They keep saying that we haven’t played any big teams yet. The same people who talk about the strength of the league and how there are no easy games are suggesting that the points we get are somehow easier gained than those of our rivals. What is a big team? Should we win today, it would be hard to imagine our old friend Alan Hansen saying that Liverpool are not a big team but some will. There will be those who move the goal posts and say that we must beat Chelsea and/or the Manchester clubs before we’re “real contenders”. The fact is it doesn’t matter how highly any outsider rates our chances. What does matter is that we’re top of the league after this weekend – and every weekend.
I believe that it’s up to Arsenal who wins this game and Liverpool will prove a good yardstick for how far we’ve come. They have won three out of their last four games with the most recent being an impressive win against West Brom. With every second pundit being an ex-Scouser, their strike-force and three-at-the-back shape have been analysed to death so there really isn’t much left to say. They’re dangerous in attack but 2-2 away draws against Swansea and Newcastle suggest that there are gaps to be exploited. If Arsenal go out and play at close to 100%, we’ll see Szczesny enjoy a comfortable afternoon. Our midfield is more than capable of controlling the game and creating chances for Giroud to finish. It’s up to The Arsenal.
The Arsenal back five will more than likely be the usuals upon whom we’ve come to rely. I suggested that Vermaelen should start ahead of Mertesacker during the week but I’m putting that down as a moment of weakness. Per will start and rightly so. Arteta, Ramsey, Santi and Özil are also likely starters so the big question is over the right wing. Jack has played well there, in my opinion, and I think he might start ahead of Rosicky — complete guesswork, of course.
Whatever has been said about the atmosphere in the stadium recently, I have no doubt that it will be electric today. Every player and fan is desperate for this win so let’s hope our boys can do it.
Thanks for reading and enjoy the game.
Up the Arsenal!
Positively Arsenal 
UP WITH THE GUNNERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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YES WE ALL CAN!
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not sure about Mesut and Santi playing together at the moment but were running out of players so for the start it could be needs must. The back five pick themselves and Art ,Aaron, Mesut and Giroud definite starters, that just leaves two places from Jack, Santi and TR7. Unless Arsene throws us a curve ball with Ryo or Chuba or even TV5 playing the double anchor with Mikel leaving Aaron to push further forward. He could even deploy Nacho in front of Keiran to add stability. Nico is back fit and ahead of EF so he also could be used alongside Mikel oh my head is spinning.
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For me its a straight choice between Jack and Tomas.
I would always pick Tomas,but Andrey said that Arsene picks teams with the future in mind(as he successfully did with Aaron)so it will likely be Jack,as he is most definitely the future.
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And thank you for the appetizer for this afternoon’s game
On a train full of Appy Ammers – takes all sorts but it makes me realise how fortunate I have been in life
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Enjoy the game Anicoll.
Please remind Hansen what type of genitalia he possesses during the game!
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I would have thought we will see Tomas on the bench, a powerful sub to bring on, Mesut right, Santi left, Jack more central, all three constantly inter-changing anyway to create the opening; but with a 2-man pivot of Aaron and Mikel to anchor things. The curve ball is Nacho left, which at home is not likely but remains an interesting option to control the game defensively and sap Liverpool of attacking options and space on their right side. In that case expect Santi central, and Jack on the bench.
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It will be a great match, wish I was there. Arsenal determination will shape the game which on the face of it presents an enticing midfield battle, Arsenal offensively versus Liverpool defensively and thinking of the counter sucker punch to our midriff; and if Arsenal click, for Liverpool it will be like a cold water wake-up in the middle of a dream.
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the reason I suggested a curve ball was pools 3 at the back and the obvious space created I know Arsene says he only concentrates on us but that’s just a for the media.
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Word is Jack wont start.
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Morning all – long and entertaining day ahead, hope we are all suitably braced?
Would love to see Gnabbers in the squad; he’s raw and very much the unfinished article but teams aren’t quite sure what to do with him and he has a directness to his play most defenders hate.
Shame about Jack but he really needs to come out of the spotlight for a bit, in my opinion; too much of what he does – both good and bad – gets forensically examined than can be good for him.
Very heavy rain predicted for London tonight which will liven things up …
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I’m worried that despite Santi’s brilliance, he does loose possession a lot out left.
Hmmm, that reminds me of some Russian bloke…..
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what do you know about the word
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Assuming Chelsea win at Newcastle, Arsenal will be chasing to get the top spot back.
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Protecting his ankle apparently.
More likely its a rest/dropped without giving him a slap in the face.
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I was wondering about that, George, would make sense.
