That’s Giroud; of course, that I am talking about for those who may have been wondering over recent weeks what FFP stands for. On he bounded looking determined, rested and raring to get goals and that is exactly what he did. With his first touch of the game he put us back ahead and then shortly after with just his second touch he scored again this time from a corner, powerfully guiding the ball over the keeper’s out stretched hand. Smiling from ear to ear he knew that he had saved the day and the thought crossed my mind as he reeled away in celebration knowing he put the game completely out of Sunderland’s reach that the only thing missing from this picture was a Superman cape with the letters FFP on the back. Welcome back Ollie you have been missed.

Arsenal’s training session in the North East in preparation for next week’s North London Derby went exactly to plan. Arsene Wenger was able to completely rest Özil who surprisingly didn’t even travel and bring Oxlaide-Chamberlain in for Walcott and Gibbs for Monreal giving the two regulars an extra week to recover, again in preparation for next week, although, it took very little time to see that there really isn’t a lot of difference between all four of them. Oxlaide-Chamberlain and Gibbs are able deputies and both highlight the depth and strength of the squad.

The Ox started confidently, buoyed by his two goals in mid week against Reading; it was his excellent cross that Sanchez headed home to get us off the mark.

This goal was on the back of a twenty-one pass move but although Sanchez still had a lot to do when the ball came in the star of this show was the quality of the cross. It is made all the better when compared with some of the crosses Alex has sent over this season which can only be described as somewhere between bad and woeful and so when he shaped to send in what turned out to be a thing of beauty I feared the worse but fear I needn’t have because boy did he deliver. Well done young man.

Shortly after Gibbs and he dispossessed a Sunderland player by their corner flag, Ox ran in and shot from the most impossible angle when Iwobi and Sanchez were waiting on the 18 yard line. Iwobi put his hands in front of him to indicate where he had wanted the ball played and Sanchez threw his hands in the air in frustration. Alex glanced guiltily at the bench, aware of his school boy error and from then on his confidence slowly waned and he gradually drifted out of the game until he was subbed in the second half.

As we all know we should have put this one to bed a lot earlier but we were clearly lacking a killer instinct. Özil as I said didn’t travel, Iwobi is just too nice; he is the kind of boy you would be happy to meet your mum; he needs Ian Wright to take him under his wing to teach him just how to be more of a selfish, fatherless person. Apparently Wenger commented in the week that he thought that Iwobi is trying too hard in front of goal, suggesting he needs to relax more, gotta agree with that. It wouldn’t surprise me if he gets a bit of a rest now, starting on the bench mid-week as well as the coming weekend as more of the Cav return namely Giroud. Sanchez will probably move out to the left to replace our up and coming Nigerian star.

And on that subject, Sanchez was a bit like a one of those super dooper Swiss Army Knives which is able to do anything and so is he. The problem is that there is such a great deal of choice you have to take time to consider which tool would be the most appropriate for the job in hand and so with Alexis; he is so multi talented that the possibilities available to him are so much greater than other players and because of that he often takes more time than necessary which usually involves trying to beat one more player than is needed when more often than not a simple pass would be more effective.

Sunderland were poor but even so they still managed to give us a scare when the referee’s selected decision making ignored the fact that Sanchez was being pulled back in the Sunderland box which should have been a penalty to us but five minutes later he had no problem awarding one at the other end which Defoe put away to level the score.

It was all set up for Giroud and he wasn’t going to waste this chance to show everyone what they had been missing. Ramsey reappeared amidst the celebrations of Giroud’s first and it immediately became apparent that he is so much more than a box to box player. Elneny is a box to box player and while I am on that subject he deserves special mention for the calm, controlled performance that he put in today. The Egyptian will run from the edge of our box to the edge of the opponent’s box but will rarely go in. Watch Ramsey, by contrast, he can run from box to box with the best of them but notice in the short period that he was on yesterday how many times he glided into Sunderland’s box adding to the attacking threat. In fact he played a part in the fourth goal when Gibbs hit the post and Ramsey played it onto Sanchez whose nimble feet seemed to dance on a sixpence before he poked it past their helpless goalkeeper.

