Theo Walcott scores the opener vs. Blackpool 21 Aug 2010

Early evidence in the 2010-11 season of much improved finishing from Theo.  

I give this boy quite a lot of stick, and a little unfairly perhaps given his late start in the game. So it's only fair to recognize his continued progress. I like what what we're seeing so far with him this season. Last year his finishing took a step forward for me, and this year it appears he is rounding out his decision making. It's easy to forget how young he still is due to the 5 years of media hype surrounding him.


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Van Persie assists first goal @ Blackburn 28 Aug 2010

Van Persie setting up Walcott's opening goal at Ewood Park last season. 

The interlull is a perfect time for me to publish a few efforts from the archive. Figured I'd give the Captain the first post in honor of his unbelievable form this season. Like so many of his actions, he had instant control with the first touch and with virtually no backlift slotted the ball with the outside of his foot for an onrushing Theo to bury.


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Walking The Walk?

from the fort greene bunker

Barclays Premier League

Arsenal 3-0 West Brom 05 November 2011

Van Persie [22], Vermaelen [39], Arteta [74]

Our captain has been lauded for his impressive strike rate this season but he himself has admitted there is room for improvement when it comes to setting up goals for his teammates. That would be addressed with some interest, but not before he arrived in perfect time to put us ahead against West Brom.

The visitors defended gamely and limited space to the degree that we struggled to find any real threat in our attack, but at the first opportunity Ramsey played a wonderful pass between the back four, Walcott latched onto it, and the rebound from his shot was slammed home by Van Persie. Quick thinking and delightful execution from Rambo, who has steadily grown into the creative charge he has been given in midfield. Like a boss.

Puxatawny Marseilles

from the Fort Greene bunker

Champions League Group Stage

Arsenal 0–0 Marseilles  1 November 2011

I missed the first 30 minutes of the match, which apparently had the best chances but couldn’t take them. It appeared we’d have a repeat of the trip to Marseilles, so I settled in for another session of teeth gnashing. After the match on Saturday it would be churlish to complain, but we looked jaded, to borrow some Wengerspeak.

Song and Vermaelen were our best players on the pitch. Vermaelen marshaled a clean sheet with 3 players beside him that arrived in the summer, and one of them is a dozy Brazilian left-back with absolutely no positional sense whatsoever [and as seen on Saturday, who also apparently can’t dance]. Though this was his first complete 90 minutes since his return, he did this against a team that was lightning quick on the counter and as such has a reputation for being stronger away from home. Think Aston Villa a few seasons ago. For once a player’s words are backed up by his performances.

Momentum Selector DJ Wenger

"Sometimes if you take a team on a roll there is no need to change it. You can defend any [decision] but when a team is on a positive experience, why not? That is what I have to decide."

On the other hand, if you make one or two changes here and there to the side when the team is on a roll, you can breed that successful mentality and experience into every member of the squad. In this way, when the inevitable injuries, suspensions, and/or absences [say for African Nations Cup in January] occur, those deputizing for the missing are better equipped and there should be a lesser drop in overall performance.

In fact, if done correctly, there will be little to no drop, and those making up the XI would not be considered ‘deputies’ at all. There is a saying about top level managers and coaches that they don’t rebuild [each season after player departures], they reload. There is an opportunity to achieve this cycle even within the season, if the squad and players are used properly.