My last post was on this site last year in may. Back then, I spurned on from an Evening Standard article proclaimingg the departure of Cesc Fabregas. Now, a year on, that has finally culminated. The most protracted, drawn out saga of Premier League history has come to an end.

And so, we all woke up, Gooners and non-Goons alike, with pictures of our skipper kissing the badge – the Barca badge – relentlessly. Needless to say, our ex-skipper has come for much abuse and stick. BUT, we must remember, what a player he was. Eight years of skillful, magical touches, sprinkling magic to the barren years.

His career started in the pouring rain of a windswept night in October 2003. Rotherham were the very first opponents, Barcelona one of the very last. How eqlouently intimate, in that small Highbury pitch. A toe poke vs Wolves in the next round of the Carling Cup ensured a place in Arsenal history, whatever the outcome of his career. But it would soon be apparent that this fresh faced Spaniard was something else. Reports of his reserves outings were reaching Arsene Wenger, at a time when the Invincibles were digging up the Premier League turf with aplomp.

Cesc was introduced into that same legendary team in the start of the 2004/5 season. And WHO would forget that mullet (see link below). Probably one of the few signature failures of a fashion crime!

But Cesc volleyed his way through the Champions League, danced around Liverpools defenders. His introduction in the first team proper would be another date with history – knee-poking in a Gilberto header to provide the second goal vs Blackburn. That game was the tipping point, the game when Arsenal etched their name into football folklore.

Beyond the unbeaten run, Cesc picked up an FA Cup winners medal, hoisted Paddy Vieira and overshadowed him the next season vs Juve. The smash and grab goals vs Milan. And those assists. They won’t be remembered – the one for Thierry Henry at the Bernabeu. One for Adebayor vs Spurs at home (on of many). The assist to Nasri who who eventually assists Arshavin in that lung busting goal vs Barca last year.

All these moments. Now gone. Now memory.

Lets end the mourning now. We must unite, despite the media trying to split us. We must carry on. For players come and go, but fans remain forever.

N.B Look for the link that charts Cesc in pictures; games, goals and mullet! 9 http://www.talksport.co.uk/magazine/big-picture/2011-08-15/photo-tribute-cesc-fabregas-arsenal-career-photos-games-goals-and-mullet

In the barren desert that were the years, he was the shining ray of light. In the face of despair, he clutched a broken leg and, the final act now it seems, scored a goal agiasnt his first, and next employers.

Walking through the streets of London’s West End, I picked up the Evening Standard in nonchalance, hoping to see more of Clegg than Cesc. But the inevitable, as the ES article suggests, is on its way. It is here. And which Arsena fan could not say so? For so long, for so many years, the frustrations of Real Madrid and Barcelona keep on cat-calling, their seductive whistles never ceasing. But, when English fooball has dominated in Europe (including Fulham and other exploits), why does the monstrous sea continue?

Fabregas will have the chance of joining that elusive club of ‘I’ve been to Spain, worn the t-shirt, ate the paella’. But, unlike Ronaldo, Beckham and Henry, this last voyage is more spiritual, less economic. Fabregas might even earn less at Barca, though the weakness of the pound and the myserious ways that is Spanish football may heighten his bank balance.

But this story was never about money. It was always about a ‘return’. In my eyes, this could have been delayed, and even more so, perhaps even stopped. Wenger’s reluctance in spending could be the very straw that dismantles this castle. A castle built on the foundations of the invincbles, a team of prowess and punch. Then a total new shape, a total football side that weakened. Last season was showed there was strength in abundance, just not lasting the whole stretch.

Could this even be a new dawn? Will total football reduce, and substance and strength return? Perhaps this could be the catalyst for an improved Arsenal, however slightly perverse that may sound. We simply do not know.

But, before I buy my Spanish national sirt with ‘Fabregas’ on the back, I’d like to put keyboard to screen, pn to paper. 7 years of service, some of the best football ever seen on these shores. Fabregas may not be a great in some eyes, but for me he is more than a player. He was a gerat man, grown from a boy playing agiasnt Rotherham and Wolves in the League Cup. Fabregas was the new age, the cosmopolitan who moved to a different country, learned its language and culture, and embodied it.

