Fourth time lucky or it's thank you and goodbye Arsene Wenger

The look of Arsene Wenger as he headed down the touchline at full time, before re-emerging to celebrate, says he knows just how lucky he is to have this current Arsenal side in an FA Cup Final and probably how close he is to knowing that his time is up.

With eight minutes to go in the game on Saturday I was out of hope and feeling tense. Per's clumsy tackle resulted in an obvious penalty earlier in the second half and we all felt (well three of us Arsenal fans in the pub) that our endless trophy run looked set to continue for another year.

Per's header in the last ten minutes however made us see the light; a glimmer of hope.

Yes Arsenal had looked more up for it since conceding and we hit the post and bar twice I think (maybe three times?) with a chance also cleared off the line. But scoring when we should just isn't our forte and it is so frustrating game in, game out when other sides such as Manchester City or Liverpool you know would be four or five up if they were playing our opposition with our amount of chances.

Sanogo looked bright but but there was a lack of attacking movement in supporting him, and his lack of experience and play time maybe added to his misfortune but he looks an exciting young promise with strength, power and his tall physique. He also possess some pace too unlike the incompetent Giroud.

The players you need for a big game like this, and against Championship opposition though no offence to Wigan who are a tough team on their day, just didn't show up. Andy Townsend said probably the only thing right in his commentating career so far that Lukas Podolski needs to attack more and go at defences. Cazorla also did little for me, Vermaelen just looks nowhere near the decent defender he once was and you wonder what kind of player you'd have seen out of Ozil if he had been fit to play. Ramsey is obviously still not match fit and I think we always miss Flamini in midfield who was suspended.

Steve Bruce has already opened his mouth ahead of the cup final but is right in saying the pressure is on us. It has been nine years since we won a trophy and of course that was the FA Cup and I think fans feel we will mess up this chance of winning it; after all we ballsed up our cup finals in the UEFA Champions League of 2006, and the 2007 and 2011 League Cup finals. Will then this be fourth time lucky?

As for whether we win it or not, something went horribly wrong this season. For sure injuries have played their part as they have again struck us hard. Every year we ask ourselves WHY THE SAME EVERY TIME? It's incredibly frustrating.

Following the 3-1 opening day defeat to Villa we had a pretty solid start to the league season bar defeats to United and City and were top again in January. However we now  look set to be out of the Champions League next season. Our European fate lies in the hands of Everton who are two points above us, but we still have to win all our remanding games to have a chance too. Perhaps Everton do have the tougher run in in terms of opposition but if we don't get out of this slump, then I can see us struggling in our own final five fixtures.

Will Wenger still believe in his side if we don't make the competition next year? PSG or the French national side are bookie's favourites for his next destination if he leaves Arsenal. But who do you you A) replace him with, and B) who's available? He has said a 'top four finish is vital for him' - maybe because it will influence his decision on signing a new contract in the summer.

Arsenal's focus turns back to the Premier League tonight where we host West Ham, which kicks off at 7:45pm GMT, and is live on Sky Sports 1. Come on you Gooners! A win is a must for a team that still believe.

Arsene Wenger is losing the love of his supporters.

Arsenal are off to Wembley in the FA Cup

All us Arsenal fans will be jumping for joy at the thought of a cup final. We are playing at Wembley yes, but there's still just one more cup game to play against Wigan before ensuring our cup final place. But what an opportunity we now have to end our run of nine years without a trophy.

The holders Wigan beat Manchester City 2-1 earlier today (Sunday 9/3/2014) which is obviously a huge shock. It now makes us the favourites to win the competition but we will have to be on top of our game and be wary of Wigan's confidence after their win against City.

We've had a tough looking cup run this year which shows just how well the players have done. I was at the Emirates for the third round tie against Tottenham where playing Walcott up top seemed to do the trick.

It was more of a straight forward task against Coventry as we beat them 4-0 to set up a place against Liverpool. The difficulty of that tie was increased as it came a week after we were thrashed 5-1 by Brendan Rodgers' side but they showed character and determination to ensure there would be no repeat defeat. That win consequently set up yesterday's tie against Everton who we eventually saw off thanks to a Giroud Brace and a man of the match performance by Mesut Ozil.

Memories of the League Cup final in 2011 will still be fresh in the minds of Gooners worldwide, of course that was the last time we played at Wembley. Birmingham City grabbed a last minute goal thanks to a Szczesny-Koscielny blunder and we must cut out any of that kind of rubbish. We will have to be on top of our game and treat this semi-final like THE final, and ensure Wigan don't beat us like they did City.

The Wigan v Arsenal semi-final will be held at Wembley over 12th/13th April. The other cup tie sees Hull take on Sheffield United.

A familair time of year for Arsenal fans

We are still just about hanging in there. It's the same every year though come February / March when we need the players to really dig in, our trophy chances collapse around us. Wenger denies that his teams dip in form around this time of the year but I guess this is the stubbornness of the man.

I sense something isn't quite there as it has been in past times this season and it always seems to be the same around this time of the year with Arsenal. Our 5-1 thumping by Liverpool and a poor result at Stoke have contributed to a dodgy looking spell in the Barclays Premier League. Our UEFA Champions League hopes look a little lost too after Bayern Munich outclassed us in the first leg, and if we don't pick our game up tomorrow against Everton in the FA Cup (kick off 12:45pm GMT), I fear our season is well and truly over.

Going out of the FA Cup would be terrible for the team's morale that's for sure as it seems even the title race will go down to either Chelsea or Manchester City if we're being realistic. Mathematically it's still possible for us to win it of course but a cup win seems a little more likely (if only a little).

Our squad has been rocked by injuries, as per, with Jack Wilshere the latest to be side lined yet again in his short career, this time following a tackle by Daniel Agger in England's Wednesday night 1-0 friendly win against Denmark. He'll be out for six weeks though some what encouraging is the return of Aaron Ramsey which could happen next weekend.

The major concern for Wilshere is however, will he be fit enough for the World Cup in June? I should think he will be, there are about nine weeks left of the season and he'll be able to carry out fitness training prior to the start of the World Cup. He may even be able to feature for us before the final whistle of the season. With all the other England players likely to be playing every game  between now and the end of the campaign, I can't see how there will be too much difference in separating them; Wilshere won't be half as tired as the other guys.

Anyway we shall see how quickly the physios can get him back to full fitness. Wenger is backing the tenacious midfielder and wants him ready for Brazil.

