It has been the norm for teams to play a “physical” game in order to get the better of Arsenal, one of the proponents of this strategy is Blackburn’s mark Hughes. Ahead of tonight’s game Hughes is now accusing Arsenal of using “dark arts” according to him,

“Arsenal’s players have been banging the drum about how they can cope with the physical side of the game this year, so they know that it is part and parcel of the game.”

This is exactly what is wrong with English football, when a team who tries to play something beautiful as wengerball has to accept that physical intimidation is part and parcel of the game.

We understand that when needs be we have to remind others that we will not be messed with. Dark Arts however is not and should not be part and parcel of the game. Mark Hughes and his lot has chosen to make thuggery a tactical substitute for footballing skill. Mark, if you Live by the sword then you should not complain the sword is brought to bear upon you.

Although no one can say what is on a players mind, I suspect though that after seeing the way Terry was going around tackling with intent one would forgive Eboue for being in a retaliatory mood. Terry himself always follow through with his into players on this occasion he came out on the wrong end. Terry, sorry you got cut down by the sword.

Tonight we play Blackburn in the Carling cup, Arsene has said

“The Carling Cup is more of a squad game, because we decided as a squad to go for every single trophy. Many players that didn’t play against Chelsea will play at Blackburn.”

So expect to see players like Diarra, Song, Traore, Eduardo, Hoyte, Gilberto on display. Diarra needs to back up that big mouth of his with a good display. He would do well to follow the example of Flamini and put in some hard work in order to get some games. I sometimes am baffled by the absolute conceit of some footballers.

Enjoy the game tonight.