Job done, game over, banana skin avoided, Sanchez was my man of the match, sometimes he can be frustrating but that is only because he offers so many possibilities. Moving on, oh how I am looking forward to next weekend, it would have been a bit of a shame if spuds had lost to Leicester, shame in the way, that is, that it would have taken some of the shine off next week when we inflict their first loss.

COYRRG

Written by LB

An early kick off on a Saturday up in the wilds of the North East and who knows what the 90 minutes might bring. If Eddie’s theory about the players training in the mornings and having a kip in the afternoon is correct, then let’s hope the lads hit their perfect peak at 12.30 today.

So far the Mackems are having a dismal season with 2 draws and 7 defeats from their first 9 fixtures. Let’s hope and pray that it’s not us who allows them any release from this calamitous run.

Whenever we travel to Sunderland, I have to remember it’s a degree or two cooler up there, though, today, the weather looks mild, with a light breeze and little chance of rain. Perfect October weather for playing football it would seem. The Stadium of Light pitch should be in good nick, too.

Hopefully we can keep the crowd quiet early on and maybe nick an early goal. In other words, the normal recipe for a day of reduced tension and low blood pressure.

In his post match interview on Wednesday evening, David Moyes was asked about being sent to the stands by Chris Kavanagh (the referee). Moyes had to ask who Chris Kavanagh was! He does seem a little lost since he left Everton.

Sunderland also intended to travel straight back after the match in midweek but were kept overnight on the South coast by fog. Hopefully that also disrupted their plans for today’s game. I’ll take any advantage, me.

Team news

It appears that Ramsey and everyone’s favourite Frenchman are back and in the squad. Perhaps neither will start, though with the continued absence of Santi, there does appear to be an opening for Aaron to provide some creativity in the box-to-box role. By the way, the signs for Santi are good and there’s even talk that he might have a test to see if he can play. It never seems a good idea to rush someone back, especially if there are able deputies, so I still think Santi will be out.

Theo and Nacho also face tests. Nacho is covered by Kieran. Lucas is out for a while after being clobbered by a Reading Neanderthal, so maybe the Ox would be the obvious replacement on the right.

C’mon you Gunners. Three points would make me feel a whole lot better and set the weekend up nicely.

(BR is without internet at present, hence the short, hastily written pre-match. Hopefully normality will be resumed for Tuesday.)

Written by chas

Picture this, and it’s an awful thought for any day, let alone a gloriously sunny Friday.

Arsenal no longer exists. Gone. No more. Could have been a large explosion from the kitchens, could have been an alien attack. Whatever the reason, your lover, your obsession has gone. End of.

Many, many years ago I remember having this conversation with some chums before a home game, and I voted Charlton Athletic. Reason was, I lived in London, and I thought they were low key enough not to be offensive, while being the proud bearers of a good history.

Fast forward a few decades, and I live four hours from The Emirates. I wouldn’t make the same choice now. My options:

• Become a fully signed up casual supporter of football without any specific allegiance
• Follow a local side with all the comaraderie that would eventually follow
• Now my ace. Go foreign. This needs further explanation.

Wherever you live, there will be an airport near you. From there will be a list of popular destinations. I say popular, because this is where you’ll find the bargains. Not uncommon to find last minute £50 returns to a huge variety of European Cities. I say, find the list, choose a Country, City, and Club that tickles your fancy.

Foodie: head to Parma

Drugster: Amsterdam

Culture vulture: Barca or Madrid

Sausage fan: Dortmund

Could any of you possibly choose an existing top six team, as I couldn’t, and hence my need to look elsewhere.

Written by Fat Elvis Viola-playing DidIt

Imagine the very worst. Mesut gets ruled out for an extended period. Now what?

How do we juggle the pack, as I’m not so sure it’s quite as simple as sticking the most likey type of player in Mesut’s spot, simply because, I think whoever you choose is better somewhere else, and that will effectively weaken the side, and upset the balance.

Candidates, in no particular order, are Aaron, Sanchez, Santi, Ox and Iwobi.

I have included Alexis despite his new role up top, simply because I think he would be the best, but of course that brings us hurtling back to my point about balance.

For me, the decision would be radically altered if we had a fit Danny available, so for the sake of this short piece, can we make the assumption he is fit.

Just to kick things off, my choice would be Iwobi.

