Arsene's obstacle course

Arsène gave his prematch press conference today- even though the Chelsea match stands 4 days away. Obviously, turkey shenanigans are interrupting the usual course of things this weekend. He was in fine form too as he responded to the latest Manchester United player to write off our title challenge, Nani. He said,

"I personally don't know who will win the league and I have managed 1,600 games. If Nani knows he must be 1,600 times more intelligent than I am."

In fairness, it wasn't just us Nani wrote off, it was Manchester City, Spurs, basically anyone that isn't Manchester United or Chelsea. And, I suppose, he has a right to do so. Whilst we have topped the table this season, we haven't looked very likely to stay there long. Nonetheless, it's nice to hear some classic Arsène. I know I have said some things this week that some of you haven't liked, but it does make you think that if we could find some consistency and win those big home games, then we do have a hell of a chance of winning the league. The problem being that it is easy to talk about these things, not so easy to actually find that consistency, or win the big home games. Something Arsène is obviously aware of,

"Of course we have a point to prove given our record against the big teams,"
"You have to show that you are up to the level expected from you in these games.
"That's the obstacle to get over. At home in the big games, you want to win.
"We don't really think about the record because the statistics are history and every game is a new start.
"Every player has lost a game before he has won one. One day, he wins. We have to make sure for us that day is on Monday."

I know I have expressed considerable concern over Monday night's fixture, but the thought of RvP and Cesc, fully fit and in tandem again has me dreaming irresponsible dreams. Could they? Could the team do it? When I think about the prospect of us beating Chelsea at home for only the second time in the last seven years, well, I can barely type. A win for us would be huge. If we do manage to beat them, what do you lot think about a dvd release to celebrate the event? Oh no, only small clubs do that. Don't they?

Samir Nasri has come in for a bit of stick from some quarters this season, despite his magnificent form to date, mainly because of his refusal to shake hands with William Gallas earlier this season. I think, in retrospect, it was a bit childish but then I don't know what went on between them. So, if I can write a blog backing Arsène Wenger's right not to shake hands with Mark Hughes last season, then I shall back Samir on that one. Nonetheless, his more cuddly side has been exposed by Marouane Chamakh, who spoke to the Mirror,

"We have got on really well together since the start of pre-season. He has been like a brother to me. He took care of me, really helped me, took me out and invited me to his house to watch World Cup matches."

"I am in the club of my life. I don't count on staying in football forever. I will go till the end of my contract. That leaves me with four good years. I played at my favourite club in France and I played now with the club I have loved since I was little. For some, it is Real Madrid or Barcelona. Me, it has always been Arsenal. You have to see that I leave the pitch worn out after every match. I am very proud to be a Gunner."

I think it's interesting that Chamakh talks about having four "good years" left. People, when he has said this in the past, have considered it as though he is already looking at an exit strategy. Seems a harsh reading of the situation to me. I think it's more about how he feels and the effort he puts into his game right now. If he is worn out after every match now, what chance Chamakh in four years when his body begins to slow down? Against that, I suppose you have to think that he has surely played a lot more football than either he, or his manager would have expected.

I'd like to close today with three definitions;

"Rant- utter something in loud or bombastic tones",

"Diatribe-a bitter verbal attack or speech",

"Xenophobic- an unreasonable fear or hatred of foreigners or strangers or of that which is foreign or strange."

If you got all of these things out of the sentence, "I think a greater French influence at the club is the last thing we need," then clearly my writing has a greater power than I ever thought possible.

I find it laughable that, having written literally hundreds of thousands of words in praise of the likes of Píres, Vieira, Henry and, yes, Arsène in six years writing for this website, I should now have to defend myself against a charge of being a xenophobe made by someone who doesn't know me. Just because they don't like that I have written. For the record, I have no problem with French footballers in general, just crap ones. Next time you want to use big words to insult me and accuse me of being something I'm not, have a look in your dictionary first- there won't be any misunderstanding that way.

There's your diatribe.

Can we move on now? Thanks.

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