North London Derby

Manchester United dropping points at Newcastle last night has made this one of the most important NLD’s in a long time. A win will see our title challenge back on, anything else would pretty much write our title challenge off. I really don’t want to have to listen to another chorus of “we f…ed your season up” and this really is an opportunity to put to bed any suggestion that Spuds are gaining on us in terms of their position in English and European football.

A season of champions league football and Gareth Bale recently winning, although not necessarily deserving, the PFA player of the year award has seen the Spuds appear to be getting a bit big for their boots. It would be really good to give them a hammering tonight!

I only hope that the players realise the importance and signinificance of the game. Theo and Nik seem to be saying all the right things in interviews (see links), but we have been saying the right things all season. Now is the time to stop talking the talk and start walking the walk! Now is the time to show that we are still a force in English football!

Since the draw with Liverpool there has been a lot of negativity surrounding the club. Untimely comments from Vieira about our lack of a winning mentality and Fabregas’ about the need to win rather than developing talent have added to that negativity. I invite anyone reading this to try to counteract the negativity by logging onto the goonersworld forum and posting one thing they like about the current squad.

Back to tonight’s game, it is good to have Szczesny and Djourou back in the team, on Sunday we looked good at the back. Assuming Sagna and Song are both fit I have no concerns. Even with Spurs having the lamp post that is Peter Crouch back doesn’t concern me now that we have Djourou to deal with his sort!

My only concern is recent comments from Wenger about having to manage the workload of Jack Wilshere. I hope this isn’t an excuse to see Diaby keep his place and for Jack to be rested and replaced by Song. Diaby played well on Sunday, but still hasn’t shown anywhere near the consistency or talent that Jack has.

Wenger keeps talking of mental strength, well now is the time to show that! I want to see us come out fighting. Tackles flying in, attacking from the start, playing more direct, getting balls in the box, showing the aggression and passion that were always a trademark of Arsenal Football Club and the North London Derby!

COME ON!!!

Click here for the latest chat in the build up before, discussion during (unless you are lucky enough to have a ticket) and reflection after the game!