Written by MickyDidIt89

A big game tonight for the red and white teams, Poland v Denmark. I am not going to write an epic on this subject, as only one AAer will watch the game , let alone read this post. The only reason for any of you to watch the game is the fact that both teams wear red and white national colours, just like the colours of our Club, and 6 players from both countries played or are still playing for AFC. These and the fact that it is going to be a great game.

 Arsenal had 2 players from Denmark – John “Faxe” Jensen and Nicklas Bendtner. Polish players at Arsenal were Fabianski, Szczesny, Podolski (born in Poland) and Koscielny. Yes, I do know that Koscielny is French by birth, but with a name like Koscielny and face like Lauren you cannot hide your polish roots. I therefore expect any Arsenal supporter, bar Raddy of course, to get behind the Polaks.

 Poland are the favourites – playing at home, team studded with talented footballers, capable manager. They have poor record in World cup; twice they reached semi-finals and on both occasions finished 3^rd. Over the years they played 31 games in total in World cup. Nothing to write home about really.

 Denmark have no chance – country with population 8 times smaller than Poland, never reached any serious stages in the completion and only played 16 games in World cup, not a formidable achievement, even poorer than their opponents’. Despite their lack of success in football Denmark is 3^rd happy, wealthy, healthy, safe country in the world. Well, I hope that my team will wipe the smile of their faces tonight.

 I shall not laugh at their biggest exports – bacon, Carlsberg and Sandi Toksvig in fear that Raddy returns the jibe knocking polish kabanos, vodka and Lech Walesa, all superior to their Danish counterparts. Neither shall I mention the flat as pancake country with thousands of windmills – their only attraction. I suppose this makes Raddy’s job much easier – all he had to learn in the language was pancake and windmill. Poland on the other hand has magnificent mountains, huge lake district and beautiful seaside by the Baltic sea. No match for the Vikings.

 Poland will win tonight, unless the dark horse puts a spanner in the works. Yes, Lord Bendtner is very capable on brilliance, seldom seen on the pitch, but still there. Remember his first touch against Tottenham? Goal, a very important goal too. He is 28 and 194cm!! Giant of a man. Poland’s Lewandowski is the same age and 4inches shorter. Who is going to dominate the field today? Will Szczesny stop his ex-team mate Nicklas? I hope so.

 Enjoy the game my friends!

Written by Eddie

Apparently it was the anniversary of Brian Clough’s demise as well as the return of Nicklas Bendtner to his adoring Gooner public. A photo of Cloughie, our designated meeting point, was obligatory. He would definitely be a staunch advocate of the style of football played by teams managed by AW.

A merry pre-match bevvy ensued, taking in the Joseph Else, Vat and Fiddle plus the Trip to Jerusalem amongst others.

I’m still not a 100% sure who started for The Arsenal. ElNeny, Xhaka, Lucas, the Ox, Holding and Gabriel seemed like a fairly decent core.

Forest are obviously a lower tier outfit these days and the first half clearly showed how Arsenal’s second string were levels above a fairly average Championship side. The minute’s applause for Cloughie in the 12^th minute was beautifully observed by the whole stadium.

The first half was illuminated by Granit’s shot from distance which the Forest keeper seemed to try and save with the wrong hand, allowing it to spoon into the net. Arsenal’s passing was sharp and gave us hope for some tasty action coming towards us in the second half.

The penalty for the second goal was so clear from the terraces. Akpom was just about to shoot when he was unceremoniously barged off the ball. Lucas stepped up and sent the away fans into raptures with his first Arsenal goal.

The gulf in class, even between an Arsenal second string and a reasonable Championship side grew as the game went on. I doubt the 11 players who started the game had ever played together before but all showed the benefits of the tutelage of our current manager. Xhaka is obviously one of those players foisted on the manager who will clearly struggle to fit into the current Arsenal plan. Not.

Lucas’ second, soon after his penalty, gave us great hope that he might become the finisher we need. He showed magnificent control under extreme pressure and produced a calm finish to boot.

The Ox improved as the game went on and his finish in injury time was sublime.

I must admit to feeling a little sorry for the Forest fans. Their ‘Have you won a European Cup’ was matched by the Gooners’ ’Forty Nine, Forty Nine Undefeated’ and eventually countered with ‘Nottingham Forest, You live in the Past’. I suppose living in the past is inevitable when the present is so mediocre. Ant and me couldn’t agree with ‘Nottingham’s a sh*thole, I want to go home’ as we both love our adopted city. It’s a fine place to live.

