Written by Lindsay Melrose Sunday, 13 February 2011 00:49

GunnerTalk Blog

By Lindsay Sheehan

Arsenal turned in a professional performance today, at home, against Wolverhampton Wanders. Barcelona are looming menacingly and after last week’s high drama we pondered on who would play and where their heads would be. Many times already this season our nerves have been frayed but not so today. The destroyers of the invincible pretenders were not to be taken lightly. Wenger made the right noises and the strongest available personnel choice. Manure had already dispatched City so we had to keep up pace.

Everyone concentrated and Djorou's miraculous return saw a much more solid Arsenal back line and much cooler heads. Confident performances from all in fairness and a continuing improvement from our wee Meercat. Okay there were the compulsory million chances missed, the worst by Theo, beautifully crafted out for him by Jack (holding midfielder my Arsenal) but the game never had the feel of anything but a win coupled with a clean sheet.

The last 10 saw heads definitely shift to Wednesday, with substitution to echo that, but we weren't troubled. After the match Mick McCarthy was incredibly generous to our players and our ability. In a month where we've took quite a bashing this unexpected yet welcomed act of respect made me feel warm and fuzzy towards the big ugly twat. He shook hands with all our players and I'll remember that. Even if his team are in trouble and praising us slightly deflects that, well it's still ok with me. I'm surprised that after last week’s giant-slaying they didn't come out harder. But we got hold of the game after 15 minutes and never let go.

On my way home I popped down the local hotel to watch the second half of the Spud game and there mingled with Abu Diaby. No Gooners I didn't, I just smiled and said good luck for Wednesday and for fucks sake don't get sent off. My little girl went hysterical when I tried to put my arm round him and cried until she was almost sick. I think he was happy to get away. Anyway another 3 points to add to the tally and still breathing down the Mancs necks, if not heavily.  We're in good shape going into the business end of the 2010-2011 season.

Robin van Persie - Finally repaying the faith?

A fit Robin Van Persie became a bit of an Arsenal myth. How many times could we bemoan his absence when our credentials unravelled before us.  Time and time again we sighed 'if only'. Well it got to the point where we honestly couldn't comment on what his effect would be, he'd been missing so often we could hardly remember. Only if we squinted with concentration. We knew he was class just couldn't recall why we knew.  It was even mooted that Arsene should sell him and invest in goals elsewhere.

So now we see the truth behind the story and realise it's no urban legend. I've said it before and dam it I'll say it again, a fit RVP is championship winning. He has scored 10 goals in 7 games and many of em proper lovely. Wenger correctly announced he had an outstanding game (again!) Touch your lucky bunny he gets the full season both he and us deserve.

The Elephant In The Room

So now it's finally here. No more putting it to the back of our minds. Mouth watering anticipation begin. This is what it all about. To the Emirates come the gods of football who are also dirty rotten captain stealing fuckers. I am not at all certain what's going to happen. Really, has anyone predicted our results so far? I would not put it past us to beat them and why the fuck not? Well Eboue could be perhaps why but other than that I'm quite heartened. If they don't give too much respect, work hard and concentrate we have every chance. But we all know - it's a big if. How many times have we said it before?  I know, I know, I'm a pessimist aren't I? Whatever comes I will be busting my lungs reminding those big mouthed, disrespectful, incredibly talented mutherfuckers that (altogether now) "WE'VE GOT CESC FABREGAS"

Come. On. You. Gunners.