Champion's League and bits and bobs

Champion's League, phase one of the group stage and Arsenal have found themselves in what appears to be an easy group, on paper anyway. We'll see Hamburg later today followed by FC Porto on the 26th of September (I'm a bit worred about this one) and then the last match of the first round of Group G against CSKA Moscow on October 17th. Then the reverse legs kick in. On paper, the Gunners are the best of the four teams; but the proof is on the pitch, or so they say. It sure could have been worse, though. ManU(re) are playing the Celtics today at Old Trafford in Group F, a group that also includes Benfica and FC Copenhagen. Yeah, I'd have not wanted the Arsenal in that group this year. Nor, I think, would I have wanted Group A which includes both Barcelona (last year's winners) and Chelski. I'll take our Group G opponents thank you very much. It turns out that Henry's injury is actually a foot injury that he picked up in the French international match last week. They doped him up with injections for the M'Borough game, but are choosing to rest him for this first CL match away to Hamburg. That, however, could throw some confidence in the path of a young Theo Walcott or perhaps to newcomer, Baptista both of whom have travelled with the team to Germany. And truthfully, I feel that he will be much more needed Sunday against ManU(re) than he will be today. So, good on you, boss. Right call. In other bits and bobs, it seems that Hoyte thinks he's good enough to replace Ashley. Whatever, Justin. You're deluded. You're not nearly the player that Ashley was and keep talking to the press like this, folks will start comparing you unfavourably to that wanker over at Chelsea. Gallas is a better option in the left-back role. Hell, Flamini is a better option. Give it up, son. I think that's all the important bits today, because frankly no one really cares who threw that pizza at Fergie, so long as it hit the bastard. Still sick, but hanging in there. So, perhaps a beer or a $17 million baby bigfoot is on the tap for me today. Until then, Wastrel On! (Listening to: Zealots by the Fugees)