Into the Group Stages

By: travis | August 28th, 2008

Well that was pretty easy. Twente didn’t put up much of a fight in Wednesday’s second leg, going down 4-0, and 6-0 on aggregate. A real confidence booster if you ask me, especially in light of the previous weekend’s performance. Theo Walcott’s finish in the second half was undoubtedly Henry-esque, so that’s good. And Nasri managed to find the net, despite his best efforts to dribble a bit too much. But that’s enough of that. There were still lingering concerns with finishing (Van Persie) that could have made the final score 6-0 in just that game, but other than that can you really complain too much? We’re through, and with the CL draw having been completed today, we find ourselves in Group G, going up against FC Porto, Dynamo Kiev, and Fenerbahce. At first glance, they don’t seem like the most imposing opponents, but they won’t be easy. Not by a long shot. Fenerbahce fought tooth and nail against Chelsea in last season’s quarterfinal, and will once again be up to the task. Follow the previous link for complete matchdays and schedule.

Other news to go around as well. There’s more buzz around Dutch midfielder Jonathan De Guzman, who plays more of a enforcer role in the midfield. While the Mail is reporting that he is signed, there isn’t much else out there to reinforce that. Whatever the result, it looks like a pretty decent signing.

Danny Fiszman has also acknowledge that the board is still behind Arsene and that he has the money to spend if he wants it. That seems more like an attempt to appease fans, or perhaps direct blame onto Wenger if his current strategy fails. Wenger is shrewd enough to make the right purchase when he wants to.

Injury news ahead of this weekend’s fixture against Newcastle sees William Gallas and Theo Walcott as two injury concerns, with the two both picking up knee knocks. The optimism is thriving, however, and both will be ready. Otherwise, perhaps Djourou in defense? Or Song? Either or. I’ll try and get to a Newcastle preview tomorrow.