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Written by Barnaby Merrill

Published: Wednesday, 03 April 2013 15:00

Samir Nasri is a bit like a former school friend. You keep seeing him around, and wondering where his life went wrong, and occasionally he’ll pipe up and talk to you, like nothing has changed, and you’re forced to endure a series of boring  media quotes. Because that definitely happens with former school friends.

So good I decided to leave

The latest soundbite the Frenchman has to offer about Arsenal (since he rang Arsene Wenger begging to come back), is that Arsene Wenger is “the greatest coach I ever worked with” and he did not choose to leave Arsenal because of him. He’s on record as saying he wouldn’t be the player he is today without Wenger’s guidance.

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Written by Barnaby Merrill

Published: Monday, 01 April 2013 19:07

In the wake of renewed optimism after the victory over Reading, we’ve had a number of quotes from players and staff on Arsenal’s new-found solidity/fluidity/belief/trousers. It’s all rather nice. We’re still in the post-victory glow, and nothing’s really come out to take that away. No doubt some highly depressing story will break during the week to spoil our fun.

I believe in Gervinho

Following his impressive performance at the weekend, Arsene Wenger has been speaking about Gervinho, and more specifically his goalscoring exploits. The Ivorian has seven goals so far this term, and Wenger feels he can score a few more, as long as he relaxes:

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Written by Barnaby Merrill

Published: Friday, 29 March 2013 17:59

With the Interlull successfully navigated, we can return to the task at hand-Arsenal qualifying for the Champions League next season.

Based on recent results that doesn’t look too difficult, but international breaks do have a lovely habit of ruining momentum.

There haven’t been too many injuries, so we’ll likely see a similar squad as that travelled to Swansea.

Careful

It would be very easy to assume that Reading will be a pushover. In terrible form, and having just appointed no great shakes of a new manager in Nigel Adkins. Unfortunately, it never works that way.

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Written by Barnaby Merrill

Published: Wednesday, 27 March 2013 19:17

While Arsenal didn’t lose any players during the international break to injury, two players were already injured at the start.

Jack Wilshere, who’s been out since Spurs, and Theo Walcott, who joined the England squad before quickly pulling out with a groin strain. We’ve finally had an (unofficial) update on their injury status, and it looks like the pair of England internationals could drag their heels a little.

Due date

Walcott’s injury came with an original length of 7-10 days. It’s been six days, and it now appears that he’ll have to spend a few more weeks on the sidelines, putting him out of action for the next three or four Premier League games.