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Are we back on pace? |
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Reviewing Wigan, previewing Olympiacos and looking forward to Christmas
Another great victory in the bag following a somewhat disappointing draw at Fulham and a Carling Cup loss at City. Arsenal looked ready to pick up their fine form from before the Fulham game, and Wigan had the disputable honour of having to deal with it all.
Arsenal were looking fine and fresh, and it was great to see other players score us goals, even if it would only be to shut up the critics stating that Arsenal are a one-man-team. Which we are not, thank you.
I would like to reserve some special praise for Thomas Vermaelen. Although he was very unlucky against Fulham with his own goal, he showed real character by scoring the equalizer himself as well. And now at Wigan he scored a goal and gave an assist. Hopefully he can return to the magnificent form he had when he joined Arsenal and be important for years to come. Wigan are always a side where the result can go both ways, and this time Wenger's men handled it perfectly.
However, in order to really enjoy the upcoming Christmas, the hard work isn't done yet. Tomorrow Arsenal face Olympiacos in Greece for the final group game in the UEFA Champions League. Arsenal have already won their group so The Gunners have nothing to play for, something which is absolutely not true for their Greek opponents. They will want to win against Arsenal, while hoping for Dortmund draw against Olympique Marseille. Although Wenger has said he will respect this group, it is widely expected that he will rest a number of key players for the game, as Arsenal will take on Everton at the Emirates next week. Personally, I would really not take any risk at all and line up neither of the stars. The threat of injury should be on Wenger's mind. Especially up front, where Robin van Persie is in the form of his life. I think Chamakh or Park will play in Greece.
Two vital away games follow after the Everton game before we get to Christmas, so long term injuries would be even worse. First Arsenal will face Manchester City away. On paper, that might be the heaviest fixture of the season. Manchester City have really been impressive so far this season and have an excellent squad. That will make it a really tough game. And right after that Arsenal travel to Birmingham for the game against Aston Villa, which is never easy as well. Wenger will need the strongest possible squad for those three league games before Christmas and will need good results to keep Arsenal within reach of that desired fourth place in the league. Lining up the stars tomorrow and see one or more being stretchered off will most likely result in Wenger licking his wounds instead of having a big Christmas turkey this year... |
| This article is placed in Mark His Words. Mark His Words is my personal column in which I share my views and opinions on the latest news and developments surrounding Arsenal FC. All other news items you can read on this website are based on press reports, news or rumours that I heard or read about, but this column is nothing more than my own space on the web where I can say whatever I want. Feel free to discuss my views using the comments section below but please remind that we are all free to have an opinion. If you decide to comment or start a discussion, do it with respect to other readers. |
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