Generally, the word ‘reality check’ is used to temper some excessive expectations. But the way Arsenal have been written off, this reality check has to be a very optimistic one.

First things first. What we did last season was without Thierry Henry. He hardly played. Also, the Henry who did play was not a person running through defences, but one who was scoring from headers. And he is not good at it. So Arsene decided, if Henry is not able to burst through defences but instead stays in the box, I would rather have a specialist poacher. So he got Eduardo Da Silva.

Bakary Sagna could be a worthy cover and after a long time, an Arsenal squad has a first-team replacement in every position. Also, the squad looks more flexible this year to me. Both Eduardo and Robin van Persie can double up as proper wingers if need be. So a 4-2-3-1 or a 4-4-2 are very sound possibilities.

'For the number of chances we created last season, we did not need a Henry who with his undeniable brilliance would create more of them individually. We just needed somebody to tap in those chances'


I managed to get hold of the highlights package of our friendly with Barnet. There were some things of particular note to me. Gael Clichy was looking physically far bigger than he has looked in previous seasons.

Also, there seemed to be a plan B {at least with Barnet} with high balls and shots from distance. One of the youngsters who looked most impressive in the brief highlights I saw was Mark Randall. The youngster got no recognition in the press whatsoever but some of his high balls to the striker were different class.

So how should we line up against Fulham? The Emirates Cup should give us a better idea but my initial feeling is for an unchanged line-up at the back. Unless Eduardo does something out of this world in the Emirates Cup, I suppose Arsene Wenger will start him on the bench and not expose him to a physical or a long-ball side like Fulham. If he starts at all, it might be left wing rather than up front.

Unless we get a real big-name right winger, I guess Aleksandr Hleb will start on the right wing. He may later give way to Van Persie when Eduardo is ready to play up front. I am expecting more high balls this season and better conversion from set pieces.

For the number of chances we created last season, we did not need a Henry who with his undeniable brilliance would create more of them individually. We just needed somebody to tap in those chances. So, welcome Eduardo!

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