Whilst discussing the barrage of abuse new German recruit, Per Mertesecker, has received from all quarters Wenger inadvertently confirmed the back four to start the most important game of the season for Arsenal against Dortmund in the Champions League penultimate group game.
“The criticism in the papers has been very harsh, but when you play for a big team, you have to accept that.
“I also think it will take him some time. He came here not completely fit. Now he is getting stronger and stronger.
“I felt on Saturday he had not recovered from the Holland game [in midweek] and looked tired. But he has recovered now and will play against Dortmund”
So it seems clear that Kos will continue at right back with Per and Tommy pairing up again in the middle with Santos at left back. I’m happy with this as I don’t particularly wish to see Djorou anywhere near the starting line-up.
Whilst Per is a big old wimp at this moment in time, he certainly reminds me a lot of Kos in his first few games for Arsenal. Superb at reading the game and making exceptionally timed interceptions. The German really is very good at that. Remember Kos at Blackburn last season? He was easily pushed off the ball for a move that led to a goal for the Rovers… it takes time to build up the strength in the EPL.
Massive game, 3 points really are essential as I cannot see things turning out well at all if we are required to travel to Greece in 2 weeks time and get a result to qualify. In all honesty, we need first place, as otherwise we will have a very high likelihood of facing Real, Barca or Bayern in the next round. Would prefer the semis at the earliest for those games. Maybe quarters.
I got a call from a pal late last night and was offered a ticket for the game at the Emirates, which I duly snapped up, so am very much up for this game. Amazed anybody would want to give up a ticket for a game that means so much and will have 2 sides who will both be playing free-flowing attacking football.
It’s going to be a modern-day classic.
Though I honestly have no idea which side will prevail. This Dortmund side are very, very good.
Apparently both Thierry Henry and Dennis Bergkamp will be in attendance, I rather hope they can bring us some much needed luck.
Lets have it Arsenal!
Good blog. How can I do a blog. Or if I write one up, would u post it up.
The match will be tough, but arsenal will carry d day by Gods grace with luck 2-0 in favour of arsenal
Wonderful write up man. If we play our game and defend with discipline, we can prevail.
Nice to know the legends will be there. Dennis on the way to having a role for us? That would be killer
go gooners
wenger shud ask dennis about erikssen
I strongly believe asenal will win this game
Respect to whoever reminded Abou Diaby that he gets paid to *play* football not sit on the injury table!