Redemption Van

By Boris Mellor
February 15 2009

St Mary's, Southampton, February 2005 as RvP trudged down the tunnel, after receiving a second yellow, Arsene Wenger made his anger at the Dutch striker's stupidity clear. It was with a face like thunder that Wenger refused to acknowledge the departing Dutchman.

 In case anyone misunderstood Arsene's body language he made it clear to the press that he had warned RvP at half time that a sending off was likely. So let's get rid of one myth here and now, that Wenger never criticises his players in public. Indeed he also berated Eboue when he dived in the CL final.

 

So when Wenger said he didn't see what Eboue did for his second yellow, at WHL, what he actually meant was that he didn't see it. I don't think the referee saw it either. The millions watching didn't see it and it was only on replay that it was clear what Eboue had done. Now Wenger has seen it and he has made it clear he is not happy about Eboue's action.

Some fans, not many, want to note the unfairness of it all, that Eboue didn't deserve the first yellow. That may be true, but some refs may have given a straight red on the second offence anyhow. David Beckham was sent off for less against Argentina.

According to some Wenger doesn't criticise his players enough in public, well that might upset the media, but Wenger isn't there to please them. Wenger's tight lipped approach might upset fans, but I prefer it to those managers who prefer to blame their own players rather than shoulder the flack.

Cardiff Preview 

Eboue is clearly on a yellow from Wenger, his last chance, thankfully we won't have to see him on Monday. Hopefully by Saturday Wenger will have enough options available so as not to need to play him. Surely the availability after the Cardiff game of Arshavin, Eduardo, and Vela must mean that there is an alternative to playing a full back out of position.

Possible team: Fabianski, Sagna, Toure, Djourou, Clichy, Diaby, Denilson, Song, Nasri, Bendtner and Robin van Persie

Adebayor remains injured so Almunia, Vela, Ramsey, Wilshere, Gallas, Bischoff, Eduardo and Gibbs are available for the bench.

Irresistible Force versus Immovable Object

Cardiff are unbeaten in their last 13 league and cup games. Arsenal are unbeaten in eleven in all competitions. Cardiff have not won one of the last ten games against Arsenal since 1961. Nonetheless, seven out of Arsenal's last eleven games have been draws. Thankfully this match will have to be decided on the night, so it could be extra time and penalties. However the wide open spaces of the Grove should prove too much for the Bluebirds.

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Cardiff again - Wenger Myths Will They Ever Learn

Discussion started by Arsenal Times , 15/02/2009 10:02

Arsenal Times
15/02/2009 10:02

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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2009:02:17:12:37:55 by Padre Pio.

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Zainy
15/02/2009 12:05

Looking forward to this one. We should win this one and I think we can really kick start our season with the return of Eduardo and the Arshavin signing.

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djarse
15/02/2009 14:14

In previous threads, I have argued that Eboue should be sold - not because his playing isnt good enough, it is, as a squad player though I doubt he would ever be first choice.

But he should be sold, because he cannot control his temper and because he dives - both bring the club into disrepute. That's one of the reasons why people (wrongly) booed him a while back.

I think we will beat Cardiff though an early goal for once would certainly make it a lot easier.

After that, who knows. The League is well beyond us but we may well catch Chelsea or Villa to get a Champions League place for next season. The Cup or Champions League remain outside possibilities - as we remain capable of beating anyone on our day. We just dont have those days often enough to win the league.

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Merlion96
15/02/2009 15:21

Watch the TV.
Eboue continued to whinged at referee durign that free-kick.
An angry referee held up his hand, pointed to 3 different directions, held up 3 fingers and gave Eboue his first yellow.

Referee ahd warned Eboeu and yet he still persisted as if he asking for a yellow card.

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Padre Pio
15/02/2009 15:48

Will he ever learn? RvP did

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Merlion96
15/02/2009 16:13

have he ever learned from that booing at Emirates?

Guess he will walk out on a Bosman come summer.

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Zainy
15/02/2009 17:35

Quote:

Watch the TV.
Eboue continued to whinged at referee durign that free-kick.
An angry referee held up his hand, pointed to 3 different directions, held up 3 fingers and gave Eboue his first yellow.

No merl. He didnt say anything after the free kick was awarded. He complained -after- the ref told him he would be getting a card for complaining "three" times.

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eduardo
15/02/2009 18:53

Diaby not available for Cardiff game, he is still injured, he will be or should be fit for sunderland next weekend

Fabianski
Sagna Gallas Djourou Gibbs
Nasri Denilson Song Gibbs Eduardo
Bendtner Van Persie
subs
Almunia
Toure
Clichy
Vela
Reamsey - if fit, and if not then Randall
Wilshere
Merida

Last season Wenger eased Eduardo into action by playing him wide left and I would not be suprised to see him start there tomorrow

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Merlion96
15/02/2009 19:15

Don't think so.

Vela on left and Eduardo as sub later on..when we are 3-0 up by half-time...

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eduardo
15/02/2009 22:55

Would love to see Wilshere get a start on either wing

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AJ The Gunner
16/02/2009 15:31

we must win this. a 1-0 win is enough for me.no extra time or penanlty kicks, just a regular duration win.

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Merlion96
16/02/2009 16:00

betcha our team gone misisng and Cardiff sneak in a lucky goal on 94th minute against 10-man with van Persie send off...

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