Progress

So, we were having a frustrating start to the season. Then we played Liverpool. The team pulled out an inspired performance and things seemed to be coming together. Then this weekend we played Southampton and really hit it out of the park.
The performance level of the whole team really seems to have gone up several notches over the past couple of matches. The whole team has been really really excellent, with everyone putting in a shift. I really want to commend the defence, who seem to have made a massive leap forward, due in no small part I'm sure to Steve Bould. Per Mertesacker has, so far this season, been outstanding. He seems a completely different player from last season. Kieran Gibbs has improved massively and was brilliant on Saturday, running up and down the wing like no one's business. Carl Jenkinson seems to be improving too and Thomas Vermaelen is reliable and strong as always and seems to be taking to his new role as captain very well. Sticking with defense (sort of) Mikel Arteta is really starting to make defensive midfield his own. Simply, he kicks ass. He's strong, he's efficient, he's calm and unflappable and he's an excellent passer of the ball. And now for a sentence I never thought I'd say; let's hope Diaby comes back quickly because against Liverpool he really showed us what we've all been waiting for. Then we have the rapidly forming understanding between Santi Cazorla and Lukas Podolski which is just glorious to behold. I'm very very excited to see what those two could do for us this season. And even Gervinho is having something of a renaissance. His performance on Saturday harked back to the promise he showed when he first arrived. And I'm hoping he can get an extended run in the team and take his chance. There is of course still the Giroud problem to solve but I think the solution to that may just be time and a the confidence he'll get when he hits his first goal.
And tonight marks the exciting return of Champion's League football. I for one can't wait. Arsenal in Europe is generally an adventure (of both the exciting and stressful kind) so I can't wait to see what this year's campaign has in store.

Stoked

So we started the season with a frustrating nil-nil draw. And then in our second game we improved and progressed and....wait...nil-nil again?!

Figure skating xmas aka new programs

Today I saw the list of new programs that are being planned for the new season. This is pretty much the figure skating equivalent of Christmas, its that exciting and that much of a gift.

Opening day

Well opening day of the football season is upon us. Its the most hopeful and optimistic day of the year as anything can happen. Our opening result was an unspectacular 0-0 draw. Frankly though, I'll take it. We opened against Sunderland and I remember many many bad decisions going against us in these matches recently (particularly of the offside and time keeping type) and also I remember our opening game against Newcastle last year in which Gervinho got sent off for the stupidest incident ever. These are the sorts of things that we can really do without at the beginning of the season, so frankly I'll take nil nil. I know we all want a spectacular 6-0 win (props to Fulham and Swansea  for going close) to kick off our campaign but its not always that simple as all the players are coming off a long break and we have new arrivals who need to get up to speed. In terms of our transfer comings and goings obviously I was pretty annoyed about the whole Robin van Persie situation. But at the end of the day, there's not a lot else that the club could have done. What it all boils down to is this; either we force him to stay, he's unhappy and he plays badly and we get no money for him at the end, or we cut our losses and get a decent fee and reinvest it in the squad. Its that simple for me. And I'm pleased with our new acquisitions. I think Podolski and Giroud look exciting prospects. Lukas in particular looks like he fits right in and as if he's always been here. Santi Cazorla I think was a master stroke and fits right in with the Arsenal way. Maybe we may bring one more in, possible in defence or defensive midfield, I'd be very happy with that. Otherwise I think we've strengthened well. So while results are important, in an opening fixture its popssible that the performane of the players is more important than the actual score. Its important to get the nerves out of the way and get the team playing together and gelling. Its a long long season and there's plenty of time for spectacular 6-0 wins. Here's hoping that the Arsenal boys are listening. Happy Football season everyone!

Aesthetic Olympics part 2

So I enjoyed putting together my Olympics hotlist so much I decided to compile part two. Also the Olympics just continued to be awesome and provide me with plenty of inspiration. So hear we go, hold on to your hats.

Aesthetic Olympics

 As I'm sure you're all aware I love the olympics. And this year's event in London is no exception.   Now I'll get to the serious sports commentary bit later but first I've been inspired by Cosmopolitan's frankly shocking list of the hottest athletes at this year's games and I decided I could do a way better job myself.

From Rio to the Riverside

I was lucky enough to see Brazil play team GB at the Riverside stadium for pre- olympic football friendlies. It was incredible, such an honour to see such a skilled team playing live and in the flesh. The squad was packed with an unbelievable amount of talent; Neymar, Hulk, Pato, Marcelo, Oscar, Leandro Damiao, Ganso. They were all reall really impressive. Hulk amazed me, I've never seen anyone like him before. He really is huge, his shoulders are enormous he's like an American quarterback. For someone so huge he's surprisingly fast and nimble on his feet. Marvellous to watch. the other person who really stood out was obviously Neymar. He really is a superstar in waiting. He too is very quick and so clever, really skilfull. I couldn't take my eyes off him. Oscar looked very impressive during the game, pulling a lot of strings in midfield. We alsso got to watch GB ladies playing Sweden ladies. It was a really cool day. Here are my pictures of the Brazil team warming up and the GB and Brazil teams lining up.