Moncur’s CandH blog: Gunners v Irons
And despite the uneven spread of results across pre-season I believe the team is ready although we’ll find out for the first time today exactly how Slaven sees things.
I sat down in his office a few days back and we caught up on old times. It was great to meet up again and I was struck again by his intelligence and absolute love of the game.
Sunday’s game could hardly be tougher. Arsenal are a terrific team and I know that Slav has a great regard for Arsene Wenger but our man may just have one or two surprises up his sleeve.
Let’s remember though that we finished last season as one of – if not THE – most out of form team in the Premier League and there’s a confidence building job to be done as well as a new style of play to be introduced.
Whatever some may think, we now have a better squad than we have had for several years and I’ve got everything crossed that we can take the Gunners by surprise.
First and foremost I’m a fan and always see the best side of things but I hope I’m also a realist and the truth is we have one hell of a job on our hands.
We are about 10/1 outsiders to win the game and it’s around 5/1 for the draw with the Arsenal well odds-on to win. I think those odds are a bit over the top but I honestly can’t tip us to win.
A draw would be fantastic but the main thing is that we go there and give them a real game, put in a performance and come out with our heads held high.
What we can’t afford to happen is to get battered because that sets up a mental reaction which is hard to shake off. I think Slav will have them in good shape and that we’ll give ’em a game.
But the fans have to give Slav a chance. It could take him a couple of years to really put his mark on this team.
I’m sure we’ll be safe and mid table but let’s keep the expectancy levels down a bit and give the man a real crack of the whip.