Ahsan Karim
Monday is the game of the season. If Arsenal win at Old Trafford we can go into other big games knowing that a draw will be enough to keep our rivals (Chavs and the other Mancs) at bay. If the lads didn’t have enough inspiration already, then Evra and Ji Sung Park (who gives us trash talk, and can’t be serious given that the fact he hardly plays) have added fuel to the fire that should be burning in our warriors’ (mainly Eboue's) bellies.
Tactics is what will win us the game tonight. We should play our offence to match to their defence, i.e. Theo Walcott should start the game on the left playing against a weaker defender than Evra, who would have a much harder time against Andrey Arshavin.
Alex Song and Denilson, sit back and defend, If we have six attacking these two and our centre backs should not venture too far forward. In past games we have exposed on the counter, so let’s stick true to our away tactics and be ruthless and aggressive for the full 90 minutes.
Also, someone explain why Djourou is not the first choice centre back out of the three we have fit. He has been immense and we need him to try and eliminate the aerial threat that Man United pose.
Either way, maximum respect to the Arsenal away boys, who at every game (well that I’ve been to, at Everton and Wolves) have always been roaring in full voice. This might just be the difference that translates onto the team, so hopefully the home boys can match your desire and passion to sing in full force for the club.
Monday is more vital than just three points, it’s the building block for December.
If we lose this match, then United might just go five points ahead when they beat Blackpool. But if we win, then Chelsea will be sweating to beat us, and we can play on the break against them.
A proud Gooner of 14 years, I don’t want to be moaning about the big games.