Tomorrow's FA Cup tie will be tricky. I like Everton but playing at home should give s the advantage. I wonder if Wenger will have some resting to do though ahead of the UEFA Champions League tie against Bayern Munich on Tuesday night?

He said earlier in the week that he would love to win the FA Cup again. For sure I would love us to lift the trophy, but is it more a need to win a cup for Wenger's sake? Apparently he's stalling over signing a new contract.

It would be something to make it through to the semi-finals of the FA Cup, with the Premier League looking likely to be us trying to keep a top four spot once more, and it being a tough ask to go to Bayern and win at the Allianz Arena again. Maybe a win tomorrow could give us that little boost we need, when we need it. Maybe.

Will Arsene Wenger bid for Mario Balotelli in the summer?

However much truth may or may not be in this, I can certainly say either way that I didn't see this one coming. Various sources have been linking us with the former Manchester City striker / thug that is Mario Balotelli.

The 23-year-old currently plays for Italian outfit AC Milan but is rumoured to be wanting a move potentially back to England after suffering racist abuse in Italy.

Despite the arrogance and aggressive nature that he possesses, the striker is exactly the type of player we need to lead the line. I would much rather see him grabbing goals for Arsenal which is what Giroud has been lacking. Football fans will remember Balotelli's eye for goal and his physical strength which makes him a great striker; he certainly proved this at Manchester City.

The negative aspects of his character however is something I would hope Wenger could stamp out of the Italian forward which would make his overall game much better. If there is truth in a deal looking likely between Arsenal and AC Milan, the disappointment is that a deal for Balotelli would come too late considering we need a decent forward right now!

Wenger is surely ruing the missed opportunity to sign Schalke's attacking midfielder Julian Draxler in January but a deal for the 20-year-old German could also still be on the cards.

Schalke have revealed he may not be considered in next season's plans considering he wants a move away to further his career; £37m is the asking price that will activate his buy-out clause, and allow us to enter negotiations with the highly rated Draxler.

Arsenal to return for want-away Draxler?

And our new deal with Puma will certainly help us to bid and negotiate for more high rated players in the summer. Of course, last summer we supposedly missed out on the likes of Rooney, Suarez and Benzema so we may have a little more luck this time around.

For now let us focus on what we do know and that's our opportunity to progress in the F.A Cup tomorrow. After last week's thrashing at the hands of tomorrow's opponent's, I am a little wary of facing Liverpool again. As much I do believe it was just a one-off I can't help but think we are on a downward spiral and be about to wave our season goodbye. It wouldn't be the first time we've done that around this time of the year!

Still I hope to be proven wrong. We're in front of our own fans tomorrow which should help, but I think the squad need a major boost and a kick up the backside if they are to prevent another disappointing fate against Brendan Rodgers' side tomorrow.

The game is live on BT Sport tomorrow, kicking off at 4pm GMT.

Mario Balotelli - Italy v England, Euro 2012

Arsenal v Manchester United: Opportunity to prove Liverpool result a one-off

Has it sunk in yet?

I was unable to get out a post after the Anfield demolishing, though I think I'd have struggled to find the words following that game.

It's a result the players need to quickly put behind them and I am sure it is simply a one-off. As much as we were far from a decent team on Saturday we did at least do a little better in the second half which in itself ended 1-1.

Looking at the month, the Liverpool match was seen as the start of a difficult period and the way in which we fell at their feet does not bode well for the forthcoming fixtures, but with Manchester United rocking this season, we have a great opportunity tonight to respond.

We have been playing good football on the whole this season and have done well to be in with a real chance of winning the Premier League for the first time in a while. Saturday lunchtime however showed why we may end up behind the likes of Manchester City and Chelsea though as collectively we just never looked up for it.

With Flamini missing through suspension there was no cover or communication at the back while our back four were unable to cope with Liverpool's attacking threat. The midfield were undone and closed down at every opportunity by the hosts, Ozil looked particularly poor, and Giroud had no service to do any potential danger in their half.

For me Arteta proved exactly why he should not be a defensive midfielder but as I said, it was not an individual performance that let us down here - apart from Wilshere and Oxlade Chamberlain, nobody looked up for this and even with the lack of service for Giroud, as a Premier League forward he still isn't good enough to be a leading striker for our club. Ozil has continued recently to show he isn't worthy of the £42m price tag - is he missing the winter break he became accustomed to Spain? He looked to have settled in straight away when he moved to Arsenal on transfer deadline day but we've seen nothing of the player as we did then.

Fortunately, Flamini is set for his return against United tonight where our defence will be up against Rooney and Van Persie; no easy task after being undone against the attacking force of Liverpool just days before! Still, I believe that was a one-off, as for however good Liverpool were, we certainly played a part in their demolition job.

Still we have the chance to prove this as a one-off when Brendan Rodgers' side travel down to the Emirates Stadium for the F.A Cup on Sunday. But before then we have the big match tonight and a chance to gear ourselves up, and make the Emirates a real fortress this month!

Sturridge was one of the scorers in Liverpool's 5-1 win at Anfield.

All eyes on Manchester City tonight as we enter our crucial month

Tonight hosts a massive game in the Premier League with Manchester City playing Chelsea; a game coined as the most expensive in English football. Manchester City are contesting with us at the moment for top spot, while Chelsea are only five points behind us, so a draw will certainly be Arsenal's best bet.

We returned to top the table with our 2-0 home win against Crystal Palace yesterday, as our slip up a couple of weeks ago against Southampton meant we would finally give up top spot with Manchester City breathing down our necks. Oxlade-Chamberlain was on form to grab two well taken goals yesterday and it's great to see him return to the squad in such good form following the months he spent injured.

So now with City just two behind us, a draw will maintain our oh so sight advantage.

One thing which worries me though, with the season's end coming into sight, is the number of midfielders we have at Wenger's command. Wilshere, Ramsey, an now new signing Kim Kallstrom are all sidelined (not forgetting Abou Diaby I suppose?) and Flamini is serving a suspension. Flamini and Diaby disregarded, we are looking at around six weeks (seven to nine for full match fitness) for our other injured players to return; players we really need at this time of the season.    

Chambo in action last season.

The January transfer window is a great opportunity for managers to bring in extra numbers for the crucial final third of the season and Wenger recruited the injured Kallstrom from Spartak Moscow on loan. Since his arrival on Friday, Wenger has been forced to explain his decision in bringing the player in, who injured himself while falling on his back just days before his agreed move.

Wenger has now said the Swedish international may never feature for Arsenal will questions certainly why this deal went ahead. Wenger states if he knew the extent of his injury (Kallstrom could be sidelined for six weeks) then he would have looked elsewhere, though there was no time for that. Again, Wenger leaves things to the last minute so he can only blame himself for this one, especially after we had a great opportunity to sign Julian Draxler.

As I've said before, and as we all know all too well, this is a big month for us - probably season-defining. Liverpool are our next opponents in the Premier League up at Anfield, before we play four home matches in a row against Manchester United, Liverpool again (F.A Cup), Bayern Munich (UEFA Champions League) and Sunderland.

This month will prove whether we have the mental attitude and skill to continue maintaining our form against big sides, Bayern Munich particularly, and prove whether or not Wenger should have acted sooner when he had the chance in January.

Back to live football though, City v Chelsea tonight (20:00 k/o GMT) should be a great one and all eyes at the Emirates will be firmly locked on that one!

Kim Kallstrom on international duty for Sweden.

Lukas Podolski: winger or striker?

Arsenal had to up their game yesterday against Fulham and they grabbed two second half goals, thanks to Santi Cazorla's strikes, to maintain their slender lead at the top of the Premier League table.

It's great to know we have the attacking force in the likes of Cazorla, but as I have mentioned before, it is our options actually up-front that lack the quality to put teams behind. Lukas Podolski came on in the second half yesterday and his presence on the field instantly gave us a new dimension going forward.

The German international has only recently come back into the team following a four-and-a-half-month injury lay off so I can understand Wenger easing him back into the first team, but he openly revealed he sees Podolski more of a left winger.

There aren't many players who can boast as strong a left foot as Podolski and he is a proven goalscorer, with 120 club career goals for Cologne, Bayern Munich and Arsenal (www.soccerbase.com).

And following our 2-0 win at Emirates Stadium, Wenger, speaking to the media in his post match press conference, said: "Lukas has a fantastic spirit and attitude and he showed that when he came on. When he comes in he gives us something...if he is in front of goal and you give him once chance, you score with him. He doesn't hit it into the stand" (www.arsenal.com). Surely he is describing the attitude and abilities of a striker!

Our number 9 looked fit, sharp and strong, and proved he knows where the goal is, forcing Maarten Stekelenburg into a fine save, before hitting the post with a fierce strike. Giroud who started on the other hand, continues to show his incompetence as a leading striker.

Should Giroud's place be up for grabs?

A tall player who likes to use his head yes, but he's all too often unable to hit the target. He had one opportunity yesterday which lingers in my memory when attempting a curling effort into the corner of the goal - the type of shot graced by the likes of Bergkamp, Henry and Van Persie - definitely not Giroud. He can score, but being inconsistent and frustrating is not the requirements of a striker in the Premier League.

I wish Wenger would consider Podolski for the central striker role from now on in. Giroud has lost the kind of form he had at the start of the season, though even then he still needed chance after chance. Podolski will take his chance with both feet knowing Walcott is out for the season, and with Bendtner sidelined too. There are no words for Park who occasionally warms up the bench and Yaya Sanogo appears to be sidelined still and definitely not ready for the ability of the Premier League.

Of course we are still in the January transfer window and rumours are circulating of a bid for Schalke's wonder-kid Julian Draxler, who can play both as an attacking midfielder and striker. Wenger continues to keep his lips sealed on any move in the transfer market so we'll just have to wait and see what happens there. 

Podolski will be keen to add to his goals tally for the remainder of the current campaign.

Mesut Ozil: A player seeking form

Mesut Ozil's somewhat dip in performance rate of late has been picked up in the Metro newspaper, something which I have noted in the last few weeks.

Reading Gavin Brown's article on the train this morning, he isn't particularly downgrading or calling Ozil a bad player (that would be absurd) but he is maybe missing the winter break he became accustomed to back in Spain. He is 'missing in action', as Brown puts it.

As I said in a previous post, perhaps he is feeling the pressure of his high price tag, while his slight injury picked up in the last couple of months will have hindered him after his fine start since joining from Read Madrid in August.

But yes I agree with Brown's point regarding the winter break also, and he suggests Ozil is perhaps in a winter-break mindset. If that is the case, let's hope he picks up form shortly. In contrast however, Ozil recently revealed how he is enjoying playing in England without the winter break he has become accustomed to. He revealed he wants to continue improving, which he may have to based on his recent form, and puts a lot of that down to playing more regular games which happens during the winter period. Maybe he is putting too much pressure on himself?

I think a lot of fans are choosing to ignore Ozil's dip in form, perhaps not wanting to come to terms with our expensive talisman being in need of finding his way again.  Of course there is no doubting his talents; he has proven himself in English football as he showed to us all when joining on transfer deadline day.

We take on Fulham tomorrow afternoon (3pm GMT kick off) in what should be a relatively straight forward task. René Meulensteen's side are battling to stay in the Barclays Premier League, with only two points separating them and the drop, with all three teams in the relegation zone sharing seventeen points.

Rosicky and Monreal are expected to return for tomorrow's game. Rosicky could feature with a mask after braking his nose against Aston Villa which forced him to be a substituted sub. Monreal meanwhile should be available despite a twisted ligament in his foot.

Despite Olivier Giroud's well taken and somewhat fortuitous goal last Monday, he still needs to do a lot more upfront to prove he is our main man up-front. Arsene believes in him to prove why we won't be delving into the January transfer market for a striker, but I think I still need persuading.

Enjoy the game tomorrow. For the Metro's feature on Mesut Ozil, click here.

Ozil: the centre of attention after signing from Real Madrid in August

Arsenal v Chelsea - regaining top spot should be Wenger's priority

We take on Chelsea on Monday evening knowing a win will ensure we will be top of the Premier League by Christmas. This would be a great feeling!

Of course, we have been top for most of the season but now to have let Liverpool and Manchester City overtake us as things stand is very disappointing. Only a couple of weeks ago we had the opportunity to go seven points clear but in typical Arsenal fashion, we now find ourselves looking up rather than beaming down with such confidence.

Perhaps the pace and strength of the English game has caught up with Ozil, Giroud is struggling to keep up regular high performances, and we aren't able to call upon top class midfield or attacking back-up. In some ways the January transfer window can't come quickly enough.

