A lot has been said about yesterday’s result, of course, with many Arsenal supporters more than delighted with the outcome. Italian media have hit out at English Premiership teams saying they are not so unbeatable after all, but maybe they failed to watch the 2nd half in which we had so many opportunities to win the match. In a way I’m disappointed just as I was after the 1st leg against Roma because as in the previous round, we could have sealed qualification yesterday, but all in all, we’re in the driving seat to reach the semi-finals.

Fabregas and Adebayor

Allow me to start by replying to all those around the web bashing those – like myself – who criticised Emmanuel earlier in the season. Adebayor was not performing before the injury, as simple as that, and as such, it was natural for us to criticise the lad. Incidentally, he was having one of those matches yesterday, until the goal, and some would say that with no important balls to convert, he will always have anonymous matches. The point is that prior to the injury, he was getting opportunities, he was just not converting them.

But anyway, why don’t we just appreciate the new Adebayor together, rather than hitting out at each other? Speaking of him, and speaking of Cesc, well it’s no secret these two are always dominating the transfer rumour headlines and I think deep inside, both of them want to leave. Now again, no-one is bigger than the club, but in three days, these two have shown how important single players can be in a side. No-one, no-one, invented passes like Cesc did when the Spaniard was out injured and no-one, no-one would have converted yesterday’s pass in a goal the way Emmanuel did. I still go crazy when I see the way the Togo boy chested the ball up to put it in the right position to volley it the way he did.

If you’re yet to see the goal, here you can.

Now these two, and maybe also Toure, wanted to leave and may leave at the end of the season. What I think on this is that Abebayor may be replaced in a way or another, Kolo maybe, Cesc no. The captain is not just the brain of the midfield, but of the whole side. Wenger is a genius in signing young players and turn them into champions but for this particular role, I’m afraid lightning will not strike twice and if Cesc is to be replaced with someone of his level, then a lot of money has to be spent.

But oh well, maybe the future of these three is linked with silverware, maybe not, we’ll find out soon, that’s for sure.

Gallas

It’s been a tough season for William. First the cigarette incident, then clashing with this team mates, stripped of the captaincy and now this. Yet I believe he had a very good season as on the pitch he’s been a professional from start to finish. Has he played his last game for Arsenal? Maybe, but like the other three, a lot will depend on what we’ll win this season.

One last thing. Many are tipping Djourou to replace him but I think you’re forgetting Silvestre. Make no mistake, I also believe Johann SHOULD replace Gallas, but Wenger didn’t bring the 31-year old to warm the bench. He did it because he thought Djourou was not experienced enough to step in when either Gallas or Toure are injured. And then he’s French, so maybe, just maybe, Wenger will actually opt for Mikael. I hope not, he’s the only Arsenal player I don’t considering a true Gooner.

Looking forward

In reply to Matt on Nasri vs Arshavin, since I failed to read his comment on time, well I like both of them but I insist on saying that Samir can play in a more central position whilst Arshavin is a natural winger. Theo on the right, Andrei on the left, Nasri more central.

Wigan are next, away from home. They improved a lot and a lot since we eased past them in the Carling Cup but we’ll have plenty of time to discuss that one, starting from Friday with the usual match preview, favourite line-up and so on.

Until then, sit tight, because the end of the season will indeed be a lot of fun for us Gunners.