Finally! The day is here! The start of a new season and all the optomism it brings.
For us Gooners, the latter has been in short supply this pre-season but today is the day to kickstart our season away to Newcastle. We all know how important it is to start strong this year, especially with fixtures against United and Liverpool in coming weeks. And our hosts today, like us, have had somewhat of a troubled summer. Diaby and Wilshere miss out through injury today (the former probably something of a blessing in disguise following his game-changing dismissal at St. James' Park last season) whilst Gibbs, Vermaelen and Walcott face late fitness tests. Wantaway pair Nasri and Fabregas were left out of the squad so it's Robin Van Persie who will lead us out on Tyneside.
Our luck hasn't been all that great in Newcastle recently. Just one league victory here since 2002, but after sensationally squandering a four goal lead here last February, goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny (who was yesterday confirmed by Wenger as our no.1 for the coming season) says he is determined to put last season’s memories of St James’ Park behind him.
The Polish goalkeeper feels the team lost the title that day, and wants to show it was just a one-off.
“There is a determination to win the game because I believe we lost the title at Newcastle last season,” he said.
“We want to turn up at Newcastle and show that it was a one-off accident and it will not happen again.”
The youngster added that the defence looks in good shape this year, and hopes the fans will not be too concerned by recent poor results in pre-season.
“I’m quite happy with the defensive side,” he added. “We didn’t concede in the first half [against Benfica] and I’m fairly happy with how we have done in pre-season.
“I wouldn’t pay too much attention to the results. The most important thing is fitness and showing the manager that you should be starting on August 13.”
Thomas Vermaelen echoed the words of his goalkeeper, as the two will look to be key members of a stronger Arsenal defence this season.
The Belgian said: “We have worked hard and I feel we are ready for it because the fitness is good in the team and we feel good.
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