Xhaka is going to be tremendous imo

[World's End Stella]

Not at all, and as before I apologise to Pat Vegas for the slur.

There has however been fairly round criticism of the Swiss Albanian, certainly during the period when we were truly ****. I suppose his relatively large transfer fee played a part and the sometimes naive expectation which comes with that.

Perhaps Wenger has found the midfield combination he sought all season, aided by his stumbling upon a defensive formation which affords them better cover to suit their dual qualities.

The lad Xhaka played a pass out to Gibbs (I think) first half on Sunday which had this viewer reaching for the Sky+ remote to rewind it a few times.

There was quite a bit of it about in the media if that was what you were referring to. Rat face Neville and a few of the broadsheets were labeling Xhaka and Mustafi as 'disasters', 'failures' etc etc. All within the context of Wenger Out, of course.

[redgunamo]

While scoring loads of goals and looking miles better than anything else in this country.....

If only we had though of it ..

[Pat Vegas]

Funny what a few half decent results can do.

But a few weeks ago he was a slow, useless liability.

Edit. No need to apologise SW.

[Luis Anaconda]

Not at all, and as before I apologise to Pat Vegas for the slur.

There has however been fairly round criticism of the Swiss Albanian, certainly during the period when we were truly ****. I suppose his relatively large transfer fee played a part and the sometimes naive expectation which comes with that.

Perhaps Wenger has found the midfield combination he sought all season, aided by his stumbling upon a defensive formation which affords them better cover to suit their dual qualities.

The lad Xhaka played a pass out to Gibbs (I think) first half on Sunday which had this viewer reaching for the Sky+ remote to rewind it a few times.

He is a simply a beautiful beautiful footballer with a lovely nasty streak, who is increasing in influence with each game. First player in the ref's face at every incident now Even though Jon Moss must have been dying to go for the hat-trick he stood up for his team. He is 24 years old - 24

[Peter]

I love him as a player, exactly what we needed in many respects. However I have some concerns about his mobility. He doesn't exactly get about the pitch like Patrick did in his prime, does he?

Which is why he needs to play next to someone who does.

A list that includes precisely ****ing nobody, ever. Vieira was the ultimate athlete and comparable to nobody.

We just need a decent player who does what he is told- and a manager that tells him what to do.

[Peter]

If we win the next 3 games and the cup final you reckon he goes back to the old formation? I think that would be quite a shocking decision if it happens.

I think the formation is at least partly designed to ensure that Sanchez and Ozil don't have to do any tracking back. Once they leave it will probably change.

[Ash]

I can't remember us going to Stoke when they've been this ****/in such poor form. I think we have a better chance of getting a win than in previous years. Should be decent weather too

Agreed. We've also just bagged a brace of hurdling hoodoos. Mourinho and Saints away overcome. Let's go for the hat-trick and vanquish the vermin at the Victoria.

Then I think of Charlie Adam dragging Alexis to the floor by his neck and winning a free kick.

[Peter]

That is from thick ****s, of whom we attract an abundance.

There are those who do not appreciate the football stylings of Aaron Ramsey, for example.

Another reminder that he was described as the worst signing in history by Tony Cascarino.

[Peter]

He is a simply a beautiful beautiful footballer with a lovely nasty streak, who is increasing in influence with each game. First player in the ref's face at every incident now Even though Jon Moss must have been dying to go for the hat-trick he stood up for his team. He is 24 years old - 24

Superb tackle by Mustafi last night- free kick

[Luis Anaconda]

Superb tackle by Mustafi last night- free kick

Can see why he gave it - front on as it was, but technically the big German did everything right. Foot on the floor, in control, perfect. I must admit I saw Mustafi on the team sheet and thought in a back three he might let it go to his head and start storming down the pitch but thought he had a superb game.

Mike Dean on Saturday though - **** it