To be precise it’s the feast day of St. Joan de Lestonnac who was, by all accounts, an all round good egg and particularly nice to children, the abused, those rejected by religious orders and widows. There have been many miracles reported to have taken part in and around the vicinity of her tomb and as such it is perhaps appropriate we play the Saints on her special day. Arsène and Arsenal were written off as dead and buried after the defeat at St Mary’s a few weeks ago and yet, miraculously, neither seems to have managed to remain among the expired.
Lazarus like the team has continued to roam the earth in a post deceased state. Somehow the failed tilt at the league title is still on and even more amazing the team is ahead of Tottenham despite everyone saying how much better they are. Truly we live in a time of wonders. Jack Wilshere was reported to have gone and joined the choir invisible on Sunday only to roll away the stone on Monday and Mikel Arteta’s long since defunct legs were seen moving in a most unlikely and agile fashion.
Can this age of marvels continue? Can Arsenal rise up and vanquish the bogey team of the South Coast? Will we see Aaron, Alexis and Mesut back in their supporting role with Larry at the apex or has Joel done enough to keep his place? If the preferred attacking threesome are indeed reunited will Mo and Coq reprise their nascent performance as the Vieira and Petit for a new age? Or will the Ox continue to show us his versatility by slotting into the Santi role? Will I end a sentence in this paragraph without a question mark?
It’s rather splendid to have such conundra upon which to ponder isn’t it? The cavalry which George anticipated has definitely arrived; witness the fact that Arsène was able not merely to have certain first teamers warming the bench against Burnley but to rest them altogether. Oh, by the by, if you wonder at my use of condundra rather than conundrums I did waste a lot of time researching the appropriate plural form. The Grauniad notes and queries debate on the subject was hugely diverting. I recommend you follow that link – it’s far more entertaining than me straining the limits of my creativity here.
The last time I previewed a league match my theme, if such a lose collection of disparate and fanciful thoughts can be so described, was revenge. I knew lightning couldn’t possibly strike twice and that with eleven men on the pitch instead of having to play with our centre back sent off we would surely exploit home advantage and show the most hated team in the land who was boss. That didn’t turn out so well and I am naturally hesitant, one might almost say timid if not downright bloody terrified to return, like the fabled dog to its vomit, to such a motif or theory today.
However there is no denying that as with Chelsea we have unfinished business with Southampton. Try denying it, privately, to, as it were, yourself. You see? Didn’t work did it? The Saints tucked us up like a kipper in a most inhospitable way the last time we were their guests and such behaviour surely merits no bonhomous, polite and considerate reciprocal behaviour now we are the hosts. I would like very much to see the boot firmly on the other foot and preferably connecting with the ball immediately prior to it entering the visitors’ goal.
I suggested pre Burnley that someone is due a good spanking, six of the best, trousers down. We’ve seen it before. A run of disappointing results followed by a sudden blood letting and tonight would be the perfect night. Redress the damage done to our goal difference at St Mary’s and put the fizz back into our jizz, to coin a phrase.
With Tottenham facing a potentially awkward trip to the far flung kingdom of the East Angles, Leicester entertaining the entirely unpredictable but never dull Jürgen Klopp road show only Man City are positively predicted to profit from this evening’s entertainment. The table might get even tighter by nine thirty this evening. There is in fact every chance of us seeing a three way tie with everyone boasting 47 points – but of course with a season such as this one absolutely nothing can be taken for granted.
What of our opponents then? How have they fared since poking us in they eye in a most unfestive fashion on Boxing Day? Well, they promptly lost to West Ham, Norwich and Crystal Palace before going on a three game winning spree at the expense of Watford, West Brom and Louis’ Flying Circus. They are second behind Spurs in the form guide a whole eight places above us. Ronald Koeman talks up their defensive resilience saying
“We believe in our qualities and we play out of good organisation, that’s always difficult for the opponent to beat Southampton. That’s the reason why we have some good results in the last few weeks and we like to continue with that. We had a great result at home against Arsenal not so long ago. They will try to show they are the better team, but we know it’s not so easy to beat Southampton.”
but I’m more concerned with their attacking abilities. I sincerely believe that with Aaron, Alexis, Larry and Mesut we have the guile and skills required to unlock the most resolute of defences, it’s whether we can be sufficiently alert and astute to nullify their threat on the counter. This is where the return of Le Coq is so important. His extra pace and the way he harasses and irritates the heck out of the opposition is vital to buying time for the rest of the lads to resume their starting positions manning the thin red line. More than that his interceptions often put us back on the attack after losing the ball which alters the balance of play so quickly, a perfect scenario for our fast thinking attacking players.
