Message to Arsenal Supporters: In Wenger You Should Trust

Over the last 3 months there has been a growing discontent amongst Arsenal supporters in relation to their manager Arsene Wenger. The voices calling for his dismissal or doubting his ability to manage the club have gradually become louder. Robbie Savage although not the most reliable or respected voice in football personifies the current anti-Wenger sentiment by saying:

“So if Arsenal fail to win the poorest Premier League title battle in history, there must be a call for Arsene Wenger to see the board. No other manager would get away with it.

“He’s unearthed gems, financed some of their magnificent new ground and played the prettiest football in the division. And do you know what? That means absolutely nothing when you win nothing.

“In Arsene We Trust? Not any more. Fan after fan told me [on his 606 phone-in] that just qualifying for there Champions League every year wasn’t enough and I agree with them. For a team that is in the top 10 in the world and is probably the equivalent of a Juventus or Inter, it is not enough.”

This in my eyes is a disgrace and an insult to the man who turned a "nearly club" into one of the most successful and financially secure clubs in the Premier League era.

When Wenger joined Arsenal they were still looking for their first Premier League title and were comparable to clubs the size of Everton or Tottenham in terms of recent achievement and stadium capacity. Now they are up there with Europe's elite consistently playing in the Champions League. To compare Arsenal to Inter Milan and Juventus is an unfair comparison. These  two clubs are long established institutions in dominating Italian Football and have been forces in European football long before Arsenal reached their first Champions League Final which was incidentally during Wengers tenure as manager.

This season has been deemed a failure by many after their defeat to Barcelona in the Champions League, finishing 4th in the league and an unfortunate League Cup Final defeat to Birmingham City. What most fans don't realise is that top clubs are more than about winning trophies immediately. I understand that they haven't won a trophy in six years but what Arsene Wenger is building is an institution following a specific philosophy similar to Manchester United, Barcelona, Ajax and Bayern Munich. Wenger is trying to do what Busby and Ferguson have done for Manchester United and what Johan Cryuff did for Ajax and Barcelona. This kind of success doesn't come overnight and without setbacks.

Barcelona steeped in tradition and "more than a club"

If you look at the history of some of the best clubs in the world, the foundations are what make them great. An example is the length of time it took Manchester United to start winning major trophies again after the end of the Busby era. The same for Liverpool who hadn't won a European Cup in over 20 years until their defeat of Milan in Istanbul. It isn't a coincidence that when it comes to winning trophies its always the same clubs that keep popping up. In Spain it's Real Madrid and Barcelona, in Italy until Calciopoli it was Juventus and AC Milan and in England up until relatively recently it was Manchester United and Liverpool. Obviously there are brief exceptions to the rule, these are usually due to what Wenger would call financial doping or an exceptionally good manager who is inevitably signed up by one of the big boys.   

Wenger made the idea of a new stadium a reality for Arsenal

This is what Wenger is trying to build, a club that can sustain itself by following a specific philosophy long after he is gone. Fair enough they aren't currently winning anything but the discord regarding his future at the club is due to a culture of short termism amongst modern football fans. We all know what happened to Leeds United, Portsmouth and West Ham, clubs who have all spent huge amounts of money for short term success with long term financial viability as an afterthought. When teams become successful fans start to suffer from tunnel vision. For example if you told a Leeds supporter after their run to the Champions League Semi Finals that they would be lurching in the depths of the Championship in 2012 you would've been laughed out of the stadium. Wenger doesn't suffer from this, he has tasted success and feels that it should be obtained in unison with guaranteeing the long term future of the club.

6 Thoughts On The Premier League This Weekend...

Liverpool cant hold on to a lead...

Sunderland, Wigan, Spurs, Blackpool and Everton... All teams who Liverpool have dropped points against after taking the lead. This was during and after Roy Hodgson's tenure as manager two of Kenny Dalglish's three games in charge have ended up with Liverpool dropped points from winning positions.

