Return of the Prodigal Son

Cesc sets up Arshavin for the second against Braga at home in last year's Champions League group stage.

I still have mixed feelings about Fabregas' departure. It's probably too early yet in the post-Cesc Arsenal era to give it the proper perspective. It does seem apropos however to give this drawing an airing on the day he returns to London. He’ll only face Theo from the current side, which will perhaps mean to him that it seems like he is still playing for us against the old enemies. Without getting into what his departure has meant to our side [both good and bad] or into slagging off his current club, I will say that I am glad he is doing well. He is a truly immense footballer and in the end it has been privilege to watch him do what he does best. 

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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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