AW: "Mathieu Has a Huge Desire..."

Le Boss has revealed that he is not overly concerned by Gilberto's fitness ahead of our trip to V*lla Park this weekend, as he believes young Mat Flamini is a more than capable deputy...

"He is one of the players who is improving very well but people forget he is only 21 and to play central midfield at that age at this level is very difficult," said AW.

"Mathieu has a huge desire and is very dynamic. His game is more suited to a bigger pitch which we will have next season at our new stadium because of his great fitness.

"He is more a mobile player than an impact player which Vieira was when he was here. He would benefit from the pitch being 10 yards longer and wider."

Jens Wants New Deal

Jens has reiterated his desire to land a new contract with Arsenal following his recent run of good form...

"I know I've been consistent since I got back into the side," said Lehmann.

"I'm concentrating on every game, I'm playing to win trophies and hopefully extend my contract."

"I have to work very hard and be consistent and, in that respect, I'm doing very well,"

"It's all about consistency. You can't rely on a goalkeeper who is making a fantastic save in one match and then a bad mistake in the next."

What are your views on Jens...personally I think he's a great shot stopper - but can lack judgment at times, hence some of the howlers we've seen in the past...!!!

What do you guys reckon?

Le Boss: "...we lost a little bit of belief..."

AW has praised the response of the lads after our defeat at home to Roman's billionaires a couple of weeks ago...

"I feel for a while we did not know, we lost a little bit of belief that we are the best.

"Because you could see that kind of vibes coming out of the team, and against Chel$ki the team realised that they should have not lost that game and they have the potential to compete with the best."

I'm Back!!!

Good morning Gooners and Goonettes!

Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas! Apologies for my lengthy absence - I have been SERIOUSLY busy at work over the last few weeks. But I can assure you I am back to stay now!

I suppose I should start off with last night's game against P*rtsmouth...4-0 at half time - NICE!

We NEEDED to thump someone. Let's hope that last night can be a turning point in what so far has been a pretty poor season by our high standards.

In other news 'Razor' Ray Parlour clone Mathieu Flamini has his eye on breaking into France's World Cup squad...here's what he said;

"Of course I think about the World Cup," Mat told L'Equipe.

"If I achieve a good season with Arsenal, why not?

"If I am called to play with the Under-21s, I will go too, with pleasure. I have had no contact with Raymond Domenech or (Under-21 coach) Rene Girard.

"I know at first I need to have good performances with my club."

"When I came, it is true I didn't expect to play so often," added Mat. "I took advantage of the circumstances and the injuries.

"Compared to France, the game here is more attacking and the physical impacts are more important too.

"You play 90 minutes at a very high level. It is probably in that domain that I have improved the most."