Aston Villa aren't too good to go down...

Villa have only won 2 out of their last 12 games...

The match was distinctly average made up of long balls, head tennis and generally talentless football. Neither side proved their Premier League credentials. Villa looked toothless bar a few moments from Stewart Downing, Carew lacks pace and work rate and Agbonlahor is better suited to a 100 metre track than a football pitch. They better be looking over their shoulders now they've got Reo Coker and Petrov back in the side no more excuses...

Luka Modric is a world class player...

Darren Fletcher spent most of the game chasing after Modric...

He ran the show against Manchester United, always beating the first man marking him and releasing the ball efficiently. Bale, Lennon and Van Der Vaart are good players but the little Croat was the best player on the pitch in their biggest league game of the season...

Chelsea need to spend some money...

Chelsea can no longer rely on Drogba after his out of Malaria and as a result look toothless...

After threatening an overhaul of the team Carlo Ancelloti held back and it was business as usual with Chelsea. No major changes to their aging first team against Blackburn and a 2-0 victory. Didier Drogba still isn't looking very convincing, I'm not so sure that victory may kick start a title challenge...

Robin Van Persie is back...

Arsenal Vs WestHam United 3-0 Goals and Highlights

Getting two goals against West Ham the Dutchman's return from injury has been long awaited and he seems to have given his side the cutting edge so many say they've been missing. If he can stay fit I think the Gunners can aim for a serious title push...

West Brom scored three and Blackpool scored two...



Ian Holloway's boys have been looking excellent this season. But against Roberto Di Matteo's West Brom side they were beaten 3-2. This doesn't look like a major result but take into consideration that West Brom lost their last five games and now Blackpool have lost four out their five games in January...

My Favourite "Arsenal Moments"...

Well every player has his moment when hes cocks up makes mistakes or has a moment of madness. There was always Jamie Carragher's own goals when he first came on to the scene, Massimo Taibi's clangers at Manchester United and Joey Barton seeing red at every club he's even been at. But there hasn't ever been a team like Arsenal who've been susceptible to collective brain freezing. I don't know what it is but every time I think Arsenal are ready to win something they have one of these moments. Here some of my favourites. Arsenal fans it might be time to hide behind the couch...

Jens Lehmann - 2006 European Cup Final V Barcelona

Well its your sides first Champions League Final, your side is dominating a Barcelona side which consists of Ronaldinho, Eto'o and Deco. Eto'o surges through the middle clear on goal, what to you do? Stand off and let him shoot? Close the angle down and make yourself big? Or come steaming down scythe him down and get yourself sent off in the biggest game of your career? If you would like to know that answer please Facebook Jens Lehmann... By the way he was voted European Goalkeeper of the Year that year...




Gael Clichy vs Birmingham Premier League February 2008

Well what a game this was... Arsenal top of the league looking like they're on their way to winning the Premier League. But Arsenal suffered an implosion of epic proportions after striker Eduardo suffered a leg break. Gael Clichy having that speedy and skillfull winger Stuart Panarby... Run at him decided to make a ridiculous and pointless error when he could've given it a hoof and cleared the the danger...



William Gallas v Birmingham Premier League February 2008

Well after the Eduardo and Clichy incidents it all became a bit too much for William Gallas. I don't think there's been a moment like this in football nevermind the Premier League. Gallas decided to stage a one man sit in displaying his displeasure at Arsenals demise in the match.



Lukasz Fabianski v FC Porto Champions League 1st Knock Out Round, February 2010

Well if there is a perfect example of a player literally single handedly losing a game for his team, this is it. Arsenal were given a decent draw playing Porto, who are by no means a weak team but I'd rather have them than Inter, Barca or Real Madrid unless your Lukasz Fabianski... Take a look at these clangers...



