After the complete and utter kick in the teeth we endured mid-week, it’s Arsenal up next on Sunday afternoon for us and ahead of the game I’ve been having a chat with CJ from Arsenal Insider.
I’ve been really impressed with Arshavin for you this season, what would you say he’s added to the side?
Very simply he’s added experience and style. One thing the cameras won’t have picked up on is how much of an organiser he is. He’s talking all the time and giving players advice. He’s obviously a natural leader. When you put that on top of the skill, strength, touch and awesome eye for goal, I think we’ve bought a diamond.
What Chelsea player do you rate the most?
I think any club around the world would have Essien in its first 11. He’s more than a holding midfielder/enforcer. He passes and move the ball well and has a terrific shot. He and Cesc would make an awesome central midfield partnership!
Which one of our players do you think could cause you the most problems this weekend?
The same player who always causes us problems, Drogba. If he’s up for it we have a problem (though reading report this morning, friday, it seems he may not be around too much longer!)
Who’s your favourite Arsenal player of all time?
I’d have to say Paul Davis. I’m a 30 something and grew up watching him and always loved him. Dennis Bergkamp runs him a very close second though!
What’s your favourite Chelsea v Arsenal memory?
I don’t think any memory can compete with the Kanu inspired comeback in October 99. When the Nigerian clipped in that 3rd against De Goey I though i was dreaming!
And your worst?
My worst is undoubtedly Wayne Bridge’s goal at Highbury in the Champions League. I thought our name was on the trophy that year. It was a bitter blow.
It’s another season without a trophy for Arsenal, why do you think you’ve missed out?
I think i saw a stat somewhere that it was a £140m team v a £24.3m team…
Not saying money is everything but we are having to grow world class players not buy them and you could see this year at times that the quality is there but it just still needs time, how much is the question. Keeping our players is our biggest battle for next season. If we’d held on to Flamini and Hleb we would have gone closer IMO.
How much longer can you see Arsene Wenger at Arsenal?
He’ll see out his contract. If the squad mature how we all hope than can and win some major prizes he may stay longer.
What did you think about Bendtner’s reaction to your Champions League exit?
I’m always slow to slate players for this sort of thing. It was a human reaction, he was clearly heartbroken about the result. When Arshavin banged in his forth at Anfield I was sitting in the front row and I ran all the way to the corner flag and jumped around like a maniac for 5 minutes. Sometimes its difficult to control who you are.
Finally, give us your prediction.
I’m going for the usual Chelsea Arsenal result of 2-1 or 1-2.
Whoever scores first will lose!
Nice work CJ. Thanks for that.
Blue is the colour