He leaves with our grace and blessing. We’d love you to stay Cesc. But players come and go. Even in this teary eyed moment, I cant find any regrets.

There’s always a smell of nostalgia commencing at midnight of the 31st of December. Every year we look back at your troubles, our achievements, our happiness and the world around us. And best of all, we look forward to a new, fresh year.

Premier league football of 09 and indeed the decade ended at Fratton Park, the most archaic of stadiums you may ever see. Yet, with all the fear of trudging in the cold without skipper Cesc, Arsenal cruised to a 4-1 win over bottom of the table Portsmouth. The three goals after Eduardo’s free-kick all summed up a poignant reminder of what Arsenal have really achieved this decade; the trailblazers of youthful, beautiful football, and earning the footballing world’s respect. I don’t say this out of arrogance, but when you listen to fans of Bolton groaning about their lack of style, fans of Liverpool wanting some punch, and even fans of Chelsea wanting some flair, Arsenal FC and Arsene Wenger have earned a large portion of the ‘noughty’ respect.

Of course, all this wouldn’t have happened without the continuam of trophies in the early phase of the decade. Between years 2000 and 2007, we managed to reach a final every year and/or win a trophy. Thats a magnificent feat for a continous shift in the first team. The years 2000-2005 was also a stable team, and one looks at the team sheet now ( a first 11 non-injury team sheet) must say that Arsene is trying to replicate a much needed stability.

I remember back in 2001 having a computerised version of Ashburton Grove as my desktop wallpaper. It looks stunning, and the final version serves the similarity well. There was always going to be a lull in team fortunes; losing the ‘invincbles’ at that crucial moment was not inevitable, but it was always inevitable that the team would slump in form.

Yet, something magical has risen. The club has rebranded itself, renamed itself in the world of football. Everywhere you go AFC signifies different meaning to the AFC of the 90′s or even early 00′s. By playing football as it should be, or near perfection, AFC symbolises a gentleman’s version of football, away from that misty cloud of the many red cards in the 2000 and 2001 seasons.

As we approach the cusp of this new year, this new decade, always remember, if you beleive in something special, it will happen. The little miracles will grow into large ones. Keep the faith.

Victory through Harmony

“I’m going to burst my head. We’re back in businessssssssssssssssssss….”

That is the sound of the turning point, another milestone, in this incredible, delictable season of mad football. I won’t bother with a match report; every Gooenr in the land watched with glee at the way a spirited Arsenal fell and came back back from the gutter to wrench out a 2-1 in at Anfield. They were the last team to come back from bvehind at Anfield back in October 2003, and they did it again with a little help from that thorn in the red-bush, Andrei Arshavin.

Never before has Arsene smiled at his own candid quotes. Maybe once in an interview, but certainly not twice. This weekend was unseen, and perhaps, if not the best weekend of football since sliced bread was made. United lost, Chelsea drew, Spurs lost, etc etc etc.

I was at the rain soaked Arsenal-Chelsea match, which opened the gulf to 11 points. I always had a feeling we could overturn something like half that deficit – how I was wrong. With a game in hand at home agaisnt a leaky Bolton side, Arsenal F.C are back/

The preview in the London Evening Standard newspaper called Arshavin’s tenure at Arsenal so far as ‘flashes of genuis’. He has done mroe than that. The Russian stepped up to the plate, time and time again. At Anfield, twice, at Old Trafford. All he needs now is a goal agiasnt Chelsea (he could have but for it being disallowed). If Arsene didn’t know, he knows now. Arshavin must play upfront alongside pacy strikers who can strech the wings.

For me, Theo lacked sharpness and control. Ironically, it was his prescence in the box that led to the own goal. If he wants any chance of being on the plane to South Africa, he must start to show some control of the ball at his feet, and a desire to get into the box.

I implore everyone to watch this youtube video of fanzone, convering the match. HIlarious, it’ll bring a smile to your face. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cYa366GmIoY

One certainly returned from the Professor.

Heart radio is on the background, Sister Sledge playing. There’s a spirited feel good factor within my first Reading week off. I daresay, the permeating winter festivities is linked to, lets call it, a fruitful month. Understatement of the year perhaps?

