Post for the New Year

So I'm back, and I hope all you Arse-readers out there have had a good time over the last couple of days, and are in good spirits as we look ahead.

It's three games in the crucial run of Christmas games, and it's 7 points from Chelski and Wigan and Birmingham away. Yes, the two points thrown away were downright stupid and sadly reminiscent of recent tendencies, but all in all, 7/9 from three potentially tricky ties is good enough. Hey, given the recent crap that has come our way at St Andrews, a comfortable 3-0 win is good enough tonic anytime.

Key then, is what happens Wednesday, when 2nd takes on 3rd. It's obvious Man U will want a draw, but in a season chock-full of must-wins, this is yet another.

As the so-called "media" are prone to do, most are now talking up our title chances - with as much conviction as they had earlier talked it down. Suffise for me to say: who cares. Arse fans know what we know, when he know it, and won't need to be told either way.

How about a little list of Arsenal resolutions for the new year?

First, we shall get a new defender in January. With his injuries sorted out, Djourou in my book is good to go for a regular start. It's a toss-up between Koscielny and the Squid who's more frustrating, but the bottom line is that both aren't really regular starters. The Chelski goal, the lazy stretch of the leg for the penalty against Wigan are Koscielny's and the own goal was just kinda sad all round. God knows whenVermaelen will ever be back, so AGAIN, as we've said for the last two centuries, we need to spend some good money. Can't see who's available now for 99p though.

Second, we shall keep our eye on the ball against Ipswich and the final of the Carling Cup. I smell a slight hint of upset, so let's just go to Portman Road and get the deed done in the first leg.

Third, we should endeavour to keep having a good laugh at the expense of Chelski and John Terry. The draw against Villa was a good start. Especially Chelski's goal celebrations. And then their faces three minutes later. Thanks, and here's to much wood-touching on our part.

Fourth and finally (for now), the Arsewiper shall endeavour to even more laughs at Emmanuel Adebayor. May he spend many a happy day fighting for a first team place in Serie B.

More later then. May we get through a football-less Monday. In the Premier League at least.