Written by Lindsay Melrose Friday, 25 February 2011 16:59

GunnerTalk Blog

By Lindsay Sheehan

So let’s take it step by step.

BANK! – The victory against Stoke was a massive win for many reasons. Despite some disappointing losses early on in the season, we have managed to claw ourselves back to within a point of the top. Yes the Mancs have a game in hand but we have the points in the bag not airy ifs or maybes.  Their upcoming tricky run of games has been well publicised so all we can do is win ours, run our race and let them get on with theirs.  At the moment we are like a snarling terrier humping their leg. We will not be shaken off and we are going to keep humping until we prevail (what am I talking about?) 

ONE NIL TO THE ARSENAL - We saw out a one nil win. Let’s be honest I was awaiting the sucker punch - weren’t you?  My brother was sat slumped in his seat braced for impact. Stoke, as well as being the dirtiest of dirty cnuts, are also last minute specialists so there was an air of expectancy around the ground for an equaliser. I asked if we could go at 5 minutes before the end (hey everyone else does) so I could pretend we won. Well shove that up your butt hole pessimism because no pretence necessary it’s was a one nil to The Arsenal. There were a few bum tightening moments especially when Shawcross and Pennant thought they could come to our gaff and try and score. How very dare they?

THEO  - My brother burdened Theo with his first goal scorer flutter. My brother had a points bet on Everton this season. If my brother has a bet on you, your game / season is fucked. You walk around blissfully ignorant of this fact only to be cruelly dumbstruck when calamity strikes for no apparent reason. Steve’s bet is why Theo’s shot came back off the inside of the post in the first 10 minutes. I know that sounds ridiculous but I’ve seen it myself too many times to know that this is no mere co incidence. Also just FYI I made him bet on Messi last week. Thank you? You are welcome.  He’s got a score earmarked for Bentley on Sunday as well.

Anyway Theo played like he was desperate not to get himself broken. He was a bit light and uncommitted throughout the first half and then when he did come to life, he twisted his ankle and the worst happened. It’s such a shame. If you knew we were going to sustain final threatening injuries you would probably have put your money on it being Theo and Cesc. The consensus is it’s a 2 week recovery so he may be back in time for the Nou Camp.

CESC - Arsenal.com mentioned our skipper was carrying a slight knock into the Stoke encounter. When he limped off the team and the fans viably dipped. As I write this we are still awaiting the extent of the injury but I would imagine its going to be a few weeks minimum if it’s his hammy.  Cesc himself tweeted

“I dont know if ill make sunday or no, but all i know is that from this moment to sunday 16'30 i wont sleep if its necessary. Ive waited. ...Too long to captain a final for arsenal and i wont give up till the last second.”

As I read that last night I felt a massive surge of genuine love for the lad. Despite last summer I doubt even the most negative Gooner could question his commitment and desire. Apparently he is pushing to play despite Le Boss ruling him out.

My view on it is this. Do no play him Wenger. This is when you have to manage. Our season does not start nor end on Sunday. Yes it is a great risk to not play Cesc but it will be an even greater one to play him injured.

Firstly although the Carling Cup is very important for the reasons we have discussed before, we have many crucial games coming thick and fast. Here they are for the next 2 months:

March

02 Wed    The FA Cup (H) - Leyton Orient 19:45 ESPN   

05 Sat    Barclays Premier League (H) - Sunderland 15:00 ATVO   

08 Tue    UEFA Champions League (A) - FC Barcelona 19:45 SS1   

12 Sat    The FA Cup (A) - Manchester United 17:15 ITV1 (If Arsenal beat Leyton Orient in Round 5)

19 Sat    Barclays Premier League (A) - W.B.A.  15:00 ATVO

April

02 Sat    Barclays Premier League (H) - Blackburn Rovers 17:30 ESPN   

5/6   UEFA Champions League N Quarter-Final 1L   ATVO   

10 Sun    Barclays Premier League (A) - Blackpool 13:30 SKY  (If we are involved in the Champions League Quarter Finals and are scheduled to play on Tuesday 12th April, this match is likely to revert to Saturday 9th April, kick off 12.45pm)

12/13   UEFA Champions League N Quarter-Final 2L   ATVO   

17 Sun    Barclays Premier League (H) - Liverpool 16:00 SKY (If we are involved in the FA Cup Semi Finals this match will be rearranged, date TBC)    

20 Wed    Barclays Premier League (A) - Tottenham Hotspur 19:45 SKY (If we are involved in the FA Cup Semi Finals, depending on the other Clubs involved in the Semi Finals, this match may be rearranged for Tuesday 19th April, kick off 7.45pm)  

24 Sun    Barclays Premier League (A) - Bolton Wanderers 16:00 SKY  (If we are involved in the Champions League Semi Finals and are scheduled to play on Tuesday 26th April, this match will revert to Saturday 23rd April, kick off TBC)   

26/27   UEFA Champions League N Semi-Final 1L   ATVO   

Big huh?  If we play him and he does his body more damage he will face a lengthy spell as a spectator. His hammys are clearly suspect and he needs to listen to his head not his heart. Now would you rather play him Sunday or trust his team mates and have him back for the business end including Man Utd, Barcelona, Liverpool and Spurs?

Secondly, I think we’ll need all 3 subs on Sunday with Birmingham’s er ‘strength’ if we start Cesc and he breaks down that’s Wenger’s hand limited tactically.

There is no one I’d rather see on Sunday’s team sheet than Cesc but I wouldn’t risk his career and our season on it.

POSITIVES – The games they will both miss should be winnable without them. I would imagine neither would have appeared at the Orient replay. Sunderland at home should also be doable in their absence. Then there is Barcelona. Another matter entirely but they are also experiencing their own injury issues. Aaron Ramsey may just be returning as a ‘new signing’ at completely the right time. TV is also nearing a comeback and Diaby is now available for selection. .

The Arsenal have many players bang on form right now. We have to trust them and they have to prove we were right to.

COYG.