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I would like to see Santi pulling the strings in the middle, Mesut right and Tomas left, or vice versa. A kind of star-fish affair, like this.
Giroud
Tomas Santi Mesut
Mikel Aaron
Gibbs Sagna
Which is precisely why I am not the Arsenal manager, and Arsene is. My boozer’s league experience is, apparently, not up to Arsenal level. What the hell!
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Jack has to sit out so when Jack comes back, we can say “Jack’s back!”.
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OK, that didn’t look like a starfish, didn’t suggest “starfish”, didn’t feel starfishy but … use your imagination will ya. It is in fact a starfish.
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I call it “The Starfish Enterprise”.
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Tomas would definitely offer more protection but Santi loses the ball, because of the type of player he is much like AA, and so where would be less risky its a difficult call
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Is Jack really injured? This drip, drip, drip of players going down is a little worrying.
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we do seem to be running out of players at a critical time draws out of some of these must win games wouldn’t be to bad if we’re looking at the big picture and sometimes getting through tough periods is key. you never know until the end of the season which games are the most important. today hopefully is all about enjoyment COYG
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A_B
Cheer up, Plodders and Theo should be back after next week, but in the meantime the team we’ve got will have to do against ManU and Dortmund.
(Dortmund just stuffed 6 past Stuggart, so they are in form right now).
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I’m expecting at least a draw in Dortmund even though they are the best off the three teams we are due to face however the league games seem to be more unpredictable. only really expect Serge to be back for manure game so all points in the next games will be well earned.
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COYG!
Very exciting game later on day. Hopefully Newcastle can do something against NVKD FC, but I doubt it. 0-0 after 25 minutes.
As Ronan said it’s up to Arsenal. 2-2 in the last game between the two, I thought that Liverpool played better in that game then of recent times against Arsenal and it shows with their start so far. Everton too have started well, their squad is the smallest of the top runners but it’s too good for Tottenham. Suarez was clinical on that day but it was Arsenal who were the better team.
Hopefully there are some players left fit for the bench today. We also saw Diaby dominate Liverpool last season, the second CM can have a big impact in this game: Ramsey. Monreal ahead of Gibbs could be an plan for midweek.
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Newcastle have been dominating Chelsea for the whole of the second half so far. Unfortunately, Cech is aiming for that man of the match title….
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And they have deservedly scored! 1:0 Newcastle.
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2:0! Mourinho shouldn’t have played his A team midweek.
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yes yes yes!!!!!!!!! Newcastle has just Chelsead Chelsea.. seriously nice!
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But i see that it may even be that they are playing better than Chelsea? Not just lucky breaks and goals?
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what a way to celebrate your coc victory over arsenal!!! lol
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everyone was busy talking about our game thinking other fixures are straight forward victories for others
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first plays second now, Should be a great game I’m off now COYG
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I was hoping Chelsea and Newcastle would split the points. I was not expecting them to be played off the park in the second half.
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Funny thing is Chelsea lost this game against Newcastle, the same way they won against Arsenal, they did nothing the whole game against us & a mistake gifted them the win, they did nothing against Newcastle but fortunately for Newcastle they didn’t make any mistakes & deservedly won the game.
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@team spirit
Well, Chelsea had 2 shots on goal, Newcastle had 8. Tells you all you need to know about how deserved the victory was.
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Any news on the team for the match? I’d agree with George that Rosicky for a wide position would be preferable but I think that would be more advantageous away at Dortmund in our European mid-week fixture. And I don’t expect TR to play twice a week unless needed.
I hope Cazorla is back to his best now after a couple matches returning from his injury. But I think the key will be how well Arteta plays today. Also I hope Kos has a good game using his speed to help Merts with Suarez and Sturridge but also that he doesn’t get caught making some of those dangerous tackles in the penalty box with the diver extraordinaire of the PL playing against us. Must be careful.
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Just found it funny how Liverpool go second without even kicking a ball!
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Jeez United 3 up in an even game.WTF is it with them?
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looks like P45 time for Jol, George.
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Who’s the ref tonight? I hate this being the most important question before a game.
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City 5 up.
Moyes makes 3 subs at half time – he really must be worried about the champions league game!
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Did moyes just use up all three subs with 45 min left to play?
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You are fast DC
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And hahaha chelski.
Can extend the lead to five points tonight COYG!
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even Moyes could beat Fulham today with 8 players Apropos.
Listening to it on the radio.
Another former spud, Hughton is getting his canaries battered by City.
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Fulham’s fight back begins 1-3 now!
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Oh mighty god of hang overs, make the Arsenal win tonight so I can drink to your honour when the night befalls.
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Fins
NVKD FC, hehe very clever!
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