I will try to analyse the rumours circulating around the media as to who will may be linked with, and Wenger must surely act when the window opens at the start of the new year. The stubbornness of the man though will mean we are unlikely to go for players in order to have strength-in-depth.

Having said that we do have the quality to beat Chelsea, particularly on home soil, and they didn't exactly outplay us in every department during the 2-0 League Cup game earlier this year. Wenger put out a disappointing side against a very strong Mourinho starting XI which was ridiculous. This time we will go out with a very different side and Chelsea are very much an up and down team this year, unlike Man City.

We need to forget about the result last weekend and hopefully the long break we have had will be beneficial this time around.

After Chelsea we play away against West Ham and Newcastle respectively and, based on how we have played for the majority of this season, these are games we should easily be picking up points in. Of course there is the worry we are about to go on a downward spiral, but let's hope not. Let's get back to winning ways on Monday night and look to regain top spot by the end of the year.

Arsenal must pick themselves up against Manchester City

Wow...so we cut it fine in progressing to the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League, but we're through and now have a mass of tough matches as we look to see in the new year.

Perhaps not helped by Arteta's sending off, the thoughts of playing Manchester City next on Sunday, or knowing simply a draw would have been enough for top spot, we were undone eventually by Gonzalo Higuain and Napoli.

Rumoured as one of our major transfer targets last summer, Higuain gave Napoli the lead in Naples on Wednesday night, before Jose Calejon chipped in a last gasp second, but still we qualified from the group in second place with Napoli looking ahead to Europa League action instead.

Gonzalo Higuain opens the scoring.

Borussia Dortmund beat Marseille 2-1 in the other group match, scoring the winner in the last minutes, which edges them in front of us on goal difference. Of course for us, as runners up, we now have to face the reality of playing either Barcelona, Real Madrid, PSG, Atletico Madrid, or last year's winners Bayern Munich and we shall find out when the draw is made on Monday (16.12.2013).

I've heard Arteta's tackles were "needless" which resulted in his two yellow cards. I feel the Spaniard is not on par with Flamini in the defensive midfield position and I would certainly continue to pick the Frenchman over the Spaniard any day of the week. Having said that I guess Flamini can be a little reckless but he gets more stuck in with a hard but fair mentality which we haven't seen for some years in an Arsenal midfield.

We just had to make sure on Wednesday night that we didn't lose by more than three goals and when the second went in, our hearts both slowed right down and quickened in pace all at the same time. But the referee ended the game to the delight (sort of) of Arsenal fans (perhaps more relief) that we had progressed to the knock-out rounds.

Face of disbelief: Arteta feels the bookings were harsh.

Yes it will be difficult whoever we face but we have done well to be in with a chance of facing those clubs I listed earlier, considering I and a lot others, thought we would struggle in our group as of match-day one. We've proved fans wrong time and time again this season though, so we should take confidence despite Wednesday night's disappointing scoreline.

Of course Wenger has enjoyed reminding us all of the fixture congestion and the trip to Manchester on Saturday will have been in his mind when picking his side to play against Napoli. After City on Saturday we play Chelsea the following Monday (23.12.2013); the first time we have a whole week between fixtures since our loss to Manchester United. 65 hours separate our kick offs from Naples and Manchester and it is certainly going to be tough for us, especially when Manchester City maintain a 100% home record so far this season!

With a trip to Etihad Stadium followed by our home match against Chelsea, we travel to West Ham and Newcastle in the Christmas - New Year week, before hosting Cardiff on New Year's Day. Our F.A Cup campaign will begin against our greatest local rivals Spurs three days later, before we play against Villa; the side against who our season began.

For now let us hope to see our gap at the top of the league increase with a point or three gained against City, and await our fate in the Champions League last 16 draw at he start of next week. The match tomorrow kicks off at 12:45pm, UK time.

Old Boys: Former Gunners Song and Nasri during an Arsenal v Manchester City fixture.

Napoli v Arsenal - Champions League Matchday 6, last 16 place up for grabs

Since my last post a couple of weeks ago (and where has the time gone?) Arsenal have continued their good form with wins in the Premier League against Hull and Cardiff, and most recently earned a 1-1 draw against Everton as we sit five points clear at the top of the table.

Tonight is all about the Champions League however, and we will qualify so long as we don't lose by three goals or more against Napoli. They looked pretty average against us earlier this season, but proved a tough side in our pre-season friendly all the way back in August.

Pre-season is never much to go by however and current form will certainly prove a vital factor. Rafa Benitez's side are third in Serie A with a number of wins, aided by their earlier seven match unbeaten run at the start of the season. They will enjoy playing in-front of their home crowd tonight and so I wouldn't expect us to find it easy. But we've been scoring for fun this season and we are going their with a mentality to get a win and qualify as top of our group.

That said so are Napoli, who have have scored eight in their last three games and they will have former Arsenal target Gonzalo Higuain ready to pounce on any opportunity tonight.

Walcott has returned, and was slowly being reintroduced back into the first team originally around the time of my last post. His pace has obviously given us more in terms of attacking and Bendtner has also featured with Giroud needing a much earned rest.

Fair credit to the Dane too for scoring against Hull. It was clear what the goal meant to him, as he was handed his first Premier League start for Arsenal in 1,005 days!

In our last match however, a draw was probably the fairest result with Everton putting in a wonderful performance against us (somewhat frustratingly), but Ross Barkley will certainly be trying to stake his claim in the England side for next year's World Cup in Brazil. Ozil opened the scoring late on before Everton equalised just two minutes later. They way our defence has been this year though Napoli will do well to break through us tonight.

It will be a great match tonight I am sure, and I fully believe we will progress as group winners. It could be tight but the result will help our momentum and morale as we head into a difficult fixture period.

Ozil scores a brilliant goal to open his Arsenal goal-scoring campaign
in our 2-0 vicotry over Napoli at Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal looking to qualify to Champions League knockouts with duo set for return

I say 'duo set for' but one's already back in contention, while the other's return may only be a couple of weeks away. Of course I'm talking about the returns to bolster our attacking capabilities in Theo Walcott and Lukas Podolski.

Theo Walcott came on as a second half substitute against his former club Southampton on Saturday, although Giroud was the forward who grabbed the goals to secure our 2-0 win (albeit with a little help from Artur Boruc!)

Arsenal are currently leading at home to Marseille thanks to Jack Wilshere's brilliant goal after 28 seconds, with our group looking as tough as expected and a win tonight is crucial. We need to make sure we do the business in both matches remaining to be sure of qualifying!

