Back from Siberia, oh wait, Serbia

Where have I been?

So as I sat there in the pub tonight waiting for the Red Star Belgrade v. Arsenal match to start, my mind drifted back to my Arsenal blog. "It was Just What the Doctor Ordered" and I'd last posted on August 22nd 2008.

I'm not sure why I'd stopped posting all those years ago but the inspiration to share my thoughts on the Arsenal has returned.

The starting lineup:

Cech (Didn't even know Ospina was injured)

Debuchy (Where has he been?)
Elneny (Seems like his versatility gets him more games)
Holding (The only REAL centre back in the back three)

Mainland-Niles (Playing as the left wing back as a right footer)
Nelson (Playing as the right wing back as a right footer)
Willock (Not seen much of him, but I've heard good things)
Coquelin (Back from that bizarre hamstring injury)

Giroud (Seemingly the second choice striker, but always dangerous)
Walcott (Frustratingly inconsistent)
Wilshire (So glad he's back in an Arsenal shirt)

Questions and answers on the match:

Was the atmosphere inside the stadium less intense and intimidating than the pre-match build up had led us to believe? This probably helped the young players, mostly playing out of position.

What does Per have to do to get a match? His leadership would have been beneficial tonight.

Why does Jack insist on taking the ball into contact so often? It only increases his risk of getting injured.

Why can't we take corners properly? It's a closed skill. Not clearing the first defender, time after time, is like Tiger Woods topping his drive off the tee.

Who is Sheaf? Never heard of him before.

Highlights of the match:

The goal was a thing of beauty. It reminded me of the Wilshire goal against Norwich.

Coquelin being elbowed in the face and being accused of milking it, whilst the welt on his face literally grew in seconds. He got it checked, then played on.

One moment of class separated the two teams. Glad it came from the Arsenal.

A promise:

I won't be away as long from now on. I'm Back from Siberia, oh wait, Serbia.