Though it may not be the best thing to do businesswise but it is the least they could do for the fans with all they have put up with this year. Fans may take offense to some of what Chief executive Ivan Gazidis has stated, most likely the comment of “it does not match with the rising costs that the Club are experiencing” which may lead to the fans questioning what he means when they know it hasn’t been going on big names or big wages for the likes of Robin van Persie. The fans may also not take lightly that Gazidis pointed out that they have held prices for four out of six years as fans may point out that general admission prices have, the prices of food, drink and merchandise has as well as not having bought suitable replacements for players that have left and haven’t won a trophy during that time.

You can watch what he has said in full over at the Arsenal website for free but if you don’t want to watch it here is a round up of what was said.

“We recognise the tough economic environment that our fans are in. Our season-ticket holders are our most loyal fans. We have never priced season tickets according to supply and demand, we have always tried to look at what is fair and balanced.” Before adding “We have this need to drive revenue in order to compete at the highest level but at the same time our relationship with our fans is a long-term one which needs to be managed appropriately and fairly. That is why, in four of the last six years, we have held our season-ticket pricing flat and will be doing that again this year.”

However prices for club level season ticket holders is going to see a rise of 2%. Regarding this Gazidis said “we are increasing prices in our Club Level by 2%, which is a relatively modest, and we think, appropriate increase well below the inflationary rate.” Going on to say  “Again it does not match with the rising costs that the Club are experiencing, both in terms of off-the-field costs, general operating costs, but also in terms of the continuing, escalating spiral that we see in player costs.”

In regards to these rising prices the Chief executive said that part of the broader strategy is to develop our other revenue so that the club become less dependent on ticket sales as a main source of income

But while season ticket holders now know where they stand, unfortunately the average fans has to wait for a decision on the general admission prices with Gazidis saying “We have not made a final decision on general admission yet.” Adding “The objective there has been to make those tickets more affordable for fans. We have been consulting with our fan groups as we develop those proposals and they will be announced towards the end of the season.”

How do you feel about this? have your say!

JD Sports has joined up with Nike for Nike’s “Make it Count” campaign and have chosen rising stars Danny Welbeck, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Josh McEachran.  Check out the JD website and also the Facebook page for the campaign for all the information.

Oxlade-Chamberlain tweeted that he had just finished another photo shoot for Nike’s Make it Count

It must reassuring to rising talents like Oxlade-Chamberlain, Danny Welbeck and Josh McEachran when companies like these choose them as the faces of these campaigns but with the abbreviations for Make it Count being mic I am surprised they didn’t use musical artists like they have used in the past, it seems like it would be more fitting.

I am surprised and a little upset that Oxlade-Chamberlain has not received a call up to the England Senior side, especially when Walcott has. No offense to Walcott, but Oxlade-Chamberlain has been out performing him by some distance. The biggest shock has to be the inclusion of Frazier Campbell, I honestly dont think anyone saw this coming. I am also a little surprised at Cleverly being called up. I understand that Pearce is giving players he has worked with a chance in teh team so with that I am not surprised but I think there are other eligible players in the Premier League that maybe deserved a call up more than him, Leon Britton comes to mind.

At times like these I wonder how players feel when they are not included and are overlooked by managers and “rising talents” are picked ahead of them. Frazier Campbell is not a regular starter for Sunderland, where as Danny Graham at Swansea is the second highest English Premier League goal scorer this season – Rooney being the first. The same could be said for Grant Holt who is joint third highest behind Rooney and Graham while being level with Darren Bent on 9.

With Joleon Lescott not included but Richards and two other right-backs I would guess that maybe Richards is going to play in the centre of defence with Walker at right-back. Pearce knows what to expect from Walker as he was one of the best performing players for England at the U21 European Championships that England did so poorly at. I dont understand why Lescott should be left out as he is arguably in better form that Gary Cahill at the moment.

There has been no questions raised about Welbeck being included and definitely no problems with Sturridge as both have been in good form this season, with Sturridge in tremendous form at present. I hope that Sturridge gets a substancial amount of playing time and not a cameo role because in my opinion he deserves to be starting the game ahead of Bent or Welbeck and partner Rooney upfront, but maybe Pearce will go with a United front-line!

With Gerrard in the squad I presume that he is going to be captain, but there might be an outside shot for Parker or even Richards, he has captained City this season…

Pearce’s Press conference 

Pearce held himself well during the Press conference and dealt with all the questions thrown at him well. Issues of the England captaincy and England manager position arose and we all dealt with a calm and decisive manner. He started the Press conference by taking the time to acknowledge Fabio Capello saying “I would like to thank Capello and his staff for the education I received from them over the last 3-4 years, it’s been invaluable to me.”

