Robin may have to deal with being third choice for a little while which hasn’t happened since he first joined the club

So the transfer window slams shut and our inbox remains empty as we pretty much expected. The outbox also seems a little quieter than I thought it would a few months ago. I expected Jens and perhaps even Gilberto to have sought pastures new but they have remained at the club until at least the summer.

Leaving the club on a temporary basis are two reserve prospects Kieron Gibbs and Mark Randall going to Norwich and Burnley respectively. They are the two players who are probably closest to next seasons Carling Cup team and experience of playing first team football will stand them both in good stead. I have watched them both in a few reserve matches of late and have been impressed, especially by Randall, who seems to have the ability of slowing the game down and linking the team together in a smooth and fluid fashion.

Burnley manager Owen Coyle was delighted at the signing saying

“I think it’s a great signing. We’ve monitored him for a while and we’re excited about him as a player,”

Good luck to the pair of them.

Is it me or is the whole transfer deadline day thing quite exciting, especially if you do manage to sign a player. I have always thought that signing a quality player has almost the same feeling as winning or scoring a goal.

Oh and whatever happened to our trialists? Has Arsene decided against both Mputu and Dimitrov? Or maybe these players are waiting until the summer. If anyone knows the latest then please leave a comment because I would love to know.

Congratulations to Gael Clichy who is AT LAST in the French squad. Not only should he be in the squad but he should really be first choice. Well it is only a matter of time.

Clichy has thanked manager Arsene Wenger for putting his faith in him.

“The work I have put in over the past few years is starting to pay dividends,” he said

I cannot think of a game where Clichy has not been impressive, his energy levels are amazing, and his positioning has improved a hell of alot as the season has progressed.

Arsene Wenger will take his time in regards to bringing back Robin Van Persie into the team.

“After last time we have decided not to push him and give him the needed time. It has all gone well,” Wenger said.

Having Van Persie back in the squad without the risk of injury will be like having a new signing (yes, I hate that saying as well) We have had arguably our most talented player out for a large chunk of the season and he could well come back at the most important part of the season. Robin may have to deal with being third choice for a little while which hasn’t happened since he first joined the club. Arsene will want to reward Eduardo for his improvement and hard work. Van Persie will be a fantastic impact player and will want to claim in place back in the side alongside Adebayor who is now first choice frontman.

Manchester City away is our next match, they are unbeaten in the league at home. Sound daunting? Nah, I think we will have too much quality for them. I expect Sven to organise his side to defend behind the ball (as you do) in numbers and hit us on the break with the pace of Petrov and creative passing of Elano.

I was at the match at the start of the season where Manchester City were probably the better team over the course of the 90 minutes and had the better chances but luck was on our side that day. They passed the ball very well and looked dangerous in every attack. This time around they face a different Arsenal team and we face a different Manchester City side. They have won 1 out of the last 6 matches and there is alot of confusion about the Benjani deal so even if the transfer does go through then it maybe a little late for Arsenal clash.

Rosicky is still out of the squad which is a shame because I felt like he could have been a big player for us on the big Man City pitch but at least it gives Abou Diaby a chance to continue his good form. We should have an unchanged line up from the side that swept aside Newcastle 3-0

I predict a 3-1 scoreline and Adebayor to continue his rich vain of goalscoring form.

UPDATE: Manuel Almunia is out for the clash with a mash up thumb (not quite sure what is wrong with it so mash up sounds good) So it looks like Lehmann’s chance has come.