Transfer window is closing

Edu is our "new" midfielder
For those expecting a new midfielder arriving before midnight, his name is Edu. Valencia, Arsenal and Edu seems to have reached a common understanding. Some kind of win-win situation where Edu gets his wish to leave for Spain, Valencia gets their player for free and Arsenal will have the necessary strength in midfield for the rest of the season. Arsenal loses what ever transfer fee was possible to agree on, but then again saves the transfer money for a replacement. Edu is also eligible to play in the Champions League and to find a established midfielder of the right caliber who also meet that criteria might not be so easy. It all makes sense taking in to consideration the fact that Arsene didn't expect both Edu to turn down a new contract and Gilberto to get a long term injury.

Pennant has kicked his last ball in an Arsenal shirt
Also today the loan deal for Jermaine Pennant to Birmingham has been confirmed. Talented as few, but that alone is not enough to make a great footballer. Oops he did it again, didn't he. Stupid boy. After a history of repeatedly ignoring the rules set for a top flight footballer he was caught drink driving on the morning of a matchday. That is utterly irresponsible and there are no more excuses to be made. After all, he is 22 years old now and should be able to behave himself. He just doesn't have the attitude. I hope Steve Bruce can be the lifeline he needs to get his career back on track, but somehow I doubt it. Hopefully Jermaine can still have a reasonable playing career for a premiership club, but his chance to play on the absolute highest level may have passed him by. It's a sad story really. Anyway, best of luck to you.

The mother of all battles
The scene is set for another showdown with the red nosed scotchman and his bullies. A decisive victory tomorrow can build up the momentum for a run in that might surprise a few. There is only one acceptable result, to win. The players are ready and able, and I have a good feeling. If there is some justice in this world we will roll all over them. 6-1 to the Arsenal would be appropriate.

Chelsea - normal rules don't apply

Economy on drugs
According to todays newspapers Chelsea will be announcing losses of nearly £90 million tomorrow. That's the bottom line for Roman Abramovich's first year as club owner. Such mindboggling figures in red would normally send a football club tumbling in to economic ruin. Not so in this case. Normal economic rules don't apply for Chelsea. To cover the losses Mr. Abramovich will issue "a loan" no bank manager in the world even would consider authorizing. Chelsea has become a club fueled by monopoly money. This isn't the first time a sugar daddy has been involved in sports, but the sheer size of the figures presented here raises some serious questions. If an athlete takes a substance that raises his performance in an unnatural way, he will be labeled a cheat and be disqualified. Is Chelsea raising their performance in an unnatural way? If yes, is it cheating? Legally no, but morally yes. In my book any trophy Chelsea might acquire will be a monopoly trophy because it has been achieved by an economy running on drugs.

Above the law
Also in the news today it is alleged that Chelsea are trying to tapp up Arsenal and England leftback Ashley Cole. If there is no law that says Chelsea's economics is illegal, tapping up players under contact is. Arsenal vice chairman David Dein said 'This is a very disturbing matter and we will treat it seriously'. It most certainly is, if true. Ashley Cole's agent Jonathan Barnett has denied it as 'total and utter nonsense'. He would say that, wouldn't he. There's also similar rumors about a summer move for Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard. Do the guys that don't even have to balance the books feel above the law? I don't know about Steven Gerrard, but I am confident Chelsea never will get their hands on Ashley Cole. He is Arsenal born and breed, and would get a rash from wearing Chelsea's colors.

Arsenal through in the FA Cup

More from memory lane
Saturday night got off to a flyer when Arsenal cruised past Wolves in the FA Cup. After previously having eliminated Stoke in this years FA Cup it is becoming a nostalgic tournament for old gooners. We remember the Stoke semifinals in '71, don't we? Classic moments. Today's 2-0 victory came on cruise control. Patrick Vieira scored from the penalty spot and a class act goal from Freddie Ljungberg secured a place in the next round.

Exiting youngsters
Arsene Wenger fielded a mixture of young and established players. The new boy Emmanuel Eboue had a good game at right back. He's really exiting coming forward. How good he defends remains to be seen though. Not much defending to do because Wolves was on their heels for most of the game. Jose Reyes also looked lively. Is he coming back to his brilliant form from the beginning of the season? Hope so. Gael Clichy, Robin van Persie, Mathieu Flamini and Francesc Fabregas is also becoming household names at Highbury. All bearing witness of a new generation coming out from Arsene Wenger's magic hat. Perhaps too young to bring down Chelsea from the top this year, but certainly talented enough to light up Emirates Stadium in a couple of years. At a time when dodgy russian oilmoney catches the biggest headlines in football the future is as bright as it ever has been for Arsenal. Looking at all these players makes life exciting for us gooners. The future is bright!

Tacos and beer
Ok. I'm off to a party. Today's game has put me in a good mood. I'll do my best to keep the momentum going.

Wolves brings back memories

How it all started
In Norway english football was on TV every saturday already back in the seventies. George Best and Manchester United was the most popular amongst us kids. I have never followed the masses, so it was out of the question to support them. Not then and not now. I have always had an "anything but United" attitude ever since. Then Peter Marinello came along labeled "the new George Best". He signed for Arsenal in 1970. The perfect choice. Ah, my hero! Arsenal Football Club it was then. The double in 1971 and Charlie George laying on the Wembley turf didn't hurt my support for the club, but it was a game back in 1972 that really started my passion for Arsenal Football Club. The game was on TV, Wolves v Arsenal at Molineux november 17th 1972. There he was. I saw Peter Marinello playing for the first time, and he was magnificent. The circle was complete and I was hooked.

Back to reality
So here we go again then, years later. I feel just as I did that november evening back in 72. Like a kid with his newfound love. Arsenal v Wolves! Tomorrow I will be back in front of the TV and perhaps Peter Marinello will be watching from his home near Bournemouth too?

Back tomorrow with my thoughts from the game.