Arsene Wenger vs Manchester United, Premier League, February 2009 

Well how can you do an article about Arsenal without mentioning their commander-in-chief Arsene Wenger. A man who I have an immense respect for, someone who I believe played a major part in dragging English football into the 21st Century... But even a man like him has his moments of madness as I've mentioned in earlier articles. Well one of these moments happened against bitter rivals Manchester United, when he was sent off for kicking a plastic bottle... Yes you read that right, a plastic bottle...



Well that's enough craziness from the Emirates, I would like to extend my apologies to those Arsenal fans who've lasted this article and sacrificed sleeping well tonight.

The Madness of King Wenger...

Well I've just finished watching Martin Scorsese's Shutter Island. During the film I couldn't help but draw parallels between Leonardo DiCaprio's lead character and Arsene Wenger's descent into psychosis. Well maybe not, the film's protagonists madness is caused by murder, deception and betrayal... Wenger's has been caused by English Football...

In October 1996 Wenger became Arsenal manager. During these early years of his reign the English press and footballing community were amazed by his temperament. There were no tea cups being smashed, no hairdryer treatment and no incoherent rantings coming from the Arsenal bench. Wenger due to his calmness and intellectualising of the game became known as le professuer.

So what happened? Wenger since his quiet professorial start has now become a combative and volatile character. The firsts signs of his madness were in 2004 when he had to be stopped by an official during a game against Manchester United (please see exhibit A). This was also the game of the "Pizzagate" incident and the one when in the post match conference Wenger called United striker Ruud Van Nistelrooy a cheat. After the invincible's were defeated Wenger was a changed man...

Exhibit A

In the 2006-2007 season. In this season he had disagreements with Chelsea Manager Jose Mourinho, West Ham's Alan Pardew and Spurs Boss Martin Jol. With latter two being physical confrontations. Please see Exhibit B and C.

Exhibit B

Exhibit C

With Mourinho it was more verbal jousting about who is and isn't a voyeur or something like that... But things between the pair were escalated in 2007 when Arsenal lost in the Carling Cup Final. Wenger's bloodlust obtained from his two earlier fights reappeared (please see exhibit C) when there was a mass brawl after the match.

Exhibit C

Once Mourinho left the Premier League this conflict died down but others would soon be started. In the 2008-2009 season he failed to shake hands with opposition manager Phil Brown twice. On the second occasion he did say he went to find Phil Brown but was unable to. You work that one out...
That season was also the season when he was quoted as saying "I think this guy should never play football again. What's he doing on the pitch?" he said, adding: "I've gone along with the idea for a long time that to stop Arsenal, you have to kick Arsenal. I knew that was coming for a long time now." This was about Martin Taylor who broke Eduardo's leg. Now fair enough the tackle was a bad one but for the opposition manager to advocate a life ban and suggest there is a conspiracy against his team is a bit crazy.


His next managerial foe would be Mark Hughes Manchester City manager at the time. Again he refused to shake hands with his opponent. But this wasn't the worst. This is the incident where Arsene Wenger snapped... This was a match against rivals Manchester United at Old Trafford, Arsenal were losing and Wenger was getting frustrated. Then it happened Wenger was sent off by the referee for kicking a water bottle in anger. He was sent to the stand and Exhibit D became the representation of that incident.

Exhibit D

Mr Wenger who was a mild mannered footballing professional (please see exhibit E) has been turned into an angry, volatile football manager by the effects of English football (Exhibit F). I think working in the same league as Sir Alex Ferguson would probably do this to most people. What I find interesting is the contrasting nature of Wenger when he first joined Arsenal and this new aggressive and confrontational Arsene Wenger.

Exhibit E

Exhibit F

Not A Bad Round For English Clubs... Champions League+Highlights

Well, well, Spurs have put in the performance of the round against Inter at White Hart Lane. Beating Rafa Benitez's side 3-1 with Gareth Bale putting in a man of the match performance, I'm sure Douglas Maicon is glad they won't play again in the near future. With Spurs winning 1-0 at half time after Rafael Van Der Vaarts cool finish the game was still in the balance, but an explosive second half perfomance from winger Bale who chipped in with two assists left Inter reeling.

