Ruminations

With Arsenal's draw coming on the same day as Man Utd and Chelsea making their mark, it would be obvious to write off our chances and suggest it is all a bridge too far. I am not yet sure about this. It seems obvious to point out that Man U and Chelsea have tough games to play and an easy run in etc. However, the more I think about it, the more I wonder whether I want Arsenal to win the league.

Odd as this might read, I feel it would be a falsehood to believe the quality Arsenal have, runs through the whole team. In Almunia, we have a keeper who is quite poor and lacks confidence as I have said before. He does not seem to have the consistency of a top keeper. His save against West Ham prompted Wenger to suggest that the Arsenal number 1 has silenced his critics. Is it possible to silence his critics with one save?

Does that mean that Franco's goal for West Ham against Wolves silenced his critics? Nope? Ok enough said.

Wenger is not the kind of manager to reinforce the side from a position of strength. If we were to win the league, I fear he would want to stick with that side and hope it grows. This is not what we want to see. We cannot afford to win the league just yet.

In terms of yesterday's game against Brum, how comes nobody is highlighting the lack of offside for their goal. Benitez was 2 yards offside and interfering with play. The Assistant Ref had a clear view and did nothing. This is a surprise as that is what he is paid to do.

Wenger lost his cool and swore in the press conference. I have to say that this is not a big deal. He is upset because Gardener reduced Fabergas' influence. But that is what the opposition have to do. I don't have a problem with how Brum played. They deserved something from the game that we couldn't close out. So be it.

Chelsea looked great yesterday. Their fluidity and composure was awesome. Man U picked Bolton off in a great fight. I have to give credit to Bolton too as they put up a fight but couldn't covert.

I have to add another point about West Ham. The quality that they have in the side has been overshadowed by the shot to their confidence. My question is, everyone has a poke at Zola, but when things were going well, people suggested it was down to the influence and experience of Steve Clarke. What is he doing now? How is he helping Zola who looks totally bereft of ideas and support? IS he going for the job himself? I feel the work being done by West Ham is not consistent. They don't play as a team and the likes of Diamanti, Mido, Cole and Franco just seem like an impossible mix of styles. They will go down. Hull will stay up.

I have a stinking cold so that's all for now.