Oli G needs some Va-Va-Voom

4 appearances - 0 goals. That is all the papers are focussing on. 

Not the fact that Arsenal as a team are streets ahead of where they were last season. This time last year, the Gunners had shipped 10 goals (8 of which occured at Old Trafford - a debut to forget for The Ox), seen their new signing red carded on his debut and barely squeeked past Swansea 1-0. Not to mention that they were heading for defeat at eventually relegated Blackburn the following weekend... 

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Cazorla and Arteta: the Hispanic Petit and Vieira?

For all the criticism heaped on Arsene Wenger for his tendacy to be reluctant when it comes to spending big in the transfer market, it is forgotten that the Frenchman is as shrewd they come when identifying the finest European talent available.

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How things have changed since my first live football match

Nearly 12 years ago the arrival of my birthday saw me awarded with a trip to Highbury for my first ever live football match to see Arsenal take on Leicester City on Boxing Day, 2000. Today, as I prepare to head to the Emirates Stadium to see the Gunners try and continue their unbeaten start to the season at home to bottom of the table and pointless Southampton, I think about all the things that have changed about my routine when going to football matches.

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Will Arsene Wenger sign a new contract at Arsenal?

Despite Arsene Wenger’s protestations that there have been no contract extension talks as of yet, Arsenal chief executive Ivan Gazidis’ comments this week suggest that an offer to the 62 year old Frenchman to extend his spell in charge at the Emirates beyond 2014 is imminent.

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Jordan Henderson or Santi Cazorla? Toughie!

If transfer fee’s where the judge of a player then Matt Jarvis would be twice the player Pablo Hernandez is, then Jordan Rhodes is as good as Papiss Cisse, then Jordan Henderson is marginally better then Santi Cazorla! These are just three humorous examples of how ridiculously valued British footballers are.

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Stoke again provide the test for Arsenal’s folly

De Ja Vu does not often come as clear as Arsenal being in a perceived crisis having just sold their best players in the days building up to the new season, the accusations of a lack of ambition sounding like a broken record to Arsene Wenger now who has battled on for too long under the roof of strained resources and a sensible wage structure that, in the face of more affluent competition, renders trophies out of reach.

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Three things we learned from Round One of the Premier League

The Premier League burst back into action with a blaze of goals (although nobody seemed to tell the Emirates) and amidst all the hype and in particular Martin Tyler referring to "that" QPR game and commentary on May 13th, a number of interesting points emerged:

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Santi Cazorla –Exactly What Arsenal Have Been Missing

For me there was no great surprise in seeing Arsenal sign a small, creative midfield player, but I was very surprised to see them sign Santi Cazorla – who at around £16m may be Arsenal’s record transfer, but is still in my opinion an absolute steal. 

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Cazorla arrival puts Arsenal on course for successful summer

The supposedly imminent arrival of Spanish international Santi Cazorla at Arsenal has brought some positive light to the Gunners’ pre-season, which has been dogged by the Robin Van Persie saga.

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Wenger reacts quicker to player discontent

As with every summer of Arsenal transfer activity, pre-season has been marred by rumblings of a contract dispute involving a major player. Following on from the lead of Samir Nasri and Cesc Fabregas before him in voicing their displeasure with a perceived lack of ambition in Arsene Wenger’s choice to use the Emirates coffers with frugality, this time round it is Robin Van Persie, scorer of 37 goals in his most recent season, to deny the Gunners his commitment to the cause as the Dutchman sees trophies and medals as a more attractive proposition.

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The Pros and Cons of Santi Cazorla

First, it was confirmed that he was signed. Then it was denied. Now fans are in limbo if he's coming or not.

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