Gooner Win – Says Gooner Fan

1) Not a great season for Arsenal by recent standards, are you in transition or in decline?

Transition without a doubt, you only have to look at how the team has performed in the Carling Cup (Doncaster match aside) in recent seasons to see that we have the players to compete, but they just need a little more time to come through. Lupoli, Quincy, Gilbert and Song to name a few.

2) Is Wenger ‘untouchable’ or is he under any sort of pressure this season?

For me he is untouchable, the things he has done with Arsenal on a relative shoestring beggars belief. There has been a few fans in and around Highbury having a whinge saying Wenger needs to go, but I don’t honestly think they believe that, you don’t just become a rubbish manager overnight.

3) What has been the main problem for you this season, surely it can’t simply be the sale of Viera?

Not the sale of, but the failure to replace. Paddy was a massive player for us, although his performances were not upto his usual high standard over the last couple of years he was still better than most, without him or a replacement we have been left a little bit lightweight in the middle.

We also had many many injuries and a few decisions not go our way but I don’t want to go down that road 🙂

4) The 4-0 win over Pompey, a sign of a revival or just a good day at the office?

I think we’re getting back on track, the football seems to becoming fluid again, as many people know, the football Arsenal play is all about pace and movement, but of late we’ve been very jittery and unsure of ourselves. I think it’s coming back together.

5) Who should Villa fear the most on Saturday?

It all depends on what team Mr Wenger puts out, with the Man United game on Tuesday it could be a slightly changed team, however, I don’t think you’ll get the luxury of an Arsenal team without Thierry Henry. My initial thoughts were that he would be rested, but on reflection I think AW will want to secure maximum points going into that game, just in case!!!

6) Who are your weak links?

I don’t usually like answering questions like this, but it’s plainly obvious to everyone that Pascal Cygan is not an Arsenal quality player. He has played better over the last two games, but the sooner Ashley Cole is back the better.

7) Do you fear any Villa players?

Believe it or not, Milan Baros. He has always been a greedy player, but with that type of striker you will always have a goal threat.

Oh, and what about that young lad who’s scored a couple of goals for you…..y’know, that snooker player!!

8) How do you view Villa as a club and do you enjoy the visit to Villa Park?

Sometimes I have a bit of sympathy for the Villa faithful, they always seem just one or two players away from being able to achieve something. As I understand it your chairman is a bit of a tight git!!

Arsenal often do well at Villa Park so I’m quite looking forward to this fixture, hopefully it should make for a good game.

9) Would you like to see David O’Leary as a future Arsenal manager?

At one point yes, I always thought he’d fight his way to the top and then return to his spiritual home, but now I just don’t think his management style would suit our club.

10) What is your prediction for Saturday?

If DO’L decides to have a go at us then I think it will be a very tight game, maybe a draw or a goal nicked either way, but the vibe I’m getting from most Villa fans I speak to, is they think he’s going to sit back a little bit, if he does this I can see you on the end of a hiding.

As it goes I’ll say 2-1 to Arsenal.

11) Would you consider swapping Chairmen?!

No, but I’ll swap you Pascal Cygan for a four pack of Stella.

12) Oh, and does Wenger really not see any of the decisions that go in your favour?!? ;-))

I thought that the question was really well directed, but just as I was about to read it a badger caught my eye and I missed it. Sorry.

And to see what I told the Gooners: