Around about 1 year ago, Only One Arsenal started, and became a just another Arsenal blog, however over the last year I hope it has become something slightly more than that for some.
I am sure that you have all noticed the lack off posts recently, so I think it is time to close Only One Arsenal, I certainly will not rule out the odd blog post, or returning to full time blogging in the future.
Our twitter page will stay open and I will try and tweet more on the account. But feel free to follow me on @Arsenal_RTs, which you can catch my Arsenal rambling on daily!
Thank you for also those who have contributed to the blog, this ranges from writing posts, retweeting, taking part in our prediction challenge and much more!
So for now, Goodbye

Up The Arsenal!

Hello people, there’s been plenty of news concerning the Arsenal following the 0-0 draw against Stoke, some good, some bad! Here’s my take on the significant goings-on of the past week or so, read and enjoy!

On Thursday, we found out our Champions League group in Monaco after UEFA’s annual lectures that no-one listens to. Considering the group we could have had with the likes of Juventus, PSG and Borussia Dortmund in the lower pots, the teams we were actually dealt don’t look too challenging on paper and we SHOULD go through without too many problems, although nothing should be taken for granted. Schalke, Olympiacos and Montpellier were the clubs in question and each have their own threats they could pose. Schalke seem the toughest team with the likes of Huntelaar and Barcelona loanee Afellay in their ranks. They reached the semi finals just two seasons ago and finished 3rd in the Bundesliga last campaign. We can’t take them lightly and with a finisher who possesses the quality that Huntelaar does, this will be a very tricky tie. We faced Olympiacos last season, and while we prevailed at home, we were humbled in a dead-rubber fixture when we went to Greece. Once again we have to travel to their place in the final round of fixtures, and I wouldn’t want to be going there having to win as the atmosphere the fans produce leads to a daunting prospect, as proved last season.

We open our campaign away to Montpellier and it’s a chance for our French striker Olivier Giroud to return to his old club. He was thier main man last season, finishing as top scorer as Montpellier won the league. While we bought their best player, they can’t be taken lightly as they still possess players like Mapou Yanga M’Biwa (who we were reportedly after) and Younes Belhanda. Belhanda particularly is a quality player and we will need to curb his creativity if we are to prevail. Overall we should qualify provided we aren’t complacent and we deal with the tough fixtures well.

Deadline Day was a major disappointment for Arsenal fans this year. Having entered the final few days of the window, the fans were confident we would sign a new defensive midfielder and striker to replace the gaps left by Alex Song and Robin others. Rumours were rife that we were interested in the Newcastle pair of Cheick Tiote and Yohan Cabaye, both excellent players who could have improved the team in my view, Other names mentioned included the familiar Yann M’Vila, Etienne Capoue, and even Clint Dempsey was linked. As deadline day wore on, the only real target that was pursued was Michael Essien, and that failed to materialise at any point. The reaction on twitter steadily got more and more heated until it looked certain that we weren’t going to get any more players and people really kicked off. Some looked at the board’s ambition and the failure to invest so they could sit on their profits. From the outset, you can hardly blame Arsene until we know what is actually going on within the club. It may be that we have to make profits on transfers to balance the books still, although until the board provides answers some will continue to attack the club without knowing what goes on. Our First XI still looks strong to me, although the lack of depth could hinder our title chances. Wenger later said the reason he didn’t buy a midfielder was due to the ‘good news’ he had on Jack Wilshere;

“He is looking very good in training.” When asked about a return date he said, “Close, it depends what you call close. I would still give him a month. But it looks very good. In a month he should be starting to play again.”

He added: “Look at our midfield; you have Arteta, Cazorla, Diaby, Wilshere, Coquelin, Rosicky, Ramsey. There is a fight for places and there is quality.”

Considering the performance of the midfield (more on that later) and the apparent impending return of Wilshere it seems Arsene really does know! More worrying though is the lack of depth up front, as should something happen to Giroud, our only natural striker left would be Chamakh. Walcott and Podolski could be shifted there to do a job although you wouldn’t want to rely on them there for a prolonged period of time. Maybe Arsene has a different role for Walcott lined up, and this could perhaps be the season Theo finally gets his chance through the middle.