In the other game in the group Dutch side FC Twente put in a shock performance to overturn German side Werder Bremen 2-0. But the talk of this group is a very impressive result from Tottenham, who look set to qualify from their group.
 

		P	W	D	L	F	A	GD	Pts
1	Tottenham	4	2	0	0	7	2	4	7
2	Inter	4	2	0	0	8	3	3	7
3	Twente	4	0	2	0	3	3	-1	5
4	Bremen	4	0	1	1	2	4	-6	2

Tottenham Hotspur 3-1 Inter Milan  (highlights)

Van Der Vaart 1            Eto'o 1

Crouch 1

Pavlyuchenko 1

Manchester United put in a professional performance against Turkish side with Darren Fletcherbreaking the deadlock before half time. In the second half surprise signing Bebe and Frenchman Gabrielle Obertan both scoring to kill the game off. No surprises in this group United looking like they've already qualified and Valencia not too far behind them
.

P W D L F A GD Pts 1 Man Utd 4 1 1 0 1 0 5 10 2 Valencia 4 1 0 1 3 1 6 7 3 Rangers 4 1 1 0 2 1 -2 5 4 Bursaspor 4 0 0 2 0 7 -9 0

Bursaspor 0- 3 Manchester United (highlights)
                        Fletcher 1    
                        Obertan 1

                        Bebe 1


Chelsea who I feel are the best equipped of the English sides to win the tournament, smashed Russian side Spartak Moscow with Nicolas Anelka looking particularly deadly and the talismanic Didier Drogba returning from suspension. Games at Stamford Bridge are looking like mere formalities these days and this one was no different when Anelka opened the scoring with a classy finish from the a tight angle. Two goals from defender Branislav Ivanovic and a penalty from Drogba finished off last seasons Russian Premier League second placed side.

		P	W	D	L	F	A	GD	Pts
1	Chelsea	4	2	0	0	6	1	10	12
2	Spartak Moscow	4	1	0	1	3	2	-1	6
3	Marseille	4	1	0	1	1	1	5	6
4	MSK Zilina	4	0	0	2	1	11	-14	0

Chelsea 4 - 1 Spartak Moscow (highlights)
Anelka 1        Bazenhov 1
Drogba 1
Ivanovic 2

Finally the only English defeat of the night, Arsenal lost away to Ukrainian champions Shakhtar Donetsk. Theo Walcott put the Gunners ahead after a wonderful pass from Jack Wilshere put him through on goal with only the Keeper to beat. But and own goal from Craig Eastmond and and well timed finish from Arsenal old boy Eduardo meant Arsenal suffered their first defeat of the season in Europe. Still favourites to go through but this performance was a stark reminder of the threat the teams in their group pose.

		P	W	D	L	F	A	GD	Pts
1	Arsenal	4	2	0	0	11	1	11	9
2	Shakhtar Donetsk	4	2	0	0	3	1	1	9
3	Braga	4	1	0	1	2	3	-6	6
4	Partizan Belgrade	4	0	0	2	1	4	-6	0

Shakhtar Donetsk 2 - 1 Arsenal (highlights)
Eastmond (OG)            Walcott (1)
Eduardo (1)

Well overall a relatively good week for English sides with 3 our of four notching up wins. All still look like they will go through. I feel this weeks player of the week from the sides has been Gareth Bale (i would also have a look at Benfica left back Coentrao who put in a spectacular performance against Lyon), I wrote an earlier article on him concluding he has more to do to prove his class at the highest level and he looks like he may be on his way to doing that. Team of the week has to be Tottenham after defeating the current champions Inter I feel they may be starting to find their feet in Europe's premier club competition.
 

This Seasons Dream Team... So Far...

