Manchester City (a) Thoughts & Predictions: Rotation could be right and not De Jong
The mercurial Russian has been playing somewhat under the radar this season, scoring five goals and creating goal scoring opportunities for fun. Yet you feel there is plenty to come from him. After being replaced with twenty minutes to go against Birmingham last Saturday then only playing for the last 18 on Tuesday you would feel that he has sufficient energy in his legs to give 100% when the kick off starts at 4pm
Cesc happy but nothing’s changed, Clichy & JET needs a change
JET was once again brushing past the opposition with both skill and strength. His third was a delightful clipped curling effort beyond the outstretched dive of the keeper. Reserve level looks a little silly for Jay right now. With so many forward players ahead of him in the first team right now, the logical thing seems like sending him on loan, perhaps that will happen but maybe it would happen after our Carling Cup game with Newcastle United
AGM, Transfer strategy & Arshavin
I did manage to grab some Arsenal TV online action this morning on the AGM that was taking place yesterday. Much of the same it must be said but nevertheless, I pretty much agreed with everything that was being said by Arsene Wenger and Ivan Gazidis. I am still wearing my AKB badge proudly as I write this
Cesc to remain a Gooner? & Early City stuff
Rosicky is correct in saying that we need to be as clinical in the Premier League as we are in the Champions League. As it was at Stamford Bridge, we will not be afforded the luxury of missed chances. No more point blank headers sailing over the bar please lads. The difference from the Chelsea game will be in the probable inclusion of a certain Mr Fabregas. If the ball falls to him inside the penalty area then I expect him to have calmness and conviction to stick his chance away. His obvious vision and execution of pass will hopefully allow us to open up City some more
Shakhtar Donetsk (h) Post Match Thoughts: Creative quartet blow Shakh-tar down
Samir Nasri who I thought was exceptional throughout the game pulled down Song's deflected cross marvelously. It was almost Bergkamp-esque, he adjusted his feet very quickly and fired high past the keeper on his weaker left foot. A great great goal.
Shakhtar Donetsk (h) Thoughts & Predictions: Complacency could Costa
Cesc has recovered from injury and has been working hard to get back to full fitness, hopefully he can get on the ball and continue his early season form. Against Chelsea and Birmingham City we lacked that extra bit of quality outside their penalty area
Why fight if we cannot win?, squad strength & Wilshere
Birmingham City (h) Post Match Thoughts: Win but Jack needs a Brum smack
The midfield had started very brightly, Alex Song held back in the early stages while Abou Diaby and Jack Wilshere played further forward trying to make things happen around the opposition penalty box. Diaby had continued where he left off against Chelsea
Birmingham City (h) Thoughts & Predictions: Time to end Midland madness
Nicklas Bendtner and Theo Walcott rejoin the squad following long injuries. Cesc Fabregas, Thomas Vermaelen and Bacary Sagna are close but not close enough to be involved later on this afternoon. However we should see at least Cesc in midweek against FC Shakhtar Donetsk