We produced a magnificent performance at Anfield, prevailing 2-0 with goals from new boys Cazorla and Podolski. From the start, it looked as though Suarez would give Mertesacker all sorts of problems, turning him then diving to get a free kick and earn the German a yellow card. However, from that moment Per was superb and didn’t put a foot wrong, dominating in the air and reading the game nonchalantly to cut out attacks. Our fullbacks were solid as well, with Jenkinson improving every match following a tough season last year. He’s a determined lad to gives it his all and loves Arsenal, I couldn’t ask for anymore from him. Gibbs is fast developing into a top left back and, dare I say, has shades of Cashley about him the way he goes forward and rarely gets caught out. He seems to finally be over his injury problems and could cement a place in our team for years to come. Cazorla and Arteta yet again turned in good performances, and Santi’s quality ultimately decided the match along with Podolski, who both scored and assisted one each. Giroud’s movement off the ball was excellent to create a couple of chances for himself, although he didn’t manage to take a great opportunity. For me, once Giroud gets one, the floodgates will open, his movement to create chances in superb, he just needs to compose himself when he gets chance. His scoring record in France suggests he’s a good finisher, but he just needs confidence at this moment.
The Man of the Match in my view was Abou Diaby, who’s driving runs from midfield were reminiscent of Yaya Toure, and his passing kept us ticking along. He has an abundance of talent, and it’s just been his injury record that’s held him back after a horror tackle by Dan Smith to break his leg in 2005. He seems to be over his injury problems for now, and if he can play the season, he’ll be a huge player for us. The intelligence and discipline of Arteta and Diaby’s driving runs and combativeness compliments each other brilliantly and perhaps there isn’t a need for an out and out defensive midfielder when you have two players who are willing to share and allow one another to push forward at certain times. If you add the fact that Wilshere could be returning in a month and we still have the young yet impressive Coquelin along with Ramsey, Rosicky to come back and Frimpong, and we certainly have good options there for the time being.

If you liked what you read, be sure to follow my page on twitter @Gooniverse, here’s the link; https://twitter.com/Gooniverse

Cheers for reading!

Today we bring you a Q&A with Josh Challies (@Challies11). He tells us about his life as a Gooner.

First of all, what is the reason behind you supporting Arsenal?
Well, I was about 4 at the time. I vaguely remember this but my Mum’s told me the story on countless occasions. It was a cold, snowy day and I was off to school but I didn’t have a scarf. So, Mum gave me hers which is from the Wembley cup final in ’93. I was asked at school if I supported Arsenal when I got there and said Yes. Prior to this I didn’t really have a team but since then I’ve been a fan. I still have that scarf to this day!

What is your first memory of being an Arsenal fan?
The one I can remember exactly was the 2001 FA Cup final against Liverpool. My step-Dad is unfortunately a Liverpool fan. I remember Owen scoring the winner and him screaming in celebration, I was right next to him at the time and it made me jump. So I cried. Then cried more when I realised we were now not going to win the cup. To this day, I still haven’t forgiven him. Although I got some revenge last season with Van Persie’s winner at Anfield…

Best moment you have witnessed as a Gooner?
I can’t decide between these two. The 49 games unbeaten obviously springs to mind, that was a great feat. However, I still can’t get out my head Henry’s goal against Leeds on his return. I was sat downstairs with my Dad, little brother and girlfriend at the time. I went mad. Absolutely bonkers. I couldn’t believe what I had just seen, it was just destiny unfolding right in front of us. Brilliant.

First kit you ever bought?
I genuinely can’t remember. However, I have a nice little story about one of them. The 2003 yellow Arsenal shirt was bought for me as a surprise from my parents when I completed the Arsenal soccer school, so that kit always brings me found memories.

,.

Your favourite ever Arsenal player and why?
Freddie Ljungberg. I idolised that man. When we won the double in 2002 I went to the parade with a red streak down the middle of my hair. That photo gets passed around a lot when Arsenal’s mentioned in my house.

What is your view on FFP. Do you agree with the way Arsenal run things, or would you like to see more investment?
It’s a tricky one. I like the fact we’re sticking to our morals, but its becoming clear that success is difficult without significant invest nowadays. We need to get the balance right, spending money and using players from our youth ranks. This Summer I think we’ve definitely made better progress, but time will tell as to whether we have done enough.

If Arsenal was to give another statue in memory of an Arsenal great, who would your vote be for and why?
Arsene Wenger. It’s got to be. What he’s done for the club has been fantastic. Overseen some legendary players and some remarkable feats. I think we will definitely see a statue of him outside the Emirates one day, but I don’t think it’ll be until he retires. Unless he reaches another significant landmark.

Your favourite ever Arsenal goal?
Henry’s winner vs Real Madrid at the Bernabeau. Just brilliant. Perhaps not the most spectacular of goals, but it was a great moment in our history.

Your best ever Arsenal atmosphere?
Arsenal v Wolves, when we won 1-0 thanks to an extremely late Bendtner goal. Most of this atmosphere was probably due to the fact I was lucky enough to be sat in a box to watch it, but I do love it when it seems like we won’t win and everyone gets frustrated. Then we get the goal. Jubilation and relief make a great mix.

And finally, Your favourite Arsenal chant?
We won the league at Shite Hart Lane. It’s even better when my 7 year old brother sings this, despite the fact it was before he was born!

Thanks to Josh for taking part in the Q&A, and I would suggest you follow him on twitter.
Interview Conducted by: @AFC_Fanbase

Hello people, it’s been a long week concerning the Arsenal, with plenty of transfer gossip and injury news doing the rounds. Here’s my take on the significant goings-on of the past week or so along wth a preview of the Stoke match, read and enjoy!

Firstly, following the Sunderland match, there were many vociferous reactions due to the fact we dropped points coupled with the sales of RvP and Song. We had most possession with no end product, although Cazorla proved what a signing he is and how pivotal he will be to our chances of success this season. I was on also impressed by Gervinho, he is one of the best dribblers around in my book, although his final ball continues to be frustrating. However, he carved out a couple of good chances and on another we probably would have put one away. The game all boiled down to one chance in the end, Cazorla slipping in a beautiful ball for our new French acquisition Olivier Giroud. A goal seemed inevitable but Giroud managed to place it wide, we ended up drawing, and low and behold, some sections of the media were even crying ‘Crisis’ and all sorts of rubbish. ‘van Persie would’ve scored that’ was a very popular line amongst the press, and some people even wrote Giroud off! Oh sure, RvPrick never missed an easy chance, did he? Plus some so conveniently forget the fact that it was on Giroud’s wrong foot, his first chance of the match, and his first ever real match for us! Such was the reaction amongst some that Giroud later took to Arsenal.com to ask for patience and that he should not be compared to van Persie;

“Yes, it was a game ball. The ball came from behind and I didn’t have much time to take in the information. I didn’t know if the keeper had come out quickly or not,” Giroud said. “If it had been on my left foot, I probably would have taken more time. It was on the right foot… that’s all. I’ll have to work my right foot.”

Giroud after his miss

“It is up to me to succeed. I’m not here to make people forget Robin,” said Giroud. “He has made beautiful things here but I just want to bring something new. People are clever enough to know that Robin took a lot of space here. His last season was wonderful. But before that, he took time to settle. So I’m just asking people to be a little patient with me. I know Arsenal is a great club and needs a striker ready and efficient quickly.”

On Monday, Alex Song’s move to Barcelona was completed following a medical in Spain. With the player wanting an improved contract with a higher wage despite having three years left on his contract, Arsenal were unwilling to renegotiate at this stage. Therefore Song, with a certain Darren Dein, agent to RVP, Nasri, Cesc, Henry and others, whispering in his ear, proceeded to act like a prat in training, showing no work ethic, persistent laziness and repeatedly turning up late. According to reliable reports, things reached a climax in Cologne, when Stevie Bould had to confront Song due to his disgusting behaviour. There was a reported heated exchange with Bould even close to laying hands on Song! From this moment, Song was destined to leave and the manner in which he left could sour his good work from last season and reputation amongst some fans. I feel no animosity towards Song like I do to RVP, and I do feel there are better, more disciplined midfielders who could do a better job than Song did in his time at North London. If the money isn’t reinvested, it could be a disaster, although I have confidence we’ll get the right man following links with some midfielders this week (more on that later).

On Wednesday, it emerged that our cuddly Brazilian maverick Andre Santos was arrested and bailed by police last Friday on suspicion of dangerous driving. He was reportedly taken into police custody and later released to appear again at a North London police station in mid-September. The police’s official statement was as follows;

“Shortly after 9.30am on Friday August 17, a 29-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving and failing to stop for police on the A1, near to Junction 22 of the M25. Officers’ attention was drawn to the vehicle due to the manner of its driving.”

“The man has been bailed to return at a date in mid-September to a North London police station.”

Whilst it seems highly unlikely, if found guilty, the maximum punishment Andre could face would be two years in prison, although the precedent set by the punishment given to Chris Samba a couple of years ago means that Santos will most likely face a hefty fine and a year’s ban from driving.

Now onto the Sahin saga. Last week it appeared as though Mourinho had successfully persuaded Sahin to join Liverpool, although the player’s wish to join Arsenal meant it didn’t go through initially. Then on Monday it looked like Arsenal had gotten their man with the player expected to be at Colney that day to complete the signing. But that deal fell through as well, with Madrid apparently unwilling to include a buy-out clause for such a promising and talented player. Finally, on the Thursday, after arsenal pulled out due to the option not to buy, Liverpool coughed up a £5 million loan fee along with paying all his wages to get their man. If at first I was disappointed, after learning about how much Liverpool payed for just a year’s loan and we weren’t granted the option to buy, I completely understand as long as we go for another midfielder following the departure of Song. The names being touted at the moment are Cheick Tiote, Yann M’Vila and Etienne Capoue, with at least one very likely to join before the end of the window. Personally, I’d love Tiote at the Emirates, he has Premier League experience, is at a young age, and is a tenacious player who works hard and is willing to sit back, although the price will be a big issue, with Newcastle unwilling to sell one of their best players. M’Vila seems the most likely, having been linked extensively earlier in the window.

We’ve got a tough away match at Stoke today, having not had the best of results of the Brittania Stadium in recent times. There is a lot of bad blood between the sides, mainly stemming from the Ramsey-Shawcross incident. Tony Pulis has had his say, justifying Stoke fans booing Ramsey by saying Arsenal fans boo Shawcross and it ‘isn’t a one-way street’. I really hope we smash the cavemen today, they have some of the most detestable fans and players, and their ‘manager’ is a cretin who gets his players to ‘rough up’ the opposition. I personally have nothing against Stoke’s style of play, although when you purposely go out to get ‘stuck in’ and jump into tackles, chances are it won’t end nicely and Stoke encourage this. With Mannone in goal following Szczesny’s calf strain, we really will have to be at our best to get all three points.

I believe that with Cazorla’s magic and a bit of overdue luck, we’ll nick a hard-fought match 2-1!

By @Gooniverse

This week @ReviewFootball and @ChitanM18 will be predicting the scores, they support Liverpool and Arsenal respectively. Last week @Walsh_i came top of the leader board, you can see the full leader board on the predictions part of the website.

@ReviewFootballSwansea – West Ham

This will be an intriguing game. It will be a game of two contrasting styles. Swansea of course play a lovely progressive passing game. While West Ham play a direct, rigid and physical game. However, I fancy, West Ham to win this. I feel the Hammers will be organised and solid defensively and this will pay off. My expectation is that West Ham will not allow any space between and within their defence and it will frustrate Swansea. Furthermore, from what I have seen of West Ham, they appear to be very competent on capitalising on counter attack situations. I wouldn’t be surprised if West Ham catch Swansea on the counter and score.

0-1
0 points

Aston Villa – Everton

This is a tough one to call. Villa come into this game on the back of losing their opening game, while Everton come into this game after their fantastic win over Man United. But I reckon, with Villa being at home, they will edge this game. One expects the Villa team to have something to prove, especially in their first home game, given their opening loss and the failure of last season. I have a feeling tiredness will have an effect on Everton too. They worked so hard against Man United, and it could potentially take some of the edge off Everton as the game wares on.

2-1

0 points

Man United – Fulham:

I feel this will be a straight forward win for Man United. And that’s for two reasons. Reason number one is Fulham’s record in the Premier League at Old Trafford is rather poor. Secondly, Man United will have to win against Fulham. It’s a must. Given their opening loss against Everton. I expect United to come out of the traps quickly and dominate Fulham whilst scoring a few too.

3-0

1 point

Norwich – QPR

Both sides started off the season in a horrifying way. Losing 5-0 in your opening Premier League game is disastrous. It hardly does the team or fans’ confidence any good. But in this game, I fancy Norwich to win. I feel The Canaries are the more balanced side and their work rate and togetherness is often undervalued. While with QPR, I feel the side lacks a balance, cohesion and a clear understanding. I wouldn’t be surprised if QPR have most of the chances, but Norwich end up taking all the three points by playing defensively but win simply by working hard and taking their chances.

2-0

0 points

Southampton – Wigan

I think this will be a close game, with good chances at a premium. I expect Southampton, in their first home Premier League game to be the more spirited side, and they will play with the greater intention of scoring. But I think Wigan will be equal to them defensively and when the Lactics are given time and space on the ball, they will create good chances.

1-1

0 points

Sunderland – Reading

Sunderland defending impressively in their first game away at Arsenal and I expect them to build on that against Reading this weekend. I feel Sunderland’s all round quality will be the difference between the sides. Sunderland have the creative talents of the likes of Seb Larsson and Stephane Sessegnon and I feel these two, will be the catalysts of Sunderland’s win. My early concern about Reading is about their mental toughness and togetherness as a group. From what I’ve seen the players have taken quite a while to respond to their weaknesses and danger areas which the opponent are trying to exploit.

3-1

Postponed, predicting Watford 3-1 Birmingham

1 point

Tottenham – West Brom

I think this will be a relatively straight forward win for Spurs. I think West Brom will attempt to soak up the pressure and attack via the counter, but this will allow Spurs time on the ball, which will lead to Tottenham having lots of the ball in final third. And with the creative and potent finishing Tottenham have collectively, I reckon they will win comfortably.

2-0

0 points

Chelsea – Newcastle

This is a tough game for either side. A really tough game. I think Chelsea will edge it. Just about. I expect Newcastle to play defensive game, and won’t allow Chelsea much space or room to exploit in the final third. But with the creative talents Chelsea have, I think they will grind out the result.

1-0

1 point

Stoke – Arsenal

Like Swansea- West Ham, this is a game of two teams with very different ways of seeing the game. I think this will end in a draw. Stoke have always been a significant challenge to Arsenal, especially at The Britannia. My prediction is that Arsenal’s new strikers may struggle to enforce themselves on this game, meaning Arsenal will be a bit toothless up front. But I do feel Stoke’s aggressive, direct and assertive nature may unsettle and rattle Arsenal.

0-0

3 points

Liverpool – Man City

This will be fantastic encounter. But I think with Liverpool being at home, they will edge this game. But I can see it being a tense affair. I think there will be periods of the game where Liverpool dominate and control the tempo. While there will be times when Man City, push higher up and put Liverpool’s defence and midfield under more concentrated pressure. I wonder how Man City will do without Sergio Aguero, a man who often creates and scores vital goals for Man City. While on the other hand, Liverpool are without Daniel Agger, which therefore means Jamie Carragher will probably step in. That will be one area of concern for Liverpool. Carragher looked woeful when he came on against West Brom. But I sense Liverpool will edge this game, due to the Anfield fans and the confidence it can instil into the Liverpool players. While I also feel The Reds need to give a strong performance due to their very poor showing against West Brom.

0 points

@ChinTanM18 and @Arsenal_RTs

Swansea 3-1 West Ham 12:45

1 point

Swansea 3-2 West Ham

1 point

Aston Villa 0-2 Everton 15:00

1 point

Aston Villa 1-3 Everton

3 point

Man Utd 2-1 Fulham 15:00

1 point

Man Utd 4-1 Fulham

1 point

Norwich 1-1 QPR 15:00

3 points

Norwich 2-2 QPR

1 point

Southampton 1-0 Wigan 15:00

0 points

Southampton 1-1 Wigan

0 points

Sunderland 1-1 Reading 15:00

Postponed

Sunderland 2-1 Reading

Postponed- predicted Watford 1 -2 Birmingham

0 points

Tottenham 0-1 West Brom 15:00

0 points

Tottenham 2-0 West Brom

0 points

Chelsea 2-3 Newcastle 17:30

0 points

Chelsea 2-2 Newcastle

0 points

SUN 26 AUG 2012 – PREMIER LEAGUE

Stoke 0-1 Arsenal13:30

0 points

Stoke 1-2 Arsenal

0 points

Liverpool 0-3 Man City16:00

0 points

Liverpool 1-3 Man City

0 points

On the 17th August, Robin van Persie officially completed his move to Manchester United.

After spending 8 years at Arsenal, he finally made his mind up. Van Persie’s fantastic performances during the 2011/12 campaign resulted in the PFA (Professional Footballers’ Association) and FWA (Football Writers’ Association) Player of the Year awards, together with the Premier League Golden Boot.

Van Persie also became a regular in the Holland team during his time with Arsenal, making 68 appearances to date.

As soon the number 10 shirt was vacant, Wenger decided to reward it to Jack Wilshere. Wilshere is set to return from a lengthy spell on the sidelines early this season and Wenger has backed the young midfielder to lead by example. During his time with Arsenal, Van Persie made a total of 278 appearances for the Club, scoring 132 goals, including 37 from his 48 appearances last season.

We lose great players but I want to show that we have great players at the Club,” said Wenger. “We have young players, English players like Oxlade-Chamberlain and Wilshere. We have fantastic potential here and when everyone is fit we will see that.

I feel Jack will be one of the leaders of this club and by giving him the No 10 shirt I want to show I am confident he will be the one who will lead the team one day.

I believe that he is at the stage where he needs something at the moment. At his age after one year out, that is not easy to take..

Another important decision Wenger took was by giving the captains armband to Thomas Vermaelen and giving Arteta responsibility of being a vice-captain.

Wenger still continued praising Van Persie:

“For me that is to be professional. He comes in afterwards and wants to go? I don’t like it. But that is being professional again. But being professional until the last minute of his stay at the club.

“He gave 100 per cent and last year he kept us [up] there – it is a miracle we finished third. A big part of the miracle is down to him and you have to give him credit for that.”

Of course as Arsenal fans we appreciate what Van Persie did for us last season.

Now.. On the 20th August Alex Song completed his move to Barcelona.

This picture was taken outside of the Club offices. However Alex Song’s situation was very different to Van Persie’s and was ready to commit his long-term future to the Club. However there were many issues which didn’t allow Song to stay at The Emirates.

Sources also say Song regularly arrived late for training, took a half-hearted approach in sessions and did not follow instructions from the management staff.

Having established himself as arguably the club’s second-most influential player behind Van Persie, Song felt he was entitled to an improved contract and tried to open talks over a pay rise. He will earn around £70,000 a week at Barcelona. It is understood Song’s advisers tried to initiate contact over a new contract in January. However, sources close to Song insist Arsenal delayed attempts by the 24-year-old to negotiate, leaving the player disillusioned.

This is Alex a couple weeks before the move to Barcelona. Barcelona have bought Alex Song for £15m and will have a release clause of 80million euros.

Some sources claim Arsenal are very close to signing Nuri Sahin from Real Madrid.

We would like to thank Alex Song and Robin Van Persie for their service to Arsenal Football Club.

By @ChintanM18

Every week I will take on both Arsenal fans and Non Arsenal fans in predicting that weeks Premier League scores. This week I joined by @Artekkers (Arsenal) @walsh_i (Man Utd) @PlayedOfThePark (Wolves), I would suggest you follow them all.
The points system is as followed:

Perfect Score= 3 points
Correct Win/ Draw/ Lose prediction = 1 point (e.g Prediction: Arsenal 3-0 Sunderland Actual: Arsenal 2-1 Sunderland

Keep track of the table on the ‘Predictions’ page of the blog and feel free to leave your predictions and your twitter name in the comments.

Arsenal vs Sunderland

Arsenal_RTs: Arsenal 2-1 Sunderland

PlayedOfThePark: Arsenal 3-1 Sunderland

Arsenal have a relatively good record over the past few years for good opening day results, and I think this year will be no different. I think the new signings for The Gunners will want to make an immediate impact on their Emirates debut, Sunderland are a strong side and will be tough, but I think Arsenal will overpower them.

Walsh_i: Arsenal 2-0 Sunderland

Despite losing Robin van Persie in recent days, Arsenal should get their season off to a positive start against the Black Cats. Martin O’Neill has yet to finalise his squad and his lacking men up front.

Artekkers: Arsenal 3 V 0 Sunderland

Arsenal win of course, think we’ll have a flying start to the season at the Home of Football.

Fulham vs Norwich

Arsenal_RTs: Fulham 1-0 Norwich

PlayedOfThePark: Fulham 2-2 Norwich

I honestly had no idea with this one. Fulham are a good side and play some good stuff under Jol. They haven’t lost the key players they were rumoured to be losing and have made some decent buys. Norwich are in the almost same position though. They haven’t lost key players and they’ve also made some good signings, and will want to impress new manager Chris Hughton. It’s a tough one to call and 2-2 is just a complete guess!

Walsh_i: Fulham 2-1 Norwich

The Cottagers have been a bit quiet this summer, but look to have retained Moussa Dembele and Clint Dempsey, despite interest from other clubs. Meanwhile, Norwich begin the season under Chris Hughton, but Fulham should have enough in the tank.

Artekkers: Fulham 2 – 1 Norwich

Going for a home win here.

QPR vs Swansea

Arsenal_RTs: QPR 2-2 Swansea

PlayedOfThePark: QPR 2-1 Swansea

This was another tough one to call. Swansea have hired a good manager in Laudrup, but they have lost Sigurdsson, whos loans finished, and Allen, to Liverpool, who were both key players. They’ve made good buys wit De Guzman on loan and Michu for £2M, but I think it could take a while for things to click into place. QPR have also signed quite a few new players, who will need to time to settle, but I think the home advantage will help them, and their quality on paper. So, with all that, I think QPR will just edge it.

Walsh_i: QPR 1-2 Swansea

Another club, another new manager – Michael Laudrup has replaced Brendan Rodgers and brought in some shrew signings – similarly, Mark Hughes has brought in a raft of players to avoid drop. An interesting tactical battle, with the Swans coming out on top.

Artekkers: QPR 0 – 1 Swansea

Fancy Swansea to beat QPR, should be too strong.

Reading vs Stoke

Arsenal_RTs: Reading 2-1 Stoke

PlayedOfThePark: Reading 2-0 Stoke

I think Reading will win this, they have a decent group of players and in their first Premier League game, I think they and their players will be really up for it and want to start on the right foot. Then Stoke, will probably play how they always do, and with a couple of decent additions (especially Kightly!) they will be, as usual, tough to beat. But I think the fact Reading will really be up for this and will come out and attack Stoke, leading to their win.

Walsh_i: Reading 1-1 Stoke

Stoke have been a mainstay in the top flight for five years now, while Reading make their return after four seasons. Brian McDermott has recruited well while things have been eerily quiet at Stoke. Both sides should cancel each other out.

Artekkers: Reading 1 – 0 Stoke

Hope Reading get off to a winning start against the Rugby team.

West Brom vs Liverpool

Arsenal_RTs: West Brom 1-3 Liverpool

PlayedOfThePark: West Brom 1-2 Liverpool

I don’t think Steve Clarkes debut will end well. I think it’ll be a tight game, West Brom have a good side and have made some good additions. Liverpool have made two good buys in Borini and Allen, but are currently still getting to grips with Rodgers’ philosophy, it’ll be an interesting game for sure, but I think Liverpools quality will shine through in the end.

Walsh_i: West Brom 0-2 Liverpool

The battle of the debutants – Steve Clarke, former assistant to Kenny Dalglish and Liverpool’s new man Brendan Rodgers – Rodgers continues to fine tune his squad, but the Reds will be comfortable in their victory.

Artekkers: West Brom 0 V 1 Liverpool

I reckon Liverpool start well with all the positivity around Rodgers.

West Ham vs Aston Villa

Arsenal_RTs: West Ham 1-1 Aston Villa

PlayedOfThePark: West Ham 1-1 Aston Villa

This is another tough game to predict, a new team versus a new manager. Alardyce has made some decent buys (but he won’t take Jarvis!) and Lambert has as well. Their footballing styles are completely different, with Allardyce being known for the long ball and Lambert playing good football, but all in all, it’ll be an extremely close game. Upton Park have an amazing atmosphere for their Premier League return, but I think it will be a draw. I really can’t separate them.

Walsh_i: West Ham 1-1 Aston Villa

Sam Allardyce has faced stiff criticism for the type of football he has had West Ham playing, but the fact remains, he ensures Premier League safety. Villa have bid good riddance to Alex McLeish, but it will be a tough start for them against the Hammers.

Artekkers: West Ham 0 – 0 Aston Villa

Bore Draw

Newcastle vs Tottenham

Arsenal_RTs: Newcastle 1-2 Tottenham

PlayedOfThePark: Newcastle 2-2 Tottenham

Again, tough to call!. Newcastle had a great season last year and have bought some good players this summer, but have been linked with others without anything being finalized and I can’t see their starting eleven being a lot stronger than theirs last year. Spurs have changed a bit over the summer, with two new boys in Sigurdsson and Vertonghen, but you get the feeling both of these clubs haven’t finished in the transfer market yet. Which will lead to a tough, and relatively open game, in my opinion, which will finish in a draw.

Walsh_i: Newcastle 2-2 Tottenham

The battle between last season’s fourth and fifth place teams could well be the most exciting game of the weekend; both Alan Pardew and Andre Villas-Boas’ side will look to attack from the outset, so we could see goals.

Artekkers: Newcastle 2 – 0 Tottenham

Newcastle are a decent side and Spurs are shit.

Wigan vs Chelsea

Arsenal_RTs: Wigan 1-2 Chelsea

PlayedOfThePark: Wigan 2-1 Chelsea

That’s right, I’m going for an upset! I think Wigan have an absolutely brilliant system in 3-4-3 and have added some real good players in Ryo, Ramis and Kone. Chelsea have signed some great players, I’m sure you know, but I think it will take them a while to gel, and I don’t think Di Matteo is the right man to lead them. I think Wigan will defend valiantly, with the five defenders, Torres will be isolated and the creative talents will be neutralized, then Wigan will take their chances, leading to a big opening day upset!

Walsh_i: Wigan 1-1 Chelsea

We all remember how strongly Wigan finished last season, Chelsea; the current European Champions have strengthened this summer, with Roman Abramovich splashing the cash. It would well be a difficult afternoon for Roberto Di Matteo’s side.

Artekkers: Wigan 0 – 3 Chelsea

Chelsea will surely win convincingly. Think Hazard will do something (score/assist or make a fool of himself).

Man City vs Southampton

Arsenal_RTs: Man City 4-0 Southampton

PlayedOfThePark: Manchester City 4-1 Southampton

As much as I like Nigel Adkins and Southampton, especially Lallana, I think this will be an exhibition game for the champions. I think it will be like the the City vs Swansea game last year, Southampton will hold out, then something will click with City and they’ll run riot. Like in the Community Shield. Plus, the crowd will be great, in the first home game after ‘that’ game, sorry Southampton, I can’t see anything but a City win.

Walsh_i: Manchester City 3-1 Southampton

The current league champions should get their campaign started with a win over newly promoted Southampton. It is hard to see past Roberto Mancini’s side winning by a decent margin.

Artekkers: Man City 3 – 0 Southampton

Routine win for City.

Everton vs Manchester United

Arsenal_RTs: Everton 1-3 Manchester United

PlayedOfThePark: Everton 2-3 Manchester United

This is an interesting one. I think Everton have had a decent window, as have Manchester United signing Kagawa and Vidic returning, and I think it’ll be a great way to kick off Monday Night Football! I think, Everton will go at them and try to start well, as will Manchester United, leading to a high-scoring game, but United just edging it.

Walsh_i: Everton 1-3 Manchester United

Ah, the first MNF (Monday Night Football) of the season. Everton have recruited on a budget, as usual, but have done very well in the transfer market. Sir Alex Ferguson’s side can get their season off to a very good start with a win.

Artekkers: Everton 0 – 2 Man United

Robin c*nt Persie will pull a hamstring and miss the next 3 games.