The first question asked was about the inclusion of Frazier Campbell to which Pearce said “I know him quiet well” and that he has worked with him before adding that “he’s and exciting young talent” after saying that he spoke Martin O’Neill about him. Pearce was also asked about calling up Cleverly to the squad after his inclusion in the Previous sqaud that faced Holland which he said that like with Campbell he has worked with him with the U21′s and has “been to a major Championship with him, been on the road with him to tournament football” and knows what to expect from him. “he’s got a bright future”

Micah Richards being recalled to to the squad was then raised and he was asked if he was someone he particularly rated to which Pearce replied “Yeah, he makes me laugh” but then seriously said that he has given him his debut at club level and at one time people were talking about Richards being an England regular and said that “he’s had a smashing season”. Pearce was also asked about recalling Rob Green and whether he thinks he still has a role to play with England. Pearce said “100% i think his form this season has been oustanding this season.” He went on to say that he has been watching as many players as he can and talks to the players and managers and goes to as many games as he can and siad again that  Green had been “outstanding this season”.

The question of the England captaincy arose and when he was asked if he had thought about who was going to be captain Pearce said it “Yes I’ve been thinking about it” but also said he thought the “exposure over it” was “a little too excessive” . Pearce went on to say that he will look at how the players interact with each other and will choose a captain nearer the time.

Pearce was asked how the players that were not included took the news with Pearce saying that he believed that “they were quite thankful that they had a telephone call from me” and also said that he visited one player in person, but didn’t say who.. He said how he has been on the end of calls from various managers ranging from Venables and Hoddle about his inclusion and exclusion from squads and understands how it feels for both sides.

The Piers v Frimpong war of words has started again with Piers relighting the fires on the whole situation by bring up something that seemed to have died down. Piers Morgan is a true antagonist, and has don’t what all real antagonists do and has riled someone up to such an extent that they are starting to look a fool. But what Piers Morgan and other antagonists done seem to understand, is that they make themselves look like a fool too!

A wise man told me don’t argue with fools, Cause people from a distance can’t tell who is who – Can anyone tell me the quote? A little bit of fun there, Artist and Song.

So here is what has gone down between Piers and Frimpong today

It got to a point where some people had enough and was getting bored of it all. One of those people was Frimpong’s team mate, and friend, Jack Wilshere who tweeted

Which lead to Jack Whitehall to get involved and say that Frimpong should go on Piers Morgans show Life stories. Now that would be good watch but I don’t think Frimpong would be one to cry on the show.

There is a divide on Twitter over this. there is a clear Team Frimpong and Team Piers with people tweeting their support

Frimpong retweeted

Piers Retweeted

And just when you though it was simmering down Piers came along with this Tweet

Piers in the ring with Manny Pacquiao, who does a good Scot accent by the way, and Freddie Roach…. Unfortunately piers takes a shot to the face, teaching him a lesson to always have his guard up, but then later clips Roach with an accidental punch. Cheap shot? Maybe he thought, but his hand didn’t get the message in time to stop.

From all of this I can’t help feel that Piers is saying and doing all of this with 50% truth and 50% jest but with 100% passion and intent but is Frimpong in on it, it doesn’t seem like it, maybe Piers should let him know.

logo courtesy of @yasindemirkale

Well this is not the most in-depth squad for Blackburn. Of course there were more players than what I have put down, but the players that are not down are players that are non league players for most of their careers. Bare bones would sum up the squad. There are good players in the squad but also some you may not have heard of – no offense to any of the players listed.

Goalkeepers

Gareth Stewart age: 31

Currently Steward is a player/coach at Yeovil Town. He never made appearances for Rovers and moved to Bournemouth in 1999 where he went on to make 179 appearances seeing relegations and promotions. After his time with Bournemouth he went to Dorchester Town and then Welling United and then in 2011 moved to his current club Yeovil Town.

Defenders

Marlon Broomes age: 34 CB/LB

Marlon Broomes made just over 30 appearances for Blackburn but during his time at the club he had three loan spells, one with Swindon Town, one with QPR and one with Grimsby Town. He transferred to Sheffield Wednesday in 2001 and then a year later moved to Preston North End where he experienced his most successful period. After PNE he moved to Stoke City where he stayed for three years before he moved to Blackpool. Near the end of his time at Blackpool he went on loan to Crewe Alexandra. Tranmere Rovers signed him in 2009 and he was there ‘til 2011 when he then moved to Clitheroe. Broomes Represented England at U20 and U21 level during his career.

Martin Taylor age: 32 CB/RB

He spent 7 years with the club before he was transferred to Birmingham City in 2004. During his time at Rovers though he impressed and made 88 appearances for the club. He also had two loan spells away from the club during this time, one at Darlington and another at Stockport County. For Birmingham he played Centre-Back but also at Right-Back and amassed over 90 appearances for the club. Taylor was involved in the tackle that broke Arsenal’s Eduardo in 2008. It was something that was out of character with many coming to the defence of the big defender. He was called up to England U21’s once. He won the Carling Cup in 2002 along with David Dunn and Damien Duff

Andy Taylor age: 25 CB

Taylor’s four year career ended without a league appearance and spent his career on loan. He spent time at QPR, Blackpool, Crewe Alexandra, Huddersfield Town and Tranmere Rovers who he then signed for in a permanent deal. A year later he signed for Sheffield United who he still is currently playing for. Taylor had a promising start to his career and was called up at every level up to U20 for England.

