Not that there's not much news that is. There's still shed-loads of fallout from the loss in midweek and lets start with everyone's favourite bit, hating on the ref. Johan Djourou has joined in, rightly so of course, and there's been a bit of a verbal bust-up with regards to Arsene Wenger's charge from UEFA. The boos is adamant that he's done nothing wrong and will be contesting the charge of improper conduct, with damning criticism in his press-conference of the idea that he has done something wrong when it's the referee who has not only made the massive mistake but also defended it.
Speaking of the boss, he's been talking about this weekends match at Old Trafford and is looking for a boost in confidence; while United look to be gaffer-taped together at the moment, we're low on confidence and going from fighting on four fronts to one in such a short period of time would pretty much destroy the teams confidence for most of the season in all honesty. He's also been talking about Manuel Almunia, he hasn't made a fuss about being held against his will like we often hear from proessionals, he's sitting around, taking his chances and willing to see out his contract. Good lad. On the 'keeper front, not much more news on the Szczesny injury really and also the possibility of an emergency loan to bring in cover. Manuel Almunia is another who appeared in the press after the Barca defeat, asking whether everyone was really giving their all for the team.
Onwards and upwards then, Cesc looks set to miss out the United tie after playing on with a knock against Barcelona. Robin Van Persie looks set to feature after surviving Eric Abidal's neck-warming techniques unscathed. SAF also admits that he's scared of Arsenal. Rightly so. In other news, Bacary Sagna has been talking about how failing to win a trophy this season would be a real disappointment, Jack Wilshere on how the only way to respond when you're knocked down is to stand up even stronger and bite of everyone's hands so they can never knock you down again.
Also, we're apparently interested in a young midfielder at Sporting Gijon; more rubbish from the Metro; the same old story about Mexes from Roma and also more interest in Blaise Matuidi apparently.
Finally, the Reserves lost to an experienced Newcastle side as they travelled to St. James' Park yesterday, they fought back from 1-0 to square the score with Josh Rees turning in Thomas Cruises' cross. Despite concerted pressure on the Newcastle goal Arsenal couldn't find a way through and conceded from a headed attempt at the death. Sean McDermott deputied in goal for James Shea who is set to feature on the bench at Old Trafford and managed to save a lacklustre penalty eddort early on. Once again, a centre-back featured as a right back with Hajrovic out of position as Arsenal continue their search for a young full-back. Ones to watch were Ignasi Miquel, the captain returning to the side. Also young left-back Thomas Cruise, midfielder Conor Henderson and striker Luke Freeman. However, reports of a Thomas Vermaelen set-back seem to be true as he didn't feature in the squad.
It looks like he won't really have much part to play in the run in, with Djour-scielny the first choice partnership, but it would be good to see his steely, no-nonsense approach in the starting line-up.
That's all folks.
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