well. That’s that.

And now on to a different treat than I normally offer. Below I present three different videos from the Saturday match. They are from the stands in quite nice seats and offer quite a different take on the goals. I wonder if watching a game like this might be more enjoyable than the regular television broadcasts. Credit is due to the PinnoyGooner, whose videos I also use in my Songs and Chants page.

Adebayor Celebrates with Henry

Gilberto’s First Penalty

Gilberto’s Second Penalty and Celebration with Wenger

And finally, if you are an Arsenal supporter living in United States like myself (or even not), then it would behoove you to check out The 2G’s podcast from Friday the 24th. There’s a nice interview with Richard Clarke, chief editor of Arsenal.com. I know it’s a bit late, but just pop open iTunes, search for ‘The 2Gs’, and give it a download. This episode was a sneak preview of what will be a weekly broadcast in the new year. I’m looking forward to it.