Phil Jones age: 20 CB

Well there is not much to say about the player that many don’t already know since his move to Manchester United. His United career started well even playing in midfield or at right-back showing his versatility. H e has been called up to the England senior side and has represented England at U21 and U19 level. Jones broke into the side in 2009-2010 season making 12 appearances in total and was then a first team regular the following season where he went on to make 28 appearances.

Grant Hanley age: 20 CB

He trained with Scottish side Queen of the South and Crewe Alexandra before he signed with Blackburn Rover at age 16 and as there was no transfer fee involved he is included in this experiment of mine due to that small loop-hole. Hanley has made 3 appearances for Scotland and represented them at U19 and U21 level also. He made his first appearances in 2009-2010 season and in the following season made 9 appearances in all competitions. This season so far Hanley has made 19 appearances and is looking like he is going to have a bright future in the Premiership in years to come.

Midfielders

David Dunn age: 32 CM

At present Dunn stills plays for rovers though he did have sometime away from the club when he was turning out for Birmingham City over a period of four years. Dunn has made over 300 appearances for the club scoring 53 goals. He won the League Cup with Blackburn in 2002 beating Tottenham 2-1. That match only saw four players out of the 22 to have been trained by the club play for the club. David Dunn was one, Martin Taylor was another with Damien Duff the third for Blackburn and Ledley King for Tottenham was the fourth. Dunn has been capped once by the England senior team and has represented England at U18 and heavily at U21 level.

Neil Danns age: 29 CM

Danns started out with Blackburn but only managed seven appearances for the club before he moved to Colchester United in 2004. He spent time on loan at Blackpool and Hartlepool United during his two years at Blackburn. Danns had two successful years at Colchester which earned him a transfer to Birmingham who in his first year with the club won promotion to the Premiership. The following season though Danns chance for a place in the starting line up were shortened and only made 4 appearances for them and so the following season signed for Crystal Palace. He went on to make over 100 appearances for Palace but at the beginning of this season signed for Leicester City

Damien Johnson age: 33 CM

Johnson spent one season on loan at Nottingham Forest and the rest of his career at Blackburn was trying to get into the first team. In the end he made over 60 appearances for the club but couldn’t get a regular spot and so moved to Birmingham City later teaming up with ex- team mates David Dunn and Martin Taylor. He spent 8 years at Birmingham before he moved to Plymouth Argyle. He is currently on loan at Huddersfield Town

David Hoilett age: 21

Since making his debut in 2009 Hoilett has gone on from strength to strength, so much so there is a possibility that Blackburn could lose the player in the summer with a host of clubs interested in him. He had two loan spells in Germany as he couldn’t play in the country as he didn’t have a working visa. He was on loan firstly at SC Paderborn 07 and then St. Pauli.

Alan Judge age: 23

Judge only made 2 appearances for Blackburn but had two successful spells at Plymouth Argyle where he made 46 appearances and scored 7 goals. Judge signed for Notts County in 2011 and has gone on to make 42 appearances for the club and have scored 4. Notts County signed Judge on a permanent deal after impressing on loan. During his career he has made 11 outings for the Rep. of Ireland U21’s but has yet to be called up to the senior side.

Keith Treacy age: 23

Treacy currently plays for Burnley signing from Preston North End at the beginning of the season. Treacy signed for Blackburn in 2005 after his time with Irish club Belvedere FC. Belvedere are a Dublin based club that has just deals with youth teams. He made 22 appearances in total for Blackburn but also spent time on loan at Stockport County and Sheffield United. The winger signed for Preston North End in 2009 and made 58 appearances in all competitions but was unable to avoid relegation. Treacy has made 6 appearances for the Republic of Ireland as well as running out for Ireland at U21 level

Damien Duff

In similar circumstances Duff also joined Blackburn from Ireland not from Belvedere like Treacy but did do from a youth club and again no fee was paid so it is fine. Duff made his first appearances in the 1996-1997 season and went on to make 223 appearances for the club scoring 35 goals. Duff won the League Cup with Blackburn in the 2001-02 season along with David Dunn and Martin Taylor Duff made a high money transfer to Chelsea in 2003. After Chelsea he joined Newcastle. Duff suffered relegation with Blackburn and also unfortunately with Newcastle. After spending 3 years with Newcastle he moved back to London and joined Fulham where he currently stills plays and has played 108 games. Duff has made over 90 appearances for the Republic of Ireland and is the fifth most capped player

Forwards

Jonathan Walters age: 28

Walters was unable to get any first team football and in the end moved to Bolton, but that only resulted in loan moves to Hull City, Crewe Alexandra and Barnsley. In 2004 Hull City signed the striker where he also saw a short loan move to Scunthorpe United. He did feature for Hull City heavily that season before he was on the move again signing for Wrexham and then a year later for Chester and then a year after that moved to Ipswich where he finally settled down. He spent three years at Ipswich which was his most prosperous time at any club and earned him a move to premiership club Stoke City. Walters has been called up to the Rep. of Ireland squad making 4 caps and has also represented Ireland at U21 level and the Rep. of Ireland “B” team.

