A date with Bobby P…

By DARRYL GREGORY In Gareth Bale and Rafael van der Vaart Tottenham have two of the form players of the Premier League. So what’s Arsenal’s excuse for the Braga fiasco? Spurs produced a remarkable comeback to beat Arsenal for the first time in 17 years at Arsenal and prevented them from going top of the league. There’s no doubt that Arsenal should have put the game to bed with chances for Fabregas and Laurent Koscielny- both of whom should have scored, especially Koscielny. Wenger questions how Arsenal managed to lose and the stats support his belief with Arsenal having more shots and possession. The difference being that Spurs took their chances.

At the other end of the pitch for the 6ft 1 figure of Laurent Koscielny, things weren’t much better. The Frenchman lost out on a header which led to Spurs’ first goal to no other than Jermain Defoe- all 5 ft 7 of him. For the £8.45 million paid, all we have seen is one goal and two red cards. When does Vermarlen return? Cesc Fabregas again, was brilliant, but what on earth was he thinking when he raised his arm to give away the penalty, unnecessary.

Arsenal should have wrapped this game up with the chances they had but let’s give credit to Redknapp for an inspired team talk and tactical changes.As for the game at Braga, Arsenal looked good for the victory and will again be rueing missed chances. Two individual moments of magic from the otherwise mediocre Matheus gifted Sporting Braga the three points and an unwarranted chance of making the second round.

Johan Djourou hit the nail on the head by saying that this should be the wakeup call the lads need and it’s now time to focus. Both of the goals were arguably because of lack of focus as Arsenal pushed for a winner and then an equaliser, Braga scored both of their goals on the counter attack. Theo Walcott was electrifying, energetic and creative. If only he converted the chances he had. The one on one with the keeper sticks out the most but Felipe was equal to it. Arsenal haven’t won a trophy in FIVE years.

If they are to win a major trophy this year I believe a 20 goal a season striker is required. With Karim Benzema surplus to requirements maybe it’s time for Wenger to splash the cash.On to the weekend match now and Arsenal travel to the midlands to face Aston Villa. The match is live on Sky Sports 2 from 12.30pm. Arsenal have influential skipper Cesc Fabregas and the versatile Eboue injured after they both limped off on Tuesday night.

Van Persie, Clichy and Arshavin are all expected to return after being rested for the European tie. Former gunner, Robert Pirčs may make his full Villa debut after coming on for the last 21 minutes of Villa’s defeat to Blackburn. Aston Villa also have injuries ahead of the match. Highly rated midfielder Marc Albrighton will miss the match due to appendicitis. Joining him on the sidelines are the likes of John Carew, Emile Heskey, Stiliyan Petrov and Steve Sidwell.Villa have only won once since the end of September and that was an unconvincing 3-2 victory over a dubious Blackpool side.

 That said however, don’t expect them to be a pushover, they haven’t lost at home since August 26th, a run of eight matches which have included draws against Chelsea and Manchester United.With both teams having injury troubles I fully expect this to be a tight contest.

Despite Arsenal being away from home I can’t see them conceding another three points and expect them to win this one.

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Darryl Gregory

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