What a fine evening out for anyone supporting The Arsenal.

Player Ratings

Martinez – The young keeper makes you feel reassured. Quick off his line, unflustered and agile for a big old unit – 9

Maitland-Niles – Not really troubled. Probably more scared of his Mum than the Forest forwards – 9

Holding – So composed on the ball, strong in the tackle. What a purchase! – 9

Gabriel – Still gets a little flustered in possession but made some excellent blocks and recovery tackles – 9

Gibbs – Looked like he’s been playing regularly for the first team. A fine professional – 9

The Ox – Not his best first half but grew in confidence as the game went on, capping it with a superbly taken goal at the end – 9

Jeff – Great balance, elegant and with a fine eye for a pass. How on earth are we going to fit all of these great players in one starting XI? – 9

Xhaka – Oozes presence on the football pitch. I’m so looking forward to seeing how his Arsenal career develops – 9

ElNeny – a perfect foil for Xhaka. I keep thinking they’ve played together before at Basel but don’t think they were there at the same time – 9

Akpom – Looked fast and aggressive asked to play out wide. Unlucky not to score – 9

Lucas – Strong, skillful and muscular. Superb to see him get off the mark – 9

Written by chas

Saturday 17^th, 17:00 hrs.

I have spent four hours in the car, with the last stretch listening to Fivelive 2, and Arsenal sticking four past Hull. I’m pissed off as I missed the game with that goal from Granit, and what sounded like another fabulous performance from Alex Iwobi. I left the motorway as I approached destination suburbia, and immediately hit traffic. Superb. A chance to go straight on to the mobile device and AA, where Chas had brilliantly linked to the Xhaka goal. I watched it about twenty times on the final straight before arriving on the crest of an enormous wave of Arsenal euphoria (thanks Chas, you made my day).

Now picture this. Twenty minutes later and I am sitting on the floor opposite my eight year old nephew. Between us lies a green felt area, four foot by three foot. It’s a Subbuteo football pitch.

The years suddenly roll back, and I too, am once again eight years old.  Nephew graciously allows his Uncle to take the field with the Gunners. I study my XI carefully. Hooray, two black players. Theo and Iwobi start.

It was strange how seamlessly I slipped back to my old self. Before I could blink, my XI were lined up for kick off in their traditional 2-3-5. Oh happy days. The good times were back.

I stared across the green at his hideous looking  4-4-2. The modern young. How lost and brainwashed they are.

Ok, a little background. Last time I saw Nephew was at Christmas, when he had asked me in his squeaky little voice “Uncle Didit, who’s your favourite Arsenal player?”. “Iwobi, of course” replied I.

Back to Saturday, and he asks me “Uncle Didit, is Iwobi still your favourite player?” “Yes, of course, he’s a tryer, smart, great control, forward going, speedy and shooty”. At this point, he leaps up with a massive smile on his face, and beckons me to his chamber. There, on the wall, is a massive poster of Alex Iwobi. This made me very proud. I have power.

Right, back to the game.

I said two things on AA last week. One was a question “Could Iwobi be a No10?”, and the other was “I think Iwobi is a better footballer than Aaron Ramsey”.

Some think Aaron’s only role is as a No10. I don’t. I think he belongs only in a Nephew style 4-4-2.

My Arsenal had Alex as No10. He scored four as The Arsenal smashed Chelsea 7-2.

Would either Aaron or Alex get into your Arsenal Subbuteo XI, and if so, where?

Written by MickyDitIt89

If I was Arsene Wenger, I’d be saying to Alex, ‘Alex, mon petit choux, I was thinking about going out and buying a right-sided attacker for the team?’.

‘The question is, do I really need to? Surely you could give me 10 goals from that area of the pitch? Yep, I realise, GoonerB thinks you’re played out of position and should be coming in from the left, but the little Chilean is fairly good in that position already’.

‘Come on, what do you say? Breakthrough season to that elevated position in the world rankings we all know you have in you?’

……………….Coming up Boss……………………..

Sorted, so we just need a 30 goal-a-season guaranteed striker, La Cassette or that one Eddie fancies? Who else springs to mind?

chas