Paul Gallagher age: 27

Gallagher made 75 appearances for Blackburn scoring 8. He had a successful loan spell with Stoke where he scored 12 goals playing 40 games and a loan spell at Preston North End and another stint at Stoke in the same year. A final loan move to Plymouth Argyle saw him score 13 in 40 games and the following season he moved to Leicester City where he currently plays. At Leicester he has gone on to make 118 appearances in three years scoring 27 goals.

Joe Garner age: 23

Garner currently plays for Watford but on his travels has also played for Nottingham Forest and Carlisle as well as Huddersfield and Scunthrope on loan.  With his chances at Blackburn limited he went out on loan to Carlisle United where after an impressive time moved there on a permanent deal. He had a successful time there but after one season moved on to Nottingham Forest. Though he had a decent start by the end he was out on loan to firstly Huddersfield and then Scunthorpe. At the beginning of this season Garner moved clubs again this time to Watford. Garner has made 4 appearances for the England U19 side.

How they would line up

Stewart; Broomes, Jones, Hanley, M.Taylor; Hoilett, Dunn, Danns, Duff; Walters, Gallagher

Last night saw Arsenal player Emmanuel Frimpong and Piers Morag get into a war or words on twitter. With Piers expressing his frustration at Arsenal losing with another t have been the abysmal performance and suggesting that Arsenal need to part ways with Wenger, Frimpong took offence to Piers’ repeated bashing of the club, players and manager that he decided to take a stand.

Now it may not have been the correct thing to do, but as a hot header player on the field still needing to learn when and where to take his frustrations out, maybe it is fair to say that would be the case here. In saying that Piers really should know better because as he points out himself he is twice as old as Frimpong, but from reading the tweets you would imagine they are the same age.

On one hand it is nice to see a player defend his club and his manager, but I am sure the Arsenal fans would like to see this kind of fight and determination from 11 Arsenal players on the pitch.

During the exchange of word piers tweeted “I actually like @Frimpong26AFC and his passion – but his youthful arrogance and complacency sums up #Arsenal ‘s malaise.”

In the end Piers is the one who comes off looking more the fool, but he is voicing a very serious concern for many Arsenal fans and no doubt will have people that are agreeing with him over this.

In the end I think one thing needs to be addressed and that is the word supporter. If you look it up in the dictionary it says – roughly – a person or thing that supports; an adherent, follower, backer, or advocate. Many people can say they are a supporter, but surly that means actually supporting and not complaining. If someone if claiming Child Support they get money to help feed and clothe, they don’t negative abuse on how they could do things better….I’m just saying, if you are a supporter then shut up and support.

Here is a run down of last night’s altercation.

The future’s bright, the future is Oranje for Anzhi Makhachkala as they hire Guss Hiddink as their new manager. With the recent resignation of Fabio Capello and the recently hired Anzhi manager Yury Krasnozhan departing the club, the rumour mill had Capello inline to takeover the Russian club, but in the end it seems that it was the Dutchman they wanted all along – I guess that rules him out of the England job.

Hiddink has had a very successful career, wining league titles with PSV and having a successful international career where he has managed Australia and South Korea to impressive finishes in the World Cup. You can read more about Hiddink’s success’ here

Russian life will not be new to Hiddink who managed the national side for just under four years where he reached the Semi-Final of the European Cup in 2008 – winning the 3rd place play-off to boot. This wouldn’t be the first time he has worked with a Russian owner who had a few Billion to spare as he had a successful time with Chelsea with fans and players wanting him to become the permanent manager but he carried on his managerial duties with the Russian national side like he said he would at the beginning of his contract.

On his appointment as manager Hiddink said “At the end of last year we had long discussions on Anji that’s why now I made a prompt decision. I’m glad to accept such an opportunity, to work not only in football team but also with my friends who invited me here. The most significant for me is that the club is building plans on football development in the republic. It’s as much important as the sports result of the first team and I ‘m going to pay special attention to this direction. We spoke much with Suleiman Kerimov about this after which I understood what a huge project I was invited to”. Adding “I know about ambitions of the stockholder, the club, fans, now it’s known to the whole world. I’ll do my best so that the team’s play would satisfy these ambitions.” – Statement via clubs official website http://www.fc-anji.ru

The appointment of Hiddink is a huge statement by the club. It really shows that they are looking to legitimately become a force in not just in Russian football but world football. Yes they have bought some talented players, but still the results haven’t really come, but now with a manager of Hiddink’s stature not only should results come but it will also increase the chances of signing better players.

Anybody involved in football knows what Hiddink will bring to the table. He is a well travelled, well loved, successful manager and from that statement looks to be excited in being involved in a much bigger project than just being head coach of a football team, but building a football and a surrounding environment for city.

Billionaire owner, Suleyman Kerimov, is not just looking to build a football club, but he is looking to rejuvenate his home city that is ravaged by violence and poverty. He is looking to change all that with a new stadium, sports complex and a whole host of other projects that will boost the local economy while making 100′s if not thousands of jobs.

With money available, world class players at the club and now a world class manager, things can only get better for Anzhi and I guarantee that they will be in the Champions League within two seasons.