Well when there's nothing of note to write about why not create a dream team? This seasons been an interesting one if it was a normal one Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard would've scored a million goals between them and people would still think that Glen Johnson is a good player. Well have a look below and give me your thoughts and suggestion if you can do better?

Dream Team So Far...

Bench: GK - Joe Hart,CB - Alex, LB - Gareth Bale,
DM - Nigel De Jong, CM - Paul Scholes, AM - Rafael Van Der Vaart, CF - Darren Bent

1.GK - Paul Robinson (Blackburn Rovers)

Has been very impressive this season in a relatively unimpressive Blackburn side. Lost his confidence after a poor end to his time at Spurs and with England a few years ago. Sam Allardice has brought the best out of the Yorkshireman even to the degree that Fabio Capello recalled him to the England Squad only for Robinson to announce his international retirement. 

2.RB - Branislav Ivanovic - (Chelsea)

Not the most creative and attacking full back but solid and dependable also a threat at set-pieces. May lose his place to the returning Jose Bosingwa but is a very good centre half so expect to see him back in the Chelsea side. Scored the winner against Blackburn in a game with had draw written all over it.

3.LB - Ashley Cole (Chelsea)

Has just been proclaimed the worlds best left back by his manager Carlo Ancelloti... where has been the last 3 years? Cole is as dependable in the opponents half as much as in his own. Is one half of a deadly left sided double act with Florent Malouda who we'll discuss later.

5.CB - Nemanja Vidic (Manchester United)

He's been the only reliable player in a strangely shaky Manchester United defence. The Serb has the habit of winning any aerial duels and uses his imposing physique to its maximum. Is also a very good leader from the back as shown when United have been missing Rio Ferdinand their usual captain.

6.CB - Titus Bramble (Sunderland)

Yes... This isn't a typo and it isn't April fools. Bramble has played some of his best football under Steve Bruce at Wigan and now Sunderland. He is currently at the heart of the best defence in the league outside the top four and hasn't shown any of his trademark concentration lapses.

4.DM - Yaya Toure (Manchester City)

Imposing central midfielder with the strength of a brutal centre half and the touch and passing of a number 10. He is here after he took on Michael Essien, John Obi Mikel and Ramires and... Won. He is a instrumental part of Mancini's side and looking like he's played in the Premier League for years.

6.CM - Cesc Fabregas (Arsenal)

The only Arsenal midfield who can pass forward with intent. Unable to get into Spain's national side but has been at his imperial best this season. Arsenal fans are probably counting their blessing after Barcelona failed in their traditional summer smash and grab.

7. RM - Samir Nasri (Arsenal)

9 games 5 goals and 3 assists in all competitions... Need I say more? Continuing his good form from the end of last season and has become a major player and also back up play-maker when Fabregas is injured.

8. LM - Florent Malouda (Chelsea)

Has had a very good season supporting Didier Drogba, scoring 7 goals combined in league and cup matches. Who would've thought 2 seasons ago he was labeled a big money flop. Chelsea's patience has been rewarded.

10. SS - Carlitos Tevez (Manchester City)

I feel he is a world class centre forward with the attitude of a limited centre half. He will run all day for the team but the also score the goals needed to be a top class forward. Has recovered well from a unsuccessful world cup. Manchester City's captain and top scorer is definitely worthy of a place in this team.

9. CF - Didier Drogba (Chelsea)

Fernando Torres, Wayne Rooney and Drogba make up what i feel is the big three in Premiership strikers. This season its been a "big 1" with Drogba being absolutely unplayable in some games. With 6 goals and 5 assists in his 8 games so far I think he could already be a possible footballer of the year.

Any doubts? 

Lukasz Fabianski... Better than the world thought?

Well, well, two good performances from the man fans have named "Flappyhandski" in a row. I know some people may feel its premature to be saying this, but he's starting to look like decent keeper.