I won’t divulge into a look back at 2009 – I’ll save that for the post turkey article. We bunch of Gooners may be forgiven as spoilt – many fans I speak to of varied clubs think so. Yet, as soon as Arsenal went 4-0 to the good against Wolves on Saturday, one could not help but feel sorry for those Wanderers in the temporary stand with no roof.

Many a tear was shed on remembrance weekend. I myself, despite being a ‘third generation’ tier in my family, could not help but choke at the silence, in honour of those befallen at the most sacrificial of occupations. Sometimes, it’s only a game.

Upon reflection of the game, Wolves couldn’t have positioned themselves better. Craddock had a half decent chance with a header, Ebanks Blake was a consummate terror. Yet, for all their hard work, Vermaelen yet again put in a shift. His partner, Billy G, was the tip-top performer. Actually, William has been in many ways the better performer; headers, last ditch tackles and no nonsense challenges all engaging in a new, revamped Gallas. Perhaps it his new defensive partner, or most likely, it’s the burden of an Arsenal captaincy gone and alleviated the pressure.

Talking of which, let’s talk about Cesc baby. No, he’s not a baby. He’s evolved into a man, a diamond of a jewel encrusted team. Reposing as the fulcrum of a magnificent midfield, no-one ever doubted his potential and his status. So, what has changed? If you read the London Evening Standard, then Cesc has joined the football elite. After the departure of Thierry Henry, we all saw the permutations of a freed Fabregas, both tactically and mentally. Passes were exchanged both left to right. But as Adebayor turned diminutive and prolific, a new target man shunned the range of passed Cesc was demanded for. Now the long range celebrator has gone, the demand for one dimensional passing has gone. Yes RVP is the potent attacking symbol. The difference is that the Basketball style ‘score more than your opponents’ philosophy of 2009/10 Arsenal has delivered what was promised; the multi-skilled craft of Cesc Fabregas. Long may his scoring run continue.

And now, the Gunners are set to break records. AFC official website will tell all. With Sunderland and Chelsea impending after the unnecessary international break.

Come May, let’s hope Kool and the gang will be bouncing off the Holloway Road. Hope – with the cherished and brimming foundations of autumn.

Saturday was a momentous occasion. Eye twitching at 9.45 AM, the brain told me; “Dude, your time is upon you.”. Not death, but my first (proper) Arsenal match. And boy oh boy, it was the golden one.

The day started with waiting for the tiny 393 Bus which stretches from Chalk Farm to Clapton (via highbury and Islington). After following a batch of North-London Gooners off the bus and walking down Holloway Road, the tension, excitement and anticpiation rose in my lungs. The heavy police presence and the smell of alcohol from the rowdy middle aged men did little to appease the feeling I was heading towards a grudge match.

First impressions first. The mural outside, replacing the grey and dismal shell, helps create a sense of history. I found it quite artificial and un-stadium like, but I’m sure that will allieviate in time.

After sitting in proper view seats, I had the dignity to walk all the way to the top, penultimate row. The structure of the Grove is way better than highbury, but teh view was a wierdly fascinating one; the landscape of London streching east and west in between the ‘curves’. Sunshine glistening the red and white crowd, as they hoisting their scarves, jumping up and down.

As for the real deal, inside the Halloween cauldron (excuse the pun). it was a tight affair in the first half, Tottenham not impressing themselves and Arsenal failing to impress on most of the possession. Frustration boiled from the terraces, and I was much surprised by the malingment of Abou Diaby. Calls of “c*nt” and groans are not beyond the scope of indignation, but as an Arsenal fan,  the frustation from the fans didn’t surprise me totally.

Its also been reported that an Arsenal fan abused the Tottenham manager (with words)

“He was swearing and there were little kids standing there. I don’t understand why people do that. I just asked if he could behave himself and act like a proper human being.”

Sir Alex Ferguson has also bemoaned the open style structure of dug-outs in the past, and that must be rectified. As far as I can see, there is little security between fans and managers. For the good of the game, and genuine convenience, AFC need to buck up security. However, its good to see Harry red hot under the collar.

So, mind the gap Harry. Your cockerel boasts about replacing Wenger’s AFC has not permissed. Nor is it permissible to piss on the red carpet. But it is on a blue one.

