things happy and etc...

Of course I am estatic with our win at Udinese. I was giving birth over worrying about it. The lads stood up and were counted. I won't repeat what has been writtner here 20 times already, just say that I am proud of VP, Theo, Vermalean,Szczesny, Song and Sagna for providing leadership and performance, and am proud of the new blood for really playing well. Frim, Jenks-what performances for their 1st CL, and in such a crtical match for us. (Arshavin, are you listening....come join us in "I'll perform" land)

Things I am happy about:
-the win, and advance to group stage
-the pressure relief (a bit) off of Arsene and the lads-it has been simply overwhelming and pervasive.
-Fab and Nasri sagas are finally finished, and the lads can move on in a more positive training and locker room envronment. all of this must have been very difficult on them. Who knows how much the resolution to these 2 ongoing dramas helped us at Udinese. The guys really played well, with as much motivation as I have seen lately, and man was it nice. Seems like a black cloud has been lifted.

Things that concern me:
#1-my biggest concern is that Arsene will now feel 'too' relieved, and take the foot off the pedal in bringing in the players that we need. We all know he does that...I am praying that Arsene listen to VP, and go buy the 3 players we need - top cd, attacking mid, and striker. Anything less, and we will end up right back where we have been. C'mon Arsene.....step up, and get us who we need.
#2-no Frim or Song at Man U. And Ramsey getting really stretched, with no depth in substitution. Wilshere's set back is simply cruel for us..it really is. When one of ours get injured, we do it 100%: no few days thing, we go in for unexpected weeks and months, don't we?

Things that do not worry me like they used to:
-Our goalkeeping. Szczesny has shut me up. He has been spectacular; everyone remember where we were just a short while ago with Almunia?
-the newbies: Frim, Jenks, Gervinho. I have officially got used to them.
-Vermalean's recovery from last year's injuries. Isn't he simply putting opposing forwards in his pocket!! Man, did we miss him last year. He is a rock..an absolute rock.

My hopes..we go BUY...now...PLEASE!!
My prayer this week: somehow, someway, against all odds, we shock everyone, and get all 3 at Man U. I know...I know..seems ridiculous at this point and time, given the seasons for both to date..but who knows what confidence, relief and belief the lads will carry from Udinese. And those intangibles do matter.....