Thomas Vermaelen

Crush. Kill. Destroy.

Just what we've been missing in defense. The cold dead eyes of a killer. 

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There is only one Arsene Wenger

Bawse.

Faith in this man has been sorely tested and I have certainly had my doubts but Arsene Wenger just continues to impress with the undying commitment to his style of football and his principles of how to achieve it. He has suffered a series of unbelievable situations in recent times that might undo another manager but the signs are very good that he is in the midst of a quite remarkable turnaround. All of the players that have come in over the summer have shown at the very least glimpses of quality, some have stood out with excellent performances, and  others have shown remarkable growth since last season.

Through it all he has maintained a level of class and dignity that is a credit to him and the club. The players appear to be playing for each other again. A grittiness has returned. We can be proud of the efforts we see every week. We can look forward to the matches again. These things are down to the manager. He deserves a great deal of continued support and respect for surviving such an awful start and for building the side back up after some massive departures. Let's get behind him and the team and see how far we can go this season.


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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.