We’re Going to Wembley

By: Tom | April 17th, 2009

Out of 28 players currently in my first team, eleven are English. Granted, most of those are only young fringe players at the moment, and some will undoubtedly fail to make the grade in the long-term or already haven’t (*ahem* Owen), but it’s still encouraging. I don’t foresee having any trouble meeting next season’s target of five English starters in each match at this stage.

Especially as I’ve just confirmed the transfer of Ben Foster from Man Utd for £10.5 million in the summer. I’m sure I’ve paid over the odds for a want away player, and in the comments I’ve been told I could get him for much less if I wait, but the money is there to be spent, and there are always more players who could be sold if needs be. I’d rather just get it sorted now then run the risk of losing him by squabbling over the finer details.

More cup games in February, but first a league fixture.

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Arsenal vs. Portsmouth – Premier League
4th February 2009
English starters: 5 – Jagielka, Cattermole, Walcott, Wilshere, Bullard

Goals – Walcott (8), (30), Bullard (17), Adebayor (pen 87)

Even without the injured Fabregas we had too much for Pompey. Walcott’s two first half goals brought his tally for the season to seven, and the winger is in a fine run of form, picking up man of the match awards for his last three appearances. Bullard got his first for Arsenal, while even their goal was scored by former Gunner great, Kanu, which makes it hard to begrudge.

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We then had a ten day break for international fixtures before we we faced Pompey again, this time in the FA Cup. England didn’t play in this break, but looking over the games they have played this season (four wins and a draw in qualifying), it’s noticeable that the only Arsenal player to have featured is Walcott, and then only as a sub. It’s not surprising that he’s the only one I suppose (although Jagielka has to be worth at least a place in the squad), but more so that he hasn’t been used as more than a bit part player given the season he’s having at club level. Currently he isn’t even in the squad.

Having said that, England haven’t played since November and won’t play again until April, so we’ll wait and see what team they pick then.

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Portsmouth vs. Arsenal – FA Cup 5th Round
14th February 2009
English starters: 5 – Taylor, Jagielka, Walcott, Wilshere, Bullard

Goals – Adebayor (13), Defoe (43), (69), Bullard (51)

Taylor was back in the team after spending some time in the wilderness in the aftermath of his shocker against Aston Villa in the first leg of the League Cup semi. He was better this time, but not great, as the defence failed to keep Defoe under wraps and the pint-sized poacher scored twice.

It’s been said that I should take a closer look at Defoe, but I just don’t see it. Granted, he is a decent finisher, and has 16 goals this season already, but I want someone a bit more rounded. I have plenty of attacking options in midfield and the 4-2-3-1 formation I’m currently using makes good use of that. Unfortunately it doesn’t suit a Defoe or Owen type player.
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Arsenal vs. Steaua Bucharest – UEFA Cup 1st Knockout Round, 1st Leg
19th February 2009
English starters: 4 – Taylor, Jagielka, Walcott, Bullard

Goals – Adebayor (1), Bullard (10), (16)

The final score flattered our visitors, as we quickly went three up and then proceeded to cruise. Bullard scored twice, and while before I was just happy to have him in the squad even if he never played, he’s quickly proved his worth. That’s four goals in the last three games and he is thriving in the AMC role much more than anyone else has this season.

I’m periodically checking his profile to see if I might ever be deigned worthy enough to make it into his list of favoured personnel. I long to sit alongside those chosen few – namely Danny Murphy and Barry Fry.

I heart Bullard.

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Newcastle vs. Arsenal – Premier League
22nd February 2009
English starters: 4 – Taylor, Jagielka, Walcott, Bullard

Goals – Martins (7), Adebayor (90+3)

As much as I mocked Newcastle for their bizarre desire to re-sign Owen, it must be said that Joe Kinnear has been making a fairly decent fist of it so far. His side sit comfortably in 9th place, with no real threat of relegation, and this is without both Taylor and Owen who now wear the red and white of Arsenal/spend their time in our treatment room.

They almost took three points from this as well. It was only a timely Adebayor header deep into stoppage time that allowed us to salvage a draw after chasing the game for over 80 minutes.

Still, getting a point in this manner feels like a win, and perhaps it will serve as a timely reminder to take the Barcodes a little more seriously in future.

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Steaua Bucharest vs. Arsenal – UEFA Cup 1st Knockout Round, 2nd Leg
26th February 2009
English starters: 10 – Gibbs, Taylor, Jagielka, Hoyte, Cattermole, Walcott, Wilshere, Bullard, Baxter, Owen

That’s right – 10 English starters! Only Almunia prevented it from being England all the way. With what I felt was an insurmountable lead from the 1st leg against a poor side, and with one eye on the League Cup final, I shook things up in a big way.

As you might expect after so many changes, we didn’t produce any great football, but we were solid enough to see out a goaless draw and hopefully this will be a confidence boosting outing for many of the youngsters involved.

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Next up is the first chance of silverware in the Anglo era, as principles take on money. Arsenal vs. Man City.