I had the choice on Sunday of either the two;  ending Fresher’s week with a trip to Thorpe Park, or waking up late and easing onto my cushion for a lunchtime date with Arsene’s historical match. I think we all know which one was favoured.

Yes, we had a shaky start. But Blackburn did, for the large part, get into the faces of Arsenal. For the first 20 minutes, it was attack one way, attack the other. But, as ever, the great Thomas V, fists clenced and jaw locked, smashed home the sweetest and most passionate of volleys I’ve seen from anyone, let alone a (freescoring) centre half. Big T is proving not just a rock, but an inspiration to all his team mates. As much as Kolo was the smiler, Thomas is the beast.

This is a different Arsenal. Once, if you stopped Cesc Fabregas, you stopped Arsenal. Now, the Spaniard is reflected with jewels – Van Persie, Arshavin, Rosicky, Walcott, Nasri – all match winners.

Lets talk about Cesc Baby. Four assists, a goal to give and a slick, mean machine, our no.4 has grown and tuoghened since big TH14 left in 2006 and PV4 in 2005. He is our lynchpin; pay him whatever he wants – just bloody well keep him!! I’m sure that those pesky journalists cannot find anything better to do. Continual Cr*p about leaving, rumours of discontent. Perhaps in the end of career, Cesc may leave for a return to homeland. For now, he’s gunning for trophies.

The return of Theo marks another landmark, or if not, just another safety point. With internationals returning, I fear another impending injury, just when the Arsenal doctor’s room was emptying.

And so, I return to Fresher’s and University…with a ticket to the Arsenal v Spurs match!!! Ca Va!

“When I first came to Arsenal, I was 20,” he reflected. “Kolo came to me and said ‘see me as your older brother. You come from another country, you speak a different language and are a bit nervous’.

“I now say this, along with Gael Clichy, to the youngsters. There is the Dutch guy Nacer Barazite, Jack Wilshere and Armand Traore who still need to find their way, along with Thomas [Vermaelen].

“After two weeks, Thomas said ‘you are right, everyone is so nice and kind’.

There is a saying that the publicity of the football pitch brings about the truth; so far, we’ve lost two in a manner that showed that we shouldn’t. If further evidence is to show that there is a difference, then Arsenal are taking the small boys more seriously.

Last night win agiasnt Fulham came curteousy of a man-of-the match midas touch winning performance from Vito Mannone. After being much maligned by sliipery performances agiasnt Wigan and Standard Liege, the Italian had one of those days. As a goalkeeper, I fully understood his ecctasy of emotion; once in a while, a keeper has a day when everything he touches is pushed past the goal. Everything.

On this note of positivity, October is drawing closer, and it seems that Arsenal FC’s generousity is all encompassing. For matches agiasnt Olympiacos and Blackburn consecutively, tickets have been released on general sale. Brilliant stuff! But i’ve got my red membership now…

After last Sunday’s showdown, the magnamolia of a thunderous opening of a can of worms and even more down the road, I thought it would be finally appropiate to make my first post of this campaign.

The ‘defeat’ to United was a strange one – it was a match we should have most definately won. To say that for a match at OT – were only 3 league wins under Wenger decorate the records – is a massive compliment of attitude and application. Arshavin showed why the possession of a ball will draw intakes of breath from opposition fans, Denilson showed why he played the most games last year, Song is becoming a steady eddy and Vermealen is utlising the magic of a certain Tony Adams. Lofty praise indeed for the new CD, but his gait and assurance, alongside that very masculine jawline, has given Arsenal fans enough hope for a better season protecting Almunia.

And so, on we go to our blonde-ish goalkeeper. After cementing himself into our hearts, the Spaniard-in-disguise has had the most comfortable starts to a goalie’s life since the Chinese emperor built the Great Wall and Basil Fawlty took charge of Fawlty Towers (I seem to recall a Manuel who had shaky hands). Yet, his rush of blood spewed the irony of the past week. I firmly believe it was the luck of OT once again, but I will say that it wasn’t a dive.

The image of Le Prof, defiant agiasnt the jagticulating Mancunians whilst standing upon a roof with one seat (what the hell is that for?) will live to my dying day. It was a gesture grounded in the days of the 90′s/early 00 rivalry between Blue nose and Professor. One has a feeling this will reignite itself for one last hurrah, before both men walk arm in arm into the sunset.

