Have Arsenal sent a private jet to Africa yet?

Cameroon lasted longer in the African Cup of Nations (ACN) than they should have. Côte D'Ivoire were kicked out earlier than they should have. Big disappointment for the people of both great nations of football, and for Eboue and Song. But good for Arsenal.

Everton got a point from the ACN. At the Emirates, Alex Song's absence left a big hole into which Fellaini and Pinnear jumped and danced happily to a point (it could have been three points). At Stoke, Coquelin was a right back – Eboue would have been on the pitch. Denilson did not have the legs to catch up with Stoke player who crossed the ball for the second goal. ACN has cost Arsenal a place in the FA cup and two points at home in the league. Obviously, football is not predictable so nobody can really say that Arsenal would have done better with Song and Eboue but it is clear we missed them.

Sol Campbell is a very good signing. If Silvestre is better than Senderos then things are really bad for Swiss Phil. Sol's performance was very good at Stoke. That was quite a bonus. He looked strong and faster. As fast as most 24 year olds on the pitch. Arsenal second back four is Eboue, Sol, Silvestre, Traore. It is not great but with Sol and Eboue it is no worse than Man Utd's or Chelsea's second choice and similar to most team's first team if Clichy or Vermaelen were put in place of either Silvestre or Traore. The point here is that Arsenal have a more solid backup defence with Sol. Sol Campbell could be worth 5 points this season if we suffer injury. That could make the difference.

Diaby and Nasri are out. Wenger is worried about reintroducing Ramsey and Rosicky too quickly. Apparently, that is the cause of our injury crisis – hurrying players back. We don't look as strong in midfield and we have to play Villa next. Arshavin has dropped his level quite a bit. He almost looks like he's not trying and fighting as much as he did before. Eduardo is struggling with pace but he is still doing very very useful things in the box. He will be good in Europe – there is plenty left in Eduardo yet. However, Theo Walcott looks like a kid. He is stronger but plays worse than he did 2 years ago. He's only had one game back so I need to hold back and be patient but he has done ZERO this season so far.

So it is very timely to get two first team players back.

Eboue is mightily experienced by now. He can also play more positions than any other player at Arsenal. He is the premiership's top and absolute best squad player. He didn't play full games in Africa so he should be fresher.

Song must be tired. He played all Cameroon games although I felt he slowed down half way through the Tunisia game and throughout the Egypt game. It was either tactical – Cameroon have been leaking goals so maybe they wanted him to sit in front of the defence – or maybe it was tiredness. It will be tough for Song to play Man Utd but I would rather have him there half fit if Diaby is out.

So Wenger, send a private jet to Africa and pick up the boys immediately.

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