Walcott is on the bench tonight as Wenger slowly reintroduces our pacey winger who will be itching to get on and improve for both club and country bosses. Walcott had been sidelined because of an abdominal injury picked up in September so I can see why Wenger may rest him for most, if not all of tonight. Other good news this week however is the potential return of Lukas Podolski in the coming weeks. Wenger has announced the German attacker has been back in training though isn't ready just yet. Giroud is tiring and Podolski will be a welcomed return when fit, after having been out since August with a hamstring problem.

Back in training: Podolski (far right) back in training with the rest of the squad.

Giroud has stated he is tired, and at this level we can't rely on calling upon Bendtner or Park who will both surely be shifted on one way or another at the end of the season (though preferably in the January window). Walcott's pace offers something different and there aren't many who can keep up with him and Podolski isn't afraid to have a go and is a proven goalscorer. With these two back we'll have the attacking force to keep our momentum and see us go strong into the new year.

Speaking of Bendtner, and Henry's been back training with us now the MLS season has finished and yet I'd still rather see him up at the age of 36 up front than that Danish numpty.

Though tonight's game is too soon for Podolski (Everton next month may be a potential return date) who needs more time in training, Walcott may make another substitute's appearance as we look to secure a win in Group F, and do the double over their French visitor's, who we beat 2-1 on match-day 1 back in September.

Oh and Ozil missed a penalty...and it was poorly taken. Questions are being asked if Ramsey was fouled inside or outside the box which is very much up for discussion as is, I feel, whether he goes down too softly.

It's half time at the Emirates with Arsenal leading 1-0. Enjoy the rest of the game and let's hope we keep or extend our lead and take the points!

Like the old days...Henry and Pires work on their fitness as they train at Arsenal's
 London Colney training ground.

Rise of the Saints: Why Southampton will be no easy contest

At time of writing Liverpool and Everton have just drawn 3-3 in an exciting Merseyside derby, with Liverpool twice having taken the lead in today's lunchtime kick off! This gives us a chance to gain an extra two points on the Reds if we beat Southampton later. I love listening to BBC Radio 5 Live's football commentaries and I'm more than excited for coverage of Southampton's trip up to London. It's Saturday. It's matchday. It's the return of the Premier League!

But The Saints have almost certainly been the surprise package this year. No-one believed we would be top of the table at any stage, and nobody certainly would have expected to see Southampton flying high in third! But they deserve to be where they are with some very good displays this year, having lost just the one league game against Norwich at the end of August.

They're a side currently on an eight-game unbeaten league run with points gained against the likes of teams considered bigger than them in Liverpool, Manchester United and Swansea. They'll come to the Emirates Stadium with mental belief because of more international players breaking through (Adam Lallana, Rickie Lambert, Vincent Wanyama, Gastron Ramirez), of course their form, and with ourselves coming off the back of a disappointing loss against Manchester United last weekend.

I think we'll need to pick ourselves up following what happened at Old Trafford. Theo Walcott is finally back and refreshed having not played for England in the recent friendlies and could face the side where he learned the ropes. His pace will certainly give us something though I still doubt a lot of his end product.

A lot is being made of Ozil against Lallana but based on their playing history you'd feel the German would be laughing at the opponent's talent in comparison. But Southampton simply aren't a side to not do your homework on, and I still feel Ozil is adapting to the English game. Thankfully he was rested for Germany's matches and will be fully fit for this afternoon's clash which could prove the difference, although as I said, Lallana will be buoyed by his recent England call up, and midfield battles can prove who determines the points.

Mertesacker missed the Manchester United game last time and so be a big difference to our back four as he has proved this season. Of course he scored the goal which beat England in mid-week with Lambert not exactly causing him problems and so we'll hope for the same again today.

It makes for an interesting match up but Arsenal will need to find composure in front of their own fans quickly and eradicate the disappointment of Old Trafford as we look to gain extra points out in front ahead of Liverpool, the Saints, and Chelsea. Of course United, Everton, Spurs and City aren't all that far away either as the Premier League looks to be as close a run thing as ever. Unexpected and surprising things are happening, and none-more so than Southampton.

Arsenal v Southampton is due to have kicked off as I write this (just gone 3pm) but due to issues on the Piccadilly underground line in London, the kick off has been pushed back 15 minutes.

Ahead of the game: Mertesacker will need to be solid again against high flying Saints

A strong start but are cracks showing? Arsenal in the media

Are Arsenal showing the signs of title contenders? We may have been sunk by a single Van Persie goal at Old Trafford Sunday before last, ending our unbeaten league run and undefeated away streak, but we should come back from the international friendlies full of the confidence we have shown throughout the majority of the season.

Jack Wilshere may have been talking about his own performances on the club website, but the expectations of Arsenal as a whole are now high themselves, as they've set a standard to be carried on.

Overall there is no doubting the unexpected start to the 2013/14 football season that Arsenal have had. I think I speak for all supporters who are feeling more confident than in recent years of a solid campaign.  Whispers had been circulating of invincibility in the league, a feat they conquered exactly ten seasons ago. They might not be able to do that this year, but having lost only two league games, and four for the season so far, it makes for something interesting when these international friendlies are done with. We sit top of the Premier League table, are oozing in confidence, and playing styles of football not seen in an Arsenal side for some time.

In contention with Gareth Bale’s move to Madrid, Mesut Ozil’s transfer to Arsenal was considered the signing of the summer. His quality has certainly helped to bring out the best in the likes of Ramsey, Cazorla, Wilshere, and even Giroud has proved a little more deadly with help of the German assist-master. Club legend and one of our former invincibles, Robert Pires, revealed on Tribal Football that Ozil’s “quality” and “experience” at Madrid give Arsenal are shot at the title race this year.

The Mirror Online were quick to make us title contenders further after Ozil’s debut against Sunderland. Steve Simmons and Matt Law write the club even then “served notice that they deserve acclaim as potential champions”, adding of the improved performances of Ramsey seeking a place in what has proven to be a rather exciting looking midfield.

Eurosport believe this is the Gunners’ year too, showing an example of the side’s ability against Swansea where “their big players stepped up and bang, bang, bang, the game was over. Any team who have the ability to do that consistently will always be title contenders”.

On the other hand, former Liverpool defender Alan Hansen has made it no secret that he doesn’t feel our club will be champions come May. Writing in The Telegraph he says, “They will not end the season as champions” with still work needed on their defensive play. Hansen adds, “their critical is that they are just not good enough when they do not have the ball.”

