Update: Ok, I guess I owe FSC somewhat of an apology here. They are showing the game, although not live. It will be on at 2:30pm EST. I still think the replay of tonight’s LA/NY game should not preempt a live Arsenal match, but that’s just me. So, I’m sorry for jumping to conclusions, and I still love you

Ok, I know it’s supposed to be a big deal having Sir Becks on our shores and all… I’m happy for him, I really am. But, why the hell would FSC preempt the live Arsenal/Blackburn match Sunday morning to show a fucking repeat of a Galaxy/Red Bull game from the night before? Are there really more people in this country who would rather watch a replay of David Beckham riding the god damned bench than would watch Arsenal trounce play Blackburn? Somehow, I doubt it. I have to assume they just couldn’t get rights to the Arsenal game, because that’s just plain ridiculous. I’m sending a nastygram to the program directory over there before the day’s out, that’s for damn sure.

Oh, I had all sorts of choice words lined up for you, Jens. All sorts… but, Alex & Co. saved your ass today.

Great comeback by the Gunners today. I couldn’t believe how many chances were created that were missed. They were relentless. And Fulham didn’t just lay down and take it. They fought pretty hard, I thought. But in the end (again), we came back with a gorgeous piece of footwork by Alexandre Hleb. That was a nice little flick to throw off that last defender before the tap in. Very nice, Alex. Very nice.

A lot of the team looked pretty good, I thought. As I was hoping this year, Tomas Rosicky was a big presence today, despite not quite being able to finish. Lots of close calls though. I still see big things coming from him. When Robin van Persie went down in the box after colliding with Warner, I thought we were going to see another busted metatarsal. Glad to see he got up. Some of those short passes back to Lehmann by the defense were a little too close for comfort with strikers swarming. Things are still tightening up back there, I guess. But certainly not a bad show by the defense. In fact, there was a lot of good stuff to see today all around the pitch. Although, I don’t know if I can take another 22 come from behind wins again this year. And, to be honest… I don’t think that’s going to get us any further up the table. I hope I’m wrong, because so far we’re right back where we were. Winning from behind. I’m not complaining, because Arsenal is the most exciting football you can watc, in my book. I’d just feel a bit more comfortable if we could seal a few of these a little earlier in the game.

Jens… you’ve been spared. You did make some rather nice saves today, so I’ll focus on the positive. Ok, one dig… I guess a summer farting around in Germany makes a guy forget how fast those balls can move, huh?

Well, I didn’t think it would happen, but it did. And, not just because of all the crap that’s been issuing forth from old Wills’ pie hole of late either. Although, he seems to have changed his tune a bit as of yesterday, I just didn’t think he’d get the nod. Yeah, there’s the seniority and experience, I suppose. But, Gilberto was doing a fine job. Why alter that? And Kolo would have been a great choice too. In fact, there’s several players (who’ve at least played at Highbury in Gunners strip) who are still around and would suit just fine. But, it’s Gallas. I just hope his latest statements are an indication of how he’s going to behave going forward. Because if we have to listen to him bitch and moan after each loss… well, that would suck.

After hearing this, I needed something to cheer me up. So, I went ahead and put the brand spankin’ new EPL ‘07/08 table up on the right column there. Ooooh, look at it. All pristine and festooned with zeros, just waiting to drip with statistical goodness as we get underway. I like being alphabetically first in the Prem. Let’s hope that Points column can keep us up there. None of that early season slide to 17th shit this year, please. Thanks

Well, that nicely wraps up the Amsterdam Tournament. Another fine pre-season win by the Gunners and another gorgeous RVP goal. Can’t get enough of this stuff.

This pre-season, Arsenal have given one example after another why anyone writing them off for the Premier League this year without Thierry Henry had just better think again. I can just feel a big shock to the Prem coming this year. No one will see it coming. Their record against the rest of the Big Four last year was impressive, to say the least. Now that things seem even more finely tuned, and provided they can stay healthy, I can’t imagine they won’t dominate. Although, for some reason, I think we have more to worry about with Liverpool this year. I’m more worried about them than Chelski or Man U, believe it or not.

Another nice performance, and again we see some new faces stepping up. I like the way this is rolling out so far. I like it a lot. It’s going to be a whole new ball game once the Prem ramps up, but I am definitely optimistic.

You have to love the Eduardo Da Silva side story too. He gets his UK work permit and then immediately goes about opening his account with the Gunners by heading one in. Good one, EDS9! And, I refuse to call him Dudu, so… we’ll need a new nickname for him.

On another note… I think I’m diggin’ the 3rd kit. I don’t normally go for the stripes on strip, but the colors are pretty cool.