I need a cheapish defender and wanted Djourou, but if Vermaelen is back what are the chasnces of djourou playing both games? I think Kos is injured this one but coudl it be kos and verm for the last game? I don't have enough depth to risk someone who may miss next week...

If the attendance actually in the ground at the Emirates was over 60,000 then I am a Dutchman.
Plenty of empty red seats visible, looked more like 55,000.

Wilshere is NOT going to under21 tournament, and captain Fabregas is NOT at Craven Cottage to support his team but tweeting his thoughts from the Spanish Grand Prix.

Wonder if he'll be supporting his team when they play the CL final next week

Will be amazed (and disapointed)if Cesc is not supporting his team next week, since day 1 with us has made no secret of his love for Barca, that has never stopped him giving his all for us in every game, no matter who against. Dont think any Afc fans are unaware of this with Cesc, but so long as he gives 100% in all games for us not a problem to me, better that than pretending to be a fan then, when they go to another club its move of their dreams

At last, 4-4-2 with RVP and Chamakh up front. Only 4 months too late.

I hope after Ramsey's error cost us another goal today that Wenger will get a judge to impose a super injuction against blind back heeled passes.

Arsene Wenger seems happy with the left backs he has now that Clichy has left. http://bit.ly/nMBc1h

So he is putting his faith in a 21 year old who has played exactly 18 EPL games over the past 3 seasons, backed up by another 21 year old who played 9 EPL games 2 seasons ago before earning 10 appearances for Juventus on loan.
In emergency he will move our best centre half over to full back.
I actually believe he may even try this suicidal idea.

The worry with Gibbs is injury not ability, in my view far better than Clichey based on way Clichey played last season, the toon FB would be a good signing, but our major problem is still same as its been for a few seasons, a physical presence in central defence, hopefully that will be put right.

You are so negative, it's unreal.You strongly object for everything, even it's too early to talk on lots of those stories, tabloid news.I can't remember any positive Arsenal post from you.Are you really an Arsenal fan?

You want negative? you should see the Arsenal supporter forums. I have worn out the rose tinted glasses, and now unless drastic measures are taken regarding strenghtening the squad I fear we could become nothing more than mid table chancers.

I don't see you being worse than 5th this season, but 5th this season could signal the (remaining) good players going........ I see Fab going this close season.

AW has a tough job on his hands modifying a team that won only 3 of the last 14 games of last season.
That is the big concern.
I remember when the season began last August I hoped AW had done something about our soft underbelly, the habit of imploding under pressure, It took 7 games until West Brom showed the problems were still apparent.
How long this time?

I haven't looked at the fixtures, tbh.

Nicklas Bendtner may finally be on his way (thank god!). Hamburg are looking to make a bid for him http://bit.ly/oz8EXU.

Start team
Szczesny, Gibbs, Jenkinson, Koscielny, Vermaelen, Wilshere, Song, Ramsey, Miyaichi, Walcott, Chamakh
FH
2-0 (Ramsey pen Walcott)

Know not much can be seen in these games, but its interesting to see shape.
Chamakh playing deep, finding it hard to get into game, Gibbs looks rusty, but Jenkinson looks a talent, but same old problem defensive organisation just not there.
Ramsey looks good very composed, accurate long and short passes, Wilshire such a class act won the pen, Walcott having fair game took goal well, interesting one though Miyachi, can cross with either foot though favours left (but runs using right very unusual style) hope we get him a work permit, have good feeling about him.
Vermaelen and Koscielny not to me a natural pair, but do expect Vermaelen to get a few goals again

SH
4-0 (Vella Rosicky)

Fair few changes, Traore looked lot better than Gibbs did, but our defence still a concern, not so much player ability than organisation. Frimpong looks a good cover for Song, not lot difference between the 2 and Frimpong gives very few freekicks away.
Have no real worries about our mid and attack options and cover, its the defence that has to be sorted and if that happens if any finish above us in Prem they will be champions.
Vella very frustrating player has pace lot of ability scored wonderful goal but something lacking, Rosicky may be a plus this coming season and Arshavin looked a lot fitter than he has looked