Three points and a barnstorming performance would suit me down to the ground. I’m giving up my radio show to watch this one, a move which has, in the past, met with less than unmitigated success, so I think I’m due a visit from the football fairy tonight. I do appreciate the line which all Arsenal blogs are supposed to toe is that the three points is all that matters – but come on. We aren’t train spotters. We don’t watch football for numbers, we watch for the thrills, the clenched, nervous sphincter, the groans and shrieks and the roaring around the house like a gorilla with a Carolina Reaper up its jacksie. We crave excitement and artistry and total football, so yes of course if things don’t work out I’ll take a 1 – 0, but I’m in the mood for something a little more spicy tonight, go on Arsenal, make my day.
Positively Arsenal 
Really brilliant Steww you were on fire with this one! Long may we be blessed with your “loose collection of disparate and fanciful thoughts”.
Are you still doing Slow and very Dirty tonight?
Thanks again!
COYG! lets fackin av em!
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Millsy – no I am “giving up my radio show to watch this one, a move which has, in the past, met with less than unmitigated success,”
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I’ll be sorry to miss the show, however the shows loss is Arsenals gain despite the recollections of events in anti time!
Are you writing a book at all? If not you certain should be.
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I am. Several in fact but I struggle to finish them as the likelihood of publication is so utterly remote that I become disillusioned and incomplete drafts just stack up on my hard drive.
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It must also be difficult to finish in that it means a) you have to let go of that work and b) its judgement time! But if its anything like you work on here Im sure the working mss are really good.
Publication? Just a case of who you know, and we’re all about three steps away from connecting to someone who can open the doors. But its tough to be judged as we live in a highly critical /bullying world. But perhaps the world could do with a damn good dose of the fertile imagination and observations of Stew Black?
If you asked my advice, which yo havent, but I would say, “finish them, and send them off”, and take things from there.Sometimes we are more talented than our own minds will allow us to believe.-good job you didnt ask me for advice.
Im sure everyone on here would back me in encouraging you to share you work with the world.
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Mills: that is spot on advice. The man writes like a dream and is deep wisdom personified. Someone said of Terry Wogan just the other day that he had the knack of making every listener feel as if they were having a private conversation with him, and Stew is much the same.
If only the Cult of Stew Black didn’t sound quite so like a transgender diversion….
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Morning Mr Black, Literature’s (temporary) loss is clearly our gain.
Interesting to hear Saints’ form coming into the game as at St Mary’s they took us on having lost six out of their previous seven. That they retained Mane in the window will have been a relief to Koeman and will we see Charlie Austin ?? Very unlikely we will go out all gung-ho this evening. Controlled, keep the ball, let Sanchez and Campbell pull them about. I would be surprised if there is more than a goal in it.
Lee Mason tonight I see, last seen sending off Gareth Barry at the Ems. That is the sort of refereeing display I look for.
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…and the baking soda/vinegar trick?
Nice one. Off to follow Grauniad link.
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Steve – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=up3tVCXv4SM
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Andy – so you think Aaron and Le Coq at the base with Joel and Santi on opposite sides? Ox to miss out? He had his best game so far against Burnley so it would be a shame for the lad.
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I would definitely expect Aaron and the Coq to start – Ozil up front and Joel and Sanchez – I think you are getting your Spanish speakers mixed up ( or is it wishful thinking?)
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Short notice but couple of tickets going for tonight.
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Yes I thought Sanchez and wrote Santi. And they said I could write!
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The countdown to kick-off has begun.
“Go on Arsenal, make my day”. Hear hear.
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A preview by Steww always makes me proud of this blog. Top-top quality. I can only hope the performance is in line with our high expectations.
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Damn Steve but that’s tempting. If only I believed my car would make it up the M4.
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Anicoll5 did an impromptu bid as your proofreader Stew.
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If your car has the oomph, Stew, to get there. Let me know and I’ll text mate to block ticket (s)
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First off, happy belated birthday to the PA sunshine bus. It is always a pleasure reading the blogs, this one included, and the comments section. Here is to many more years of wonderful support of by far the greatest team/club the world has ever seen.
I must say Steww, you don’t give yourself much credit. Another top pre-match delivery and I totally agree with your observation on Le Coq’s intercepting ability and how it not only helps the team initiate counter attacks but also keep pressure against an entrenched opposition. I’m really excited to see what guns Arsene rolls out because we’ve got some very big ones. Whoever takes to the pitch, I’m hoping that individually and collectively they will be up for the fight and let their qualities shine through. It’s not too much to ask for fast-flowing, beautiful football with plenty of talking points that leaves me smiling at the end of ninety minutes. In the absence of that I’ll take 1-0 to the Arsenal and no injuries.
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Double Flamini @double_canister 42m42 minutes ago
I trust the standards of refereeing in PL football, just as much as I believe in fair refereeing in Pro Wrestling.
