Today I’m wondering about two of my theories
That every football match contains the previous match.
And that Wenger is the greatest spin-doctor in the history of organised sport.
Did Arsenal underperform at Old Trafford because the PSG game is more important to them?
They were deeply disappointing in a 1-1 draw with Spurs and even worse in a timid outing at Old Trafford last Saturday.
But they snatched a draw in Manchester after great play by subs Oxlade and Giroud, who saved the day with a magnificent header. Koscielny helped by knocking Phil Jones down as the ball came over.
If the PSG game contains Manchester United, or Spurs and Man United, Arsenal, it will be 1-1 again tonight.
That would be typical Wenger: not good enough to win, not bad enough to lose.
Giroud will start because Arsenal will need a target man tonight because the visitors have a fierce, experienced midfield.
Verratti and Matuidi are ruggedly energetic, unlikely to allow Arsenal to play through midfield or have much composed possession in their half.
PSG have more ambition than Arsenal.
It’s no secret that the club spent big money and wanted to be top 4 in Europe by now.
Arsenal just want to be top 8, really.
Although both clubs have qualified, this head-to-head on Matchday 5 is all about who tops the Group A.
At the moment Arsenal are ahead on goal difference and GD might be their best chance of topping this Group.
I laughed when I saw that Lord Wenger had claimed that “it is the most open Champions League for years.”
The incorrigible spin-doctor would say that now.
And it’s certainly the right thing to say before a game like this.
The job of any football manager is to roll with the punches, and give a winning impression.
As you all know, our multi-talented leader is exceptionally good at giving a winning impression.