A Baptista farewell? Nah you’re alright

A huuuge match today then. Excited? I certainly am.

There is little too cover newswise. I will get the three little pieces out the way then draw upon my thoughts for today’s match.

Arsene talks about he ‘big picture’ –

Third place is progress, but it is not enough because our progression has to be getting to number one again. What we can show on Sunday is that we can have the chance to fight for the title again next year.

Third place is not assured yet Arsene but yes it would be progress. He does make a good point with regards to today’s encounter. It gives the players a chance to prove they not as far away from Chelsea as some might think. As mentioned in yesterday’s blog, I think we just lack Chelsea and United’s ability to carve out results against the ‘smaller’ clubs. We have proved that we are more than up for the challenge by beating United twice and almost winning at Stamford Bridge. It is simply losing games against West Ham, Sheffield United etc that have really really cost us. Do we under-perform because there is a lack of motivation or do we under perform because when playing the big teams it is more of a football match and we can pretty much out football most teams. I do not know the answer but it is up to Arsene to address the problem for next season.

He spoke about the fact a lot of fans are appealing to him to buy –

The problem is that, because we have had a disappointing season, everybody wants you to buy. I have to really think if that is needed or not, because there is an element in our team that they will progress because they are young. I will do what I feel is right for the team and for the club. We need to find a better balance in our team in some positions, then we will be ready.

I understand what he is saying, often there is a knee jerk reaction to purchase when really it might not be necessary. I do believe from his comments though that he will buy. As discussed before it is obvious to me we need a winger and a keeper. I would be happy with those acquisitions.

There is some absolute nonsense about Henry joining Barca, yes of course and I am being hired as the assistant manager and water boy. Complete crap.

Another rumour from Spain but this time it is more believable. It appears that Baptista is off back to Spain. Arsene has made the right decision then, let’s hope.

There are reports that Baptista will make his last appearance today. It is not that I consider Baptista to be a lazy waste of space I just think he came over with such a big rep and he really disappointed the fans. He has missed some big chances and in games lacked a sharpness that is needed for the Prem. Good luck to him in the rest of his career. To be honest I would prefer to see a 4-5-1. I guess that all hinges on whether Rosicky is fit. Saying he is I would go with…

Adebayor

Rosicky, Diaby, Fabregas, Hleb

Gilberto 

Clichy, Gallas, Toure, Eboue

Lehman

With Diaby playing the role where he plays off Ade. He obviously will drop into midfield when we are defending but he provides defences with a problem, I believe.

Arseblog has reported that Cole is not going to play. Hardly a surprise that Jose bottled it. Three points would do nicely today. I would love to see Jose look completely gutted two games on the trot.

Enjoy your Sunday.