Arsenal lost the first leg of the Champions League tie with an uninspired, lack lustred performance that had left Arsenal fans angry, confused, deflated and all round depressed.

Many Arsenal fans were already sceptical of their chances with the impressive Oxlade-Chamberlain starting on the bench. Within 10 minutes it was clear that Arsenal were lacking the impetus to attack. They may have had possession but there was no movement from the Arsenal players, and they ended up just aimlessly passing it about until someone would lose possession and Milan were quick to counter. Milan played a much more direct style of football. I say direct and you may think long ball, but this is not the long ball of Wimbledon, but a long ball to a player that can control the ball and shoot or lay it off for someone else to have a crack at goal.

Milan had Ibrahimovic and Robinho upfront and with Robinho dropping into midfield and then charging forward, Arsenal’s lazy performance was really shown up. Kevin Prince Boateng also surged forward with no one really picking him up which came to the detriment of Arsenal in the end. Emanuelson came on for the injured Seedorf and if Arsenal fans thought that was a going to go in their favour they were wrong. Emanuelson had a bright game and along with Robinho and Kevin-Prince Boateng caused Arsenal’s defence countless trouble. Arsenals midfield did not get back fast enough when Milan would break on their counter attack and in all honesty the only time I saw Walcott coming back to help was when Arsenal were already 2-0 down which wasn’t much help.

Milan’s first goal was a real stunner scored by the inform Kevin-Prince Boateng. Do you all remember him? No, not surprising if you don’t because he never scored goals like that for Tottenham or Portsmouth. He chested down the ball with intelligence and intent, you can see he directed the ball so that he could unleash one hell of a shot, there was no was for Szczesny to save it as it shot passed him and then bounced back out of the net. The goal came out of nowhere, Milan had looked like they might score, but when they did it was like a bolt of lighting.

With Milan taking the lead early, there was more than enough time to get a goal and really get involved in the game but Arsenal’s response was to continue with their limp, damp passing game along with an uninterested play. Robin van Persie was getting no service what so ever and the only two players that made any real contribution to an Arsenal attack was Thomas Rosicky and the recently back from injury Kieran Gibbs. Robin van Perise was so isolated that in the end to get any real action on the ball and to try and get a move of some purpose underway he was coming deep to get the ball. The only problem with that was when he did get the ball and he wanted to move it on, the players around him looked like they were stuck in mud. It was frustrating for Arsenal fans to watch, but what it must have been like for him to be playing with them I don’t know. If that didn’t make the voice in his head saying maybe I should leave raise it’s voice I don’t know what will.

Milan’s second goal game from a move that saw Ibrahimovic not called offside. Although that is something Wenger and the fans can point out, Sagna’s lack of desire to get back and stop Ibrahimovic from getting a cross in is more of a problem. In the end when Robinho headed home from Ibrahimovic’s cross it was a very easy goal to score and a very, very sloppy one to concede but that summed up Arsenal’s performance up to that point. When that goal went in the match was pretty much settled. Yes Arsenal could have scored and they would be back in it for the second leg, but after watching the first half performance it was clear that Arsenal had lost any will they did have to fight. With the half drawing near to an end Arsenal were dealt yet another blow when Koscielny went off injured and was replaced by Djourou.

Arsenal needed some urgency in the second half and needed the 11 players on the pitch to really rally round and find some desire. Wenger would need to light the fires needed to have those 11 men come out on the field an believe that they could come back into the game, Wenger needed to deliver a speech that would in someway resemble whatever it was that Rafa had said to those players in Istanbul and come back to win the Champions League final from grasps of Milan. But it was clear to see that there was only one player that looked fired up for the second half and that was the substitute for Walcott, one mousier Thierry Henry, but even he couldn’t rally the troops to fight back.

Wenger had changed his tactic somewhat and Arsenal started playing 4-4-2 but had decided to keep Oxlade-Chamberlain on the bench. With the second half underway Milan continued their dominance and when Robinho capitalised on a slip by Vermaelen he put the game and the tie well and truly past Arsenal’s reaches. As the game went on Arsenal slowly seemed to be building some confidence and looked like they might be able to sneak a gaol, but in the end nothing came of the chances they made.

I am a big fan of Oxlade-Chamberlain and I really believe that they should have started the game with him, and I m not the only one, but I don’t think I have seen such an outpouring for him to come on as I did during this game. Twitter was a blaze with Arsenal fans, not wanting, but demanding for Oxlade-Chamberlain to come on. So when he did I was pleased, but also upset that Gibbs was coming off for him. Now I know it probably was the right choice as he has only very recently come back from injury, but he was one of the only positive players on the field for Arsenal. Nonetheless Oxlade-Chamberlain was on and soon was showing why he should have started from the beginning. He was bright, making runs into space and when he was running with the ball and was being teamed up on he still managed to deliver a cross.