So what’s it like in the camp itself? As much as confidence is high, Mikel Arteta played down talk of comparisons to that of the 2003/04 side. He told Sky Sports, “I don't think we are at that level yet, but competition makes everyone work harder so it is a great thing because it raises the level” but feels firmly about Ozil’s arrival as a “great message from the club.”

We do look good, but for how long they can maintain their class is anyone’s guess as we head into Arsenal’s dreaded winter period - if history tells you much. They were unfortunate in their losses to Borussia Dortmund and Manchester United while a weakened side saw them go out of the Capital One Cup to Chelsea. 

But we proved to be too much for Liverpool who, if they can keep things going, will certainly be in contention as well next May. If we can keep the quality, get the likes of Podolski, Ox and Walcott back from injury and defeat the lesser sides who we’ve struggled to get results against in previous years, then we’ll have the points to prove the big club we know we are.

The league returns on Saturday (23/11) with Arsenal at home to high flying Southampton at the Emirates (3pm kick off). 

Who's number 1? Oh yeah

Arsenal take five point lead at Premier League summit

It was a good weekend results-wise for Arsenal, not only beating second placed Liverpool 2-0 themselves, but Chelsea lost unexpectedly against Newcastle, while Spurs could only draw with Everton.

Highlights (foreign commentary) from Saturday's win.

In doing so it's a wonderful sight to see us edge just that little more out in front of Chelsea and Liverpool who sit second and third respectively. Beating Rodgers' side on Saturday shows Arsenal are up to the challenge this year by beating the bigger clubs when we have a full strength side out. 

We certainly made the most of Liverpool's three at the back system in the first half and it certainly helped us gain momentum. We played the game our way and attacked really well. Cazorla's goal was well taken, albeit through a little luck with his initial header rebounding off the post, but you need that sometimes. 

Arteta was in for the instrumental Flamini in the holding midfield role again and he deserved much praise for his display on Saturday. While many questioned Flamini's return to the Emirates, he has helped to boost Arsenal's defensive qualities and organisational play. We've certainly missed him over the last couple of weeks but Arteta was on top form on Saturday in his stead which is promising for a side who lack a lot of strength in depth.

The ever impressive Aaron Ramsey grabbed his tenth goal of the season and potentially another goal of the season contender at the same time. As great as it is for us and for Ramsey, our attackers aren't the ones scoring the goals. Giroud, as much as he has grown more confident in England, still needs chance after chance after chance to put the ball in the back of the net.

The French striker has eight goals to his name but this isn't the kind of stat seen by top class out-and-out forwards. And we can't call upon Bendtner or Park who are far from showing the qualities needed to even play football if I'm being totally honest! Other than Thierry Henry and what Van Persie showed during his time here (when he was fit at least), we haven't had a top class striker who has lit the Premier League alight in recent years. Having said that, he holds the ball up well and brings in others to join attacks but we would be much more ruthless if he didn't need X amount of shots before converting one to a goal himself.

I agree with most others that Wenger still needs to spend on another striker. With Podolski and Walcott still sidelined (and Walcott again needs chances after chances to find the net), Wenger needs to spend big on a household name up front. Of course we had our chances over the summer but then the signing of Ozil wasn't too bad I suppose. But other big names which circulated round the media and in an area we lack in disappeared in Higuain, Rooney and Suarez. Chelsea were reluctant to loan out Demba Ba to us but then Wenger wasn't prepared to match their £3m offer for the move.

I've always liked Javier Hernandez at Manchester United and he's not exactly been a starting choice for them over the years. He's even doubting his future at the club (Telegraph.co.uk - opens in new tab). He's still experienced and is a great striker, often finding goals when he gets chances. I'm surprised there wasn't a Van Persie for Hernandez offer when we sold RVP to the Red Devils, and if the latest news is true, Wenger needs to listen and make a move for the Mexican!

Arsenal travel to Borussia Dortmund for tomorrow night's Champions League encounter. Hopefully we'll be the team to come away with something this time. At the Emirates last month we were robbed by one-counter attack move and we were much the dominant side, particularly in the second half. Hopefully we can take our momentum and confidence to Germany and have our revenge.

Still, Dortmund won't be make things easy at their place but we've an undefeated-away streak to maintain!

Leading the line...kind of. Olivier Giroud.

Wenger gets it wrong (yet again) in the League Cup

It was clear by the starting line-ups who was taking this more seriously, as Chelsea deservedly went on to progress to the next round of the Capital Once Cup with a 2-0 win over the Gunners.

Not for the first time this season, Arsenal were undone by a counter attacking goal that proved enough to knock them out of the Capital One Cup.

Chelsea were by far the superior side on Tuesday night, in what was a wasted evening up the local! Mata scored a well struck shot on the edge of the area in the second half as they sealed their spot in the quarter-finals of the League Cup.

But it was Wenger's usual approach to this competition that helped Jose Mourinho's side get the win and make it three defeats for Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium this season, with Wenger still without a win against a Chelsea-managed Mourinho.

I am more than with Wenger for his attitude on giving younger players who aren't on loan, a run out if we are against teams further down the football league. But we have all too often seen his thinking in putting out a weakened side against top teams, and it shoots us in the foot. We don't have as much strength in depth as Chelsea and it showed last night, and the likes of Bendtner and Park will surely move on in January or next summer.

Replacing Szczesny, Fabianski had little to do in between the sticks other than pick the ball out the net (twice) while reported want-out Vermaelen started at the back with Jenkinson to the right. An Ozil-less midfield still looked strong however with the likes of Wilshere, Ramsey, Cazorla and Rosicky. Ryo Miyaichi started out on the right wing but he lacked the desire and ability to break past the resilient Blues defence, and Bendtner, try as he might, was his typical self.

The fans cried for Giroud who eventually made way for the Dane but it came too late as Arsenal were already 2-0 down and looking all but out. Even Park made an appearance and that sums up Arsene's lack of passion for the competition. For a side who haven't won a trophy since 2005, and when up against a top side, can Wenger still be so nonchalant?

Nine lives: Mourinho has never lost any of the nine ties against Arsenal in his two
managerial campaigns with Chelsea.

