November’s league games are Stoke, Man United, Aston Villa and Chelsea.
Fifteen points are up for grabs
Stoke play a direct style, like Bolton did when they first came up. If boss Tony Pulis keeps them in this league, they could give Wenger problems every year, as Bolton did.
Arsenal could lose 3-2 at Stoke on Saturday.
Gallas has ruled himself out.
Adebayor admits, “We’re dozy.” What he means is, “I’m dozy”.
Almunia’s confidence is shot to pieces and he could panic as soon as Rory Delap’s long throw comes into his six-yard box. Stoke have some giants and Delap’s throws are flat and fast and very accurate. They have already scored five goals from his throws this season.
So Stoke-Arsenal could be interesting. And we may have to start watching Aston Villa’s results very closely. Remember that Stoke beat Aston Villa 3-2. Lawrence scored a penalty in 30, Carew made it 1-1 in 63, Fuller put Stoke 2-1 up in 80, Laursen equalised in 84, and Sidebe scored the winner in 90. Let’s face it, the Big Three are the Big Three and well ahead of the rest. Fourth place is between Arsenal and Villa because Man City are a year away from challenging.
Overall, it looks like a fascinating six months in prospect. People watching a nine-match midweek Match of the Day must have thought : this is the start of the football season ! This is the first Saturday of the season !
A fantastic bit of skill by Berbatov, Liverpool winning 1-0, an eight-goal thriller at the Emirates, Spurs with yet another manager, Man City blowing hot and cold – could be good fun.
It’s autumn and a bit chilly and the leaves are falling and you might need a scarf and you go out to the match and watch some football and you don’t know who will win. Robinho has a good week and a bad week, so you might see Man City turn up or not turn up. It’s a bit different, quite entertaining. You can expect the unexpected. I love autumn. I always feel good in autumn. It’s my favourite season. No wonder I’m beginning to find my form at last.
Have a lovely weekend.