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Written by Tom DiMaio

Published: Tuesday, 30 October 2012 12:06

Although the League Cup is considered to be of lesser importance to many, tonight’s game against Reading is a vital one with regards to rebuilding confidence within the side.

A one sided history

As always with a pre-match article like this, I look back in time to find out how the Gunners have faired in past encounters.  Usually the gives a fairly muddy idea of whose had the upper hand but in the case of Reading, the results are crystal clear.

Between 1935 and 2008, Arsenal have played Reading nine times and have won every single match.  Last time the teams met in the League Cup was in 2005 when our team had a now nostalgic twist to it.

We won 3-0 that day with Reyes, RVP and one of my personal favourites Arturo Lupoli providing the goals.  It’s fair to say that with regards to history, Arsenal certainly have the upper hand.

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Written by Barnaby Merrill

Published: Friday, 26 October 2012 17:31

It's been a bad week. Two very poor performances and hits to any Premier League ambitions Gooners may have fostered in recent weeks, combined with the fractious debacle that was the Arsenal AGM have left the mood around Arsenal rather gloomy.

Still, it's been long enough for some hope to come shining back and no doubt Arsenal will be looking to provide some more against a rock bottom QPR side with no win in all 8 matches.

Easier said than done

It's all very well talking about bouncing back, but Arsenal have been rather shambolic lately, and are missing width and pace thanks to injuries. The last time the Gunners faced QPR they went down 2-1, though the home game was a 1-0 victory.

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Written by Barnaby Merrill

Published: Wednesday, 24 October 2012 17:54

Arsenal are expected to perform some minor rotation of their formation and starting 11 for tonight's big Champions League game with Schalke 04.

After the horror show against Norwich, Arsene Wenger is looking to bounce back quickly with a result against the high-flying Germans, who beat champions (albeit weakened) Dortmund at the weekend. He says his side are 'Over it' regarding The Norwich Game. Let's hope he's right.

A striker? False! Nein!

It looks like the 'false 9' formation with Gervinho playing as a roaming centre forward will make a return tonight. It was used against Olimpiacos to reasonable success and Southampton with great success. Whether the Ivorian is in the right form to play as he has in that formation is another question, but he is still our top scorer this season.

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Written by Barnaby Merrill

Published: Friday, 19 October 2012 17:45

Here's something we haven't seen for a long while. After his gradual rehabilitation from his long-term injury, future Arsenal and England captain, and all-round master of the universe Jack Wilshere has been named in Arsenal's squad for the trip to Norwich City tomorrow.

This comes as somewhat of a surprise, as Arsene Wenger made clear today that he wouldn't start a game until the League Cup clash with Reading later in the month.

It may be that Wilshere's desire to play swayed him, though Wenger doesn't seem the sort for that, and it's probable that the youngster won't play tomorrow and his inclusion in the squad is simply a re-integration exercise.