Well, for the first time in a few seasons, I did not watch an Arsenal match. There was no coverage here and the copies I found out there were shit, so I just went and watch the highlights over at Arsenalist.

Niklas Bendtner’s goal was lovely, but not as lovely as the footwork of on Emmanuel Eboue leading up to the strike. I hear tell Eboue put in quite the performance at right back. It’s so good to see him finding some good form these days. I actually look forward to him coming on the pitch these days. I wonder what this means for Sagna though? Can he move to another part of the pitch? Probably not, but we’ll see.

Captain Cesc Fabregas put in a PK in injury time. On the replays I saw, it looked like a bit of a dive. I really hope I’m wrong about that, but it certainly wouldn’t be the first time we’ve seen Cesc go to the mat. Some players are just programmed to go down at the slightest touch when they’re in the area. It’s a shame really. A player of such bountiful talent as Cesc surely doesn’t need to resort to such tactics.

So, a nicely taken three points, Manchester United got beaten by Everton (quite glad we’re done playing them for the season), and Chelsea put in their expected defeat over Wolves at Molyneux. As much as I thought this wouldn’t happen, we are actually still in it. Keep the faith, Gooners!

As far as the performance goes from last night, well… it’s all been said. Our goalkeeping situation is nothing short of shocking. I know for a fact that both Almunia and Fabianski are better than what they’ve shown of late, but for some unknown reason… neither of them are stepping up. Can Arsenal afford to wait any longer to do anything about it?

As for the shit officiating… are we surprised? I’m not. At least he was consistently bad on both sides of the ball. And, have you ever seen so much diving? It was worse than playing a pack of Italians. I don’t believe that video review during a game would be a good thing. It would slow the game down. But, why can’t we have post match reviews for blatant cheating? We have some review for spurious goals and such, so why not video review after the fact when someone dives? Fucile could be given a nice three game ban for trying to deceive the official.

But, there’s another situation brewing that concerns me deeply. Cesc Fabregas. As a player, I love him. He’s not on his absolute best form just now, but as an attacking midfielder, there’s very few who could fill his shoes. My concern is over him as a captain. I get the feeling it’s not going so well. I was as happy as anyone when he was given the armband, and I really do want him to stay and be successful with the club. Yet, on several occasions now, I’ve seen him show his displeasure with the team in a most un-captainly way. Of course, the team has given him plenty of reason to be upset of late. But to me, an extremely important quality of a captain, in my opinion, is to inspire. And a side being beaten and making mistakes all over the pitch needs that inspiration more than anything. Yet, I don’t see it coming from Cesc. Actually, quite the opposite. The latest example was last night, after a blown corner from the left, Cesc’s reaction toward Bendtner said it all. Did he offer advice? Did he try to encourage? No. He berated Bendtner, who I might add probably had a better game than Cesc, like he was a child. And the manner in which he did was the furthest thing from inspirational. He was petulant, derisive, condescending, even insulting. Those are not good qualities to have in a captain. You’re certainly not going to get your best performance out of your players that way. Especially not when they’re already on the backfoot. And, Bendtner is one of the few players out there who seems like he really wants it! He’s running his ass off trying to make something happen, and he gets shit from Cesc. Where was this sort of reaction when Wutang popped two goals into our own net for Porto? Maybe he just doesn’ get on with Bendtner? Perhaps it’s a sign of his own immaturity? Perhaps, and rightly so, he’s a bit frustrated and dreaming of his triumphant return to Barcelona. But, why belittle your teammates? By all means, get angry at them, show them how pissed off you are and how much you require them to turn things around. But condescension and schoolboy reactions won’t get that out of anyone. Lead by example, and grow up a bit first.

It’s going to be an interesting summer. *sigh*

That was more than a bit disappointing. And not that the team didn’t play well, it was a fairly decent effort, it was just… disappointing. Depressing, even. To see the team you love trying so hard and just unable to come up with the goods is just tough to watch.

I won’t do the finger pointing that a lot of others are doing. We know we’ve got issues that need to be addressed. Bitching won’t change that. And I hate to sound like those afflicted with blind faith, but the team needs support just now. Not whinging. Things will get better. Some players will go and some will arrive. We may only have a fight left for third or, perish the thought, fourth place… But it could be worse. There are worse things in the world than third place in the Premiership. Now, onto more important issues at hand… Liverpool.

This is a match we can’t afford to lose. That might be an apt description of nearly every fixture left on the list. They’re coming off a good run of form, but also have some injury and suspension issues. It should be a good match. I read earlier the suggestion that Campbell should come in at center half and let Gallas or Vermaelen fill in for Clichy. That’s not a bad idea at all. Perhaps it would give Gael the time he needs to get back up to form. We know he’s had his troubles of late, but I’m still hopeful he can turn it around and perform at the levels we’re used to seeing from him.

As for Almunia… I’d be quite surprised if Wenger replaces him. Stunned, actually. So, I really hope this is the match that he finds his form again. I think it’s more of a mental thing with him. The press he’s probably been hearing about him hasn’t helped, I’m sure. But, we need to stop leaking goals for stupid defensive mistakes, of that there can be no doubt. If we’re outclassed by a world class striker, so be it… but the stupid defensive errors have cost us the silverware this season. To have scored 60 goals in 25 games and have to think that we’re going to come away again this season with nothing? It simply boggles the mind.

Up front, I really do hope Bendtner can start, but I imagine we’ll start the same way we did at Stamford Bridge. Poor Andrey will have to go it alone up top. But, he’s had some luck against Liverpool in the past, we all know. Could we see the tongue lolling, shhh blowing Russian of yore? I hope so. And a cracking game from Cesc wouldn’t hurt, that’s for sure. Not that he hasn’t been playing well, but he’s gone a bit quiet on the goal scoring.

So, we’re set to start in about 45 minutes. It’s a crisp 32°F at the Grove, and could drop a bit more. Let’s hope the fire’s are burning on the inside.

I’ve been reading Arseblogger tell us that Almunia’s condition is like a virus spreading through the defense, to paraphrase. Until yesterday, I thought the sentiment was a bit hard on the keeper. Now I know that ye olde Arseblogger has been speaking wisdom all this time. I shant doubt you again.

Jens Lehmann got the boot for far less atrocities than we’ve seen Almunia commit lately. I hate to say it, but I think it may be time to apply that same boot. There are others to place blame for Sunday’s loss, but be certain of one thing: the tide turned in United favor after that own goal. Many games have turning points that you can put a laser spot on and say “This… this is when things went to shit.” And Manuel’s sensual love slap attempt at turning that ball over the bar was ours on the day.

But, who can replace him? Mannone is gone. Wojohowicz isn’t ready, and Szzczeznenyzxplyx is far too inexperienced. But, it’s clear that Almunia is not the keeper he once was. I really do hope he can turn things around. Hell, if Gallas can come back from the sixth circle of hell that he descended to, why not Almunia? But, pardon me if I don’t hold my breath.

Now that I’ve got that off my chest… I’m not one of those who has given up hope. I hope I never am. We came back from an eleven point deficit to catch up to Chelsea, so why not five? It all starts this weekend at Stamford Bridge. And I’ll be cheering my Gunners on like it’s the most important match in the world. And it is. Each one will be, for the rest of the season.

Come on you ARSENAL!