Jens In Shop Window?
Dec 11th, 2007 by 'holic
The return of Jens Lehmann to the Arsenal team for the visit of Steaua Bucharest is interesting for a couple of reasons. For one, it reveals just where the competition sits in Arsene Wenger’s thinking at present. Since winning the opening three fixtures Wenger has clearly put this competition firmly to the back of his mind, and his priorities.
Secondly, it perhaps is indicative that ‘Le Boss’ is not yet convinced of the quality of Lukasz Fabianski. The Polish number two has had to read the stories linking Artur Boruc with the Gunners, and his spirit will not have been lifted by what is surely only a ‘shop-window’ opportunity for Lehmann to demonstrate his current form to prospective January suitors.
With Chelsea providing the opposition this coming Sunday it is starting to look as though Wenger will put out an almost Carling cup-like side on matchday six. The best news coming out of the club today is that Robin van Persie and Abou Diaby are set to return to the squad after injury, but a start for either looks unlikely.
The fact that Nicklas Bendtner was wheeled out for a press opportunity suggests he may start, possibly accompanied by either Eduardo or Theo Walcott. Denilson, also a substitute at Middlesbrough, also looks set to be given his chance on the bigger stage.
Followers of the ‘holic pound will be frustrated to hear I haven’t a clue at this stage where to lodge it! I’ll be none the wiser when I walk into my investment bank bookie tomorrow, so I might as well just plump for 2-0. Why? As a wise old codger once said, ‘never look for logic in an illogical situation’.
Flamini Set To Sign?
I’m delighted to read that Matthieu Flamini is set to commit to another five years at the Grove. The gloom that has slowly engulfed the club in the last week owes much to the absence of the Frenchman who has grabbed a regular starting berth with both hands this season.
For much of the last year it has looked as though Matty would not be with us for much longer. His public murmurings of discontent last term appeared to have knocked him down the pecking order, but the late return of Gilberto Silva this summer provided the Frenchman with the opportunity to show just what an improved and consistent performer he has become.
Thank you Flamster. Just get that contract signed now please.
4 Responses to “Jens In Shop Window?”
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agreed. NDP Flam needs to sign a 3 years or more contract, ‘holic.
[…] the manager made it quite clear that this was not related to anything else and you’d imagine, as Goonerholic says, it’s a bit like putting him in the shop window and I think Almunia will play against […]
Just a half for me. Oh go on then I’ll have another pint.
I dont think Lehmann’s inclusion has anything to do with lack of faith in Fabianski, coz he has only played a couple of Carling Cup games, and one reserve game. Your call that Jens is being put in the shop window makes a lot of sense though.
I hope Dudu gets the start, he has impressed so far in the Champions League, and this is a good chance for him to get a goal under his belt. Eboue, on the other hand, needs to be kicked hard up the arse, and dropped out of the squad for a few games. Theo to take his place at RW.