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http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/20160202/yassin-fortune-signs-pro-contract
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Tickets gone
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well guys what is your best guess at the starting 11 tonight, I think most will expect Cech, Bellerin, Per, Kos, Monreal, Ramsey, Ozil and Alexis to start, after that it gets tricky, for example I know most will expect Coquelin to start, but he is just back from a long lay off, is he ready to start a second game in four days. Elneny had a fine debut, will that earn him a starting spot tonight, maybe even in a midfield 3, then is it Joel, Ox or Theo on the right, Giroud or Theo up front.
I was in the process of saying we could all pick the match day 18 easy enough, until I tried to do so and found it impossible to decide, I had 18 names listed and then realized Iwobi, Elneny, Arteta and Ospina not on my list
so the best I can do is say the 18 man match day squad will come from these 21 players
Cech, Bellerin, Per, Kos, Monreal, Ramsey, Ozil, Alexis, Coquelin, Flamini, Chambers, Gabriel, Gibbs, Iwobi, Cambell, Giroud, OX, Theo, Ospina, Elneny, Arteta
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The Dean of Football @HectorBaelIerin 2h2 hours ago
The Dean of Football
It’s called Róman Abramovic.
Mark Ogden @MarkOgden_
Three years without a Brazil cap, so how did Pato earn a work permit to sign for Chelsea? http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/transfers/alexandre-pato-chelsea-case-makes-a-lame-duck-of-greg-dyke-s-quality-controls-for-overseas-players-a6847736.html …
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Testing
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eddy as you know I don’t bother predicting the exact line up as there are too many variables and what, after all, does it prove? However given how well the understudies have done (and in Joel’s case understudy to the understudy) it is a genuinely intriguing topic.
I suspect we’ll see
Cech
Gabby and Kos
Hector and Nacho
Flamini and Aaron
Sanchez Mesut and Joel
Larry Giroud
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when you look at the 21 players I list and realize that 3 of them won’t even make the match day squad, and then add in Welbeck, Wilshere and Cazorla, it shows the idiocy of the claims we don’t have a quality or deep squad, imagine the problems in picking the 18 man squad when that lot are back fit, never mind picking the starting 11
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…too right eddy(re 3.06pm post)!! Thats one mighty fine squad!
Any news from Mels waters?
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They broke Millsy
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so giving birth to a great Victoria Concordia Crescit?
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Of far greater concern should be that I didn’t use my Arsenal cup for tea this morning. The last time that happened was Chelsea at home.
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calling St.Jude, calling St.Jude…
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http://news.arseblog.com/2016/02/wenger-devastated-rosicky-stayed-on-to-help-team/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=facebook
teary stuff..Oh Mozart! I admire you even more now.
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Rosicky operated at a level that was no less than that of Nedveds, seedorfs etc.
Too sad his career doesnt reflect that..i read an interview of his a while back and he said “we all have a dream here..to win the league for Arsene..for Arsenal”
he is an Arsenal man through and through..
this was 9 years back..
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Like I said Aron and Flamini at the base with Joel and Alexis on the wings. This selection is easy. Just wait until its announced and go back and edit your post.
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Still brilliant Steww,
COYG
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Arsenal starting XI: Cech, Bellerin, Koscielny, Gabriel, Monreal, Flamini, Ramsey, Campbell, Ozil, Alexis, Giroud
Arsenal substitutes: Ospina, Chambers, Mertesacker, Gibbs, Coquelin, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Walcott
Read more at http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/20160202/team-news-seven-changes-made#sqS0cFLf8rtLWfR2.99
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the meltdown has begun among the AAA, Flamini starting ahead of Coquelin and even Elneny, has their poor little heads in a spin
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“its the exact same team that got hammered 4-0 by southampton a few weeks ago”
“well the exact same team apart from Gabriel in place of Per”
“well the exact same team apart from Gabriel in place of Per and Alexis in place of Theo”
“so its basically the exact same team”
who is in on here that says the AAA have a mental disorder.
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evening Positivists. COYG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Mesut the King!
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What a take down from Mesut!!
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oh so close from Ozil, long ball in to him from Alexis, taken down superbly by ozil and an instant shot hits the keepers legs
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Interesting tussle at the moment. Both sides just testing each other, neither getting a foothold.
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once again ref has different set of rules for Arsenal than for our opponents
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Campbell has given away the ball an awful lot so far, five or six times.
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bloody hell!
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Oh I was out of my chair then . Sure we’d scored.
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ozil close again, hits the keeper with the ball from five yards
ref is a dickhead
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First of many ‘mistakes’ as Andy would call it from the ref as he ignores as blatant a shove in the back on Alexis as you’ll ever see.
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