I'm surprised Jenkinson played the full 90 minutes too. It was partially his error that led to Chelsea's opening goal. From our corner, they cleared and Eto'o brought the ball forward. The ball looped up in the air and Wilshere and Jenkinson both backed off the high ball, before the Finnish right back headed a woeful ball back to Fabianski, who was unable to get to the ball before Chelsea's own right back Azpilicueta.

He often needs a run of games under his belt, and simply returning last night against a strong Chelsea side showed he wasn't ready for that kind of match, looking a shadow of the improved player we saw last season.

Wenger will surely take the blame though for the side he chose to put out last night. Having said that, Liverpool are next up in the Premier League on Saturday evening (17:30pm k/o) so you can understand his reasoning for maybe wanting to rest some players. They currently sit two points behind in third (joint second with Chelsea though the Blues have a better goal difference by one), and Brendan Rodgers' side will again not make things easy for us.

However, after the losses against Borussia Dortmund and Chelsea, and a less emphatic display against Crystal Palace in-between, fans will be hoping a general dip in form among the who club isn't on the verge of culminating.

Mata (left), once an Arsenal target, proves his point to Mourinho
 as the Spaniard sinks us.

Unhappy birthday: Arsenal 1-2 Borussia Dortmund

Arsenal succumbed to their first defeat in 13 matches as Borussia Dortmund proved to be no walk in the park on match-day three of the Champions League Group Stage.

I felt this could prove to be their toughest fixture yet but they grew in confidence and perhaps, on the night, should have ended up winning the game. Dortmund took the lead, somewhat annoyingly due to poor marking at the back, when Henrikh Mkhitaryan received the ball in space and drilled the ball past Szczesny.

They came with a game plan and succeeded in pressurising Arsenal well, allowing us to have very little time on the ball. Perhaps Arsenal wanted too much time; Ramsey was often found caught in possession which is annoying to watch for someone who is filled to brim with confidence.

Ozil was quiet in the first half and it took me some time to realise he was on the pitch. Arsenal were not up to the standards they have set themselves in recent weeks, while Dortmund were on top of everything.

Still Arsenal drew level thanks to Giroud minutes before half time. Sagna's cross was somewhat flapped by Roman Weidenfeller in Dortmund's goal, and Giroud smashed the loose ball into the goal. Fair play to the French striker for not giving up on the chance, and he got his reward.

Dortmund, for all their abilities in pressurising Arsenal and possession building, looked a little lacklustre when it came to the final ball or troubling the goal. Then again, Arsenal weren't creating too much in the way of clear-cut opportunities either and tiredness, as shown against Norwich, started to creep in.

Thus came the change in Arsenal's momentum as Santi Cazorla came on to replace Wilshere in the second half, and his impact suggested Arsenal would grab a deserved goal and victory. The Spaniard nearly scored himself, with only the upright denying him with a fierce shot from outside the area. But for all their new-found attacking flair, they were caught by a counter-attack sucker-punch inside the final ten minutes. Gündoğan, whose final ball had been poor all game, saw his deep cross volleyed powerfully by Robert Lewandowsi past his Polish counter-part Szczesny in Arsenal's goal.

In what was a very German affair with all of Dortmund's own, plus Ozil and Mertesacker for us, Wenger, who celebrated his 64th birthday today, brought on young Serge Gnabry late on but he had little time to show us his potential. Bendtner also came on as a late substitute as Arsenal hoped to get players forward and find that second goal.

It didn't come however as Arsenal will now feel a little more pressure on them. Napoli secured a 2-1 win against Marseille which now sees Dortmund, Arsenal and the Italian side all on six points in Group F at the half-way stage.

So Wenger would have wished for a better birthday present tonight, but he now begins life as a 64-year-old with thoughts of Crystal Palace, who are up next to face The Gunners on Saturday (26/10 12:45pm k/o BST).

Girooooud

Two month review: invincibles...anyone?

Arsenal have pushed on from their early good form and proved the critics wrong, by establishing themselves as a side ready to fight to keep their place at the top of the table.

Only one game has been drawn since my last review and the side continue to look more and more like the great sides of the past.

Norwich proved to be the next team to be swept aside by our in-form Arsenal, albeit a little lethargic Arsenal side. Looking a little tired, perhaps understandably with players only just returning from injury or international fixtures respectively, they mustered four goals against the Canaries, with some pure class football on display I'm sure Barcelona would be proud of.

We are now eight games into the league (with only one draw and loss), on match-day three of the Champions League Group Stages (already taken six points from six), and are through to the next round of the League Cup. It certainly hasn't been a bad couple of months since the season started.

So since that opening day horror, Arsenal haven't lost a match and, well, we are flying. Liverpool remain our closest threat in second place in the Premier League but with Mesut Ozil's influence on this side, there doesn't appear to be a team who can really match us at the moment.

Alongside Ozil, Ramsey has continued to be one of our best players and he scored yet another well taken goal n Saturday, cutting inside defenders before calmly drilling past Ruddy in the Norwich goal. He now has nine goals in the last 12 matches and there appears to be no stopping him.

Target man Giroud with the in form duo of Ozil and Ramsey.

The Champions League continues tomorrow, and Arsenal are already looking set to progress to the knock-out stages in style. Comfortable wins in Marseille and against Napoli have given us maximum points but last year's finalists Borussia Dortmund are up next tomorrow night (22/10 7:45pm k/o BST). They could be our toughest fixture yet, being a side who reflect Germany's position as a footballing force.

We all thought he was an assist magician rather than a goalscorer, but our own fantastic German Ozil has proved he knows where the net is at the Emirates. He opened his Arsenal account with a wonderful strike against Napoli and grabbed two at the weekend against Norwich. His talents are phenomenal and I'm sure even the stubborn Wenger will be pleased to see paying £42.5m has begun to pay off.

There has been negativity in the media though surrounding Jack Wilshere particularly, who was spotted smoking outside a club following our 2-1 win away to Swansea. Though he might not do his image any good to people who look up to him, he hasn't let this attention get to him as he helped lead England to the World Cup Finals, and has seen his overall form rise in an Arsenal shirt too!

After finding the next for the first time in around three years, he levelled against West Brom prior to the international fixtures and then I think we may have seen goal of the season on Saturday. Wilshere began the move from deep. As we burst forward Cazorla...well see for yourself!

Simply Sublime.

Since my last look at the season so far, Bendtner has slowly been reintroduced to the side - and I don't think many would have expected to see his face any time soon. He first played in the League Cup fixture against West Brom (of which he took and scored the first penalty in the shootout!) and he since featured on the bench a little before coming on as a sub against Norwich. He's in with a chance of establishing himself and, with a little more match experience to build his fitness, needs to prove himself. There will be no third chance.

