Arsenal romps again

Another cake walk for the Gunners: 4-1 against Portsmouth. Goals from the Frenchies - 2 from Diaby and 1 from Gallas...oh and 1 from Kaboul for Portsmouth, another Frenchie. So the second straight week, and really the third straight match (that counts) where Arsenal looked very dangerous - interesting player ratings from the match from ESPN. What is very telling is that of the 10 goals they have scored in 2 Premiership games, only one comes from a striker, and that was a tap in for the 6th goal against Everton by Eduardo. Van Persie and Arshavin have not tallied themselves, nor has Bendtner. Vela remains sidelined. Nasri and Rosicky are still injured. Look out once they all return!! So should we give Wenger the title? Are we seeing another run of the invincibles? Um, no and no.

First of all, Arsenal have played a team they traditionally do well against - Everton and one that might be in a fight for maintenance in the Premiership this season - Portsmouth. So clearly we cannot get ahead of ourselves. Second, it is a long season. Cliche I realize, but true. Arsenal have started like gang busters in the past only to fade during the cold days of the winter. Nothing tells me that this can be avoided this season. Arsenal still need, during these last days of the transfer season, to find some more steel for the team. In addition, I think that Eboue needs to be kept. He will prove incredibly valuable, playing both in the midfield and on defense, especially if Arsenal stick with the 4-3-3 formation. In addition, I would like to see another central defender, Vermaelen looks like the real deal, but I would like some cover at that spot. What I would really like to see is another strong midfielder, of the holding type. Arsenal will need a player that can act as the "engine" and will be able to run hard for 90 minutes. Clearly Arsenal wants to play offense with their slick passing, overlapping runs, dribbling, and overall offensive talent. This means that they will need a player that can cover defensively and keep the pressure off the back 4. Not sure where that player is, with Vieira likely not coming back, Melo playing for the Old Lady, Yaya extending at Barcelona. So here is a name for everyone to chew on - Mikel.

Ok I realize he plays for cross town rival Chelsea...however, there is a regime change there as well. With Mourinho gone, there is not the same level of rancor that otherwise permeated the relationship between the clubs. Rumor has it that Ancelotti is also not entirely pleased with the Nigerian. It is also not clear where he will fit into the diamond formation Chelsea want to run in the midfield, where Essein would most likely be the first choice to be the base of the diamond. Granted Mikel has signed a new extension, but when has that ever stopped a player from moving. Mikel would slot in nicely into the Arsenal game acting as the holding player with Denilson. I could see Mikel getting the bulk of run against some of the more physical teams and when the pitches get heavy. I realize this might be a pipe dream....but who would have thought Manchester United would sell Silvestre to Arsenal??