The final nail in the coffin for Arsenal’s chancing of progressing into the next round came when Ibrahimovic won a penalty for a foul by Djourou which he stepped up to convert. Szczesny was close, getting a finger to it, but was not close enough. Arsenal still had time to at least get a goal that would give them some hope in the second leg, but it never came. Robin van Persie had a few chances, but was not able to fully connect with anything and Henry tried but couldn’t make anything happen. When the referee blew his whistle to end the game he did so compounding Arsenal to their worst defeat in the Champions League and possibly one of the worst performances I have ever seen from them.

I can honestly say that this is not the way Henry wanted to leave the club. 

In the end Wenger can not bring up the state of the pitch or that Ibrahimovic was offside and it was not that AC Milan outclassed them like Barcelona did last season, but Milan showed lethalness and desire to win the game. Throughout the game I was commenting on how poor Arsenal were playing. So much so that I started to run out of words to describe just how poorly they were playing. Poor was just not living up to the reality of it. In the end I stuck with inept, but I came to that after going through poor, uninspired, lazy, sloppy, careless, sluggish static and stagnant.

Arsenal are really going to have to improve on this display if they want any chance of winning the FA Cup or even finishing in the top 4. I doubted that they could do both before this game, and now I doubt they can do any. With Chelsea’s poor form, 4^th spot is a possibility but with how well Newcastle are doing and Liverpool sniffing around too it is going to be a nervous time for Arsenal fans, especially with Tottenham coming up in the Premiership next, lose that, I don’t even want to think what that will do to the fans.

Arsenal travel to Milan again in the Champions League, revisiting the city after the 0-2 victory over the Rossoneri in 2008.

That Arsenal side consisted of the then up-and-coming Cesc Fabregas and Theo Walcott had Manu Almunia in goal and Togolese striker Adebayor up-front. Milan could boast players such as Gattuso, Inzaghi, Nesta, Maldini, Pirlo and Kaka and were very much seen as the favourites to progress into the next round. This was the second leg of the tie with the first at the Emirates ending in a stalemate 0-0 draw.

In the first-half Arsenal would have wanted to score an away goal to really settle the nerves and they looked possessed to do so. The Milan ‘keeper Kalac denied Arsenal on multiple occasions and when he was beaten by a long range shot by Fabregas the bar saved him. The first half saw Milan have their chances also, but Arsenal defended valiantly. Pirlo was pulling all the strings for Milan and Pato and Kaka were latching onto any long pass he delivered. Inzaghi was the main goal scoring threat, but he was unable to really test Almunia. In the end the first half ended 0-0

The second half saw Arsenal come out again clearly with attack attack attack on the mind, and Senderos came close to giving Arsenal the lead, but his shot was directed straight into the ‘keepers’ hands. He clearly felt he should have done better, and maybe he should have, but in the end it didn’t matter. With Arsenal attacking it left room for Milan to attack and they took advantage of that, Surging runs from players like Maldini and Kaka propelled Milan forward but in the end the finishing was wasteful and never really troubled Arsenal’s Spanish goalkeeper. As the minutes ticked on the desperation from both teams was starting to show and the game became even more end to end – which was great for fans of football, nit so great for a Milan or Arsenal fan.

The deadlock was finally broken by the young Spaniard Cesc Fabregas with a beautiful long range effort that left Milan’s players and fans in shock. It was truly out of the blue. Fabregas was running with the ball with Gattuso beside him and then from way outside of the box he unleashed a shot that whizzed past the Milan defenders, bounced once in front of the diving ‘keeper and into the back of the net.

Arsenal finished the game off in added time when Walcott steamed forward, stumbled past Kaladaze’s tackle squared the ball across goal to Adebayor who knocked it home. The Arsenal fans celebrated as the Milan fans started to gather there stuff and leave, they knew that there was no way back at all for their club now.

It was a great away victory for Arsenal Football Club and was the first time that Milan were beaten in the San Siro by an English opponent. Can Arsenal recreate history tonight? Wenger and the fans sure hope they can!

Arsenal are fortunate to have a good goalkeeper between the sticks, but it is a shame that the defence in front of him isn’t as secure as you would want for a Champions League match Arsenal’s defence will have to be as stern tonight as it was in 2008. Arsène Wenger may deploy Alex Song, who has been amazing for Arsenal this season in midfield, in defence due to all the injuries they have had. Arsenal will have to content with Pato, Robinho and Ibrahimovic as well as recent signing Maxi Lopez. Arsenal will also have to worry about ex Tottenham and Portsmouth player Kevin-Prince Boateng who has been something of a revelation for Milan this season. Flamini is in contention to face his former club who he left on a free to join Milan and will be looking to control Arsenal in midfield to stop them from getting forward.

I hope that Oxlade-Chamberlain starts the game ahead of the more experience Arshavin as he can bring some surprise to the game as Milan will not exactly know what to expect from the young Englishman. Arshavin though does seem to enjoy himself when he plays for Arsenal in the Champions League though, especially when up against the big teams – Barcelona case and point.

Arsenal will be looking to Walcott to step up again much in the same way he did in the game against Blackburn, but the whole team is going to need to up their game. Milan manager Massimiliano Allegri came out and said “Arsenal have a great team. There is not only Van Persie and we must be wary of all of them” but there is no doubt that Milan will be looking to freeze him out of the game, much in the same way that Wenger will be looking to freeze out Ibrahimovic.

