2-0 to the Arse

"We were a very young team and we did not lose our nerve, did not panic and in the end maybe our technical superiority allowed us to score two goals. That is a massive advantage for the second leg but we will be on our toes."

- from One Who Knows

I am happy to be wrong.

It happened when I was asleep. Most good things happen when you're sleeping. Santa comes and leaves presents, the Tooth Fairy exchanges teeth for money, and Arsenal wins 2-0 against FC Twente.

Normally, this is where I make a quip about how most of our first team probably still believes in Santa and the Tooth Fairy. I won't, because it's a bit hypocritical. You see, I desperately want to believe in something more ridiculous and improbable - an Arsenal Premiership won by a bunch of kids.

I'm eagerly anticipating the 27th of August, because Wenger Claus is coming to town...

There's a post by van Smeiter on Blog, my Arse worth reading. He posted it hours before the FC Twente game, and basically said we should calm the fuck down. This season will be exciting and interesting. Those butterflies and sleepless nights are good, good things, because it means we're living on the edge of our skins. And that's the only way to live a life.

I worry too much for my own good. I should learn to relax, unclench, and let it flow out. Every little thing's going to be alright. Denilson and Ramsey made mistakes. But they're young and will get better. Arsenal will get better as well. Cesc will be back. Toure will be, too.

Anyway, Arsenal play like the Harlem Globetrotters. That's worth all the disappointment and heartache.

Arsenal vs FC Twente

"In one respect it's a tough draw for us, on the other it's now an opponent we know very well... It will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience that doesn't come along that often. I'm sure the fans will be delighted."

- Steve McClaren, FC Twente manager

Steve's right about two points:

1. Once-in-a-lifetime experiences don't come along that often - usually, just once
2. The fans will be delighted

I'm especially delighted because they're playing the second leg at Emirates, which means I'll get to see it. In London. At Emirates. For real. I'm a bit blase about it now, but that's probably just shock. I'll be a blubbering mess by the time I get off at Arsenal station. Which reminds me, I've got to get there early and buy a Theo shirt.

I wonder if we'll play a full-strength side?

FC Twente could be a tricky tie. They beat Ajax in the playoff for the CL spot, and they won't be pushovers. They know Arsenal's style of play, would've remembered how PSV played against us two years ago, and they'll probably play narrow and sit in front of goal. Then again, they're managed now by Steve McClaren, so anything could happen....

In other news, Adebayor's getting very Henry-esque with his quotes. His interview with ATVO includes the classic line "at the moment my heart is with Arsenal". Henry should've copyrighted that phrase; it would've earned him a bundle.

Ade also claims he knew nothing about the shenanigans over the summer, as he was at home in deepest darkest Africa. Now, I realise public relations is probably the easiest course to do at uni, but are PR people really that stupid? Or do they just think we are? Someone should just tell Ade that we don't care as long as he keeps on scoring 30 goals a season.

I don't have the patience to sift through that interview. Another day. Maybe tomorrow. Got to do my taxes today.