The Walcott-Wenger Standoff

Theo has spoken up about his contract situation and as expected it has generated quite an animated buzz in Goonerland. He's moved to squash speculations that his over-the-top demands for an improved package is the reason his contract extension has not happened yet.

"That speculation on the money side of it has never been me. That's not me. I'm not the sort of person who's influenced by money. I always make my decisions based on football and only football..."

The LP on which that song was recorded is worn out and all scratched up and the needle gets stuck in a groove all the time. It will keep repeating "not about money" if someone doesn't lift the pin. We've heard it over and over and over again. It is a tired tune.

Wenger's Views On The City Game

Wenger: 'A point was the minimum we deserved'


Dear Arsenal supporter,

I was pleased with Sunday's result because a point was the minimum we deserved when you consider what we put into the game.

I was happy also with the quality of our display and our spirit, but I was also a bit frustrated because I feel there was an opportunity to pick up all three points. We had early chances and very late chances, especially when Gervinho missed the target from the edge of the box.

Overall I hope that a result like this will reinforce our belief and confidence and reassure us about our potential in this league.

We conceded a goal from a corner and I take that criticism on board, but it's worth noting that Manchester City are the team who score more goals than anyone else from set pieces.

At the other end of the pitch it is true that we missed chances, and it's important to be clinical in games like this, but I believe that will come. When you have the basic quality that we showed on Sunday, the rest can improve.

Vito Mannone had another good game in goal. He looks very solid. He made a little mistake on the corner for Man City's goal, but I am happy that it didn't affect his game after that. I like what he is doing.

I can confirm that Thomas Vermaelen did not play because he had 'flu so we left him at home.

Laurent Koscielny had a great game and stepped in very well. We have a number of classy centre backs, and it is a very difficult choice. No matter who is left out, they will feel disappointed. But I will rotate the centre backs and take into consideration the strikers we will face.

Thanks for your support.

What do you think?

Follow on Twitter @naijaendgooner

Watch Behind The Scene Footage From Man City Vs Arsenal

 Follow on Twitter @naijaendgooner


 

Manchester City Review: We Were A Clear And Present Danger

From the moment Mike Dean wrapped his thin lips around his whistle and blew for kick-off at the Etihad Stadium yesterday till he blew it again to end the game after ninety minutes, we looked good for a result against City. No mean feat considering City is the defending champion and was playing in front of their home fans on a turf they have won 29 of their last 31 games and drew 2 on.

We showed no fear as we took control of the midfield early on and stopped Yaya Toure and Javi Garcia from getting any modicum of grip on that area of the field. Difficult to remember what Silva contributed to the game other than taking corner kicks, one of which Lescott scored from. Even when we went a goal down, we kept our heads up and kept plugging away with the belief that we were the better side on the day and deserved to get a result out of the game and that belief paid off eventually.

Watch Highlights Of Manchester City Vs Arsenal