Speculate to accumulate

What a nice feeling it was to witness a comfortable win again. I honestly can’t remember the last time I really felt this way. After 20 minutes or so, Reading were never really in it, were they? I’m glad Adebayor found his scoring boots again – better late than never – and happy for Gilberto to notch a nice goal, even if it was guided in by Reading. And always encouraging was the return to sharpness by Van Persie, and the continued brilliance of Theo. Granted, we always tear Reading apart, and there was absolutely zero pressure, so it was probably an enjoyable and stress-free match for the squad – except for Hleb, apparently.

Of course we’re all speculating, crossing our fingers and what have you about who’s coming and who’s going for next season. I know of a certain actor’s guild-member and right-sided player that many of us, including me, would like to see the back of, while opinion seems consistent that Hoyte, Lehmann, Gilberto, Senderos and, to some, Bendtner, will be leaving for greener pastures. I’d like to keep Senderos, and if his attitude improves, Bendtner. Count me too as a Lehmann sentimentalist. Great talent with pro wrestling histrionics, a funny afro and an eminently quotable German sense of humor. I’m sold! Always have been, though his form mysteriously always seems to rise and fall according to the international fixture list.

Benzema, Eto’o, Villa… all big names we’re somehow or other linked with, though I strongly doubt we’ll ever see any of them in an Arsenal shirt. Wenger has rubbished all the rumors, but of course that’s what we’ve come to expect from the crafty boss. Plus, holding onto his current players is his main priority right now, and discussing the signing of big names obviously doesn’t make that any easier. I firmly believe (1) he’ll find a way to sign the players he wants, and (2) we’ll not have expected any of the ones we end up with, which are easy predictions for any Arsenal fan to make, honestly. Most reckon we need defensive cover, a winger and another striker for the glassblown Van Persie and uncertain return of Eduardo. Ask others and they want to send our Spanish keeper back to his hotel day job in Devon. I’m not going to pretend to be armchair manager and embarrass myself with recommendations for Le Boss. In fact I have no idea what else to do besides console myself with the fact that he (usually) knows what he’s

doing. Expect the Mexican candle, Carlos Vela, to join us next year, along with (supposedly) Yoan Gouffran, although with unestablished players, nothing’s for certain.

Whatever. Enjoy the rest of the season – we have plenty of time to speculate and reflect in the summer. Let’s appreciate the show while it lasts for a few more matches.