Wenger has come out already and stated what he feels will be a problem and it isn’t a Milan player but the Milan pitch. “I’m a bit worried about the quality of the pitch, it doesn’t look exceptional but hopefully it will be better” adding “They told me tomorrow it will be much better, it has been relaid on the flanks very recently.

“When you relay a pitch like that it takes time to settle and become flat and at the moment it isn’t.”

Wenger also gave away some of his tactics, though it won’t surprise many that he is looking to play some attacking football, saying “We will try to play our game, Milan are a good side but we think we are also a good side. We will go to attack, they certainly will as well, it will be an exciting game.”

Arsenal will of course be looking to progress in the Champions League – not because they believe they can win it, but mainly for the bragging right – and will be looking to give a good showing in the FA Cup, but fans want that top 4 finish. For years they have complained of not having a trophy, but if you asked an Arsenal to choose between winning FA cup or qualifying for Champions League next year, I bet you they will be saying the qualification for the Champions League.

logo courtesy of @yasindemirkale 

So after looking at Arsenal last week here is what Aston Villa would look like of transfers never existed. If you are curious as to where some players are. Most notably would probably be Gareth Barry. When I started do assess the Villa team I had already put in Barry, so as I started to research into the players, I was surprised to find out that he originally started out at Brighton & Hove. Reading about this it seems it was all a bit of a mess, but in the end Villa had to pay Brighton & Hove for the player, and so I have not included him. There is also the issue of Chris Herd. He and fellow Australian Shane Lowry joined Villa on YTS scheme’s at age 16. Both of their careers started out at ECU Joondalup SC. I am looking into this more and am really in two minds whether to add both to this list, so in the future I may just do that.

So with that sorted out lets get to seeing how Villa would look today.

Goalkeepers

Wayne Henderson age: 28

Henderson spent his Villa career out on loan to gain first team football, but it never led to a league game for Villa. His loan spells saw him play for Tamworth, Wycombe Wanderers, Notts County twice and Brighton & Hove which lead to a permanent transfer. He spent one season as a full player there making over 30 appearances before a transfer to current club Preston North End – though his he currently on loan at Grimsby Town. Henderson was apart of the team that won the FA Youth Cup in 2002 against Everton which side had a certain Wayne Rooney

Boaz Myhill age: 29

Myhill never made an appearance for Villa instead spending his time on loan at Stoke City, Bristol City, Bradford City, Macclesfield Town and Stockport County. He signed for Hull City in 2003 where he went on to make 277 appearances. He joined Hull in the then Division three, now League 2, but saw promotion after promotion until they reached the Premiership in 2008. Myhill has made 70 Premier League appearances but currently is playing in the Championship with Birmingham City on loan.

Defenders

Gary Cahill age: 26 CB

How Villa must regret letting Cahill go. Cahill made 30 appearances for Villa, but during his time he also spent a loan spell at Burnley and another at Sheffield United. In 2008 Cahill signed for Bolton and went on to make over 130 appearances. During his rise at Bolton he was called up to the England senior team. He also played for England at U20 and U21 level. Over the last few seasons Cahill performances gathered a lot of attention from the top clubs in the country and in the end signed for Chelsea in the 2012 January Transfer Window (JTW).

Ciaran Clark age: 22 CB/CM

Clark looks to have a bright future ahead of him and has already made 32 appearances for Villa and received two call ups for the Republic of Ireland. England may have missed out on a big player as although he has represented England at U17, U18, U19, U20 level. Clark likes to get forward and has scored three goals for Villa, his first came in the 4-2 defeat against Arsenal, and he scored his second in the same game. He was playing in midfield in that game.

James O’Conner age: 27 CB/RB

O’Conner saw success with Villa winning the FA Youth Cup in 2002 but that was his only highlight with team. He had two loan spells, one with Port Vale and the other to Bournemouth where he then signed a permanent deal on a free transfer. He had a very good season with Bournemouth but moved to Doncaster after Bournemouth accepted a transfer of around £130, 000. O’Conner’s good form continued and has become an integral park of the team. In the 2009/10 he has was chosen as their player of the season.

Nathan Baker age: 20 CB/LB

Baker was on loan to Championship side Millwall, while last season saw him on loan at Lincoln City. His career is just beginning and has made 5 appearances for Villa but with stiff competition for places another loan move may be on the cards.

Stephen O’Halloran age: 24 LB

O’Halloran currently plays for Carlisle United signing on a free this season after his contract ran out at Coventry City. He didn’t make an appearance for Villa and his Villa career saw him on loan spells. One with Wycombe Wanderers, Southampton, Leeds United and Swansea. He has been called up twice for the Rep. of Ireland and also represented Ireland at U21 level.

Midfielders

Lee Hendrie age: 34 CM

Lee Hendrie made over 300 appearances for Villa in all competitions but currently plays for Kidderminster Harriers. After leaving Villa, much later than maybe he should have, his career started to decline. He joined Stoke on loan before signing for Sheffield United, where he also spent to short loan at Leicester and Blackpool. He joined Derby on 2009 but spent the second half of the season on loan at Brighton. Since 2009 Hendrie has turned out for 6 clubs – Derby; Brighton on loan; Bradford; Indonesian club Bandung; Daventry and then current club Kidderminster Harriers. He represented England U21’s multiple times and the senior team once.

