The Goon Blog

Lest we forget….

Saturday 7th April 2007 - Arsenal dominate the entire game, but lose 1-0 to a lowly West Ham United. Bobby Zamora with the goal.

That can’t happen again.

The expected news that Tomas Rosicky and Cesc Fabregas are fit for the game will be met with many a smile, both were in the side during that game; along with Eboue, Clichy and Gallas. Almunia was on the bench longfully looking on at the angry German between the sticks.

This time around it should be very different, West Ham are again in a little bit of trouble but this is an Arsenal side with a point to prove and a title to win. Alex Song should return to anchor the midfield and there are not really too many selection dilemma’s for the boss.

The only ones I can think of are the right backs: Will Eboue or Sagna get the nod? It will probably be Sagna despite Eboue’s recent good form. The forwards: Bendtner or Eduardo? After his recent displays, I’d say Bendtner is a cert to start. Center backs…Silvestre or Campbell? Its Campbell all day long for me but he is going to need to be nursed through the rest of the campaign at this rate with Gallas and Djourou’s injuries. It seems strange we haven’t really mentioned Johann’s name this season – a season of a career gone…just like that and he hasn’t even had a sniff of football, its sad in some ways.

The focus needs to be on this game though, as I said, we have a title to go and win, and if this game is won we could be sitting on the top of the table with United and Chelsea to play on Sunday… United against Liverpool and Chelsea away at Blackburn – both tricky games.

This is not, by any means, going to be easy. West Ham have got to have a decent end to the season to keep their Premier League status and believe it or not have some players who defy their league position, Scott Parker, Matty Upson, Carlton Cole, Mark Noble, Valon Behrami – all decent players, especially Parker who I rate highly. They are a dangerous side and whilst we could end up thumping them, it is not beyond reality that they could get something out of the game… history tells no lies afterall!

Again, I’m missing the match due to work commitments but I will do my best to either see a recording of it, or catch the MOTD highlights.

Reaction tomorrow