The omens of an away fixture on season's opening day
By Randy Osae
At first glance, Arsenal’s season curtain raiser away from home may be daunting considering the caliber of opposition Wenger’s men will kick-start their season against and the fact that 2009/10 begins with a travel.
The former of those concerns depends on how Arsenal show up to pursue victory at Goodison Park – which is never any certainty. But what is certain is that an away fixture on the first day of the season is indeed a golden touch to the campaign according to history.
When the Gunners start the term with a trip, they flourish in that particular year.
Arsenal’s average final league position in Premier League seasons in which they kicked off at home is precisely 4.31th place whereas two of their three title triumphs came in the four campaigns that began away from home, while they finished second in the other two.
There are indeed good omens that may come with a visit to Merseyside on August 12.
Ronaldo’s absence from title dominators Manchester United’s helm is already reason to believe the odds may be favoring Arsenal to resume the old wrestle with Ferguson’s men for the crown.
An away season kick-off fixture could also be a ritual that spurs a successful title challenge from the Gunners at last.
Wenger’s men last faced the scenario of Evertonian test on the opening day of the 2004/05 FA Cup winning season – outclassing Moyes’ men 1-4 at Goodison Park and went on to finish runners-up in the league.
Arsenal also began the campaign before that with another triumph over Everton when ‘the Invincibles’ of 2003/04 ran a 2-1 scalp with 10 men.
This may just be a similar season.
04/05 opening day we stuffed them 4-1 at Goodison
So this isn’t the best thread to talk about it but has anyone heard anything about this Melo guy? Being in Minneapolis it’s tough to watch/hear about anything outside the EPL.
Is this guy as good as they say he is? Is this a good CDM that we can afford and use right away? From what I have read he’s what we need, tough, tall, and aggresive and able to score.
Would be nice to get someone in that spot and the CM before the pre season starts.
The weaknesses of Arsenal are well known. The need for a tall guy like PV 4 has been obvious to all except AW .If nothing is done and kids with potential and who will deliver in two years continue to be signed,you will know and I will know what’s in store.
On the subject of accountability,shouldn’t the guy in black be held responsible for glaring errors?What should the FA or football authorities do for this error type of ref?As a neutral I am referring to the guy in the match when Chelsea had at least three legitimate appeals rejected in the Barcelona game.
What is UEFA going to this type of ref?He has caused Chelsea to lose millions of euros.The punishment shd fit the crime.Make sure such a ref doesnt officiate any more UEFA cup competitions or epl match.
USA Gunner
I am no expert on Melo but from what I have seen of him playing with brasil, alongside former gunner Gilberto, he looks quality. I would love to see him with the gunners. and the fact that fiorentina are looking to take Senderos as well is just a bonus!
wow I just watched a youtube video of Melo…WOW…..he would be the next great Brazilian CDM at Arsenal…
Edu
GIlberto
Denilson..hmmmmmmm cough cough
Melo
this seems like a great buy with them wanting Senderous we could somehow purchase this guy for 10 with a trade for Senderous, giving us 10 to 15 to buy on CM…I would be a very happy, happy fan.
Can’t wait till we start actually purchasing these players. I just hope we swoop in for this guy before he starts to play in the conf. cup and all the big boys start going for him.
And did I read somewhere that Robin was being targeting by the Spuds?
ya i really hope he gets him quickly before his profile rises cuz that price would be perfect but its not likely. and Robin going to the Spuds… hahahahahahahahaaha aint gonna happen but ya i heard that too
When you look at the fixture list farther on I see on april 10 an away trip to WHL.
so lets all start praciticing our favourite song:
We won the league at White Hart lane,
we won the league at White Hart Lane.
Hehe..nice idea.
Except that I’m a bit superstitious and I believe such things can jinx