I did promise you to keep you updated on Flamini’s progress, in a friendly way of course as there are no hard feelings with the Frenchman. Well again, he was left on the bench for last Sunday’s match away at Cagliari and came on in the later stages of the match. Unfortunately, he looked sluggish and not really understanding his position on the pitch. Eventually, his side could only manage a 0-0 draw, handing Cagliari their first point of the season.

Elsewhere, Barcelona’s sporting director Txiki Beguiristain commented on Thierry Henry, believing the Frenchman failed to fit into the side since joining the club. He said:

He has not looked convincing and at times does not look like he fits into the team. Thierry arrived at a difficult time. He was having personal problems and the club was in crisis. He has to become a more central part of the team and we are beginning to see that happening. In each game he is having more of an impact and the coach [Pep Guardiola] is pleased with him.”

I wonder if he will be offered to Manchester City in the January transfer window. It would be bizarre to see him back, but not in the Arsenal shirt.

Finally, it seems Gallas followed Van Persie in the injury nightmare we seem to always witness during the International break. Apparently, he was forced out of France’s squad to face Romania in their World Cup qualifier this weekend because of a small tear to his right thigh. Now although I wouldn’t miss Van Persie if he fails to make it for the match against Everton – as that would mean the change upfront I’ve been calling so loudly – I would not like the idea of not having Gallas back there. Sure, I also blasted the backline, but unfortunately, Silvestre is yet to feature and I have a feeling Djourou would feel the pressure considering the moment we’re in.

Seriously, who would you replace Gallas with?