Portsmouth cranked up their gears against Liverpool and no doubt that they will be trying to do the same to us, we have to match that. As they say, you have to win the right to play

Good afternoon from a rather cold and rainy London, still on a high since our terrific performance at the weekend, it has been a little soured by our rivals forgetting that they are supposed to drop points, but never mind we just have to wait a little longer to get on top that’s all.

I watched the Arsenal match again last night and was very happy about the nature of how we went about that game, very professional, very dominant and very committed. Like I said in the match review, it was a performance of champions and we need to go into every game with that same attitude because I felt that we lost it a little bit during our good start to the season. Hopefully the Anfield game has reminded the players of what they have to put in to make sure they have the best chance of getting something out of every game, we cannot wax lyrical for too long about Cesc’s outstanding contribution because we have another important collection of points dangling over our heads tomorrow.

Portsmouth cranked up their gears against Liverpool and no doubt that they will be trying to do the same to us, we have to match that. As they say, you have to win the right to play. However they are, they’re spot on. The injuries have jumped on Arsene’s back attempting to drain the manager but he is doing his best to shake them off. Our striker crisis and moved down a notch to our midfield, we all must collectively pray that it does not infect our defence because that will cause huge problems. We can cope with attack and midfield probably more than any other team in this division but any defensive problems to our defenders then we could well struggle.

Speaking of defensive problems, we could have really suffered at left back this year with two of our first choice full backs out at the same time for long periods but I have to take my hat off to Armand Traore. It was only a few years ago that he was being defensively tormented by Tottenham and Manchester United in cup competitions, his defending was in question but the lad has grown up, matured and improved no end. He really hasn’t put a foot wrong and is gaining in confidence. So much so that Gael and Kieran will be shaking their knee’s on the treatment tables at London Colney. Should the speedy Traore continue his path of development then there would be no reason why he should be displaced in the team.

Traore who was on loan at Pompey last season has spoken about playing against his temporary employers.

Traore said:

“Portsmouth have made a few headlines, but I think that is a bit harsh because they play good football still and I hope they will go back up the table.

“They have some confidence after beating Liverpool, but then they lost to West Ham. Hopefully we can do something against them.”

Currently we are all waiting around twiddling our thumbs, wondering about how serious Cesc’s hammy is (or is that just me?)

Thomas Vermaelen must also be worrying a little because he has been full of glowing praise for his captain.

Tommy V said:

“He is the best midfielder I have played alongside,”

“He’s really smart in his game and in training if you play against him he’s really difficult to defend against because I think he has eyes in the back of his head. He sees everything. He is a good captain too. He has a lot of qualities in football and I think that’s important for a captain. He talks in the dressing room, not too much but just enough.

“For us he was very important on Sunday. He scored twice in 20 minutes so he was very important. I think before he came on we were the better team but we didn’t create too many chances and when he came on we controlled the game more and we created some more chances. He played some good passes behind the defence, they were really dangerous. He has a great vision in the game.”

I can see Cesc smirking and saying ‘Thomas, you’re pretty good yourself pal’

Cesc could be out for three weeks and if Denilson hadn’t suffered his back injury and Song wasn’t gallivanting elsewhere then I would feel ok about his absence, in fact I rather like the Denilson, Song and Diaby combo they give you a great chance of winning the midfield duel but this is not the case. Our midfield is likely to be almost completely broken up and that is a worry for continuity purposed instead of talent concerns. The likes of Nasri, Ramsey and perhaps Rosicky are all classy players but they are unlikely to have that game understanding that the first choice guys do. If the back four can remain tight like they have been in the last two games then we should be ok for the time being.

Aaron Ramsey, Samir Nasri and Abou Diaby should all be combative enough to prosper in the engine room whilst Rosicky if fit can replace Nasri in the attacking creativity area.

2,343 times and counting, Cesc Fabregas has stated that his future belongs to Arsenal. If you want some quotes just look through all the old statements from our captain. He should really just stop answering questions about his future because if it is tiresome for myself then I cannot imagine how he is feeling about it all.

Diaby and Denilson are both dreaming of making it to the world cup in the summer. Abou is on the fringes of the French squad and if he continues to play the way he has all season then I do not see any reason why he shouldn’t be pushing his way into the team let alone the squad.

I am surprised that Denilson hasn’t had a look in as yet even after a consistent season and a half. It looks like Dunga has his favourites like Arsenal fans favourite chap Felipe Melo, even though he has been terrible this season.

Right, that is pretty much it for now, I shall write the pre match predictions tomorrow at some point. Before I go, I would like to point you in the direction of the latest Your Vision article written by Roop and response from myself. It is called Abou – the epitome of Arsenal? It is about the progress of our box to box midfielder. click on the title for a read.

Back again tomorrow.