By Myles Palmer
Marian Pahars and James Beattie could score, so this game is no walkover.
Arsenal depend a lot on rhythm and momentum, so starting the season again tomorrow is fraught with dangers. It is the fifth time Arsenal have started this season.
Rhythm is elusive even when you are playing regularly and a team is a living, pulsing 22-legged beast which has moods and hopes, not a machine that can be wheeled out and switched on at any time.
There has been no continuity for the Arsenal players or fans because the season has been broken up by four England games.
However, Southampton have not yet won at St Mary’s, their new stadium, and the bookies have Arsenal at 4/5 to win the game.
They should win if Sol Campbell and Matthew Upson protect keeper Richard Wright.
For the first time in 14 years there is no member of the legendary back five in the team. The new-look defence will be Wright,Lauren,Campbell, Upson and Cole.
At 27, Sol is the oldest player there and this is a MASSIVE game for him.
Surprising to read that Bergkamp’s agent reckons David Dein is looking to sell his man.
Rob Jansen is one of the most sensible agents, a man who never talks irresponsibly.
We know DB was offered to Fulham in the summer.We know that Wenger wanted to sell Kanu but could not unload him. And we know that Bergkamp, by not flying, has ruled himself out of a move to another Champions League club.
So he wants to stay at Arsenal.
But will criticising the manager’s tactics on his website
encourage Wenger to pick him?
In the France-Algeria game Roger Lemerre took Henry off and brought on Wiltord. He did not play them together in that game, which was abandoned when France were leading 4-0.
The first goal was created by Pires and that will probably happen again at Southampton.
Just a shame that there is no Trezeguet to knock the ball down for Henry, as he did against Algeria.
Bottom line?
To be in shape for Panthinaikos on Tuesday night,Arsenal have to win.And preferably win without picking up further injuries.
12th October 2001.