Outside of Arsenal, England found the ability to raise their game and see off Poland in their final World Cup qualifier to finish top of the table and secure a place at next year's World Cup in Brazil. Gibbs got called up to stand in for (c)Ashley Cole but remained an unused sub with Leighton Baines starting at left back. Kept him fresh for us at least! Anyhow, it will be nice to see if Walcott, Wilshere, Gibbs, and/or Oxlade-Chambrlain get called up to go to Brazil but next year's tournament, regardless, will make for some exciting games to watch.

Arsenal will now play six games over the next three weeks with two against Borussia Dortmund, a League Cup fixture against Chelsea, and Premier League matches against Liverpool and a trip to Old Trafford, plus next weekend's trip away to Crystal Palace.

This period could prove a mammoth task for anyone, but we've continued our exceptional form and don't look like letting go of our focus. And as long as there are no more injuries, particularly up front, there is every chance we can take on all of these sides and take maximum points. There is certainly belief again, from both those involved at the club, and the fans.

We are considered to be title contenders after our great start, certainly alongside Liverpool, Man City and Chelsea (can eighth placed Manchester United close the gap?) Yet could we witness the return of the invincibles? 7/49 games to level the record so far...and counting!

Will we witness scenes like these come May? 

Arsenal return to top the table after World Cup qualifiers

As the Premier League returned this weekend, so did Arsenal's winning mentality as they brushed Norwich aside 4-1 at the Emirates.

Wilshere scored his second goal of the season, before Ozil grabbed a double with Ramsey, on as a substitute, adding a late fourth, and his ninth of the season.

Despite picking up a knee injury midweek, Ozil was declared fit enough to start on Saturday, which also saw the return of Cazorla and Sagna, and Bendtner featured as he replaced Giroud late on.

Congratulations go out to England, after they succeeded in topping their group in the World Cup qualifiers. In what was a tense, but enthralling encounter, seeing off Poland 2-0 ensured their place at next year's major tournament in Brazil. Of course nobody will expect them to go on and compete against the likes of Germany or Spain say, but I think we're seeing more young talent inject something a little more exciting and I can't wait to see the likes of Oxlade-Chamberlain, Wacott and Wilshere featuring more, alongside the country's new hero in Andros Townsend (This is no credit to Spurs!)

Having said that, few would have thought Arsenal would have been playing the football and be in the form they are, so who's to say England can't surprise a few.

So Arsenal returned to Premier League action with a good win over the Canaries; a win they knew which would see them go ahead Liverpool on points after they drew with Newcastle in the lunchtime kick off. And Manchester United ey? Who are they I hear you ask.

I think people expected them to be below the level we have associated the Red Devils as being with the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson at the helm. His successor David Moyes was hoping to have secured his first back-to-back win as manager but a late Southampton goal put an end to that. They are a force though with talent in the likes of De Gea, Rooney, Van Persie but this is the problem; they lack depth and talent throughout the squad. Fergie, for me, held the key to their success and now he has moved down from his managerial role, their bossiness and stature in the league has certainly slumped.

Are they en-route to do 'an Arsenal'? I don't think many will really see it coming (Van Persie certainly won't be hoping for it) but I have an inkling for some reason they face dark times ahead - something they aren't used to. Here's hoping anyway.

Arsenal play Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League on Tuesday (22/10, 7:45 pm k/o BST), in what will be a great fixture against last year's finalists. Our good form will give us a fine chance and I can't wait to see how we do in what could be our biggest test of the season so far. 

Spot the ball: Ramsey completes the rout 

The Wilshere-Media row: Smoking and what is being English?

He's not had a great couple of weeks, media-wise, has Jack Wilshere? While international football has taken over, he's certainly kept Arsenal fans with something to talk about.

Firstly he was publicly ridiculed for smoking a cigarette outside a nightclub following Arsenal's 2-1 win against Swansea, and then criticised for comments made about what makes a footballer eligible to play for England.

Let's get things straight on the smoking front.

I am not a smoker but neither do I judge those who wish to smoke, either casually or regularly. Jack Wilshere is a human being as well as a footballer. Sound obvious, but many people seem to need reminding of this simple fact.

Smoking isn't recommended as a professional footballer, as is drinking, but everyone enjoys a tipple now and again without it doing damage to your health and the same applies to a cigarette. We all know about the build up of tar and such other horrible things, but one cigarette being smoked outside a club...really?

I get he's a public figure in the football world and may have an image to abide by, but in his own personal life (like I said, don't forget footballers have lives off the pitch too), he should be allowed a break.

Having a puff: The father of two is disgraced by the media for his actions

The 'racist' row if we can call it that, has similarly been met by those on both sides of the fence, but perhaps a little too much negativity has been made of his remarks.

He openly denied that his comments were made about Manchester United's rising star Adnan Januzaj, who faces the options of representing either England, his country of birth Belgium, or his parent's respective country of births Turkey or Serbia. He would be able to represent the English national side from 2018, after living in the country for what would make five years.

The midfielder faced a host of backlash from other sporting professionals including cricketer Kevin Pietersen. The south-African born Batsman quizzed our number 10 on the eligibility of non-ngland born sports men and women playing for England in their respected sports.

But what makes a person English? To me nobody belongs to a country. If you believe the research done into the history of civilisation even, we all descend from Africa. Does that make us African instead? I'm not Wilshere's personal family historian but there would have been a point in time where his family crossed over to England.

I don't think he's racist and for the development of young hopefuls already in England, and for the national team to become a strong side, who's to say even restricting the number of recent foreign born players would be a bad thing?

The highly rated youngster is rumoured to have been offered 60k a week at Old Trafford.

German football has been growing and we are seeing, and have seen the talent and capabilities the national team are producing. So Podolski, Kheidera, Gomez and Klose had / have other nationalities but again this backs up nobody really belongs to a country but they chose a national side who have become second to Spain, whereas we remain a little further behind.

Something still needs to change but England are currently top of the group heading into the final World Cup qualifier against Poland tomorrow (15/10/2013 7:45pm k/o BST) night.

Wilshere need not let all the media focus effect him in a bad way, for no matter what he does off the field, on it is what England fans and Arsenal fans alike will judge him by.

Wilshere recognises the support of his fans.