The echelons of football has once again turned, from a media hunry (Anti)Arsenal establishment to one causing spunk to fall on Chelsea’s hands. Oh the horror of my disgust as I flicked open London Lite to see the true bigamy of Chelsea FC!! Now the mega-flithy-rich Roman won’t have a wedge large than his well ordained carrots to despose his money in. However, having said that, UEFA and FIFA, under the Platini era, are relaunching a sinister poke towards the English. Two massive punishments cannot fail to have severe consequences on future laws and regulations. If not, the reputation and system of football’s governing bodies must be called into disrepute.

Thus, it seems to cycle of karma has turned, all the way back from 2005 and Colegate. Arsenal won the FA Cup undeserved, now we lose undeserved. Chelsea wriggle their way out of punishment, now they face the sharp UEFA axe. This season is shaping up very nicely indeed…

For any of those who read Paul Parker’s column on his Yahoo Blog, it seems the doomongers are back. Well, nearly all. Yet again, it’s a make or break season.

Personally, I Don’t see it that way. Four years have gone like the wind, a lover’s love gone and squeezed in agony. But the rebuilding will continue, and it must. The great Wenger project is still on wheels. The only change from last season is that some weeds have been plucked.

Before I continue, I must apologise for the long expanse of nothingness. Inactivity on the Romford Pele was due to the hectic schedule of exams, and then the boredom of summer. Thank god for The Ashes.

Yet, the same cannot be said for an extraordinary transfer market. There are so many questions, so many ridiculous transactions in light of a so called ‘credit crunch’. Let’s take a moment to recall the depths of genius philosophy; a great English man once said;

“To be or not to be, that is the question. Whether ’tis nobler to suffer the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, or to take arms agiasnt a sea of troubles…”

And so, as armchair fans, Bankers or Wimbledon champions who support FC Basle, what can we make of a crazy summer that defies logic and perhaps, morals. The fortitude of Manchester City is one of magnamoneous, overwhelming ambition, we cant take them seriously. I love City. Always I’ve had a soft spot for the blue half of Manchester. Perhaps it was their suffering, their mediocrity or simply the sky blue jersey. They oozed sincerity and old fashioned “We’ll be there” grit. Now, I fear they are pressing the self destruct button towards short termism and PR doomsday.

A hatred is swelling across all Premier League clubs towards City. I too have felt it; I try to tame it. It’s not the cash, it’s the principles.

Although, for every cloud there is a silver lining. City’s bottomless pockets have benefited Arsenal. The rank weed of Emmanual Adebayor – flash in the pan- leaves with his wagon of dough and inflated ego. For a player who served for 3 years and cost us £7 million, the return of £25 million is fantastic business. However, despite the barrier between striker and fans, there is one conern. He scored over 50 goals in his short tenure, many memorable goals (especially vs Spurs).

Replacing Adebayor won’t be easy, but it’s extremly possible. Eduardo should be first choice and, bar injuries, he will be front line alongside RVP. Nicky Bendnter also has his chance to become a target man with his towering headers. Now he can head footballs, not team mates.

Summertime is an awkward time. I’m all philosophic, not that I’m not all the time. A sense of pride embedded in awe of Roger Federer and Freddie Flintoff cannot be replicated for Adebayor. We didn’t ask for a boozy Flintoff or a towering Adams. Just some love. This 2009/10 team looks close knit, with few egos (William Gallas could inflate but that won’t happen fingers crossed).

And so, the biggest question of all, whats going to be the team of this season?

At the crux of the sale of Adebayor, I foresee AW moulding a team once again. But now, he knows. We Know.

RVP in the hole, Bergkamp style. Theo Walcott could be moved upfront using his pace. If so, we may be seeing an Henry/Berkgamp partnership form upfront. Exciting stuff.

In midfield, the return of Thomas Rosicky creates not only competition, but an midfield boasting incredible match experience. Nasri, Fabregas, Arshavin and Rosicky will send shivers down the spines of opposition. Arshavin could also be used as a secondary striker.

Andre could be the key man this year, especially at the start with the news that Samir Nasri is out for two-three months. To start with a bang could be the foundation for a title-challenging season.