Arsenal vs. Wigan Preview 5 December, 2008

Nearly a week on from the win against Chelsea and it’s back to the Premier League. Wigan are the visitors and it’s our chance to show that we have learnt our lessons form a few weeks ago. On the 8th of November we had a great victory over Manchester United, it seemed like a turn in fortunes and we were back on track again but then just 7 days later we face Aston Villa putting in an awful display and lost 2-0.

We just expected to turn up and we would win. There was no desire, no commitment like we saw against United the previous weekend. We learned the hard way that whoever we’re playing we need to put in the same amount of effort – we can’t just turn up without really trying and still win.

The scenario looks suspiciously similar going into this game. We’ve come off the back of a great win at Stamford Bridge and now we go into a game against lesser opposition.

Hopefully the players will have learnt from their mistakes a few weeks ago and we will go into tomorrow’s game with the same attitude as against Chelsea. There’s no reason why we shouldn’t put in as good a performance tomorrow as there was last weekend.

It’s Wenger’s job before the game to get the players lively and up for it and remind them not to be lazy. And its Fabregas’ job during the game the keep the players on their toes and not start slacking.

It seems like an important game tomorrow. It’s a test of character and I’m confident we will pass.

The only fresh injury is William Gallas. With Kolo Toure now back and Djourou playing well he shouldn’t be too badly missed. Wenger has been quick to say he still has a place in this side and that we want to keep him. I think if he can come to terms with not being captain anymore and get his head down to concentrate on his football he will be worth keeping.

Eboue is also fit again and he might be drafted in straight away. Arsene was asked whether he was tempted to play the Carling Cup side after they beat Wigan at the Grove just a few weeks ago. “We treat this fixture with the seriousness it deserves,” was the reply and I would’ve have expected anything else. It would be nice if we could play the kids again and win 3-0 again but you just can’t take that risk!

So as for the team, I’m not entirely sure whether Toure and Eboue are ready to go straight into the starting 11 but this is how I see it:

Almunia
Sagna – Toure – Djourou – Clichy
Eboue – Fabregas (c) – Denilson – Nasri
Adebayor – van Persie

I know I’ve said this time and time again, but I’d prefer Diaby in the middle partnering Cesc but I see Wenger going for Denilson again. It’s not a bad team though, is it? I feel quite comfortable with it – it looks more like a team I am used to. Eboue has proved he can play well and not act the clown so I’m looking for a decent show from him. Toure has also got something to prove returning to the side, he has had some dodgy performances this season so a solid game tomorrow will do him some good.

I’m looking forward to this one. Anything but a win will be another massive disappointment however a win itself would make everyone feel like we’re making a step in the right direction.

It’s a 3:00pm kick off so not on TV again. I’ve been using justin.tv to watch all our games this season, just go to sports and have a look around and I can usually find a decent stream. Give that a go if you’re thinking where to watch it.

Thanks for reading. Speak to you soon.