Fabianski comes from a long line of Polish shot-stoppers going all the way back to the days of the Polish goalkeeping legend Jan Tomaszewski up to now with Jerzy Dudek, Tomasz Kuszczak and Artur Boruc who have all played for major European clubs recently, two of which are holders of Champions League Winners medals.

So where did he come from and what went so horribly wrong? Well Fabianski was signed by Arsenal from Legia Warsaw who had just won the Polish league with him as their first choice between the sticks. By this time he had also been capped by Poland making his debut against Saudi Arabia in a friendly.

Once Fabianski joined Arsenal he made his debut in the Carling Cup against Sheffield United a fairly routine 3-0 win in which he captained the side. But the problems started when Fabianski was part of the Arsenal side which suffered a 5-1 reverse against Tottenham Hotspur of all teams, not the best way to endear yourself to any Arsenal fan, but worse was to come...

Arsenal qualified for the knock out rounds of the Champions League for the umpteenth time and were matched against Porto which seemed like a favourable draw. After first choice goalkeeper Manuel Almunia was injured Fabianski had the chance to prove himself on the big stage. This didn't happen arsenal lost the game 2-1,both goals were attributed to mistakes made by Fabianski. The first was an own goal and the second goal was a result of him picking up a back pass from Sol Campbell. Fabianski had truly hit rock bottom.

But this season Fabianski has played 5 games 2 in the Champions League and 3 in the Premier League of which 2 were against Chelsea and Manchester City with no mistakes. Fabianski is starting to look like Arsenals number 1. He was very assured during the game against Chelsea, saved a penalty against Partizan Belgrade in the Champions League and kept a clean sheet with a very impressive performance against Manchester City at Eastlands in which was given a 8 out of 10 rating by Skysports.

Following this seasons performances so far I feel that Fabianski can make himself first choice and prove that Arsene Wenger's faith in him is justified. The future right now is looking fabulous for the 25 year old.

Champions League halfway point of the group stages

So here we are at the halfway point of the the sometimes controversial and irritating group stage of the Champions League. I can see where the critics are coming from the stage is drawn in way which favors the big boys, I personally think its quite interesting seeing teams who in the old fashioned knock out cups would've got knocked out early play a few times.

Uefa Champions League : Group A Table

		P	W	D	L	F	A	GD	PTS
1	Inter Milan	3	2	1	0	10	5	5	7
2	Tottenham	3	1	1	1	9	7	2	4
3	FC Twente	3	0	2	1	4	7	-3	2
4	Werder Bremen	3	0	2	1	3	7	-4	2

Group A not looking too bad for spurs, although in the game against Inter they were outclassed they still have been gathering points against the weaker teams. I think Spurs and Inter should go through in the order they sit in now. Interesting fact of this group is the Werder Bremen's Austrian forward Marko Arnautovic has played for two of the other teams in this group in Serie A for Inter and in the Dutch First Division for Twente. Who knows maybe North London is his next port of call?

Uefa Champions League : Group B Table

		P	W	D	L	F	A	GD	PTS
1	Lyon	3	3	0	0	6	1	5	9
2	Schalke 04	3	2	0	1	5	2	3	6
3	Benfica	3	1	0	2	2	4	-2	3
4	Hapoel Tel-Aviv	3	0	0	3	2	8	-6	0

Lyon are looking very good in Group B. I expected better from Benfica one of the more attacking teams in the tournament, but Schalke and Lyon looking favorites to go through although I wouldn't rule out Benfica with an attack made up of Pablo Aimar, Javier Saviola and Oscar Cardozo they're always a threat. Hapoel Tel-Aviv definitely the worst side in the tournament this year Israel football is starting to become Europe's whipping boy.

