By Boris Mellor
October 31 2006

Having been at the match on Saturday I was somewhat surprised to read that Henry was booed – news to me. But news for Murdoch’s multi-media empire. Even on Arsenal Times some fans thought it must be true because it was in the Times

No boos during match.

Just because a lie appears in the Times it is no truer than the same lie in the Sun. The only thing you can be certain is true in a newspaper is the date, and even that should be carefully checked.

It is true that the crowd groaned when Henry failed to pick up a pass, but he did not get groaned at for missing a shot. Every one of his attempts were applauded.

However Riley was booed as he led his assistants of f the pitch, but I did not come across any report of that anywhere, but then that wouldn’t undermine the Arsenal would it?

Preview

Although no one booed Henry there is a minority that insist on yelling shoot at every opportunity. I don’t know if they think its funny, or by some twisted logic they think it will encourage the team. Whatever the reason it is destructive and the team could interpret it as barracking. It needs to stop its unhelpful, and will destroy trust between the team and the fans. Arsenal Times raised this several weeks ago and noted then that some of the idiots that insist on doing this are unbelievable. They shout shoot at the most inopportune times, players can have several defenders around them and they will still shout it out. Get behind the team you miserable feck wits, or feck off, we can do with out you.

They will certainly need to get behind the team tomorrow, for CSKA Moscow are a handy unit. They will defend well, and counterattack at speed. Henry will be looking for revenge so that could be a good thing; he is usually very good when it is personal. Even so CSKA will not give him too many chances. They will flood the midfield.

Wenger has not had good news on the injury front, Hoyte is still doubtful and will get a final fitness test tomorrow. However Freddy, Eboue, and Adebayor will not be available, and they are closest to recovery on the now very long injury list. Senderos and Clichy will be available.

Those who remain injured are: Emmanuel Eboue (knee), Emmanuel Adebayor (thigh), Lauren (knee), Abou Diaby (ankle), Julio Baptista (hamstring) and Freddie Ljungberg (calf).

Don’t forget to make your result prediction – the table will close at 7:45 p.m. tomorrow.