Pires exits Arsenal

So Pires has left Arsenal.Its a sad moment for all gunners. Pires has been a great player for Arsenal and leaves behind great memories.
His play down the left flank was one of the reasons that Arsenal have been successful for the last few years. His combination with Henry and Cole was a pleasure to watch.
Some of the few goals of his that stand out for me are - The lob over Schmeichel, the curler past dudek at Anfield and the long distance lob over Niemi. One can also not forget the hammering he gave to Gerrard at Anfield 3 seasons back when he floated past him and put in a delicious pass for Freddy to convert.
Personally, its a big disappointment to see him go as he has been one of my favourite players. He now embarks on a stint in the La liga. How and why he chose a bunch of divers and loud mouthed idiots,i ll never know.
All gunners owe him a great lot and wish him all the best.

Henry to stay with Arsenal

Finally, Titi signs on.Great relief for all his fans, team mates and the gaffer(Not necessarily in that order).Henry said that he could not let the fans down.
I am sure that he has had a serious discussion with Wenger and the gaffer would have promised a few signings in the summer.

Joan Laporta and Barcelona can keep dreaming.Our man stays!

The UEFA Champions League Final. Arsenal Vs Barcelona

Tonight at about 12AM IST, life will come to a standstill. Arsenal take on Barcelona in the Champions League final. Perhaps the most important day in the lives of many players, mangers and i dare say...fans.

Barcelona go into the match as clear favourites.They have been outstanding the whole season and have been the envy of many a team. With the likes of Ronaldinho, Eto o, Deco, Puyol etc. amongst their ranks, this side is capable of wonders. The side attacks from the beginning with Edmilson and Puyol keeping things tight at the back.

Arsenal will be more than happy to go into the games as underdogs. After all, they went into the games against Madrid and Juve as second favourties and beat both sides comfortably. They will be wary of the threat posed by Barca s forward line and will hope to prevent them from scoring.

Coming to that tactics, the biggest question is who will stop Ronnie? As someone said, Eboue can probably go break some part of his body right at the beginning and get red carded.Apart from that i really dont know how u stop this man. Gilberto will probably get the enviable job of marking his compatriot. Apart from Ronnie, the gunners will be keen to pack the midfield and outnumber the catalans. This will mean that Freddy tucks into midfield. The obvious weak links in the Barca armoury are Oleguer and Valdes. Arsenal have to take the left channel and drag Puyol out.Then with runs into the box by cesc,Hleb there is a good chance of scoring. Also, Arsenal have to start attacking immediately and not play the counter attacking game too much.


All in all, a great match on the cards and may the best team win...Go Arsenal!

Walcott selected for World Cup

Sven Goran Eriksson has named Theo Walcott in the provisional squad for the World Cup. The England Manager has been watching the 17 year old in Arsenal s training ground for the past few weeks. This comes as a big surprise and Sven might have taken a big gamble by selecting the rookie who hasnt even played a senior game with the gunners.
Also making it into the squad are Ashley Cole and Sol Campbell.

Full Squad:

Paul Robinson (Tottenham), David James (Manchester City), Robert Green (Norwich); Gary Neville (Manchester United), Rio Ferdinand (Manchester United), John Terry (Chelsea), Ashley Cole (Arsenal), Sol Campbell (Arsenal), Jamie Carragher (Liverpool), Wayne Bridge (Chelsea); David Beckham (Real Madrid), Michael Carrick (Tottenham), Frank Lampard (Chelsea), Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), Owen Hargreaves (Bayern Munich), Jermaine Jenas (Tottenham), Stewart Downing (Middlesbrough), Joe Cole (Chelsea), Aaron Lennon (Tottenham); Wayne Rooney (Manchester United), Michael Owen (Newcastle), Peter Crouch (Liverpool), Theo Walcott (Arsenal)

Farewell to Dennis Bergkamp and Highbury

If you are wondering why I put Dennis Berkamp before Highbury in the Title then it is very intentional. I started watching Soccer and supporting Arsenal because of him. Nothing gives me more pleasure in life than watching this man on the football. His grace, vision, technique is like nothing on Earth.He s just very very special. I started blogging a few months back with an article on him.

As i have said earlier, he is the best import to English Football and he will leave an indelible mark on the game. As the chances of watching his testimonial lool slim and he might only figure in the final at Paris briefly, this might be the last time we see this genius in action. Dennis thanks for everything, we remain eternally grateful to you.

The last game at Highbury will be an emotional one for all associated with this great ground...the Players, the manager and the fans. The North Bank, Clock End and East Stand will be seen for the last time.

Highbury is a unique ground because of the size of the pitch and the proximity of the fans to the game in the centre. This has been the ground where many a battle has been fought and given many memorable moments to the gunners. Many of the all time great footballers have graced this pitch. It will be an over whelming time for all gunners and the players will make this an occassion to remember.

Bergy and Highbury will never be forgotten and live in our memories for ever.

Come on you gooners....