Can Arsenal win this afternoon? Reading some of the rubbish written by various Arsenal websites it would appear not. Others say that even if we beat Spurs, it matters not, because it only papers over the cracks (sorry Rasp 😀 ).

Two 5-2’s say different because what have been the highlights of the last two season’s? Have they been to play in Munich or at home to Dortmund? Perhaps beating Man City at the Emirates in 2012? No, the highlight for almost every Gooner are the thrashings of the cave-dwelling, pond-life from down the road.

Those of a nervous disposition point to the hundred million spent by the N17 mugs, but as indicated in the post headline ….. put a slapper in a fur coat and she is still a slapper. Of course, there is the possibility of a monkey typing Hamlet and one must accept that one day we will fail to look down upon them, but first 11 against first 11, we remain better than them.

Credit where credit is due – selling an ape and buying a zoo with the proceeds is fine work. Even a top negotiator like David Dein would be proud, though it remains to be seen whether AVB can get in the circus trainers to create a functioning team. Carrots, a whip, dog treats and some apples will encourage the process.

AVB working with his new signings.

In the two previous home NLD’s we have given them at least a goal start and then started playing ; such generosity is unnecessary and we need to tighten up. Despite the gulf in class and quality, care must be taken.

Spurs: It will be interesting to see how many of the new signings start. I doubt AVB will make wholesale changes to a team which has won all it’s games this season. Lamela, Eriksen and the horrific looking CB they have brought in from the Gulags are probably not registered yet.

And what of Adebayor and Defoe ? We might despair at Bendtner but Spurs have more deadwood than the Mary Rose.

A short paragraph of my true thoughts about Spurs.  They will be a major threat to AFC this season. From the reputations of the players brought in, they have bought wisely – a mixture of experience and exciting youth. It must be an interesting time to be a Cave Dweller.

Their defence looks solid-. Lloris has improved and appears to be a top GK.  I was much impressed by Danny Rose last season and in Kyle Walker they have real pace at the back. Vertonghen should be playing in red and white, a poor, poor decision from AW not to sign him.  Dawson is their weak link – we must attack him.

In midfield the improvement is huge. Sandro, Dembele, Paulinho and Capoue are formidable opponents, add in the creativity of the soon to arrive Eriksen and Spurs look very strong.

Upfront, Soldado was very expensive but had a decent strike record at Valencia. And what do we make of Andros Townsend? Is he the new Apeboy or just another Lemon?

I stated at the beginning of last season that AVB would be Spurs best signing for decades. Let us hope I am wrong.

Arsenal:

The injury to Podolski could be costly as we have very little attacking bite on the bench. Sanogo, good as he will be, doesn’t excite. With Ox out as well, Mr Wenger is almost forced to play Cazorla out on the left or continue with Gibbs in front of Monreal.

We need a return to the defensive cohesion we saw at the end of last season and the return of Koscielny is good news. Sagna has been excellent at CB but I prefer him to Jenks at RB.

Midfield will be where the game is won. This game cries out of the discipline and experience of Arteta, but if our little fellows can run the legs off their more physical opponents we will find space for Theo to hurt them.

Giroud. IF Oliver can convert the chances he is sure to have we will win. In my opinion, OG and Theo are  the central figures in the game.

My team:

We are seriously lacking on the bench. Gnabry, Frimpong, Sanogo ?? We need bodies. The signing of Flamini in time for the NLD could be important.

The referee is Michael Oliver. His performance will be vital. We have seen young Jack get a right good kicking in almost every game he plays; rotational fouling has become the norm. There is little doubt that AVB will send out his midfield with orders to be very physical and it is up to Oliver to make sure they play within the rules. I doubt whether he will be up to the task but trust he is better than the idiot we had against Villa. There are sure to be controversial calls and let us hope he gets them right. As always, check out Untold Arsenal to get referee stats.

Today will be one of the most interesting and nerve-racking NLD’s of recent times. Are the new Spurs the real deal or just Johnny Come Lateleys?

So, referring back to the opening sentence of the post, of course we can.

Believe.

COYRRG

written by Big Raddy