Written by Mean Lean on Tuesday, 08 February 2011 14:44

I have to say, I am feeling much better about the weekend now. Especially after reading Wenger Boy's article. Clearly a drop of two points but the Mancs and Chelsea losing while we get an away point is far from the end of the world but let us not get back into that again. I am sure you want to put that behind you and focus on the rest of the season.

I am rather enjoying the news that Cesc Fabregas and Robin Van Persie have pulled out of their international squads through stomach problems and flu, that to me is a great sign. We know that Arsene likes our players to take responsibility and they are more often than not treated like adults and are able to make their own choices.

I wouldn't be surprised if the squad have spoken about putting Arsenal first and making sure that we go all the way this year and if that means not playing for their country then so be it. I hope that Saturday will refocus the squad and get them fighting and hungry like they were against Chelsea a few weeks back. I want us to play Wolves in the same manner.

Anyway, we have a little while to wait until that comes about so hopefully the rest of the squad like Alex Song, Denilson and Vermaelen can put their feet up and avoid dropping bottles of salad cream on their feet. Johan Djourou has been a worry for us all, rumours have been circling that Djourou was going to be ruled out for the season but I am not jumping to any conclusions until the club have their official say. Johan Djourou himself suggested that the injury is not as bad as some think by saying that he feels much better. Hopefully he won't be out for very long.

The Squillaci and Koscielny partnership statistically makes for uncomfortable reading and I do not think it is coincidence that they have shipped far more goals than any other combination. That is not to say that they cannot improve but I guess we could do without the teething problems until that time. Wolves at the Emirates shouldn't be a game to fear for our defenders if we approach the game in the right way.

Theo Walcott and Jack Wilshere represent the Arsenal in their friendly against Denmark tomorrow. It appears that Capello will play Wilshere in a defensive midfield position which will be interesting to see. Jack has dovetailed very well with Alex Song so far this season so I hope he has some form of partner to share that responsibility as we still haven't fully seen what Jack Wilshere is strongest at. He is an attacking dribbler who plays reverse passes in the final third and scores goals.

It is amazing that he has adapted to a new role in the way that he has. I wonder if he will ever play as an attacking midfielder or if he will continue to grow into the position that has allowed him to shine for Arsenal this season. He is just turned 19 years of age and that is quite remarkable. When I saw him as a 16 year old I couldn't help but join in with the hype, it was impossible not to. He was a different player then but when a player is as gifted as Wilshere then he can adapt and shine in other positions.

I hope both he and Walcott do themselves justice even if they are playing alongside a collection of absolute muppets.

With that, I bid you goodbye.

Back again tomorrow for a pre matc....oh never mind.

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Comments (6)

• 08-Feb-2011 15:15 | | dkgooner  - Long wait
  

  Yeah ML - I'm the same. Want to put the weekend behind me and get on with the next game right away. I bet the players do too in a way, although the week off for many will give tired limbs and injuries time to recover.
  We look like we're going to be seriously weakened once more for the first Barca game, but hopefully AA's return to form will continue and we won't miss Nasri too much. The major worry has to be defensively where Squillaci and Koscielny have to sort something out. They've both played well enough with other partners but they just don't seem to gell together. Very odd. Fortunately Barca are unlikely to be spending the whole evening bashing long high balls into the middle, but if they've been watching us in that department, maybe they'll come with a plan B.
  
  Moving on to something else, I know he's yet another one for the future but if you haven't seen Miyaichi's debut on loan at Feyenoord, then take a look here:
  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P3MBs52J3wU
  Absolutely mouth watering - 17 years old!!!!!!!!

• 08-Feb-2011 15:18 | | Bala
  

  I just hope Theo and Jack doesn't get injured.I am really looking forward to see Jack play for England.We should get Song back as soon as possible now that we have lost Djourou

• 08-Feb-2011 15:47 | | MeanLean
  

  Damn I knew I had forgotten something. The kid looks good. Quick, skilful and confident. Very promising.

• 08-Feb-2011 16:05 | | MeanLean
  

  whoo hoo Johan Djourou out for one week. splendid

• 08-Feb-2011 16:07 | | Wenger Boy
  

  Echo your thoughts entirely about our players dropping out of their national squads.
  
  I think that it is very symbolic of both Wenger ad the squad's desire to finally win something this season.

• 08-Feb-2011 16:19 | | goonerbegood  - IF WE BELIEVE ,WE WILL RECEIVE.
  

  Hello Fellow gooners,am happy must are letting go cos i did that same weekend.
  i BELIEVE IN THIS TEAM.
  
  we must not dwell with the past but focus on the future.we will get there eventually and our club ,players and fans alike must continue to trust and believe .
  
  we are in a good position,we must continue to fight. There will be defining moments ,but we must be in control.

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