Peter Whittingham age: 27 CM

Whittingham was also apart of the 2002 FA Youth Cup winning side but at that stage of his career he was playing as a defender. He currently plays as a central midfielder though he did also operate on the wing for Aston Villa. Whittingham had two loan spells during his time with Villa, one for Burnley and the other for Derby. He had his chance with Villa but was never able to hold down a first team position and so moved on to his current Cardiff City. Whittingham was capped by England U21’s 17 times scoring 3 times.

Steven Davis age: 27 CM

Another product form the 2002 winning FA Youth Cup side, Davis is probably the most well known. The Northern Ireland international has represented his country 51 times and currently plays for Glasgow Rangers. In his first full season for the Villains he was named Player of the Year, Young Player of the Year and Players Young Player of the Year. He made just over 100 appearances for Villa before his transfer to Fulham in a deal worth £4million. He only spent one season at the London club before a move to Scotland with Glasgow Rangers where he has gone on to make over 200 appearances for them.

Craig Gardner age: 25 CM

Gardner made over 60 appearances for Villa before he moved to city rivals Birmingham in 2010. During his time with Birmingham he won the Carlin Cup in a game against favourites Arsenal. Gardner moved from Birmingham City after their relegation and moved to Sunderland where he has scored 3 in 17 appearances.

Isaiah Osbourne age: 24 CM

Osbourne has three different loan spells during his time with Villa. The first was with Nottingham Forest, the second with Middlesbrough and the final one was with Sheffield Wednesday. He signed a free transfer for Hibs after his contract ran out at Villa.

Barry Bannan age: 22 CM

The Scottish international has represented his country 9 times, 10 at U21 level, and had made 63 appearances for Aston Villa and scored twice for the Villains. Bannan has also had loan spells at Derby, Blackpool and Leeds United during his career. Bannan had played with Celtic U14’s but was not contracted to the club and when he did sign for a club it was with Aston Villa. There was no transfer or tribunal fee.

Marc Albrighton age: 22 RM

Albrighton has become a regular in the Aston Villa line up and is able to play on both wings. A bright future is ahead for the attacking winger and no doubt in the future there is an England call-up. He has represented his country at U20 and U21 level. In all competitions for Villa he has made 57 appearances and scored 7 goals and 7 assists.

Forwards

Darrius Vassell age: 31

Darrius Vassell saw his most successful time at Villa scoring 45 goals in 190 appearances. Vassell never went out on loan; he had a chance with the first team and took it. Vassell is a striker that utilised his speed, and for England was used primarily as a sub, coming on near the end of a game to run at the tired defenders. It worked well as in his 22 appearances for England he scored 6 times. Vassell moved on from Villa to Manchester City. He scored 22 goals in 114 games. He moved on from City to Turkish club Ankaragücü for one season before joining current club Leicester City

Stefan Moore age: 28

Stefan Moore is the older brother of Luke Moore and they both played together in the FA Youth Cup in 2002. Stefan’s career started off quiet promisingly but over the years has tailed off where as his brothers has been more successful – which must burn a little. Stefan made 26 appearances for Villa scoring twice. He spent time on loan at Chesterfield, Millwall and Leicester City before a permanent move to QPR. He spent three years at QPR. During that time he had a loan spell to Port Vale. This is where he career starts to tail off. He had a short stint at Walsall and then moved to non league Kidderminster Harriers, Silhill Fourth XI, Halesowen Town and is currently playing for St Neots Town.

Luke Moore age: 25

Moore currently plays for Swansea City but in his career has made appearances for five other clubs, including Villa. He made 96 appearances for Villa netting 14 times.  He had loan spells at Wycombe Wanderers and WBA who then signed for. During his time at WBA he made 53 appearances scoring 5 times. He spent some time on loan at Derby before a move in January to current club Swansea. Moore was involved in to FA Youth Cup finals with Villa, the 2002 win and a loss in 2004

Gabriel Agbonlahor age: 25

Agbonlahor would be the best striker at the club right now. In 2005 he had two loan spells one at Watford and another at Sheffield Wednesday. For Aston Villa he has scored 60 goals in 239 appearances. There was a lot of promise a few years ago, but under certain managers he seemed to fall down the pecking order, and his confidence was knocked.

Nathan Delfouneso age: 21

Delfouneso is currently on loan at Leicester City, while last season he was on loan at Burnley. There is still a lot to come from the young striker who has already made 49 appearances for Villa scoring 9 goals. Delfouneso has represented England at U16, U17, U19 and U21 level. With the England U21’s he has scored 8 in 12 games.

So there we have it. Not a huge squad of 18, but a good starting XI. Here is how I would have them. 4-5-1 formation; Myhill; Baker, Clark, Cahill, O’Conner; Whittingham, Gardner, Davis, Bannan, Albrighton; Agbonlahor