Uefa Champions League : Group C Table

		P	W	D	L	F	A	GD	PTS
1	Man Utd	3	2	1	0	2	0	2	7
2	Rangers	3	1	2	0	2	1	1	5
3	Valencia	3	1	1	1	5	2	3	4
4	Bursaspor	3	0	0	3	0	6	-6	0

Well Manchester United are practically through but its looking interesting in the fight for second place between Rangers and Valencia. I think if Rangers finished their chances against Valencia at Ibrox they would've been favorites. But at the moment I think Valencia will do it by beating Rangers at the Mestalla.

Uefa Champions League : Group D Table

		P	W	D	L	F	A	GD	PTS
1	Barcelona	3	2	1	0	8	2	6	7
2	FC Copenhagen	3	2	0	1	3	2	1	6
3	Rubin Kazan	3	0	2	1	1	2	-1	2
4	Panathinaikos	3	0	1	2	1	7	-6	1

Barcelona the former champions given an easier group this year than last year look like they will qualify. Rubin Kazan are a team that interest me they met Barcelona on three occasions and haven't lost once, but still haven't been through to the knock out stages. I'm hoping they make it through this year but I think Copenhagen's good start will be hard to overturn. Panathinaikos have been very disappointing considering the amount of money in Greek football I would expect them and rivals Olympiakos to fare better in Europe.

Uefa Champions League : Group E Table

		P	W	D	L	F	A	GD	PTS
1	Bayern Munich	3	3	0	0	7	3	4	9
2	Basle	3	1	0	2	5	5	0	3
3	CFR 1907 Cluj-Napoca	3	1	0	2	5	6	-1	3
4	Roma	3	1	0	2	3	6	-3	3

This looks like last years Bayern have already gone through bar a collapse of epic proportions. The other three are looking unpredictable, on paper you would think that Roma should qualify but looking at Roma's history in Europe I wouldn't put your house on it. I think Cluj might do it after their fighting performance again Bayern.

Uefa Champions League : Group F Table

		P	W	D	L	F	A	GD	PTS
1	Chelsea	3	3	0	0	8	1	7	9
2	Spartak Moscow	3	2	0	1	4	2	2	6
3	Marseille	3	1	0	2	1	3	-2	3
4	MSK Zilina	3	0	0	3	1	8	-7	0

Chelsea are looking formidable at the moment winning all three of their games without even breaking a sweat. Spartak and Marseille aren't the best sides in the competition but I wouldn't class them in any way an easy task. I was hoping Zilina would do better after knocking our Sparta Prague and Celtic in the qualifiers. I'm hoping Spartak go through, I think Russian football has had a raw deal due to the different calenders their domestic league and the rest of Europe follow and it would be nice to see them do well.

Uefa Champions League : Group G Table

		P	W	D	L	F	A	GD	PTS
1	Real Madrid	3	3	0	0	5	0	5	9
2	AC Milan	3	1	1	1	3	3	0	4
3	Ajax	3	1	1	1	3	4	-1	4
4	Auxerre	3	0	0	3	1	5	-4	0

Well this group to me looked the most interesting just because of names involved. Real Madrid, AC Milan and Ajax, three of Europe's historical heavyweights. Ajax aren't in that league anymore but haven't disgraced themselves at all and are still in with a good shot of qualifying to the knock-outs. Mourinho's Madrid I think are looking like they will win the competition. His teams always have the habit of peaking at the right time whilst Milan are looking like they're on their way to joining Ajax in the history books.

Uefa Champions League : Group H Table

		P	W	D	L	F	A	GD	PTS
1	Arsenal	3	3	0	0	14	2	12	9
2	Shakhtar Donetsk	3	2	0	1	5	5	0	6
3	Braga	3	1	0	2	2	9	-7	3
4	Partizan Belgrade	3	0	0	3	1	6	-5	0

Our final group look like they've got an east v west battle going on. Arsenal should qualify after scoring 12 goals in 3 games that a ridiculous 4 per game. Shakhtar are looking like they'll go through but I would rule out Braga who knocked out Seville in the qualifying stages, they really do have a penchant for the spectacular, I'd call them a Youtube team, take a look at the goal against Celtic.