Just some news and stuff 15 January, 2007

There are no new stories today as we’ve got an unusual midweek break from football. The players and coaching staff will appreciate this break but it mean there is no news for me. There’s a little bit and it’s all old and crap, but I’ll give it to you anyway.

Steve Bruce has said he’s like to sign Muamba permanently. Fabrice is currently on loan but Birmingham are keen to keep him for longer than the end of the season. He’s thought of as the new Paddy Vieira and he’s a bit of a hard nut, I’d want him to stay at Arsenal but with the other young midfielders coming through you’d wonder if we’d actually need him. We’ve got Diaby, Fabregas, Merida, Denilson and more who all look like they’re going to be top players one day. I’d like Muamba to stay but I’ll understand if he’s allowed to leave.

Jose Reyes is still upset about only getting 5 minutes in last years Champions League Final. Well the reason you didn’t is because you weren’t good enough or you’d just roll around on the floor. Reading this story I started thinking about Paris and was looking at photos and stuff, it made me pretty sad and then I took it to the next level and started to watch the highlights on youtube. It was torture and all I could manage was up to Sol’s goal, then I switched it off. It made me proud to be a Gooner but very depressed. Hopefully we’ll be all off to Athens to right those wrongs.

On Saturday Tugay stamped on Cesc’s ankle and he was forced off with his foot wrapped in ice. There were fears that he’d miss the game against Man United along with Gilberto but it looks like he’ll make it. It was a bad challenge and we might’ve been in a bit of trouble if we had both of our centre midfielders out of Sunday’s big game. Here’s what he had to say:

“It’s a bit painful, but I’ll be alright as I’ll have a week to rest. I’m sure I’ll be able to play. It won’t be a problem if the boss wants to play me.”

It looks like it’ll be Flamini and Cesc in the middle against Man U and they’ll need to be on top form to get a result like we did up at their place. It’s bad news that Gilberto is suspended for this one but we’ve got plenty of players who can play his position. Diaby would be my choice but I don’t think he’s fully fit yet and I’m pretty confident that Wenger will go with Flamini. There’s also the option on putting RVP out wide and moving Rosicky more central, it’s going to be interesting to see what Arsene does go for but still I’d feel more confident with the Brazilian. It was a silly red card but Arsene says he’s not going to appeal. He’s right, although it probably wasn’t worth a sending off he did stick out his leg at Savage and that decides it. If the ref had any common sense he’d of given a yellow but if you compare the challenge to the rulebook then it’s a straight red.

Last week Wenger announced that our right-back Lauren will be allowed to leave the club this transfer window. There’s no more news on that but I expect he’s in talks with clubs at the moment. I’ll bring you news on that when I get it. Happy Monday.